Bring God to Others

As we celebrate the feast of Mama Mary's visitation to Elizabeth today, the WORD (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/053116.cfm) reminds me that we should bring God to others. 

When we have problems, we usually don't have the will to help others. We focus on ourselves and our situation. Helping others is the least of our concerns. In fact, it is the opposite. We want others to help us. However, we see today Mama Mary doing the opposite. 

After being told by the angel Gabriel that she would be the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Imagine how simple, humble and selfless Mama Mary is! Instead of taking care of her own needs or asking others to take care of her because she’s carrying inside her the Son of God, she herself travelled to visit her cousin Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth recognized how blessed Mama Mary is. John, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb recognized it too! They recognized God visiting them, not as a glorious and powerful king, but as a simple woman in Mary.

We should bring God to others!

Just as Mama Mary's visitation brought God to Elizabeth and her baby John, our presence and visitation to others should bring God to them as well. I believe it is not that hard to do it. Like Mama Mary, she did not come prepared with an exhortation or a preaching about God. She just came as she is, with the intent of serving others. Simple as that. I believe this is what we should do as well. We can bring God to others by doing simple things out of love. Genuinely serve others. Being willing to step out of our comfort zone and reach out to others. Treat others right. Simple things, but these could be used by God to reach out to others.

Do I believe that God visits me everyday? Am I ready and willing to be used by God to visit other people as well? What concrete actions can I do to bring God to others? 

May we be sensitive of God’s visitation to us today, and allow him to use us to visit others as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the beautiful reminder. I thank you for choosing Mama Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Thank you that you chose a simple and humble woman from a simple place to be the earthly mother of your Son. Thank you because I know that just as you chose and used her, you can also choose me, a simple servant of yours, to accomplish your work and use me in a great way to proclaim your kingdom. Lord, I ask that I be more aware of your presence as you visit me today through other people and the circumstances surrounding me. And as I become sensitive to you visiting me, may I also be sensitive and cooperative to allow you to use me to visit others as well. Fill me with your love and presence, so I may bring you to others through the things that I do. Use me and my life to bring and proclaim you to others.  Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/visitation.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/he-visits-us-too.html

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May 31, 2016
Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Lectionary: 572

Reading 1 Zep 3:14-18a

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.

Responsorial Psalm Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

R. (6) Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Alleluia See Lk 1:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 1:39-56

Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.”

Mary remained with her about three months

and then returned to her home.

Not Forever

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/053016.cfm) reminds me that God will not tolerate us forever. 

God is good. He is patient with us. He understands us. He gives us second chances. But we should not abuse him. We should not be too complacent just because if his goodness. Because he will not tolerate us forever. 

God is good, but he will not tolerate sinful people forever. 

We see this through Jesus parable in the gospel. The master gave the tenants multiple chance to do good. He gave them the benefit of the doubt. He even sent his only Son, thinking they would respect him. He chose to see the goodness in them, and not their sins and wickedness. However, that would not last forever. He knew when it is too much, and he gave then what is due them. 

God is like this as well. He gives us opportunities to repent and do good. He gives us the benefit of the doubt. He chooses to see the goodness in us, or even our potential to do good, and not our sins and wickedness. However, God knows what we want. He will not force us to do good. He will not force us to welcome him. And as we repeatedly ignore and hurt him, we are telling him we do not want him in our lives. And as such, when the time comes, we will forever be away with him and spend eternity in hell. 

May we come to our senses and not abuse God's goodness, for he will not tolerate us forever.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I abuse you. Sorry for the times I delay doing good or serving you, thinking that you would understand anyway. Awaken me Lord. Make me come to my senses before its too late. Help me come to you and surrender to you as I prepare for eternity. Amen. 

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 30, 2016
Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 353

Reading 1 2 Pt 1:2-7

Beloved:
May grace and peace be yours in abundance
through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

His divine power has bestowed on us
everything that makes for life and devotion,
through the knowledge of him
who called us by his own glory and power.
Through these, he has bestowed on us
the precious and very great promises,
so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature,
after escaping from the corruption that is in the world
because of evil desire.
For this very reason,
make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,
virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control,
self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion,
devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.

Responsorial Psalm PS 91:1-2, 14-15b, 15c-16

R. (see 2b) In you, my God, I place my trust.
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
R. In you, my God, I place my trust.
Because he clings to me, I will deliver him;
I will set him on high because he acknowledges my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in distress.
R. In you, my God, I place my trust.
I will deliver him and glorify him;
with length of days I will gratify him
and will show him my salvation.
R. In you, my God, I place my trust.

