Last Day

This last day of the year, the WORD (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/123112.cfm) reminds me to always put Christ as the center.

We know that Christ came to save us from sin. God loves us so much that he sent his only Son. It does not matter what role you play for Christ. Be it like John the Baptist who prepared the way for Christ, as seen in the gospel, or St John who, with the people he exhorted in the first reading, proclaimed Christ and remained true and faithful to Him. Serving Christ is not a contest on who’s better, who’s done more. We all have different roles, and we are expected to give our best – always putting Christ in the center of everything, giving him all the glory and praise.

Do I serve Christ?  Have I served Christ this year? In what way? As I serve him, do I want attention and affirmation with what I do, or do I silently serve him, not wanting attention, but always having my focus on Him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another year.  It has been a great year – yes, there were a lot of challenges, but there were more blessings. I thank you for always being with me, for always being there by my side no matter what I am going through. Lord, as we start another year, I ask that you continue to be with me. Guide me in the path you want me to take. Give me strength to serve you continuously. Help me to continue serving you the way you want me to. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Holy Family

As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, the WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/123012.cfm) reminds us how we should act as we build our own family.

The family is the basic unit in society. That is why it is very important. And in a family, just like in community, there should be guidelines and rules to be followed in order to preserve harmony and peace.

The first reading carries a very strong message. It echoes the fourth commandment – Honour your Father and Mother. The reading tells us that we should honor and respect them, and that it carries great rewards. God sets no qualifier on when we should honour our parents. As long as they are not leading us to commit sin and disrespect God, we should honour them, even if there are conflicts in behavior, even if for us they should act better, even if they are not ideal parents – we should honor them, period.

Jesus in the gospel is an example of this. He knows what he should do on earth, he knows his purpose that’s why he is preaching in the temple. However, being also human, he knows he is subordinate to his earthly parents, and even if they don’t understand yet God’s plan for Jesus, he obeys Mary and Joseph and came down with them and lived with them. Humility. Respect. Honouring the parents.

They say that this is the season where we go back to our families. There are Christmas family reunions, people go back to the province to be with family, people abroad come home to be with their families. Being such, it becomes painful for those who have lost member/s of their families. Let us make the most out of this Christmas season and spend time with our families, building our own holy family on earth, and reach out to others who are not so blessed.

How do I treat my parents? Do I still respect them, the way I did when I was young, growing up, and dependent on them? Or has education , success and wealth changed the way I treat and relate to them? Am I thankful for my parents? What is God telling me today?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your message and reminder to honour my parents, and to strive to build my own holy family here on earth. Lord, you know I love my parents, even though sometimes, or most of the time, I may not show or express it. Lord, give me strength to show and express how I love my parents. Help me see beyond their imperfections, and remember to see them as my first “Jesus” in life. They were the ones who first loved me on earth, who first made real your love for me on earth, and I pray that I always remember that, that I always see you in them, no matter how imperfect I may think of them or no matter our differences are.  Help me make the most out of the time I have with them, and make them feel and know how much I love them. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Be in the Light

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122912.cfm) reminds me to stay and be in the light

Whoever says he is in the light,
yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light,

The first reading today reminds us that if we want to really be and stay in the light, we need to live a life consistent to it. We cannot say we love Jesus and are followers of Him if we do not live like it. Being a true Christian is more than just saying it. We need to live it. This is what it takes to live in the light of Christ.

In the gospel, we see a man living this. Simeon was a righteous and devout man, and we see that the Spirit is with him. We can tell that he is living a life consistent with Christ’s values, as shown by the Holy Spirit being upon him as he recognized Jesus in the temple.

It is easy to profess our faith. What’s more challenging is actually living it day by day. May we be inspired and challenged by the Word today to strive to live a life of faith, to live a life in the light of Christ.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for being patient with me. Lord, I ask that you help me live and stay in the light. There are a lot of things that distract me in living a life you want me to. Give me the grace and the strength to remain consistent with your word, to live a life pleasing to you, to live and stay in the light and shine with you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Bakit kaya?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122812.cfm) reminds me that we cannot understand everything that is happening to us.

