No Stopping Him

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/103114.cfm) reminds me that no one can stop God

In life, there are a lot of things that can happen. There are many surprises, so we really cannot be 100% sure of our plans. A lot can happen to stop or delay our plans, no matter how simple or huge they may be. However, this is not applicable for God.

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.
Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”
But they kept silent; so he took the man and,
after he had healed him, dismissed him.

In the gospel, we see Jesus healing a man on a Sabbath, in the house of a leading Pharisee. There are many things that could have stopped it – the law prohibiting healing or work to be done on a Sabbath, the Pharisees disagreement with Jesus’ actions, and the situation having Jesus in the territory of the Pharisees. However, these did not stop Jesus’ healing the man. These did not delay God’s saving and healing plan for the man

Nothing can stop God’s plans for us.

No matter what other people say, no matter what the situation may be, they cannot stop God’s great plans for us. Even if people oppose us, even if people bring us down, even if situations challenge us, these cannot stop God’s great plans for us. God’s love and power are greater than these.

May we be assured that God is not limited by a perfect situation. He does not need a perfect environment for his plans to come to fruition.

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 to do my best for you. Lord, I am sorry for the times I am impatient and doubt your great plans for me. Help me have that great faith in you for I know that nothing and no one can stop your great plans for me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Fight The Evil

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/103014.cfm) reminds me how we should fight the evil in this world. 

They say that if you believe in the gospel, then you should also believe in evil. If you do not believe in evil, then you do not really believe in the gospel. 

Evil is real, and the first reading tells us how to fight it with God. the Spiritual Armor, more than anything, is a lifestyle. This is not an actual battle where we fight on God's side against the enemy. This is a battle we fight (and win) everyday with our lives. 

The spiritual armor as described in the first reading, is not a gift given to us when we follow Christ. We have to work on it. We have to do our part. We need to live in righteousness and truth. We need to live the gospel of Christ's peace. We need to attend mass, read the bible, and pray to remember that we are saved, to have a stronger faith and to know God's Word. 

May we be willing to fight the enemy and do our part.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to grow in faith. Lord, I pray that you help me live for you. Help me do my part and live in a way pleasing to you, so that my lifestyle can fight the evil in this world. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Parents

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102914.cfm) reminds me to honor my parents.

They say that in life, you easily hurt the people closest to you – the people you love, the important people, the people you are comfortable with… simply because with them you can be yourself, you can show the real you. Unfortunately, our parents, because of their genuine love and understanding for us, usually experience this from their children. However, the first reading today reminds us how we should treat our parents.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.Honor your father and mother.
This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.

The fourth commandment is relating to the parents. after the first three, which are all about God, he put the parents next. This tells us something – how God wants us to really respect and honor our parents. So much that he gives us a promise as we do so – a long and good life. Wow, powerful. God must be really serious about this, right?

Our parents are the first “Jesus” in our lives.

Our parents showed and made us feel real love, care and concern. When we were helpless children, they cared for us. When we were always crying, they tried to go down to our level and understand what we need – basing only from our cry. When we were growing up, they made themselves always available for us. When we need support – financial, emotional, spiritual, etc, they do their best. They make miracles happen that despite all the challenges they face in life and in their careers, they were there for us, making us feel that everything is normal and fine. Come to think of it, they were one of, if not the most strong embodiment of Jesus and God’s love in our lives. Thus, it is just right that we should treat them as we would Jesus.

Our parents may be imperfect, like everyone else. But they try their best,  not to be perfect, but to be the best version of themselves for us. May we obey God and show our love for God through our parents.

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 my parents, Lord. Thank you for sending them in my life. Thank you for blessing them with love, graces, understanding and peace – for they give us these things as well. I ask that you continue to bless my parents, and that you help me do my best to show them my love. May I always do my best to honor them in my life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Power of Prayer

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102814.cfm) reminds me again of the power of prayer

In the gospel, we see how much Jesus values prayer. He knows how powerful and important it is, so he spent the night in prayer before making an important decision - choosing his apostles

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray,
and he spent the night in prayer to God.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot,
and Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

He is the Son of God, and he knows how important prayer is. He knows that he needs it and he spends time for it. This should tell us something. This should remind us of something. 

Prayer is a free and direct line to God. 

We make a lot of decisions in life. We make a lot of decisions daily. Hopefully, we also include God in the picture. Hopefully we spend time with him and also consult him to know what he wants from us, not just what we think is the best for us. 

