God sees the Heart

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022813.cfm) reminds me that God really sees what is inside of us, what other people do not see…

The excerpt of the first reading tells us..

I, the LORD, alone probe the mind
and test the heart,
To reward everyone according to his ways,
according to the merit of his deeds.

Here in the Philippines, the “Freedom Of Information (FOI)” bill is one of the controversial legislations that is having a hard time getting passed. The congress just closed, and still there seems to be no progress on the bill. This bill aims to make available the information of government officials to the public. Transparency. However, they say the bill has a lot of provisions they do not agree with, so it has not yet been passed.

Unlike how it is here on earth, we cannot hide anything with God.

It is easy to conceal what is inside. It is easy to do good deeds but with evil intentions. IT is easy to talk about God but not actually do what we are saying. It is easy to tell others what they should do without actually believing what we are saying. People will not always see what is inside, people will not always see the real reason for things. However, God does.

In the gospel, there is a reason why Lazarus went to heaven and the rich man to the netherworld. God sees the heart. Probably Lazarus was trusting in God so much, even if he was really in a difficult situation. Hunger cannot keep him from continuing to trust and worship God. The rich man, although it was not explicitly stated, probably was so selfish and did not want to share even from his excess. God sees what is really inside.

May we always remember that even if people does not see and know what is really inside of us, God does.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how powerful you are. Thank you for you see what is inside my heart, even if other people don’t, or won’t. Lord, I ask that you help me remember that. Help me purify my thoughts, motives and intentions – not just what is coming out of me, for I know your word that says it is what is inside the person who makes him unclean, not what is outside. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/01/he-sees-inside.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/magka-alaman-na.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/god-sees-inside.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/god-sees.html

Serve

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022713.cfm) reminds me how active Jesus was in serving God.

From the very beginning, Jesus knew his mission. We see this at an early age, when he was 12 and was left in the temple. He stayed in the temple doing his father’s work. As he got older, he worked harder to do God’s mission for Him. He was faithful to God’s mission, despite the challenges and difficulties he encountered.

As he was bringing others to God, he was leading by example.

He did not simple just say how great God is. He did not simply say that we should serve God. He was doing it himself. In fact, he was the one who served God the greatest. He was leading the disciples, showing them how we should serve God. His actions complemented his words, and that made the message stronger.

Despite the challenges and difficulties, are you actively serving God, leading others to do the same?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your word. Thank you for sending me your Son Jesus Christ to show me the way. I ask that I be inspired by Jesus and step out of my comfort zone and actively serve you despite the challenges, and as I do so, bring others to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Double Lives

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022613.cfm) reminds me that we should not live double lives.

I recently watched the movie “The Amazing Spider Man” and in there, there was a line by Aunt May to Peter Parker. “Secrets have a cost. They’re not free.”

I believe this goes as well even to us, normal human beings. Secrets have a cost. Spider man was living double lives. He is Peter Parker and Spider Man. Some of us, too, have double lives. We may not have a different identity, we may not be a superhero, but we are living double lives if we are not living consistently with what we say.

In the gospel, the scribes and Pharisees know what they should do. Even Jesus acknowledges this. “Do and observe whatever they tell you” These Pharisees and scribes know how we should behave, how God wants us to behave. But they are not living it. Jesus further says – “but do not follow their example” Yes, double lives.. What you say is different from what you actually do.

Sometimes, we may not realize, but we may already be living double lives. We know what God wants. We know the 10 commandments, we know we should be good people, we know the importance of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. However, we may not necessarily do these things. We may say these, but we may not do these things, especially when no one is watching us, when no one can see what we are doing. It is easy to be good when you’re with good people, with church friends, with people who have the same values as you. However, when we are with other people, people who do not necessarily value these things, we may get carried away and act differently from what we say, from what we know, from how we act when we’re with church friends. Double lives.

The first reading tells us what God wants. May we live a righteous life, regardless of who we are with. Let us live a life consistent with God’s teachings all the time.

