Light or Dark

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/043014.cfm) reminds me that we should choose if we prefer light or darkness.

The gospel message is clear. We choose if we want to follow God or the devil. We choose if we want to be in the light or hide in darkness. The way we live our lives would tell God our decision, the path we want to follow.

If we are not ashamed of our actions, if we will not have problems with our personal activities being exposed, then most probably, we are living in the light. We are living in a way consistent with how God wants us to live. But if we live double lives, if there are activities we do that we do not want our family and others to know, then we have not yet fully committed to living in the light, and still choose darkness in some areas of our lives.

Let us examine our lives and see where we are living.

Sharing the Chorus of the song "In the Light"  may this be our prayer and goal.

I wanna be in the light

As you are in the light

I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens

Oh, lord be my light and be my salvation

Cause all I want is to be in the light

All I want is to be in the light

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for an exciting weekend. Lord, I thank you for all the blessings and opportunities, for taking good care of me. Lord, help me to always live in the light. May I live a life consistent with your ways. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

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

Is God Lifted?

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042914.cfm) makes me examine my life and see if God is lifted up.

We just finished the season of lent - of praying, reflecting and preparing ourselves to commemorate easter, Christ's resurrection and victory over sin and death. After experiencing God's love on the cross, after all the sacrifices and spiritual preparations for lent, what's next? Is God lifted up in our lives? Do we continue these things, or just go on with our usual lives and go back to these things next lent?

Things should not end on Easter Sunday. Praying, fasting and almsgiving is not for lent only. Sacrifices and spiritual preparations are not just to prepare us for easter. Lent should not be the end, rather, a springboard for our faith journey. As we experience God's love, we should always be aware to lift him up in our lives.

Is God really God in our lives? May we be ready and willing to submit to Him, die of ourselves and live in a way that pleases him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for loving me. Lord, I pray that I would always lift you up in my life. May I live in such a way that people will see that you are God, that you are great, so I can be a living witness for you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Still Blessed

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042814.cfm) reminds me that God is not limited by what we give him.

In the gospel we see Nicodemus the Pharisee, a socially powerful person, coming to Jesus at night. Why at night? Probably because he did not want to be seen by others, especially fellow Pharisees, visiting Jesus. However, Jesus still taught him something and blessed him.

No matter how little we give for God, we will still be blessed.

Of course, if he spent more time with Jesus, he probably learned more. But Jesus took whatever time he gave, and made the most out of this.

Tayo din ganito. God will take whatever time, effort and service we give him, and still bless us. Even if we give just a little bit of our time, talent and treasure to God, he will gladly take it and bless us with it.

May we be inspired and give even just a little bit, but motivated to give more.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your great love. Thank you that you take whatever   i give to you, and bless me with it. Lord, may this encourage and inspire me to give more to you, not just because I want to be blessed more, but because you deserve more. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Everyday Nourishment

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042714.cfm) reminds me that we need nourishment everyday, not only physically through food, but more importantly, spiritually.

Today we celebrate Divine Mercy. We see in the gospel Jesus showing this to his disciples when he greeted them with peace, even when they deserted him when he needed friends the most, even when Thomas doubted him. Peace.

However, what struck me today was the first reading.

Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes

Wow. Everyday fellowship. Everyday praying. Everyday nourishment. How amazing and great this would have been, to grow and be nourished not only physically, but spiritually with fellow believers.

God should not be confined on Sunday masses. That’s just not enough for us to experience his great love. That’s not enough nourishment for the week. While meeting everyday would most probably be a challenge, we are reminded that something similar is needed. With the technology that we have, there are a lot of ways to grow spiritually. Internet research to know him more. Social media to proclaim him. Communication technology to talk about him with others. We need nourishment, and we need to work on it. Not only that, in the same way that Jesus in the gospel sent out his disciples, he too is asking us to proclaim him as we get nourishment.

May we always be reminded that we need spiritual nourishment everyday, and be ready to proclaim him to others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your love. Thank you for the many ways you reach out to us and remind us of your love. Thank you for your nourishment you send in many ways. Lord, may I always be thirsty and hungry for you. And as I get filled, may I always be ready to share you to others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Proclaim the Gospel

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042614.cfm) again reminds us that Jesus asks us to proclaim the gospel.

