Honor Your Father and Mother

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/103112.cfm) reminds me to honor my parents.

Honor your father and mother.
This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.

Hindi lahat tayo magiging magulang pero lahat tayo ay naging anak (Not all will become parents but we were all children once). This is a line from one Filipino movie which shows the reality that not all will become parents, but we are all children of our parents. It shows that everyone can relate to God’s message about honouring our parents

This is the fourth commandment, and the first commandment pertaining to other people – the first three about God. It also says that this carries a promise – having a long life on earth.  Thus, we can see how important, serious, and rewarding this commandment is.

Our parents are the first representation of Jesus on earth. They were the ones who first showed us God’s love. I believe this is the reason why God asks us to honor them, and why it carries a great promise.

Honoring our parents is more than just physical respect. It starts from the inside. We should respect our parents, especially when we do not agree with them. Age, experience, and accomplishments do not give us permission to argue with our parents – thinking that we know more, or we are more updated, or we are better than them. When God says we honor our parents, we honor them, period.

How is my relationship with my parents? Do I honor them? How? How do I show I love them? Do I insist that I am right when I feel I am, or do I humbly submit to them and honor them, even if, and especially if I do not agree with them? What can I do today to show my love for them?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how important it is to honor my parents. Lord, I know they are not perfect, and they don’t always act the way we would want them to, or they don’t always meet our expectations of “ideal” parents, but Lord, you gave them to me. Help me to always humble myself and show my respect and love for them, just as you did your earthly parents. You used them mightily to take care of me and to show me and make me feel how much you love me, even if oftentimes I do not properly appreciate them. Lord, you know deep inside how much I love my parents. Help me to become more expressive of that love, and help me to love them back, and to honor them, no matter what. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Great Things Start From Small Beginnings

Today’s WORD (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/103012.cfm) reminds me of a reflection I made two years ago =)

Ang galing ni God =)

In Christ,

-g-

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Good Tuesday morning my dear SE 17! =) Sharing with you the gospel for today  http://www.usccb.org/nab/102610.shtml

 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

The gospel reminds me of how things start small. A mustard seed is a very small seed, yet when it’s fully grown, it becomes a very large tree. Same goes with us. We are simple human beings – but when we allow ourselves to be used by God, we can do great things for him and through him. We may sometimes feel we are insignificant, or our role / talent is too small. This gospel is a reminder for us to let God do his work in our lives, and he will change our smallness to greatness.

What does this entail? How can our little faith, little good thing, little actions, little talents be great and be used for God’s work? We need to let go. We need to die of ourselves, and accept that by ourselves, we cannot do anything. We need to let God take control of our lives, and use us whatever way he wants. When do we do it? Daily. Always. Letting God use us is not a one time, big time thing. We constantly need to surrender to God and allow him to use us.

Preparing for the SE 18 weekend entails this daily letting go and letting God. We cannot do this task if we just prepare for it a day or two before. We need to take little steps, baby steps, to prepare ourselves as we serve. We need to allow God, in little ways, to use us and take control of our lives. Remember, great things start from small beginnings.

BTW,

Sharing another reflection with you =)

YESTERDAYS MAKE OUR TOMORROWS!

The parable of the mustard seed may refer to anything, anyone or any situation that credits successes or achievements to simple and tiny beginnings. Here, Jesus was referring to the Church He was building that would journey towards the Kingdom of God. Beginning with the Apostles, He planned to proclaim the Good News to all the world. He likened the Christian community that He was establishing to the tiny mustard seed that has all the potential to grow at an unimaginable size.

Saints are not saints because of one act of martyrdom or charity. No one becomes a martyr overnight. The martyrs, before that critical moment of decision, first lived a good life and developed a faith and love for God. So much so that when the time came, they were led to that decision to offer their lives in faith. Even Mary, the Mother of Jesus, did not say, “Thy will be done!” out of the blue. She was graced by God, but she also disposed herself for that grace. God prepared her for the big moment, but she prepared herself by living her faith.

The stair analogy is very appropriate here. A high staircase is impossible to climb with one big step. It is easiest to climb it if you take one step at a time. The impossible and the difficult may be conquered by small steps, small victories, small deeds or small actions. Life works in the same way. We are able to hurdle difficult moments in our lives because we were triumphant in the small ones. That is why we must welcome little challenges. And when we are able to hurdle small challenges, the big ones look smaller!