In what ways am I living double lives? Do I have secrets? What are the bad habits and vices I cannot let go? What is keeping me from letting go of these things? Am I willing to let God control my life?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me to live a life consistent with your ways all the time. Thank you for challenging me not to live double lives. I am sorry Lord for living double lives sometimes. Sometimes I act differently or behave differently when I am with other people, when no one can see me. I forget that you Lord always see what I do. I pray that you give me the strength to submit to you and follow you all the time. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

We Too Are Sinners

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022513.cfm) reminds us that we too are sinners, and should extend the grace and forgiveness we experience from God to those who offend us.

The readings today remind us that we are sinners. The first reading tells us we are sinners and have done wicked things in the eyes of God. Every human being sins and does wicked things in the eyes of God. The psalmist prays for God’s grace to fall upon us, for God not to judge us based on our sins, our wickedness.

Good news is God loves us so much and is so forgiving and merciful.

Thing is, he asks us to do the same to others.

The gospel shows us Jesus saying that “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Further on, he tells us that “forgive and you will be forgiven.” Just as we have experienced God’s mercy and forgiveness, so should we extend it to others. We cannot expect it from God if we are not willing to extend it to others.

Do I realize that I myself have a lot of sins? Do I know that God is merciful and forgiving? Do I extend God’s mercy and forgiveness to those who have hurt me?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the weekend. Lord, I ask that as I start another week, you continue to work through me. As I experience your love, mercy and forgiveness, may I also share these to others. Continue to work to me and through me so that in my own little way, I may extend your love, mercy and forgiveness to others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Surprise!

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022413.cfm) reminds me that God continues to surprise us.

We see the in the gospel the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration. Jesus took his closest disciples to the mountain to pray. It was probably a usual activity for them. They often pray with Jesus, so when Jesus called them, they were probably not expecting something new or special to happen. However, as they were praying (the disciples even became sleepy), Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, and were talking with Jesus! Moses – the representation of the Law, and Elijah, the representation of the prophets, were talking with Jesus. Later on, a greater surprise happened – they heard God’s voice “This is my chosen Son; listen to him”

In our everyday lives, we are surprised by God in different ways. Sometimes these surprises may seem small and insignificant, sometimes really huge ones. What we need to do is be ready and have an attitude always sensitive and ready to receive and experience God’s surprises. IT may come in small blessings such as no traffic on the way to the office, a vacant seat in the bus or MRT, a free parking slot when you’re in a hurry, or going home with the sun still up. IT may also come in what we consider big ways such as healing from sickness, getting the job you wanted, healing of a broken relationship or an answered prayer. There are a lot of ways God surprises us and we should just be ready to receive such surprises from Him.

In what ways have God surprised me in the past? What are the unexpected blessings I receive in my life? Do I allow God to use me to surprise others?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your love that always surprises us. Lord, I thank you that nothing is impossible for you, and that you never fail to surprise us, even in the most difficult or most normal circumstances. I pray Lord that I always be sensitive and ready to receive your surprises in my life, and may I also allow myself to be used by you to surprise others as well. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

For Sure?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022313.cfm) reminds me that we should follow God, even if it may seem to go against what we think is common sense.

The first reading reminds us of God’s promise, that he will take care of us as long as we remain in him, as long as we obey his commandments.

What does God want us to do?

Love your enemies!

Easier said than done, of course.

They say that an effective way of losing enemies is for us to love them. If you genuinely love your enemies, you will lose these enemies, at least on your part.

God is fair – he gives his blessings both to the good and to the wicked. He does not choose whom he gives sunlight or rain to, God is abounding with goodness and it just flows to everyone, good and bad alike. We are called to do the same.

It is easy to be good to people who are good to you. it is easy to be nice to people who are nice. It is easy to be generous with your time, talent and treasure to your friends and family who appreciates you, thanks you, and will repay your goodness in one way or another. However, everyone is like that – even evil people.

God wants us to be different..