In the first reading, we see that we are members of the household of God - with Jesus as the capstone or the foundation. As we do this, may we also give value to what Jesus gives value to - prayer. 

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 the reminder of the power and importance of prayer. I am so sorry for the many times I don't give much importance to prayer. Sorry for making excuses - that i'm tired, busy or that I love you anyway so it's okay not to pray from time to time. May I have the same thirst and hunger for prayer as Jesus, and work little by little to improve my relationship with you through it. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

No Stopping Him

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102714.cfm) reminds me that no one can stop God

In life, there are a lot of things that can happen. There are many surprises, so we really cannot be 100% sure of our plans. A lot can happen to stop or delay our plans, no matter how simple or huge they may be. However, this is not applicable for God.

In the gospel, we see Jesus healing a woman on a Sabbath. There are many things that could have stopped it – the law prohibiting healing or work to be done on a Sabbath, and the Pharisees disagreement with Jesus’ actions. However, these did not stop Jesus’ healing the woman. These did not delay God’s saving and healing plan for the woman.

Nothing can stop God’s plans for us.

No matter what other people say, no matter what the situation may be, they cannot stop God’s great plans for us. Even if people oppose us, even if people bring us down, even if situations challenge us, these cannot stop God’s great plans for us. God’s love and power are greater than these.

May we be assured that God is not limited by a perfect situation. He does not need a perfect environment for his plans to come to fruition.

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 to do my best for you. Lord, I am sorry for the times I am impatient and doubt your great plans for me. Help me have that great faith in you for I know that nothing and no one can stop your great plans for me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/04/cant-stop-him.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/01/cant-stop-him.html

Do Not Abuse

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102614.cfm) reminds me that we should not abuse others.

Exploitation of the underprivileged is not uncommon in our country, especially during elections. We see politicians and people in power exploiting them. They take advantage of the situation and needs of the poor for their own benefit. This is what God strongly warns us in today’s first reading

Thus says the LORD:

"You shall not molest or oppress an alien,

for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.

You shall not wrong any widow or orphan.

If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me,

I will surely hear their cry.

My wrath will flare up, and I will kill you with the sword;

then your own wives will be widows, and your children orphans.

"If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people,

you shall not act like an extortioner toward him

by demanding interest from him.

If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge,

you shall return it to him before sunset;

for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body.

What else has he to sleep in?

If he cries out to me, I will hear him; for I am compassionate."

This is a strong warning not to abuse others. Just because they seem to be easy targets and can easily be abused by worldly power and money, does not mean God does not see it. It does not mean God approves of it. His silence does not mean his approval.

God is close to the poor and the powerless, especially if these people hold on to God.

They may not be able to do anything on their own, but God hears the prayers of the poor. He may not take revenge for the poor right away, but God knows when and how to repay what evil we have done for the poor.

We should remember that whatever we have, whatever power, influence or money we have, should be attributed to God. We cannot claim to have done anything on our own. Thus, these things should be used to help others, not exploit them for our own good.

May we be sensitive and grateful to whatever God has given us, and use these to help, not abuse, others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday to rest and spend time with you and my loved ones. I am sorry for the times I do not make Sundays about you. Sorry for being busy with work or errands that I have very little time and attention for you. Thank you for the reminder today, Lord. Thank you for all the blessings you give me. And I ask that you help me be sensitive to others. May I never abuse others, especially the poo, in favour of myself. May I be a good steward of your blessings. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Another Chance

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102514.cfm) reminds me that God is a God of second chances

The first time to do something is always challenging. We do not know what to expect. We do not know a lot of things. That is why we feel better and more comfortable the second time we do things. This is probably why in the gospel, we see Jesus as the gardener who asks God for a second chance for us, the tree not bearing fruit, before cutting us down.

There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?’
He said to him in reply,‘Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.’”

In the parable, the gardener will not just ask for another chance and then do nothing, expecting the tree to bear fruit on its own. He will do whatever he can, fertilize the soil, water the tree, etc, to make a better environment for the tree. He will do everything in his capacity to help the tree. The only thing he cannot do is bear fruit for the tree. That’s the part of the tree already.

Jesus gives us second chances to do things right.

God gives us opportunities to bear fruit and do things right. He gives us opportunities to grow in Him. He gives us people to guide and inspire us. He gave us the Church and the sacraments to help us grow in our faith.  He gives us all that we need to grow in him and bear good fruit. But ultimately, it is our choice if we will allow Him to get through us. It is our choice to bear fruit for God and make the most out of the opportunities and second chances he gives us.

