Intention

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/093013.cfm) reminds me that God sees the intention of our hearts. I watched a movie years back titled “What women want” in where the main character had this ability to know the thoughts of women, even without them telling him or even talking to him. In today’s gospel, we see that Jesus had this power too, just greater. He was able to discern the intention of his disciples when they came to him and asked him who was the greatest. It is easy to trick people into believing us to be someone else. It is easy to hide the real intentions and motives of our actions. it is easy to build a good reputation. However, with God, this is not the case. He knows the intentions of our hearts. As we pray and talk to him, he sees beyond the prayers and the words, and really knows what our hearts contain. AS we start the week, may we be reminded that we cannot hide anything from God, and as such, be challenged to have a pure heart, to have good intentions as we live our lives. God sees us inside out, so may we be moved to follow his words and be like children – least in the world, helpless and powerless, but great in the eyes of God as we admit our nothingness and totally depend on Him. Father God, Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Lord, I pray that you purify me. Purify my thoughts. Purify my motives. Purify my heart. As I start another week, may my intentions always be for your greater glory, and may I always remember to completely depend on you in everything I do. 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/2013/02/god-sees-heart.html http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/god-sees-inside.html

Do Good

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092913.cfm) reminds me that avoiding evil is not enough, we should also do good. There is a saying that the “ only way for evil to succeed in this world is for good men to do nothing.” I believe this is true. Evil will only succeed if the good do not do anything about it. Evil work will prosper only if good people stay silent and let evil things happen. God is all powerful, and nothing is above his power, that is why evil will only triumph if people of God remain silent, sit on the sidelines, and let evil things happen. We should not be passive, instead be active in fighting evil and doing good. In the gospel we see a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. There was no mention that the rich man was a bad person, or if he got his wealth by doing evil things. However, they say that what got him into hell was his indifference towards Lazarus. He did not care about Lazarus. Probably he was explicitly doing bad, but his lack of concern towards others is what got him in trouble. He was too focused on himself, enjoying his wealth, without regard for others who need help as well. Probably the rich man was greedy, not giving the scraps to Lazarus. But what God reminded me was that we are not only expected to avoid evil, but we should actively do good as well. God has blessed us with different things. Most probably, no one will admit that he or she is rich, or have more than enough. We will always find ourselves wanting more, other that those we already have. But taking a closer look at our lives, we are sure to find that we have what we need to survive. Probably not as much as others, or not as much that will enable us to live lavishly, but we have more than what we need. With this, God expects that we also share what we have with others – might be a tiny portion, might not be a lot, but what is important is we have a heart that gives cheerfully. Again, may we live simply and share what we have with others, so that they may simply live. Father God, Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live and learn about you. Lord, I pray that you give me a giving heart. May I develop a heart that would always be sensitive with others, and be ready and willing to help others in whatever way we can. I know that not doing evil is enough – you also want me to actively do good to others as well. I pray that in my own little way, I may be always able to help others and make them feel your love and concern. Amen. Blessed Sunday! In Christ, -g-

Of Not Understanding

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092813.cfm) reminds me that there are times we will not understand God’s wisdom.

We were trained to understand things. In school, even if you don’t necessarily memorize the formulas, if you understand its application, you’ll most probably be able to solve problems. After readings passages and books, there are questions to see if we understood what was just read.

However, we see in the gospel, that even the disciples did not understand everytime what Jesus tells them. Even if they have been spending time with them and Jesus directly talking to them, they did not understand. Yes, it says that it’s meaning is hidden from them, but they did not even ask Jesus what he meant. We do not know if Jesus will explain it to them had they asked, but the fact is they did not ask.

How about us? What do we do when we don’t understand things that are happening to us?

We should have faith. God’s wisdom is different from ours. We may not understand things, but we just need to have faith in God, knowing he has the best intentions for us. We should not be frustrated because we do not know or do not understand. Ganun talaga, may mga bagay na hindi natin ma iintindihan no matter hard we try to understand it or make sense of it. What is important is we pray for an open heart, and continue having faith, and like the disciples, wait on God’s perfect timing when he will reveal these things to us. The disciples did not understand these things, but when God sent the holy Spirit on Pentecost, their hearts and minds were opened and understood everything. Let us have faith that in God’s perfect time and way, we will understand too.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, I pray that I be able to give you glory with the things I will do this weekend. Lord, give me a heart that will continue to pray and trust you even if I do not understand a lot of things that are happening in my life. I have faith that in your perfect time and perfect way, I will understand these things. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/11/wait-in-faith.html

Suffering Christ

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092713.cfm) reminds us that before his resurrection, Christ suffered greatly.