The Lord Jesus saw that His Church will encounter a lot of challenges from the enemy. The parable is a reminder to the early Christian community that there is nothing they could not defeat. Not only because the Spirit will be with them, but that they had been gradually fortified by their daily triumphs of faith. The long history of the Catholic Church will show that. For the Church, it was not always laurels and roses. There were also thorns, failures and dark times. There were lots of small and big challenges to a life of faith. But every time, She would rise up in faith. Her destiny is the Kingdom. Jesus made sure it would be so. Fr. Benny Tuazon

Reflection Question:

How do you see the difficult challenges that come your way? Do you see them as obstacles or as stepping stones to the Kingdom of God? Do you prepare yourself to face them victoriously in Christ?

I can never overcome without Your guiding grace, Lord. Help me keep growing in my faith  in You.

St. Lucian, pray for us.

http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2010-10-26

Up With The Good, Down With The Bad

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102912.cfm) remind me that only God can quench our thirst and bring us into great heights

I played for the school basketball team when I was in high school. The first time I had an ankle injury, I was having a hard time walking, especially going up and down the stairs. Good thing our physical therapist saw me and taught me something to remember – “Up with the good, down with the bad.” I was to go up the stairs using first my good, uninjured foot, then go down the stairs using the foot with the injured ankle.

Today, God is reminding me that it is true with faith, up with the good, down with the bad. The woman was down for eighteen years. She could not stand up because of the bad - the spirit that was possessing her. Jesus, the good, healed her and set her free, enabling her to stand up. Indeed, the enemy will bring us down. Probably we will have earthly and temporary happiness, but our souls would suffer. Deep inside we know we have a longing, a thirst only God can quench. Only if we choose God can we be truly happy, can we really do great things through Him. The first reading and psalm reminds us what we should do to go “up.” We are reminded to follow God and his ways. We are told to imitate God in our lives.

Am I aware that the enemy is the one who cripples me and brings me down? Am I aware that following the enemy will only bring temporary earthly happiness, but will cause emptiness inside? Do I go to God for real happiness? Do I know that I can only achieve great things through God?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week. Lord, help me choose you always. May I live my life following you, for I know that I can only achieve great things through you and for you. You know Lord that deep inside I long for you, and I know that only you could quench the thirst in my soul, and I ask that you help me always come to you for nourishment and not look for it anywhere else. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

A Blind Man’s Clear and Unwavering Faith

The WORD today(see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102812.cfm)  inspires me to have a clear and unwavering faith, like Bartimaeus.

Hebrews 11:1 defines is as: “Faith is the substance of the things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” The blind man, Bartimaeus, clearly lived this faith.

Being a blind person, he begged by the roadside. Probably he was really desperate, but definitely not hopeless. When he heard the Jesus passed by, he gave all he got and shouted to get Jesus’ attention. When asked by the people to shut up, he did not lose hope, his spirit was not dampened, instead, shouted louder. Makulit sya.

When he was called by people, not even Jesus, he showed even greater faith. Even if Jesus was not the one personally called him, he knew that being summoned by Jesus would forever change his life. What did he do? From sitting by the roadside, he threw his cloak and sprang up to Jesus. Wow, what great faith! During those times, beggars lived in the streets. Probably his cloak was his most important possession – not because it was expensive or beautiful, but because it helped him a lot. It protected him from the weather, from the heat of the sun or the coldness of the wind, his cloak was a big help. His action throwing away his cloak and running to Jesus was like saying “Goodbye cloak, I won’t be needing you anymore! This Jesus will cure me, and I won’t be blind anymore!” He had full faith in the power of Jesus, and he was not disappointed. Indeed, no one leaves the presence of Jesus unchanged.

