Serious Stuff

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/093015.cfm) reminds me that serving God is something we should take seriously.

It is very hard to be an athlete. They train for hours to be the best at their sport. Not only that, it is actually a lifestyle. They eat proper food, get enough sleep, and skip late night activities and other things that will be bad for their training and conditioning. Serious stuff. They do a lot and give up a lot to be able to prepare well and be the best they can be. This should also be our attitude as we serve God.

In the gospel, Jesus is saying that serving God is serious. One’s obligations to family and social responsibilities should not get in the way of our serving God. Once we say yes to serving God, we should not look back at our old life, at other responsibilities, or anything that will hinder us from serving Him. in the first reading, we see Nehemiah not forgetting the mission to serve God. Despite the comfortable place he had in the palace, he risked everything and asked the king to allow him to be sent to his town to rebuild it, to proclaim God in there.

Serving God is serious stuff.

There are times it is easy to serve God. When things are new and fun, when you’re serving with friends, when activities are nice and easy, it is very fun to serve God. However, we should continue serving Him when things change. When the demands at work are overwhelming, or when there are concerns in life – financial concerns, health concerns, relationship concerns, then it becomes a challenge serving God. However, this is the time our character is built. This is the time we really need to serve God. This is the time to focus on Him and not on other things that hinder us from serving Him.

May we be inspired by the readings to take seriously serving God, and may the psalmist’s prayer be ours too – let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

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. Lord, thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I know you call us to serve in different ways, and I pray that I would always be sensitive to the ways you are calling me to serve you. and when I hear you, help me be serious about it. Despite all the challenges and distractions, help me focus on you and serve you despite of everything. I know it will make you happy. As I serve you, use my service to bring glory to your name. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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September 30, 2015

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 457

 

 

Reading 1 Neh 2:1-8

 

In the month Nisan of the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes,
when the wine was in my charge,
I took some and offered it to the king.
As I had never before been sad in his presence,
the king asked me, “Why do you look sad?
If you are not sick, you must be sad at heart.”
Though I was seized with great fear, I answered the king:
“May the king live forever!
How could I not look sad
when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins,
and its gates have been eaten out by fire?”
The king asked me, “What is it, then, that you wish?”
I prayed to the God of heaven and then answered the king:
“If it please the king,
and if your servant is deserving of your favor,
send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves,
to rebuild it.”
Then the king, and the queen seated beside him,
asked me how long my journey would take
and when I would return.
I set a date that was acceptable to him,
and the king agreed that I might go.

I asked the king further: “If it please the king,
let letters be given to me for the governors
of West-of-Euphrates,
that they may afford me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah;
also a letter for Asaph, the keeper of the royal park,
that he may give me wood for timbering the gates
of the temple-citadel and for the city wall
and the house that I shall occupy.”
The king granted my requests,
for the favoring hand of my God was upon me.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

 

R. (6ab) Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!By the streams of Babylon
we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
On the aspens of that land
we hung up our harps.
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!
Though there our captors asked of us
the lyrics of our songs,
And our despoilers urged us to be joyous:
“Sing for us the songs of Zion!”
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!
How could we sing a song of the LORD
in a foreign land?
If I forget you, Jerusalem,
may my right hand be forgotten!
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!
May my tongue cleave to my palate
if I remember you not,
If I place not Jerusalem
ahead of my joy.
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

 

Alleluia Phil 3:8-9

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 9:57-62

 

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding
on their journey, someone said to him,
“I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus answered him,
“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”
And to another he said, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”
But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead.
But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”
And another said, “I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”
Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Victory

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092915.cfm) reminds me that the victory is God’s.

It’s UAAP season once again. It’s always exciting to watch basketball games, especially live and when your school is playing. Every possession, every basket and every turnover makes the heart beat faster, because you do not know what will happen to the game. Breaks of the games can really decide who wins. However, when watching replays, the feeling is different, especially when you already know who won the game. Mistakes and bad calls of the referees don’t matter anymore, for you know that it will not affect the outcome of the game. This is what God wants us to remember.