In the gospel, we see another account of Christ telling his disciples to proclaim the gospel. This is the same things he is telling us today.

In proclaiming God's kingdom, actions should go hand in hand with words. God does not need us to leave our work and go house to house to tell people about him, unless that's your calling. But God wants us to proclaim the gospel where we are right now. In the office. In our family. With friends. In the gym. By living our lives based on the gospel values, by doing what is right, we are already proclaiming the gospel to others.

Of course it is not an easy task. Not a comfortable one. In the first reading, as Peter and John were proclaiming the gospel, they had troubles as well. Leaders at that time wanted them to stop. But they remained faithful. As we work for God, we will experience similar challenges basically making us want to stop. May we be faithful and focus on God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Lord, help me proclaim the gospel through my life. May the way I live my life tell people how great, loving and forgiving you are. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Work for Christ

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042514.cfm) reminds me how important it is to work for Christ

Christ needs workers for his kingdom. As we celebrate the feast of St Mark, we are reminded of this. In the gospel we see that his disciple preached about him when Jesus was taken into heaven. In the first reading we see Paul tell that Mark is still doing God's work and proclaiming Jesus to others.

As we do God's work, we are not empty handed. Jesus first spent years with his disciples, teaching and guiding them. He did not just choose twelve and sent them out. In the gospel he told them that he will always be with them, and there would be signs not for them to believe, but for others to be affirmed that God is indeed on their side. Jesus is with us as we do God's work. From then, until now.

May we be inspired by Mark and all others who tirelessly work for God. And as we do so, as we work for God, let us not be surprised of God's signs and power manifesting in us for God's glory.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to live for you. Lord, give me the desire, and the will and strength to always work for you in little and big ways. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Peace

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042414.cfm) reminds me how good Jesus is!

In the gospel, we again see an account of Jesus appearing to others. The disciples were afraid when he appeared. Not only because they thought they saw a ghost, but because they thought Jesus was mad at them for leaving and denying him. But again, Jesus proved them wrong. He affirmed them and greeted them with peace! Peace, even before the disciples asked for it. And not only that, Jesus also opened their minds to understand scripture.

That's how much Jesus loves us!

He is willing to forget our sins and weaknesses, and readily offers his peace and love to us. We just need to accept it.

Holy week may be over, but may we make the most of his offer to be at peace with him through the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings, love and forgiveness you let me experience. Lord, help me make the most out of the sacrament of reconciliation so I would always be at peace with you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Burning

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042314.cfm) reminds me that we should always be burning with God's love.

I attended a mass a few weeks back, and the priest mentioned something in his homily that stuck to me.

"If you are not burning with God's love, you cannot inspire others"

Makes sense, right? Because truly, we cannot give what we do not have. We cannot love others and inspire others if we are not burning with God's love.

In the gospel, we see the disciples felt this. Jesus was burning with the love of God the Father, so he was able to pass this on to others.

Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

In the first reading, we see Peter and John, burning with God's love, healing another person. Passing the love and joy to others.

As we encounter God daily, may we be sensitive to his love and pass it on to others.

How do I feel God's love in my life? What was the moment i felt God's love in my life the most? Am I burning with God's love? Am I able to share this and inspire others?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another chance to live. Lord, may I always allow you to love me. Help me feel and be sensitive to that love. As i do so, may I inspire others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Personal

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042214.cfm) reminds me that we have a personal God.

In the gospel, we see an account of the Risen Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene. However, she did not immediately recognize him, not until he called her by name. How cool that must have been, to be called by name by the risen Christ! This is how personal our God is.

God knows exactly how to get through us. That's how personal he is. He uses different ways for different people. However, when listen and respond to his call, and when we allow ourselves to be used by Him, the effect is the same - we will be able to do great things through him and for him. We see this in the first reading, when Peter, the person who denied Jesus three times, was used by God to baptize three thousand people!

May we always remember that God knows exactly how to get through us. He is a personal God. May we allow ourselves to be used, and see great things we do for his name.

Who is God for me? Do I treat him in a personal way as well? Do i allow myself to be used by Him for his purpose?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you that you are a personal God. Lord, as you make your presence felt in my life, may I always respond positively and allow you to mold and use me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

This Is The Day!

