Humble

  

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/103115.cfm) reminds me to be humble.

They say that humility is not about thinking less of yourself, but rather, thinking of yourself less.

All of us were made by God. All of us are God’s masterpieces. All of us are special. This is why we should not think less of ourselves.  We should not look down on ourselves and feel we are useless or very common with nothing to contribute to the world, or that we are inferior compared to others.

We should, however, think of ourselves less. We should think of others more. We should not put on our heads all that we have accomplished in this world. We should not expect special treatment and extra courtesy just because of worldly achievements, power and fame. We should be more sensitive to others. We should think of others more. As we think of others more, we think of God more. 

In the gospel, Jesus tells the Pharisees to humble themselves. Those who exalts themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. We should know our place in front of God. We should be ready to humble ourselves are remember that we are nothing before God.

No human achievement, no human power, no human fame and fortune is enough reason to be proud. We all achieved these things with God’s grace. We all obtained these things with God’s permission. We should not be proud and tell God we are self-made, successful and powerful.

May we develop a humble heart as we serve God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another weekend. Thank you for reminding me how important it is to be humble. Sorry for the times I let worldly things and achievements get to me. Sorry for being proud and losing my focus on you. Help me always put the focus on you, that despite all my worldly accomplishments, may I never put myself above others, but humble myself and know that I am a sinner, I am your creation that should always be ready to serve you and live my life for your praise, honor and glory. Amen

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/12/humility.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/09/humility.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/03/humility.html

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October 31, 2015

Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 484

 

 

Reading 1 Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29

 

Brothers and sisters:
I ask, then, has God rejected his people?
Of course not!
For I too am a child of Israel, a descendant of Abraham,
of the tribe of Benjamin.
God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.
Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah,
how he pleads with God against Israel?

Hence I ask, did they stumble so as to fall?
Of course not!
But through their transgression
salvation has come to the Gentiles,
so as to make them jealous.
Now if their transgression is enrichment for the world,
and if their diminished number is enrichment for the Gentiles,
how much more their full number.

I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers and sisters,
so that you will not become wise in your own estimation:
a hardening has come upon Israel in part,
until the full number of the Gentiles comes in,
and thus all Israel will be saved, as it is written:

The deliverer will come out of Zion,
he will turn away godlessness from Jacob;
and this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.

In respect to the Gospel, they are enemies on your account;
but in respect to election,
they are beloved because of the patriarch.
For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 94:12-13a, 14-15, 17-18

 

R. (14a) The Lord will not abandon his people.
Blessed the man whom you instruct, O LORD,
whom by your law you teach,
Giving him rest from evil days.
R. The Lord will not abandon his people.
For the LORD will not cast off his people,
nor abandon his inheritance;
But judgment shall again be with justice,
and all the upright of heart shall follow it.
R. The Lord will not abandon his people.
Were not the LORD my help,
my soul would soon dwell in the silent grave.
When I say, “My foot is slipping,”
your mercy, O LORD, sustains me.
R. The Lord will not abandon his people.

 

 

Alleluia Mt 11:29ab

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 14:1, 7-11

 

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.

He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Can’t Stop Him

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/103015.cfm) reminds me that what other people think cannot stop God from fulfilling his saving plans for us.

Sometimes we feel that a single mistake or missed opportunity caused us to lose on something. Sometimes we feel that our past mistakes prevent us from having a great future. Sometimes we feel that because we do not have the right connections or the right opportunities, we will not succeed. Sometimes we feel that because of an incident or a decision, we missed the opportunity to grow. This may be true in some aspect, but not with God’s kingdom.

What other people think cannot stop God from fulfilling his great and saving plans for us.

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

Nothing and no one is powerful enough to stop God’s plan for you.

