Holy Trinity 2014

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/053115.cfm) reminds me to have faith in the Holy Trinity

The readings today tells us of the Holy Trinity. In the first reading, we see the greatness and love of God the Father. In the second reading, we see the power of God the Holy Spirit, to be with us always and work through us. And in the gospel we see Jesus, God the Son, who was with us, and commissioned us to continue his work, before telling them He was with them, with us, until the end of age – through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God is everywhere. And God is with us always.

The psalmist reminds us that we are blessed, as we are God’s chosen people. But with it comes the responsibility to continue Jesus’ mission. As Jesus told his disciples in the gospel, we are to make disciples of all nation. We are to proclaim God and spread his kingdom. We are to do God’s work on earth. But we are to remember that we are not to do this alone. God is always with us through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Trinity is one of the mysteries of our faith that is very hard to explain and understand. Being a mystery, it is only a heart full of faith that can accept and understand this. We may not be able to explain it well, or may not be able to understand everything, but we just need to have faith.

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all there for us. May we feel his presence in our lives, especially as we do his work.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your greatness. Thank you for your power. Thank you for your love. And thank you that all these are for me. Help me Lord to do my best and work for you. Help me do your command and make disciples of all nations as I live on earth. Father God, as I live my life, I will not understand everything that is happening. But Lord, I ask for faith that trusts in your love, trusts in the Holy Trinity, even if I cannot explain or understand. May I live my life by faith and not by sight. Amen

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/05/holy-trinity-2013.html

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May 31, 2015

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Lectionary: 165

Reading 1 Dt 4:32-34, 39-40

Moses said to the people:

"Ask now of the days of old, before your time,

ever since God created man upon the earth;

ask from one end of the sky to the other:

Did anything so great ever happen before?

Was it ever heard of?

Did a people ever hear the voice of God

speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live?

Or did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself

from the midst of another nation,

by testings, by signs and wonders, by war,

with strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors,

all of which the LORD, your God,

did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?

This is why you must now know,

and fix in your heart, that the LORD is God

in the heavens above and on earth below,

and that there is no other.

You must keep his statutes and commandments that I enjoin on you today,

that you and your children after you may prosper,

and that you may have long life on the land

which the LORD, your God, is giving you forever."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22

R. (12b) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Upright is the word of the LORD,

and all his works are trustworthy.

He loves justice and right;

of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full.

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made;

by the breath of his mouth all their host.

For he spoke, and it was made;

he commanded, and it stood forth.

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,

upon those who hope for his kindness,

To deliver them from death

and preserve them in spite of famine.

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Our soul waits for the LORD,

who is our help and our shield.

May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us

who have put our hope in you.

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Reading 2 Rom 8:14-17

Brothers and sisters:

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear,

but you received a Spirit of adoption,

through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!”

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit

that we are children of God,

and if children, then heirs,

heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,

if only we suffer with him

so that we may also be glorified with him.

Alleluia Rev 1:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;

to God who is, who was, and who is to come.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee,

to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.

When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.

Then Jesus approached and said to them,

"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Wisdom

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/053015.cfm) reminds me that God gives us wisdom as we serve Him.

There are times when we are seemingly placed in a hopeless situation in life. Sometimes life’s challenges are so overwhelming and there seems to be no way out. However, we see in today’s gospel that God gives us wisdom in the perfect time so we can continue doing God’s work.

Jesus in the gospel was questioned by authorities. However, instead of giving a direct reply which could have put him in trouble, God gave him wisdom to answer in a way that will silence his detractors. And of course, with any God given blessing, he was able to evade an evil plot against him, for it was not yet time for him to be handed over.

God is faithful.

Sometimes, even if we do not ask for it, God gives us wisdom as we work for him – either to inspire others, or get ourselves out of trouble not meant for us. God makes sure his children are protected from harm. It is a reminder that nothing can come in the way of God’s plans for us. Jesus would have to suffer and die, but on God’s timing, not the enemy’s.

May we always be reminded of God’s love, power and protection working in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another Saturday. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, I thank you for the many times you came to my rescue. Thank you for the many times you help me, especially when I am not aware of it or when I do not ask for it. Thank you for your faithfulness. Continue to bless and guide me as I live for you. amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 30, 2015

Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 352

Reading 1 Sir 51:12 cd-20

I thank the LORD and I praise him;

I bless the name of the LORD.

