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.”