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents. The gospel tells us what happened. When Herod realized he has been deceived, he ordered the massacre of all the boys two years and below. How horrible, right?

Good news! God is still in control, even if we do not understand what is happening!

We do not know why those innocent children died. We do not know why God let that happen. We do not know how the parents of those children cope up with what happened. But what we do know is that everything is still in accordance with God’s perfect plan. It was written that this would happen, and salvation still happened when Jesus rose from the dead to save us, so this incident is not enough to destroy God’s perfect plan.

In our lives, we do not understand a lot of things. If we’re blessed, we will eventually understand things. However, time is not a guarantee. Some things are left for God’s wisdom to understand. We simply have to surrender and trust Him. no matter what we are going through right now, no matter how tough things may be, we just need to have faith that God is totally in control, and that as long as we stick to Him, nothing could get in the way of his perfect plan for us.

What previously unclear things before do I understand now? What things in my life do I still not understand? What is my reaction to it?  Do I get mad at God, or do I continue to trust in him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the last working day of the year. Lord, I ask that as we commemorate the feast of the holy innocents, we may learn to surrender to you completely. There are a lot of things  we do not understand now, probably things that we will never understand, and we ask that you give us faith and a heart that would just totally surrender to you. I know that you are in control, and that there is nothing that will get in the way of your perfect plan for us, as long as we remain close to you as long as we remain faithful. May we always remember this, and live this. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Spread the Love!

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122712.cfm) reminds me that our joy in Christ would not be complete until we spread his love

They say it is better to give than to receive – and in a lot of ways, this is true. Members of our community generally feel more blessed in giving and in serving others, especially as they serve as sponsors in a retreat, than participating in one. In giving to others, in serving others, we allow God to use us to spread his love to others. The more love we receive from God, the more we want to spread and share it to others.

John felt this way. In the gospel, we see him regarded as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Of course, Jesus loved them all, in a way that he loves us all, but probably John was special. He was one who probably felt Christ’s love the most, but this feeling, this being special, did not make him act like a spoiled, selfish person. Instead, this made him love others more, this made him spread God’s love to others, as seen in the first reading. He wanted to share God to others “so that our joy may be complete”

God loves us too. There are a lot of blessings in our lives that we do not deserve. If we only become sensitive and appreciative, there are a lot of things we should be thankful for. God has been making his love alive in our lives in so many ways, and this should move us to spread that love to others in whatever way we can.

May we be inspired by John and spread God’s love to others.

What are my blessings for this year? What is my greatest blessing? What are my greatly undeserved blessings? What am I sharing with others? Am I spreading God’s love to others?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for all the blessings, both evident and in disguise, that you continue to give to me. Lord, help me more appreciative and sensitive to my blessings. May I not compare my blessings to those of others, and end up envying them. Lord, may I always feel your love and blessings, and as I do, help me spread your love to others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Back to reality

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122612.cfm) reminds me that we need to go back to reality.

Most of us are going back to work now, after a 4 day break. Back to reality. This is what God wants us to remember.

Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of Jesus’ birth on earth. Today we celebrate the feast of St Stephen, the first martyr. The readings talk about death, and even persecution. We see how Stephen died in the first reading, the psalmist reminds us of the last words of Jesus before he died – surrendering his spirit to God, and the gospel reminds us that we will experience persecution and death for Christ.

Morbid? Why does it seem to be the opposite of the happy day yesterday, of Christ’s birth? Kahapon birth, ngayon death?

I believe that God is telling us that we cannot live on the “highs” of yesterday – that we need to get back into the world and work. Yes, Christmas is a happy occasion, Christ was born on earth. But this is not what really saved us! More important than Christmas is Easter – Christ rising and winning over death- this gave us salvation. No matter how happy Christmas is, we should remember that it does not end there, that we need to work and do our part to build God’s kingdom on earth. We need to get our “hands dirty” as we work for God.