Alleluia See Rv 1:5ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness,
the firstborn of the dead;
you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 12:1-12

Jesus began to speak to the chief priests, the scribes,
and the elders in parables.
“A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it,
dug a wine press, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey.
At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants
to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard.
But they seized him, beat him,
and sent him away empty-handed.
Again he sent them another servant.
And that one they beat over the head and treated shamefully.
He sent yet another whom they killed.
So, too, many others; some they beat, others they killed.
He had one other to send, a beloved son.
He sent him to them last of all, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’
But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir.
Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’
So they seized him and killed him,
and threw him out of the vineyard.
What then will the owner of the vineyard do?
He will come, put the tenants to death,
and give the vineyard to others.
Have you not read this Scripture passage:

The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes?”

They were seeking to arrest him, but they feared the crowd,
for they realized that he had addressed the parable to them.
So they left him and went away.

Corpus Christi 2016

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052916.cfm) reminds me how blessed we are with our faith. 

As we commemorate Corpus Christi, or the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (especially that it is alive in the Holy Eucharist) we are reminded how blessed we are in our faith. 

There is a story of a protestant and a catholic talking. The protestant asked the catholic: "is it true that in your religion, you believe that the Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Christ?" To which the catholic answered yes. Then the protestant said: "wow. If that were the case in our religion, I would do anything to receive him everyday!"

This story struck me. Sometimes we actually do not realize how blessed we are in our belief in the Holy Eucharist. As Catholics, we believe that it is the actual Body and Blood of Christ, not just a representation of it! Isn't that amazing?! 

In the second reading, we see Paul's narration if the Last Supper.  It was Jesus instituting the Holy Eucharist. And we are reminded that as we do it, as we partake of the Holy Eucharist, we proclaim his love. We proclaim his power. We proclaim his glory. 

Everytime we attend mass, we have the opportunity to partake of it. To be one with him. As we consume the Holy Eucharist, it is actually God who consumes us. If we are in the proper disposition as we receive it, God will slowly transform us and consume us. We can slowly be transformed to become more and more like Him. We just need to make the decision to accept him and allow him to transform us. 

What is the significance of the Holy Eucharist for me? Do I believe that it is the actual body and blood of Christ? Do I make the most out of it? Am I willing to accept Christ in my life and allow him to take control of my life?

May we have a renewed love for the Holy Eucharist, and may we do our part to spiritually prepare ourselves as we receive Him, so it will be easier for him to change us, to consume us. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for sending your only Son to die for me. Thank you for loving me however unworthy I am. Thank you for a very beautiful gift of the Holy Eucharist. I am sorry for not making the most out of it. Sorry for being contented to receive you only on Sundays. Sorry for not preparing myself to receive you. Awaken me Lord. I pray that I would always remember the importance and power of the Holy Eucharist. May I always do my best and prepare to receive you each time I hear mass. Give me the heart and the desire to always be thirsty for you and make the most out of the Eucharist. As I receive you, I ask that you consume me and transform me to become more like you. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/06/corpus-christi-2015.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/06/more-than-bread.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/04/eucharist.html

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May 29, 2016
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Lectionary: 169

Reading 1 Gn 14:18-20

In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine,
and being a priest of God Most High,
he blessed Abram with these words:
"Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
the creator of heaven and earth;
and blessed be God Most High,
who delivered your foes into your hand."
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4

R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
The LORD said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand
till I make your enemies your footstool."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion:
"Rule in the midst of your enemies."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
"Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor;
before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent:
"You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

Reading 2 1 Cor 11:23-26

Brothers and sisters:
I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you,
that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over,
took bread, and, after he had given thanks,
broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."
In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

Alleluia Jn 6:51

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the living bread come down from heaven, says the Lord;
whoever eats this bread will live forever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 9:11b-17

Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God,
and he healed those who needed to be cured.
As the day was drawing to a close,
the Twelve approached him and said,
"Dismiss the crowd
so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms
and find lodging and provisions;
for we are in a deserted place here."
He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves."
They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have,
unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people."
Now the men there numbered about five thousand.
Then he said to his disciples,
"Have them sit down in groups of about fifty."
They did so and made them all sit down.
Then taking the five loaves and the two fish,
and looking up to heaven,
he said the blessing over them, broke them,
and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.
They all ate and were satisfied.
And when the leftover fragments were picked up,
they filled twelve wicker baskets.