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

May we be assured that God is not limited by a perfect situation. He does not need a perfect environment for his plans to come to fruition. And may this inspire us to continue trusting in him, and continue to do our best to live right as we wait on his perfect plans for us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love you and experience your love. Thank you for a very powerful reminder that no one and nothing can stop you from fulfilling your great plans for me. Lord, I am sorry for the times I am impatient and doubt your great plans for me. Sorry for the times I feel that I am trapped, that you cannot do anything for me because of the situation I am in. Sorry for thinking you are like a human being with limitations on external factors. Give me faith. Help me develop and strengthen my faith in you. May I have that great faith in you for I know that nothing and no one can stop your great plans for me. and as I wait for your plans to come true in my life, I will continue to love you, I will continue to serve you, I will continue my best to live right for you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/10/no-stopping-him_31.html

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October 30, 2015

Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 483

 

 

Reading 1 Rom 9:1-5

 

Brothers and sisters:
I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie;
my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness
that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart.
For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ
for the sake of my own people,
my kindred according to the flesh.
They are children of Israel;
theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants,
the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises;
theirs the patriarchs, and from them,
according to the flesh, is the Christ,
who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

 

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

 

 

Alleluia Jn 10:27

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 14:1-6

 

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.
Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,
“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”
But they kept silent; so he took the man and,
after he had healed him, dismissed him.Then he said to them
“Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern,
would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?”
But they were unable to answer his question

Only You

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102915.cfm) reminds me that nothing can separate us from God’s love – except ourselves.

There are relationships wherein you constantly strive to please the other person. You act your best, put your best foot forward everytime, and try to be the best version of yourself. Though this is good, sometimes others can find this tiring. You are constantly trying to prove yourself worthy of the other person’s love and do your best not to show anything negative for fear of the other person losing interest in you. However, God is not like this. God’s love is nothing like this. Unlike people whose love and affection we need to get and retain, God’s love is permanent.

Nothing can separate you from God’s love.

In the first reading, we see that nothing can really separate us from God’s love. Anguish, distress, famine, nakedness, peril or the sword will not separate us from God’s love. Nothing. Not death, nor life, nor angels, not principalities, not present or future things, no power, height and depth and no any other creature can separate us from God’s love. Nothing can separate us from His love. No one can separate us from his love. No sin is greater than his love and forgiveness. We cannot do anything that can take his love away from us.

A gift will only be transferred is the one receiving the gift accepts it. No matter how loving and generous the giver is, if the receiver do not want to accept the gift, he will not be able to enjoy it. His love is God’s gift to us, and we will choose if we will receive it or not. We see in the gospel that even if no one and nothing can take God’s love away from us, we have the decision to accept his love or not. We have the decision to remain in his love or not. Jesus told the people of Jerusalem that God tried to send prophets to save them and gather them, but they were unwilling. so God cannot do anything. God will not force himself on us. God will not force us to love him and accept his love.

May we be strengthened to know that nothing and no one can take God’s love away from us, and be aware that it is still our decision to accept him and his love for us.

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 your great love – so great that nothing and no one can take it away from me. Lord, you know I love you and I want your love. Sorry for the times I do not show it. Sorry for the times I sin and tell you I don’t want it. Help me humble myself before you. Help me choose you and your love instead of choosing my own will. May my life and actions tell you that I love you and that I want to remain in your love – because you know I do. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

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

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October 29, 2015

Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 482

 

 

Reading 1 Rom 8:31b-39

 

Brothers and sisters:
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He did not spare his own Son
but handed him over for us all,
how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones?
It is God who acquits us.
Who will condemn?
It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised,
who also is at the right hand of God,
who indeed intercedes for us.
What will separate us from the love of Christ?
Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
As it is written:

For your sake we are being slain all the day;
we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.

No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly
through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31

 

R. (26b) Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
Do you, O GOD, my Lord, deal kindly with me for your name’s sake;
in your generous mercy rescue me;
For I am wretched and poor,
and my heart is pierced within me.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
Help me, O LORD, my God;
save me, in your mercy,
And let them know that this is your hand;
that you, O LORD, have done this.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
I will speak my thanks earnestly to the LORD,
and in the midst of the throng I will praise him,
For he stood at the right hand of the poor man,
to save him from those who would condemn his soul.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

 

Alleluia See Lk 19:38; 2:14

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 13:31-35

 

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
“Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.”
He replied, “Go and tell that fox,
‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow,
and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.
Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day,
for it is impossible that a prophet should die
outside of Jerusalem.’