Am I ready to get back to reality, to the daily grind of life, and continue to work for God’s kingdom?

Father God,

Thank you for Christmas. Thank you for sending your only son to be with us, to save us. Thank you also Lord for the reminder today that we need to get back to reality. I ask that you help us be ready to get our hands dirty and continue to work for and with you, Lord. May we be ready to build your kingdom and spread your word in wherever place we may be. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Christ is Born! (CHRISTmas 2012)

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

I haven’t given much attention to this song before. For me, it was just one of those normal Christmas songs that have been there for ages. However, when a good friend asked me what my favourite Christmas song is, and he said that this song is his favourite, I saw it in a different way. Tlll he appeared and the soul felt its worth. Ang lakas! This encapsulates Christmas. This is what God, through Jesus, did.

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122512-mass-at-midnight.cfm) tells us that it is finally here. After weeks of preparing and waiting for Jesus, we now commemorate his coming. For a child is born to us, a son is given us (Isaiah 9:6). Eto na yun. God’s immense love for us made concrete by his sending of his one and only Son to save us from our sins. He even allowed his Son to be born in a manger, with the animals, because he loves us.

Pasko na. We’ve been preparing and waiting for several weeks. How do you feel? Others may have been blessed by attending the “Misa De Gallo” or “Simbang Gabi” every 4AM for 9 consecutive days. Good for you. Others may have been blessed by helping out others who were struck by calamity – because it gave them an opportunity to serve and help out. Praise God. Others may have been blessed by reading His word, praying, and reflecting. That’s great. Pero paano yung iba? What about those who were so stressed preparing gifts, cooking food, arranging get togethers,  that they did not realize it’s already Christmas? How about those who got so engrossed with the year-end responsibilities at work and deadlines for a january go-live that they forgot about Christmas? How about those who did their best, prepared spiritually for this, yet parang wala parin epekto, parang normal lang?

Good news! It’s never too late! Preparing does not end at Christmas. More importantly than preparing for Christmas, it should continue even after Christmas.

Jesus was born in a stable, probably a dirty one, together with animals. This shows external appearance is not so important to him. What’s important is the owners welcomed them. Are we welcoming him as well? IF you haven’t been preparing, ok lang, never too late. If kulang pa yung preparation, ok lang, never too late. If parang walang epekto, ok lang, never too late, dasal pa, sabi nga nya diba, If you seek me you’ll find me, if you seek me with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

What is important to God is we welcome him, we allow Him to stay in us, no matter how unprepared, no matter how dirty, no matter how unworthy our heart is for Him. IF we allow him to stay, if we welcome him, if we allow him to do whatever he wants, he will use us mightily, and we would glorify God by it, our soul will feel its worth, because Christ sees us worthy.

Father God,

Thank you for this day. Thank you for coming into this world as a little child born in a stable in a little town of Bethlehem. Father, thank you for not being intimidating. Thank you for humbling yourself so we could relate to you. Thank you for your great love for us. Lord, my heart is not so clean. Madumi sya, madami pa kailangang ayusin, linisin. But Lord, however unworthy I am, kakapalan ko na ang mukha ko. I ask, I beg you to come into my life, into my heart, kahit madumi sya. Make the most out of it. Fill it with your love,  that I may always realize how special I am to you. I ask that you grant me the grace to see myself the way you see me – beautiful, worthy of your love, capable of doing good. I ask that you continuously use me to do your work, and this CHRISTmas and always, may I always remember who this is for, who should come first, who my attention and focus should be. Amen.

Let’s not forget the REASON for the SEASON!

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

In Christ,

-g-

Almost Christmas

It's almost Christmas, and the WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122412.cfm) continue to inspire and encourage us to prepare.

Zechariah, in his canticle in the gospel, knows that his son, John, is to prepare the way for the Messiah. He utters praises to God. He knows God is always faithful to his promises. King David in the first reading, prepared as well for God... so should we.