Superstars are not born overnight. When Michael Jordan was born, he did not know how to play basketball yet. When Tiger Woods was born, he wasn’t playing with golf balls yet. When Muhammad Ali was born, he did not have boxing gloves on his hands. Some may have shown potential at a young age, but they spent years developing and honing their talents before they were able to reap their rewards, before they became superstars.

In the gospel, we see Jesus, after telling he was the son of man, the Christ of God, also said he will suffer greatly, be rejected and even die on the cross, the most humiliating death that time. He wants to tell and remind his disciples, then and now, that since no slave is greater than his masters, as followers of Christ, we will also experience those challenges in life. However, as we remain faithful to him and continue to trust in him, we can also look forward to our resurrection with him, to the time we will be redeemed and spend eternity with him.

May we be reminded that life on earth was not easy for Jesus, even if he was doing God’s work, even is he was the Son of God. As his followers, let us be prepared for the challenges, but have our eyes set on the prize of being with him in eternity.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how challenging and difficult life was for you. Lord, I thank you for the challenges I experience because I am your follower. Thank you for deeming me worthy to carry your cross and be one with you in your suffering as I work to build God’s kingdom on earth. Lord, I pray that you never let me go, that you continue to hold my hand and give me strength as I face life’s challenges. And may I remain faithful to you, with the vision of eternity with you in my heart. Amen.

Blessed Friday!

In Christ,

-g-

Keep Looking

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092613.cfm) reminds me to keep looking for Christ.

Yesterday, I was reminded to not force some things in life. Today, on the other hand, i was reminded to consistently look for Jesus.

In the gospel, people were talking about Jesus. Some say he is john the Baptist. Some say he is Elijah. This got Herod curious so he came looking for Jesus. He had John beheaded, so he wanted to know who is this Jesus they are talking about. No matter what reasons he has for looking for Jesus, what we should imitate is the act of looking for Jesus.

We know why we should look for Jesus. He should be our healer, redeemer, savior, Messiah. He is the God in our lives. He gives us direction and teaches us how to live our lives. That is why we should constantly look for Him. It is not a one time act or decision to look for him. Everyday, in every small and big decision, we should always look for Jesus.  We should never tire of looking for him, of searching for him in our lives.

“And he kept trying to see him”. May we be inspired and keep on looking for Jesus as we live our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another opportunity to live a life pleasing to you. Lord, I pray that you give me a heart that would never tire of looking for you. Everyday, in every little or big decision, may I always look for you, and i have faith that as i do, i will always find you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Don't Force It

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092513.cfm) reminds me that we don't always have to force ourselves and God's message to those who are not ready or willing to accept it.

The gospel teaches us about relying on God's providence, of God equipping us, and us doing God's work. (See related reflections on these below). However, what struck me is that sometimes, we don't have to force things.

There is a frame of mind that says that we should not spend too much time improving other areas of our lives, but also take time to hone and specialize on what we are already good at. If you're good in one thing, spend more time specializing and honing it and less time learning new things or improving on things you are not good at.

In the gospel, we see Jesus teaching his disciples this principle. Of course they would spread his message to all, but he said that "And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”  He did not say that they force them yo accept and understand. He did not tell them to stay in those towns until they receive God in their lives. He told them not to force it.

In our lives, there are people who do not seem to be welcoming to God. There are people we constantly talk to who does not seem to learn, or do not want to learn. God is telling us that sometimes, we do not need to force it. We should not leave them and let them be, but we should not be obsessed with changing them, or with supporting them. Maybe God wants us to spend our efforts in bringing others to him - others who are ready and just waiting to be approached.

Let us pray for a discerning heart to know when to hold on and when to not force it.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live and so things for you. Lord, i pray that you give me a discerning heart, a heart that would know how you want me to act as i serve you. May those people not ready and willing not disappoint or dishearten me, and just enable me to continue to trust in your wisdom. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/02/travel-light.html

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

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/05/equipped-pentecost-2013.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/equipped-for-task.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/he-sent-them-out.html

Hear and Act

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092413.cfm) reminds us that hearing should be accompanied by acting.

