He Believed

  

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/033114.cfm) inspires me to have faith like the royal official.

In the gospel we see the story of the royal official asking Jesus to come to his house to heal his son. We already see his faith, traveling just to see Jesus and asking him to heal his son. However, we see how great that faith is when he believed Jesus who told him to go home because his son will live.

Wow. What a faith! So Inspiring.

Nowadays, it's hard to believe someone just on the basis of words spoken. We want a written document. We want proof. We want to be sure.

That's something we do not need with Jesus. We can count on his word. When he says he has great plans for us, he definitely has. When he says he will heal us, he definitely will. When he says his love endures forever, it definitely does. When he says we can do anything through him, we definitely can.

We may be in a similar situation with the royal official. There is something we are praying for. Let us come to God in faith, and believe him when he answers us, especially when, like the royal official, we do not yet see the confirmation of our prayers come into fruition.

What am I praying for right now? What is God's answer to me? Do I believe his word - the bible? Or do I first want to see or experience a proof or sign from him before I believe?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the gift of life.  Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another year. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, I pray that you help me have faith like the royal official. May I always have faith in you and your Word and your plans for me, even if I may not yet see or feel it in my life. Continue to surprise me, and use me for your kingdom. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

He Comes to Us

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/033014.cfm) reminds me that God comes to us as we live our lives, even if we do not even look for Him.

God is so loving and humble that even if he is God, he will not wait for you to come to him! He comes to us even if we are busy living our lives and doing our thing. In the first reading, David was busy doing his work and was not even present when his father presented his sons from whom the next king would be chosen. But even that did not atop God. God came to David. In the gospel, the man was busy doing his thing, begging in the street. He probably did not know Jesus was passing, and did not know who Jesus was. But Jesus came to him and told him what he needed to do to be healed.

We too are like those people. We are busy living our lives. Doing our work. Going about our daily tasks. But God comes to us, even when we do not look for Him, even when we do not ask or expect him. He comes. So may we never be blind to see him as he comes. And may we be willing to do when he tells us what he asks of us as he comes to us. For only if we do our part will his plans for us come into fruition.

When was the last time I felt God visiting me? Will I recognize God when he visits me? Am i willing to be visited? Will I be ready and willing to obey what he asks me to do?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for visiting me and coming to me. Thank you for another opportunity to worship you. Lord, I pray that you equip me with everything that I need to serve you. I am ready to serve you, empower and anoint me, Lord. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Love, not Sacrifice

  

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032914.cfm) reminds me what God wants from me - my love, not sacrifices for Him.

In the first reading, we see that God wants love, not sacrifice. In the gospel, we see Jesus emphasizing that he is not pleased with sacrifices if not done out of love. The psalmist further echoes this.

God wants us to love him, more than anything else.

Things not done out of love is not done for God. We can help other people, do good things, sacrifice a lot of things, but if these things are not done out of love, it is not done for Jesus, but for oneself. Our hearts should be in the proper disposition as we do things for Him. More than the actual actions, good works and sacrifices we do for God, what's important is our heart when we do these things.

What things do I do for God? What do I feel as I do these things? Is my heart in the proper disposition as I do these things? Do I offer it out of love for God?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Lord, give me the energy to serve you and give you my all this weekend. May everything I do this weekend be done out of love for you. May my actions be pleasing to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

With All

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032814.cfm) reminds me how we should love God - with all we have got.

They say that if you won't do your best, don't do it at all. And by best, it means you give your all - all you have, all you've got. This is true in different things in life, and in loving God.

In the gospel, Jesus himself said that:

Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

He wants us to love God with everything - all our heart, soul, mind and strength. All of us, including all our imperfections. He wants us to love him and offer him everything, because only then can we experience his great love and power. As we love him and give him everything, in turn, we will feel his love and power, transforming us and filling us.

Loving God with all we've got is not easy. But it surely is necessary for us to realize and experience all his love as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend to serve you. Lord, i am sorry for the times i don't love and serve you with all I have. This weekend, together with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I will give you everything I got. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/06/high-standards.html

Choose One

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032714.cfm) reminds me that we should choose whether we are for or against God.

