Give up Everything?

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/073113.cfm) reminds me that we should be ready to give up what we have to get the fullness of God’s kingdom.

In the gospel, we see that the kingdom of heaven costs something, actually everything…everything that we have right now.

Jesus said to his disciples:

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,

which a person finds and hides again,

and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant

searching for fine pearls.

When he finds a pearl of great price,

he goes and sells all that he has and buys it”

The people involved sold everything they had to buy the greatest price – the treasure. The first one sold everything to buy the field with the treasure in it, the second one sold everything to buy the pearl.

Is God that demanding? Probably not. He does not tell everyone to sell all they have for him.

Then what does this mean? I believe that this is more of us emptying ourselves of what we currently have to receive the fullness of God’s kingdom. Like a glass full of water, we cannot receive more without emptying ourselves of what we already have. As we find out and realize the importance of God’s kingdom, we will be moved to want it. We will be moved to empty ourselves of what we have to make space for God.

The bible says that God’s love transforms. The old self is no more, the new self emerges. We empty ourselves of our old life – with all the bad habits, favourite sins, vices, and all those that prevent us from fully enjoying God. We rid ourselves of those as we prepare to welcome the new self God is giving us.

May we be ready to empty ourselves of everything preventing us from receiving the fullness of God’s kingdom.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for wanting only the best for me. Thank you for the desire in me that wants you. Lord, I pray that you help me prepare myself and empty myself of anything and everything that prevents me from enjoying the fullness of  your kingdom. Slowly transform me until I become the person you want me to be. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/11/all-in.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/03/empty.html

Shine like the Sun

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/073013.cfm) reminds me that those who remain faithful to God will be rewarded in due time.

Life is not a bed of roses. Life is unfair. In the gospel we saw that the good seeds were mixed with the weeds, pretty much like life here on earth, even if we try to live righteous lives, we will still be surrounded by evil people - which would try to convince us to give up living righteous lives and be like them. Sometimes the situation doesn't help, to see them prosper and have THE life on earth. We may question why they seem to be blessed, or if what we are doing is really the way to go. We may question if it really is worth it.

God is not the ruler of the world. The devil is - that is why many times, Jesus tells his disciples to live in the world but not of the world. Naturally, the enemy loves his own, so he blesses with worldly things those who follow him. However, God still provides and protects us, so we should just continue to remain faithful to Him.

Life is not easy, but we should continue to hang on to God and his word, knowing that he is true to his word. No matter how difficult or challenging life may be, we are sure that when the proper time comes, those of us who are faithful to Him will shine bright like the sun.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for knowing me. Thank you for speaking to me through different ways. Lord, as I live my life, may I always be reminded to focus on you, to remain faithful to you. It may not be easy, it may be tempting to do otherwise, but I know that no matter what I experience, you are always there watching, guiding and protecting me. And I know that as i remain faithful to you, I will shine bright with you in your kingdom. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Action Oriented

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072913.cfm) reminds me how important and powerful action is.

In the bible, it says that “Faith without works is dead.” Yes, it is true. We should live our faith. We should spread our faith. We should work for God.

In the readings, we see how important and powerful actions are – both good and bad.

In the gospel, one of the options for today is the same as last Sunday – that of Martha and Mary. Yes, in here, Martha was told that Mary chose the better part. This shows how action oriented she is and temporary lost her focus on Jesus as she was working. In the first reading, we also  see how wrong action is bad. The people forgot about God – how they have been saved, and was so impatient that they made a god for them to worship. Like Martha in the gospel, they did not focus on God, but was too focused on action, on working.

However, as we celebrate Martha’s feast day, we see a good side of her. In the other option for today’s gospel, we see her being action oriented again. When their brother Lazarus died and Jesus was coming to their house, she went to meet Jesus while Mary just stayed at home. But we see another aspect of her – her faith. We see her profession of faith.

Jesus told her,

“I am the resurrection and the life;

whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,

and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?”

She said to him, “Yes, Lord.

I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,

the one who is coming into the world”

We see her faith that was translated into action. We see her action based on her faith. Perfect combination.

