Christ Is Risen

This Easter 2013, the WORD (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/033113.cfm) reminds us that Christ has risen and has won over sin and death.

The gospel tells us different accounts/stories about Christ’s rising from the dead. We see how the disciples and those close to him first experienced His rising and winning over sin and death.

Today is a very joyful and victorious day! If at Christmas, Christ was born which signifies the start of our salvation history, today, we see Jesus rising from the dead, which signifies Christ’s victory over sin and death – the completion of His mission, of our salvation.

It is very fitting that we are given time to prepare for Easter as well. We are also given 40 days to prepare for Christmas, but sometimes we get caught up in the business of the season and do not get to prepare spiritually as much as we should. During lent, I believe we are more able to prepare, starting from Ash Wednesday where we fast and abstain, every Fridays where we abstain, and Good Friday where we also fast and abstain. It is also the season where we usually sacrifice or give up something, to be one with Christ in denying our self and to be closer to God as we give up things for Him.

We should be joyful, not just because we can already stop our Lenten sacrifices, but because we celebrate and commemorate God’s great love and power.  With it comes the task, like the disciples in the first reading, to proclaim God’s kingdom and preach the gospel with our lives. With Christ’s rising and victory comes our call to do our part to proclaim it.

The celebration does not end today. We can still continue to offer our sacrifices. For those who feel they have not given enough, we can still offer new sacrifices of self-denial or love offerings to God. And God’s call to act, to preach his word, to proclaim his kingdom, is here, and he is waiting for our response.

Christ is Risen…let us make him more alive through our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for Easter! Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for all the blessings you continue to give me and my loved ones. Lord, I thank you for your great love for me, and thank you for your great power over sin and death. Lord, I feel that I have not given enough, that there is still a lot of room for you in my life, so I ask that you help me continue offering sacrifices and love offerings so that you may continue to fill my life with your love. Help me respond to your call to action to bring you to others, and make you more alive through the way I live my life. May I make the most out of my life, and make Easter last not just today. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/04/easter-sunday-new-life-in-christ.html

Dark Night

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/033013.cfm) reminds me that no matter how dark the night may seem, the sun will eventually come out.

Today, the readings are for the Easter Vigil. Probably the longest, if not the longest readings for the mass. We keep vigil and wait for Sunday, for Easter, for the time we commemorate Christ’s rising from the dead, victory over sin and death.

But before the reach the light, we should first pass through darkness.

We could just imagine how the disciples were feeling during this time. Jesus is dead. Their teacher, leader, master for three years is dead. They probably do not know what to do. They have been following him and are now like lost sheep. Not only that, they are probably scared that they would also be arrested and killed. How terrifying it must have been for everyone during that time, not knowing what to do, not knowing what will happen.

We also find ourselves in a similar situation, some more often than others.

There are times we do not know what the future holds. We are scared of what will happen next. We feel lost, helpless and hopeless. Times like these, let us hold on to our faith. We may not know what’s next, but let us cling on to God’s word that he has great plans for us. May his resurrection be an inspiration and a source of strength for us to keep fighting, to remain in Him until the sun’s light washes away the darkness around us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that in life, there will always be dark nights. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone in the darkness or loneliness I feel. Thank you for reminding me that even your disciples and the people closest to you experienced the same. As I am reminded of this, may I draw strength and inspiration from them, and may I always remember your word that says you have great plans for me. Lord, may I be steadfast in loving and serving you while I await for the sun’s rays to cast away the darkness around me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

From Bad to Good

Today, Good Friday 2013, the WORD (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032913.cfm) reminds me that God can turn something bad into something good.

Today, we commemorate Christ’s death. It’s supposed to be sad, but we call it good Friday. Why? Because what the devil has intended for evil, God has turned into something good.

We see Christ’s passion in the gospel. And as we see in the second reading, Jesus is like us in every way, except sin. He was tested, tempted, and had emotions too. That’s why we can imagine how he felt during that time. He felt every fear as he knew the time was nearing. He felt every pain as he was being scourged, whipped, crowned with thorns and nailed to the cross. He felt sadness as he was being mocked and laughed at,  and when Peter denied him three times. However, most important is he felt love – for God and submitting to his will, and love for us.

Good news for good Friday! We are saved because Christ died for us!

The first reading reminds us of this. “It was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured…by his stripes, we are healed.” Christ loves us so much that human as he is, he chose to lay his life for us. He chose us over himself. He chose to submit to God’s will and save us.