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,
how many times I yearned to gather your children together
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
but you were unwilling!
Behold, your house will be abandoned.
But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say,
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Prayer Power

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102815.cfm) reminds me how important and powerful prayer is.

Good leaders lead by example. It is one thing to teach or tell others what to do and what needs to be done, and it is another thing doing it yourself. This is why people have greater respect for leaders who do what they preach. People have higher respect to leaders who can actually do what they are asking people to do. Jesus is this kind of leader.

In the gospel, we see how much Jesus values prayer. He does not only teach about the importance of prayer. He actually prays. A lot. He knows how powerful and important it is to pray and be one with God, so he spent the night in prayer before making an important decision - choosing his apostles

Prayer is a free and direct line to God. 

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

We make a lot of decisions in life. We make a lot of decisions daily. And just as Jesus immersed himself in prayer, so should we. Hopefully, we also include God in the picture. Hopefully we spend time with him and also consult him to know what he wants from us, not just what we think is the best for us. and hopefully, we can be humble and obedient to God.

In the first reading, we see that we are members of the household of God - with Jesus as the capstone or the foundation. We are all part of God’s family. As we realize this, may we also give value to what Jesus gives value to - prayer. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder of the power and importance of prayer. I am so sorry for the many times I don't give much importance to prayer. Sorry for the many times I do not give it the importance it deserves. Sorry for making excuses - that i'm tired, busy or that I love you anyway so it's okay not to pray from time to time. May I have the same thirst and hunger for prayer as Jesus, and work little by little to improve my relationship with you through it. As I pray, I ask that you continue to mold me and talk to me. May I love you more through prayer. Amen.

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/he-rose-early-to-pray.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/power-of-prayer.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/10/power-of-prayer.html

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October 28, 2015

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Lectionary: 666

 

 

Reading 1 Eph 2:19-22

 

Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 19:2-3, 4-5

 

R. (5a) Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

 

Alleluia See Te Deum

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
the glorious company of Apostles praise you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 6:12-16

 

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

Small to Big

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102715.cfm) reminds me that small things can grow big.

They say that great things start from small beginnings. That is true. As we look in our lives, we know that we all started small. We were born a baby, knowing nothing on our own. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was born as a baby. It was God’s love and protection, through other people, that got us where we are today. No matter how much one achieves in life, that person started small. And it is by God’s love and grace, not by human power, intelligence, influence and connections, that one is able to achieve things.

in the gospel, we see Jesus telling us something similar. The mustard seed and yeast are small. Yet they eventually affect a lot. The mustard seed grew into a huge tree, and the yeast affected the flour. They were able to do great things and accomplish a lot, even if they started small. Whatever they accomplished, they started small.

Small things can accomplish great things with God’s blessing.

God’s kingdom is like this. Jesus was explaining to his disciples what the kingdom of God is like. It is like a small mustard seed that grew into a huge tree. It is like yeast that affected the flour. During that time, it may seem to be small, since they were the only ones working for it. But Jesus is telling them that in God’s perfect time, God’s kingdom will be immensely huge, bigger than what they can imagine. I believe this also applies to us right now. Looking at the world, God’s kingdom may seem so small. People are busy with achieving and accomplishing a lot, especially with all the advancement and technology in place. We put very small importance on God’s kingdom since we really cannot feel it, unlike things on this world. However, in his perfect time, we will realize how huge God’s kingdom really is.

In the first reading, Paul was writing to the romans, telling them that even though they may be experiencing challenges right now, that is very small compared to the magnitude and blessing of being in God’s kingdom when the time comes. We too are reminded to put things in perspective, and do our part to prepare as well so we won’t be caught off guard when the fullness of God’s kingdom appears.

