Treasure

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/073116.cfm) reminds me of the kind of treasure I should store up. 

When we say treasure, what usually comes to mind is a treasure chest filled with gold and precious items. That is what we see in cartoons and movies. However, not all treasures are worldly. Worldly treasures are easy to lose and spend. Mauubos at mauubos ito. No matter how much we have or how slowly we use it up. It is finite. What is more important are heavenly treasures. 

While it is good to save and accumulate treasures in life, we should also store up heavenly treasures. 

In the first reading, we see what earthly treasures are : vanity. Everything in this world will stay in this world. Vanity. Temporary. Superficial. The second reading then teaches us what is important - to seek what is above and not what is here on earth. In the gospel we are reminded why it is foolish to focus too much on worldly things and riches. God can take us away from this world anytime. And whatever riches and treasures we accumulate on this world will remain on this world. We cannot take it to where we are going. That is why we should store up heavenly treasures as well. 

Good news! We can use our earthly treasures to store up heavenly ones!

Money is not inherently bad. If we are in the proper disposition, money can do a lot of good things. I believe God blesses us so we can bless others. The more we are blessed, the more we should give it away so it can bless others as well. This is how earthly riches should be used - for God's purpose and kingdom. We should not be attached to them, but use them for God's greater glory. The more we give up for God, the more God transforms us to become more like him, the more we store up heavenly treasures to prepare our place in eternity. 

May we know how to use our earthly treasures well, and do it. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I focus too much on earthly treasures. Sorry for the times I let the world get into me. Help me live right. Help me use my earthly treasures to store up heavenly ones. Fill me with your love and remind me that you are always there for me. Fill me with your love and transform me to be more like you. I know that this will help me put things in perspective and will enable me to be generous with my blessings, because I know you would continue to provide for me. Use my treasures for your kingdom and your purpose. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

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July 31, 2016
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 114

Reading 1 Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth,
vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!

Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill,
and yet to another who has not labored over it,
he must leave property.
This also is vanity and a great misfortune.
For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart
with which he has labored under the sun?
All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation;
even at night his mind is not at rest.
This also is vanity.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

R. (1) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,
Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;
prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Reading 2 Col 3:1-5, 9-11

Brothers and sisters:
If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and the greed that is idolatry.
Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge,
in the image of its creator.
Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all.

Alleluia Mt 5:3

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”
He replied to him,
“Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”
Then he said to the crowd,
“Take care to guard against all greed,
for though one may be rich,
one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Then he told them a parable.
“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.
He asked himself, ‘What shall I do,
for I do not have space to store my harvest?’
And he said, ‘This is what I shall do:
I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.
There I shall store all my grain and other goods
and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you,
you have so many good things stored up for many years,
rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’
But God said to him,
‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves
but are not rich in what matters to God.”

Holy Courage

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/073016.cfm) reminds me that I should have courage when doing God's work. 

Some people equate courage with being brave. To not back down and be ready to fight in war and battles. In some sense, this is true. But it is more than that, especially when it comes to our spiritual life. That is what I am reminded of today. 

Courage is the will and decision to continue doing God's work despite of the powerful worldly opposition. 

We see people exhibiting that courage in the readings. Jeremiah proclaimed God's message even if the powerful people did not initially approve of it. He was brave and did God's work, even if it could cause him his life. In the gospel, John the Baptist also did the same. He preached God's word to the king and the powerful people, even if it put him in prison. These two did not let powerful people bring them down snd prevent them from doing God's work. They had Holy Courage to go on and do His work despite powerful opposition. 

God wants us ti be like that as well. 

Doing God's work is not easy. Proclaiming his message is not always exciting. Living his ways are not always rewarding. There are others, powerful in the world, who may threaten us, disrespect us, or entice us to stop following God and live of the world. However, we should take courage and trust that God will always be there for us no matter what. 