When I was young and innocent,

I sought wisdom openly in my prayer

I prayed for her before the temple,

and I will seek her until the end,

and she flourished as a grape soon ripe.

My heart delighted in her,

My feet kept to the level path

because from earliest youth I was familiar with her.

In the short time I paid heed,

I met with great instruction.

Since in this way I have profited,

I will give my teacher grateful praise.

I became resolutely devoted to her—

the good I persistently strove for.

My soul was tormented in seeking her,

My hand opened her gate

and I came to know her secrets.

I directed my soul to her,

and in cleanness I attained to her.

Responsorial Psalm PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. (9ab) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The law of the LORD is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,

giving wisdom to the simple.

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The precepts of the LORD are right,

rejoicing the heart.

The command of the LORD is clear,

enlightening the eye.

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever;

The ordinances of the LORD are true,

all of them just.

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

They are more precious than gold,

than a heap of purest gold;

Sweeter also than syrup

or honey from the comb.

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Alleluia See Col 3:16a, 17c

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly;

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 1:27-33

Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem.

As he was walking in the temple area,

the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders

approached him and said to him,

“By what authority are you doing these things?

Or who gave you this authority to do them?”

Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question.

Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.”

They discussed this among themselves and said,

“If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say,

‘Then why did you not believe him?’

But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”–

they feared the crowd,

for they all thought John really was a prophet.

So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”

Then Jesus said to them,

“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Faith and Forgiveness

  

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052915.cfm) reminds me how powerful and important faith and forgiveness are.

Yesterday, we saw how powerful one’s faith is, when Jesus healed Bartimaeus because of his faith. In today’s gospel, we see how powerful faith is in those who work for God.

Faith can move mountains.

God is powerful, and he can do anything. And if his child asks something, no matter how difficult it may be in worldly standards, with full faith, pure intentions and according to His plans, God will surely give it to him. In the same way that no prayer is too small or simple, no prayer is too big or difficult for God. We just have to have faith in God’s power and goodness.

However, we can only have full faith if we are right with God. We can only pray and worship him wholeheartedly if we do not have anger and sins in our hearts. That is why Jesus also tells us the importance of forgiveness.

We should forgive others, so God can also forgive us.

The Lord’s prayer goes “forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” We need to forgive others before God can forgive us. What makes it difficult to forgive is the hurt and the pain that others caused us. And if we find it difficult to forgive because we hold on to that hurt, because we focus on ourselves – what we feel and what we went through. So real forgiveness is letting go of those. Real forgiveness is surrendering those to God. In essence, real forgiveness is loving God more than we love ourselves.  And if we already love God more than ourselves, then God can forgive us of our sins – because sin is actually us loving ourselves more than we love God.

May we see the importance of forgiveness, of having a clean heart as we pray in faith.

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 Friday. Lord, I thank you for your message. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of faith and of forgiveness. Help me forgive others as I ask forgiveness from you. help me love you more than I love myself. And as I so do, I know you will increase my faith and enable me to do great things for you as I serve you. amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 29, 2015

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 351

Reading 1 Sir 44:1, 9-13

Now will I praise those godly men,

our ancestors, each in his own time.

But of others there is no memory,

for when they ceased, they ceased.

And they are as though they had not lived,

they and their children after them.

Yet these also were godly men

whose virtues have not been forgotten;

Their wealth remains in their families,

their heritage with their descendants;

Through God’s covenant with them their family endures,

their posterity, for their sake.

And for all time their progeny will endure,

their glory will never be blotted out.

Responsorial Psalm PS 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Sing to the LORD a new song

of praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel be glad in their maker,

let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,

let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

For the LORD loves his people,

and he adorns the lowly with victory.

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Let the faithful exult in glory;

let them sing for joy upon their couches;

Let the high praises of God be in their throats.

This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia See Jn 15:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I chose you from the world,

to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 11:11-26

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area.

He looked around at everything and, since it was already late,

went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry.

Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf,

he went over to see if he could find anything on it.

When he reached it he found nothing but leaves;

it was not the time for figs.

And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!”

And his disciples heard it.

They came to Jerusalem,

and on entering the temple area

he began to drive out those selling and buying there.

He overturned the tables of the money changers

and the seats of those who were selling doves.

He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area.

Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written:

My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples?