We are called to be children of God. We are called to be perfect in love – to love those unlovable, to be good to those who does not acknowledge or thank us, to be generous to those who cannot repay us back. To love until it hurts, only then can we truly become children of God, trying to be perfect in loving, the way God is. Then we can expect God’s reward as stated in the first reading and the psalm – Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for this weekend. Lord, I thank you for being generous with your love and goodness. Thank you for letting your blessings flow to both the good and the bad. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart after yours. May I love those unlovable, be generous to those who cannot repay me, and be good to those who does not acknowledge me. May I spread your love as I live my life, and be perfect just as you are perfect. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

You Are Peter

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022213.cfm) reminds us that we should be like Peter and serve God.

As we celebrate the feast of the Chair of St Peter, we are reminded of him in the readings.

The first reading shows us how saint Peter, the Church’s leader, wants us to serve. He exhorts the church leaders to take care of those entrusted to their care and not abuse them – to be faithful to their task and be rewarded when Jesus, the chief shepherd, comes again.

The gospel reminds us that Peter was anointed and chosen by Jesus, how Jesus entrusted the Church to Peter.

And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven

Jesus loved us so much that He appointed and anointed Peter to take care of his church. He trusts in us so much that he gave us one of our own to be our leader in faith. And I believe he is calling us to be like Peter, even if we are not church leaders, to serve Him and bring others to him as we take care of each other in following Christ.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how much you love me. Thank you for giving us saint Peter to take care of us. Thank you for continuing to guide us through the Pope which we consider as the successor of Saint Peter. We pray for the Pope, the servant of the servants of God. We pray that you continue to guide him, and guide the college of cardinals as they prepare for the papal conclave and listen to the Holy Spirit as they vote for the next pope. Lord, I also ask that in my own little way, you use me as your servant and may I bring glory and happiness to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Assurance

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022113.cfm) assures me of God’s love and protection over us, his children.

The first reading shows us a child of God coming to Him in prayer. Queen Esther comes to God with her petitions and opens up herself to God. The gospel says God’s response to such prayers.

“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him

God knows what we ask of Him even before we actually ask. However, that does not mean he will give everything we ask of him. Our parents love us, but would not give us what we ask if they know what we ask will be bad for us. More so with God. God also knows what will be good for us, so he will only give us what is best for us, he will give us only what is according to his perfect plan.  This is why it is important to stay close to God, so we would know what he wants from us, and be sensitive enough to his voice, and let humble ourselves and submit ourselves to his will.

May we learn to ask according to the will of God, and be assured of his love for and protection to us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how much you love me and how much you care for me. Lord, I thank you for my earthly parents. They may not be perfect, but you gave them to me to be ambassadors of your love to me. Help me show how much I love and appreciate them. I pray for those who are orphans or those who do not have parents that make them feel your love. I pray that you send them people that would keep your love alive in their lives. Lord, I also ask that you mold my heart. May I always be sensitive to your will, and always submit myself to your will, having the assurance that you have the best for me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Repent

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022013.cfm) reminds me how we should repent

People act differently from each other, mainly because of differences in background and personality. One may consider a particular action offensive, but to another person, it is perfectly normal. Same is true with our faith. Probably there are differences in culture and environment from the time when the bible was written from now, but there are things which do not change.

In the first reading, we see how the people and the king repented when Jonah carried the message. The situation and the response that time may be different from the current times, but one thing is the same – we also need to repent, both in words and in deeds.

God knows if repentance is genuine. It is easy to say we are sorry and will promise to be better, but actually meaning what we say Is entirely different. God sees beyond words and actions. Yes, actions speak louder than words, but I believe that actions should be consistent with words. God knows and sees if our repentance is genuine, and will judge us based on our hearts and actions.

May we be one with the psalmist in praying - A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn

What things should I repent from? Are my actions consistent with my words? Do I ask God to give me a heart that is trully repentant, and be genuinely sorry for it as seen in the way I live my life?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how important it is to be repentant and how you are moved from a trully repentant people. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart that would be sensitive to know the times I hurt you, the times I sin. As I recognize the importance of repentance, may I also live my life consistent with it, being really sorry for my sins and living my life consistent with it. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

The Lord’s Prayer

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021913.cfm) reminds us how powerful and complete the Lord’s prayer is.