This may be a sad day, commemorating Jesus’ death, but God’s power turns this sad, bad day into something good.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how much you love me. Jesus, Thank you for dying for me. It must have been so painful, so sad, so depressing and so lonely to bear all our sins on your shoulder. Yet you submitted to God’s will because you love me. Thank you for that. Lord, thank you for your love and your power that turns something evil, something bad, into something good. I pray that I would always be thankful and always be ready to die of myself, like Jesus, and submit to your great and perfect plan. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/04/good-friday-god-loves-you.html

Love and Sevice

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032813-evening-mass-lords-supper.cfm)  reminds me of the importance of Love and Service.

Today, I was blessed to be able to attend the Lord’s Supper Mass officiated by Manila Archbishop Chito Cardinal Tagle, and he discussed the importance of love and service going hand in hand.

The first reading reminds us of the feast of the Passover – where the angel of death “passed over” those with whose houses that have the blood of the lamb. The second reading tells us that Jesus is the new lamb, whose blood he gave up freely so we will not die of sin, so he can save us.

The gospel tells us what Jesus told his disciples when he was about to pass over, when he was about to die to save us. He wanted them to remember two things – Love and Service.

Jesus loves us that is why he gave up his life freely to save us from our sins. He loves the Father so much that he submitted to his will, even if it meant it would be painful, even if it meant that he would be separated from the Father.

At that time, washing of the feet is done by slaves. In fact, not all slaves – only the lowest of the slaves. That is how lowly a task it is. During that time, people would walk a lot, so the feet are the most abused and dirty part of the body. That is why it’s given to the lowest of slaves. However, Jesus, the teacher and master of the disciples, washed their feet. He showed them humility. He showed them service. He showed them what it will entail to work for God.

Love and service should go together. Profession of love is easy, however, translating it to action is a different story. We need to walk the talk, to live our profession of love to God and to others. Also, service should be rooted in love. Working is not enough. Actions are not enough. You can work for God without wanting to, without the heart to. That’s why some people serve with a heavy heart, with a frown on their face. Love and service should always be together.

May we be inspired by Jesus to love and serve others with our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me the importance of love and of service. Thank you for challenging me to love and serve you and others in my life. Lord, may I always have the heart to love you and others, and may I always translate that into service, into action. That everything I do for you be rooted in love, and may I bring you to others as I serve them. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Who Can Stand Against?

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032713.cfm) reminds me that nothing can stand against God

One of my favourite songs is “Our God”, and a part of the lyrics says:

“.. and if Our God is for us,

then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is for us,

then what can stand against..?”

The first reading tells us this as well.

He is near who upholds my right;
if anyone wishes to oppose me,
let us appear together.
Who disputes my right?
Let him confront me.
See, the Lord GOD is my help;
who will prove me wrong?

If God is for us, nothing can stand against us. It doesn’t mean we’ll have it easy. In fact, as followers of Christ, we will experience difficulties and challenges in life. However, we should remember that nothing can stand against us if God is with us. Nothing can stand against God, so we just need to hold on to him and have faith in him and his love and power.

This holy week, we are reminded of that fact. Yes, Christ was scared and at one point asked if he can be spared his cross. But he continued to trust in God, and out of that trust and love for God, he submitted himself. He suffered, yes – big time. He died. But as true as nothing can stand against God, even death and evil, Christ rose again and has forever won victory for us.

May we remember that no matter how difficult or challenging the situation may be, no matter how powerful the enemy may be, as long as God is with us, nothing can stand against us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me your great love and power. Lord, I pray that I continue to have that faith in you, your love and your power, that despite everything that I am experiencing, every challenge and difficulty, may I always remember that as long as you are with me, nothing can stand against us. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Emotions Are High

The WORD today (http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032613.cfm) reminds me not to let me emotions control me

There is a saying that before you speak or reply, count to ten. If angry, count to 100.

Emotions are very powerful. When people are very happy, they tend to agree or promise anything. Same is true when people are mad. They tend to say hurtful things they don’t really mean. That is why it is important to not let emotions control us in our lives.

In the gospel, we see Peter saying that he would die for Jesus. Probably his emotions were high. He was probably afraid at the fact that Jesus would soon leave them. He probably wanted to defend Christ too. However, we all knew what happened when Christ was arrested. He did not live up to his word.