May we be inspired by St Martha’s faith and action working in hand in hand as we do God’s work.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for St Martha. May I have her faith and action – faith that knows you and trusts in you, and that faith translated into action. Likewise, may my actions for you always be founded on your love, founded on my faith in you, that I may not be distracted with anything or anyone as I work for you. Lord, in a special way, I also lift up to you those celebrating their birthdays today, especially Mady. Deepen and strengthen their faith and guide and bless their actions like St Martha. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/07/stressed-and-busy.html

Just Ask

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072813.cfm) reminds me of the importance of a persistent faith.

One of my roles in my work is to manage and take care of technical support for users of the systems we implemented. Usually, we follow the first come first served policy – we address the concerns based on the time it was reported. In cases wherein there are a lot of concerns, we base it on the importance or criticality of the situation. However, whatever the case may be, there always is an exception – the persistent customers. Makukulit. Sometimes, since we know they wont stop, we prioritize them just so they would stop bugging us and following up.

In the readings, we see how important persistence is. In the first reading, Abraham’s persistence in talking to God lowered the “required” good people from fifty to ten. In the gospel, Jesus tells us the importance of a persistent faith, persistence in prayer. God always answers our prayers, and as Jesus said in the gospel, he always has the best intentions for us, so we just have to trust in Him. While we do so, we should be persistent in prayer – even if we think or we feel that God is silent and not answering.

May God’s silence to our prayers not cause our faith to wave, but may our persistence strengthen our faith in Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Thank you for Sundays – a day designed so we can rest, be recharged and spend time with you while consuming you. Lord, I ask that in a special way, as I receive you in the Eucharist today, you fill me and strengthen my love and my faith to you. I know there are a lot of times my prayers seem to go unanswered, but I ask that you help me remember that I should be open to your answer, that you always answer my prayers, it’s just that sometimes, your answers are different from what I want. And Lord, as I wait for your answers, may my faith be unwavering and may I always have that persistent faith in you. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/07/one-of-ten.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-lords-prayer.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/08/persistent-faith_6522.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/persistent-faith.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/11/bulilit-na-makulit.html

Waiting for Justice

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072713.cfm) reminds me that tolerance is different from waiting for justice.

In the world today, it seems like the evil ones are having it their way. They are prospering - money, power and influence. They seem to have it all. They seem to be unstoppable. We may start to question - Where is God? Why is he allowing this to happen?

In the gospel today, we are assured that God knows and is watching over us...and will reward us accordingly. Probably the wheat were thinking - why is the master allowing this to happen, that there are weeds among us? Why is he not doing anything? We know the answer why.

God is not tolerant of evil. He just waits for the right time to serve justice.

Next time we question God, or we wonder where he is, let us remember that he always has a purpose, and it us usually for our good, even if we dont think so, even if we dont feel so.  Let us just wait for his perfect time to serve justice.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, I pray that you help me be patient and just trust in you, especially when I see evil prosper around me. May I always be reminded that you don't tolerate evil, but are just waiting for the perfect time to serve justice. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Good Soil

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072613.cfm) inspires me to become a good soil for God.

The gospel is a continuation of the other day’s parable. Now we see what happened to the seeds that were sown on different kinds of soil. We know the different kinds of soil, and we know what kind we want to…and should be. And as we celebrate the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, we see this in action.

They were the earthly parents of Mary. Obviously, they were good soils who bore a fruit that produced a hundredfold. Imagine, being earthly parents to the earthly mother of God. What a humbling experience. Probably they must have been preparing themselves even before they bore Mama Mary, that’s why they were given the privilege of being earthly parents to her.

God can use us mightily, as he used Saints Joachim and Anne, and Mama Mary. They were ordinary normal human beings, like us. But they were good soil, and produced good fruit. May we be inspired to work on our relationship with God, and do our best to become good soils to produce fruits for God, fruits that will glorify and praise Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for Fridays! Lord, I pray that you help me become good soil. May I continue to work and build a good relationship with you as I try my best to become a good soil and bear good fruit for you. Continue to bless my work and my actions, that it may glorify and praise you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

No Easy Way

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072513.cfm) reminds me that there's no easy way to the path of Christ.

