Not Easy

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/063014.cfm) reminds me that following Jesus is not going to be easy

The gospel today is written in between two miracles of Jesus. Probably after healing a lot of people, there are those who want to follow Jesus because of his works. But in the gospel, Jesus says that it is not going to be easy.

Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

Just because he is the son of God doesn't mean it is going to be an easy journey for him and his disciples. He too is telling us now that it is not going to be easy as we follow Him. We will also experience challenges and hardships, just like him, even if we are doing good works. However, with that comes assurance. For after this, the gospel again shows Jesus performing a miracle at the sea.

Following Jesus is not easy, but it's the right thing to do.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Lord, may this week be the start of me committing again myself to following you and doing your will even if it is not easy. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Who Am I to You?

  

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062914-day-mass.cfm) reminds me to ask the question to myself. Who Is Jesus to me?

Sharing a reflection I wrote a couple of years ago.

Today, we celebrate the feast of two great followers of Christ – Saints Peter and Paul.

The first reading shows us what great things God has done to Peter. He was captured, chained and was set to die. A lot of guards were guarding him, iba ibang levels pa! Then we see that nothing really is impossible with God! He hears the prayers of his people! God sent an angel to take peter away from a dark situation. God turned the seemingly sad situation into one which shows his great love, power and glory!

Another great servant of God, Paul’s final moments was recalled in the second reading. Yes, he gave his all for God. He is tired, yet very happy and satisfied with how he lived his life in service of God. Until the end, he had complete and full faith in God, something we can aspire to have, something we can work to have.

The gospel shows us Jesus asking the disciples the question: Who am I to you? Who do you say that I am? It does not matter who Jesus is for other people. What matters is who Jesus is to them. Peter proclaimed that Jesus is the messiah. Jesus then affirmed that it was God who revealed this to Peter, and he said his blessings on Peter as the head of his Church.

Today, God is asking us the same question: Who am I to you? It does not matter what other people say Jesus is. It does not matter what sins we have committed in the past. It does not matter what we intend to do in our lives. What matters for Christ is our answer to his question.

Who am I to you? Who am I in your life? Am I God in your life? Do you put me first in your life? Do you believe that I am all loving, all merciful, all powerful God? Do you believe that I can work great things to and through you?

May we find it in our hearts to answer him like Peter did – that he is the Messiah, that he is God in our lives. Let us be inspired by saints Peter and Paul, and live our lives the way these two servants of God did – working tirelessly to proclaim God’s kingdom wherever they are, having full faith in God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. I praise and adore you for who you are. Lord, I am so blessed that you are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and that no matter what I do, you will not love me less. I am so grateful to be worshipping the same God that Peter and Paul worshipped, and I believe that you will use me in a mighty way the same way you used Peter and Paul for your glory. Lord, I ask that you help me live my life proclaiming that you are the Messiah, that you are my God, so that I can bring people to you and glorify you. This I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection;

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/who-am-i-to-you.html

Firm Faith

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062814.cfm) inspires me to have firm faith in God.

In the movie "Faith like Potatoes", Angus Buchan's faith is obvious when he said that "the condition for a miracle is difficulty. The condition for a great miracle is impossibility" and his faith enabled him to experience a great miracle.

In the gospel, we see someone with great faith that Jesus himself commended.

Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith

In fact, this faith is so great and inspiring that we remember it every time we celebrate the holy mass.

Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant (soul) will be healed

Of course, Jesus honored this man's faith.

“You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour his servant was healed.

Nowadays, we are faced with situations that will test our faith. We have a lot of questions. Will politics and corruption in our country improve? Will peace and order be stabilized?  Does God really have a great plan for me? Will I be healed of this sickness? Will I be able to get out of debt? These are things that we worry about. Things that test our faith. However, we are reminded in the gospel of the love and power of Jesus. He healed the man's servant by his mere word. He healed peter's mother in law. He healed all the sick and those possessed who were brought to him.

What can Jesus not do?

May we be inspired by the centurion's faith, and assured by Jesus' love and power. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, I am sorry for doubting your love and power and for being inpatient with your plans for me. May I have faith like the centurion, especially with the concerns I have in life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Heart to Love

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062714.cfm) reminds me what we associate our hearts for - to love.

As we celebrate the solemnity of the sacred heart of Jesus, we are reminded to use our hearts to love...and to love like he does.

We all say that we love God, but that profession of love is dead if love does not become alive through our actions. And translating it to action means loving not just God, but more importantly, loving God through others. The first reading tells us:

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.

God asks us to love one another. So that in the process, He may be real and alive in and through us.