Emotions change instantly. One moment you’re up, another your down. Now you’re happy, then something happens and you’re suddenly angry at the world. That is why it is important to let emotions settle and not get controlled by them. That is why it is important to be anchored on God – because He does not change. No matter how we may feel, up or down, angry or happy, God’s love, power, mercy and grace is constant, is always there, and will always be there.

May we not let our emotions get the best of us, instead, anchor ourselves on our constant God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me to not let emotions control me. Lord, I am sorry for making promises or saying things when emotions are high. Sorry for the times I have not lived up to my promises, for the times I have said hurtful things because of my emotions. And I thank you Lord for like with Peter, you will always give me enough ways to make up for it and to prove that I love you. Lord, may I anchor my life on you and always remember your constant love for me. Amen..

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Best Shot

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032513.cfm) reminds me to give my best shot for Jesus.

My uncle tells me of a picture he keeps with him. it’s not a fancy picture taken by an artist using the state of the art camera, but by a normal camera of me taking free throw while playing basketball in grade school. He does not even remember if the shot went in, but what stuck to him was what I told him – “I gave this my best shot”

I believe God is like this as well. He wont care about the result as much as he does with the process of us obtaining the result. God cares if we give him our best shot, in whatever we do, and not just with the output of the game.

Why? Because God deserves our best.

In the gospel, we see Mary giving the best oil for Jesus. She was a wise woman, knowing who to give the best oil to. Earlier Jesus commended her for choosing the better part, listening to Jesus instead of working like Martha.

God expects only our best. He does not compare us with others – with what others give, with the service of others, with what others say. God looks at our heart and checks if what we give him is our best. Like Jesus and the poor widow, he is not concerned if the amount we give is just a fraction of what others give. What is important to him is if we give our first fruits, if we give until it hurts, if we give from what we have and need, not just out of our surplus. God does not care of we cannot preach and teach as great preachers do. IF we live our lives in a way pleasing to him, if we teach others the best way we can, then that is more than enough for God. He does not care if we give up a lot for lent or when we sacrifice. What is more important to him is our heart and our intentions as we give these things up. If we give him our best, that is more than enough for Him.

May we be moved and challenged to give God our best shot, not just to give him out of our surplus or what is comfortable for us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for this chance to ponder upon your Word. Lord, I ask that you help me have a heart that will give my best to you. Help me not to compare myself with other people, and not just to give you what is surplus, what is comfortable for me to give to you. May I give my best to you – the first fruits of my labor, the best of my time, my service, my resources. Remind me that you are not just concerned on the outcome, but if I give my best every step of the way. May I always give you and offer you my best shot in life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Empty

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032413.cfm) reminds me how necessary it is to be empty to be filled again.

Today’s gospel is probably the longest we hear on Sunday masses. It tells the story of Christ’s passion. There is a lot we can learn from this. A lot of realizations from the different situations that happened. But what struck me was how Jesus surrendered and emptied himself as he submitted to God’s will. This enabled God to fulfil his plan. This shows how God the Father loves us, how God the Son gave up his earthly life to save us, inspired by God the Holy Spirit.

I attended a prayer meeting last Friday, led by two great friends – two people I really look up to. They wanted to drive two points – God loves us and God saved us.

No doubt, God loves us. He sent his only son to be one of us in all aspects except sin. Jesus loves us so much that he was willing to be separated to the Father when he bore our sins – thus he uttered the words “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?”, because right at that moment, he bore all our sins to save us, and because God and sin cannot exist together, he was separated from God who he has been with for all eternity.

Because of this, we are saved. He died to save us from sin and death. He died to give us new life. He died so he can carry our sins and intercede for us to the Father. No matter how grave, or how simple, our sins may be… Christ saved us.

Let us remember how powerful and filling emptying ourselves is. God’s plan was accomplished because Christ empties himself and surrendered to God’s will. In the same way, God has great plans for us as well. And like with Jesus, the only way it can be accomplished is if we empty our self and allow God to fill us up and use us for his purpose, no matter how difficult and painful it may be on our end.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for sending your only son Jesus to become one with us in all aspects except sin. Thank you for giving us an inspiration, that even your Son did not have it easy, yet was obedient to you to the point of death. Lord, may I be like Jesus who was willing to empty himself and allow you to use me. May I empty myself of my own wants, desires and plans, and allow you to use me to accomplish your plan, even if it means that I would suffer and have a hard time. I just trust that your plans will be well worth the pain of dying to myself and emptying myself. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

What’s your Motive?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032313.cfm) reminds me to check what  the motives of my actions are

In the gospel, we see chief priests and Pharisees discussing about Jesus. Why were they concerned? Why do they want to kill Jesus? Was it because he was doing something bad, or that they believe he was not a true son of God? Do they think he blasphemes and lead other people to sin? Unfortunately, not. They want to get rid of Jesus so they won’t have a threat to what they currently enjoy. They want him to die so no one will challenge them and expose the wrong that they are doing. They want to get rid of Jesus for their own evil motives.