In the readings, we see that it is not easy to follow God. He does not sugar-coat. He tells us it is not going to be easy. He says that the way to his kingdom is the narrow road - the hard road. And Jesus told us that his followers will also experience the challenges he encountered.

Is God scaring us?

Of course not. He is just telling us what to expect as we follow him. He is just telling us what lies ahead. But what's good about it id that he will be with us every step of the way.

In the bible he says - with each trial he will provide a way out, so that you will be able to bear it.

We may experience challenges, hardships and persecutions. But wr should take courage and be happy because God will always be with us, closely watching and guiding and protecting us every step of the way.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for always being there for me in times of troubles. Thank you for the challenges and hardships i experience because they affirm me that I am doing well and that I am following your way. Lord, I pray yhat you always remind me how much you love me and you will always be there and watch over me as I face life's challenges. Give me strength to face the narrow road as i make my way towards you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Just Sow

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072413.cfm) reminds me to just sow seeds for God.

The gospel is a very familiar one - seeds falling on different kinds of soil and reacting differently. However, what struck me was bit the seeds or soil, but the act of spreading seeds.

As human beings, we always want to see results for our actions. We dont want to wait. We want instant solutions and effects. But to be a worker of God, you need to let go of this.

The sower should not be worried about the seeds. The sower should not desire to see the seeds bloom. The sower should just continue to focus doing his work - to sow seeds.

As we work for God, we need to be like the sower. We need to focus on just spreading seeds of faith, planting seeds of the kingdom to people we encounter. It would be great if we see the effects, but like the trees, it may take years before a tiny sprout emerges. We may not see it, we may not even know it, but we should just continue to focus on God and spread seeds anyway... Having faith that God would take care of the seeds we planted, and make it grow.

Do you work for God? Do you spread seeds for Him? Are you anxious to what happens to the seeds, wanting to see the good results of your work, or do you have faith in God and leave it up to Him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another opportunity to grow deeper in love with you. Lord, I ask that you help me be like the sower. May i just focus on you as I work for you and plant seeds for you. May i have faith that you would take care of those seeds, and not be worried and concerned to what will happen to the seeds I planted. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Of Surrender and Obedience

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072313.cfm) reminds me of the importance of surrender and obedience.

In today’s reading, we see how God opened the sea for the Israelites to pass, and closed it afterwards. How amazing it must have been, passing on dry land with water on your left and on your right.  What is more amazing is how God used Moses for this. We see God telling Moses to stretch out his hands to part the sea… and stretch out his hands to close it. How mightily Moses was used!

Why?

Probably because Moses had a surrendered and obedient heart.

Definitely, it was not Moses’ power who caused the parting and closing of the sea. He was a normal person, like you and me, but was used mightily by God. His obedience, faith and heart of surrender was used by God to open and close the sea. Was God’s power dependent on Moses? OF course not! God does not need us. But he wants to involve us, he wants to bless us.

How many times do we question what God is asking of us? Or what our leaders are asking us to do? We think that’s too simple, God can do it without me. We think that some things are unnecessary, Lord, I don’t need to do that. Stretching of the hands is very simple, probably unnecessary, but God asked Moses to do it anyway…and it was used mightily by God. Moses did not question God or asked, “is that it?” or “why should i?.” He just followed what God is asking him to do.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how much you want to bless me and use me mightily. Thank you for reminding me that you don’t need special skills or talents, that I should just surrender to you, be an obedient and faithful servant, and you will be able to use me mightily. Lord I am sorry for the times I question you, the times when I do not readily just follow and obey you. I am sorry for the times I question your anointed leaders. May I have the humility, obedience and faith of Moses so you can use me mightily, Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/03/just-do-it.html

Great Miracles

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072213.cfm) reminds me what is needed for great miracles to happen.

They say that “The condition for a miracle is difficulty, but the condition for a great miracle is impossibility”

Today, we see two great miracles. In the first reading, we see the Israelites in a helpless situation. The Egyptians were following them but they were nearing the sea already. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. They were probably feeling helpless and hopeless, not to mention afraid.

