Gentle with Power

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/093014.cfm) reminds me that God is very gentle with his power.

There is a saying that "Just because you can, does not mean you should" This applies to many aspects of life, and in the gospel Jesus shows this to us as well. Just because he is powerful and can do things, does not mean he would do it.

When people did not welcome them, the disciples were furious. The fact that they wanted to send fire from heaven means they really can do it. Good thing God is not swayed by emotions. Good thing God is a gentle God, no matter how powerful he is.

In the same way God is gentle, we too are reminded to be gentle as we deal with others.

There are people who have more power than others. There are people who have more money than others. There are people who have more influence than others. God is telling us what he told the disciples, be gentle. The more you have, the more gentle you should also be. God lent us these things not for us to lord it over others, but for us to use these to help others as well.

May we always be reminded to be gentle as we deal with others, especially when we have the capacity not to be.

Father God,

thank you for today. Thank you for another Tuesday. Thank you for September. Lord, I ask that you help me be more and more like you. May I be gentle as you are gentle. May I always be reminded that the power, money and influence I may have is not because of me, but because of you. And may I always remember that these should not be abused, but to be used well for your glory. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ready For Battle

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092914.cfm) reminds me that we should always be ready for and confident in battle.

Culture depicts the devil/satan as a powerful and scary creature, and it depicts God as a peaceful and loving creature. This sometimes make us think that the devil is more powerful than God. We forget that though God is peaceful and loving God, He is also powerful - more powerful than the devil. As such, as long as we are on God's side, we need not be afraid of anything or anyone.

The first reading shows us three saints whose feast we are celebrating today. Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael bravely and confidently fought the devil. They have a reason to do so, because they are on God's side.

War broke out in heaven;

Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.

The dragon and its angels fought back,

but they did not prevail

and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,

who is called the Devil and Satan,

who deceived the whole world,

was thrown down to earth,

and its angels were thrown down with it

In the gospel, we again see a glimpse of how powerful God through Jesus is. He is not bound by time and space. He may be in this world, but he is definitely not of this world.

Sometimes, when problems overwhelm us, we feel helpless. When the world seems to crush on us, we feel hopeless. When situations seem too strong for us, we feel afraid and insecure. We fear the power of the devil and what he can do to us. Today, we are reminded to be strong and confident as we fight for and with God.

Just as God is loving and peaceful, he also is very powerful. May this calm us and remind us who we should fight for.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week to work. Lord, I thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for all those celebrating their birthdays today especially my uncle Miguel. Always remind us Lord of your great love and power. MAy we always be ready and willing to bravely and confidently fight for you, the way the archangels did. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Final Answer

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092814.cfm) reminds me that our final answer to God is what's important.

God is a God of second chances. He does not judge us based on our initial answer or actions, but waits for us to make a final decision.

In the first reading, we see that God is willing to accept us when we return to Him

But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed,

he does what is right and just,

he shall preserve his life

and in the gospel, we see that an initial "no" to him would not be taken against us, as long as our final answer clearly says that we choose Him.

A man had two sons.

He came to the first and said,

'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.'

He said in reply, 'I will not, '

but afterwards changed his mind and went.

...

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you,

tax collectors and prostitutes

are entering the kingdom of God before you.

Actions should go hand in hand with words. But in case of conflicts, what usually determines the answer is the action. Actions are more powerful than just words, so God wants us not to just say yes to him, but actually live it.

It is not enough to say that we love God with our words. We should say it not just with words, but with our actions as well. IT is easy to say we love God, but live a life not for Him, but for ourselves. It is easy to say we want to serve Him, but only planning to do so. Our lives, our actions, reflect our final answer to God's call to love and serve Him.

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 Sunday to spend time with you. Lord, I pray that i may be able to show my love for you through my life. MAy my actions always be consistent with my words - professing my love and service to you. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Good Use

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092714.cfm) reminds me to make the most out of what God gave me.