However, God's ways are not our ways. His plans may be different from ours. We need to trust him, but it does not guarantee it will get us what we want. Jeremiah was spared, but John the Baptist was killed. Both had courage and trusted in God, but different things happened to them. However, we should always remember that everything happens with God's permission, and God's plans are always perfect. So we just need to trust in Him in everything. 

May we be inspired to have courage as we do God's work, and trust in him all throughout. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for always being there for me. Lord, sorry for the times I don't trust you enough. Sorry for the times I back down when I experience opposition from the world. Help me to just focus on you. Help me have faith in you. Give me courage to do your work no matter what. Equip me and use me to further your kingdom here on earth. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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July 30, 2016
Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 406

Reading 1 Jer 26:11-16, 24

The priests and prophets said to the princes and to all the people,
“This man deserves death;
he has prophesied against this city,
as you have heard with your own ears.”
Jeremiah gave this answer to the princes and all the people:
“It was the LORD who sent me to prophesy against this house and city
all that you have heard.
Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds;
listen to the voice of the LORD your God,
so that the LORD will repent of the evil with which he threatens you.
As for me, I am in your hands;
do with me what you think good and right.
But mark well: if you put me to death,
it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves,
on this city and its citizens.
For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you,
to speak all these things for you to hear.”

Thereupon the princes and all the people
said to the priests and the prophets,
“This man does not deserve death;
it is in the name of the LORD, our God, that he speaks to us.”

So Ahikam, son of Shaphan, protected Jeremiah,
so that he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34

R. (14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Rescue me out of the mire; may I not sink!
may I be rescued from my foes,
and from the watery depths.
Let not the flood-waters overwhelm me,
nor the abyss swallow me up,
nor the pit close its mouth over me.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
But I am afflicted and in pain;
let your saving help, O God, protect me.
I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.”
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Alleluia Mt 5:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
for John had said to him,
“It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people,
for they regarded him as a prophet.
But at a birthday celebration for Herod,
the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests
and delighted Herod so much
that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
Prompted by her mother, she said,
“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.
His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl,
who took it to her mother.
His disciples came and took away the corpse
and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

Important Faith

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072916.cfm) reminds me how important faith is. 

A lot of times, we see Jesus telling people that their faith has saved them. In a number of times. jesus even said that a faith so small like the mustard seed can do great things. God fills up what we lack in terms of faith. However, today’s gospel is different. Jesus went to his hometown, and the people, instead of being proud that Jesus came from there, belittled him and took offense at him. They did not believe that someone from their own could really be God’s Child. This lack of belief, this lack of faith, was the reason why Jesus did not do a lot of miracles. Yes, Jesus needs our faith. His love and power does not change, but our faith affect it.

Our lack of faith limits God’s power over us.

God needs our faith to do miracles in us. God needs us to trust him and surrender to him. He fills up what we lack, but he needs us to have even a little bit of faith. He needs to work with something. Because if we do not have faith, no matter what He does will never be enough for us. Without faith, we cannot see him working.

I believe we are challenged by God. We are asked to look at ourselves and see what our heart says. Is our faith strong, or are we like the people who do not trust in God? When we pray, do we really have complete faith in God and his love and power, or do we just pray just in case God hears us? Is our faith strong enough to be willing to suffer for God? When God does not seem to hear us, do we have a humble heart and will still continue to serve Him, or do we walk away from him when we don’t get what we want?

May we be reminded how important faith is, and pray that God fill us and increase our faith. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the gift of faith. Lord, I ask that you help me strengthen my faith. I know faith is such a powerful and important aspect of my life, and I ask that you help me develop it. Kahit maliit, kahit mala mustard seed, I know it is enough, that it is a good start. May I have faith and may I be willing to suffer and still serve you because of that faith, knowing that your name will be glorified in everything. In a special way, I lift up to you my wife. Thank you for her. Thank you for all the blessings you have been giving her. And I ask that you continue to bless her and surprise her with more than what her heart desires. Increase her faith and use her mightily to bring others to you. Amen