Pasko na bukas. For others, it's just an extra weekend, then back to work on Wednesday. Others would be having parties here and there, gatherings with friends and family, of course with good food. Others just wish Christmas would be over soon, so that traffic and things would get back to normal. Others, like our brothers and sisters who were affected by the typhoon, are just happy and thankful to be alive this Christmas. However, for others who really took time and effort to prepare for Christmas, it is a very special occasion.

It is not yet too late to prepare. In fact, it is never too late. We still have time to confess, at least when we commemorate His birth tomorrow, our hearts are cleaner. We still have time to help - be it monetary, donating goods, actual presence, and of course, prayers for our brothers and sisters. We still have time to pray. Kahit the past few weeks have been busy with work, gift buying and what have you, we can still prepare our hearts for His coming, we still have time to focus on Him. Long weekend naman, wala nang trabaho.. Sya naman ang pansinin natin. May we never forget to pray and think of Him during parties and merrymaking, kasi birthday nya nga yung pinagdiriwang natin eh.

This Christmas, may we bring others to Christ, and Christ to others.

How have I prepared spiritually for Christ this Christmas season of 2012? What things have I not yet done? What things should I continue doing to prepare for Him? What things can I start doing to prepare my heart for Him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the extra long weekend. Lord, a lot of us spend time with friends and families this season. We celebrate, we give gifts, we have fun. But Lord, help us not forget you. Help us not forget the reason for the season. Ikaw youn, Lord. CHRISTmas is not Christmas without you, Jesus Christ. May we never forget to give back to others, those who cannot give us back what we give, because that is the real essence of giving, that is how you want us to give. May we start, or continue, to prepare for your coming. Amen.

God bless!

In Christ,

-g-

Nothing is Too Small

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122312.cfm) reminds me that nothing is too small for God

In the world, it is normal to brand people and things. Discrimination is still rampant. That’s why we have labels in events such as VIP or even VVIP. In malls, even guards are intimidated by the people that come inside. They inspect people wearing normal clothes – jeans, shirts, slippers, but sometimes not those wearing long sleeves, dresses, etc.

Good news! God does not discriminate!

In the first reading, and as seen in the gospel, we see a small town being exulted.

Thus says the LORD:
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;

They say God does not choose big people from big cities. He uses little people, simple people like you and me, to do great things for Him. In that way, people would know He is the one working in each and every one of us. God is the one magnified, not us. We need to be simple, to be plain, and allow God to use us for His purpose.

May we desire to be small and simple, and allow God to use us to do great things for and through Him.

In what ways do I want to be big in the world? Why? Do I want to be a small and simple servant of God, or do I want recognition and fame as I serve God?  Do I open up my heart to God and allow him to use me?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for this long weekend. Lord, I ask that you help me remember this fact – that nothing is too small for you. You love to use small people and enable them to do great things for you so that your name will be glorified. May I always open up myself and allow you to use me for your purpose. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Keep Your Word

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122212.cfm) reminds me to keep my word.

Integrity is something I recently re-discovered. Say what you do, and do what you say. We should be true to our word, to our promises.

It is hard to keep promises, to stay true to your word. Unfortunately, others say that promises are meant to be broken. Some people sometimes have the genuine intention to stay true to their word and keep their promises as they make it, however, it doesn’t stay that way. Things happen along the way, and it gets harder to keep your word, and you eventually break it. That’s why Hannah in the first reading is inspiring.

She prayed hard for a child. As a woman, it is very difficult, not to say humiliating, not to have a child in those days. While she was praying, she made a promise to offer back to God his son, if God so decides to give her one. Then God grants her request. It must have been very hard to give her son back to God. Probably it would have been good if she can be with her son, if she can take care of her son while he was growing up, etc. However ,she is not selfish. She stayed true to her word and gave her son back to God.

