Faith of Others

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/063016.cfm) reminds me that the faith of others can also affect me. 

There are people in our lives that we look up to in the aspect of faith. We ask people to pray for and with us. There are people whose faith inspires us. And in today’s gospel, we are reminded that God uses the faith of others and blesses us because of them.

Your faith can bless others around you.

People came and brought the man in a stretcher. In the gospel of Mark, it was specified that there were four people who brought the man. These people, probably friends of the paralytic man, had great faith. It was not easy to carry the man and bring him to Jesus. They probably could have just thought of themselves and came to Jesus, instead of making the effort to bring the man in a stretcher. But they had great faith in Jesus that they were willing to go the extra mile for the paralyzed man. They had faith Jesus could do something about it, else they would not make the effort to bring him. And when Jesus saw this, especially the faith of the men, he forgave the man and healed him.

Like stars that shine brightest during the darkest of night, faith shines brightest during the toughest of situations.

In life, we are also faced with challenges. Things don’t come easy. There are a of of problems. However, we are reminded to have faith for God will honor it. God does not disappoint, and will hear those who have great faith in Him.  We are also reminded not just to have friends who have a lot of faith or who are very spiritual, but be that kind of friend to others as well. May our faith benefit not just ourselves, but others around us as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I don't have enough faith in you. Sorry for the times I give up and surrender, instead of fighting for my faith. Increase my faith. Lord, I thank you for the gift of faith. Thank you for honoring my faith, and for giving me friends who pray for me. I also ask you that you help me strengthen my faith, not just for myself and my needs, but so that I may be able to bless others through it. May my faith be instrumental in blessing others and bringing them to you. May my faith bring glory to your name. Use me for your purpose. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/positive-influence.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/01/faith-of-others.html

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June 30, 2016
Lectionary: 380
Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Am 7:10-17

Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam,
king of Israel:
“Amos has conspired against you here within Israel;
the country cannot endure all his words.
For this is what Amos says:
Jeroboam shall die by the sword,
and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.”

To Amos, Amaziah said:
“Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah!
There earn your bread by prophesying,
but never again prophesy in Bethel;
for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.”
Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet,
nor have I belonged to a company of prophets;
I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,
‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’
Now hear the word of the LORD!”

You say: prophesy not against Israel,
preach not against the house of Isaac.
Now thus says the LORD:
Your wife shall be made a harlot in the city,
and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword;
Your land shall be divided by measuring line,
and you yourself shall die in an unclean land;
Israel shall be exiled far from its land.

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

R. (10cd) The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

Alleluia 2 Cor 5:19

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 9:1-8

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town.
And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,
“Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”
At that, some of the scribes said to themselves,
“This man is blaspheming.”
Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said,
“Why do you harbor evil thoughts?
Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’
or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?
But that you may know that the Son of Man
has authority on earth to forgive sins”–
he then said to the paralytic,
“Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
He rose and went home.
When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe
and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Peter and Paul

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062916-mass-during-day.cfm) reminds me that I should be like Sts Peter and Paul who continued to serve God no matter what situation they may be in. 

I was married last year in my wife's province, and the name of the church is Saints Peter and Paul, so these two saints and workers of God will always be special. And as we celebrate their solemnity today, we should aspire to be like them. 

The first reading shows us what great things God has done to Peter. He was captured, chained and was set to die. A lot of guards were guarding him, making sure he cannot escape. Then we see that nothing really is impossible with God! God hears the prayers of his people! God sent an angel to take Peter away from a seemingly impossible situation. God turned the hopeless situation into one which shows his great love, power and glory! Peter continued to serve God even if he was in prison, even if times were tough. 

Another great servant of God, Paul’s final moments was recalled in the second reading. Yes, he gave his all for God. He was tired, yet very happy and satisfied with how he lived his life in service of God. Until the end, he had complete and full faith in God, something we can aspire to have, something we can work to have.

God appreciates hard work done for Him. 

The gospel shows us Jesus asking the disciples the question: Who am I to you? Who do you say that I am? It does not matter who Jesus is for other people. What matters is who Jesus is to them. Peter proclaimed that Jesus is the messiah. Jesus then affirmed that it was God who revealed this to Peter, and he said his blessings on Peter as the head of his Church.