The Bible says that “Faith comes from hearing the WORD of God” but the word today reminds us that it is not enough to just hear it.

In the gospel, we see who Jesus considers his family. Those who hear the word and act on it. Yes, hearing is important, but it does not end there. We also need to act, to live it. We need to take hearing a step further.

In our lives, there are a lot of people God uses to send us his message. We come across different kinds of people, and even things and circumstances. Through these, we realize things. We understand God’s message. We know God more. Yes, that’s good, but we need to do something about it. Hindi pwedeng puro realizations lang. if we don’t act upon the realization, we haven’t really learned anything. If we don’t live our lives according to God’s message, we really did not understand him at all. IF we don’t live a life pleasing to God, if we don’t love God above all – then we really don’t know God.

May we be inspired and challenged by Jesus words: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and ACT on it.”

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day. Lord, thank you for always speaking to me through your word, and through different people, things and circumstances in my life. I am sorry for the times I get contented with just hearing you word. Sorry for the times I feel that learning about you is enough. Lord, as I feel you, as I get to know you more, may I also act and do my part. May I live a life pleasing to you, living what I learn from you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/act-on-it.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/hear-and-act.html

Powerful Light

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092313.cfm) reminds me how powerful the light is.

Generally, people do not feel energized during a rainy day. Because of the weather, we just want to stay in bed and sleep and eat. In highschool, we found out there is a scientific basis for this. In Chemistry we studied that there are certain molecules/chemicals or something that causes us to feel differently when it is raining. The same way, the sun energizes us, makes us feel alive and perks us up.

Light is powerful.

It gives us energy. It gives us life. And in the gospel, it shows us what is hidden.

We cannot keep anything hidden forever. Light will find us.

God knows what is in our hearts. We may be able to hide it from men, but we definitely cannot hide anything from God. And as we keep dark secrets, we are unconsciously harbouring them, making them grow and fester inside of us. God will not make them visible to others, but as we do so, these secrets and thoughts would slowly manifest in our actions and in our lives, thus, eventually, we will behave in a manner showing what secrets or real intentions we have.

As we come to Christ, the light, he will reveal to us what needs to be changed. As we come to the light, the secrets and dark portions of our beings will be revealed, and as we continue to remain in Him, he will slowly transform us and make us more and more like him. he will make us more and more like children of the light.

May we start the week right – living in the light of Christ.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for giving me another week to live, to work, to serve and love you. Lord, as I start this week, I pray that I always live in the light. May I move towards you and remain in you, so that you may constantly purify me and make me more and more like you. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/be-in-light.html

Temporary for Forever

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092213.cfm) reminds me that we should be able to use our temporary resources to gain eternal rewards

There is a show in TV I watch called “Barter Kings” in which they trade their items for bigger, better items. They do this by making deals in which they get a slightly better item for what they originally have. Little by little, they make deals in their favour, and at the end of the show, they end up having an item with a value a lot bigger than their original item. What a deal, right?

This is similar to what God wants from us.

A few years back, I read a book called “The Law of Rewards” and one of the main point it says is that we should invest in eternity. The book puts it that we are just travellers in this world, and heaven is our real home. We will just stay in this earth for a short time. That being the case, we should be wise and use whatever we have on earth to build our home for eternity. To use temporary resources on earth to build our house in heaven, instead of holding on to it and enjoying it here.

In the gospel, we see the story of a dishonest steward. It was said that during that time, the stewards get a certain amount or percentage from the money the owners get. They have an automatic cut from the payments of the people. That is why when the steward found out he will be dismissed from work, he actually did not “cheat” the master to gain favour from the people. What he actually did was to take off his “cut” or his share in the amount, and just asked the people to pay exactly what will be given to the master. In that way, he found favour in the eyes of the people, and the master commended him for using his resources (or letting go of it) in preparation for his being fired from the job.