The WORD Today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042114.cfm) reminds me that we should celebrate each day as it is a gift from God!

In the gospel, we see the women experiencing the risen Jesus. Something unexpected. A gift. And Jesus told them to proclaim the good news, that he is risen, to others.

As we celebrate Easter, this should be our task too. Proclaim Jesus to others! Celebrate his life and victory over sin and death. More importantly, celebrate and proclaim his great love for us everyday!

Admittedly, it is not easy to do so. We do not always feel happy and excited to start the day. Work. Deadlines. Requirements. Quotas. Problems. These are some things making us dread a new day. But despite all of these, may we never forget two words that overpowers these words : God's love.

What am I feeling as I wake up today? Am I excited to work and proclaim God? Or am I dreading the day and want to extend my holiday?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to love and proclaim you. Thank you for your love and greatness. May I live everyday proclaiming you to others. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Christ Is Risen

This Easter 2014, the WORD (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042014.cfm) reminds us that Christ has risen and has won over sin and death.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the significance of Easter for me? How was my lenten experience this year? Do I feel that aside from Christ's victory over sin and death, lent is about his immense love for me? What happens next?

Father God,

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

Happy Easter!

In Christ,

-g-

Dark Night

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041914.cfm) reminds me that no matter how dark the night may seem, the sun will eventually come out.

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

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

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

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

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

Sharing the lyrics of the song Your Love Never Fails. No matter how dark the night may be, God's love never changes. 

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

Father God,

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

Blessed Saturday!

In Christ,

-g-

It Is Finished

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041814.cfm) makes me remember all the sacrifices Jesus has done for me.

He humbled himself and became man so we can have an example of a man, just like us, who experienced the same things we are experiencing, yet without sin.

When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Jesus loves us so much he was willing to die the most shameful death to save us. More than that, we was willing to be separated from the Father when we bore our sins on the cross.

Real love.

Today, as we commemorate his death and love for us, may we be reminded of others who have made God's love more alive and more real in our lives. Those who made us feel special and loved. God loves us, and the same way he sent his only son to become human so we can relate to him, he still continues to send and use other people to remind us and make us feel his love. Instead of being sorry and focusing on our sins, let us focus on God’s love, on experiencing it, and sharing it with others.

What am I doing today? Am i willing to fast and abstain? Do I remember and thank God for his great love for me? Do I appreciate people who reminds me of God's love? Am I open to being used by God to make his love more real and more alive in others?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your love. Thank you for loving me even if it cost you your life. Thank you for seeing the goodness in me. Lord, may I be like Jesus, obedient to you even if it is hard and painful. In my own little way, as I fast and abstain today, may I be one with you in denying myself and offering it to you. I love you, Lord. Thank you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Fulfilled

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041714-chrism-mass.cfm) reminds me that God's promises will be fulfilled in the perfect time.

Not a lot of people want to wait, that’s why we have a lot of 'instant' things nowadays. We want to have quick results. We want things fast. That's why a lot of us get impatient waiting for God's plan to happen in our lives.

In the first reading, we see a passage from Isaiah, and in the gospel, we see Jesus reading that exact passage and telling the people that that day, it has been fulfilled.

It took time for the passage to be fulfilled. But God's promises will always come true. In our lives, we may also feel the same way - that things take time, that we have been waiting for so long. Today we are reminded that God does not forget, and his promises will come true in his perfect time, not ours.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for this opportunity to pause, pray and reflect. Lord, I am sorry for being impatient with your plans for me. Help me be more patient as I wait in faith, Lord. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Anxious but Focused

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041614.cfm) reminds me that like Jesus, even if we are anxious and worried, we should remain focused and keep our eyes on God.

Jesus was human as well, so he feels exactly what we are feeling. In the gospel we see that he knows the time for him to suffer and die is near. He must have felt anxious and worried at what will happen, but he remained focused on God and his perfect plan.

Sometimes, we too experience this. We are anxious and worry on things in life. Work, career, business, family, health, finances, lovelife. But Jesus invites us to be like him - keep our focus on God and continue serving Him despite the challenges and worries that we face.