The psalmist reminds us how powerful God our creator is. He gave us life, and he has the power to take it away anytime.

You turn man back to dust,

saying, “Return, O children of men.”

For a thousand years in your sight

are as yesterday, now that it is past,

or as a watch of the night.

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

You make an end of them in their sleep;

the next morning they are like the changing grass,

Which at dawn springs up anew,

but by evening wilts and fades

And in the first reading, we are reminded that all things are fleeting. We will not be young forever. Yes, we have a choice how to live our lives. Others say "YOLO" - you only live once, so do everything you want to do. God will let us, however, it does not mean he approves of it. Time will come he will judge us.

Rejoice, O young man, while you are young

and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth.

Follow the ways of your heart,

the vision of your eyes;

Yet understand that as regards all this

God will bring you to judgment.

Ward off grief from your heart

and put away trouble from your presence,

though the dawn of youth is fleeting.

The younger we are, the more energy we usually have. However, not all these energy is used for good. We usually spend a lot of energy for work or business, to enjoy ourselves, or for other personal matters. God allows us to. But we are reminded today that it is also good to use our energy for God. He gave us energy, time, and resources not just for ourselves and our families, but for Him as well. May we be moved to make good use of what God has given us and give it back to him as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week to work. Thank you for your word. Thank you for the opportunity to give back to you. Lord, I am sorry for using all my time, energy and resources for me and for the things and people I love only. Sorry if I forget you, if I put you on the side and forget to give back to you. Help me make the most out of what you have given me and use them for your glory. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Tough Times Ahead

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092614.cfm) reminds me that God will always be there especially during tough times.

There is a time for everything. Time to be serious and time to relax and be funny. Time to work and time to play. The first reading reminds us of this.

There is an appointed time for everything,

and a time for every thing under the heavens.

A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to tear down, and a time to build.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;

a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.

A time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

a time to be silent, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate;

a time of war, and a time of peace.

This being said, it will not always be happy in life. There will also be challenges. And in the gospel, in as much as Jesus validated that He indeed is the Christ of God, he quickly told them that he will experience challenges despite of who he is.

Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.”

He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly

and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,

and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Challenges are not the end, but rather, the prelude to victory. Jesus said this when he ended his discussion in the gospel "...and on the third day be raised." Challenges, hardships, and in his case, death is not the end. IT just had to happen before the victory.

As children of God, there is a time for everything. A time to be happy and experience God's blessings, and a time to be tested and let our faith grow. During these challenging times, may we just remember that Jesus also went through this, and we just have to trust in Him. We just need to remain faithful to God, and expect that like Jesus, our challenges are just the prelude to victory, to a deeper and stronger faith and relationship with God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for Fridays! Lord, thank you for the reminder that there is a time for everything - that life is not only problems and challenges, and that after these come victory. Help me to be faithful and remain in you Lord especially as I face these in my life. Amen.

Blessed Friday!

In Christ,

-g-

ps

see related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/08/who-am-i-to-you.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/07/time-for-everything.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/08/who-am-i-to-you.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/who-am-i-to-you.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/07/time-for-everything.html

Wrong Usage

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092514.cfm) reminds me that we should be careful where we use our efforts for.

The news on our country lately is not very encouraging. We see billions of pesos being spent on a parking building. We see other forms of graft and corruption in the government. We see crimes being done skilfully by criminals. We see donations to typhoon victims being spoiled. Though these are not really great news, we see in them how resourceful and talented Filipinos are, though used in a bad way. The skills and talents we have would have done greater things, would have caused greater good, if used in the right way.

This is similar to what we see in the gospel.

But Herod said, “John I beheaded.

Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”

And he kept trying to see him.

Herod kept trying to see Jesus. Why? Because he probably wanted to know who Jesus is, and what the fuzz is all about. He wanted to know if what the people were saying are true. His intention to see Jesus is not to know him and be saved. Thus, his efforts are wasted, they are used wrongly.