God has given us resources on this earth. And to live decently and comfortably, we don’t actually need a lot. What we spend is sometimes above and beyond the actual basics that we need. This is what God wants us to realize – that we should not enjoy too much that we forget other people. We are given resources not only for ourselves, but for us to help others as well. In doing so, we are not only doing good, but being wise as well. Money and everything in this earth will pass away, will gather dust, and will be left in this earth when we die. We need to be prudent and wise with how we use what we have. As we use our resources to help others and build God’s kingdom, we are being wise and use these temporary resources to build our eternal home in heaven.

May we live by the quote – live simply so that others may simply live. And be wise stewards and prepare our eternal place in heaven by the temporary riches on earth.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live and to serve you. Lord, I pray that I always be reminded to love and serve you. I pray that I always be reminded how to use my resources properly. I thank you for providing for me and my family, and I make the decision to share whatever I have to others. I know that these are just temporary materials, but I can use them to build my house in your kingdom. Create in me a heart that would always be sensitive to others. May I be a happy giver for your kingdom. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Destined for Greatness

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092113.cfm) reminds me that everyone is destined for greatness.

There is a saying that “Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future” As we celebrate today the Feast of saint Matthew, we know that this saying is true. In the gospel, we see his past – a sinner. He was a tax collector. Hated by society. Probably he would have lived and died that way of Jesus did not come to the picture, if Jesus did not give him the chance to fulfil his destiny – greatness in God’s eyes.

God does not stop having faith in us, so should we. God does not stop giving us opportunities to become saints, no matter how sinful we currently are of how sinful we may have been. God does not look at our past, but sees our future, what we can become, what we are destined to be if we cooperate with him. In the same way, we are also asked not to judge and not to give up on others, and also see in them what they can become – saints.

May we remember that we are all destined for greatness in God’s eyes, no matter how sinful we are. we just need to heed God’s call and cooperate with his plans so we can fulfil our destiny.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for reminding me that I am destined for greatness. Thank you for not looking at my sin, but seeing what I am destined to be. Lord, I pray that you cleanse me and enable me to see myself the way you see me. Enable me to see others the way you see us. May I be open and empty myself, and cooperate with your plans so I can achieve what I was meant to be. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Money

  

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092013.cfm) reminds me how critical out attitude towards money is.

The first reading tells us bluntly a statement which is true until today. “The love of money is the root of all evil…”

Very timely.

In the Philippines, one of the currently pressing issues is the misuse of the politicians’ pork barrel. Billions of pesos worth of money corrupted. Too much love for money. The psalm tells us that no matter how much money one has, it cannot be brought outside this earth. It cannot be enjoyed after this life. Thus we should put things in perspective.

There are a lot of people who do things, evil things, for money. For love of money. There are a lot of crimes – kidnapping, robbery, stealing, etc that people do to accumulate money they cannot bring when they die. They seem to sell their souls for money. However, God teaches us in the gospel how we should use our money, our resources. The people used their own money and resources to help Jesus in his work. Jesus may not be physically present with us today, but his work has not ended yet. There are still a lot of people working for Christ. There are still opportunities for us to use our resources well.

May we remember that money in itself is not bad. It is the love of money, or anything that replaces God in our lives, which causes evil.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you it’s Friday already! Lord, I pray that nothing may take your place in my life. Money, fame, success, power – may all these not take your place in my life. I also pray for a heart that would be ready to spend my resources – talent, time and treasure, to build up your kingdom. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

More for More

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091913.cfm) reminds me that as we realize how sinful we are and how much God forgives us, we will love Him more. 

In the gospel, we see two kinds of people. The Pharisee felt he needed no forgiveness. He was self righteous, and instead focused on the sinner and not the act of repentance. On the other hand, the sinful woman humbled herself and knew how sinful she was, and that she needed forgiveness. Her act says it all - giving her oil and ointment for Jesus. She cleaned Jesus feet, the work of the lowest slave during that time. And she was crying as she did so, knowing how badly she needed Christ's forgiveness. No words were uttered, but Jesus saw her heart and her faith, and forgave her.