How about us? How do we react when we don’t seem to get what we want in the first try? Do we get angry or lose hope, or are we like the blind man whose faith was unwavering? What do I pray for right now? Do I have faith that God can grant me that? Do I have faith that he wants to, if it is according to His plan for me?  Am I willing to take a leap of faith? When God gives me what I pray for, do I remember to thank Him and live my life following Him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that you do not disappoint. Thank you for reminding me how powerful and loving you are. Lord, help me improve my faith. May I have faith like Bartimaeus. When faced with challenges or when I don’t get what I pray for, may my faith get stronger and still do my part. May I be brave enough to take a leap of faith, knowing you are there to guide and catch me. And Lord, when you give me what I pray for, may I never forget to thank you and live my life following you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Second Chances

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102712.cfm) reminds us that God is a God of second chances

Life does not always give us second chances. Some people pass away the first time they suffer a stroke, some are brought to the hospital the first time they met an accident, while some are brought to jail the first time they broke the law. However, Jesus is very different. We see him as a God of second chances. He gave a lot of people second chances – from giving Mary Magdalene a second chance to live a life pleasing to God, to giving Lazarus a second chance at life in itself when he raised him from the dead. God is very generous, and very loving.

We can see that God wants order. In the first reading he gave us instructions on how we could live our lives, how we could structure the community both for order and for growth. It is then natural in the gospel that we see him following the order – harvesting the fruits after planting and taking care of the tree. We then understand the disappointment when no fruit is available.

Jesus shows how loving and generous he is. He gives us second chances to live lives pleasing to God. He gives us warnings that we should listen to. He gives us people and events that asks us to live lives pleasing to God. He never stops giving us chances, and it is up to us how we would respond to those opportunities – if we will make the most out of it or take it for granted. However we respond, we should remember that even if God is a God of second chances, time will come when we will ultimately have to face him and give an accounting of how we live our lives on earth.

Do I see and recognize God’s ways of calling my attention? Do I know that God is a God of second chances? How is he reaching out to me and giving me second chances? Do I make the most out of those opportunities or do I take them for granted, thinking that there will be another chance coming anyway?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day, another chance to live a life pleasing to you, another chance to right a wrong, to mend a broken relationship, to live a life pleasing to you. Lord, help me make the most out of this day. Help me live my life in a way pleasing to you.  May I never take for granted these opportunities you tirelessly give me, because I know that one day, I will not have a second chance and will have to face God and give him the fruits he is looking for.

Stay blessed!

In Christ,

-g-

Prepare for Eternity

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102612.cfm), particularly the gospel, reminds us to prepare for eternity

Jesus says that people during those times understand nature. They know when rain will come or how hot it would be. They master superficial, outward signs, but fail to see the real signs of the times. They focus too much on the here and now, and fail to see that there is eternity to prepare for as well. God wants us to not just focus on the immediate concerns of our lives – work, business, school, family, etc, but give ample time and effort to prepare for eternity as well.

We sometimes think that we will have time to prepare for eternity when we are old. We sometimes shun away the idea of death and think that we have a good 20 years to work hard, then upon retirement, that’s when one can prepare for eternity. Well, God is full of surprises. He says to settle the matter, to make peace with your opponent before reaching the judge. While we are still alive, while we still have time, we are asked to make peace with God and prepare our souls by living a life considering eternity. Else, it might be too late. When we come face to face with God, when he calls us, no matter how young or old we are, we won’t have time to prepare anymore.

Am I at peace with God? Despite of the busyness in life and my immediate concerns, do I take time to prepare for eternity? How am I preparing for eternity?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for an early day to rest. Lord, I ask that you give me the heart that would prepare for eternity. Life is so busy and stressful and there’s a big tendency to not think about death, about eternity with you. May I always be aware that one day, you will call me and ask me about how I lived my life on earth. Help me take steps to start preparing for this moment, so that when you call me, I can confidently say that I tried my best to live my life in service of you on earth. Amen.

God bless!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/bear-with-one-another.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/11/be-pepared.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/08/be-prepared.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/11/end-will-come.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/08/stay-awake.html

Break the Ground

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102512.cfm) reminds me how important it is to have a strong foundation.

Nowadays, there are a lot of modern and sophisticated building designs. They differ in material, design and functionality. However, all of these have something in common – a foundation. One of the first “ceremony” in constructing a building is the ground-breaking. It signifies that a structure will be constructed in the place. It signifies that the ground will be broken for the foundation of the structure. No matter how sophisticated the building is, it has its foundation beneath the surface, somewhere where the eyes cannot see. And the higher the structure is, the deeper and stronger its foundation should be.