Talents and skills not used for God's purpose are wasted.

All of us have gifts, talents and skills given by God to be used for His purpose, to further his kingdom. Time spent in the internet, browsing social media sites and watching videos can be used to instead pray, read the bible, and strengthen our relationship with God. Skills used for work and business may also be used in medical missions, outreach, or fundraising activities to build God's kingdom. Connections in government and society may be used not just for our own benefit, but to benefit others who need to feel and be reminded of God's love on earth.

May we be sensitive enough to acknowledge these gifts as not ours but from God, and be wise enough to use it in the proper way.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Thank you for another chance to use my skills and talents for your kingdom. Lord, I am sorry for not always doing this. Sorry for the times I focus on using these things for my own gain. sorry for using it wrongly. Help me be more aware and help me use them for your purpose. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

He Provides

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092414.cfm) reminds me that God provides what we need in life.

I am now slowly preparing for a new phase in life. We are now getting ready and preparing for marriage, and with the excitement and thrill of it, comes also worries and concerns. Financial is one of them. And it is fitting that the gospel today reminded me that God will provide. We should just continue to remain dependent on him as we do our part.

He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,

neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,

and let no one take a second tunic

It must have been weird for the disciples when they were told to do. Proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick, but we are not supposed to bring anything for ourselves? How about us? how about our concerns and needs? Probably these were some things they had on their mind. However, these did not keep them from following Jesus and doing their part.

They obeyed Jesus. They worked. And they trusted in God.

And God took care of them.

In our lives, we too are facing such concerns. There are a lot of things bothering us. A lot of problems weighing us down. However, Jesus is reminding us to just do what we are supposed to do. To just do our part, do our best, and leave the rest to Him. We do not have to understand everything. We do not have to see and plan everything, until the very end. But we should do our best, work, and trust in God... and he will provide.

May we always be reminded of the goodness and the provision of God, and may this move us to do our best and just trust in Him on things we have no control of.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience your love and provision. Thank you for your word that reminds me how much you love me and that you will always take care of me. Lord, help me to let go and just trust on you. May I just do my best, while having full faith that as I go along, you will continue to provide for what I need. In a special way I pray for all those celebrating their birthdays today especially my Aunt Baby. Bless, guide and protect her always, and may you continue to provide for her and the ones she hold dear to her heart. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

ps

see related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/07/travel-light.html

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

Hear and Act

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092314.cfm) reminds us that hearing should be accompanied by acting.

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

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

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

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

Father God,

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

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g- 

Ps

See related reflections:

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

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

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/09/hear-and-act.html

Do It Now

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092214.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to do his work now.

A lot of people, me included, like to procrastinate. We tend to put off doing things, until such time that we don't have an option but to do it anymore. This is something God does not want, especially when it comes to our faith life.

In the first reading, we see that God does not want us to delay doing good.

Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim

when it is in your power to do it for him.

Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,

tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once.

The time is now. IF we can do good, do it now. If we want to change our ways, do it now, not when it is comfortable. If we want to serve God, do it now, not when we're retired and have more time in our hands. IF we want to help others, do it now, no need to wait for us to be rich and financially stable, because we will never feel rich and financially stable. God does not want us to delay things, because that is one of the strongest lie of the devil - that there is still time. If we keep on delaying things, we might wake up one day and see that we have no more time, and no more opportunity to do what we want to do.

May we make the most out of today, and do things now.

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 all the blessings you have been giving me. Lord, thank you for the reminder to do things now - to love you now, to serve you now, to change our ways now. As I start another week, may I also start doing things now. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

God's Ways

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092114.cfm) reminds me that God's ways are very different from ours.

The first reading clearly says that God's ways are different from ours.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.

As high as the heavens are above the earth,

so high are my ways above your ways

and my thoughts above your thoughts.

