Like God

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022815.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to be like him

It is easy to love those who love us. It is easy to give to our family, our friends, and that special someone who treats us good. It is easy to do that, even for sinners. Even the criminals and corrupt public officials do that. They love their family and those who do good to them. However, God expects more from us. God expects us to love others, especially those unlovable – the annoying person in the office, the person who spreads rumors about you, the corrupt person who steals money that could have gone to good projects for the poor. God wants us to love them, just as he loves them.

Love is not an investment.

You don’t love a person in the hopes of receiving back that love. You don’t help a person hoping that in the future the person will help you too. That’s investment, not love. Loving like God is loving with no strings attached, not expecting anything in return, just loving and helping others out of our love for God, as our way of loving and serving God.

May we be challenged and inspired by how God wants us to love – perfectly.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings you continue to give me. I don’t deserve all these, Lord, and I thank you for continuing to bless me nonetheless. Lord, I am sorry for the times I treat love and service as an investment. Sorry for loving only those lovable, those easy to love, those who I know will love me back. Sorry for serving others in the hope of one day getting that service back when I need it. Lord, I pray that you help me love like you do. may I love perfectly, without wanting anything back in return. To just love because I love you, and I want to share that love to others. May my heart be like yours. Amen.

Have a blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

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

----------------------------------------------------

February 28, 2015

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

Lectionary: 229

Reading 1 Dt 26:16-19

Moses spoke to the people, saying:

“This day the LORD, your God,

commands you to observe these statutes and decrees.

Be careful, then,

to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.

Today you are making this agreement with the LORD:

he is to be your God and you are to walk in his ways

and observe his statutes, commandments and decrees,

and to hearken to his voice.

And today the LORD is making this agreement with you:

you are to be a people peculiarly his own, as he promised you;

and provided you keep all his commandments,

he will then raise you high in praise and renown and glory

above all other nations he has made,

and you will be a people sacred to the LORD, your God,

as he promised.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8

R. (1b) Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Blessed are they whose way is blameless,

who walk in the law of the LORD.

Blessed are they who observe his decrees,

who seek him with all their heart.

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

You have commanded that your precepts

be diligently kept.

Oh, that I might be firm in the ways

of keeping your statutes!

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

I will give you thanks with an upright heart,

when I have learned your just ordinances.

I will keep your statutes;

do not utterly forsake me.

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Verse Before the Gospel

2 Cor 6:2bBehold, now is a very acceptable time;

behold, now is the day of salvation.

Gospel Mt 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples:

“You have heard that it was said,

You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

But I say to you, love your enemies,

and pray for those who persecute you,

that you may be children of your heavenly Father,

for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,

and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?

Do not the tax collectors do the same?

And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,

what is unusual about that?

Do not the pagans do the same?

So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect

Not Prepaid

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022715.cfm) reminds me that good deeds cannot compensate for an evil heart

There are a lot of prepaid services nowadays. Probably the most common is for mobile phone load. One pays in advance for the consumable load, then enjoys the services until the prepaid value is used. As long as there are prepaid credits, one can use the services, regardless if they can again load for future use or not. However, this is not applicable to our faith.

In the first reading, we see that God does not count good deeds done in the past to cover for the evil actions currently done. Why? Simply because the actions reflect the state of the heart. If good deeds were replaced by evil actions, then it means that God’s place in the heart was replaced by something or someone else, that their hearts full of love for God that radiates good actions were turned hard and now does evil things.

Jesus also explains this in the gospel. We cannot fully offer to God or praise and worship God if our hearts are not well. If we have enemies or things to be settled, we should work on them first before coming to God. God deserves our very best, and we can best glorify him if we clean our hearts before coming to Him.

May we not be overconfident with our actions and good deeds in the past, for as Jesus said, coming after him is a daily decision to take up our cross.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Friday. Thank you for the reminder today. Lord, help me to make the daily decision to follow you. Thank you for reminding me that my previous actions and good deeds are not as important as my current and future ones, because they tell that my heart is in the right place. Protect my heart, Lord. May nothing and no one take your place in my heart and in my life. Amen.

Blessed Friday!

In Christ,

-g-

------------------------------------------------------------------

February 27, 2015

Friday of the First Week of Lent

Lectionary: 228

Reading 1 Ez 18:21-28

Thus says the Lord GOD:

If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed,

if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just,

he shall surely live, he shall not die.