Today, God is asking us the same question: Who am I to you? It does not matter what other people say Jesus is. It does not matter what sins we have committed in the past. It does not matter what we intend to do in our lives. What matters for Christ is our answer to his question, and if like Saints Peter and Paul, we are willing to walk the talk – to live what our answer to what God is in our lives. We should be willing to serve God no matter what situation we are in. 

Who is God to you? Who is God in your life? Do you put him first in your life? Do you believe that he is all loving, all merciful, all powerful? Do you believe that he can work great things to and through you? Do you serve him? Do you continue to serve him when times are tough?

May we find it in our hearts to answer him like Peter did – that he is the Messiah, that he is God in our lives. Let us be inspired by saints Peter and Paul, and live our lives the way these two servants of God did – working tirelessly to proclaim God’s kingdom wherever they are, having full faith in God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to experience your love and live my faith. Thank you for the reminder and challenge. Lord, I praise and adore you for who you are. I am so blessed that you are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and that no matter what I do, you will not love me less. I am so grateful to be worshipping the same God that Peter and Paul worshipped, and I believe that you will use me in a mighty way the same way you used Peter and Paul for your glory. Lord, I ask that you help me live my life proclaiming that you are the Messiah, that you are my God, so that I can bring people to you and glorify you. Help me be like them who tirelessly served you, especially when times are tough. May I live my love for you through service. This I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/06/who-is-he.html

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June 29, 2016 - Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul - Mass during the Day
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul - Mass during the Day
Lectionary: 591

Reading 1 Acts 12:1-11

In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them.
He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword,
and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews
he proceeded to arrest Peter also.
–It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.–
He had him taken into custody and put in prison
under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each.
He intended to bring him before the people after Passover.
Peter thus was being kept in prison,
but prayer by the Church was fervently being made
to God on his behalf.

On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial,
Peter, secured by double chains,
was sleeping between two soldiers,
while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison.
Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him
and a light shone in the cell.
He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying,
“Get up quickly.”
The chains fell from his wrists.
The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.”
He did so.
Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.”
So he followed him out,
not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real;
he thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed the first guard, then the second,
and came to the iron gate leading out to the city,
which opened for them by itself.
They emerged and made their way down an alley,
and suddenly the angel left him.
Then Peter recovered his senses and said,
“Now I know for certain
that the Lord sent his angel
and rescued me from the hand of Herod
and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (5) The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

Reading 2 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.

The Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia Mt 16:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Still

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062816.cfm) reminds me that in times of troubles, God wants me to be still and trust in Him. 

There was a time when I was applying for a job and I felt so scared before the interview. I did not feel confident because I was applying for a job different from what I was doing then, then I was told that I would be interviewed not only by the immediate head, but by her head as well. I was new to my faith community at this time, and while I was waiting to be interviewed, I suddenly remembered the song “still". It was one of the first christian songs I learned, and at that time, it just meant to much to remember how God is in control of everything, and we just have to be still and trust in him. It helped relax me a bit, though I was still nervous. Good thing the bosses were both nice during the interview. 

Being still in times of trouble is a sign of great faith in God.

In the gospel, Jesus was on a boat with his disciples when they encountered a violent storm. It must be so strong, since the disciples were mostly fishermen, yet they were so afraid they woke up Jesus, a son of a carpenter. How ironic. They may have lacked faith, but they had faith in him, since they knew Jesus can help them in the situation they are in. and eventually, Jesus calmed the storm. 

Jesus is asking us the same question he asked his disciples – why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?

Sometimes, we get overwhelmed by problems in this life. Sometimes we get stressed with the things happening around us. Sometimes we feel prayers cannot do anything with the situation and with powerful people we are faced with. However, Jesus is telling us to be still and have faith in him. To have faith in his love. To have faith in his power. If we have faith, we will not have time to be terrified or troubled. If we know how much God loves us, and how powerful he is, then no storm in life can bother us. We just have to trust him and surrender, and tell him to fight our battles. 

