Don’t Give Up

  

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/013113.cfm) reminds me how important having and staying in a community is

The First reading reminds us…

We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.
We should not stay away from our assembly,
as is the custom of some, but encourage one another,
and this all the more as you see the day drawing near

They say being in a community is like being part of a bonfire. It’s easy to keep burning while you are with others. You have other people who support you. But once you go out of the group, does the fire die? Probably not, it will still burn. But eventually, it will die down. Same with community. It’s easier to serve, it’s easy to do and be good if you’re with people who tries to do the same. Easier to pray if there are people praying as well. But if we go out, for whatever reason, the fire in us might not immediately die down, but eventually, if there is no one to nourish and support that fire, it will die down.

Jesus knows how important it is to be part of a community. He established communities. He sent out disciples to evangelize by pairs. He chose 12 apostles. Even the great apostle Paul had companions in his journey. No man is an island, and we all need each other to keep our fire burning. As Christ said, “whenever two or three are gathered in my name, I am with them”

No community is perfect. Even if we are all serving God, we have differences in opinions, upbringing and attitudes. However, these differences should not weigh us down. These should not tire us out. We should continue to be committed and not give up on our community life, not give up on others. We should continue to remember that we are all serving God, and focus on Him as we serve him.

Am I part of a community? If no, am I willing and ready to be a part of one? Do I realize the importance of community? What challenges do I experience being a part of a community? How do I overcome these challenges?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how important community is. Thank you also for giving me a community of faith. Lord, I know that no community is perfect, there are differences among members, and challenges that we will and are facing. Lord, give us faith to persevere and not give up on community. May we always remember that we are all gathered in your name, to love and serve you. As we serve you, help us focus on you and not let distractions get the best of us. May we be faithful servants building your church, your community here on earth. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Sow Some Seeds

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/013013.cfm) reminds me to sow seeds of faith

It is normal for people to want to see the output of their efforts. I believe this is the reason why community building outreach activities are so popular. Institutions like “habitat for humanity” and “gawad kalinga” who give people the chance of seeing the immediate output of their actions are much suported. After working for a day, volunteers get to see the output – be it hollow blocks or other materials being moved from one place to another, a house being painted or walls buing built – these things give a sense of fulfillment or joy, knowing that the effort spent was not put to waste.

However, it is not always like this when we are doing God’s work.

We may not always see the effects of our service to God. We may not always get good results, as we see in the gospel. However, these things should not dishearten us and prevent us from doing God’s work, from planting seeds.

God needs workers to plant seeds of faith. God needs our help to spread his word.

We do not need to see the effects of our actions. We do not need to know that the seeds bore fruit. We should not seek comfort and approval from the output of our work, because everything is dependent on God’s time and plan, not ours. We should just focus on God as we do his work, and have complete faith that our work for Him is not futile. We may not see the effects but it does not mean God is not pleased with us, that our actions were not effective.

May we continue to sow seeds of faith without the need to see the effects of our actions.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the opportunity to continue to sow seeds of faith to others around me. Lord, guide me so I wont be too focused on the results, on the fruits of the seeds. Remind me that those seeds would bear fruit, not necessarily in my time, but definitely in your perfect time. May I just continue to sow seeds of faith and focus on you as I work for you, knowing in faith that my work for you will always bear fruit. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Love Him Back?

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012913.cfm) reminds me to ask myself if I am loving Jesus.

The first reading reminds us of the ultimate love of God and Jesus to us. God sent his only son Jesus to die and save us from sin and death.

Question is – what effect does it have on us? Do we give importance to it? How do we pay him back?

In the gospel, we see what is important to Jesus. More than the affinity, what is important to him is if we follow God..

But he said to them in reply,
“Who are my mother and my brothers?”
And looking around at those seated in the circle he said,
“Here are my mother and my brothers.
For whoever does the will of God
is my brother and sister and mother.

We are all children of God, but we can only be real children of God if we obey God’s will and submit to his will – even if it is not necessarily what we want for ourselves, even if other people say otherwise, even if it is difficult to.