Impossible?

In the gospel, we see an account of Mary Magdalene, whose feast day we celebrate today, of how she saw the risen Christ. He died days ago. The disciples were sad. Afraid… terrified that they will also suffer the same fate as their Master. Are all his teachings gone? Were they following a lunatic? What will happen next?

Impossible ?

Probably for humans, but for God, definitely not! He made the israelites pass through the sea. He split the sea in two so they can pass! And Jesus was risen from the dead – conquired sin and death. Impossible situations are rewarded by God by great miracles! Moses’ faith and obedience to God was rewarded by a great miracle. Jesus’ faith, obedience and love for the Father was rewarded by salvation for us. Indeed, nothing is impossible with God.

What are you facing right now? Difficulty, or impossibility? May we be reminded that God can give us a great miracle, we just need to surrender and have faith in him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for giving me another day to live. Thank you for giving me another week to live and serve you. Lord, I thank you that I start the week, I am reminded that nothing really is impossible with you, and with impossibility comes an opportunity for you to do great miracles in my life. May I always have faith in you as I surrender and obey you in my life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Stressed and Busy?

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072113.cfm) reminds me not to stress myself with life busyness.

Service is good. It is actually one of the love languages. Some people express their love by serving others – those they love. In fact, in the first reading, we see how God wants people who serve Him. When Abraham served God’s messengers, they assured him that his old wife Sarah will bear a child the following year. In the second reading, we see Paul serving God through other people, in this case, the Corinthians.

So why is it that in the gospel, Jesus seemed to favour Mary, who was not serving him? why did Jesus tell Martha that Mary, who was listening to Him, chose the better part?

Service should be done with love. You should be a happy servant – as seen through Abraham and Paul. We should be happy as we serve God, because it is our way of telling him we love him. it is one way of expressing our love to him. as such, it should not be considered a burden, and should not stress us out – which was what happened to Martha. She was so busy doing the work that she forgot to focus on, and even complained to, the one she should serve.

There is a time for everything. Yes, Jesus needs someone who will attend to their needs, but it is wiser to first focus on Jesus because he will not be around forever. With us, yes, service is important, but we should also have time for spiritual nourishment and rest as we serve. This makes our service more empowered and more effective.

So, what are you stressed and busy with? Take a break, talk to Jesus.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for continuing to remind me how you want me to live my life. Thank you for reminding me how important and necessary service is. And I ask that you give me a heart of service -  a heart that would always want to serve you through others. But Lord, as I serve, please remind me to take a break to rest and refresh my body and spirit. I am sorry for the times I focus too much on serving that it overwhelms me and stresses me, thus I lose focus on you. May I be a balanced and happy servant of you. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

He Cured them All

He Cured them All

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072013.cfm) reminds me how generous and powerful God is.

In the gospel, we see a short account of a great miracle. See excerpt of the gospel…

When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,

How powerful. How generous. What a great reminder of Jesus’ love and power. There were a lot of people who followed Jesus, a lot of people who showed faith. I’m sure they all had different sickness and diseases. Some had grave ones, who is at the point of helplessness and hopelessness. Some probably had minor ones, like fever or maybe even headache. But what is inspiring is how God cured them all. Lahat sila. Everyone who was there. Everyone who had faith in him. everyone who wanted to be cured. God did not say he will cure only the serious sickness – those at the point of death. He did not say he will cure only the easy to cure stuff, the minor ones. He cured them all!

Good news – this love, power and generosity shown by Jesus two thousand years ago is still alive until now!

God is still able and is still willing to cure all who come to him. All who have faith to come to him. all who humble themselves to come to him. it does not matter if we come to him with huge, almost impossible situations, sickness or concerns.. it doesn’t matter if we come to him with almost trivial, small concerns. From then until now, God cures all who come to him… we just need to come to him in faith.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you your great love, your generous love for us. Thank you for reminding me today that you can and will still heal and cure all who come to you. Lord, may I always remember that, and may I always have faith. Sometimes, especially when my concerns are too big or too small, I do not come to you. Sometimes when it’s too big, I think that you cannot do anything about it anymore. When it’s too small, I get ashamed or shy to bring these little concerns to you. But father God, I know that I am important to you, and my concerns are, no matter how big and small, important and that you can do anything. May I just have that faith to come to with whatever concerns I have. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

ps see related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/unlimited.html

Lord of the Sabbath

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071913.cfm) reminds me that God is not bound by laws or traditions

In the gospel, we see people questioning the actions of Jesus and his disciples. They were picking up and eating grain on a Sabbath, something prohibited. Then Jesus tells them that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.