God's Wisdom

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052816.cfm) reminds me that God would give us Divine Wisdom as we serve Him. 

There are people who can intimidate us with their wisdom. Some just seem to know a lot of things and can talk about anything. Some seems to know all the answers in life, and can easily prove or disprove something. Some are become too intimidating to converse with because of their wisdom. This is similar to what Jesus did in the gospel.

In the gospel, when the people seemed to have trapped Jesus, we see God’s divine wisdom in action. He knows what they were thinking, and he knows how to answer them to show the wisdom and power that he has. 

Nothing can keep God’s plan from happening.

The people had no power to force Jesus to do something he did not want to do or tell what he did not want to tell. Even though it may seem that they were at an advantage, God proved otherwise. This should inspire us, and we should be encouraged because the world has no power over Jesus, and no matter how we feel, or what may be happening, is not out of God’s control.

God’s wisdom sees the logic of what is happening in our lives.

There are a lot of questions in our minds, but we are reminded today that God’s wisdom makes sense of everything, and though we may not yet see and understand it now, we should have faith that in His perfect time, everything would make sense. And as we serve him, we should remember that he will equip us, that seemingly impossible situations can easily be won over by God’s infinite and divine wisdom.

May we learn to trust more in God's divine wisdom, and expect an extra portion of his wisdom as we serve Him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live, and thank you for another weekend. You know my fears and concerns, Lord. You see what I don’t see. You understand what I do not understand. Help me to just trust in you. I know you have great plans for me. Things may not make sense now, things may not look good, but I know that your wisdom is above all, and that your plans will eventually come into fruition in my life. And as I do my best to serve you, as I worry about the opposition, may I always be reminded that your wisdom, power and protection will be upon whose who faithfully serve you. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/12/divine-wisdom.html

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May 28, 2016
Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 352

Reading 1 Jude 17, 20b-25

Beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand
by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit.
Keep yourselves in the love of God
and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
that leads to eternal life.
On those who waver, have mercy;
save others by snatching them out of the fire;
on others have mercy with fear,
abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh.

To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling
and to present you unblemished and exultant,
in the presence of his glory,
to the only God, our savior,
through Jesus Christ our Lord
be glory, majesty, power, and authority
from ages past, now, and for ages to come. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm PS 63:2, 3-4, 5-6

R. (2b) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
O God, you are my God whom I seek;
for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts
like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary
to see your power and your glory,
For your kindness is a greater good than life;
my lips shall glorify you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus will I bless you while I live;
lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.
As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Alleluia See Col 3:16a, 17c

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly;
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 11:27-33

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.”

Intense Love

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052716.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to love intensely. 

Intense. 

It is a strong word. Something that defines something so strongly. So exciting. Intense sports game. Intense concert. Intense competition. Intense exchange of words and ideas. We do not usually use it in everyday conversation but we know what it means. This strong word should describe how we love. 

Our love for God and others should be intense. 

We all know that God wants us to love one another. It is a given. However, in today's first reading, Peter reminds us that we should not be contented with just loving. We should love with intensity. We should love others with intensity. Love is powerful, and the more intense we love, the more intense we serve, the more intense and strong the power of that love. 

We see Jesus live this in the gospel. His love for God was so intense that he got mad when people were disrespecting his Father's house. His faith was also intense, that as he cursed the tree, he believed it and they saw it come to fruition the next day. That's how powerful the effects of intense love and intense faith. 

The first reading also reminds us that we will experience trials and challenges. As Christ's followers, we may experience these in intense levels as well. But we should take comfort in the fact that we are suffering just as Christ suffered. God's love for us is intense as well. His love is more intense than the challenges and pain. And just as we are tested by fire,our reward will also be intense. We just have to stay firm so we can glorify God in everything. 

May we be inspired and challenged to love in an intense way. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to know you more. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for loving me intensely. Thank you for guiding and protecting me. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, help me love you in an intense manner. Help me love others this way. May my love for and faith in you be intense, so you may use me mightily as well. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 27, 2016
Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 351

Reading 1 1 Pt 4:7-13

Beloved:
The end of all things is at hand.
Therefore be serious and sober-minded
so that you will be able to pray.
Above all, let your love for one another be intense,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another
as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God;
whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies,
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you,
as if something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ,
so that when his glory is revealed
you may also rejoice exultantly.

Responsorial Psalm PS 96:10, 11-12, 13

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

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.”