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/02/lack-of-faith.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/07/faith.html

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July 29, 2016
Memorial of Saint Martha
Lectionary: 405/607

Reading 1 Jer 26:1-9

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim,
son of Josiah, king of Judah,
this message came from the LORD:
Thus says the LORD:
Stand in the court of the house of the LORD
and speak to the people of all the cities of Judah
who come to worship in the house of the LORD;
whatever I command you, tell them, and omit nothing.
Perhaps they will listen and turn back,
each from his evil way,
so that I may repent of the evil I have planned to inflict upon them
for their evil deeds.
Say to them: Thus says the LORD:
If you disobey me,
not living according to the law I placed before you
and not listening to the words of my servants the prophets,
whom I send you constantly though you do not obey them,
I will treat this house like Shiloh,
and make this the city to which all the nations of the earth
shall refer when cursing another.

Now the priests, the prophets, and all the people
heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the LORD.
When Jeremiah finished speaking
all that the LORD bade him speak to all the people,
the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying,
“You must be put to death!
Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD:
‘This house shall be like Shiloh,’ and
‘This city shall be desolate and deserted’?”
And all the people gathered about Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 69:5, 8-10, 14

R. (14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Those outnumber the hairs of my head
who hate me without cause.
Too many for my strength
are they who wrongfully are my enemies.
Must I restore what I did not steal?
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Since for your sake I bear insult,
and shame covers my face.
I have become an outcast to my brothers,
a stranger to my mother’s sons,
Because zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
But I pray to you, O LORD,
for the time of your favor, O God!
In your great kindness answer me
with your constant help.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

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 Jn 11:19-27

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary
to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died].
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming,
she went to meet him;
but Mary sat at home.
Martha said to Jesus,
“Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have died.
But even now I know that whatever you ask of God,
God will give you.”
Jesus said to her,
“Your brother will rise.”
Martha said to him,
“I know he will rise,
in the resurrection on the last day.”
Jesus told her,
“I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?”
She said to him, “Yes, Lord.
I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,
the one who is coming into the world.”

Potter's Hands

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072816.cfm) reminds me that I should always trust the Potter's Hands. 

Masterpieces take time to complete. They are not instantly done or achieved. And until it is finished, it seems to be of no purpose or value. Kulang. Parang pangt at walang kwenta. But when it is finished, one will be surprised with the outcome. The partial ugly part has become beautiful when combined with others. This is what God wants us to learn. 

We should always trust God's hands, for only he knows his plans. 

In the first reading, God told Jeremiah that he can do anything to us, his creations. We should allow him to. But we should be assured that he is making something great. It may be painful. It may take time. But he will not stop until he is satisfied with what he sees. 

God knows what he is doing. 

Things may sometimes seem to make any sense. Minsan patang walang saysay. Walang kwenta. Walang kabuluhan yung nararamdaman at pinagdadaanan natin. However, God just wants us to trust in Him. He sees everything. We can make sense of everything. We just need to have faith, because having faith makes it easier to bear these things. And having faith and allowing Him to do his will would make it easier to achieve his plans. 

God knows when to stop. If a potter encounters hard clay, he would take that out of the clay so he can continue to mold it. In the gospel, Jesus says that the bad catch will be thrown away. God will do his best and never give up on us. But he is gentle. He will not force himself upon us. But when the time comes, he will give us what we want based on our lives - if we want to spend eternity with him, or away from him. 