May we be willing to cooperate with Jesus and allow him to change and improve us so we can bear fruit.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for all the opportunities you give me to grow and change. Thank you for not giving up on me. Lord, help me make the most of these opportunities. Help me cooperate with you and allow you to change me, to mold me, to improve me and to strengthen me, so my life can bear good fruit for your kingdom. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/second-chances.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/03/one-more-chance_1835.html

Bear with Love

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102414.cfm) reminds me that we should bear with one another with love.

People are different from each other. We all have different personalities, beliefs, upbringing and opinions. That is why, we behave differently, we act differently from each other. This is the reason why there are conflicts, especially in groups. OF course,  a church group is not exempted. Though we are serving one God, there are differences in opinions, in behaviour, and even in mannerisms that may affect us. That is why today’s first reading reminds us.

I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit

Love should be greater than differences.

There will be conflicts and differences, so we should learn how to bear with each other. However, God takes it a step further and reminds us that this, as with everything, should be done in love. You can bear with other people grudgingly and full of hate. You can be civil with others, but hate them. Yes, you may be able to function still, but God wants more from us. God wants us to bear with love – love for Him through others.

If we focus on ourselves, our desires, wants and stay in the comfort zones, we will not be able to do this. We can only bear with others with love if we love them more than we love ourselves, if we see things from their perspective, when we try to understand them rather than judge them.

May we heed God’s call to bear with others with love.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the gift of family and community. Lord, thank you for making each and everyone of us unique and different, for we know that in those differences, we can be able to serve you well. As different parts of the body have different functions, so too our differences will enable us to contribute different things for your kingdom. Lord, I pray that I may learn to love others more. May  I see you in them, and may I love you in them especially with the differences we have. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps,

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/bear-with-one-another.html

Divided

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102314.cfm) reminds me that there will come a time where we will be divided

Jesus is the price of peace, but the gospel seems to contradict that at first glance. But looking at it closely, it is not an intentional division, but rather, he reminds us that ultimately, it is up to us if we want to be separated from Him.

Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law

Family is very important, especially to us Filipinos. But we are reminded in today’s gospel that nothing should come in between us and God. A division may occur, among friends, among those we love, and even among family members, as we try to follow God.  This is a reminder that we should not let attachment come in between our faith, and nothing should separate us from God.

God’s ways are not always easy, but it always worth it. May we be encouraged to stand firm, and avoid division by doing our best to bring our loved ones to Christ as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another opportunity to experience you. Lord, I pray for strength to stand firm, to stand for you no matter what happens. May I also bring others, those whom I love in live, closer to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/07/sword-of-division.html

To Whom Much Is Given

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102214.cfm) reminds me of what Peter Parker's uncle told him in the movie spider man - with great power comes great responsibility.

The gospel reminds us of something similar

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

God expects more from us as things are revealed to us. Scary? More like challenging. God expects more from us as we know him more, because that's what the natural reaction should be. The more we know God, the more we feel his love, the more we experience his gentleness and forgiveness, the more we should want to stay away from sin - from hurting him.

If after knowing and experiencing these things from God and we don't change and don't improve, then something's wrong.

May we first allow God to love us, allow God to make us feel and experience his love, gentleness, power and forgiveness in our lives - and may it move us to change our lives to please him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for continuously revealing yourself to me. Lord, I pray that I always allow you to love me. May I experience your love in a deep, personal and intimate way. And as i do so, I pray that you give me the heart that would always want to please you and continuously change for the better. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/to-whom-much-is-given.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/10/spiderman.html?m=1

Ready

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102114.cfm) reminds me that we should always be ready to meet God

It’s ironic that all of us want to go to heaven, but we don’t want to talk about death. However, death is real, and everyone will have do experience it to go to heaven. That is why it is important to prepare for is while we are still alive.

Gird you loins and light your lamps.

Girding the loin in those days meant to be ready for battle, or to simply be ready. And a servant who has a lighted lamp as he waits for the master’s return means that servant is ready, and awake. That’s how we should be. That’s how we should live our lives. Ready.

How can we be ready?

We do a lot of things. We pray, that’s good. We go to mass, on Sundays and if we have time, probably more than once a week. We read the bible. We confess. We help others with what we have. Yes, those are good things. Those are helpful things in preparing. But I believe those are not enough. Merely praying is not enough. Everyone can pray, even the scribes and Pharisees during Jesus time, but simple praying doesn’t guarantee salvation. We can pray with our hearts closed and far from God. Merely hearing mass is not enough too. We can be at mass, everyday, but not participate and be distracted with other things, other people. If we are in mass but our lives are not consistent with Christ’s, then it is not enough. We can read the bible, but if we read it using our minds, using intellect, and not the heart, then it is not enough. We can do good things, but if we do it to show off, then we already got our reward.