As we celebrate the feast of the archangels – Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, we are reminded that victory is God’s…always. In the first reading, we see the angels led by Michael fought and defeated the dragon, the ancient serpent – Devil and Satan. The Devil is no match for the angels of God, and we see that they were cast out of heaven and brought to earth.

God has already won the battle. Victory is his. Forever.

This should inspire us and encourage us. Like watching a UAAP replay knowing your team already won, bad calls and mistakes will not be as important. As we live on earth, knowing God has already won should give us the strength and courage to press on, especially amidst the challenges we experience. It should inspire us to stick to God. Whatever we experience, as long as we are on God’s side, we know that victory is ours. Salvation is ours. We need not be scared or afraid of what the Devil may try to do to us. He is no match for God, and he cannot do anything to us that will destroy us completely. All the pain, challenges and other things that distract us are simply that – distractions of the enemy in trying to keep us away from God.

May we be strengthened and live as victors in Christ.

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 victory you already won for us. I praise and thank you for your power and your might. Lord, help us remember this always. May we be strengthened that you are victorious and that you are on our side. May we never be afraid and distracted by the enemy. Help us keep our eyes and focus on you. I also ask you Lord to continue to bless me and protect me. May my guardian angel always be at my side to protect me from the evil one. In  a special way, I lift up to you all the birthday celebrants today. May they always remember and feel your victory and protection in their lives. Amen.

Blessed day!

In  Christ,

-g-

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September 29, 2015

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
Lectionary: 647

 

 

Reading 1 Rv 12:7-12ab

 

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.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who accuses them before our God day and night.
They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them.”

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5

 

R. (1) In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
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. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
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. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
“Great is the glory of the LORD.”
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

 

 

Alleluia Ps 103:21

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Jn 1:47-51

 

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”
Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man

Greatest

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092815.cfm) reminds me who the greatest is in God’s eyes

A few years back, there was a movie about the life of Muhammad Ali, whom many considered one of if not the world’s greatest boxer, although today Floyd Mayweather insists he is the greatest. The theme song of the Ali movie  had the title. “The World’s Greatest”. He won many fights, he was a well-respected boxer in the ring, and his skills are superior… that’s why he is a great fighter.

However, God’s standards are different from the world. In fact, it is the opposite.

The greatest in God’s eyes are not the strong and mighty, but the dependent and childlike.

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples that a child is great in God’s eyes, and they should welcome and be like children. Back then, children together with women were the least in the society, so it surprised them that Jesus said those words.

Why is a child great? Because of his nothingness. He knows he cannot do anything on his own, so he is fully dependent on his parents. The same way, God wants us to be like that, to know and remember that we really cannot do anything on our own… that we should be fully dependent on God, our father. This is something difficult, especially for successful and independent people who think they can do anything and can exist on their own.

If we know and accept our nothingness, and fully depend on God, then we are great. For it is when we humbly ask for His grace and guidance that we can be filled with everything God wants to give us. And when we are filled with God, then we are certainly great, for God is in us.

May we be reminded of what it takes to be great in God’s eyes, and do our best to be one.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for your reminder. Thank you for sending people in my life who remind me how much you love me and how special I am to you. Lord, I am sorry for the times I put you out of the picture, when I just rely on myself and do things on my own. Sorry for the times I focus too much on myself, how I can be great in the eyes of the world. As the week starts, help me start it right. Help me have the childlike attitude and faith that will always rely on you as I live. Help me live like your child so I can be great in your eyes. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/are-you-childlike.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/05/kingdom-is-theirs.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-worlds-greatest.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/09/greatest.html

Let Go to Gain

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092715.cfm) reminds me that we should let go of certain things to gain greater things.