It’s almost Christmas. We must have made a lot of promises this year – some we’ve kept, some we’ve broken. May we be inspired by Hannah and stay true to our promises, especially to God.

What promises or resolutions have I kept this year? What pending promises do I intend to keep? Did I break some of my promises? Why? What were the reasons I did not stay true to my word?

Father God,

Thank you for your word. Thank you for inspiring us to stay true to our word. And thank you for ALWAYS staying true to your word and your promises to us. Help us Lord to remain faithful to our word to others, but most especially, to our word to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Visitation

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122112.cfm) reminds me how important and powerful it is to make your presence alive in the lives of others.

At the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, it was said that “the infant leaped in her womb…” We see how glad John the Baptist was, which was at the womb of Elizabeth at that time, to be visited by Mama Mary.

We may underestimate it, but a visitation is important and powerful. It makes people feel special, feel loved. It lessens loneliness and depression, which are some of the causes of sickness, and even death by suicide. A visitation, your presence, makes other people feel they are important to you that you give them your time – something that you can never give back. Our presence can help a person, if we would use it wisely. Our simple visitation can be used by God to visit the person and make Him alive in the life of the person.

May we never be too busy or too tired to spend time with others, to allow God to use us to visit others.

When was the last time I visited – really gave my time to someone? When was the last time I was visited by someone? What did I feel when someone gave me his/her time? Do I allow God to use me to make his love more alive in other people, or do I let the world’s busyness and concerns overwhelm me?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how important and powerful sharing my time with others is. Lord, I thank you for always reaching out to me – for always using other people to make me feel I am important, to make me feel your love. As I experience it, may I also open myself up to your love and allow you to use me to visit others. May I never be too busy or too tired to reach out to other people in your name. Amen.

Blessed Friday!

In Christ,

-g-

You Know It Already

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122012.cfm)  reminds me that sometimes, or a lot of times, we know things already. We just need to be reminded of it.

The first reading and gospel have been recently used in daily masses. It is something we’ve heard and pondered upon already. We already know the different messages of these passages. But I believe God is continuing to remind us of his messages, even if these are not new to us anymore.

In life, this also happens. We know the basics – that God loves us enough to send us his only son, that nothing is impossible with God, that we should surrender to God and submit to His will. However, we sometimes forget. We sometimes get impatient and do things our way. We sometimes forget to submit to God’s will and act as if He does not exist. We sometimes forget that anything is possible with Him.

God does not give up on us, and he is patient with us – continuously reminding us of his messages, of his love, of his power, and of his forgiveness. May we always be sensitive and heed his reminders.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for being patient. Lord, in life, I have experienced a lot of challenges, but a lot more blessings from you. You have never let me down and have always been there for me. Sorry for forgetting these things, Lord, and taking things into my own hand. I ask that you continue to remind me and that I always be sensitive and listen to your reminders. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Why Doubt?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121912.cfm) reminds me not to doubt God’s word, no matter how impossible it may seem.

They say nothing is impossible with God. I believe this is true.

However, as human beings, we have the tendency to limit God to the things we think is possible. We sometimes think that God is just a human being like us.

Our faith is sometimes based on the logical probability of one thing happening. We sometimes believe things only if we know that it is possible to happen. Or, some of us believe more if we think it really is possible.

We see two different reactions in the Word today. In the first reading, Manoah’s wife was told by an angel that she will bear a child. Being barren, it is something that she wants, but may not necessarily believe or expect. However, she did not doubt the angel’s word, and was not disappointed when she bore samson.

However, in the gospel, we see the opposite reaction. Zechariah did not believe the angel’s word. He doubted. Probably he was tired of praying and expecting a child. Probably he thought it was impossible in their old age. Whatever his reasons were, we knew that he became mute because he doubted. But that did not prevent God from being true to his word.

God is not restricted by time and space, and his goodness does not depend on our reaction towards it.

No matter how difficult it may seem, when God says so, it will happen. We just need to have faith and believe in Him, so that we can maximize the time we spend while waiting for his word to be fulfilled.