May we echo what the psalmist says – “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will” and be called children of God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how much you love me. I believe, Lord, that one of the greatest lies of the devil is that I am not loved. I may not have everything in life, I may want a lot of things that other people have, but that does not make me less loved. May you always remind me that more than any kind of love in this world, you gave me the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate expression of love. Thank you for loving me, Lord. May I always remember that and may I always desire to seek your will and obey your will to show you that I love you back. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Eagerly Waiting

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012813.cfm) reminds me that Jesus would bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

The first reading reminds us that Christ died once to save us from sin and death, and he will come a second time to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him. Indeed, the psalm reminds us that Christ has done marvellous deeds.

Christ’s second coming is usually associated with the end of the world. People are generally afraid of that – the time when the world as we know it would perish, and we would be judged by the way we live our lives. Yes, scary, but those who are followers of Christ should not be afraid. If we are not of the world, if we are not too comfortable in the world and remember to live our faith, then we should not be afraid. We should take comfort and joy in Christ’s word that when he comes, he would bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

Waiting is not a fun process. We human beings generally do not want to wait.  We want fast results and quick action – that’s why in this world, we have a lot of instant things – instant noodles and other food, instant and fast relief medicines, quick return of our investments, etc. We are impatient. But Jesus reminds us that we should be patient and continue doing his work while in this world… and eagerly await him when he comes to bring us salvation.

Am I living my life in a way that I would be glad when Christ comes?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day, another week. Lord, I ask that you help me live my life in a way pleasing to you, that I may be one of those who will be glad when you come again, that I may be eagerly awaiting your salvation when you come again in glory. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Happy Servant

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012713.cfm) reminds me that we should be happy servants!

The gospel reminds us that Jesus is the one and only true son of God – the only one worthy of our praise, love and service. The second reading reminds us that we are all part of the body of Christ. We may have differences in opinions, differences in beliefs and culture, differences in talents and skills, but we are all parts of Christ’s body. We all have different skills and functions, so we all have different purposes in building up God’s kingdom. We should not compare ourselves with other people, more so be envious of other people. God created us as we are, and whatever we can contribute in building God’s kingdom is greatly appreciated by God, and is needed by God – just like the different parts of the body making up one whole and complete body.

The first reading reminds us to be happy. To be joyful. I believe this is what our attitude should be as we serve God, as we do our role as part of the body of Christ.

Serving is one thing, happily serving is an entirely different thing. It may not be easy to do, especially if we do not want what we are doing, or if what we are doing is challenging, but it makes serving lighter and better. No matter what we do in life, no matter how we serve God, no matter how challenging the situation may be, we should be happy servants – happy for the opportunity to serve God, despite everything.

Am I a happy servant?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to rest and take a break from my routine. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart of a servant. As I live my life on earth, may I not be too focused on myself and on building my dreams, but may I always remember to serve you through my life. As I serve you, Lord, may I not forget to be happy, because I know you want me to be happily serving you. And as I do that, I know it will be easier to bring people to you, since they would be interested to know what kind of God I am happily serving. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Foolish for God!

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012613.cfm) reminds me that we should be ready to be foolish for God.

In the gospel, we see the relatives of Jesus saying that he is out of his mind. He is so busy, he does not even have time to eat. He is always out, going to different cities. He goes out with tax collectors and sinners. He interacts with the outcasts of society. Probably, he is out of his mind.

Why? Because he goes all out for God. He is ready and willing to be foolish for God – foolish in the sense of the world, rejecting what the world teaches but instead, doing God’s work.

The reading tells us that:

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice
but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,
nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;
but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel
with the strength that comes from God.

He gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control. For what? To spread the gospel. To do his work. We know that doing God’s work is not easy, and we will have our share of hardships and challenges. However, God’s got that covered too, he gives us the strength to face these challenges.

God equips us as we do his work. We just need to be willing to be fools for God.