The Law should serve man, not man should serve the law.

God is God even on Sabbath, where there are a lot of laws prohibiting a lot of things. God does not follow the man made law – he is the source of the law. God is not bound by our traditions and laws. His power is not limited by anyone or anything,

However, this should not be abused. The law should serve man is not an excuse for breaking the law. Not following traffic signs when there are no police or other vehicles is still wrong. Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is still wrong.

May we pray for a discerning heart so as not to abuse God’s power and Word, while bravely doing his work with and for him. Amen.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you that it’s Friday! Lord, I pray that I would always remember that your love and your power is not limited by anything – by laws and traditions and by circumstances around me. And as I work for you, may I not abuse you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Now, How?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071813.cfm) reminds us that God continues to guide us and teach us how we he wants us to serve Him.

In the reading yesterday, we see how God called Moses. Now we see how he tells Moses how to do what he asked him to do. 

Moses was probably full of questions. Why me? How do I do what you are asking me to do? Lord, that's such a huge task!

God calls each and everyone of us to do different things for him. And as he does, he will tell us how we could do it - as long as we ask him and we listen to him. 

May we be reminded that as God calls us to do things for him, he will help us and tell us how to do what he tells us to do. And with it comes us being equipped to do his task. We just need to ask and listen to him with a humble and obedient heart. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for continuing to remind me how special i am, how valuable i am in building your kingdom. Lord, may I always have that faith in you, that as you call me, you will equip and guide me to work for you. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,
-g-

Why Me?

The WORD today (see  http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071713.cfm) reminds me that God sees in us what we don't see in ourselves. 

In the reading, we see God calling Moses in the burning bush. As if that was not enough, God told Moses that he had a special task for him - to lead his people out of Egypt, out of slavery. 

What did Moses say?

Probably, in the present time, he could say "weh, di nga?!" But we know what is inside his head - "Lord, why me?!" 

Why did he feel that way? 

Probably because he knew he was unworthy. He was a murderer. He was a fugitive. And his people even said to him "who has appointed you ruler and judge over us?!" 

Boom. Eksakto. 

Moses did not believe in himself. He did not think he can do what God is asking him to. 

But why did God call him?

God saw something in him. God saw the goodness in him. God saw the potential in him. God saw his heart. 

In the gospel, we see what God probably saw in Moses. A childlike heart. A childlike faith. Something that probably even Moses did not even know he had. 

God sees something in you that you do not see in yourself. God sees your potential, your goodness, your heart and your faith. God sees what you can become as you cooperate with Him. 

So next time he calls you or asks you to do something, don't ask "why me?". He sees something in you that you do not see in yourself. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for seeing in me what I cannot see in myself. Thank you for seeing my goodness, my potential, my heart and my faith. Lord, I am sorry for not seeing that in myself. Sorry for feeling small  and insecure. I pray that you give me a heart and eyes that would see myself the way you see me - beautiful, priceless, capable of doing good, full of potential and with a heart of childlike faith. As i do so, i pray that you continue to use me for your purpose and your glory. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,
-g-

No Secrets

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071613.cfm) reminds me that with God, there are no secrets.

In the first reading today, we see how the life of Moses was spared, and how hot tempered he was. While trying to protect (or avenge) his people, he killed an Egyptian guard. He though nobody saw him, but apparently, some of the Hebrews saw him, and did not really appreciate what he did for them.

It is a reminder for us that nothing can be hidden, especially with God. Moses thought he was alone, but people saw what he did. And even if we escape the eyes of men, we cannot escape the eyes of God. Nothing that we do is not seen by God. All our thoughts and feelings, no matter how we try to hide, are seen by God.