What things in life am I praying for? What is God’s answer to me? Do I believe him when things seem impossible? Is my faith restricted by my surroundings? Do I know and believe that nothing is really impossible with God?

Father God,

Thank you for reminding me of your love, power and goodness. Thank you that your goodness is not affected by my actions. Like Zechariah, I may doubt, but you still stay true to your word, and I thank you for that. Lord, I have a lot of questions and concerns right now. There are a lot of things I do not understand. But Lord, I continue to hang on to you, that you have great plans for me, that everything will unfold in your perfect time. Help me have that faith, so that while I wait for your time, I may serve you with a happy and joyful heart. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Justice in His Time

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121812.cfm) reminds me that there will be justice in God’s perfect time.

There are a lot of things we cannot understand. Life seems unfair, especially to us followers of Christ. The world seems to favour much the evil ones, the worldly people. They prosper and grow in number, while Christ’s followers are challenged and persecuted. However, we should seek comfort in God’s promise of hope and justice in his perfect time.

In the first reading, we see a promise that God will send us a savior – Jesus Christ, to govern over us and save us. Though there are current challenges, we ae exhorted to be hopeful and remain faithful to God, as he will continue to remain faithful to us. The psalmist reminds us of Justice and peace coming in God’s perfect time. Then the gospel fulfills these – God’s promise, justice and peace being personified as Jesus was born on earth. Indeed, God keeps his Word.

There may be a lot of things we are going through right now. There may be a lot of challenges the world is giving us. But we should not lose hope and continue to have faith in God. We should keep our faith in him, because he keeps his faith in us and he keeps his word.

What challenges am I currently facing? How do I face it? How am I feeling about these things? Do I keep my faith in God, and remain hopeful in God’s promises?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that you keep your word and that you are faithful. Thank you Lord for the immense love which made you send your only Son to save us from sin. Thank you for always being patient with us. Lord, as we prepare for Christmas, may we never lose the focus on you, no matter how busy we are at work or with whatever we do in life. We also lift up to you whatever challenges we are facing – as individuals, as your followers, and as a country. There are a lot of things we pray for, a lot of things we are concerned about, but we just lift everything up to you, and we know that there will be justice in your perfect time. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Real Human

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121712.cfm) reminds me that Jesus is indeed a real human being

Humans are different from animals. While it may be true that we can train some animals to act the way we want them to – like sitting, standing, peeing in the right places, etc, we cannot fully understand them. We do not know their language and their real feelings or emotions. No matter how much we love them or we want to know them, interaction between humans and animals are limited, and sometimes are just dependent on what we think. We cannot fully understand animals unless we become animals.

This is the reason Christ became man. He is God, one with God from eternity, but he chose to be man, not so much so that he can understand us, but that we can understand him. He became fully human to let us know that He is one with us, except through sin. He understand what we are going through, he understands the challenges and temptations we face, and he is telling us that by God’s grace, we can overcome these things.

As Christmas comes, let us remember that Christ became fully human to be with us, to relate to us, and to tell us that he understands us, and that with God, we can overcome life’s challenges.

Do I believe that Christ is fully human, or do I see him as far from being one with me? What does Christ’s being human tell me? What challenges in life do I think that Christ can overcome and has overcome? What challenges in my life do I want to ask Christ to help me overcome?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the weekend. Lord, as I start another work week, I ask that you continue to be with me. Amidst all the challenges with the year-end work, help me to have enough time to focus on you and prepare myself spiritually for Christmas. I know that as a human being, you know what I am going through and you will help me overcome challenges and focus on God. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Prepare

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121612.cfm) reminds me to prepare

In the gospel, we see John the Baptist in action – preparing the way for Jesus. He prepares the way for Jesus as he prepares the people to welcome and receive Jesus. He tells them how they should act and how they should live their lives in preparation for Christ’s coming, and when asked if he is the Christ, he rightfully and humbly points to God.