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, sorry for losing my focus on you. Sorry for allowing myself to be distracted by the world and what it has to offer. Sorry for being too busy and focused on achieving worldly things. Sorry for ignoring you. sorry for thinking that I would have the time to work for your kingdom later on. Lord, I ask that you help me put things in perspective. Help me have faith in you, however small like a mustard seed. I know that even if I have just a tiny bit of faith and knowledge of you, you will help me grow it, so I would always be aware of your kingdom, work for your kingdom, and prepare for your coming to this world. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/11/faith-in-you.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/great-things-start-from-small-beginnings.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/07/you-started-small.html

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October 27, 2015

Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 480

 

 

Reading 1 Rom 8:18-25

 

Brothers and sisters:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing
compared with the glory to be revealed for us.
For creation awaits with eager expectation
the revelation of the children of God;
for creation was made subject to futility,
not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,
in hope that creation itself
would be set free from slavery to corruption
and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;
and not only that, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
we also groan within ourselves
as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved.
Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.
For who hopes for what one sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

 

R. (3a) The Lord has done marvels for us.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.

 

 

Alleluia See Mt 11:25

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

For You

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102615.cfm) reminds me that God will go out of his way for us.

They say that you are really not helping if you cannot feel pain. It is easy to give our surplus to others who need it, but we won’t feel anything since they are just extras to us. However, real helping is us feeling the pain, feeling the loss of what we give to others. This is what Jesus did in the gospel for the woman.

God will go out of his way for us. That’s how special we are to him.

In the gospel, Jesus could have ignored the woman. Or he could have just cured her by his words. However, Jesus loved her so much that he wanted her to feel a personal connection. After telling her she is free and cured, Jesus laid her hands on her. Jesus went out of his way to personally make her feel his love and healing. And when other people questioned him, Jesus defended his actions and the importance of the woman. Indeed, he goes out of his way for us.

There are times in life we feel our concerns are too shallow, or too complex for God. Today, we are reminded that He will go out of his way for us. that’s how much he loves us. may this inspire us to repay him with our love and service, just like the woman in the gospel who glorified God after being healed.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for having issues. Sorry for being dramatic and not coming to you for whatever reason. Sorry for not having faith in you. Sorry for thinking you cannot do anything about my problems. Lord, as you went out of your way for the woman, I know you are telling me that you will also go out of your way for me. Thank you for loving me that much. I come to you in humility and faith bringing my concerns, and I have faith that you will take care of them. And as I come to you, as I experience your love, I will praise and glorify you with me life. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

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October 26, 2015

Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 479

 

 

Reading 1 Rom 8:12-17

 

Brothers and sisters,
we are not debtors to the flesh,
to live according to the flesh.
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die,
but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,
you will live.

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 which 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.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 68:2 and 4, 6-7ab, 20-21

 

R. (21a) Our God is the God of salvation.
God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
R. Our God is the God of salvation.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
R. Our God is the God of salvation.
Blessed day by day be the Lord,
who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation.
God is a saving God for us;
the LORD, my Lord, controls the passageways of death.
R. Our God is the God of salvation.

 

 

Alleluia Jn 17:17b, 17a

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Your word, O Lord, is truth;
consecrate us in the truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 13:10-17

 

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath.
And a woman was there who for eighteen years
had been crippled by a spirit;
she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.
When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,
“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”
He laid his hands on her,
and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.
But the leader of the synagogue,
indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath,
said to the crowd in reply,
“There are six days when work should be done.
Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.”
The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites!
Does not each one of you on the sabbath
untie his ox or his ass from the manger
and lead it out for watering?
This daughter of Abraham,
whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now,
ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day
from this bondage?”
When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated;
and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him

Blind Man’s Faith

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102515.cfm) inspires me to have unwavering faith.

In the gospel, we see an inspiring blind man. Bartimaeus lived faith as defined in Hebrews 11:1 : “Faith is the substance of the things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.”

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. He did not feel bad or insulted. instead, he shouted louder. Makulit sya.

Minsan kailangang maging makulit sa panalangin.

When he was called by people to come to Jesus, he showed even greater faith. Even if Jesus was not the one who 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 only possession! If it was not his only possession, it was probably 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!” His throwing of the cloak signifies as well him leaving his old life, leaving everything behind, and starting a new life in Christ.