May we be inspired by the gospel, and be challenged and moved to build and strengthen our relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus directly affects our faith. As we get to know him more, as we experience his love and power, then our faith will be stronger. May we do our part, and seek him in prayer, bible reading and the sacraments to solidify our faith and relationship with him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the timely reminder. Thank you for reminding me of your great love and power. Sorry for the times I act like the disciples. Sorry for the times I get so stressed and scared of what is happening around me. sorry for the times that I know you are there beside me, but I still feel scared and stressed. Sorry for not having enough faith in you. help me strengthen my faith and my relationship with you. I will do my part and read the bible, pray more, and take the sacraments, and I ask you to help me strengthen my faith in you. may I always be still in times of trouble, knowing that you are always there protecting me. Having faith that you are fighting my battles as I surrender to you. And I ask that you surprise me with how powerful and loving and generous you are. amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related song:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z3wwWFsSlNQ

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June 28, 2016
Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr
Lectionary: 378

Reading 1 Am 3:1-8; 4:11-12

Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the LORD pronounces over you,
over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt:

You alone have I favored,
more than all the families of the earth;
Therefore I will punish you
for all your crimes.

Do two walk together
unless they have agreed?
Does a lion roar in the forest
when it has no prey?
Does a young lion cry out from its den
unless it has seized something?
Is a bird brought to earth by a snare
when there is no lure for it?
Does a snare spring up from the ground
without catching anything?
If the trumpet sounds in a city,
will the people not be frightened?
If evil befalls a city,
has not the LORD caused it?
Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing
without revealing his plan
to his servants, the prophets.

The lion roars—
who will not be afraid!
The Lord GOD speaks—
who will not prophesy!

I brought upon you such upheaval
as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah:
you were like a brand plucked from the fire;
Yet you returned not to me,
says the LORD.

So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel!
and since I will deal thus with you,
prepare to meet your God, O Israel.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8

R. (9a) Lead me in your justice, Lord.
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
You hate all evildoers;
you destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the LORD abhors.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
But I, because of your abundant mercy,
will enter your house;
I will worship at your holy temple
in fear of you, O LORD.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

Alleluia Ps 130:5

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea,
so that the boat was being swamped by waves;
but he was asleep.
They came and woke him, saying,
“Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”
Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea,
and there was great calm.
The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this,

whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

Earthly Power

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062716.cfm) reminds me that God has more than earthly powers. 

Earthly power is dangerous. Powerful people seem to be addicted to it. They say power corrupts. Whose who in power do not want to let go, and it is not unusual to see and hear stories of people abusing their power. They do so because no one stops them. No one can, or no one will. However, we are reminded today that God can. 

God has more than earthly powers. 

In the first reading, we see what God can do to those who are in power. To those who forgot him. To those who ignore him. He may not always react immediately because he gives us opportunity to change and wake up. He waits for us to repent. However, he has his limits. And he has powers that can stop people. He has powers that no one can go against. 

We should remember who we are and who God is. Just because we have accomplished things, just because we have achieved things, does not mean we are unstoppable. We sometimes fail to see God working in the background. We let worldly achievements and affirmation drown us and forget who we are and who God is. 

May we never forget who God is, and always be aware of his power and presence in our lives. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I forget you. Sorry for the times I ignore you. Sorry for being too proud of myself. May I always be aware. May I never forget that you are always there and that you are always working in the background, protecting me and helping me in everything. I will live my life for you. For your greater honor and glory. I offer you not just all my achievements snd accomplishments, but also all my pain concerns. Amen. 

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

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June 27, 2016
Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 377

Reading 1 Am 2:6-10, 13-16

Thus says the LORD:
For three crimes of Israel, and for four,
I will not revoke my word;
Because they sell the just man for silver,
and the poor man for a pair of sandals.
They trample the heads of the weak
into the dust of the earth,
and force the lowly out of the way.
Son and father go to the same prostitute,
profaning my holy name.
Upon garments taken in pledge
they recline beside any altar;
And the wine of those who have been fined
they drink in the house of their god.

Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorites before them,
who were as tall as the cedars,
and as strong as the oak trees.
I destroyed their fruit above,
and their roots beneath.
It was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt,
and who led you through the desert for forty years,
to occupy the land of the Amorites.