We are also reminded how to act while preparing and while waiting for Christ.

The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

As we start the Christmas Novena – the Simbang Gabi or Misa De Gallo, let us remember that we are getting into the “final stages” of our preparation. Let us continue to prepare our hearts to welcome and receive Christ, and continue to live our lives praying to and worshipping Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the Filipino Tradition of Misa De Gallo or Dawn Masses. We ask that as we start the novena, we may be able to offer up this sacrifice to show you that we love you – that we be reminded of all the blessings we have received and just thank you for it. Help us prepare for your coming. Amen.

God bless!

In Christ,

-g-

ps
see related reflections:
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/prepare-way.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/pray-and-prepare.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-will-serve-you-while-im-waiting.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/11/be-pepared.html

Closed Heart

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121512.cfm) reminds me that nothing can make us see God’s reminders if our hearts are closed

Elijah was an awesome prophets. In the name of God, he was able to do great things. He was even carried away by a chariot with fiery horses. People that time believed that he would come again before Jesus comes, that he would prepare the way for Christ. He came, not as they expected, but as John the Baptist who prepared the way for Christ. However, the people did not recognize him. their hearts were closed and was only expecting what they wanted. They were not open to what God wants, to what God plans.

God does not always answer us the way we expect. God does not need to conform to our expectations, to what we want to happen. We need to be open and be sensitive to what God’s plans are. We need to be open to His will, even if it is not what we have in mind. And the only way we can be open is if we have a personal relationship with him. With prayer, bible reading and the sacraments, we can slowly build a good relationship with him that will help us be more open to His will.

Do I expect God to conform to what I want? Am I open when God’s ways are different from my ways? IS my heart closed to God? What can I do to start opening up my heart and myself to Him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the weekend. Lord, I ask that you continue to speak to me through the people and things around me. Help me to become more sensitive to you. Help me work on building my relationship with you. Open my heart that i may alays be aware of you and how you reach out to me. Amen.

Blessed weekend.

In Christ,

-g-

Follow the Teacher

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121412.cfm) reminds me that following the teacher has its rewards.

When we were kids, I would remember our teacher telling us to follow her and be quiet in class, and in turn she would give us little rewards – such as a star on the hand or some candies. Being a quiet (and obedient) kid, this was not a problem to me, and I would happily get the reward the teacher promised. However, for other kids, being quiet is such an effort and the reward is not worth it, so they continue being noisy.

However, we are reminded today that God’s rewards for following him are great:

If you would hearken to my commandments,
your prosperity would be like a river,
and your vindication like the waves of the sea;
Your descendants would be like the sand,
and those born of your stock like its grains,

Also

R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.

This level of obedience may be very shallow. You follow God because of the rewards. Ultimately, we should follow God because we love him, because we know that there’s nothing else that’s important. However, while we’re still not in that level, no matter what the reason may be, what is important is we follow God, and as we do so, he will slowly change our hearts to love him more, to want him more, and we will get a greater reward.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how important and rewarding it is to follow you. Lord, it may not always be easy, but I will do my best to follow you. help me remain faithful to that, because I know that as I do so, you would slowly transform me to be the person you want me to be. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

God's in Control

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121312.cfm) reminds me that God is in control

In the first reading, he reminds us that he will help us, he will answer us and that he will not forsake us. The psalmist reminds us that God is great in kindness. Yes, we experience hardships, challenges and problems in life – as seen in the first reading, but we should have faith that God is always there, that he will save us, that he will not forsake us.

They say that a day is no day without pain.

In life, we will always experience challenges, especially if we are followers of Christ. Nowadays, there are a lot of issues – corruption in the government, the RH bill, poverty, etc etc. We may lose hope, or we may feel that God is not answering our prayers. We may be overwhelmed by what is happening in our lives, but we should always remember that God listens, and God hears our prayers. He may no immediately answer, but we should have faith that God is faithful and will never forsake us.