In the first reading, we see how powerful God’s WORD is. IT will not return to Him without doing the purpose which it was sent for.

The gospel shows us Jesus teaching us how to pray. It is a simple prayer, one of the first prayers we usually memorize. Unfortunately, because we have known this prayer since we were kids, we sometimes fail to see the beauty and depth of this prayer who Jesus himself taught us…

Our Father who are in heaven, hollowed by thy name

So the LORD passed before him and proclaimed: The LORD, the LORD, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity, continuing his love for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but bringing punishment for their parents’ wickedness on children and children’s children to the third and fourth generation! (Exodus 34: 6-7 - http://www.usccb.org/bible/exodus/34)

è We remember our God. We remember what our God is like. We remember what God has done for us. We remember how blessed we are having such a great God. We are blessed that we can call him our God, our Father. We should be thankful and be full of awe as we pray, as we worship our God.

thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides (Matthew 6:33 - http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6)

è Out of love for him, we pray that we would have the heart to seek and obey God’s will in our lives. We pray for faith, knowing that as we seek His will, he will bless us and give us the things that we need in this world, as we serve and glorify him with our lives. We also pray for others, that they also seek and obey God's will in their lives.

Give us this day our daily bread

so you might know that it is not by bread alone* that people live, but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:3b – http://www.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/8)

è We pray for God daily to sustain us, not just physically, but more importantly, spiritually. We remember that in this life, we need more than just physical food. Yes, man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. We need his word, we need to get to know him more, so we would be able to truly live, to truly serve and glorify Him.

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. (1 John 1:9 - http://www.usccb.org/bible/1john/1)

è The gospel says we should forgive so we would be forgiven. We also pray for humility that we would recognize our sins. We are far from perfect, and we ask God for forgiveness. We humbly come to him for forgiveness. We have faith that as we do, God forgives us and cleanses us. We also pray for those who have sinned against us, that as we forgive them and as God changes us, they also welcome God and allow Him to change their lives.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 - http://www.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/10)

è In faith, we call on Him to save and protect us. We have faith that he will not give us what we can’t bear. We have faith that God will be with us as we fight our battles, as we win over the enemy. We also pray for others who are undergoing challenges, that they may remain faithful to God, and realize that God will always be with us as we become victorious in Him.

May we see the Lord’s prayer in a new perspective and make it our own, personal prayer.

Am I taking enough time for prayer? Do I know how important prayer is? What is God telling me today about my prayer life?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how important and powerful prayer is. Thank you for the Lord’s prayer that is a simple, yet complete prayer. May I look past the normalcy of this prayer and see the beauty and completeness of this, and may I make this my own personal prayer to tell you how much I love you, how much I am sorry for my sins, how I long for you, how I praise you, and how I surrender my life to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/lords-prayer.html

Be Active

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021813.cfm) reminds me that we should also be actively serving and doing God’s work.

The first reading reminds us of the commandments. We are told what we are NOT to do. Do not steal, lie, rob, curse, etc… we are told what NOT to do so we would not displease God. However, God wants something more…

The gospel tells us that God is not satisfied by us NOT sinning. Yes, it’s a start, but not the end. He wants us to level up our service by not just refraining from doing bad, but actively doing something good. Feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick. Acts of mercy. Make God’s love alive to those who need it the most – the least, the last and the lost.

We remember in the gospel the story of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus. When they died, the rich man did not go to heaven, unlike Lazarus. Why? Not because he was a bad person, but because out of his blessings, he did not help others, even the beggar Lazarus who is just outside his house.

May we not be contented by just NOT sinning, but be brave and step out of our comfort zone and be proactively serving others.

Am I taking time out to be active in serving God and making his love more alive in this earth? What prevents me from serving God actively – work, ambitions, people who hurt me? What is God telling me right now?