There may be time, a lot of them, that our plans does not seem to coincide God's plans for us. What we want to happen is different from what God wants to happen. On our perspective, of course our plans are better than God's, but we just have to trust in God that his plans and his ways are way better than ours.

In the gospel, we see an example of this. God's ways are definitely like ours. His is way better. He is more generous and loving. Probably, others would think that it is unfair to those who worked longer. but God does not think so. He is very generous and we should be thankful, not envious. We will only feel envious if we focus too much on ourselves, if we give ourselves too much credit, and if we want ourselves to be rewarded more than what we actually deserve.

God's ways are always better than ours. May this keep us in the right perspective, especially when his plans and ours do not coincide.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for another chance to rest and spend quality time with you. Help me make the most out of today. May I spend quality time with you, not just in mass, but may I take time to pray, read the bible, and just bask in your presence. As I do so, I know that I will be more submissive and receptive of your ways and your plans. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

ps

see related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/08/generous-god.html

Of Seeds and Blooming

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092014.cfm) reminds me that God continues to plant seeds in our hearts, it is just dependent on us if we will nourish it or not.

In the gospel, Jesus explains to his disciples the meaning of the parable. And that explanation is true to us as well. What Jesus meant more than 2000 years ago is still true today. God sows seeds, a lot of them in our hearts. That’s what he does. As he does so, he has great plans for those seeds. He wants those seeds to bloom. Al those seeds have the capacity to bloom. Walang fake seeds na isinama si God. But what he cannot control is how we will take care of those seeds. Even if those seeds have the ability  to bloom, it is up to us, the soil, if we will allow it or not.

God planted seeds of greatness in our hearts. All those seeds are capable of blooming, of becoming great. It just depends on us how we will treat those seeds.

If we constantly reject God, his word and his plans, then we hinder his great plans to bloom in our lives. If we constantly say no to his call to serve, in big and small ways, then we reject the blessings he wants to give us. But if we cooperate and take care of what he is giving us, if we say yes to his call and his plans all the time, then we will surely see his great plans come into fruition in our lives.

Our beloved Pope Francis sums it: “Every time we give in to selfishness and say “No” to God, we spoil his loving plan for us.”

May we be willing soils and take care of God’s planted seeds in us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the seeds of greatness and the seeds of faith you continuously give me. Lord, I pray that I always be willing to cooperate with you. may I always say yes to you, even if I don’t feel like it, even if I’d rather say no. as I do so, I know you will do great things to me and through me, all for your greater glory. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

ps

see related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/07/planted-seeds.html

Do Your Part

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091914.cfm) reminds me how important it is for us to do our part in life.

In one of the recent championship speeches of a basketball team, it was nice to see them acknowledge the efforts and parts of other people. They mentioned the water boys, towel boys, the practice players and the role players in the team. Not all are superstars, but all have a role in a team. It may be as simple as cleaning the basketball court so players will not slip and get injured, to giving the superstars a hard time in practice to prepare them for the actual game.

This is what God wants us to do. To just do our role well.

In the gospel, we see that the ladies spent for Jesus and his group. They provided out of their own pocket. They did not think that since he is the messiah, he can take care of himself. They spent their resources to help Jesus out, to help build his kingdom. They may not be able to preach and proclaim like others, but they helped in whatever way they can. And God does not belittle their part.

God's plan will not stop if we choose not to cooperate. There will be people to help Jesus out if the ladies did not want to give. God could have easily sent manna from heaven for Jesus. But God is so generous and good that he wants us to experience more his love and blessings. As we do our part, as we share and serve God, it is actually us who are getting more blessed. It is us being more aware of God's love, blessings and power in our lives. It is us, not God, who benefits from what we do.