May we realize that we too are sinful people, but more importantly, that Christ is a very loving and forgiving God. No sin is too great that he cannot forgive if done with a truly repentant heart. As we come to him for forgiveness, as we receive his healing and forgiveness, may we be moved to love him back.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that you see what is in my heart. Thank you for reminding me how loving and forgiving you are. Lord, I pray for a humble and repentant heart like the sinful woman, and as i receive your forgiveness, may i be able to love you back. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

On Your Own

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091813.cfm) reminds me that we should learn how to act properly on our own

In school, especially in high school, there are a lot of rules. No horseplaying. No shouting. No cutting classes. No fighting. No smoking. And the list goes on. As students, we would not always follow these rules, unless of course there is someone, for example a teacher, who would see what we do. There's a term called 'tus' which means that a person of authority is coming and we should behave properly.

However, in the first reading, we are reminded that in our lives, we should not act as such. We should not just behave properly when we know someone, a priest or a person in authority, is watching. We should bot just act properly if we are in church or with church friends. God expects more from us.

We know what God wants. We know how he wants us to act. We know how he wants us to live our lives. May we be mature children of God and do his will, act and behave properly, regardless of the situation.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for giving us people in authority to inspire us and to consistently check on us. Lord, may we never fail to show respect to these people in our lives. We also ask you Lord that you help us act well on our own. May we never wait for others to check on us or wait when we are with church friends to act properly. May we behave as your mature and loving children all the time, not because we are scared of you, but because we love you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

God's Ways

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091713.cfm) reminds me of what God wants us to become, of what we should aspire as we live this life on earth.

Tall, dark and handsome. Beauty and brains. These are some of the more popular combinations or characteristics of “ideal” people. These are some of the characteristics that not all people have, not all are blessed with. However, this is a far cry from what God wants us to become, from the “ideal” servants of God.

In the first reading, we see the ideal characteristics of a servant leaders. Bishops. Deacons. But I believe that this is what all of us should aspire for – whether we are serving God as servant leaders, or as normal human beings living our lives for him. these are the characteristics God wants from us.

We can see that there is no human intelligence God wants. Yes, God does not need us to be intellectual for him to use us. Rather he wants us to be simple, gentle, and generous. It’s funny to see that these are not the qualities of leaders of this world. We see leaders as intelligent, strong in character and aggressive. But God does not want these characteristics.

God has given us Jesus not only to show us how much he loves us, and so that we can relate to him, but also so that we have someone we can follow and imitate. We can see Jesus gentleness – even when he was being persecuted and humiliated (I believe we only saw him angry once – when he destroyed the stalls selling things outside the temple). We can see Jesus’ humility when even if he knows everything, he did not argue with the scribes and Pharisees who were persecuting him. We see Jesus faith and trust in God by being silent, and just allowing things to happen to him – knowing fully well that God’s will is always being done, and his purpose will be completed at his perfect time.

May we not focus on what the world requires from us, but work to have the characteristics God wants from us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your love, for your gentleness, for your compassion. Thank you that your standards are very different from the world. Lord, I pray that I don’t be focused on what the world offers and what the world lures me into. I pray that I consistently be focused on you and just do your work, and do my part to have the characteristics you want from me – to be gentle, simple, humble and obedient to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Humility and Faith

  

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091613.cfm) reminds me how powerful the combination of humility and faith is

A lot of people want to have signs from God, not really to test him and his power, but to be affirmed that their decision is what God wants. We want to be sure. We want to have confirmation. However, we see in the gospel acting the opposite. Jesus was personally going to visit him, but he told him that his presence is not needed – his word is enough. Wow, grabe! He was not rejecting Jesus. on the other hand, his faith in Jesus is so strong that he knows Jesus’ mere words to heal is enough, plus the fact that he knows he is unworthy for Jesus to come to his home, and was sincere about it.

We see how pleased Jesus was. He was so pleased to see such faith in the centurion, whose concern was not even himself, but his servant. We also see how important the centurion’s faith and humility is, because we recite his words every single time we hear mass. “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant (soul) shall be healed”

As we live our lives, may we be inspired by the centurion. May we have genuine concern not only for ourselves and our families, but for other people as well. May our faith be strong like the centurion, who did not need signs and affirmation, but knew that Jesus word is enough, and his power and mercy is limitless. And may we be humble enough, knowing who Jesus really is, and knowing our unworthiness before him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week. Lord, I pray that you always remind me to be like the centurion. May I have faith like him, a faith so strong it unleashes your power in my life and in the lives of others. May I also be humble like him, knowing how unworthy I am as I stand in front of you. Like him, may I be pleasing to you. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Inside or Outside?