Am I serving God? In what ways? Am I willing to go all out for Him, to be foolish for him – step out of my comfort zone and give him my all?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, disturb me. Do not let me be relaxed and comfortable with the world. Give me a heart that will be ready to go all out for you, a heart that will be ready to be foolish for you. I know that as I serve you, you will equip me with all that I need, and I trust that you will magnify my work for you. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Go Out!

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012513.cfm) encourages and challenges me to go out and proclaim the gospel.

They say that we Filipinos are very resourceful. We can do a lot of things. However, sad to say, some of us use that quality to do things that are not so nice. That’s why there are corruption, a lot of pirated materials, etc in our country. We can be a lot more progressive if people only use their creativeness and resourcefulness in a positive way. This is why people say that our resourcefulness and creativeness is not maximized.

This is probably what we can say about St Paul.

Before his conversion, Saul (his former name) was a very fierce persecutor of Christians. He spent his days diligently persecuting Christ’s followers. People feared him. However, that was completely reversed when Jesus appeared to him. His conversion turned his life around, and his qualities were greatly used by God.

We may not be called to preach the way St Paul did, or may not be as gifted in preaching as him, but the readings today clearly say that we are called to go out and proclaim God’s kingdom, proclaim the gospel – wherever we are, whatever we do. In our own little way, we can proclaim his kingdom and the gospel by the way we live our lives and the way we interact with people around us.

Do I realize that even I too am called to proclaim the gospel, proclaim God’s kingdom in my life? Am I willing to go out of my way, of my comfort zone, and proclaim the gospel?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for calling me to proclaim your gospel and your kingdom. Lord, that’s the least I can do to show my love for you – to proclaim you and bring you to others. Lord, give me a heart that would be ready to step out of my comfort zone and go out into the world for you. I know I need not be a missionary to do that. I know that in my own little way – at home, in the office, in school, I can do something to proclaim you to others. I know Lord I am unworthy, so I ask that you help and equip me to do your work. Like to Saint Paul, may you never tire of giving me second chances to serve you, because even if it may not always be obvious, deep in my heart, that’s something I really want to do. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

He is Always Able

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012413.cfm) reminds me that Jesus is always able.

An excerpt from the first reading says:

Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him,
since he lives forever to make intercession for them

How comforting to know that. Jesus is ALWAYS ABLE to save us… if we come to God THROUGH Him.

So powerful!

In the Philippine culture, the “palakasan” culture is very strong. It’s not necessarily good, but it’s true. They say that nowadays, it’s not what you know, but who you know. You can most likely get anything you want if you know the right people – be it in school, business or corporate. Knowing the right people, and having a good relationship with them, will be beneficial.

In the spiritual context, that is true as well.

Knowing Jesus makes us good or strong to God. Why? Because Jesus goes in between us and God. He intercedes for us. As the reading says, he is always able – not just when he was living here on earth, but always. We just need to come to Jesus.

What does coming to Jesus mean? Does it mean we will always get what we want if we course it through Jesus?

Coming to Jesus does not mean we’ll just ask him to tell God what we want. On the other hand, coming to Jesus is humbling ourselves and submitting ourselves to Him. And as we do so, we will be changed. Our hearts will be more and more like him. our desires will be one with him, will be what he desires for us. We will decrease and God will increase in our lives. Thus, we will be saved as we die of ourselves, and we will get what we pray for as we pray for what God wants for us.

Are you ready to come to Jesus, knowing that he is always able?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how loving and powerful Jesus is. It is inspiring that you are always able, as we see in the first reading and in the gospel. Thank you for not turning away anyone who comes to you in full faith. Lord, give me that faith. Give me that humility. May I have the heart to come to you, and surrender myself to you. May you be God in my life, so that my life will be my love offering to you. As I strive to live my life for you, I know that you will give me my heart’s desires, because I will only desire what you desire for me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Can't Stop Him

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012313.cfm) reminds me that no one of nothing can go against God’s plans, except us ourselves.

Nothing comes easy in life. They say you value something more if you worked hard for it. There are challenges and obstacles along the way, but as you overcome them, you not only get stronger, but get closer to reaching you goal, and will come to appreciate achieving it more.