In the reading, we are reminded how important the foundation is. In the first reading, we see that it is important to be rooted and grounded in God’s love. This will help us understand and comprehend the greatness of God’s love for us. It is also important to be deeply rooted in God’s love for us to achieve greatness in God’s eyes. His power, which will enable us to accomplish great things for Him, will only be at work in us if we are rooted in love, if we surrender ourselves and allow him to fill us with everything that is of Him.

In the gospel, we see Jesus being anguish. It reminds us that He is really human. We could just imagine how he was feeling – knowing how hard and lonely the path that awaits him. It was not easy, but being grounded in God’s love and surrendering himself fully to God enabled him to accomplish the great task at hand. His firm foundation on God enabled him to remain faithful to the task, despite of the challenges and temptations that came his way.

We are asked to also have our foundation firmly planted on God. We need to break the ground and go deeper – deeper in love with him, deeper in knowledge of Him, deeper in relationship with him. Prayer, the sacraments, and the church, including our fellow Christians, are available to help us go deeper in our foundation. Only then will we accomplish great tasks, not from our own abilities, but only by God’s greatness and power, for God’s glory. The deeper our foundation is, the more of Christ we have, the mightier and higher we will be used by God.

Do I give importance to foundations, even if these are things that the eyes cannot see, or do I give more importance to the things I can see with my eyes? Do I have a strong foundation? Am I doing what I can to build and strengthen my foundation in God? How else can I improve my foundation with Him? What prevents me from building a stronger and deeper foundation with God? What prevents me from fully surrendering myself to God and allow him to use me?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the early and long weekend awaiting me. Lord, you really know how to take care of me. Lord, help me do my part in thanking you as you take care of me. Help me do my part in building and strengthening my foundation in you. May I have the desire to break the ground, go deeper and build a stronger foundation and relationship with you. I know Lord that I need to fully surrender myself so you can fill me up and use me for your work. Only then will you be able to use me for you work. I am excited for the great plans you have for me. I am excited to be used mightily by you, to do your work for your glory. I ask that you help me start to take baby steps towards building that foundation now. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Knowledge is Power

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102412.cfm) reminds me how powerful knowing something is, plus doing it makes it more powerful.

In stocks, there is a term called insider trading. This is when someone who has access to non-public, confidential information uses this information for their advantage. This is generally not legal, because it puts to an advantage someone with the information. For example, when someone knows that a small company will be bought by a big company, stocks for the small company can be bought for the normal rate, then when the announcement is made, the stock price of the small company usually goes high and the person can sell the stocks for profit. This goes true for as well for situations that will make the price of the company lower, such as retirement of the CEO or something. It shows how powerful information is, especially when one does something with that information.

In the gospel, we see Jesus telling us that more will be required with the person entrusted with much, and more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more. As followers of Christ, we know what is important in life. we know that we should live our lives serving God and glorifying him. Because we know this, we are expected to live our lives consistent with this knowledge. We know what God wants, so we should live lives pleasing to Him. We are not to be contented with that, as we live our lives for Him, we should also bring others to Him and be his ambassadors here on earth.

Do I know what God wants? Do I do what God wants? What prevents me from fully following God’s ways? Do I fall for the devil’s trap in telling us that there is time to change later on, that we can continue living sinful lives, and just repent later on, only to find out that it’s too late, that God is calling us already?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your word that continues to nourish me. Lord, I ask that I be sensitive to you all the time. I know what you want me to do – to live a life pleasing to you, glorifying and magnifying you through my life. I ask that you help me live this. Help me live my life consistent to how you want me to. May I start now, and not fall into the enemy’s lie that it is no rush, that I will always have time to change my ways. As I live my life consistent to how you want me to, may I also bring other people to you and help build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Iron Man and You

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102312.cfm) reminds me how important and powerful it is to have Jesus at the center of our lives.

Iron man is one of the more famous superheroes. He is powerful and intelligent, both as tony stark and as iron man. As iron man, he is a very strong superhero, having great powers in his armour. What powers him is the reactor in his chest. This reactor enables him to do great things and gives him superhuman abilities. Without this reactor, it will be very difficult for him to do what he does.