May we learn to trust in God, especially when things does not seem to make sense. And allow Him to take control. Always. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for being hard headed. Sorry for not cooperating with you. Sorry for not trusting you enough. Help me be an obedient clay. Help me be humble. Use me and do with me as you with. I have faith that even if I cannot make sense of things now, you know what you are doing and you will take care of me. I trust you. And I allow you to mold me. Create a masterpiece in me. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ 

-g-

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July 28, 2016
Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 404

Reading 1 Jer 18:1-6

This word came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
Rise up, be off to the potter’s house;
there I will give you my message.
I went down to the potter’s house and there he was,
working at the wheel.
Whenever the object of clay which he was making
turned out badly in his hand,
he tried again,
making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.
Then the word of the LORD came to me:
Can I not do to you, house of Israel,
as this potter has done? says the LORD.
Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter,
so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab

R. (5a) Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Put not your trust in princes,
in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.
When his spirit departs he returns to his earth;
on that day his plans perish.
R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD, his God.
Who made heaven and earth,
the sea and all that is in them.
R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia See Acts 16:14b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Open our hearts, O Lord,
to listen to the words of your Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 13:47-53

Jesus said to the disciples:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea,
which collects fish of every kind.
When it is full they haul it ashore
and sit down to put what is good into buckets.
What is bad they throw away.
Thus it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous
and throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

“Do you understand all these things?”
They answered, “Yes.”
And he replied,
“Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven
is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom
both the new and the old.”
When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

PGP

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072716.cfm) reminds me that I should be ready to give up everything for God. 

When I was in college, the chapel was named PGP chapel or Pearl of Great Price Chapel. initially I did not understand why it was named that way. Why a pearl? Why not Jesus, Mary, Joseph or one of the saints? Why is it valuable? Then when I came across the gospel, I understood why.

In the gospel, one would do anything to have the pearl of great price. One would sell everything to have the pearl of great price. Being valuable, having it comes with a great price. The price may be great and expensive, but it is reasonable and most importantly, attainable. That is why the people sold everything they had to be able to get hold of the treasure and the pearl. They found it worth their while that they were willing to let go of everything they had - all their possessions and their current treasures, to have the new found treasure. 

This is what God wants from us, the readiness and willingness to give up anything and everything once we get to know Him. God wants us to let go of all the sins, of all the worldly attachments we are holding on to, so we can attain life with Him. so he can give us new life. God wants us to see him as worthy enough for us to give up everything we currently have just to have him.

May we find it in our heart to see God as that pearl of great price, and be willing to give up everything just for Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder and challenge. Thank you for another day to feel your love. Lord, sorry for the times I don't give you the importance that you deserve. May I see you like the people in the gospel saw the treasures. May I recognize you. I pray that I would always seek you. May my heart always beat for you. may I always be ready and willing to give up everything worldly for you. and as I serve you, may I give you my best, because you deserve nothing less. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/07/give-up-everything.html

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July 27, 2016
Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 403

Reading 1 Jer 15:10, 16-21

Woe to me, mother, that you gave me birth!
a man of strife and contention to all the land!
I neither borrow nor lend,
yet all curse me.
When I found your words, I devoured them;
they became my joy and the happiness of my heart,
Because I bore your name,
O LORD, God of hosts.
I did not sit celebrating
in the circle of merrymakers;
Under the weight of your hand I sat alone
because you filled me with indignation.
Why is my pain continuous,
my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?
You have indeed become for me a treacherous brook,
whose waters do not abide!
Thus the LORD answered me:
If you repent, so that I restore you,
in my presence you shall stand;
If you bring forth the precious without the vile,
you shall be my mouthpiece.
Then it shall be they who turn to you,
and you shall not turn to them;
And I will make you toward this people
a solid wall of brass.
Though they fight against you,
they shall not prevail,
For I am with you,
to deliver and rescue you, says the LORD.
I will free you from the hand of the wicked,
and rescue you from the grasp of the violent.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 59:2-3, 4, 10-11, 17, 18

R. (17d) God is my refuge on the day of distress.
Rescue me from my enemies, O my God;
from my adversaries defend me.
Rescue me from evildoers;
from bloodthirsty men save me.
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.
For behold, they lie in wait for my life;
mighty men come together against me,
Not for any offense or sin of mine, O LORD.
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.
O my strength! for you I watch;
for you, O God, are my stronghold,
As for my God, may his mercy go before me;
may he show me the fall of my foes.
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.
But I will sing of your strength
and revel at dawn in your mercy;
You have been my stronghold,
my refuge in the day of distress.
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.
O my strength! your praise will I sing;
for you, O God, are my stronghold,
my merciful God!
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.