Beware, I will crush you into the ground
as a wagon crushes when laden with sheaves.
Flight shall perish from the swift,
and the strong man shall not retain his strength;
The warrior shall not save his life,
nor the bowman stand his ground;
The swift of foot shall not escape,
nor the horseman save his life.
And the most stouthearted of warriors
shall flee naked on that day, says the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 50:16bc-17, 18-19, 20-21, 22-23

R. (22a) Remember this, you who never think of God.
“Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?”
R. Remember this, you who never think of God.
“When you see a thief, you keep pace with him,
and with adulterers you throw in your lot.
To your mouth you give free rein for evil,
you harness your tongue to deceit.”
R. Remember this, you who never think of God.
“You sit speaking against your brother;
against your mother’s son you spread rumors.
When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.”
R. Remember this, you who never think of God.
“Consider this, you who forget God,
lest I rend you and there be no one to rescue you.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
R. Remember this, you who never think of God.

Alleluia Ps 95:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 8:18-22

When Jesus saw a crowd around him,
he gave orders to cross to the other shore.
A scribe approached and said to him,
“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”
Another of his disciples said to him,
“Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”
But Jesus answered him, “Follow me,
and let the dead bury their dead.”

No Looking Back

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062616.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to keep moving forward as we serve Him. 

We have a saying that goes “Ang hindi marunong tumingin sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating sa paroroonan.” This shows that in our journey in life, it is important to know and remember where we came from, where we started, and not to forget our beginnings. However, in God’s kingdom, it may not always be best to look back as we move forward to serve him.

Everyone in Christ is a new creation. 

As we follow God, we are made new. The old self, with the sins, are left behind. This is why in the readings today, we see how God wants us not to look back as we follow Him. we should not look back to our old self and our sins, and just focus on Him, our new life, our new self, as we serve Him. It is said that we can’t serve two masters, so we should choose him and not our old self.

Once you decide to choose God, to follow Him, then it should be permanent. 

No need to reminisce of your old life, or old decisions or sins. That will just open the doors to temptation and relapse. As we choose God, as we allow ourselves to be transformed, we should just let God use and mold us, and not look back to what we are before.

Change does not happen overnight. As we can see in the gospel, even his disciples’ temper is still on a rage. “Lord, you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” This must have been an exciting sight – but not a good one. This shows that from time to time, we will still fall, old habits will still manifest. But we should be humble enough and allow God to continue to change us as we focus on Him.

As we live our new life in Christ, as we allow Him to mold and use us, may we not be tempted to look back at our old lives and just focus on what lies ahead. Let us keep moving forward towards him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for always reminding me. Thank you for the opportunities you constantly give me to serve you and to choose you. Thank you for reaching out to me. Sorry for the times I am not that serious in changing and shaping up for you. Sorry for half hearted decisions to do good and serve you. Lord, I pray that as I live, I may constantly choose you. May I never look back to my old self and accept the new person you are making me. As I serve you, may I choose to keep moving forward and focus on you as I follow you. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/03/stay-clean.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/10/stay-clean.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/06/keep-moving-forward.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/10/dont-look-back.html

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June 26, 2016
Lectionary: 99
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21

The LORD said to Elijah:
“You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah,
as prophet to succeed you.”

Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat,
as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen;
he was following the twelfth.
Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him.
Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said,
“Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,
and I will follow you.”
Elijah answered, “Go back!
Have I done anything to you?”
Elisha left him, and taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them;
he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh,
and gave it to his people to eat.
Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. (cf. 5a) You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you.
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot."
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Reading 2 Gal 5:1, 13-18

Brothers and sisters:
For freedom Christ set us free;
so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters.
But do not use this freedom
as an opportunity for the flesh;
rather, serve one another through love.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement,
namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
But if you go on biting and devouring one another,
beware that you are not consumed by one another.