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091513.cfm) reminds me that sin does not only manifest in our behavior, but is also evident on our thoughts and attitudes.

The parable in today’s gospel is one that probably almost everyone is familiar with. The Prodigal Son. But today, I had a new insight on the parable – that sin is not always manifested on our actions.

The younger son was obviously the prodigal one. Pasaway. He took his inheritance and spent it all. He was impatient and was not willing to cooperate with his father’s plans for him (sounds familiar, when we are impatient with God’s plans for us and wants to things and have things our way?). Then after all his money was gone, returning to his senses, he humbled himself, apologized and came back to his father (familiar too, that after we sin and realize our human efforts are useless and we can’t do anything significant if we are away from God, we return to God, right?). Yes, he was the focus here, he was the prodigal son.

However, we see that the elder brother was not free from sin. While he did not take his inheritance and stayed to be with his father, we see his attitude with his words and actions “He became angry…all these years I served you and did not disobey your orders, but you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends”

Wow, nasa loob ang kulo.

May issues din pala si kuya.

We see that even if he seems to obey his father and love and serve his father, he had this feeling of entitlement. He was expecting something in return. And when he saw how generous his father was to his brother who returned (who already enjoyed his inheritance while he was working with his father), he got generous. He was like the workers in the vineyard who got the day’s wage after working the whole day, while those who worked for an hour got the same amount as well. We can probably hear the father echo the words of the master “Are you envious because I am generous?” He was working for his father, he was serving him, but he wanted to get something out of it. And when he did not get it, he became mad. Sounds familiar too, when we seem to be good children of God, loving him and doing his work, but when he doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want to, we get mad at him?

We may identify with the younger child who explicitly disobeyed his father, or the elder son who harbors sin inside us, but we are very blessed to have a great father. A loving, merciful and forgiving father, who went out of his way to run to his returning child (yes, he ran to him and did not just wait for him to come to him) and so gentle in explaining to his elder son when he found out his concerns.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for giving me another day to live. Thank you for loving me with an everlasting love. Thank you for being gentle with me. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for your forgiveness. Lord, I pray that I have the heart that will hate sin, that will hate hurting you. And as I live my life, I do so out of love for you, without expecting favors or blessings. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Exalted

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091413.cfm) reminds me who God wants to be exalted

Sharing an excerpt of the gospel.

And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,
so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

At first look, this verse seems weird. Why is Jesus being compared to the serpent? We see in the first reading the basis for this statement. The Serpent in the desert was made to heal the people, to literally save the people from death from serpent bites. Not only does it heal and give life, it makes things new. The serpents were feared because their bites killed people in the dessert, but now the bronze serpent removes that fear, by showing the power to heal bites and make people lives is stronger than the power to kill.

In the same way the people who were bitten by serpents should look at the exalted bronze serpent to live and be saved, we too should look up at Jesus and exalt him in our lives so that we too would be healed and be saved. Christ’s healing and salvation is for all. He died for us all. Like the bronze serpent, it can heal anyone but will not be able to do so if people will not come to it. In the same way, Jesus cannot heal and save us if we do not come to him, if we do not make him God in our lives, if we do not exalt him in our lives.

May we remember that it is easy to be healed and be saved. We know what to do. Question is, are we willing to do it?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you for your great love and power that heals and saves. Thank you for showing us the greatest love. Lord, I am sorry for the times I turn to other things or people to save me or to heal me. Sorry for not making you my first option like you should be. I pray that you help me do my resolve – to make you God in my life, to make you first in my life, to make you king of my life, so that I may truly be healed and saved. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Imperfect

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091313.cfm) reminds me that we too are sinners and are very imperfect.

Last sunday, I saw my high school basketball coach, and it was nice because even after 10 years he still remembers me. I remember back then that he was the coach i really respected. He knows his craft and was generous with his knowledge. He was also strict - he would constantly remind us how to play the game if we want to win. Then one time i watched him play basketball, and though basically he does what he teaches us, like us, he still makes mistakes inside the court.

This reminds me of the gospel. We make mistakes too - sometimes bigger than what we see in other people.