What we need to be prepared is simple – a surrendered heart.

A surrendered heart to Christ. As we surrender our hearts to Him, our motives are purified. Our actions will be sanctified. Our prayers will be aligned to his. our prayers will be to happen what God wants in our lives. When we hear mass, we fully participate and allow God to mold us, and to enter our lives especially as we receive the Eucharist. We allow him to consume us. We read the bible with an open heart, asking to reveal to us his messages everyday. And as we do good works, we don’t mind if no one recognizes us, because we do it to show love to God through others.

May we be challenged and prepare to be ready to meet God when he calls us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for giving me another day to live. Thank you for another opportunity to prepare my life as I the day I will meet you draws nearer. Lord, I ask that you help me surrender my heart to you. help me surrender my life, little by little, day by day. I ask that as I do so, you help me purify my thoughts, actions and motives. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/08/are-you-ready.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/10/are-you-ready.html

Rich Fool

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102014.cfm) reminds me that being too focused on material things is very foolish.

I am playing a new action game on my phone. The game, though an action type one, needs energy for you to fight, and coins so you can upgrade your weapons and armor. One time, I badly wanted to defeat the big boss of the level so I fought consecutive battles to win coins I can use to upgrade my weapons and armor. I was happy because I had enough coins to get upgrades, so the fight would be relatively easy. But in the middle of the battle, the game suddenly shut down. When I restarted the game, of course my progress was not saved, together with the coins I had accumulated.

That is something I don’t want to happen in life, and Jesus reminds us today not to let that happen.

It is foolish to accumulate worldly riches at the expense of eternal ones.

Money, power, fame and influence take time to accumulate. However, it can be easily taken from us, either by someone more powerful, more famous, more influential or someone with more money. Worse, it can be taken overnight by God, when he decides to take us out of this world – only us with nothing we can bring. This is why we should not forget to accumulate eternal riches as well.

Worldly riches are not bad in themselves. They become bad, however, when they become the purpose of life. they become evil when we commit evil and forget our values just to get more of them. IT becomes foolish when we focus on these riches and forget heavenly things and treasures we can work for even if we’re still here on earth.

We won’t be around forever, so we do not need too much. May we remember to also focus on heavenly things – to do good, to pray, to spend time with and serve God, even as we accumulate and work for earthly riches to survive here on earth.

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 the reminder not to be a rich fool. Lord, help me focus on you and live right. May I never be too focused on accumulating earthly riches at the expense of my soul. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

More than Words

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101914.cfm) reminds me that God wants more than words from us.

Words are powerful. In society, people who are very good with words achieve a lot. There are a lot of powerful and influential people, who are not necessarily honest and intelligent,  but are just so good with words. They seem intellectual, honest, and believable, and this can get them in position of power and influence.

However, God is not someone who can be fooled with words, no matter how good you are with them.

God sees what is spoken not just with our words but with our hearts as well.

In the gospel, even if it was a seemingly honest question, with flowery words and praises in it, Jesus still saw the evil intent of it.

“Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man
and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion,
for you do not regard a person's status.
Tell us, then, what is your opinion:
Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
Knowing their malice, Jesus said,
"Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?”

Words cannot hide the true intention of the heart – not to Jesus. He sees what we mean, he sees the intention of our words and actions, he sees what is the real deal – for he sees the heart and what is in it. There is no use offering up flowery words or prayers to God, for he sees the state of the heart where those words come from. Rather than just being good with words, God wants us to be good with actions and intentions.

May we always remember that there is no way we can trick God, and be challenged to always live by what is in our hearts.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another Sunday. Thank you Lord for all the blessings you continue to give me, even if I don’t deserve these. Help me clean my heart, Lord. I know you see everything, and I know how patient you are with me. Help me clean my heart and live right, and not just be contented with a good play of words. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Dependence

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101814.cfm) reminds me that God provides for those who are truly dependent on Him

The gospel shows us Jesus asking the disciples to trust God:

Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter,
first say, ‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves payment.

Jesus instructed his disciples to bring just what is necessary, the very basics. How light the disciples must have felt in that trip. No extra things to weigh them down. But Jesus reminded them that they will have people who would provide for what they need. God will send people to bless them and help them in their journey. They survived with only the very basics.