In the gospel, we see Pharisees challenging Jesus. They were watching and waiting that he commits something against the law. They were silent, but Jesus knew what is in their hearts. Instead of wanting the man to be healed and cured, they were more interested in finding fault in Jesus. Instead of supporting Jesus in doing good and healing, they made it harder for Jesus to work.

Good news! Nothing and no one can stop God’s plans!

Not even the hardness of heart of the Pharisees. Not even their wanting to find fault in Jesus. Not even the risk Jesus would be getting himself into. Jesus still healed the man, despite of all these challenges and obstacles!

Bad news! We can stop God from doing his plan in our lives!

Only we, ourselves, can stop God’s plan from happening. IF we don’t cooperate in God’s plan for our lives, he certainly cannot do it. He gave us free will to choose and decide. If the man in the gospel remained hopeless and closed his heart to Jesus, he probably would not stretch out his hands because he probably have been trying for so long. If he did not stretch his hand, if he did not cooperate with Jesus’ plan for him, he would have not be healed.

What challenges am I experiencing right now? How am I taking it? Do I know that nothing and no one can stop God’s plans from happening in my life, except myself? Am I willing to move and act as I cooperate with God’s plans?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that nothing and no one can stop you from fulfilling your great plans for me – except myself. Lord, help me not to focus on life’s challenges and difficult people that may distract me from focusing on you. May I always remember your great love and power. And as I do so, may I be ready and willing to move and act as I cooperate with your plan, to make them come true in my life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Check the Heart

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012213.cfm) reminds me to check my motives

Actions does not always go consistent with motives. There are a lot of people who seem to be doing good but with ulterior motives. It is easy to show you have concern for others, but the motive and intention behind it is a different story. There are people who show they help other people in front of cameras, but turn the other way when no one can see their actions.

The Pharisees in the gospel is similar to those people.

Their motives for saying those things are not pure. They followed the law by the dot, which is good, but not if it leads to self-righteousness and accuse others of breaking the law. They are more concerned with the action, and are quick to find fault in the actions of others – at the same time justifying themselves and feeling more honourable than others.

We too have the tendency to act in this way. We sometimes are quick to find fault in others, without the intention of helping them or correcting them, rather, for us to feel good about ourselves. “Good thing I am not like that” or “I will never do such a thing” are words, spoken or unspoken, that we sometimes feel.

Jesus is reminding us that we should check our intentions, and that strict observance of the law should not lead us into self-righteousness, rather it should lead us into leading others and encouraging others to do the same.

Am I quick to judge and find fault in others? Why? What are my motives and my intentions for finding or recognizing fault in others? Do I realize that I too am imperfect?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me to check my motives. Lord, may I never be quick in seeing the fault of others and pointing them out. Rather, may I be sensitive and gentle like you are. Clear me of any trace of self-righteousness and just give me a heart that would want to follow you because I love you, not because I want to feel that I am better than other people. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

New Wine

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012113.cfm) reminds me to constantly strive to live a new life in Christ

An excerpt of the gospel says…

“Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.

Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the

Wine and the skins are ruined,

Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins”

Saying and doing are two different things. You can say one thing, but do the exact opposite. That is why saying and doing goes hand in hand. Say and do. Jesus tells us a similar thing. New wine into new wineskin.

When we decided to follow Christ, we are in effect throwing away our old life – with all its worldliness and sin, and are putting on a new self – one made in the image and likeness of Christ.

We should act that way.

We cannot claim to be followers of Christ, but continue to live a life of sin. Just like putting new wine into old wineskins. It’s not a match.

No matter how difficult it is, we should constantly strive to live new lives. We should take a fresh start and live lives that are pleasing to God, fitting for the new wineskins God has given us. Else, everything will burst and will be put into waste.

Have I really decided to live a life for Christ? Am I actually doing my best to live it? What old habits and sins have I not given up yet? What things should I let go to really live a new life for Christ? What is holding me back from giving them up?