None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him;

he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced.

Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked?

says the Lord GOD.

Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way

that he may live?

And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil,

the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does,

can he do this and still live?

None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered,

because he has broken faith and committed sin;

because of this, he shall die.

You say, “The LORD’s way is not fair!”

Hear now, house of Israel:

Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?

When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies,

it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.

But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed,

does what is right and just,

he shall preserve his life;

since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed,

he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Responsorial Psalm PS 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8

R. (3) If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;

LORD, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

to my voice in supplication.

R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

If you, O LORD, mark iniquities,

LORD, who can stand?

But with you is forgiveness,

that you may be revered.

R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

I trust in the LORD;

my soul trusts in his word.

My soul waits for the LORD

more than sentinels wait for the dawn.

Let Israel wait for the LORD.

R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

For with the LORD is kindness

and with him is plenteous redemption;

And he will redeem Israel

from all their iniquities.

R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

Verse Before the Gospel Ez 18:31

Cast away from you all the creatures you have committed, says the LORD,

and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

Gospel Mt 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:

“I tell you,

unless your righteousness surpasses that

of the scribes and Pharisees,

you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,

You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.

But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother

will be liable to judgment,

and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,

will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,

and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,

and there recall that your brother

has anything against you,

leave your gift there at the altar,

go first and be reconciled with your brother,

and then come and offer your gift.

Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.

Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,

and the judge will hand you over to the guard,

and you will be thrown into prison.

Amen, I say to you,

you will not be released until you have paid the last penny

Loving and Giving

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022615.cfm) reminds me that God will give us what we ask for, as long as it will be good for us.

The words of Jesus in the gospel are very uplifting.  Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. He even illustrates that our earthly father gives us what we ask for, what more God our heavenly father? However, this does not mean we will get absolutely anything we ask for. God’s love is too great that he will not give us what is not good for us.

God gives us what we ask for as long as it will be good for us.

God sees the big picture, and he knows if what we ask will be good for us or not. He can give us everything. It is in his power to do so. But his love is too great that he won’t give us something that is not the best for us, even if we want it badly. We just need to trust in Him that all things work for our good, as long as we remain faithful to Him.

What things am I asking for from God? What seems to be his answer? How do I react when God doesn’t give me what I pray for, especially when those things are very important for me? What is God telling me today?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience your love. Thank you for loving me so much that you will not give me anything besides what’s best for me. Sorry for the times I force myself and do things my way, especially on things I badly want. Sorry for not being patient and trusting in you. Help me humble myself and trust that you will give me everything I ask for in your perfect time, according to your perfect plan. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

----------------------------------------------------------------

February 26, 2015

Thursday of the First Week in Lent

Lectionary: 227

Reading 1 Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25

Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish,

had recourse to the LORD.

She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids,

from morning until evening, and said:

“God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.

Help me, who am alone and have no help but you,

for I am taking my life in my hand.

As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers

that you, O LORD, always free those who are pleasing to you.

Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you,

O LORD, my God.

“And now, come to help me, an orphan.

Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lion

and turn his heart to hatred for our enemy,

so that he and those who are in league with him may perish.

Save us from the hand of our enemies;

turn our mourning into gladness

and our sorrows into wholeness.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8

R. (3a) Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,

for you have heard the words of my mouth;

in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;

I will worship at your holy temple

and give thanks to your name.

R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Because of your kindness and your truth;

for you have made great above all things

your name and your promise.

When I called, you answered me;

you built up strength within me.

R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Your right hand saves me.

The LORD will complete what he has done for me;

your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;

forsake not the work of your hands.

R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Verse Before the Gospel Ps 51:12a, 14a

A clean heart create for me, O God;

give me back the joy of your salvation.

Gospel Mt 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Ask and it will be given to you;

seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;

and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which one of you would hand his son a stone

when he asked for a loaf of bread,

or a snake when he asked for a fish?

If you then, who are wicked,

know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your heavenly Father give good things

to those who ask him.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.

This is the law and the prophets.”

Repent

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022515.cfm) reminds me that we should continue to repent and change our ways.