What are my concerns in life? What are my worries? Do I feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges? How do I react to all these?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding us that you are in control Lord, alam naman namin yun eh. We know that you are in control. Sometimes we just get tangled up and distracted by the concerns of the world that we tend to forget it. Help us remember that whatever we are going through, you hear our prayers and that you are in control. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Set Out Even If…

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121212.cfm) inspires me to set out and be of service to others despite of having concerns of my own.

I was on a bus to Baguio yesterday and one of the movies played on the trip was “Hercules Saves Christmas” (see http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2048854/). In the movie there was a scene where one of the main characters, Rick, was asked for a donation by a beggar. However, since life was treating him badly, he did not help. He was overwhelmed by his concerns – losing his job and his girlfriend, and about to be evicted by his landlord, that he did not help the poor beggar, even if he could have easily done so.

This is how some of us feel. Sometimes we get caught up on our own concerns that we fail to see the needs of others. We put too much focus on ourselves and our concerns, and feel that we are the only ones with problems or the one with the biggest. We don’t even think about helping out others, thinking that we can only help after our concerns are resolved.

This is very far from how Mama Mary reacted in the gospel.

After being surprised by the angel’s visit, she probably had a lot on her head. A lot of questions, concerns, and worries on what just happened, on what she signed up for. However, this did not stop her from caring for her relative Elizabeth. A pregnant Mary travelled to visit and serve Elizabeth, even if she herself has concerns on her own.

The world is not perfect. It will never treat us perfectly. We will always have concerns, problems, issues and worries. However, this should not prevent us from helping out others. We need to stop focusing on ourselves and help out others, despite of what we are going through in life.

What concerns do I have right now? What is my biggest concern? How is it affecting me? Does it prevent me from helping out others or serving God? What is God telling me today? What does Mama Mary want me to do?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for my challenges that help me grow. Thank you for a lot of undeserved blessings you constantly give me. Lord, I ask that you help me be appreciative of my blessings, and focus on them, instead of focusing on my challenges. Whatever I am going through right now, may it not prevent me from continuing to serve you through others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Jan Ka Lang

The gospel today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121112.cfm)  reminds me that God wants to have me by his side, and he takes notice of me however little I feel in a crowd

We sometimes tend to ignore little things. Pag nahulog ang piso, minsan hindi na tayo nag e-effort. Piso lang yan, bayaan mo na sya. It’s just one pero, not a hundred, so it’s okay to lose it. It if were a hundred peso bill, I’d definitely get it. We forget that the 100 peso bill is made up of multiple one peso coins, so the little coin is important to come up with the big value.

Unfortunately, we sometimes think that God thinks that way too. “I’m not talented enough, God would not take notice of me.” I’m just a normal person, God wouldn’t mind losing me. I’m  just doing what others does, so God wouldn’t mind losing me.

Good news…!  God does not think this way!

In the gospel he says that “it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost” Yes, even if we are little, or we feel little, God does not want to lose us!

Doesn’t it make you feel special? No matter how normal you think you are, no matter how normal you may feel, no matter how inadequate or incompetent others may make you feel – it does not matter! God does not want to lose you! Yes, that’s true! So stay with him, because he takes notice of you!

Do I sometimes feel so little, so small, so normal and wonder if God takes notice of me, if God takes pride in me? What makes me feel this way? Do I continue loving and serving God even if I feel this way? What is God telling me today?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you Lord for always reaching out to me. Lord, sometimes I feel so normal, so ordinary, that I feel I have nothing special to offer you. Sometimes I feel I’m not good enough to serve you. Sometimes I feel you don’t mind losing me, or that I don’t make you happy. Thank you Lord for reminding me how much you want me and love me. Thank you for wanting me, however small, little, or normal I may feel about myself. Thank you for sending me people to remind me how much you love me. Lord, I offer to you my littleness, and I ask that you use it to build your greatness. Magnify the little works that I do so that it may bring you honor and glory. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-