May we be inspired to serve God and do our part, no matter how simple it may seem.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Friday! Lord, I pray that I have a heart like the ladies. May I be generous in sharing what I have to others. MAy i be ready and willing to do my part, no matter how small it may seem, to build up God's kingdom. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

More for More

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091814.cfm) reminds me that the more we experience love, the more we give love

Jesus tells us in today’s gospel that those who felt great love and mercy gives more love and mercy to others. The gospel says: 

Two people were in debt to a certain creditor;

one owed five hundred day’s wages and the other owed fifty.

Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both.

Which of them will love him more?”

Simon said in reply,

“The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.”

He said to him, “You have judged rightly.

...

So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven

because she has shown great love.

But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”

God loves everyone equally. He loves us despite of our sins and shortcomings. However, naturally, those who are aware of our shortcomings and sins and who experience God’s love and forgiveness tend to love God more, tend to love others more. In the gospel, it does not necessarily mean that the Pharisees had less sin. Maybe they were just unaware of their sins, or too proud to admit they had sins too – thus they did not feel the need to be forgiven, and did not feel the impact of God’s love In their lives, because they felt that they were okay on their own.

All of us sin. In the first reading, we see that David, although was greatly blessed by God, still sinned against God. However, God is a God of love. God is love. And he will always be ready to forgive us our sins as long as we humbly come to him. And if we are aware of our situation and we allow God to love us and we experience his love, it will cause us to love more, because we experienced first hand God’s love and mercy in our lives.

May we be aware of our sins and our need for repentance… and as we ask God’s forgiveness, may we allow Him to love us as well and be moved by his love and forgiveness, and pass it on to others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day. I especially thank you for the love you gave my parents – thank you for blessing their marriage for 29 years, and thank you for the love you let them experience, the source of the love that they give to our family. I thank you for blessing them and giving them to us. Lord, may we all allow you to love us, and as we experience your love, may it move us to pass that love to others, especially those who need it, and even to those who don’t deserve it. Amen.

Blessed Sunday! 

In Christ,

-g-

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/06/more-for-more.html

Love

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091714.cfm) reminds me that God is love.

The first reading is all about love. It is one of the most used readings in weddings. This may make it sound like a cliché, but it's true when you take a deeper look at it.

Love is patient, love is kind.

It is not jealous, love is not pompous,

it is not inflated, it is not rude,

it does not seek its own interests,

it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,

it does not rejoice over wrongdoing

but rejoices with the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things.

And if you change the word "love" with "God", then it really becomes more true. Yes, we all know that God is all that, and more.

The reading also states that the other gifts are incomplete without love. Even with faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love. This reminds us that love should be the foundation of everything. That our actions should be rooted in love. That our intention should always be love.

God is love, and as his children, we are also reminded to do and be the same. May we spread God's love in our lives.

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 chance to experience your love. Lord, I pray that I may be able to share and spread your love, as a testament of the love I have been receiving in my life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Just Because

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091614.cfm) reminds me that God does good to us even without us asking for it.

I am a believer or “just because” gifts. You don’t need an occasion to give gifts. It is actually what makes it more special. You don’t need an occasion to give flowers or simple gifts to your loved ones. Gifts should be given not out of duty for an occasion, but out of love. This is what Jesus did to the woman in the gospel.

a man who had died was being carried out,
the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.
A large crowd from the city was with her.
When the Lord saw her,he was moved with pity for her and said to her,
“Do not weep.”
He stepped forward and touched the coffin;
at this the bearers halted,
and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”
The dead man sat up and began to speak,
and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Most probably, Jesus did not know who the woman was. The woman probably did not know who Jesus was, and did not ask him to help her. Jesus just knows she is a widow, and after losing her only son, she now is considered very little in society (because women at that time get their identity from their husbands and their sons). That’s why Jesus had pity on her. That is why Jesus healed the son and gave her back to her mother.

Just because.