I say, then: live by the Spirit
and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
For the flesh has desires against the Spirit,
and the Spirit against the flesh;
these are opposed to each other,
so that you may not do what you want.
But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Alleluia 1 Sm 3:9; Jn 6:68c

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening;
you have the words of everlasting life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 9:51-62

When the days for Jesus' being taken up were fulfilled,
he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,
and he sent messengers ahead of him.
On the way they entered a Samaritan village
to prepare for his reception there,
but they would not welcome him
because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.
When the disciples James and John saw this they asked,
"Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven
to consume them?"
Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him,
"I will follow you wherever you go."
Jesus answered him,
"Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."

And to another he said, "Follow me."
But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father."
But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead.
But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
And another said, "I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home."
To him Jesus said, "No one who sets a hand to the plow

and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God."

He Cured All

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062516.cfm) reminds me that God cures all that come to him, regardless of how grave or trivial their concerns may be. 

In the corporate world, we do our best to handle things at our level. We want to maximize ourselves. We want to be efficient. We handle as much concerns as we can, as appropriate, and we usually do not want to bother our superiors with trivial concerns. It is usual and it works in the corporate world, but it is not something God wants from us. 

God wants to be involved in our lives. 

God wants us to involve him in our lives. All of our lives. Not just our christian life on Sundays and on church activities. He also wants to be involved in our lives as employees or employers in the office or in our business, in our lives as parents, children, spouses, and relative to others. God wants to be involved in all aspects of our lives. He wants to know all the details. He wants to be in our lives. Because only if we constantly involve him, and only when we involve him in all areas, can he penetrate, stay, and transform our hearts and lives. 

As God wants to be involved in our lives, he wants us to bring everything to him. All concerns big and small. All petitions and intentions. In the gospel, Jesus healed all who came to him. From the centurion's servant, to Peter's mother in law, and all who came to him with various sickness and disease. He did not choose just the easy ones. He did not choose the grave and serious ones to show off his power. He healed them all. All who came to him. All who had faith in him. He wants us to bring him everything, for he can heal everything. 

May we welcome God in our lives, and bring him everything because he can cure and heal everything. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you fir another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for your love and your power. Lord, sorry for the times I do not let you into my life. Sorry for involving you only on Sundays or only when I feel like it. Sorry for not bringing you everything - thinking that some of my problems are too small for you, or too big that you cannot help me anymore. Give me faith. Help me trust in you. Help me open up to you. Enter my life - all aspects of it. And as I feel you, as I experience you, as I get to know you more, I ask that you fill me and transform me to be more and more like you. As I bring everything before your presence, I have faith that you would continue to take care of everything. Everything. Amen. 

Blessed weekend. 

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/09/humility-and-faith.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/06/firm-faith.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/07/he-cured-all.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/07/he-cured-them-all.html

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June 25, 2016
Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 376

Reading 1 Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19

The Lord has consumed without pity
all the dwellings of Jacob;
He has torn down in his anger
the fortresses of daughter Judah;
He has brought to the ground in dishonor
her king and her princes.

On the ground in silence sit
the old men of daughter Zion;
They strew dust on their heads
and gird themselves with sackcloth;
The maidens of Jerusalem
bow their heads to the ground.

Worn out from weeping are my eyes,
within me all is in ferment;
My gall is poured out on the ground
because of the downfall of the daughter of my people,
As child and infant faint away
in the open spaces of the town.

In vain they ask their mothers,
“Where is the grain?”
As they faint away like the wounded
in the streets of the city,
And breathe their last
in their mothers’ arms.

To what can I liken or compare you,
O daughter Jerusalem?
What example can I show you for your comfort,
virgin daughter Zion?
For great as the sea is your downfall;
who can heal you?

Your prophets had for you
false and specious visions;
They did not lay bare your guilt,
to avert your fate;
They beheld for you in vision
false and misleading portents.

Cry out to the Lord;
moan, O daughter Zion!
Let your tears flow like a torrent
day and night;
Let there be no respite for you,
no repose for your eyes.