May we be willing to translate our love for God to action by loving Him through others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, thank you for loving me. I love you, and I will do my best to prove that to you as I love others. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Strong Foundation

Sharing an old reflection…

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062614.cfm) reminds us how important a strong foundation is.

I am currently undergoing a technical training, and one of the things our instructor teaches us is the importance of having a strong and solid foundation. In technology, the applications are rapidly changing. The demands of work are constantly changing. It is impossible to always be in the know in terms of the latest developments in technology. However, having a strong foundation will make you confident whatever situation you are faced with. No matter what the requirements are, even if you do not readily know how to go about the implementation, having a strong basic foundation will enable you to know what you need to research and work on to be able to deliver the requirements. Thus, having a strong basic foundation is very important.

I believe this is true – in life and in faith.

Jesus reminds us how important having a strong foundation is. Life on earth is temporary. Yes, it may be enjoyable because it appeals to our worldly concerns. However, nothing in this world will last forever, therefore we should not build our foundation on these things. We should not build our foundation on earthly riches and power, because all these can be taken away in a second –  these things away from us, or us away from these things and into eternity.

Only Jesus gives us a strong foundation. Only he is the rock on which we should build our house.

Building on Jesus may not seem interesting at first. He may not give us the desires of this world. He may not give us money, power or fame. However, he gives us much more than that. He gives us something we can take into eternity. He gives us something to hold on to when things around us crumble and fall. He gives us life to the fullest through his redeeming love.

Where am I building my life upon? Do I see the importance of building it on Christ’s strong foundation, or am I enticed with what the world has to offer? How can I strengthen the foundations of my faith?

May we remember to build our foundation in Christ, the only rock we could rely on.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for being my rock. Thank you for giving me strength during the most trying times of my life. Thank you for being constant in my life. Lord, help me build my faith and my life around you and not on any other thing. I know that this world easily entices me, and I ask that you keep me focused on you as I live my life on earth. May I build a strong foundation in you, so that with it, I can withstand whatever the world will send my way. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

ps

see related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/house-on-rock.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/built-on-rock.html?m=1

Choose To Hear?

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062514.cfm) reminds me that we usually choose what we want to hear from God.

It is normal for people to choose what we want to hear. When we ask for advices or get unsolicited ones, we tend to disregard or be defensive to comments we don't agree with, but highlight and believe the ones we agree.

This is what happened in the first reading.

When the king heard the contents of the book, he had two options: to reject it because it was contrary to their ways, or repent and adhere to the book. He chose the better one.

We too are faced with these things. God speaks to us everyday through different ways. And aside from affirming us, he also warns us to change our ways. However, we don't always listen. Sometimes we are defensive and say that we're not that bad, so God was probably not referring to us. Sometimes we delay it and procrastinate. Sometimes we find others who we feel should hear that message. Or sometimes, we ignore it altogether.

If we won't be open, God can't change us.

May we be inspired by the king, and be open to God's everyday messages and instructions for us, especially when they require us to change and improve our ways.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the times you speak to me and reach out to me. And sorry for the times I ignore you. Lord, may my heart be always open and willing to change, so you can make me more and more like you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/05/choose-what-you-want.html

Behind The Scenes

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062414-day-mass.cfm) reminds me how important what happens behind the scenes are.

Making movies, commercials, ads and shows take time. People shoot hundreds or even thousands of photographs to get that one perfect shot. A thirty second advertisement takes a lot of time to shoot and prepare for. A movie takes months, or even years. They keep on repeating and re taking scenes just to get that perfect one the director is looking for. Then they have to edit it, put sounds, etc. these things that happen behind the scenes are not obvious to normal people because they only see the outcome, the final product. But a lot of effort was done and is needed to have the final output.

As we celebrate the nativity of St John the Baptist, we see in the gospel that he too did a lot of things behind the scenes. We only remember him for what he did, proclaiming Jesus, calling people to repentance, baptizing them, and leading them to Jesus. However, we did not realize important things happened behind the scenes leading to that.

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Yes. He was in the desert until he came out. What was he doing in the desert? He was spending time with God. Reading scriptures. Praying. Talking to God. Fasting. Preparing spiritually. What he knew was not a gift given to him from birth. What he knew and was revealed to him was worked for by Him. He did his part. He spent years preparing for it. So when it was time to go out, he was ready.

May we also take time to do things behind the scenes, to know more about our faith, to know more about God, to allow ourselves to experience his love. May we be willing to work to build our faith.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that like St John the Baptist, I need to work also for my faith. May I have the will and desire to do so. And I thank you in advance because i know you will honor that and reward me by revealing yourself more and more to me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/05/strong-foundation.html?m=1

Do Not Point

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062314.cfm) reminds me not to find fault at others.