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 another Sunday. 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. Lord, when you give me what I pray for, may I never forget to thank you and live my life following you. As I receive you in Holy Communion today, I ask that you consume me and make me more and more like you. increase my faith and my love for you. Amen

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

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

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/05/blind-mans-faith.html

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October 25, 2015

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 149

 

 

Reading 1 Jer 31:7-9

 

Thus says the LORD:
Shout with joy for Jacob,
exult at the head of the nations;
proclaim your praise and say:
The LORD has delivered his people,
the remnant of Israel.
Behold, I will bring them back
from the land of the north;
I will gather them from the ends of the world,
with the blind and the lame in their midst,
the mothers and those with child;
they shall return as an immense throng.
They departed in tears,
but I will console them and guide them;
I will lead them to brooks of water,
on a level road, so that none shall stumble.
For I am a father to Israel,
Ephraim is my first-born.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

 

R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

 

 

Reading 2 Heb 5:1-6

 

Brothers and sisters:
Every high priest is taken from among men
and made their representative before God,
to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring,
for he himself is beset by weakness
and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself
as well as for the people.
No one takes this honor upon himself
but only when called by God,
just as Aaron was.
In the same way,
it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest,
but rather the one who said to him:
You are my son:
this day I have begotten you;
just as he says in another place:
You are a priest forever
according to the order of Melchizedek.

 

 

Alleluia cf. 2 Tm 1:10

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
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

 

Repent

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102415.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to repent.

There are some people who silently wish something bad would happen to bad people. Sometimes people think it’s okay for them to experience pain and suffer as a consequence of their actions. Sometimes this is how other people see justice – evil people suffering and experiencing pain and bad things. However, this is not true for God.

God wants wicked man to repent and convert, rather than experience punishment.

God wants us all to change. He takes no delight to see us suffer and experience the consequences of our sins. This is not his concept of justice. Rather than wanting pain and death for us sinners as payment for our sins, he wants eternal life for us. Rather than wanting to inflict pain as a result of us hurting him when we sin, he wants to give us eternal joy and eternal life. He is more concerned about saving souls than punishing us.

In the first reading and gospel, we see that death is the punishment of wickedness. Death is the consequence of a worldly life, far away from God. However, God does not want this for us.

God sends us daily reminders to repent and change our ways. He reaches out to us through other people and the circumstances in our lives. He sends people to remind us to change our ways and be right with him. And even as we continuously ignore him, he still continues to bless us, protect us, and watch over us. having faith in us that one day, we will come to our senses, repent, and come back to him.

Sin results in death. May we be moved to repent and prepare for eternal life with him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder that you want me to change my ways. Thank you for another chance to love you, to serve you, and to repent. Lord, I am sorry for continuously ignoring you and just doing what I want in life. Sorry for living in sin. Lord, I am really sorry. I come to you today with a humble and contrite heart, truly sorry for my sins. Help me,  Lord, to live this decision. Help me live right, in a manner pleasing to you. May I live my love for you. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

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October 24, 2015

Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 478

 

 

Reading 1 Rom 8:1-11

 

Brothers and sisters:
Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus
has freed you from the law of sin and death.
For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do,
this God has done:
by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh
and for the sake of sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us,
who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.
For those who live according to the flesh
are concerned with the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the spirit
with the things of the spirit.
The concern of the flesh is death,
but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.
For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God;
it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it;
and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
But you are not in the flesh;
on the contrary, you are in the spirit,
if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.
Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
But if Christ is in you,
although the body is dead because of sin,
the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
the one who raised Christ from the dead
will give life to your mortal bodies also,
through his Spirit that dwells in you.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm PS 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

 

R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

 

 

Alleluia Ez 33:11

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion that he may live.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel Lk 13:1-9

 

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
He said to them in reply,
“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way
they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!
Or those eighteen people who were killed
when the tower at Siloam fell on them—
do you think they were more guilty
than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!”

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