Alleluia Jn 15:15b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I call you my friends, says the Lord,
for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 13:44-46

Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,
which a person finds and hides again,
and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

Grateful

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072616.cfm) reminds me that I should always be grateful for my blessings. 

There are a lot of things in this world we consider normal. Breathing. Eating. Walking. Reading. Sleeping. Almost all people, especially the ones we know, also do this. So sometimes we think these are nothing special. However, when we realize that a sick person needs to spend a lot on oxygen and breathing apparatus just to be able to breathe and live, it gives us a new perspective. When we realize that a lot of people cannot eat due to poverty, it reminds us that we are very blessed, despite of us not feeling it. 

We should always be grateful for what we have. 

In the gospel, Jesus reminded the people that they were blessed to see and hear God's word through Jesus. Unlike others. Their hearts were open so God was able to talk to them. And because of this, they know how to live. They know what God wants. And they have the chance to do these things and prepare for eternity with God. That is why they are blessed. 

We should realize we are blessed too. We have a lot of blessings. It is just when we see others have them that we do not realize how great blessings they are. Worse, if we compare ourselves to others who seem to have more, even if we have enough, we would still be wanting and would feel we don't have what we need. We won't realize how blessed we are if we do this all the time. 

May we be sensitive to all the blessings God gives us, especially the seemingly normal ones. Let us not wait for them to be lost before we realize how blessed we are. And as we realize our blessings, may we give thanks to God and serve him through these things. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore your blessings. Sorry for the many times I do not realize and recognize all your blessings in my life. Help me be aware and sensitive. Thank you for everything. And help me live not only feeling grateful, but may I also use them properly as well. To serve you. For your greater glory. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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July 26, 2016
Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Lectionary: 402

Reading 1 Jer 14:17-22

Let my eyes stream with tears
day and night, without rest,
Over the great destruction which overwhelms
the virgin daughter of my people,
over her incurable wound.
If I walk out into the field,
look! those slain by the sword;
If I enter the city,
look! those consumed by hunger.
Even the prophet and the priest
forage in a land they know not.

Have you cast Judah off completely?
Is Zion loathsome to you?
Why have you struck us a blow
that cannot be healed?
We wait for peace, to no avail;
for a time of healing, but terror comes instead.
We recognize, O LORD, our wickedness,
the guilt of our fathers;
that we have sinned against you.
For your name’s sake spurn us not,
disgrace not the throne of your glory;
remember your covenant with us, and break it not.
Among the nations’ idols is there any that gives rain?
Or can the mere heavens send showers?
Is it not you alone, O LORD,
our God, to whom we look?
You alone have done all these things.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 79:8, 9, 11 and 13

R. (9) 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.
Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower;
all who come to him will live for ever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 13:36-43

Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.
His disciples approached him and said,
“Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,
the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.
The weeds are the children of the Evil One,
and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.
The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire,
so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels,
and they will collect out of his Kingdom
all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.
They will throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun
in the Kingdom of their Father.
Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Love and Service

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072516.cfm) reminds me that I should love God by serving others. 

It is easy to say that we love God. It is easy to say that we serve God. However, applying it in our lives is another thing. We sometimes are not willing to concretely apply this love for God through other people. We sometimes think that we love God and want to serve God, but loving and serving people is different. However, it is not.

Love and service to God should be lived through other people.

In the gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that they should serve others. God’s kingdom is very different from the world. in this world, rulers and powerful people are being served by others. In God’s kingdom, it is actually the great ones who serve others. And if we want to be great in God’s eyes we should serve others. 

God is not physically present in this world, but people are. There are people God sends our way who need our love and service. They are God coming to us in different forms. They are actually opportunities for us to prove to God that we actually love him. Sometimes we think that God will make a way, that God is mighty that he will send help to those in need. However, we sometimes do not realize that maybe that someone is us. Maybe God is sending us. Maybe we are the ones he wants to help others. We are and should be God’s arms and legs in this world – the physical manifestations of his love.