However, in today’s day and age, we feel that as though we need a lot of things to survive. There are a lot things that we feel we need with us every time. When we travel, we bring with us smartphones, portable charger, among others. That’s why sometimes, instead of enjoying our journey and focusing on it, our attention is divided because we have to think of what we brought, making sure nothing gets lost or left behind, checking if we have battery, and spare battery, to take pictures; making sure there’s signal for mobile and internet use and social media uploads.

This is exactly what Jesus did not want to happen to his apostles. He wanted them to remain simple so they could focus on their task. More than that, they wanted them to have faith that God will provide as they stay focused on God. 

As I look at my things, what are the extras that seem to be necessities to me? As I look at my life, what are the extras that seem to be necessities? What are weighing me down? What things, people or habits are hindering me from focusing on God and on the task he has for me? What are hindering me from fully trusting and surrendering to God? Am I willing to let go?

May we be challenged and see what things we do not really need, the things that are taking our focus away from God and the task he has in store for us. Let us develop our faith in God’s providence – he still provides, until now!

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for reminding me the importance of staying light – to rid ourselves of anything and everything that prevents us from focusing on you and from doing what you want us to do, and from fully depending on you. Lord, there are a lot of distractions in life, and I ask that you help me keep my focus on you. I am sorry for allowing myself to be distracted, and for considering as necessary some of the extras in life. Help me have faith and depend on you as I take this journey towards you. I have faith that you will always provide as long as I focus on you and put you first. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

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

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/02/travel-light.html

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

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

He Protects

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101714.cfm) reminds me that God always protects us.

Insurance seems expensive. We think of the amount we are spending to insure something – say a house or a car. And we usually do not feel the importance of it, unless of course we would be needing that insurance, in case the car gets stolen or figures in an accident. But having an insurance makes us feel protected and secure as we use the car, or other things we insure.

Having God should make us feel protected. Because we are.

In the gospel, we see that he watches everything he created, even sparrows. And of course, like in insurance, the more valuable something is, the more expensive the insurance, the more it will be protected. The same goes with God. We are more valuable than his other creations, so his eyes that watch the sparrows take a closer watch at us.

Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?

Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.

Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.

Do not be afraid.

You are worth more than many sparrows

We may not always feel God’s love and protection, especially when problems of the world overwhelm us. But we should know, and have faith, that He is always there. We should trust his word when he says he is watching over us.

God’s love and protection does not mean no harm or problems will come our way. He also lets us be subjected to life’s challenges. He never promised an easy life, but he promised that we can overcome whatever challenges life has to offer, as long as we remain in Him.

May we always remember God’s love and protection in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me of your love and protections. Sorry for the times I let myself be overwhelmed by life’s challenges and forget about your love and power and protection. Sorry for the times I feel you are not there. I pray that you help me increase my faith, so I would always remember and know, even if I may not feel it, that you are always there protecting me. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

He Chose You

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101614.cfm) reminds me that God specifically chose me to be his own.

In sports, the draft is one of the most exciting events. Teams are given opportunities to choose and get players that they want – players they see potential in and players that they see would help their team. OF course players feel special for being chosen, and do their best to contribute to the team who chose them. Out of all the applicants, they were the ones who were chosen to be part of the team. That’s how special and wanted they are in the team.

This is how special we should also feel for being chosen to be part of God’s team.

In the first reading, we see that it was not us who chose God, but it was He himself who chose us.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,

as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,

to be holy and without blemish before him.

In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,

in accord with the favor of his will,

for the praise of the glory of his grace

that he granted us in the beloved

Out of all the people he created, he chose us. That should make us feel special, and should make us want to contribute to his team more. That desire inside, that longing for Him, that thirst for him, it is all because God chose you to be part of his team. And as part of it, he also needs us to do our part to strengthen his team and be one in his mission to proclaim God’s kingdom here on earth.

No matter what you can do, no matter how little you feel you can contribute, is enough for God. He chose you, not just for what you can give him, but also for what else you can become as you work for him. As with teams who strengthen their players as they participate in the program, God also strengthens  and equips us as we work for Him.

May we remember how special we are to be chosen to be part of God’s team, and work hard to contribute whatever we can for his team.

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 choosing me to be part of your team. Thank you for seeing the potential in me, for seeing how special I am, even if I don’t see myself that way. I will do my best to contribute to your team. Help me as I do so. Strengthen and equip me., Lord. In a special way, I pray for all those celebrating their birthdays today especially my dad. Bless him and continue to make him feel how special and loved he is. Amen..

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-