What things, situations or persons in life challenge or bother me? How do I react? Do I keep my focus on God?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to love and serve you. Lord, I am sorry for the times I do not keep my focus on you. Sorry for being distracted and letting others bother me. I pray that you help me to be like Jesus, remaining faithful and keeping my focus on you despite the challenges I am facing. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Potential, not Weakness

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041514.cfm) reminds me that God sees the potential in me, despite of my sin and my weaknesses.

In the gospel we see the last supper, and at the end, we see Peter telling Jesus he is willing to die for Him. Jesus answered that Peter will deny him three times. And we know he did! It is inspiring to know that despite Peter's weakness, Jesus still loves him and chose him to be the rock of the church. He looked past beyond the sin and weakness and saw the great potential Peter had - a leader who was actually willing to die for Jesus.

God sees us that way as well. He is able to look past our sins, weaknesses and imperfections and tell us in the face that he loves us, that we are beautiful, that we are capable of great things. No matter how sinful you are or how weak you are, God can still see your potential and can use you for great things, as long as you cooperate with him and allow him to work in and through you.

God loves us so much. Let us pray that we see ourselves the way God sees us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Tuesday. Lord, thank you for seeing me for what I can become, not for what I am now. Thank you for seeing beyond my imperfections and sins and still loving me. Lord, help me see myself the way you see me. May I do my best to cooperate with you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Best For Jesus

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041414.cfm) reminds me that Jesus appreciates us giving our best to him.

As we see in the gospel, Jesus did not stop Mary when she used an expensive oil for his feet. Not that he likes the attention, but probably a reminder for all that he wants us to give him our best, the first fruits and not just the surplus. God wants us to give him our best.

As we serve God, as we do work for Him, God wants us to give the best that we can. Our best does not necessarily have to be expensive, but it should be full of love, and offered specifically for God. We give God our best time to serve him, not just serve him during our free time or when we feel like it. We give God our best attitude as we serve him and not force ourselves into doing things just because.

God deserves our best, and as we continue to allow him to make us feel his love, we will realize that it's what he deserves.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another opportunity to love and serve you. Lord, I am sorry for the times I was not able to give you my best. I love you, Lord, and I will try to always give you my best every time. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Love on the Cross

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041314.cfm) reminds me how much Jesus loves me.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we are reminded not only of Jesus being welcomed by people, but more importantly, of His love for us.

Today's gospel is one of the longest (if not the longest) we have. We can see a lot of things happening - his passion and death. But what struck me was how much God loves us. This is the essence of Jesus suffering and death - God's love! He suffered and died to save us from our sins. God loves us so much he sent Jesus to become man, and to die the most shameful death at that time - death on the cross. He bore our sins and died with it. And as he rose, so too will we rise again.

God's love, demonstrated by Jesus death on the cross.

How much God loves us. How much Jesus loves us and God.

May we be reminded that no matter what the world makes us feel about ourselves, God's love is constant and sees us worthy of his love and life. And may we be inspired by Jesus, who surrendered himself to God - becoming man and dying the most humiliating death. May we too, in little ways, die of ourselves and allow God to work in our lives and through our lives.

How do I see myself? Do I question my worth? Do I let the world affect the way I see myself, or is God's reminder more than enough for me? Am I willing to submit to God's plan for my life?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the love you let me feel. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you for everything. Help me be like Jesus and surrender to you. May I be ready to die of myself and allow you to live in and through me. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Guardian

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041214.cfm) reminds me that God is our guardian.

The psalmist says that the Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock. A shepherd will do everything to protect his flock, and that’s what God will do for us.

The first reading tells us how God made a promise to guard and protect the Israelites. In the gospel we see that even if powerful people plot evil to Jesus, they are no match for the ultimate guardian - the Father.

Well, God must be serious when he tells us he is our guardian.

A lot of times we feel insecure or afraid. Situations intimidate us. Powerful people abuse us. However, we are reminded to trust in our ultimate guardian. Nothing and no one will come close to the love and power of God. Even if we may not feel him in our lives, he is always there, silently guarding and protecting us. His silence does not mean his absence.

May we be encouraged to always trust our guardian.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, protect me and my thoughts. May i never doubt you in my life. In a special way I lift up all the souls who need prayers. Guard and guide them too, Lord. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Closed Eyes

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041114.cfm) reminds me that our eyes should not be closed to God's works in our lives.