However, this doesn’t mean things will be easy if we decide to serve. In the first reading, we see St Paul telling us that it will be challenging. It will be difficult. But God knows what we are going through, and will continue to sustain us as we experience challenges. We should take courage that God is the same from then until now. he sees the difficulties we experience as we serve him. He sees the pain and hurt that comes with service. He sees the sacrifices we make, and the persecutions we experience as we serve him. And he will continue to equip us and give us what we need to continue serving Him. We just need to trust in him and have faith.

May we realize that we should serve others and be steadfast with the challenges that come with it.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another day to experience your love. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you to others. Lord, sorry for the times I fail to love and serve others. Sorry for making excuses not to. Sorry for not living my profession of love and service to you. help me be like Jesus. Help me live my love for you by loving and serving other people. In a special way, as we celebrate our first year of being married, I thank you, and I will continue to see you in and serve you through my wife. I will continue to make my love for you real and alive in and through her. I also ask that you always equip me to love you and do your work. All this I ask in faith in the mighty name of your Son Jesus through the intercession of Mama Mary. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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July 25, 2016
Feast of Saint James, Apostle
Lectionary: 605

Reading 1 2 Cor 4:7-15

Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,
we too believe and therefore speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

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

R. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

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 Mt 20:20-28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons
and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.
He said to her,
“What do you wish?”
She answered him,
“Command that these two sons of mine sit,
one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.”
Jesus said in reply,
“You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”
They said to him, “We can.”
He replied,
“My chalice you will indeed drink,
but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
When the ten heard this,
they became indignant at the two brothers.
But Jesus summoned them and said,
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and the great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.
Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served

but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Persistent Prayer

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072416.cfm) reminds me how powerful persistent prayers are. 

One of my roles in my previous work is to manage and take care of technical support for users of the systems we implemented. Usually, we follow the first come first served policy – we address the concerns based on the time it was reported. In cases wherein there are a lot of concerns, we base it on the importance or criticality of the situation. However, whatever the case may be, there always is an exception – the persistent customers. Yung Makukulit. Sometimes, since we know they wont stop, we prioritize them just so they would stop bugging us and following up. This is how we should be in praying. 

Persistent prayer is powerful. 

In the first reading, Abraham’s persistence in talking to God lowered the “required” good people from fifty to ten. Imagine, sa kakulitan nya at sa lakas ng loob nya, napababa nya standards ni God. It was so powerful that a lot of people can be saved through it. It was not something easy to ask, but he wanted to save people that's why he asked God multiple times. He took the risk. He bugged God. Kinukit nya ang Diyos at pinagbigyan sya. 

In the gospel, Jesus tells us how to pray. He taught them how to pray, to surrender to God and humble ourselves before God. But he also told us to be persistent. Okay lang maging makulit sa pagdadasal. We see the importance of a persistent faith and persistence in prayer. God always answers our prayers, and as Jesus said in the gospel, he always has the best intentions for us, so we just have to trust in Him. While we do so, we should be persistent in prayer – even if we think or we feel that God is silent and not answering.

We may have tough of challenging prayer intentions. Minsan parang impossible na. Minsan parang wala nang magagawa ang Diyos. But just as God gave in to Moses, and Jesus taught in the gospel, we may just get what we ask for. If we just pray. And pray. And pray. Kulitin kang ang Diyos sa pagdadasal. At baka pagbigyan ka rin. 