Father God,

Thank you for the weekend. Thank you for the opportunity to rest and spend time with family and friends. Lord, I also thank you for today. Thank you for giving me another day, another week – another fresh start. As I live this day, may I do things that will make you happy. Help me to live a life pleasing to you. May I continuously strive to live a new life for you, no matter how challenging it may be, and no matter how strong the urge to go back to my old life. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Sto Nino 2013

Today in the Philippines, we celebrate the feast of Sto Nino, and the WORD (See http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2013-01-20) reminds me that we should never lose that childlike attitude towards God

In the gospel, we see the young Jesus being left in the temple, and after days, his parents came to pick him up.

When his parents saw him, they were astonished,

and his mother said to him,

“Son, why have you done this to us?

Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”

And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me?

Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

But they did not understand what he said to them.

He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them

Jesus knew his purpose even at that time, and he knew he was doing God’s work when he was left in the temple. However, when his earthly parents came to get him, even if they did not understand everything yet, he obeyed, he came down with them. He did not insist that they should let him stay in the temple because he should do God’s work. He did not get frustrated at his earthly parents not knowing and not understnading God’s plan and mission for Jesus. Instead, he humbly went home and obeyed his parents.

There are times that we will not agree with our parents. Probbaly it must be the age, or the way we were brought up. We may sometimes have different views and opinions on things. However, like Jesus, even if we know we are right, we should honor God’s commandment and respect our parents. We should not insist on what we know or thinkg, but rather always be obedient and subject ourselves to them (of course as long as they don’t lead us to sin).

In this life, we want to be independent. We want to earn well, we want to be respected in our own fields – be it corporate or having our business. We want to know more things and be educated. However, no matter how much we have accomplised in our life here on earth, no matter how powerful or independent we may be, we should not forget to always subject ourselves to God, to continue to have that childlike attitude towards God.

As we celebrate the feast of Sto Nino, the baby Jesus, may we always be reminded to obey and subject ourselves to God, having a childlike attitude towards him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the reminder that no matter what we are able to accomplish in this life, we should always be humble and subject ourselves to you. Lord, help me always have that childlike faith, that childlike attitude towards you. Never let my worldly accomplishments get the best of me and make me forget your place in my life. As I submit myself to you, use me to reach out as well to the little ones of this world – may I be able to make them feel your love in my own little way. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Powerful WORD

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011913.cfm) reminds me how powerful God’s WORD is.

In the first reading, we see how powerful and effective God’s WORD is. His Word, the truth, is able to penetrate the deepest and innermost of our being. His word makes us realize things, and assures us on our concerns in life. God’s word gives us consolation, hope and the truth.

God speaks to us through a lot of things, and one of which is his WORD,  the bible. As we read and get familiar with the bible, we learn a lot of things. There are times when we feel God talking directly to us through his word. We feel God’s messages of love, hope and call to conversion. As we see in the psalm, his words are spirit and life. His word gives life, both physically when he raised and healed people during his time, and spiritually when we are reminded to come back to him through his word.

Jesus words are effectve and powerful. In the gospels, we see him raise dead people, heal and cure with his word. And as we see in the first reading, he is one with us except sin. He can sympathize with us because he went through what we are going through. He was tempted as well, but his faithin and realtionship with God helped him overcome these temptations. May we be inspired to be like Christ, and give importance to God’s Word as he did.

Do I read the Word? Is it important to me? Do I realize that God cannot speak to me if I don’t know his voice, if I do not read up on his Word?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, there are a lot of things I want to do this weekend. I want to rest, but at the same time, I also want to maximize the weekend by spending time with people that matter to me. Despite all these things, help me Lord to spend time with you. Help me spend time with you and get to know you, and may I give importance and read and listen to your Word. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

How Far Would You Go?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011813.cfm) asks me – How for would you go for faith? How far are you willing to go for other people?

In the gospel, we see a familiar story (See related reflections below). It is inspiring how four people, which may or may not be friends of the paralyzed man, had the will, the faith, and made the effort to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus. It was not easy since there were a lot of people already, but these guys went the extra mile to bring the paralytic t Jesus, in hopes of healing for the person.