Rise up, shrill in the night,
at the beginning of every watch;
Pour out your heart like water
in the presence of the Lord;
Lift up your hands to him
for the lives of your little ones
Who faint from hunger
at the corner of every street.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 74:1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21

R. (19b) Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Why, O God, have you cast us off forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?
Remember your flock which you built up of old,
the tribe you redeemed as your inheritance,
Mount Zion, where you took up your abode.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Turn your steps toward the utter ruins;
toward all the damage the enemy has done in the sanctuary.
Your foes roar triumphantly in your shrine;
they have set up their tokens of victory.
They are like men coming up with axes to a clump of trees.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
With chisel and hammer they hack at all the paneling of the sanctuary.
They set your sanctuary on fire;
the place where your name abides they have razed and profaned.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Look to your covenant,
for the hiding places in the land and the plains are full of violence.
May the humble not retire in confusion;
may the afflicted and the poor praise your name.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.

ALLELUIA Mt 8:17

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ took away our infirmities
and bore our diseases.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 8:5-17

When Jesus entered Capernaum,
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;
and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;
and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven,
but the children of the Kingdom
will be driven out into the outer darkness,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
And Jesus said to the centurion,
“You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.”
And at that very hour his servant was healed.

Jesus entered the house of Peter,
and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.
He touched her hand, the fever left her,
and she rose and waited on him.

When it was evening, they brought him many
who were possessed by demons,
and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick,
to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet:

He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Wonderfully Made

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062416-mass-during-day.cfm) reminds me that I am wonderfully made. 

Cars are generally expensive. And cars who are made and assembled in another country is relatively more expensive. This includes luxury vehicles that are wholly imported from abroad. They give a premium to where and how vehicles were made. This reminds me that just as the value if the vehicle goes up depending on where and how they were made, our value as God's children is high as well. 

The psalmist echoes this thought. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. God made masterpieces, great human beings for a great purpose in life. We should always remember this and not question our value in life. 

In the second reading, we see David as the king. He was simple, but God chose him because of his heart. He was wonderfully made, so special that God's Som came from his line. We also see John the Baptist, whose birth we celebrate today. He was wonderfully made, as we see in the gospel how his mere birth opened up his father's lips and caused holy fear in the people. He worked tirelessly for Christ, preparing his way in this world. 

You are wonderfully made. And God has a special plan for you. 

We are wonderfully made. No matter what we feel. No matter how other people makes us feel. God created us wonderfully and fearfully. And it does not stop there. He has a special plan for each and everyone of us. However, if it will come to fruition is based not just on God's plan, but on us as well. We need to cooperate with God. We need to surrender to him. Just as David, John and Baptist and Jesus surrendered and cooperated with God in order for his plans to come to fruition. No matter how great God's plans for us are, if we will not cooperate, it will not happen. 

When we cooperate, when we surrender, we give God permission to do his plans. We give him permission to work in us. To work through us. When we obey God, slowly, every single day, we give him access to our hearts. We allow him to use us. To change us. To mold us to be more and more like him. And as we continue to do so, it will be easier for God to use us mightily and make his great plans for us become reality. 

May we always remember that God made us wonderfully, and that he has great plans for us. And may we always submit to his will and cooperate with him for the completion of his plans. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to love and serve you. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I question my worth. Sorry for the times I let others make me feel bad about myself. Sorry for forgetting that you made me wonderfully. Sorry for the times I feel that you do not have great plans for me, and sorry for not cooperating with you. Help me live right. Help me live in a way pleasing to you. Help me live cooperating with you for your plans to come into fruition. Use me for your glory. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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June 24, 2016 - Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist - Mass during the Day
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist - Mass during the Day
Lectionary: 587

Reading 1 Is 49:1-6

Hear me, O coastlands,
listen, O distant peoples.
The LORD called me from birth,
from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.
He made of me a sharp-edged sword
and concealed me in the shadow of his arm.
He made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me.
You are my servant, he said to me,
Israel, through whom I show my glory.

Though I thought I had toiled in vain,
and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength,
yet my reward is with the LORD,
my recompense is with my God.
For now the LORD has spoken
who formed me as his servant from the womb,
that Jacob may be brought back to him
and Israel gathered to him;
and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,
and my God is now my strength!
It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant,
to raise up the tribes of Jacob,
and restore the survivors of Israel;
I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15

R. (14) I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
you know when I sit and when I stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
with all my ways you are familiar.
R. I praise you for I am wonderfully made.
Truly you have formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother’s womb.
I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;
wonderful are your works.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
My soul also you knew full well;
nor was my frame unknown to you
When I was made in secret,
when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.