May God’s silence to our prayers not cause our faith to wave, but may our persistence strengthen our faith in Him. May we learn to be humble to his will, but persistent and unwavering in faith and prayer. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Thank you for Sundays – a day designed so we can rest, be recharged and spend time with you while consuming you. Thank you for the inspiring reminder. Lord, I ask that in a special way, as I receive you in the Eucharist today, you fill me and strengthen my love and my faith to you. I know there are a lot of times my prayers seem to go unanswered, but I ask that you help me remember that I should be open to your answer, that you always answer my prayers, it’s just that sometimes, your answers are different from what I want. As I wait for your answers, may my faith be unwavering and may I always have that persistent faith in you. Mangungulit ako sayo Lord, but I will always submit to your will.  Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/08/strong-humble-and-persistent.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/makulit.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-lords-prayer.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/persistent-faith.html

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July 24, 2016
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 111

Reading 1 Gn 18:20-32

In those days, the LORD said: "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great,
and their sin so grave,
that I must go down and see whether or not their actions
fully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me.
I mean to find out."

While Abraham's visitors walked on farther toward Sodom,
the LORD remained standing before Abraham.
Then Abraham drew nearer and said:
"Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty?
Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city;
would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it
for the sake of the fifty innocent people within it?
Far be it from you to do such a thing,
to make the innocent die with the guilty
so that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike!
Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?"
The LORD replied,
"If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom,
I will spare the whole place for their sake."
Abraham spoke up again:
"See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord,
though I am but dust and ashes!
What if there are five less than fifty innocent people?
Will you destroy the whole city because of those five?"
He answered, "I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there."
But Abraham persisted, saying "What if only forty are found there?"
He replied, "I will forbear doing it for the sake of the forty."
Then Abraham said, "Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on.
What if only thirty are found there?"
He replied, "I will forbear doing it if I can find but thirty there."
Still Abraham went on,
"Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord,
what if there are no more than twenty?"
The LORD answered, "I will not destroy it, for the sake of the twenty."
But he still persisted:
"Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time.
What if there are at least ten there?"
He replied, "For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

R. (3a) Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me;
against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand.
R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Reading 2 Col 2:12-14

Brothers and sisters:
You were buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him
through faith in the power of God,
who raised him from the dead.
And even when you were dead
in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
he brought you to life along with him,
having forgiven us all our transgressions;
obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims,
which was opposed to us,
he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross.

Alleluia Rom 8:15bc

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You have received a Spirit of adoption,
through which we cry, “Abba, Father.”
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 11:1-13

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished,
one of his disciples said to him,
"Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
He said to them, "When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins
for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,
and do not subject us to the final test."

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend
to whom he goes at midnight and says,
'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey
and I have nothing to offer him,'
and he says in reply from within,
'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked
and my children and I are already in bed.
I cannot get up to give you anything.'
I tell you,
if he does not get up to give the visitor the loaves
because of their friendship,
he will get up to give him whatever he needs
because of his persistence.

"And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
What father among you would hand his son a snake
when he asks for a fish?
Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

Tolerate

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072316.cfm) reminds me that God will not tolerate sinful people.  

God's silence does not mean his approval. 

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.

In the first reading, we see God wanting the people of Judah to repent. He wants them to change their ways. He wants them to go back to him. He sees all the evil they are doing, and he takes note even if he is not yet doing anything about it. He is not yet punishing them. But he can, and he will.

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

We see through the parable in the gospel. There were weeds planted in the field. And even if they already saw it, the master did not have it cut because it will damage even the good crop. They let it mature and let it be. But when the right time came, when harvest time came, they got the weeds and burned it. 

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, harvest time will come. We should choose our side. and God knows what we want. He will not force us to do good. He will not force us to welcome him. But 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 weekend. 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. Sorry for being complacent on my faith. 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 weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/08/no-tolerating.html

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July 23, 2016
Saturday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 400

Reading 1 Jer 7:1-11

The following message came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
Stand at the gate of the house of the LORD,
and there proclaim this message:
Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah
who enter these gates to worship the LORD!
Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:
Reform your ways and your deeds,
so that I may remain with you in this place.
Put not your trust in the deceitful words:
“This is the temple of the LORD!
The temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD!”
Only if you thoroughly reform your ways and your deeds;
if each of you deals justly with his neighbor;
if you no longer oppress the resident alien,
the orphan, and the widow;
if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place,
or follow strange gods to your own harm,
will I remain with you in this place,
in the land I gave your fathers long ago and forever.