What is the relationship between iron man and me?

and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

We are reminded to make Christ as the capstone, the center, the foundation of our lives. Like iron man and his reactor, we can only do great things if Jesus is in the center of our lives. We can only achieve real greatness if he is in our hearts, and if we allow Him to control our lives. On our own, our abilities are very limited, but with God’s power, we can achieve great things with whatever we have. As we put Jesus in the center of our lives and allow Him to control us, he will take what we have, and magnify it for his purpose, for his glory.

Is Jesus in the center of my life? Do I allow him to control my life? What prevents me from making him the center and from giving him total control of my life? Do I realize that I can start with prayer and building a relationship with him, and from there, he can and will slowly consume me, if I let him?

Father God,

Thank you for your Word. Thank you for your love. Thank you for this day. Lord, I ask that you help me surrender to you. help me give my life to you and make you the center of my life. I know that it is only through this that I can do great things for you. I know that without you, I can do nothing, so help me stay in you and I have faith that you will slowly consume me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Greed

Today’s WORD (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102212.cfm) reminds me how dangerous the sin of greed is.

Greed Is one of seven deadly or capital sins. They are called such because it leads one to commit other sins as well. Greed for money can lead someone to commit sin just to get more money – steal, cheat, etc. God is reminding us today to not focus on material wealth, because anytime, God can take us or take away the wealth we have worked hard for.

Money in itself it not necessarily evil. You need money to survive. You need money to help others. However, love of money is. That is why we have heard Jesus telling us that it is so difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Not because they are rich, but because they love their money too much. People think that money will make things better, that it will make us happier. Probably for those who don’t have the basics – food, water and shelter. Having money can give them these things, and will make their lives better. But aside from these basic things, money does not necessarily make people happy. Actually sometimes it stresses people out! Rich people, as seen in the gospel, work harder to earn more money. They buy or build structures, people or mechanisms to protect their money. They do bad things to get more money. It’s a never ending cycle, and before they know it, God is calling them already.

What is my attitude towards money? Am I detached to it, only using it for what is was intended to, or do I work so hard to get a lot of it? Do I realize that genuine blessings can only come to me if I share what I have to others? Do I always compare myself with others and end up envying them and wanting more money? What prevents me from letting go of my blessings so it can bless others?

Father God,

Thank you for the weekend. Lord, thank you for again making your presence more alive in my life. Help me Lord to express my gratefulness by blessing others. May I always be detached from money and other material things. Always remind me that nothing in this world is permanent, and that I should always have my focus on you. Lord, I know you are continuously blessing me, and I ask that you help me be appreciative of those blessings. May I never compare my life and my blessings to other people and end up envying them. Give me a generous heart, Lord, and make me realize that as a hand catching running water, your blessings are infinite and I cannot hold on to them, and that the only way I can receive more blessings is to open my hands and let go of what I currently have, so you can continue to fill me with greater blessings. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Serviam!

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102112.cfm) reminds us that we should serve God.

Serviamis Latin for “I will serve.” This was St Michael the Archangel’s response to God. On the other hand, Non Serviam was Lucifer’s response to God.

Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, did not come to this world to be served. He did not come as a mighty ruler lording over us. He did not even come into this world in a nice place, not on a hospital or inn. He did not live in mansions or palaces. Jesus came as a helpless child, born in a stable, lived in a simple town as a carpenter’s son, proclaimed God’s kingdom, healed people died for us, and eventually rose from the dead. If that’s not service, I don’t know what is!

As children, as followers of Christ, we are asked to serve Him as well. Serving God starts with a decision – a decision to serve God, a decision to say Yes to Him. St Michael’s “serviam” is a testimony of that decision to serve God. Mary’s “Fiat” was her “yes” to God. We may not be perfect, we may have concerns, weaknesses and issues, but we are all called to serve God. Only when we give our own yes to God can he use us mightily. Great servants in the bible all had concerns, but their yes to God was all God needed to use them and work through them, only then could they do great things for and through God.

Do I live my life in service of God? Do I want to serve God, or do I want God to serve me and give me what I want? Do I serve other people, knowing that God is alive and present in each one of us, or do I expect other people to serve me? Do I wait until things are perfect, until I don’t have major concerns, before I serve God and others?