People usually do not want to let go. We can sometimes become too attached to something, to someone, to our possessions. There are people, including myself, who still have toys from our childhood, especially our favorite toys. However, some people are attached to greater things – to power, to richer, to fame, to things of this world. They do not want to share and to let go of these things, because they do not want their possessions to be decreased. They do not want their fame, power and influence to decreased. They value these material things so much.

Material things are very temporary. In the second reading, we see that all of these things get destroyed. However, the effects of these material, temporary things on us may be permanent if we are not careful. These material things can cause us to change, to have a hardened heart, to view things differently, and to live in sin – which has eternal punishment if we do not repent. That is why we need to let go.

Sometimes, letting go enables you to gain more than what you originally have.

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples to cut off parts of their body that causes them to sin. Of course, this should not just be taken literally, unless really necessary. I believe that God is telling us that no matter how hard and painful it is, we should be detached from material things and from things that keep us away from Him. It may be hard, especially if these are our favorite sins, or these are things of the world that give us comfort and pleasure. However ,there is something greater in store for us. no matter how hard it is to let go and be detached, what we will get if we do it is far greater than what we originally had – for we will be getting eternity with God.

In the first reading, we see Moses telling Joshua not to be jealous for his sake. Probably what caused Joshua to tell Moses to stop others is also his attachment – attachment to fame and affirmation of doing good. He probably do not want others to have the same godly status as him – a prophet, a mighty worker for God. This tells us that even if we are doing God’s work, if we are not careful, these attachments can affect our service.

May we be reminded to always check our hearts, and be ready and willing to let go of the things we should not hold on to.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for another reminder of how you want me to live. Lord, sorry for my attachments. Sorry for holding on to things i need to let go – favorite sins, power, fame, money, influence – these things of the world that give my comfort and glory, but only in this world, not on your eyes. Help me let go. Help me to see the bigger picture, to remember you and your great love for me, to remember your promise of life everlasting in paradise. Give me the desire and the will to choose you over these things always. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

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Afraid To Ask

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092615.cfm) reminds me that we should not be afraid to ask from Jesus.

There is no harm in asking. Sometimes people are afraid to ask – questions or help, because they are afraid of getting rejected, or not getting what they want, or be branded as incompetent. However, nothing will happen if you don’t ask. No help will come and no new knowledge will be explained if you don’t ask. This is what happened to the disciples in the gospel.

You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.

In the gospel, the disciples did not understand what Jesus meant when he told them that the son of man is to be handed over to men. Yes, the meaning was hidden from them so they could not understand it, but they were also too afraid to ask, as a result, nothing happened. Had they asked, we do not know if Jesus would have explained it, or if he would have gotten mad for them not understanding. However, we cannot really know since the disciples did not ask.

In our lives, there are a lot of things we do not understand as well. There are situations where we cannot seem to understand the purpose and wisdom behind. There are events we cannot understand why they happened. We should ask God. We should not be afraid to ask him to help us understand. We should not be afraid to ask for his help. However, we should also not be impatient as we wait for his answer. Asking does not guarantee we will get the answer, but it just tells God we want badly to know the answer, to get help. But we should remain in faith and trust in him while waiting for his answers, for his wisdom and plans to come to fruition and make sense to us.

May we have the courage to ask God, but the humility and patience to wait for his answers.

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. Lord, give me the courage to come to you and ask – for help, for guidance, for answers. May I be brave as I come to you. and while I wait, give me a humble and patient heart to continue loving, serving and trusting you. I may not get the answers as I ask, but I have faith in you that in your perfect time, your wisdom and plan will make sense to me, and I will see the beauty in everything. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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Who Am I To You?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092515.cfm) reminds me to work on my relationship with God.

The gospel shows us Jesus asking the disciples the question: Who am I to you? He asked them who other people said he was, but it was really not important to Jesus. What matters to him is who his disciples see him for. Who he is to his disciples. Peter proclaimed that Jesus is the Christ of God. Jesus then affirmed it, and reminded them that even though he is such, he will have to suffer in the hands of people – telling them that they would suffer too as his followers, but with the assurance of victory when Jesus told them he will be raised on the third day.