No Turning Back

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052616.cfm) inspires me to have faith like Bartimaeus. 

One of my favorite movies is Facing the Giants. In one scene, there was a story about two farmers. Both of them desperately needed rain, so they prayed to God for rain. But only one farmer prepared his field to receive it. Who showed greater faith? Of course the one who prepared his field. God will send rain when he’s ready or when the time is right. Question is, are we prepared to receive it? 

God wants to see us with that level of faith. 

Sometimes we pray. We ask from God but we do not really believe that what we pray for will come true. Sometimes we don't have faith - faith in him, faith in his word, faith in his power, faith in his goodness, faith in his love. 

This is contrast to the blind man in the gospel - Bartimaeus. He showed much faith. Great faith in Jesus. Being a blind person, he begged by the roadside. Probably he was really desperate, but definitely not hopeless. When he heard that 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 another day to live. Thank you for your beautiful message.  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 serving you. Amen

Blessed day!

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/2015/10/blind-mans-faith.html

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May 26, 2016
Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
Lectionary: 350

Reading 1 1 Pt 2:2-5, 9-12

Beloved:
Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk
so that through it you may grow into salvation,
for you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings
but chosen and precious in the sight of God,
and, like living stones,
let yourselves be built into a spiritual house
to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people of his own,
so that you may announce the praises of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Once you were no people
but now you are God’s people;
you had not received mercy
but now you have received mercy.

Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners
to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul.
Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles,
so that if they speak of you as evildoers,
they may observe your good works
and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Responsorial Psalm PS 100:2, 3, 4, 5

R. (2c) Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him;
bless his name.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
The LORD is good:
his kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.

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, but Serving

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052516.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to be great servants of Him. 

The gospel today teaches us what servant leadership is. In worldly view, we see leaders as mighty, strong and great. They are respected, and sometimes feared. However Jesus coming in the world changes that. He redefines it, and puts the servant aspect in leadership. 

The greatest among you must be your servant. 

The higher we are in society, the more of a leader we are, the more others serve us. The more we experience special treatment. The more people love and respect us. This is the worldly view, but God wants us to act in a different way. The higher we are, the more successful we become, the more we should serve. that's what Jesus wants. Serve others, and not ask others to serve us. Serve God through others. 

Jesus came as a helpless baby boy born in a manger, not as a mighty king and ruler that he should have been. If the Son of God humbled himself and did that, what more us? As Jesus was doing God's mission for him, he came as a servant, serving God through us. He is mighty, great, powerful and a leader, but his life is a service. As Christ's followers, we should live like him. We should serve others. 

May we be inspired and serve and love God through others. 

What have I accomplished in this world? Am I considered a leader? Do i have servants? How does God want me to live my life? How can I be great in God's eyes? Who can I serve today? How can I Serve today? 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the gift of life. Lord I am sorry for being distracted in attaining what the world wants me. Sorry for being distracted and working so much to get what I want in this world. Sorry for forgetting you. Sorry for putting you last. May I not be too focused on being a great leader, but spend more time in being a great servant. May I be inspired by the greatest servant - Jesus. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

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

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

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May 25, 2016
Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 349

Reading 1 1 Pt 1:18-25

Beloved:
Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct,
handed on by your ancestors,
not with perishable things like silver or gold
but with the precious Blood of Christ
as of a spotless unblemished Lamb.
He was known before the foundation of the world
but revealed in the final time for you,
who through him believe in God
who raised him from the dead and gave him glory,
so that your faith and hope are in God.

Since you have purified yourselves
by obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love,
love one another intensely from a pure heart.
You have been born anew,
not from perishable but from imperishable seed,
through the living and abiding word of God, for:

“All flesh is like grass,
and all its glory like the flower of the field;
the grass withers,
and the flower wilts;
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.

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

R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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.
or:
R. Alleluia.

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.”

Gird

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052416.cfm) reminds me that we should always be ready to do God's work. 

There is a story about a pig and a cow. The pig was complaining to the cow “Life is unfair. I give others everything - my knuckles, my belly, my ears, some even lechon my whole body. But people don’t like me! They say I smell bad, that I am noisy. People even call me baboy! Unlike you, you just give your milk but people like you. They even made a drink named after your sound, Moo!” To this the cow replied – “Maybe this is because I give while I am still alive”

All of us will eventually meet our creator. And it doesn’t matter how much money you will leave to charity when you die, kasi hindi mo talaga madadala yun sa pupuntahan mo. What matters to God is not what we will leave behind in this earth, but what we give while we are still alive. What we give while it still hurts. How we live our life on earth. 