Father God,

Thank you for loving me. Thank you for seeing me in me what I sometimes, or most of the times, don’t see. Thank you Lord for deeming me worthy of your love, your everlasting and unconditional love. Thank you for loving and serving me even if I don’t deserve it, even if I hurt you when I sin. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart of service. Give me a heart that would desire to love and serve you. Give me a heart that would be willing to go out of my comfort zone to serve you. Lord, I give you my Yes, my serviam, my fiat, and I ask that you guide me and be with me all throughout. Lord, life is not easy, I too have problems and concerns of my own, but I just lift up everything to you. Give me a heart to be a wounded servant, continuously serving and loving you no matter what. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Holy Spirit Talking

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102012.cfm) reminds me that we should work to have a close relationship with God, and s strong faith, that will let the Holy Spirit talk through us.

In sports, there are preparations far beyond the game people see. There are months, even years, of hard practice, conditioning, setting plays – both offense and defense. People also anticipate what the opponent will and may do. They not only strengthen themselves, but also study and prepare for the opponents as well. This is true for other fields as well. For example, lawyers prepare hard for a case. They study the facts, prepare both for “Defense” and “offense”, anticipate what the opponent’s possible arguments may be. Indeed, in sports or not, there are a lot of hardwork before the actual “game” or “event.”

In the gospel, Jesus is telling us that we should not worry when faced with persecutions. Is he telling us the opposite, that we just need to relax and come there with just faith? Of course not! He does not want us to focus on preparing for these things, because in doing so, we may have the tendency to rely on our own strength and knowledge in defending the faith, or in doing His work. We may become overconfident and forget him. When God tells us to trust in Him, it does not mean we will come there empty handed. We need to come armed with a good relationship with God. Thus, we should work not just for our defense, but consistently work to have a good relationship with God. We need to live our lives seeking Him, building our relationship and faith in Him. Only then will we be confident to face anything, only then will the Holy Spirit be able to speak through us. How can he speak when we don’t even know his voice, right?

When faced with a seemingly big task, how do I prepare? Do I give my best, exerting every effort I can, to prepare? Do I give time to prepare spiritually as well? Do I consistently work on building my relationship with God? Do I pray for faith?

Father God,

Thank you for your WORD that again assures me that you are in control, that you will take care of us. Lord, help me to always strike a balance, to prepare and do my best, but at the same time, give you more importance. I know human efforts are not enough, but at the same time, faith on you while doing nothing on my own is not enough as well. Help me remember that you Lord help those who help themselves. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Do Not Be Afraid

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101912.cfm) reminds me to not be afraid, God has got my back.

They say that the phrase “Do not be afraid” is repeated more than 365 times in the bible, and it is God’s way of telling us, when we read his word, that we should not be afraid. Really.

There are a lot of things to be afraid of. There are a lot of documented “phobias” that people are afraid of – though varying in degrees. There are also fears not necessarily defined as phobias. People attached to their wealth are afraid of losing them. People in power and influence are afraid of losing those things. Some people are afraid of rejection, of losing friends, of failing. The more we enjoy our life on earth, the higher the tendency to be afraid of change, of losing something.

God is telling us not to be afraid. In the first reading and the psalm, we are reminded that we are his chosen people. We are his children! If you know your dad is looking out for you, no matter where you are or what you do, you will not be afraid… you should not be afraid. There will be trials, probably a lot, probably very difficult, but we should take comfort in the fact that God is watching us.

We should have faith in his wisdom and love. Does that mean he will not take away what we enjoy in life? Not necessarily, because he knows we are destined for eternity with him, and he will help us, however painful it may be, to reach that goal and strip us away of everything that will not be helpful in us reaching that. He continues to purify us, so no need to be afraid of challenges that come our way. He continues to watch over us, like what He did to Job, so there’s no need to be afraid of what is happening or what will happen to us.

