Newcomer

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051416.cfm) reminds me that God has plans for all, even the newcomers. 

In this world, newcomers are not always welcomed. They are not always given fair treatment and respect. Some bully them. Some give them minimal tasks. Some don't treat them well. However, it is good to know that God does not deal with us like this. He does not give undue favor to those who have been serving him versus newcomers. 

As we celebrate the feast of St Matthias, the newest member if the Apostles and the replacement of Judas, we are reminded of God's plans and wisdom. The first reading says that he has been with the apostles all the time. He has experienced what they did. He has learned from and has experienced Jesus. Even if he initially was not part of the apostles, God has plans and he became part and did a lot of work for God. 

God has plans. 

Sometimes we may feel like Matthias. Just sitting at the side, seeing people do things and wondering why we are not part of it. Sometimes we may feel we are capable, just not given the right opportunities. Even if people don't see the potential in us, God does. He sees what we can do. He sees what we can offer. And he has great plans for us. It may just take a while, like it did to Matthias, but nothing can stop God's perfect plans. 

May we learn to trust and patiently wait on God and his perfect plans for us. 

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. Lord, sorry for being impatient. Sorry for wanting things to happen my way, my time. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Help me have faith like St Matthias. Help me to just trust in your wisdom and plans. Help me to just continue loving and serving you, continue to absorb I can, until such time you call me for your purpose. Amen. 

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 14, 2016
Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
Lectionary: 564

Reading 1 Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters
(there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons
in the one place).
He said, “My brothers and sisters,
the Scripture had to be fulfilled
which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand
through the mouth of David, concerning Judas,
who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.
Judas was numbered among us
and was allotted a share in this ministry.
For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

Let his encampment become desolate,
and may no one dwell in it.
and:
May another take his office.

Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men
who accompanied us the whole time
the Lord Jesus came and went among us,
beginning from the baptism of John
until the day on which he was taken up from us,
become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas,
who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
Then they prayed,
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,
show which one of these two you have chosen
to take the place in this apostolic ministry
from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”
Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias,
and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.

Responsorial Psalm PS 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R. (8) The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high
and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor
To seat them with princes,
with the princes of his own people.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia See Jn 15:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.”