You know nothing,
nor do you consider that it is better for you
that one man should die instead of the people,
so that the whole nation may not perish.

It may be seen like a noble intention. One man to die so the whole nation may be saved. But he has ulterior motives. Motives that other people may not see. Motives that I too may have.

Actions do not always reveal the real intention or motives of a person. Only we (and God) know what’s in our hearts as we do things that people see. This is why it is important to always check our motives for doing things – is it for ourselves, that people may say good things about us and for us to feel good about ourselves, do we want to project a certain image; or is it really for God – to praise and glorify Him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me to check and examine my intentions. Lord, I know my heart can deceive even me, so I ask that you help me examine and purify my thoughts, purify my motives, purify my intentions. May I do things only for you, to honor and glorify you. Amen..

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

ps
see related reflections:
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/whats-your-motive.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/01/check-heart.html

Just Call My Name…

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032213.cfm) reminds me that God will always be there for us

One of the more popular songs of the group Jackson 5 is “I’ll be there”  and part of the lyrics of the song says “Just call my name, and I’ll be there.” This may not be written as a love songs for God, or a love song from God, but the song reminds me of how God is with us.

In the first reading, we see how faithful Jeremiah is. He knows God will take care of him and that God will never abandon him. We see the psalmist echo this when he says “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice”

God always hears us. He may not answer the way we want him to, or he may not answer at once, but we can be sure that he hears us, and he will always be there for us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that you always hear my prayer, that you will always be there. Lord, forgive me for being impatient when things doesn’t go my way. Forgive me for the times I doubt your love and your power because you don’t answer me the way I want you to. Give me the faith like Jeremiah and your Son Jesus who always trusts in you, amidst all the challenges life may bring before them. Amen..

God bless!

In Christ,

-g-

Faithful Forever

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032113.cfm) reminds me that God is and will always be faithful to his covenant.

In the first reading, God made a covenant to Abram. God told Abram that he shall now be called Abraham, and that he will be the father of nations. Probably this was not too easy for Abraham to believe. Why? Because when this happened, he was ninety-nine years old! To be told that he will be the father of nations was probably something he would not take seriously.

Good news – God really keeps his word!

We see in the gospel that indeed, God kept his word. The Jews have high regard for their father Abraham. Though they cannot see and understand who Jesus is because they are blinded by their hardened hearts, we still see that God kept his covenant to Abraham – that he became the father of nations.

God keeps our covenant to us. He will keep his word – that he will take care of us, that he has great plans for us, that he will protect us, that he will love us. No matter what we are facing right now, God’s covenant still holds true.

However, we need to keep our part of the covenant as well. Does this mean that God will only keep his part if we keep ours? Probably not… but if we wont keep our part, it’s like us saying we don’t want God to keep his part. IF we wont submit to his will, it will be hard for him to make his great plans for us come true. If we run away from him, it will be hard for him to protect us. IF we do not take care of ourself and others, it will be hard for God to take care of us. If we continue to sin and harden our hearts towards him, it will be hard for him to make his love alive in our lives, because we don’t allow God to love us.

The psalmist is right – the Lord remembers his covenant forever… he is faithful, so should we.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that you will always be faithful to your covenant. I am sorry for the many times I broke my word to other people. I am sorry for the many times I broke my promises to you, Lord. Lord, I ask that you help me to be faithful to my word. Help me keep my promises – to other people and most especially, to you. Help me submit myself to your wlll. Help me be focused on you and on serving and loving you, and not to be distracted with the lies the world tells me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Simply Amazing

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032013.cfm) reminds me how amazing God is

In the first reading, we see one of the visually amazing stories in the old testament. We see three people being unhurt by fire. Not only that, Jesus came to rescue them. How cool is that!

It must have been a great scene! Three people were unhurt by fire. Three people stood firmly on their faith, trusting in God. As a result, the king and the whole nation witnessed how great, powerful and loving God is.