Reading 2 Acts 13:22-26

In those days, Paul said:
“God raised up David as king;
of him God testified,
I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;
he will carry out my every wish.
From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise,
has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel;
and as John was completing his course, he would say,
‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.
Behold, one is coming after me;
I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’

“My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham,
and those others among you who are God-fearing,
to us this word of salvation has been sent.”

Alleluia See Lk 1:76

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 1:57-66, 80

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child
she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and relatives heard
that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,
and they rejoiced with her.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,
they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
but his mother said in reply,
“No. He will be called John.”
But they answered her,
“There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,”
and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
and he spoke blessing God.
Then fear came upon all their neighbors,
and all these matters were discussed
throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
“What, then, will this child be?”
For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
The child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he was in the desert until the day
of his manifestation to Israel.

Not Just Words

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062316.cfm) reminds me that God wants more than lip service from us. 

Knowing is different from doing. Knowing the law is different from following the law. Knowing God and his commands is different from following and doing God’s commands. Knowing God is not enough, for even the devil knows God! God calls us to further our faith and prove our love to Him by not being contented in knowing Him, but doing his commands us well.

It is wise not just to know, but more importantly to obey God's commandments. 

God plays no favourites. Although there were chosen people, they were not saved simply because they were chosen. God still needs us to act and do our part. In the gospel we see Jesus validating this, when he said that the man who hear God’s word and act on it is wise, compared to someone who simply hears but does not act. 

Indeed it is true what Saint Augustine said, “God who created us without us, cannot save us without us.” We need to want being saved, and out of that desire and that love, stems our action of following God’s word, doing his will, and being his ambassadors here on earth.

Do I know God? How? What do I do, or can I do, so that I can know God more? Am I contented with knowing God, or am I moved to act on it as well? What can I do today so I can prove to God that I love him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for loving me, even if I don’t deserve your love. I know that you don’t need me, you don’t need my love, but you love me because you are loving, because you are love. Lord, I ask that you give me the heart that would desire to know you more. May I have a passion to get to know you more, and do my part so I can know you more. And out of that, may I always be willing to act and do your will and be your ambassador here on earth. Help me prepare for eternity by doing your work and following your commandments. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/house-on-rock.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/built-on-rock.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/12/built-strong.html

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June 23, 2016
Thursday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 374

Reading 1 2 Kgs 24:8-17

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign,
and he reigned three months in Jerusalem.
His mother’s name was Nehushta,
daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.
He did evil in the sight of the LORD,
just as his forebears had done.

At that time the officials of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
attacked Jerusalem, and the city came under siege.
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
himself arrived at the city
while his servants were besieging it.
Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah, together with his mother,
his ministers, officers, and functionaries,
surrendered to the king of Babylon, who,
in the eighth year of his reign, took him captive.
And he carried off all the treasures
of the temple of the LORD and those of the palace,
and broke up all the gold utensils that Solomon, king of Israel,
had provided in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had foretold.
He deported all Jerusalem:
all the officers and men of the army, ten thousand in number,
and all the craftsmen and smiths.
None were left among the people of the land except the poor.
He deported Jehoiachin to Babylon,
and also led captive from Jerusalem to Babylon
the king’s mother and wives,
his functionaries, and the chief men of the land.
The king of Babylon also led captive to Babylon
all seven thousand men of the army,
and a thousand craftsmen and smiths,
all of them trained soldiers.
In place of Jehoiachin,
the king of Babylon appointed his uncle Mattaniah king,
and changed his name to Zedekiah.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9

R. (9) For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple,
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
They have given the corpses of your servants
as food to the birds of heaven,
the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
They have poured out their blood like water
round about Jerusalem,
and there is no one to bury them.
We have become the reproach of our neighbors,
the scorn and derision of those around us.
O LORD, how long? Will you be angry forever?
Will your jealousy burn like fire?
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name’s sake.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Alleluia Jn 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him
and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day,
‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?
Did we not drive out demons in your name?
Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’
Then I will declare to them solemnly,
‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

When Jesus finished these words,
the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority,

and not as their scribes.