The gospel shows us Jesus telling:

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters

There is no middle ground. We should choose if we are God's or with the enemy. When we die, we will either spend eternity with Him or far from Him. And we tell him whose team we are on as we live our lives. Are we living for God or not?

It is not too late. We may not have been able to live for Him. We may have been questioning God and his power and love. But today, God is calling us and reminding us that we should choose just one. May we heed the call of the Psalmist - to not harden our hearts as we hear his voice today.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, help me to constantly live for you. May I be able to tell you that I love you by how i live my life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Greatest

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032614.cfm) reminds me what I should do to be great in God's eyes.

Jesus said this in the gospel today.

But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

God's ways are not our ways. He does not look at our accomplishments on earth. It does not matter to him whether we are rich or powerful. These things do not make us great in his eyes. Rather, humility and submission to him makes us great. Obey his commandments. Be humble and submit to him. But it does not end there. We should also teach this to others. Bring others to him. Proclaim him, not by words, but by how we live our lives.

It is easy to get caught up in the world. The thirst for success, fame, power, money and influence takes our hearts away from what truly matters. May we be sensitive and willing to do what God asks us to do.

What is the basis of greatness for me? How do I find God's definition of what a great person should be? What is God telling me today?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to live for you. Lord, I pray that you help me have a clear vision of what is important in life, of how I should live my life. May I be ready and willing to submit to you, and work to bring others to you by the way I live my life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Yes Lord

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032514.cfm) makes me think of how I react when God asks me to do something.

It is not easy serving God. Almost always, we are taken out of our comfort zones. Our schedules and plans will change. That is why  it is not always an immediate yes when God calls us.

Today we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation, and in the gospel we see Mary's Fiat - her yes to God's plan for her and the whole mankind. It was definitely a surprise. She probably had other plans. And it was different, she was to bear a child without having relations with a man! Unheard of! But Mary said yes, and the rest is history.

In our lives, God calls us to do different things. These things are usually not within our schedules and our plans. But may we be inspired by Mama Mary, who despite how different or challenging God's task for us is, she still said yes. May we echo her words and the words of the psalmist - here I am Lord, I come to do your will. I am your servant, be it be done to me according to your Word.

In what ways am I being called to serve God? How do I respond to his call? What things do I consider before saying yes to him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Lord, I am sorry for the times I say no to your call for me to serve. Give me a ready and willing heart to serve you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

God's Ways

  

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032414.cfm) reminds me that God's ways are sometimes different from what we expect.

In the first reading, we see Naaman being told to go to the prophet Elisha to be healed of his leprosy. Of course he was excited, but when told what he should do to be cleansed, he felt bad. He was expecting a grand cleansing - Elisha invoking God's name and moving his hand over the skin, cleansing him of his leprosy. However, he was told to wash himself seven times. Aside from it not being what he wanted to happen, we also see his pride - that he felt their rivers are just as powerful as Jordan. However, he was eventually persuaded, and when he did this, he was cured.

Naaman wanted things to happen his way. Naaman did not want to move and do his part and just wanted to stand there and be cleansed.

How often are we like Naaman? There are times that we feel God not being there or not answering our prayers simply because what he is asking us to do is different from what we want to do or what we want to happen. we expect him to conform to what we want, not the other way around. We expect to be blessed, to be healed, or to receive guidance and answer without doing our part, without doing the best that we can. We just wait for him to do all the work for us. As we see in the reading, God is powerful and merciful, but he won't spoil us. He wants us to do our part as well to get the healing, blessing, forgiveness and guidance we are praying for.

What am i praying to God right now? How is he answering me? Am I open when the way he wants me to go is different from what I want to happen?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week. Thank you for another chance to experience your love and power. Lord, open my heart that i would always be humble and submit to your will. May I be sensitive to you,  especially when your answer is different from what i want or expect. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

How's Your Heart?

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032314.cfm) makes me ask myself how my heart is.

They say that for those who believe, no proof is necessary, but for those who doesn't, no proof is enough. This depends on how open our heart is.

In the first reading we see the Israelites complaining again. They are quick to forget the great things God has done to them, and focused on their desires. However in the gospel, we see a woman, after a conversation with Jesus, believed in Him and testified about him. Heart. One is closed to God, the other is very open.