But here you are, putting your trust in deceitful words to your own loss!
Are you to steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury,
burn incense to Baal,
go after strange gods that you know not,
and yet come to stand before me
in this house which bears my name, and say:
“We are safe; we can commit all these abominations again”?
Has this house which bears my name
become in your eyes a den of thieves?
I too see what is being done, says the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a, 11

R. (2) How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!
My soul yearns and pines
for the courts of the LORD.
My heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest
in which she puts her young—
Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my king and my God!
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!
Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.
Blessed the men whose strength you are!
They go from strength to strength.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!
I had rather one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Alleluia Jas 1:21bc

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you
and is able to save your souls.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 13:24-30

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.
“The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man
who sowed good seed in his field.
While everyone was asleep his enemy came
and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.
When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.
The slaves of the householder came to him and said,
‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field?
Where have the weeds come from?’
He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’
His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds
you might uproot the wheat along with them.
Let them grow together until harvest;
then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters,
“First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning;
but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

Repent and Bear Fruit

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072216.cfm) reminds me that I should be willing to repent to be able to bear good fruit. 

The gospel is a continuation of the other day’s parable. Now we see what happened to the seeds that were sown on different kinds of soil. We know the different kinds of soil, and we know what kind we want to…and we should be. And as we celebrate the feast of St Mary Magdalene, we are encouraged to come to Jesus and repent so we can bear fruit. 

Repentance makes it easier for God to use us to bear fruit. 

In the first reading, God calls his children to repent. And there is the assurance that when they do, when they turn away from their evil lives and come to Him, he will take care of them. He will give them shepherds to take care of them. This is what Mary Magdalene did. She was not exactly a clean person, but she repented and turned to Jesus. And Jesus took care of her, together with other followers. And eventually God transformed her and she eventually became a Saint. 

Repentance is the first step to convert a sinner to a saint. 

God can use us mightily however sinful we are, just as God used Mary Magdalene. She was normal and a sinner, just like us. But she eventually allowed God to change her and she became a good soil and produced good fruit. If she can do it, and if God can do it to her, we can do it as well. As long as we repent and allow God to use us and transform us. 

May we be inspired to work on our relationship with God, repent, surrender, and allow God to transform us into becoming good soils to produce fruits for God, fruits that will glorify and praise Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for Fridays! Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I continuously turn away from you. Sorry for not repenting. Lord, I pray that you help me become a good soil. I come to you, asking for your forgiveness. I come to you and ask that you fill me with your forgiveness and love. Transform me. May I continue to work and build a good relationship with you as I try my best to become a good soil and bear good fruit for you. Continue to bless my work and my actions, that it may glorify and praise you. Amen.

Blessed Friday!

In Christ,

-g-

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July 22, 2016
Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene
Lectionary: 603

Reading 1 2 cor 5:14-17

Brothers and sisters:
The love of Christ impels us,
once we have come to the conviction that one died for all;
therefore, all have died.
He indeed died for all,
so that those who live might no longer live for themselves
but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh;
even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh,
yet now we know him so no longer.
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R. (2) 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.
You are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you;
your right hand upholds me.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way?
I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 20:1-2, 11-18

On the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”

Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping.
And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb
and saw two angels in white sitting there,
one at the head and one at the feet
where the Body of Jesus had been.
And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “They have taken my Lord,
and I don’t know where they laid him.”
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there,
but did not know it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?
Whom are you looking for?”
She thought it was the gardener and said to him,
“Sir, if you carried him away,
tell me where you laid him,
and I will take him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him in Hebrew,
“Rabbouni,” which means Teacher.
Jesus said to her,
“Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.
But go to my brothers and tell them,
‘I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.’”
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”
and then reported what he told her.