Bob Marley is one of the more popular artists in our time. Probably the most popular reggae artist. And one of his quotes is

"Who are you to judge the life I life? I'm not perfect and I don't have to be. But, before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean"

Makes sense, right? Similar to what Jesus said in the gospel.

"Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”"

It is easy to see fault in others. It is easy to judge based on what we see and think. However, God tells us otherwise. Other than we probably do not know what's happening behind the scenes so we cannot properly understand the reasons for the action, we are instead asked to focus on ourselves, to first change and improve ourselves. We too are imperfect, and sometimes instead of dealing with our imperfections and sins, we tend to look at others so that we won't feel so guilty or so bad about ourselves. We put the focus on others instead of improving ourselves.

God does not tolerate the imperfections and sins of others, nor of ours. But he wants us first to improve ourselves, then help, not find fault in, others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Lord, sorry for the times I am quick to judge and find fault in others. Sorry for the times i magnify their imperfections in an attempt to hide my own. Lord, as I start the week, may I not be quick to find fault in others, but first look at myself and improve myself so i can be more and more like you. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

More Than Bread

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062214.cfm) reminds me how blessed we are to have the Eucharist.

There was a story of a protestant and a catholic talking. The protestant asked the catholic: "is it true that in your religion, you believe that the Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Christ?" To which the catholic answered yes. Then the protestant said: "wow. If that were the case in our religion, I would do anything to receive him everyday!"

This story struck me. Sometimes we actually do not realize how blessed we are in the belief in the Holy Eucharist. As Catholics, we believe that it is the actual Body and Blood of Christ, not just a representation of it! Isn't that amazing?! Sometimes we take it for granted and are just satisfied in receiving Him once a week on Sundays.

As we consume the Holy Eucharist, it is actually God who consumes us. If we are in the proper disposition as we receive it, God will slowly transform us and consume us. It is his body we are taking.

The gospel says:

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him...This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

May we have a renewed love for the Holy Eucharist, and may we do our part to spiritually prepare ourselves as we receive Him, so it will be easier for him to change us, to consume us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for my faith. Thank you for yourself readily available in the Holy eucharist. Lord, give me a heart that would always be excited to receive you. Help me do my part and prepare spiritually so you can easily change me and consume me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Don't Worry

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062114.cfm) reminds me to not worry about life, but live with full faith in God.

The gospel tells us one of the most assuring promises for me. These two verses never fail to calm me and assure me of God's love, plan, and protection.

But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil

Do not worry.

In life, there are lots of reasons to worry. And lots of things to worry about. Work. Career. Health. Finances. Safety. Lovelife. These are only the basics. Some people further expand this by adding more things: fame. Power. Reputation. Possessions. If one focuses on these things, then the quality of life would really be affected. But today we see how we should deal with these things.

Faith in God.

They say that if you worry a lot, it means you don’t have faith in God. Makes sense. Because we can't do anything by worrying. Jesus asks us not to worry about tomorrow and all the concerns it brings. We should just have faith in God. We should just focus on God. We should just seek God.

Would seeking God and following God solve our concerns? Will it take our problems away? Yes - but probably not in a way we want to. As we seek Him, He won't give us worldly solutions - food, money, security, etc. However, he will change our hearts to become more and more like him. And as we become more and more like him, we will see things in a different perspective. We will rely on him more. And the things we consider problems won't be so big anymore.

May we learn to live like this.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, I pray that you help me live the way you want me to. May I worry less as I pray more. Change me and make me more like you, Lord. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/05/dont-you-worry-child.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/dont-worry-have-faith.html

Safe Treasure

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062014.cfm) reminds me what kind of treasure is safe to have.

When I was a kid, I remember watching the movie Richie Rich. What a house that was, with their own theme park and Mc Donald’s! In one of the scenes, the bad guys kept hostage the parents and led them to the rich mountain where the family kept their most precious possessions. When the vault was opened, the bad guys were surprised to see items with no or little monetary value - bikes, old stuff, first letter, etc. They got mad and asked where the jewels, cash and diamonds are - precious possessions for the thieves. Then the couple answered that those things are in banks, and those non-valuable items for other people are what are precious to their family.

In the gospel, we see Jesus telling us the same thing:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be"

What do I consider treasure in my life? What are in my rich mountain - the precious items in my life? Do I work so hard to attain worldly riches, power and fame? Do i compromise my values to attain things that can be stolen away, that will decay and be destroyed?

Jesus reminds us to be wise. All of the things in this world is temporary. He invites us to put permanent items in our rich mountain - good works, kindness, faith, service to God through others. These things, though may not have worldly values, are what will be permanent, are what will remain even when the world perishes.