In our lives, God has always been there for us. Miracles big and small, blessings, graces. But sometimes when faced with a challenge, we are quick to forget all he has done and doubt all he can still do with his love, power and goodness. We focus on the challenge in front of us and not on the one watching over us.

May we be like the woman - with a heart open and thirsty for God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another sunday. Lord, I pray that I may be able to know you more, to love you more. May I always be thirsty for you, and as you quench and fill me, may I always be ready and willing to share you to others. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

He Ran

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032214.cfm) reminds me how loving and forgiving God is.

The gospel is one of the common story that we know - the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Today, what struck me was how loving the Father is. Imagine, after getting all inheritance and spending it, he still welcomed back the son home. He ran to the son, even if he still have not heard the son asking for forgiveness. He just ran to assure the son of his love and forgiveness. He also pleaded with his older son to go inside the house. He did not ignore the son or got mad at him for acting up. He again showed his love.

This is how God is in our lives. No matter how much we sin and hurt him, he will come running to meet us when he sees even the smallest hint of us asking from forgiveness and coming back to Him.

His love for us is greater than our sins.

In what ways do i behave like the son - hurting and disrespecting my father? What were the times i felt God running to meet me? How can i love God more?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Lord I pray that you be with me in a special way today. Guide ma, be with me, fill me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Who Are You Rejecting?

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032114.cfm) warns us to make sure we are not rejecting Jesus.

A verse from the gospel says:

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone

God will not force himself upon us. The builders, the scribes and Pharisees, were supposed to lead the people closer to God. They knew the law but not Jesus. They rejected Him - who is the cornerstone, the very foundation of our faith. Even so, Jesus did not force himself to these people.

In our lives, Jesus comes in familiar, but often unrecognizable forms. He comes in the form of street children asking for help and food. He comes in the form of family and friends asking for time and support. He comes in the form of sick people asking for prayers. He comes in the form of that annoying person secretly needing patience, understanding and love. These are some of the ways Jesus comes, but we may fail to see because we are too focused on religion, on what we think Jesus is like and what we think we should do.

May we not be blind that will lead us to rejecting Him.

In what ways do Jesus visit me? How can i extend my love for him to others? How can I be Jesus to others?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, I ask that you open my eyes that i may always be sensitive to you and see you in others. May i never reject you, especially when you come in familiar forms. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/rejecting-christ.html

Sin to be Rich?

  

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032014.cfm) reminds me that God wants more from us than simply avoiding doing bad.

In the gospel, we see the rich man and Lazarus. When the rich man died, he went to hell while Lazarus to heaven. Is being rich a sin, which caused him to be in hell? If course not. It goes deeper than that.

The rich man probably did not deliberately do evil things, but neither did he do good things. He did not help Lazarus, even if he could have easily done so. He probably did not care about others and only wanted riches for himself. He probably did not want to part with his riches, so he did not want to help others. That's probably the sin - his riches took the place of God in his life.

God does not want us to simply avoid doing evil. Well, that’s a very good start, but God needs people who will actively work for him. In the bible, God said that he does not want us to be lukewarm, else he will spit us out of his mouth. If a good person does not plant seeds, no trees will grow, no matter how good the person is. Work is needed. Action is necessary. God wants us to be burning with desire – to do good, to do his will, to do his work.

May we be aware that not doing evil is not enough. We should also do good to others. And may we be careful to not anyone or anything take God's place in our lives.

What are the blessings i have? Am I sharing it with others? Why not? How can I share more?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord thank you for being so generous. I pray that I wont be so selfish and  not so focused on these material things. May I be willing to share your blessings with others. Help me be aware and protect me that no one and nothing take your place in my life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Silent Worker

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031914.cfm) reminds me that we can be a silent worker for God's kingdom.

Today is the feast of St Joseph, husband of Mother Mary and earthly father of Jesus. Not much is written about Him, except the gospel today. He was a silent and righteous man, but we know he played an important role as well. We also see his faith when he obeyed God's message for him through a dream, though what God was asking him to do was different from his plans.

God wants us to be workers for Him, and it does not matter if we are working silently for him. He does not need us to do great and mighty things for Him. He does not need us to be loud as we tell what we do for him. We can be silent workers, happy to be doing God's work, not needing praise, recognition or affirmation, knowing that the only one who needs to know sees what we do.