They say that for those who believe, no proof is necessary, and for those who don't, no proof is sufficient. In the gospel we see that again. The Jews did not believe in him, even if he was accompanying his works with actions. However, others did believe in him.

Where do we stand?

God is real and consistent in our lives. So do we believe in him or not? Believing is more than just professing yes or no, it goes deeper than that. Our answer should be accompanied by actions.

If we say yes, we believe in Him, our actions should prove it. Good works, patience, honesty, love. These are actions that prove we believe in God. But if our actions go against these, even if we say with our lips that be believe in Him, we actually don't.

May we live our faith through our actions.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another opportunity to love you. Lord, I believe in you. Help me live it, today and everyday. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Faithful

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041014.cfm) reminds me that God is always faithful.

In the first reading we see God making a covenant to Abram - that he will be great and a father of many nations. In the gospel, we see that covenant come true, when people called Abraham their father and regarded him highly. Indeed, God keeps his word.

In our lives, God has promises too. The bible says that he has great plans for us (Jer 29:11). That he will always be with us (Mt 28:20). That he will not give us something we cannot handle (1 Cor 10:13). That we can do all things through him (Phil 4:13). That nothing is impossible (Mt 19:26) with him. These are true, but we also need to do our part. Like what he told Abraham, we should keep his covenant and remain faithful to him always. Being faithful to him will slowly transform us to be the persons God wants us to be, thus as we are slowly transformed, we will slowly experience and realize God's promises to us.

God is faithful, may we be too.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Lord, I thank you for being faithful to me. Help me become faithful to you as well so you can slowly change me and make me more and more like you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Even If

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/040914.cfm) makes me think if I will still love and serve God even if I do not get what I pray for.

The first reading tells us another amazing story! Imagine three men (with cool names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) being thrown to a furnace, and eventually being saved, with God helping them. How amazing their faith is, firm whatever may happen.

If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us! But even if he will not, know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up.”

That's faith, and surrender.

Often times we bargain with God. Lord, grant me this prayer request and I will go to mass every friday. Lord, may I pass this important interview, and I will give 10% of my salary to the church. Lord, please give me my ideal girlfriend and I will stop playing around. We want conditions. We want to get what we want first before doing what God wants. This is the opposite of how the men acted, of how God wants us to act.

May we choose and decide to follow, serve, and love God even if he does not grant us our deepest desires and prayer requests.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another interesting and inspiring story. Lord, may I be like the three men in the first reading who decided to stand up for you regardless if you hear their prayer or not, even if it can cost them their lives. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Lifted

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/040814.cfm) reminds me that Jesus should always be lifted up in our lives.

I have always loved stories, and the story in the first reading is a very visual and amazing one. Imagine serpents being sent down from heaven, poisoning people. However, what's more amazing is how God remedied it, by a bronze serpent lifted up. Whoever looks at it will be healed.

In the gospel, we see that this is what God wants us to do. Lift him up for us to be saved.

In our lives, there are a lot of serpents. People and things that will try to kill and destroy us. They will succeed, if we let them. And the only way for us to be saved is to lift Jesus in our lives. Look up to him and focus on him, not on others around us.

How do we do that? By choosing to focus on Him and spread his compassion by not joining others who talk ill about an annoying person in the office. By choosing to lift him up and obey traffic rules even if no one will see if you break them. By choosing to lift him up and do good even if others around us do not.

Simple or big things to lift him up in our lives and focus on him. Challenge is to actually do it.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, there are a lot of serpents in my life, but please help me lift you up and just focus on you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

ps

see related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/he-emptied-himself.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/03/high-and-lifted-up.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/04/lifted-up.html

God Saves

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/040714.cfm) reminds me that God saves!

We have two different situations in the readings. In the first reading, Susanna was a very devout person but was wrongfully accused. In the gospel, we see a woman caught in adultery. One innocent, one guilty. Both were almost brought to death, but both were saved by God.

God's goodness is infinite. We may relate to Susanna, who was innocent but wrongfully accused in life. Or the woman who was really guilty and deserving of punishment. However, God saves us. He is a God of second chances and all he asks for in return is for us to sin no more, and for us to continue living the right path. May we always grateful and live in such a way pleasing to him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, I will live for you this week. Use me and may my actions glorify you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-