Again we are reminded of the old saying. Working for God does not pay much. But its retirement plan is out of this world.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another friday! Thank you for a weekend coming up! Lord, thank you for reminding me what is important in this world. May I live my life working for and storing up permanent riches rather than worldly temporary ones. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Pray

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061914.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.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/awesome-elijah.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/whats-your-motive.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/03/lords-prayer.html 

Happy Outside

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061814.cfm) reminds me not to judge people by their appearance.

A couple of weeks ago, i had a conversation with a friend and he shared to me that he is a spiritual person even if it doesn't show. He is the type of person who is always happy, always one of the funny and loud people in the group, but deep inside, his love for God and his thirst to know God more is there. Clearly, looks can be deceiving.

In the gospel, we see Jesus reminding us that as we fast, pray and help others, we need not show it. We don't need to announce we are holy, or look holy so people will notice. We can just be our happy and normal selves, secretly and genuinely serving God.

There are people who announce that they fast, share that they are helping others, and make sure people see them praying and hearing mass. Yes, in this evil world, we need a breath of fresh air. We need good news, we need to announce good works so people will get inspired. We need to see God's light in our lives to glorify God. But we should check the intentions as we do these. We should never fall in the trap of doing these works for acceptance and affirmation, but only for God's greater glory. And as we share good works, we should not be quick to judge others who seem happy and normal as people with no concern for God and others, because they just might be doing what Jesus tells us in the gospel.

Do I share my good works to others? How? What are my intentions as I do so? Do I judge others who does not seem to care about the salvation of their souls?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for midweek. Lord, help me have my heart in the proper place as I do things for you. And may I never be too quick to judge others based on the superficial level. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/awesome-elijah.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/whats-your-motive.html

Justice

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061714.cfm) reminds me that God is a God of justice.

All of us sin. And when we sin, we know that we hurt God. When we sin, we know that God will readily forgive us when we humbly come to him really repentant. However, just as he is forgiving, he is also just.

In the first reading, we see that God did not continue with his plans of punishing Ahab because God saw how truly humble and repentant he was. He is a merciful God, but a just one as well. In his time, he will punish Ahab from his sins.

Same goes with us.

We cannot exploit God's goodness. We cannot exploit the sacrament of reconciliation by always committing sin, thinking that after we sin, we can confess anyway. Yes, God is very merciful and forgiving, but he is also a just God, and in his time, we will have to face the consequences of our actions.

May we come to God truly repentant, and as we do, may we do our best not to sin anymore.

Do I confess to God? As I do, what sins do i commit always? What is my favorite sin? Why can't I let go of it?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, thank you for always being there to love and accept me as i humbly come to you and ask for forgiveness. I will do my best not to hurt you repeatedly, and I ask for your help in doing it. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

110%

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061614.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to give more than what is asked of us.

Give beyond what is expected of you.

That is how God wants us to live. To serve. God just does not want us to reach the minimum. He wants us to give more than that. In the gospel he says:

When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.

Go the extra mile. This is not just in faith, but in our lives as well. Work harder. Give your best. Share more. Love deeper. Expect less. These are probably clichés, but God is reminding us today that we should be willing to give more, serve more, love more - to step out of our comfort zones for Him.

May we be willing to do so.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for another week. Lord, help me step out of my comfort zone for you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

John 3:16

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061514.cfm) reminds me that God loves us so much, so we should love one another.

When I hear or read John 3:16, I always remember the World Youth Day 1995 here in the Philippines. This is the anchor verse. I was in elementary then and we would learn and practice the song "Tell the world of his love" in school. It felt like a school thing, because we always did it in religion class. But when I went to Luneta with my family, I saw a lot of people there. Singing the song. Wow, it was more than a school thing. And when we were blessed to have the Pope's convoy passed our way, my grandfather told me that we were blessed to see a glimpse of the Holy Father in our life. Then I felt that it was more than just a school thing. It was a calling, to tell the world of God's love.

"God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life"

In the gospel, we see Jesus telling us how much God loves us. And in the second reading, we see that we are asked to love others. In the first reading, we see how loving and forgiving God is, so we should also do the same to others. We should proclaim his love to the world.

Loving our family and those good to us is easy. That's basic. But to proclaim God's love is loving the unlovable - like us, who always sin and hurt Him, yet still experience his great love and blessings. There are a lot of unlovable people in society, and in our lives. May we learn how to love them without tolerating their bad habits, just like how God loves us without tolerating us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for your love. Today, I lift up to you in a special way all fathers and father figures in our lives. They have made your love more alive and real. Lord, help me to love like you do, without tolerating sin. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-