Today, God is asking us the same question: Who am I to you? It does not matter what other people say Jesus is. It does not matter what sins we have committed in the past. It does not matter what we intend to do in our lives. What matters for Christ is our answer to his question. And we can only say he is our God if we have an intimate and personal relationship with him. if we don’t pray, if we don’t hear mass and take the sacraments, if we don’t read the bible, if we don’t experience Jesus, we cannot honestly say that he is our God. Probably we can say that other people say he is, or other people say he is a great and loving God, but unless we build an intimate relationship with Him, we cannot say the same.

We are challenged today.

Who is Jesus to you? Who is Jesus in your life? Do you put Him first in your life? Do you believe that He is the all loving, all merciful, all powerful God? Do you believe that He can work great things to and through you?

May we find it in our hearts to answer him like Peter did – that he is Christ the God, that he is God in our lives. May we work to have an intimate and personal relationship with Him, and work harder to maintain and grow it.

Father God,

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

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

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

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/06/who-am-i-to-you.html

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

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September 25, 2015

Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 453

 

 

Reading 1 Hg 2:1-9

 

In the second year of King Darius,
on the twenty-first day of the seventh month,
the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai:
Tell this to the governor of Judah,
Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel,
and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak,
and to the remnant of the people:

Who is left among you
that saw this house in its former glory?
And how do you see it now?
Does it not seem like nothing in your eyes?
But now take courage, Zerubbabel, says the LORD,
and take courage, Joshua, high priest, son of Jehozadak,
And take courage, all you people of the land,
says the LORD, and work!
For I am with you, says the LORD of hosts.
This is the pact that I made with you
when you came out of Egypt,
And my spirit continues in your midst;
do not fear!
For thus says the LORD of hosts:
One moment yet, a little while,
and I will shake the heavens and the earth,
the sea and the dry land.
I will shake all the nations,
and the treasures of all the nations will come in,
And I will fill this house with glory,
says the LORD of hosts.
Mine is the silver and mine the gold,
says the LORD of hosts.
Greater will be the future glory of this house
than the former, says the LORD of hosts;
And in this place I will give you peace,
says the LORD of hosts!

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 43:1, 2, 3, 4

 

R. (5) Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.
Do me justice, O God, and fight my fight
against a faithless people;
from the deceitful and impious man rescue me.
R. Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.
For you, O God, are my strength.
Why do you keep me so far away?
Why must I go about in mourning,
with the enemy oppressing me?
R. Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.
Send forth your light and your fidelity;
they shall lead me on
And bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling place.
R. Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.
Then will I go in to the altar of God,
the God of my gladness and joy;
Then will I give you thanks upon the harp,
O God, my God!
R. Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.

 

 

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 Lk 9:18-22

 

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude,
and the disciples were with him,
he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah;
still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’”
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.”

Wrong Reasons

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092415.cfm) reminds me that we should have the right reasons when we look for God.

There are a lot of church groups nowadays, which is very good. These groups and organizations help us know God more. They help us learn more about our faith and how we could live them. However, not all have the right reasons when attending these gatherings or joining these groups. I know some people who join these groups and attend gatherings not because they are looking for God and want to improve their faith, but because they are looking for new friends, especially women who they can go on a date with. This is probably the same as Herod’s reasons in the gospel.

Herod kept trying to see Jesus. Why? Because he probably wanted to know who Jesus is, and what the fuzz is all about. He probably wanted to know if what the people were saying are true. There could be many reasons why Herod was looking for Jesus. However, what’s more important is our reasons for looking for Jesus – if we are looking for Him in the first place.