Good news – God does not stop in the old testament!

Right now, there are still miracles and manifestations of God’s amazing power, love and mercy. These may not be as exciting as persecuted followers unharmed by fire, but in our day to day lives, God still sends us how amazing love and power.

Yesterday, the new Pope, Francis, was officially installed. In the past few days we have seen great news about him – how simple and humble he is -  instead of using the limousine, he rode the bus with the cardinals to pay for his lodging for the conclave, he celebrates mass in a small chapel and even goes around to greet the people after,  he did not parade on a glass covered pope mobile, and even steps out of his open vehicle to kiss and bless children and give a special blessing to one of the sick people in his path, he chose ordinary black leather shoes made by a normal shoemaker instead of the red branded shoes he can opt to wear. These are manifestations of God’s love for us his people, giving us a simple, humble Pope we can all serve God with.

Here in the Philippines, God continues to make his amazing love more evident. Even if the Reproductive Health law was passed a few months back, yesterday the supreme court ordered an order to suspend its implementation for a good four months! Hopefully people will realize that the billions they plan to spend on condoms and contraceptives can be used for other more worthwhile projects of the government – such as education.

Today, God still makes his amazing love, power and mercy alive in our lives. We just need to continue to trust in Him, just like the three people did in the first reading. Like them, and like Suzanna in the reading last Monday, may we not yield to earthly power and authority, but be ready to yield only to God, having full faith in his love and power.

Father God,

Thank you for this day. Thank you for the new things I am learning today. Thank you for the amazing story today. Lord, I ask that you continue to help me build my faith in you. Help me trust in you completely and surrender only to you. I know that your power and love is everlasting. May I always have that faith, and be ready to suffer earthly pain in order to attain heavenly rewards in my life Amen.

Blessed midweek!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/03/only-to-god.html

St Joseph

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031913.cfm) encourages me to be like St Joseph.

Today, we celebrate the feast day of St Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. is known about him – but we knew he had an important role in the salvation history. He was there to help, support and care for Mama Mary when she was pregnant with Jesus. He was the earthly father who took care of Jesus as an infant, and probably taught him carpentry. We cannot deny he was a true follower of God. In today’s reading, we see him having the decency and righetousness not to want Mary to be exposed to shame for being pregnant without a husband. However, when the angel told him to take Mary into his home, he followed.

As human beings, it is very difficult to be like St Joseph. It is difficult to work silently for the Lord – people want to be praised and acknowledged. It is hard to put the welfare of others first – people think of themselves first – how they got hurt by the other person, and not think of the other person’s welfare first. It is difficult to follow God – especially when what he wants us to do is something difficult, challenging and will take us out of our comfort zones.

May we be inspired by St Joseph to put the welfare of others first, work silently for the Lord, and follow God no matter how challenging the situation may be.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for giving us St Joseph – a human being too but has the qualities of a great servant of God. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart like St Joseph. May I never want praise and attention to myself, but work hard and silently to build your kingdom. May I be sensitive to others and put the welfare of others above my own, above my concern. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Only To God

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031813.cfm) challenges me to yield only to God

In the first reading, we see the story of Susanna. She was a beautiful and God fearing woman. When faced with a seemingly helpless situation, she still chose to yield to God, not to men with earthly power. She was willing to suffer death as long as she is pure and innocent in the eyes of God, rather than yield to the wicked men and sin against God.

Mama Mary’s situation is somewhat similar. She yielded to God, even if she did not know what exactly will happen. She surrendered to God, even if people might think badly of her for being pregnant outside marriage. She chose to yield to God and not think of human acceptance and conformity.

In this life, it is very difficult to yield only to God. There are powerful people around us that we feel obliged to yield to. There are situations and circumstances where we feel helpless to say no. there are peer pressures around us that forces us to act and think in a certain way. It is not easy, but we are challenged to yield only to God, to submit only to his will, to follow only his voice.

Whatever path we may be on right now, let us make the psalmist prayer ours too – “Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil, for you are at my side”

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for always being there at my side. Thank you for always guiding and protecting me, even if something I do not feel it, or I do not acknowledge it. Lord, I ask that you help me focus on you and yield only to you. Help me become strong with this world’s challenges and pressures, and submit only to your will. May I not be forced to conform and be pressured with the ways of the world, especially if it will lead me to sin against you. Amen.

Blessed Monday!

In Christ,

-g-

Mercy and Grace

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031713.cfm) reminds me how merciful and gracious God is.