But you have made it a den of thieves.”

The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it

and were seeking a way to put him to death,

yet they feared him

because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching.

When evening came, they went out of the city.

Early in the morning, as they were walking along,

they saw the fig tree withered to its roots.

Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look!

The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”

Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God.

Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,

‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’

and does not doubt in his heart

but believes that what he says will happen,

it shall be done for him.

Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,

believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.

When you stand to pray,

forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance,

so that your heavenly Father may in turn

forgive you your transgressions.”

Blind Man’s Faith

The WORD today(see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052815.cfm) inspires me to have a clear and unwavering faith, like Bartimaeus.

Hebrews 11:1 defines it as: “Faith is the substance of the things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” The blind man in the gospel, Bartimaeus, clearly lived this faith.

Being a blind person, he begged by the roadside. Probably he was really desperate, but definitely not hopeless. When he heard the Jesus passed by, he gave all he got and shouted to get Jesus’ attention. When asked by the people to shut up, he did not lose hope, his spirit was not dampened, instead, shouted louder. Makulit sya.

Minsan kailangang maging makulit sa panalangin.

When he was called by people, not Jesus, he showed even greater faith. Even if Jesus was not the one personally called him, he knew that being summoned by Jesus would forever change his life. What did he do? From sitting by the roadside, he threw his cloak and sprang up to Jesus.

Wow, what great faith!

During those times, beggars lived in the streets. Probably his cloak was his most important possession – not because it was expensive or beautiful, but because it helped him a lot. It protected him from the weather, from the heat of the sun or the coldness of the wind, his cloak was a big help. His action throwing away his cloak and running to Jesus was like saying “Goodbye cloak, I won’t be needing you anymore! This Jesus will cure me, and I won’t be blind anymore!”

He had full faith in the power of Jesus, and he was not disappointed. Indeed, no one leaves the presence of Jesus unchanged.

In life, we will not always get immediate answers to our prayers. We will not immediately get great results. However, this should not dampen our faith. In the same way that Bartimaeus was not stopped by the people and circumstances, so should we. God is faithful, and will not abandon those who cry out to him in full faith.

How about us? How do we react when we don’t seem to get what we want in the first try? Do we get angry or lose hope, or are we like the blind man whose faith was unwavering? What do I pray for right now? Do I have faith that God can grant me that? Do I have faith that he wants to, if it is according to His plan for me?  Am I willing to take a leap of faith? When God gives me what I pray for, do I remember to thank Him and live my life following Him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that you do not disappoint. Thank you for reminding me how powerful and loving you are. Thank you for reminding me of how important faith is. Lord, help me improve my faith. May I have faith like Bartimaeus. When faced with challenges or when I don’t get what I pray for, may my faith get stronger and still do my part. May I be brave enough to take a leap of faith, knowing you are there to guide and catch me. And Lord, when you give me what I pray for, may I never forget to thank you and live my life following you. Amen

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-blind-mans-clear-and-unwavering-faith.html

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May 28, 2015

Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 350

Reading 1 Sir 42:15-25

Now will I recall God’s works;

what I have seen, I will describe.

At God’s word were his works brought into being;

they do his will as he has ordained for them.

As the rising sun is clear to all,

so the glory of the LORD fills all his works;

Yet even God’s holy ones must fail

in recounting the wonders of the LORD,

Though God has given these, his hosts, the strength

to stand firm before his glory.

He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart;

their innermost being he understands.

The Most High possesses all knowledge,

and sees from of old the things that are to come:

He makes known the past and the future,

and reveals the deepest secrets.

No understanding does he lack;

no single thing escapes him.

Perennial is his almighty wisdom;

he is from all eternity one and the same,

With nothing added, nothing taken away;

no need of a counselor for him!

How beautiful are all his works!

even to the spark and fleeting vision!

The universe lives and abides forever;

to meet each need, each creature is preserved.

All of them differ, one from another,

yet none of them has he made in vain,

For each in turn, as it comes, is good;

can one ever see enough of their splendor?

Responsorial Psalm PS 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (6a) By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;

with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.

Sing to him a new song;

pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.

R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

For upright is the word of the LORD

and all his works are trustworthy.

He loves justice and right;

of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made;

by the breath of his mouth all their host.

He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask;

in cellars he confines the deep.

R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

Let all the earth fear the LORD;

let all who dwell in the world revere him.

