Greater Gift

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/100116.cfm) reminds me that God usually has a greater gift for us, much greater than the one he allowed to be taken away. 

There is a picture that stuck to me when I saw it, an image of Jesus asking for a little girl's toy, while holding a huge and better toy behind him - ready to give it to the little girl as a replacement of her current one. It stuck to me because it is true almost all of the time. The old adage that when God closes a door, he opens a window. Or sometimes, the roof! 

When God takes something away, he almost always has something better to replace it with. 

In the first reading, we see the final chapter of the book of Job. How inspiring. As Job remained faithful to God, he rewarded Job with more than what he initially had. God allowed the devil to test and take away everything from Job, except his life. But as Job remained faithful to God, everything was given back... everything and more.

God is generous. He cannot be out given. 

In the gospel, we see Jesus' disciples returning to him happy because of a successful mission. However, more than God being there to help them and enabling them to do great things in his name, Jesus reminds them that the real reason they should be happy is that their names are written in heaven. That is more than what the disciples wanted and expected.

As long as we do what God asks us to do, as long as we remain faithful to Him, we will experience immense blessings, more than we can imagine. Why, is it God's reward for his good children? I believe it's more than that. It is more than a reward.  God only wants the best for us. He will not give us what we cannot handle - both with problems and with blessings. God gives these things to those who are ready to accept them, and following God and staying faithful to Him shows that we love him more than we love this world, and that we are ready to receive properly these blessings, for God is first in our lives.

Despite all the problems and challenges in life, may we remember that God's love and blessings is always more than what we need

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 weekend. Lord, thank you for Job. Thank you for reminding me it is possible to remain faithful to you, despite being human, despite all the emotions and all the sadness we may have in our hearts. Help me be faithful like him, and be ready workers like your disciples. I know that as I live my life for you, you will take care of everything. Use me for your glory. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

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October 1, 2016
Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 460

Reading 1 Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17

Job answered the LORD and said:

I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be hindered.
I have dealt with great things that I do not understand;
things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know.
I had heard of you by word of mouth,
but now my eye has seen you.
Therefore I disown what I have said,
and repent in dust and ashes.

Thus the LORD blessed the latter days of Job
more than his earlier ones.
For he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels,
a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses.
And he had seven sons and three daughters,
of whom he called the first Jemimah,
the second Keziah, and the third Kerenhappuch.
In all the land no other women were as beautiful
as the daughters of Job;
and their father gave them an inheritance
along with their brothers.
After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years;
and he saw his children, his grandchildren,
and even his great-grandchildren.
Then Job died, old and full of years.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130

R. (135) Lord, let your face shine on me.
Teach me wisdom and knowledge,
for in your commands I trust.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,
and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
According to your ordinances they still stand firm:
all things serve you.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may know your decrees.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

Alleluia See Mt 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 10:17-24

The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus,
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”
Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power
‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy
and nothing will harm you.
Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Turning to the disciples in private he said,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”