Jesus is anything and everything we need. He is the Son of God. He is able. He loves us. We just need to seek him and humbly come to him, surrendering ourselves to him. IF we seek him, we will find him, if we seek him with all of our heart (Jeremiah 29:13)

Finding Jesus is not enough. After finding Jesus, we should spread him to others

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 do our part and look for Jesus, and when we find him, may we be generous enough to share him with others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Help me look for your with all of my heart, Lord. May I take the time off to really look hard for you and search for you. and I know if I look for you with all of my heart, I will find you. As I find you and experience you, may I share you to others. Help me 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-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-for.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/09/wrong-usage.html

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September 24, 2015

Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 452

 

 

Reading 1 Hg 1:1-8

 

On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius,
The word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai
to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel,
and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak:

Thus says the LORD of hosts:
This people says:
“The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.”
(Then this word of the LORD came through Haggai, the prophet:)
Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses,
while this house lies in ruins?

Now thus says the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways!
You have sown much, but have brought in little;
you have eaten, but have not been satisfied;
You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated;
have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed;
And whoever earned wages
earned them for a bag with holes in it.

Thus says the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways!
Go up into the hill country;
bring timber, and build the house
That I may take pleasure in it
and receive my glory, says the LORD.

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Alleluia Jn 14:6

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 9:7-9

 

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening,
and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,
“John has been raised from the dead”;
others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”;
still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”
But Herod said, “John I beheaded.
Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
And he kept trying to see him

Travel Light

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092315.cfm) reminds me why God wants us to travel light.

Nowadays, there are a lot of budget airlines and promos. However, in most of these promos, it is travel light – or no check in baggage is allowed. Travelers are only allowed to have one carry-on baggage. They just bring what are really important. It is actually a lot easier and faster to travel this way, no need to check in baggage and wait for the baggage upon arrival in the destination.

God wants us to live like this as well.

In the gospel, Jesus instructed his disciples to bring just what is necessary, the very basics. He told them not to take anything except a walking stick.

Why a walking stick…?

In those times, it was normal for people to have a walking stick. People, especially those advanced in age and those who often travel, have a walking stick. It helps them since they travel through far distances. It gives them additional strength by acting as their third leg, or something that would support their weary legs so as not to take all the weight of the body. It is also used to protect themselves from stray animals as they travel. Also, we see in the bible God using the walking stick or staff to perform great things - Moses parted the red sea, led Israelites to victories in wars, and drew water out of a stone all by using a staff or a stick.

How light the disciples must have felt in that trip. No extra things to weigh them down.

However, in today’s day and age, we sometimes feel that we need a lot of things to survive. There are a lot of gadgets, smartphones and power banks, that we feel we need with us every time. When we travel, we bring with us a lot of these things. That’s why sometimes, instead of enjoying our journey and focusing on it, our attention is diverted because we have to think of what we brought, making sure nothing gets lost or left behind. We need battery and internet signal so we can take pictures upload at once to social media, then we check how our friends would react to our posts.

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. Divine Providence.

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 day to live. Thank you for reminding us 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. Thank you for Pope Francis who reminds us and who lives this. Lord, there are a lot of distractions in my 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 travel light as I take this journey towards you. I have faith that you will always provide, so I just need to  focus on you and put you first. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

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

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/10/dependence.html

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

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/07/light-journey.html

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September 23, 2015

Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
Lectionary: 451

 

 

Reading 1 Ezr 9:5-9

 

At the time of the evening sacrifice, I, Ezra, rose in my wretchedness,
and with cloak and mantle torn I fell on my knees,
stretching out my hands to the LORD, my God.

I said: “My God, I am too ashamed and confounded to raise my face to you,
O my God, for our wicked deeds are heaped up above our heads
and our guilt reaches up to heaven.
From the time of our fathers even to this day
great has been our guilt,
and for our wicked deeds we have been delivered up,
we and our kings and our priests,
to the will of the kings of foreign lands,
to the sword, to captivity, to pillage, and to disgrace,
as is the case today.