For he spoke, and it was made;

he commanded, and it stood forth.

R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

Alleluia Jn 8:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;

whoever follows me will have the light of life.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 10:46-52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,

Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,

sat by the roadside begging.

On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,

he began to cry out and say,

“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.

But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called the blind man, saying to him,

“Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”

He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.

Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”

Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.”

Immediately he received his sight

and followed him on the way.

Great Servant

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052715.cfm) reminds me how Jesus wants us to serve Him.

As followers of Christ, we should imitate him. We should imitate how he lived his life.

How different Christ is from us. He, the Son of God, came down to our level and became human. Not only that, he came not as a strong and mighty king, but as a baby in a manger in a small town of Bethlehem. No fuss, no attention to himself.

Christ’s life was of pure obedience to God the Father. It was pure surrender to God’s will, even when it is difficult to. It was pure service to God through human beings, even the unlovable ones. This is a result of Christ’s pure love to God the Father – willing to empty himself and allow God to fill him, to control him, to use him. This is how Christ wants us to live.

Christ came to serve us. He could have asked his disciples or the angels to do all the work. Preaching. Proclaiming. Miracles. Praying. But he did not. He did things himself. Instead of asking others to serve him, the son of God, he came to serve us to the point of death. Napaka baliktad sa mundo natin where  powerful people are being served by those who have less.

Christ was not just a leader, he was a servant leader. In that regard, being a servant comes first before being a leader. Thus being a great leader requires being a great servant as well. May this inspire us as we live our lives and build our dreams.

What is my definition of greatness? In what way am I a leader? More than a leader, am I a servant leader? What do I want to do or accomplish with my life? Am I humble enough to let God control my life or do I want things to happen my own way?

Father God,

Thank you for this day. Thank you Lord for reminding me that your ways are not the same as the way of this world we are currently living in. Thank you for reminding me of this today. Lord, help me have the desire to strive for greatness, not in terms of this world, but in yours. Help me use my life on earth to prepare for eternity with you. May I desire to serve other people, for in serving them, I serve you Lord. Use me and fill me with everything that is of you as you take away everything that is not of you. Fill me to the overflowing so I can share this to others. This I ask in faith in Jesus name, Amen.

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/03/great-servant.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/03/greatest-servant.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/great-servant.html

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May 27, 2015

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 349

Reading 1 Sir 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17

Come to our aid, O God of the universe,

look upon us, show us the light of your mercies,

and put all the nations in dread of you!

Thus they will know, as we know,

that there is no God but you, O Lord.

Give new signs and work new wonders.

Gather all the tribes of Jacob,

that they may inherit the land as of old,

Show mercy to the people called by your name;

Israel, whom you named your firstborn.

Take pity on your holy city,

Jerusalem, your dwelling place.

Fill Zion with your majesty,

your temple with your glory.

Give evidence of your deeds of old;

fulfill the prophecies spoken in your name,

Reward those who have hoped in you,

and let your prophets be proved true.

Hear the prayer of your servants,

for you are ever gracious to your people;

and lead us in the way of justice.

Thus it will be known to the very ends of the earth

that you are the eternal God.

Responsorial Psalm PS 79:8, 9, 11 and 13

R. (Sirach 36:1b) Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;

may your compassion quickly come to us,

for we are brought very low.

R. Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

Help us, O God our savior,

because of the glory of your name;

Deliver us and pardon our sins

for your name’s sake.

R. Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you;

with your great power free those doomed to death.

Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,

will give thanks to you forever;

through all generations we will declare your praise.

R. Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

Alleluia Mk 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Son of Man came to serve,

and to give his life as a ransom for many.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 10:32-45

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem,

and Jesus went ahead of them.

They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.

Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them

what was going to happen to him.

“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man

will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes,

and they will condemn him to death

and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him,

spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death,

but after three days he will rise.”

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee,

came to Jesus and said to him,

‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

He replied, ‘What do you wish me to do for you?”

They answered him,

“Grant that in your glory

we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”

Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.

Can you drink the chalice that I drink

or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”

They said to him, ‘We can.”

Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink,

and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;

but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give

but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.

Jesus summoned them and said to them,

“You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles

lord it over them,

and their great ones make their authority over them felt.

But it shall not be so among you.

Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;

whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.

For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve

and to give his life as a ransom for many.”