God does to us as well. There are a lot of things we do not pray for. There are a lot of things we certainly do not deserve. Blessings abound, to the point that we don’t consider them blessings anymore. The mere fact we have work, can read and write, can eat – these are some blessings we sometimes take for granted, just because God has always given us these, and because we see these in others as well. But it is our of God’s love and goodness that we have these. Looking in our lives, we see other specific blessings – things we unexpectedly get, things we do not deserve, favors that go our way.. these things are reminders of God’s love and blessings, not because we ask for them or deserve them, but just because God loves us so much.

May we be more conscious and aware of God’s “just because” blessings and gifts in our lives. And may it lead us to thank him and love him more.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another Tuesday. Thank you for my work, Lord. I thank you for my everyday blessings, especially those I do not deserve and pray for. Thank you for your great love for me, Lord. I am sorry for not being grateful and not appreciating these things. May I always be sensitive and may these things make me love you more. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Of Suffering and Doing Good

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091514.cfm) reminds me that suffering is part of our lives as followers of God.

Suffering, together with pain, is part of life. That’s a given. As with problems, they say that you only run out of it when you’re dead. However, there are different reasons for suffering. Not all suffering is good.

The bible tells us that it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than to suffer for doing evil (1 Peter 3:17). Makes sense, right? In the same way that a righteous person can suffer for doing God’s work and living his ways, a wicked person can also suffer for doing good.  An evil person can suffer as a punishment for the evil and crime he has committed, in the same way a faithful missionary can suffer and be imprisoned by doing God’s work.

God sees our suffering.

As we commemorate our Lady of Sorrows today, we are reminded that God sees them. He knows our suffering. In the first reading, we see that there are sufferings and divisions even among believers. But a good comes out of it – real believers will be known. The psalmist encourages us to proclaim the death of our Lord until he comes again. Death and suffering go together, but it brings with it hope and new life. And in the gospel, Mary receives a warning of pain and suffering – that a sword will pierce in her. But this too brings new life and hope – for it will reveal the real heart situation of people.

Jesus death caused suffering and pain to those who love him, but God turned it into hope and a source of happiness, when it became the start of a new life in Him.

May we remain firm in God, and be faithful to him, despite the sufferings in our lives and around us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live, for another week to work. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you Lord for the reminder that you see my sufferings. I ask that you help me. Enable me to focus on you all throughout. Give me strength to face the challenges in life. May I be faithful to you despite all the suffering around me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Lift God Up

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091414.cfm) reminds me that we should always lift God up in our lives.

In the first reading, we see the story of the bronze serpent who heals those bitten by serpents. In the gospel, we are reminded of Jesus being lifted up and healing, curing and saving people, more than the serpent in the first reading. In the second reading, we see that God greatly exalted Jesus and lifted him up. As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Cross, we are reminded that God deserves to be lifted high, and that we should lift him up in our lives.

God has been good to us, even if we do not deserve it. Though sometimes we easily forget God’s goodness and blessings in our lives, as the psalmist warns us.

Jesus is an example of how we can lift God high in our lives. To lift God up, we should humble ourselves before Him. Jesus dis this. He was God, but took human form because he loves God the Father. He gave up everything, even being one with God – when he bore our sins on the cross. He lived a simple life being carpenter’s son and not a son of a king. He preached about God’s kingdom. He healed the sick and brought glory to God. He stepped out of his comfort zone and emptied himself and allowed God to be exalted.

What about us? Are we full of ourselves – our worldly achievements, power, possessions, that we don’t give space to God? Are we hanging on to these worldly things that prevent us from fully following God? Are we willing to empty ourselves with all that we have, and lift God up in our lives?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for your great love and all your blessings. Thank you for reminding me that you don’t look at my credentials or accomplishments, rather, you look at my heart. Lord, I ask that you help me empty myself so I may be humble and willing to lift you up in my life. Help me step out of my comfort zone and trust you as I do things for and with you. As I do, I know you will do great things so your name would be lifted up and glorified. Amen.

Have a blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

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

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/04/high-and-lifted-up.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/he-emptied-himself.html