Let us not be afraid and take comfort in God’s promise: “No trial has come to you but what is human. And God is faithful, He won’t let you be tried beyond your own strength, and with each trial he would provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it” (1 corinthians 10:13)

What things in life am I afraid of? What things am I afraid losing? Why? Am I too attached to these things? Do I have complete faith and trust in God, that no matter how challenging my situation is, I need not be afraid?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for constantly reminding me that I should not be afraid. Lord, there are a lot of things I am afraid of – failure, death, sickness, etc. But Lord, I know that you are more powerful than these things, and I surrender to you. I trust that you will continue to be with me, that you will continue to watch over me and protect me as I serve you. Strengthen my faith, Lord, that I may continue to serve, love and trust in you no matter what situation I am in. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/04/do-not-be-afraid.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/do-not-be-afraid.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/do-not-worry-have-faith.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/04/do-not-be-afraid_21.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/04/be-not-afraid.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/08/do-not-be-shaken.html

Go by Pairs

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101812.cfm) reminds us how beneficial it is go have a companion in our journey of faith, in serving God.

No man is an island. We are not made to be alone, that is why God created both man and woman. Probably, people who have experienced deep hurt in the past have the tendency to shy away from people – not wanting to get hurt again, unable to trust and love again. However, deep inside each and everyone of us has a longing and desire for companionship in our journey.

In the first reading, we see Saint Paul writing Timothy saying that he has Luke with him, and asks for Mark too. In the gospel, we see Jesus sending the disciples by pairs. We see how important and helpful it is to have someone to accompany you as you serve God and do his work. In a teambuilding I attended last Saturday, we were told that it is important and helpful to have someone to “run the race” with – to be with you, check up on you, encourage and support you, and pray for and with you in your journey of life, of the faith.

It is easier to travel when you have someone to be with you. It is easier to serve God when you have someone serving God with you. Challenges can wear us down, but having someone there to support and encourage us makes it easier to face the challenges in life. As they say, challenges are easier when shared, and success is sweeter when shared as well.

Do I value my relationships – with my family, friends, co-workers and significant other? Do I open up myself and allow others to enter my life? Do I have someone to run my race with – in life and in my serving God? Do I pray for God’s companion for me?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for thinking of me. Thank you for reminding me how important and helpful it is to have someone with me in this journey of life. Lord, I pray that you help me open up myself to others. May I give importance to relationships, knowing that you are alive in each and every person that I meet. Lord, I ask that you also help me find the companion/s you have for me – people who would help, guide, support, encourage and pray for me as I live my life in serving you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/light-journey.html

Consistent Ka Ba?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101712.cfm) reminds me to check my life and see if I am living a life consistent with God’s ways and with what I say.

In the first reading, St Paul writes the Galatians to remind them how they should live our lives. We too are reminded how we should live our lives. They say that you will know a tree by its fruit, and that goes with us human beings too. We will know the state of the heart of the person by the fruits – by the actions and words that come out of us.

The gospel, on the other hand, reminds us that consistency is acting the way we are preaching. Things are easier said than done, and as followers of Christ, we should walk the talk. I recently attended a teambuilding activity and one of the things I will take away from that is the importance of integrity – Do what you say, say what you do. If we say we are followers of Christ and preach his message to others, we too should live those gospel values so that our lives be a testimony of our faith.

Am I living a life consistent with the gospel values and with what I say and preach? Am I satisfied with merely telling people about God, or do I strive hard to live a life that is a testimony of my faith?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for again challenging me to live a life consistent to your ways, and consistent to what I say. Lord, it is easy to say good things about you. it is easy to tell others how great you are, and how loving you are. It is easy to tell others how you want us to live our lives. But that I just half of it. The more difficult thing is to actually live it. Lord, give me the strength and the desire to live a life consistent with your Word and your ways, and consistent with what I preach. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

PS

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/01/consistency-is-key.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/08/god-is-with-us.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/consistency-is-key.html

Freedom!

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101612.cfm) reminds us what we are already free from the slavery of sin and everything related to it.

Jesus already set us free from slavery of sin. A slave has no choice but to obey his master. A slave, even if he does not like what is asked for him, just obeys. This is what sin did to us. As slaves of sin, we had no choice but to commit sin – even if we did not want to. However, Christ’s death and resurrection made us free from the slavery and bondage of sin! We are not free from temptation, but we are free to choose – whether to follow God or fall for the enemy’s deceit. Every temptation is an opportunity for us to become a sinner or a saint, and we have the freedom to choose.