I don’t know if I would have done the same.

Sometimes compassion is not translated to action. Yes, you may feel sorry for the person, but actually doing something to help a person is a whole different thing. But these guys did not just act, they acted in a different level. Probably others will try to bring him to Jesus, but after seeing the house full, will say to the person – Sorry, a lot of people already. Maybe you’re not meant to be healed today. But not these guys. These guys went all the way to the roof, and brought the man down, resulting to him being healed.

It is not always easy to serve God. It is not always easy doing things for others. Sometimes God gives us challenges not to dishearten us, but to inspire, encourage and strengthen us. May we be inspired by the four men, whose love, faith, will and determination to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus, despite the challenges brought healing to the man, and glory to God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you that it’s the last working day of the week! =) Lord, I ask that you give me opportunities to strengthen my faith. May I be able to bring others to you, no matter how difficult or challenging it may be. It may not always be easy, but it is worth the effort to bring others to You. As I live my faith, may I not be dishearten by challenges, but take it as it is – challenges to build and develop my faith. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/positive-influence.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-far-will-you-go.html

Result of Actions

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011713.cfm) reminds me that our actions would always result to something, even if we do not mean it, or see it while doing the act itself.

In Science, there is such a thing called Newton’s third law – For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When you throw a ball and it hits the wall, it comes back to you. Your force on the ball it matched by the wall’s force on the ball. I believe this is true in life as well. Our actions have results and implications, which sometimes are unexpected or greater that what we thought.

Jesus told the man, whom he healed, to not tell others about his healing. For whatever reason Jesus has, we cannot be sure. But what we do know is the man disobeyed Jesus command. Probably he was just overwhelmed and very happy so he thought of sharing his healing to others. Maybe he meant no offense, but his actions had effects on Jesus – he was not able to go about freely because his fame spread.

There are times in our lives when we don’t mean harm. There are times when we don’t think our actions would cause a great effect on others or on ourselves. We are reminded to be careful, and to always follow whatever Jesus tells us, so that as we live our lives, no matter what happens, we know that we are following Jesus and we are doing our best to live lives pleasing to him and not against him.

What actions in my life caused unexpected results? Am I careful in the way I act? Do I know that even if I go against God’s will, he will still make a way for his plans to come true?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me to check my actions. Lord, there are a lot of times I do not think well enough before I act. There are times I do not consider the implications of my actions. Sorry for those times my actions hurt you. Lord, help me become more careful with my actions. Help me follow you and not let me emotions get the best of me. And always remind me that even if I go against your will, it won’t be enough to stop your great plans, and I will always have another chance to act and serve you better. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Pray to be Focused

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011613.cfm) reminds me how important it is to pray to so we can always be focused on God’s work

Rest is very important. We need rest to recharge our body. That is why it is important to get adequate sleep every night, to rest our body from a busy day, and recharge it for a new day ahead.

In the readings, we see that Jesus is human like us. The first reading says he became like us in every way. He feels what we are feeling. So in the gospel, after healing a lot of people until late at night. If I were in his position, I would probably sleep until late in the morning, thinking that I need (and deserve) some rest for doing God’s work. But not Jesus. In fact, he did the opposite. He slept for a while, and woke up very early, before dawn, to pray. This is where he gets his strength. This is where he recharges. Imagine, the Son of God, rising early to pray! Wow, so inspiring!

Prayer is also how Jesus is able to focus on God’s work. When his disciples found him and told him there are people waiting to be cured, he did not go back, but instead went to another place to preach there. He knew he already proclaimed God’s love and power in that place, and it is time to move to another place to do the same. He did not look for the easy way – it would have been easier to go back because people already knew his power. He would be given much respect and attention – people would take care of him since he was powerful. But he chose to remain faithful to God’s task.