As we get into the first week of Lent, we are again reminded by God the importance of repenting. In the gospel, we see that Jesus appreciates the people of Nineveh for repenting at the preaching of Jonah. And in the first reading, we see that account – the people turning from their evil ways because of Jonah’s warning.

All sin and fall short of the glory of God.

All of us sin, no matter how big or trivial the sin may be. God does not qualify, a sin is a sin, and whatever the degree is, it still hurts God, it still shows we love others more than we love Him. However, as we see in the first reading, God is a very forgiving God, as long as he sees us turning away from sin and humbly repenting. Even Jonah was given a second chance. He initially ran away from God, but when he repented and humbly did what God was asking him to do, God still used him mightily.

God wants us to change our ways and repent.

The psalmist tells us the attitude God wants from us – to have a humble and contrite heart. May we see how sinful we are and how much we hurt God. May we humbly come to him for forgiveness, and allow his transforming love to penetrate our hearts to heal us from all the hurts and melt away evil in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to experience your love. Lord, sorry for my sins. Sorry for abusing or ignoring your love. Sorry for hurting you. I humbly come to you with a repentant heart, asking your forgiveness, and for your grace to help me live a life pleasing to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

----------------------------------------------------------------------

February 25, 2015

Wednesday of the First Week in Lent

Lectionary: 226

Reading 1 Jon 3:1-10

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:

“Set out for the great city of Nineveh,

and announce to it the message that I will tell you.”

So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh,

according to the LORD’s bidding.

Now Nineveh was an enormously large city;

it took three days to go through it.

Jonah began his journey through the city,

and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing,

“Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,”

when the people of Nineveh believed God;

they proclaimed a fast

and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.

When the news reached the king of Nineveh,

he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe,

covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes.

Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh,

by decree of the king and his nobles:

“Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep,

shall taste anything;

they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water.

Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God;

every man shall turn from his evil way

and from the violence he has in hand.

Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath,

so that we shall not perish.”

When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way,

he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them;

he did not carry it out.

Responsorial Psalm PS 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19

R. (19b) A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;

in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt

and of my sin cleanse me.

R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

A clean heart create for me, O God,

and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

Cast me not out from your presence,

and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

For you are not pleased with sacrifices;

should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;

a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Verse Before the Gospel Jl 2:12-13

Even now, says the LORD,

return to me with your whole heart

for I am gracious and merciful.

Gospel Lk 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,

“This generation is an evil generation;

it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,

except the sign of Jonah.

Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,

so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

At the judgment

the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation

and she will condemn them,

because she came from the ends of the earth

to hear the wisdom of Solomon,

and there is something greater than Solomon here.

At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation

and condemn it,

because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,

and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

Lord’s Prayer

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022415.cfm) reminds us how powerful and complete the Lord’s prayer is.

The first reading reminds us how powerful God’s word is. His word accomplishes the mission God wants for it, and 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 art 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 to 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 ask for spiritual nourishment as well. 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 that we would feel God’s love and be moved to forgive others who have wronged 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 another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience your love. 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 reflection:

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

---------------------------------------------------

February 24, 2015

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Lectionary: 225

Reading 1 Is 55:10-11

Thus says the LORD:

Just as from the heavens

the rain and snow come down

And do not return there

till they have watered the earth,

making it fertile and fruitful,

Giving seed to the one who sows

and bread to the one who eats,

So shall my word be

that goes forth from my mouth;

It shall not return to me void,

but shall do my will,

achieving the end for which I sent it.

Responsorial Psalm PS 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19

R. (18b) From all their distress God rescues the just.

Glorify the LORD with me,

let us together extol his name.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

R. From all their distress God rescues the just.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,

and your faces may not blush with shame.

When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,

and from all his distress he saved him.

R. From all their distress God rescues the just.

The LORD has eyes for the just,

and ears for their cry.

The LORD confronts the evildoers,

to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.

R. From all their distress God rescues the just.

When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,

and from all their distress he rescues them.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;

and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.

R. From all their distress God rescues the just.

Verse Before the Gospel Mt 4:4b

One does not live on bread alone,

but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

Gospel Mt 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples:

“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,

who think that they will be heard because of their many words.

Do not be like them.

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This is how you are to pray:

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy Kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

“If you forgive men their transgressions,

your heavenly Father will forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men,

neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”