Do I serve God? In what way? Do i long for praise, affirmation and attention as I work for God? Am I willing to work silently, even if no one notices?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for St Joseph that serves as an example on how to serve silently. Give me a heart that would be willing to serve you in the background, not needing and wanting affirmation, acknowledgement and praise. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Greatest Servant

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031814.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to be great servants of God.

The gospel today teaches us what servant leadership is. In worldly view, we see leaders as mighty, strong and great. However Jesus coming in the world changes that. He redefines it, and puts the servant aspect in leadership.

The greatest among you must be your servant.

The higher we are in society, the more of a leader we are, the more we should serve. that's what Jesus wants. Serve others, and not ask others to serve us.

Jesus came as a helpless baby boy born in a manger, not as a mighty king and ruler. If the Son of God, humbled himself and did that, what more us? As Jesus was doing God's mission for him, he came as a servant, serving God through us. He is mighty, great, powerful and a leader, but his life is a service.

May we be inspired and serve God through others.

What have I accomplished in this world? Am I considered a leader? Do i have servants? How does God want me to live my life?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the gift of life. Lord I am sorry for being distracted in attaining what the world wants me. May I not be too focused on being a great leader, but spend more time in being a great servant. May I be inspired by the greatest servant - Jesus. Amen.

Blessed Tuesday!

In Christ,

-g-

Give to Receive

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031714.cfm) reminds me that God never fails to reward us and give us back more than what we gave away.

They say that the more you give, the more you will have. Does not make sense, right? The more you give, the less there will be for you - at least in the worldly sense. But today's gospel tell us otherwise.

Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap

The filipino translation of the verse says:

Magbigay kayo at kayo'y bibigyan ng Diyos; hustong takal, siksik, liglig, at umaapaw pa ang ibibigay sa inyo.

As you give to and for God, he will return to you more than you give him. The more you give, the more you will receive. Some people say that if you need money, give God money for he will surely reward you 

God cannot be outgiven.

Whatever we give him will surely be returned back to us. The more we give, the more he can give us back, because God can only fill us up when we are empty.

Have a blessed week!

What am I giving to God? How do i give - do i give the best, the first fruits, or just my surplus? Looking back in my life, what situations have I given to God - my time, talent and treasure? In what ways has he rewarded me?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week. Lord I thank you for being generous. Indeed you cannot be outgiven. I pray that you give mea heart that will always be ready and willing to give you my best. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Give Back

  

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031614.cfm) reminds me that God continues to fill us so that we can continue give back to others.

The gospel tells us the story of transfiguration. How amazing Peter, James and John must have felt. So great that they were speechless and wanted to just stay there. Imagine, Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus! Big names!

We all have transfiguration moments.  Probably for most of us, it was during a retreat or a religious activity wherein we felt very close to God, we feel God’s love and power in our lives, in a personal and intimate way. Probably for others these moments come in miracles like healing from sickness, undeserved blessings and graces, calmness, peace and strength amidst problems, and freedom from sin or bad habits – moments when we feel God’s love for us, that we know it is only by his grace and power that we experience these things. However, God does not want us to just focus on these things.

Jesus asked his disciples to come down the mountain and back to their regular lives. Back to doing God’s work – healing the sick, driving out demons, and proclaiming God’s kingdom and message, In the same way, our transfiguration moments are not the end or reward, rather, they should serve as nourishment and inspiration for us to continue to do good, to work harder to proclaim God’s kingdom on earth.

May we be willing to continue to serve God as he continues to nourish us and reveal himself to us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another Sunday! Thank you for reminding me how much you take care of me. Lord, I thank you for the transfiguration moments in my life. Thank you for making your love more alive in my life. As I continue to experience these, I promise to continue working for you, as long as you want me to. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

ps

see related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/08/transfiguration-2013.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/08/transfiguration-2012.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/02/surprise.html

Goodness and Justice

  

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031514.cfm) reminds me that God is good and just.

The readings today seem to contradict each other. The first reading and psalm exhorts us to follow God and obey his commandments. However in the gospel, we see that God makes the sun shine on both the good and the bad. So why be good, right?

God is a good God, but he is also a just one.