I was working on one of my earlier projects at work a few years back. I was coordinating with another team, and was on the assumption that what we promised will be delivered to the client, in time for his presentation. However, a few days before the deadline, I was informed that there were challenges being experienced by the other team, and what they thought was feasible was something that will take a longer time. Day before the deadline, I informed the client on the situation and was expecting the worse – because we will not be able to deliver what we promised (I would really be mad and upset if I were in his position). However, to my surprise, he client took it well and was very calm in dealing with me.

I guess most, if not all of us, have experienced something similar. We have experienced grace and mercy from other people – when we least expect it and when we least deserve it. I believe this is God’s way of reaching out to us – not only to remind us and make us feel he loves us, but also to remind us and move us to action to pay it forward (in my situation, I did pay it forward in another situation)

The woman in the gospel received this from Jesus. Probably she was ready to die, because she was caught in the act and she knew what will happen. She did not even talk to Jesus and begged him to make the people stop. She knew what was coming. However, God’s grace and mercy comes when we least expect it. She was forgiven and was spared physical punishment – but with Jesus warning her not to commit it again.

May we be sensitive to God’s mercy and grace, and do our part to pass it forward.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Lord, I thank you for using other people to let me experience your love for me. Thank you for those surprises, thank you for those undeserved times I experience your mercy and your grace. Lord, I ask that as I experience them, I also am able to pass it to others and let them experience it through me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Take Cover

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031613.cfm) reminds me that we should take cover, take our refuge, in God. 

The first reading tells us that people have an evil plot against Jeremiah, but he remains to trust in God.  The psalmist echoes this as he says: “O Lord, my God, to you I take refuge.” And we can see in the gospel Christ’s challenges in his ministry.

All of us experience challenges in life. All of us, in one way or another, are persecuted for being followers of Christ. All of us need to take refuge in God. We need to refresh ourselves in him, and allow him to cover us from all the attacks we are experiencing.  

Only God can truly refresh us. Only God can truly satisfy us. Only God can truly protect us. May we seek refuge in Him, and not on anyone and anything of this world.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that as I experience challenges, you will always be there for me. Lord, I pray that you give me a heart that would always run to you when I have problems, challenges and difficulties. Help me to not be blinded by the world and take pleasure in what the world provides, but to always be planted on you. Amen.

Blessed day! 

In Christ,

-g-

Not Yet Time

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031513.cfm) reminds me that we cannot do anything if it is not yet God’s time

An excerpt of the gospel tells us…

So they tried to arrest him,
but no one laid a hand upon him,
because his hour had not yet come

Sometimes we want things to happen our time, not God’s. Sometimes we are anxious on what the future brings. Today’s word reminds us to be still and trust in God. Nothing will happen that is not according to his will, to his time. There is nothing we can do, both to force it and to stop it from happening.

May we have faith in God’s plans, and have peace in our hearts and patiently wait for his time to come.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that nothing can go against your plan, that nothing can force your time. Lord, give me a heart that trusts in you and your great plans for me. I also pray for patience to wait for your great plan to come to my life. May I be patient in waiting, may I have peace while waiting, and may I continue to serve you while I’m waiting. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Intercessor

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031413.cfm) reminds me how important and powerful intercession is.

Today, the Catholic Chruch has a new pope already! Pope Francis was elected by the conclave, and is the new servant leader of the catholic church. As he was giving his remarks, he asked for prayers of the people before he prayed over us. He knows the importance of prayer and how much he needs our prayers too as he fulfills his Papal responsibilities.

As the new Pope, he will be a great intercessor, praying for us and serving us as we all serve God.

In the readings, we see how great an intercessor Moses is. God relented of the punishment he wanted to inflict on the people. The people most probably did not know what God was planning to do, and how Moses interceed, or came in between God and them. Moses prayed to God on their behalf, and because of God’s good relationship with Moses, God changed his mind.

It is important to have a good relatioinship with God as we pray for others, as we intercede for others. In the bible it says that “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16)”

Let us live good lives as we pray for others, and let us not forget to pray for others, especially our leaders.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for giving us a new Pope. Lord, I ask that you bless and protect the Pope. Give him the strength to fulfill his Papal responsibilities, and continue to strengthen his faith as he keeps his focus on you as he serve you. I also pray for the people who intercede, who pray for me. Continue to strengthen them and hear their prayers. And as I pray for others, help me build a good relationship with you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-