Father God,

Thank you for the weekend. Thank you for giving me time to rest and take a break from everything. Lord, I ask that as I start this week, I be more active in serving you. May I not be contented with just not doing something bad, but be actively serving you and making your love more alive in the lives of those who need it the most and those I encounter every day. Amen. 

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Tempted

  

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021713.cfm) reminds me that everyone gets tempted, even Jesus.

There is a story of a man who was having troubles with sins of the flesh. He talked to a priest during confession, and asked what he should do to avoid sin. The priest told him that when temptations come, he should not entertain them, so he would not be led into sin. The man said, “Father I don’t entertain them, they entertain me!”

Everyone gets tempted. Even Jesus, as we see in the gospel. However, its what we do with temptation that sets us apart. We have the option to give in to temptation, or fight it with God’s help – to be a sinner or a saint.

When we fast, when we are weak, it is when it is easiest for the devil to tempt us. It is when we are most vulnerable. And it is where we need to hold on to God all the more.

When Jesus was tempted, he used God’s WORD. In Ephesians’ Spiritual Armor, the sword of the spirit is the Word of God. We also know that the Word of God is powerful and effective, sharper than any two edged sword. This shows we need to be familiarized and to continuously grow in knowledge and love of God’s word so we can have an armor when we are faced with the devil’s temptations.

May we be one with the psalmist in crying out – “Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble”

What temptations do the enemy always use on me? How do I respond? Do I call unto God to help me fight these temptations, or do I entertain them and be led to sin? Am I growing in knowledge and love of God’s word that would enable me to fight the enemy better?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your Word that is powerful. Lord, I am sorry for not making the most out of your word. Sorry for not spending time basking in it, in not spending time reading and understanding it. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart that would long to know you, that would devote quality time to study your word. May I always come to you in prayer and call on you for strength when faced with temptations. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Leave Everything Behind

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021613.cfm) reminds me that we should leave everything behind as we follow Christ.

The gospel shows us Levi, a sinful man, leaving everything behind and following Jesus.

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.”
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.

God does not judge us without first giving us a opportunities to right our wrongs. He gave Levi a chance, even if he was a sinful man, to follow Jesus. However, Levi needs to leave everything behind – his past life, his sins and bad habits, his lifestyle, so he can really follow Christ. He cannot be an effective follower of Christ if he will not leave things behind, if he will occasionaly go back to his old life and sin. He has to decide, with God’s grace, to leave his dark past and focus on the present and hope for he bright future with Christ.

I believe Jesus is calling each one of us as well. Jesus is asking us to come and follow Him. Question is what will be our response?

Am I willing to leave everything behind to follow Christ?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for this weekend. Lord, I thank you for never giving up on me, for never judging me. Thank you for the opportunities you give me to change my ways. Lord, I ask that I be ready when you call me. May I wholeheartedly leave everything behind and follow you all the days of my life. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

More Than…

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021513.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to go more than what is usual

The readings today are again about fasting, and I was reminded that God wants us to do more than the usual fasting. Fasting is not just an activity we should do, and that’s it. We fast and we live our lives as it is. God does not want it that way. He wants us to live our faith, to make our fasting transcend with more than just the denial of food, but of denial of the wrong notions and desires of the world.

God is not satisfied by us just fasting. He wants more, because he knows we can give more. He not only wants us to fast from food, but from the corruption of the world as well. Setting free the oppressed is us fasting from the desire of being in control, of being superior than others. Releasing those bound unjustly is us fasting from the desire of power in the world. Sharing our blessings – food, shelter, clothing – is us fasting from the comforts and desires of the world.

We can and should fast more than the normal notion of fasting from food. God deserves it.

What things should I fast from? Am I willing to fast from other things and go beyond the normal fasting from food? What is God asking from me? What is God wanting me to give up or refrain from? How can I grow closer to God this lent?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the reminder that you want us to fast in different ways. Lord, there are a lot of things we can and should do for you. Help us to be sensitive to others and not focus on ourselves. May I make the most out of this season of lent and fast from whatever you want me to fast from, and grow deeper in love with you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Everyday Decision

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021413.cfm) reminds me that following God is an everyday decision.