“And now, but a short time ago, mercy came to us from the LORD, our God,
who left us a remnant and gave us a stake in his holy place;
thus our God has brightened our eyes
and given us relief in our servitude.
For slaves we are, but in our servitude our God has not abandoned us;
rather, he has turned the good will
of the kings of Persia toward us.
Thus he has given us new life
to raise again the house of our God and restore its ruins,
and has granted us a fence in Judah and Jerusalem.”

 

 

Responsorial Psalm Tobit 13:2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8

 

R. (1b) Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
He scourges and then has mercy;
he casts down to the depths of the nether world,
and he brings up from the great abyss.
No one can escape his hand.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
Praise him, you children of Israel, before the Gentiles,
for though he has scattered you among them,
he has shown you his greatness even there.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
So now consider what he has done for you,
and praise him with full voice.
Bless the Lord of righteousness,
and exalt the King of ages.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
In the land of my exile I praise him
and show his power and majesty to a sinful nation.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
Bless the Lord, all you his chosen ones,
and may all of you praise his majesty.
Celebrate days of gladness, and give him praise.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

 

 

Alleluia Mk 1:15

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 9:1-6

 

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority
over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal the sick.
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.
Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.
And as for those who do not welcome you,
when you leave that town,
shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”
Then they set out and went from village to village
proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere

Family

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092215.cfm) reminds me that we are children of God.

There are people who blame their situation for the way their life turned out. Some feel they are at a disadvantage because of their family, because of their surroundings and environment growing up. They did not have the resources, the connections, and the proper atmosphere for learning and growing. In one of Tupac Shakur’s songs, he mentioned this: “…but if I had a better life, I would have lived a good life and did more things right…” However, we cannot say this with God. His ways are not our ways.

We can all part of God’s family, if we really want to.

In the gospel, Jesus said that his mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it. Relationship with him is not just by blood. Family with him is not just by blood. We are not at a disadvantage with God. We just need to hear and act on His word for us to tell him we want to be his family. We just need to live right for us to tell God we really want to be his children. And we will.

May we be inspired by Jesus words. He welcomes everyone. May we take on his call to listen and act on his word, and enjoy all the benefits that come with being God’s family.

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. Lord, I thank you for your love and the opportunity to be your family. Thank you that I am not at a disadvantage no matter what situation I was born in. I promise to act and do my part to be your family. I promise to not only listen but more importantly to act on your word. Help me live my love for and faith in you. amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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September 22, 2015

Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 450

 

 

Reading 1 EzR 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20

 

King Darius issued an order to the officials
of West-of-Euphrates:
“Let the governor and the elders of the Jews
continue the work on that house of God;
they are to rebuild it on its former site.
I also issue this decree
concerning your dealing with these elders of the Jews
in the rebuilding of that house of God:
From the royal revenue, the taxes of West-of-Euphrates,
let these men be repaid for their expenses, in full and without delay.
I, Darius, have issued this decree;
let it be carefully executed.”

The elders of the Jews continued to make progress in the building,
supported by the message of the prophets,
Haggai and Zechariah, son of Iddo.
They finished the building according to the command
of the God of Israel
and the decrees of Cyrus and Darius
and of Artaxerxes, king of Persia.
They completed this house on the third day of the month Adar,
in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
The children of Israel–priests, Levites,
and the other returned exiles–
celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.
For the dedication of this house of God,
they offered one hundred bulls,
two hundred rams, and four hundred lambs,
together with twelve he-goats as a sin-offering for all Israel,
in keeping with the number of the tribes of Israel.
Finally, they set up the priests in their classes
and the Levites in their divisions
for the service of God in Jerusalem,
as is prescribed in the book of Moses.

The exiles kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
The Levites, every one of whom had purified himself for the occasion,
sacrificed the Passover for the rest of the exiles,
for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

 

R. (1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

 

Alleluia Lk 11:28

 

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are those who hear the word of God
and observe it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 8:19-21

 

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him
but were unable to join him because of the crowd.
He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside
and they wish to see you.”
He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers
are those who hear the word of God and act on it.