May we be able to realize how important and powerful prayer is, even in our busiest day =)

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how important and powerful prayer is. Lord, I am sorry for taking prayer for granted, for not making the most out of it. It is more convenient to say that I’m tired from working, or from doing your work, and I am excused to pray. Lord, give me a heart that would love prayer. May I never be too busy or too tired to want to and actually spend time with you in prayer, for I know how much it can do to me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/he-rose-early-to-pray.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/01/recharge-and-pray.html

Saying and Doing

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011513.cfm) reminds me again that knowing Christ, saying He is God, is very different from doing His work.

In the first reading and psalm, we see how great God’s love is for us, that he sent his only son and made him human just like us, to save us from our sins. We also see Jesus love for God, when he obeyed and went down to our level to save us from our sins. This is one fact that not everyone during Jesus’ time did not know, could not understand and do not want to understand.

In the gospel, we see someone knowing who Jesus is. The man with unclean spirit knows who Jesus really is. “What have you to do, Jesus of Nazareth?... I know who you are – the Holy One of God.” Jesus was not happy with the man’s word. Why? Because he was not saying that out of faith and love of him. he was saying that to mock Jesus. We then saw Jesus commanding the unclean spirit to shut up come out of the man.

Knowing Jesus is not enough. Professing Jesus is not enough. Especially know, it is easy to say who Jesus is. It is easy to tell what he did for us. We know it. We study it in school. We hear it from people. What is harder, and what is more important, is living it. We need to live our faith. We need to profess our faith, not with our lips, but with our actions. As we do this, we can say that Jesus would be happy and pleased with us.

Am I living my faith in God?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding us that it is not enough to profess my faith with words. Lord, I am sorry for sometimes being complacent with my faith, for being contented with simply knowing you, simply telling others about you. I ask that you help me live my faith. May I translate my words into actions and may I live a life pleasing to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Too Focused?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011413.cfm) reminds me to not be too focused on what I am doing in this life, that I miss out on the important things.

In the gospel, Jesus called his first disciples. They were working and doing their own business when Jesus called them. However, when Jesus called them, they left everything – their work, their family, their old life - and followed Jesus.

We may not experience Jesus himself coming to us and asking us to follow him – like he did the disciples. But I believe that Jesus comes to us, everyday, in the simple and ordinary things. He comes to us as we do our work, as we study, as we live our lives. This is why it is important that we should not be too focused on what we are doing, else we miss Jesus coming to us and miss the opportunity to follow him and serve him through others.

What is my goal right now? Am I focused on it? Am I focused too much that I don’t mind other things that come my way? Am I sensitive to Jesus’ calling me everyday? When was the last time he called me, and I responded positively?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another opportunity to love and serve you. Lord, I am sorry for not always being sensitive to you. Sorry for being too focused on my life, on my work, on my goals, that I fail to see you in my life. Help me become more sensitive to you, and when you call me, may I be like the disciples, ready and willing to leave what I am doing to do your work. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

One With Us

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011313.cfm) reminds us that Jesus is one with us in all aspects, except sin.

The readings remind us how anointed Jesus was. He really is the Son of God, sent by God to save us from our sins as he proclaims God’s kingdom. The gospel recounts his baptism, and God affirming to everyone present that Jesus is his Son.

Jesus did not need to be baptized. He is one with God, one with him from eternity. He only had himself baptized to show us that he is really one with us. That he goes through what we go through. That he experiences that we experience. In doing so, we are reminded, and encouraged, that we can also do what Jesus can do.

Jesus was tempted several times, just like us. He was given a task to proclaim God’s kingdom, just like us. He became afraid and asked if he can be spared the pain, just like us. When he destroyed the vendors in the temple, we see him mad, just like us. He attends weddings and eats, just like us. Knowing this, we know that we can also do what he did. We can forgive, just like him. We can show compassion and help other people, just like him. We can proclaim God’s kingdom, just like Him.

May Jesus baptism remind us that he is one with us, and encourage us to live lives just like his.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for all the blessings you have generously bestowed upon me and my family. Thank you for the Word that reminded me that Jesus is also human, just like us. Help us Lord to take it into heart. Help us be inspired that we can also live a life pleasing to you, doing your work and spreading your love to other people we encounter. May today, we spread your love in a special way. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-