Reputation is how others see us, but character is how we act when no one is around. May we work to build our character, knowing that no matter how good our reputation is, God sees our character.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for reminding me how powerful you are, no matter how silent you may seem, even if sometimes we cannot feel you. Lord, I pray that I do not be contented in working on and having a good reputation, but rather, work on my character. I know I cannot hide anything from you, that you know me from the inside, so I pray that I may have the heart to want to get your approval and affirmation, not that of others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Sword of Division

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071513.cfm) reminds me that Jesus brings the sword of division.

The gospel today probably looks contradicting at first glance. Jesus came not to bring peace? But in the last couple of weeks we see him always greeting his disciples with “peace be with you!” and he is said to be the king of peace, then why this division? Probably this affirms what the scripture says in Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart

Jesus is the word who became flesh. And like the word of God, he divides – not because he wants to cause division, but because he wants to separate his flock from the rest. Earthly affinity is not as important as our spiritual affinity. Even the closest relationships should not go in between us and God, thus he separates us from anyone and everything who is hindering us from following God. God wants to separate us from those who are not from his flock.

As we follow Jesus, we will have conflicts with each other – especially those who are of the world. However, we should take comfort in the fact that this is meant to happen, and just focus on following God, having faith that we are doing the right thing, and that Jesus is holding our hands throughout.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week. Lord, I ask you that you always remind me of how special I am to you. Make me feel that, so that my feeling special or happiness would not need to depend on other people. Lord, as I follow you, may I be ready to be divided from those who are not of you, even my closest relationships. May nothing or no one prevent me from doing your will in my life. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

It’s Simple

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071413.cfm) reminds me that doing God’s work is simple.

There are a lot of things other people can do effortless that others can’t do. Basketball seems simple and easy if you watch Michael Jordan or Shaquille O Neal, but you just can’t do what do. Golf seems simple when Tiger Woods plays it, but not all of us can. These are things that is not so simple and not everyone can do.

However, with God’s work, this is not the case, but the complete opposite. It’s simple. In the first reading, we see Moses telling the people that it is not impossible to do. there is no excuse for us not to be able to do God’s work and follow God’s will. We cannot say we are not mature enough, not talented enough or not special enough to do God’s work. On the other hand, Moses says “it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts, you have only to carry it out”

In the gospel we see what we should do to inherit eternal life, and he told them a parable that shows how we should act and treat each other. There is no special skill required to do so. No professional license required to take care and treat each other right. We just need an open heart and a willing body.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for keeping things simple. Lord, I thank you that you do not require something fancy for me to be able to serve you and follow you. Thank you that following you and doing your will is easy – I just have to act and have an open heart and  follow your voice whispering and telling my heart what to do. As I do that, I know I will inherit your kingdom, Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/good-teacher-what-must-i-do.html

Good for Evil

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071313.cfm) reminds me that what the enemy intended for evil, God intends for good.

No one can come in between God’s plan for you, unless you yourself deliberately choose to disobey God. In the first reading, we see Joseph’s ending – that even if his brothers intended to harm him, God intended it and used it for good. Even if Joseph experienced a lot of challenges in life, he kept his faith and stuck to God – never letting go of his values and cooperating with God all the time. Thus, God’s great plans were fulfilled, despite the evil around him.

In the gospel, we see we will experience challenges. As followers of Christ, we will be persecuted and will experience challenges. But Jesus tells us not to be afraid. Yes, God’s plans cannot be overshadowed by the evil around us, and God has his eyes on us, constantly watching over us and overseeing what is happening to us. We just have to remain firm in God, as we experience challenges and as we wait for his great plans to come into fruition in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for another opportunity to touch a life, to inspire a soul, to magnify your name. Lord, I pray that however unworthy I am, you use me mightily to reach out to others and make them feel your love and your power. Lord, as I serve you, may I always be reminded that there will be challenges, but these challenges are not enough to stop your great plans for me, as long as I continue to be faithful to you. may I always remember that what the enemy intended for evil, you intend for good. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-