In the first reading it says that we should gird up the loins of our minds. To gird means to secure on the body with a belt or a band. To secure. To protect. To be ready. One girds so he would always be ready - to attack, to go, to act. We should do this in our spiritual life. Let us start to gird our loins. Let us start preparing as we meet him. Ultimately, we will come face to face with God. We will give an accounting of our lives to Him. And based on how we live our lives on earth will determine where we will spend my eternity. 

As I examine my life, I ask myself, am I prepared? Am I doing what God wants me to do.  Yes, I go to mass, but is that it? I receive the sacraments, but is that is? I read the bible and pray, is that it? Will those things take me to heaven?

As we reflect, we realize that these things are just outward manifestations of my inner state. Those acts – readings, sacraments, praying, are not enough to get me to heaven. Because we can attend the mass without being there. We can confess without meaning it. We can receive you in communion without being prepared.  We can read the bible, pray, and attend community activities with wrong intentions. Only one thing is needed for us to be ready - a surrendered heart. A heart ready to receive God. A heart ready to follow him. a heart ready to die of ourselves so that God may live in us. 

In the gospel Jesus says that there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age

We should be ready to give up things for God. We should be ready to act and see him. This would enable us to be ready to meet him. 

Waiting may not be easy, but being ready when we meet face to face will have heavenly rewards. God will also gird his loins and bless those who are ready upon his arrival. We should do our part and wait on Him as we prepare to meet him.  

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another reminder. Amidst the busyness of this week, it is good to be reminded, Lord. Help me examine my life. Lord, as I look inside my heart, I know it is not so clean. But like your presence in the manger in Bethlehem, it is enough to make it clean, to make it a worthy place for you. Lord, I give you my heart – with all the sins, impurities and desires. Take it Lord. Live in it, Lord. And as I do so, I know you will slowly transform me to become more and more like you. as I do so, I will slowly become ready to face you. I will slowly be ready to act and serve you always. Help me live pleasing to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

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

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/10/ready.html

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May 24, 2016
Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 348

Reading 1 1 Pt 1:10-16

Beloved:
Concerning the salvation of your souls
the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours
searched and investigated it
investigating the time and circumstances
that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated
when it testified in advance
to the sufferings destined for Christ
and the glories to follow them.
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you
with regard to the things that have now been announced to you
by those who preached the Good News to you
through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven,
things into which angels longed to look.

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly,
and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Like obedient children,
do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance
but, as he who called you is holy,
be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct,
for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

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 Mk 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus,
“We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Temporary Trials

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052316.cfm) reminds me that trials of this world are temporary, but overcoming them brings eternal reward. 

Looking at the world, we see that a lot of wicked people prosper. Worldly people prosper. Those corrupt, abusive and evil people seem to be rewarded. They prosper in the world, attaining wealth, power and glory. However, those who do good and try to follow God does not seem to be rewarded. This may be what it looks like, but the first reading tells us the truth. 

rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

God sees our suffering. And God will reward those are faithful to Him. 

There you go. Makes sense, right? As we experience challenges, trials and problems because of our faith, because of following God, we know that these things will strengthen us, will strengthen our faith, and we will be able to praise, honor and glorify God more. And this will eventually lead to our eternal reward - when we spend eternity with Him. 

When we see other people, worldly people prosper, let us not lose hope. Let us not question ourselves. Let us continue to trust in God. Let us continue to do good. Let us suffer for Him. Let us get strength from him and allow him to fill us. And let us expect him to change us and make us more like him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for the reminder and exhortation. Sorry for the times I question you when I suffer. Sorry for the times I compare myself with others, and envy prosperous people. Sorry for the times I give up and turn my back on you when experiencing suffering and pain. Lord, as I experience challenges for you, may I remain faithful and focused on you. Help me be loyal.  I surrender, Lord. Use me for your greater glory. Make me more like you. And welcome me into your kingdom. Amen. 

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/09/of-suffering-and-doing-good.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/11/nothing-comes-easy.html

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May 23, 2016
Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 347

Reading 1 1 Pt 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you
who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while
you may have to suffer through various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.

Responsorial Psalm PS 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c

R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
His praise endures forever.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia 2 Cor 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother.”
He replied and said to him,
“Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
“You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
At that statement, his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
“How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
“Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
“Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said,
“For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God.”