Yesterday, before going to the 12noon Ash Wednesday mass in our office, I was about to pay my credit card bill, when after I reviewed, I saw one transaction that was not supposed to be there. I called the card company to report the incident, and was told that I would have to file a credit card dispute, receipt of which would trigger their investigation on the matter. Right then and there, I wanted to go to the merchant to inform them of the incident with the hope of expediting things, but I saw that it was almost 12:00 noon. As a person, I want to get things done as soon as possible, I don’t want to have pending items to be done, especially when I can do them anyway. However, I was thinking that if I go to the merchant, I would surely be late for mass and might not be able to focus on the Eucharistic Celebration. Praise God, I was led to choose to go to mass first, was able to find a good spot inside the chapel, and was able to focus on the great celebration.

The gospel tells us the same thing. The decision to follow God is done everyday. The decision to love God should be done everyday.

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me

Being a follower of Christ is not a one-time deal. It is not a one-time big time decision you make after you attend a retreat or join a community. It may start from there, but following Jesus is an every day decision we should make. From the little things in life, to the things we consider as “big.” Everyday we decide who we follow, who we love, and who we are living for.

May we use this season of lent to prepare for our church’s greatest celebration – Easter. May we grow closer to God as we choose to follow him every day.

Do I realize that I should follow God everyday, or do I think that it is a one-time decision? Am I willing to follow Christ everyday? How am I carrying my cross everyday?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me of the challenge you have for me – to take up my cross everyday, to follow you everyday. I am sorry Lord for being complacent and for thinking that following you is a one-time decision. Help me to choose you every day, that in my thoughts, words and actions, I may always choose to love, serve and glorify you, Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ash Wednesday 2013

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021313.cfm) reminds us of the importance of detachment from the things of the world.

Ash Wednesday is a day where Catholics do fasting and abstinence. The readings show us how God values fasting. It is one of the spiritual disciplines we do in order to get closer to God and show him how much we love him, as well as how much we are sorry for our sins.

When we fast, we detach ourselves from the comforts of this world and take time to be one with God in his suffering for our sins. We reject the pleasures of this world, even the food we need, and depend fully on God to get us through the day. We offer the pain and suffering, from food, and allow God to give us strength. We try to show God that our love for him and the desire to be one with him and to be more like him is greater than our desire to be comfortable.

We also fast when we are praying for something – during discernment or when we are asking for a favour from God. This is not our way of bargaining with God, but rather a way in which we want to be closer to God. As we go through the fasting, we call unto God to give us strength. We offer the pain to him and ask that we be more like him. As we become one with him, his desires will be our desires, and we will be more enlightened to choose what God wants us to take when we are discerning, and openly accept God’s answer to our prayers when we ask him for something.

Good news – we will be rewarded for fasting.

Bad news – we will be rewarded only once.

The gospel reminds us that we should not fast for others to see. It will either be God, or others, who will reward us for fasting. This is true for prayer and almsgiving. We should fast, pray, give alms and abstain for the right intentions.

As we usher in the season of Lent, may we be disciplined to fast, abstain, pray more and give alms to others. Today, we are  required to fast and abstain. Fasting and abstinence is not just from food and meat, but in these world nowadays there are a lot of ways and things we can fast and abstain from – internet, facebook, sweets, too much food, etc. what is important is we are ready and willing to detach ourselves from this world and be one with God in suffering for others for love of God.

Am I ready to fast and abstain today? This holy week, what am I ready to give up for Christ?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your love that is always ready to welcome me back into your arms. Lord, as we usher in the season of lent, help me be ready and willing to fast and abstain. Lead me Lord and tell me what you want me to give up this lent. Help me also to become extra sensitive to the needs of others, and spend more time in prayer. This season, may I be one with you in suffering and detachment from this world, and may I grow even more closer to you, and more in love with you, just like Jesus and Mary. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/god-sees.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/detachment.html