Ano Ang Bunga Mo?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062216.cfm) makes me think what kind of fruit I produce. 

A mango tree bears mango, a buko tree bears buko. Looking at a tree will not only give you what fruit it will bear, but also what quality. A strong, mighty and leafy mango tree would usually give good fruit. A good tree bears good fruit, a rotten tree bears bad fruit.

A fruit gets its quality from what's inside the tree. 

Jesus warns us to look past the superficial level – to look beyond the seemingly harmless appearance and see what is inside. Jesus wants is to look deep into our hearts and see beyond what other people see, beyond what we project, beyond what we say. Jesus is asking us to examine our lives and see what is inside of us, because eventually it will come out and bear fruit.

We all bear fruit.

Jesus sees what is inside of us. He sees way past our actions, our image and reputation and what we say or project to other people. Kahit sabihin mo, or ipakita mo sa ibang tao, alam ni God ano yung nasa loob ng puso mo. Minsan, kahit hindi mo alam, kahit hindi ka aware, alam ni God. That’s why it is important to always pray and ask his guidance as he reveal what is really in our hearts.

However, as with life, there’s always an exception. The people in the first reading did not know they were already disobeying God. They did not know they were not honouring the covenant and were not doing their part. When they learned of it, they quickly repented and went back to God. Bad tree yung ancestors nila, but they became good fruits. I believe that there will always be opportunities for us to change and go back to God, we just have to be open to him and sensitive.

Am I seeking God’s will in my actions? Do I constantly try to make an effort to examine my life and change my ways, as I pray that God help me discern what’s in my heart? What fruits am I bearing in my life?  Do I bear good fruit?

May we be inspired and do our best to bear good fruit for God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Thank you for reminding me that I should bear good fruit. Sorry for the times I don't give it much thought. Sorry for the times I get contented with a good reputation and image, and not a good fruit. Lord, I ask that as I live my life, You help me to be always aware of my intentions, of what is inside my heart. I pray that I always seek your guidance and seek and obey your will above all so that I can glorify you. May my life bear good fruit for your glory. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/04/good-fruit.html

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June 22, 2016
Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 373

Reading 1 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3

The high priest Hilkiah informed the scribe Shaphan,
“I have found the book of the law in the temple of the LORD.”
Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it.
Then the scribe Shaphan went to the king and reported,
“Your servants have smelted down the metals available in the temple
and have consigned them to the master workmen
in the temple of the LORD.”
The scribe Shaphan also informed the king
that the priest Hilkiah had given him a book,
and then read it aloud to the king.
When the king heard the contents of the book of the law,
he tore his garments and issued this command to Hilkiah the priest,
Ahikam, son of Shaphan,
Achbor, son of Micaiah, the scribe Shaphan,
and the king’s servant Asaiah:
“Go, consult the LORD for me, for the people, for all Judah,
about the stipulations of this book that has been found,
for the anger of the LORD has been set furiously ablaze against us,
because our fathers did not obey the stipulations of this book,
nor fulfill our written obligations.”

The king then had all the elders of Judah
and of Jerusalem summoned together before him.
The king went up to the temple of the LORD with all the men of Judah
and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem:
priests, prophets, and all the people, small and great.
He had the entire contents of the book of the covenant
that had been found in the temple of the LORD, read out to them.
Standing by the column, the king made a covenant before the LORD
that they would follow him
and observe his ordinances, statutes and decrees
with their whole hearts and souls,
thus reviving the terms of the covenant
which were written in this book.
And all the people stood as participants in the covenant.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40

R. (33a) Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Instruct me, O LORD, in the way of your statutes,
that I may exactly observe them.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
and keep it with all my heart.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Lead me in the path of your commands,
for in it I delight.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Incline my heart to your decrees
and not to gain.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Turn away my eyes from seeing what is vain:
by your way give me life.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your justice give me life.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.

Alleluia Jn 15:4a, 5b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord;
whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 7:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but underneath are ravenous wolves.
By their fruits you will know them.
Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Just so, every good tree bears good fruit,
and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,
nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down
and thrown into the fire.
So by their fruits you will know them.”