It is easy to find fault in others. It is easy to see the wrong they do, and how they should have done things or how they can improve. However, it is not easy to see our own mistakes. We always look at others without bothering to look first at ourselves. Probably because of self defense, or insecurity that we find fault in others first. But God wants us to look first within ourselves, and realize how imperfect we are before we try to correct and help others.

Change should start in us, and because we ourselves are imperfect too, we should be the change we want to see in the world.

Blessed Friday!

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you it's Friday already! Lord, I pray that i may never fail to look in the mirror first. May i not forget that I am a sinner, and imperfect too. May i not be too focused on finding fault in others in the hope of hiding my own faults and insecurities. Move me Lord that i first change myself before i help out others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Overflowing

There are times when it is difficult to find the message from God through his word. But the Word today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091213.cfm) is the opposite - there are just a lot of ideas and messages that i felt. It was just overflowing with God's love, guidance and reminders.

The first reading reminds us how wr should treat each other - with love! Kahit nakakainis at nakakabwisit, love them. Bear with one another. Pag pasensyahan mo. Patawarin mo. We are called to act like Jesus to others, to extend love, compassion and forgiveness especially to those whom we feel does not deserve them.

The gospel takes this further. Love your enemies. Treat them well. Do good to those who cannot repay you. Be crazy. Go all out. Let them take whatever they want. Be detached from material things, be detached from yourself, and put others first.

Crazy? Yes, probably.

But the last line is a very beautiful ending - For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you

The crazier we are in serving God, in loving him through others, the crazier and wilder God's reward for us will be. Overflowing too.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for continuously nourishing me and filling me with your love. Thank you for letting yourself be found when I look for you. Lord, I pray that you give me a crazy heart. May I be willing to be selfless and allow you to work in me and through me. Keep me detached from anything of this world so that i may be able to serve you with everything, for i know the reward will be great. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Of Changing

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091113.cfm) reminds me that change is a process.

In the first reading, we see that God wants us to always put on our new self so he can continuously renew us.

Change does not happen overnight. Just as a seed does not turn into a plant overnight. It needs time. It needs nourishment. It needs support. Continuously.

God wants us to constantly make the effort to make the right decisions. To prioritize the important things. To choose him always. Everyday. By these things, these small steps, God will be able to transform us into becoming the person we were made to be - in the image and likeness of Christ.

The gospel takes it further. The beatitudes or what others fondly call be-attitudes. Jesus encourages us to continue doing what is good and right and God will reward us. At the same time, we are warned what will happen if we go against God.

May we always remember that change is a process. And what is important is we continuously take baby steps so God can transform us to become more like Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you it's mid-workweek! Lord, I ask that you help me become more and more like you. May my everyday actions enable you to slowly change me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Prayer

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091013.cfm) reminds me how important prayer is as we work for God.

It is inspiring, at the same time challenging, to see how much Jesus loves and values prayer. In the gospel, we see Jesus doing an all-nighter. He prayed in the mountain all night. That was after working for God – healing people and preaching about God’s kingdom. Personally, I cannot say I have that much love for prayer. Unlike Jesus, I don’t spend a lot of time in prayer, not all night. We all get tired, even if we are working for God, and sometimes it becomes an excuse not to pray. “Lord, I work for you anyway, hope it’s alright not to pray because I’m tired.” Well, we see that this is not the case for Jesus. in fact, even if he worked hard, he prayed even harder.

We also see how important prayer is. It helps him know God more. He prayed all night before he chose the twelve Apostles. In his life, we can see that Jesus prayed hard before making important decisions. This aligns him to the will of the Father, to make sure what he will be doing is God’s will, not his. Also, though it may take time from his physical rest, prayer also refreshes him and allows him to continue serving God more. It nourishes him. As we see that after choosing the 12, he went on and continued healing and preaching.

How important is prayer in my life? Do I pray? Do I have a fixed time for it, or do I just pray when I remember to? What excuses or reasons do I have for not spending enough, unhurried time for prayer? How can I improve my prayer life?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me how important and powerful prayer is. Lord, I am sorry for not making the most out of prayer. Sorry for all excuses and all the reasons I give you for not having enough unhurried time for prayer. Lord, I pray that you give me a heart for prayer. Like Jesus, may I have a great love and desire for prayer, so I will always be aligned with your will, and I will always be recharged as I do your work. This I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-