The law itself is not bad. However, we should not be slaves of the law. Jesus says that he did not come to abolish the law, but rather, to give it its proper value, proper implementation. Following the law does not necessarily make us good. We as see in last Sunday’s gospel (See http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/detachment.html) , the man followed all the law. But that is not enough. Jesus asked for more, because he sees our hearts. We are reminded that we are free from the strict sense of the law. This does not mean we are exempted from following the law. On the other hand, we are enlightened and are past beyond the level of just following the law, from knowing the essence of the law.

Am I properly using my freedom God has given me? Do I act as if I am still a slave of Sin? When faced with temptations, what path do I choose – a sinner or a saint?

Father God,

Thank you for your intense love that brought me out of the slavery of sin. I thank you for the graces you have bestowed upon me. Lord, you know that I love you and I want to follow you. I ask that you help me live a life consistent to that. May I always work hard and do my part to live a life pleasing to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

What Sign?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101512.cfm) reminds us to check ourselves if we are always looking for signs.

Feedback is important. As human beings, we want to know if we have been heard, and what the response to our question is. When it comes to God, sometimes we still act that way. We want him to confirm what we are praying for, or worse, we want him to confirm what we want. We force him to saying yes to what we pray for. However, we are warned against that. We are warned to base our faith on signs. Well, the enemy can send these signs as well! IF we base our faith, our actions and our decisions on signs we are asking, we are in big trouble.

We should walk by faith, not be sight. Even without these signs, even without God directly communicating with us, we should have faith that we can know His will. We have at our disposal the bible which would enable us to know God more – his great love for us and his power. Knowing God is helpful in knowing what he wants from us. We also should make use of prayer to build our relationship with God that will enable us to know and discern whatever he wants for us, even without signs.

Do I ask for signs from God? Why? When asking for signs, do I want him to send signs in favour of what I want, or is my heart open to receive his will? Do I work to improve my relationship with God? How?

Father God,

Thank you for a very productive weekend. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to spend time with the people that matter to me. Lord, I ask that you help me strengthen my faith. May I always work to strengthen it and my relationship with you. May I reach the point where I no longer need to seek for signs, but am confident that I can discern what step you want me to take. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/do-you-see-sign.html

Detachment

Today’s WORD (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101412.cfm) reminds me how necessary it is for us to be detached from anything and everything of this world.

In the gospel, Jesus knew what would be difficult for the man to do. He knows that the man has been following the commandments, which is very admirable. However, Jesus knows what is hard for each and everyone of us, he knows what is necessary for the man to enter the kingdom of God. That is why he asked the man to give up everything. He wants the man to enter the kingdom of God, and he wants him to be free from what hinders him from doing so. He wants the man to let go of all material detachments in life.

We are merely passers-by in this world, and we should always remember that. We came to this earth with nothing, and we will leave this world taking nothing with us. This is why we should be detached from everything of the world. Being detached will enable us to focus on God and do whatever he wants us to – things that will prepare us to spend eternity with Jesus.

It also says that “Jesus looked at him with love.” Yes, even if the person has attachments, Jesus still loves him. Nothing we do can ever make God love us yes. When we sin, we hurt him, but his love never changes and is new every morning. We should always remember this, especially when we ourselves can’t seem to love ourselves. Also, we should be inspired by Jesus to love others, especially the unlovable, and do  things out of love. We may have the desire to correct or help a person, but if things are done without love, we may end up hurting the person more instead of helping.

What am I holding on to in this world? What things do I cherish? What would be my reaction of God asks me to give away all my possessions and serve Him? Do I feel that God loves me, even if I myself can’t even love me? Do I do things out of love for God through other people?

Father God,

Thank you for your WORD. Thank you for reminding me that you know me from the inside out, that you know what is important for me, what things I am attached to. Lord, help me be detached. Help me let go of everything – material possessions, human approval and acceptance, earthly power and fame, human knowledge, and anything that will keep me from following you. Help me remember that naked I came into this world, and naked I will depart. Help me also to remember to see myself the way you see me – loveable and worthy of your love, of your life. May I remember how precious I am, especially when the world tells otherwise. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-