God's blessings does not mean his tolerance. Just because he blesses you doesn’t mean he is okay with your wicked lifestyle. As Jesus said, the time will come when the master will gather all his harvest, and he will separate the good and the bad. The day will come when the good will be rewarded, and the bad condemned, so we just have to continue doing good and patiently and joyfully wait for the masters coming.

How do I live my life? Do I envy evil and prosperous people? Do I question God's goodness? What is God telling me today?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for always reminding me how much you love me. Lord, help me live a good life - a life pleasing to you, a life lived according to your ways. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

PS

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/02/perfect-love.html

Small Start

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031414.cfm) reminds me that it is better and easier to address the problem while it is still small.

In the gospel we see Jesus raising the standards on sin. This should remind us that even at the slightest hint of sin, or seed of sin, we should be ready and willing to address it. As they say prevention is better than cure. The seemingly small things - hatred, bitterness, anger, envy, lust, should be addressed already before it gets bigger and manifest into actions, into actual sins.

May we pray for a sensitive heart and be ready and willing to address these feelings and concerns before they manifest into actions, behavior and sins.

What feelings are weighing me down? What are the causes of it? What am I doing about it? Am i willing to confess and be right with God and ask him to help me be free from these?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend coming up. Lord, help me recognize and address sins even before they start and manifest. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Simple

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031314.cfm) reminds me that following God is simple.

In the old testament, there are hundreds of laws that people follow. Also, God sent a lot of prophets to the people. Both the law and the prophets were given to tell the people how they should live. The reading tells us:

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

Plain and simple. Sometimes we get too technical and focus on the details. God wants something simple from us. To treat others right. To treat them as we would treat Christ. That simple.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, I ask that you help me treat others right. May i see you in others, especially the least, the last, and the lost. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Repent

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031214.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to repent.

The first reading tells us the story of Jonah, and how God, after the people repented, changed his mind on the punishment. The psalmist reminds us that God wants a contrite and humble heart. And the gospel further tells us that Jesus wants us to repent because of Him. Well, this must mean he is serious when he tells us he wants us to repent.

God is a loving God. He is a forgiving God. And no matter how big or grave our sin is, he is always ready and willing to forgive. His love and forgiveness is bigger than our sins. We just need to be truly sorry, to repent, and humble ourselves to come to him.

As we go into lent, let us make the most out of the sacrament of reconciliation and repent of our sins.

When was the last time I went to confession? What prevents me from repenting, from being right with God? What sins do i need to release from my life?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I pray that I may be able to make the most out of the sacrament of reconciliation. May I have a humble and contrite heart. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Lord's Prayer

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031114.cfm) reminds us how powerful and complete the Lord’s prayer is.

The gospel shows us Jesus teaching us how to pray. It is a simple prayer, one of the first prayers we usually memorize. Unfortunately, because we have known this prayer since we were kids, we sometimes fail to see the beauty and depth of this prayer who Jesus himself taught us. Sharing with you a way I learned on how to see this prayer in a different way – with a foundation verse and some things to ponder upon as we pray each part of it.

Our Father who are in heaven, hollowed by thy name

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

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

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

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

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

Give us this day our daily bread

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Father God,

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

Be Holy Now

  

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031014.cfm) reminds us that God wants us to follow Him now.

One of the bad habits of us Filipinos is the Mañana habit - or mamaya na habit. We procrastinate or put off doing something until such time we have no choice anymore but to do it. This is what God wants us to avoid.

The first reading reminds us that God wants us to be holy. The gospel further affirms this, and adds that we will be rewarded for being holy - for treating others the way we should. We all know we should be holy and treat others right. But not all of us do it.

The verse before the gospel reminds us: Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

God wants us to start now. Today. Some people say they will be holy when they are old or when they retire, because then they would have more time. Well, God does not need us to stop working and do full time missionary or church work. God just wants us to live right. Treat others right. To be fair. Treat officemates with respect. Simple things, yet often overlooked and neglected. These are some things we can do today to start our journey of being holy.

Am I living a life God would be pleased with? What are the things i should start, or stop doing, to please God? Am I ready to face God when he calls me?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week. Lord thanks for the reminder that you want me to be holy, and you want me to start now. Help me Lord to start and be consistent at it. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-