Early Stages

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102717.cfm) reminds me that we should change our ways on the early stages, while it is still possible. 

In software development, managers, programmers and analysts want corrections to be done in the earlier phases of the project. It is easier to correct and will cost less, as compared to having all the corrections and changes done when a system or a product is already almost finished. Worse, if a product or software is already released and in production, and errors are discovered, it will be most costly, not to mention the negative image the group will have on the users. This is similar to what God wants us to do in the gospel.

It is easier to repent early, than wait for the final judgment and suffer the consequences.

In the gospel, Jesus tells the people to make amends and settle things on the way to the magistrate. Otherwise, if no  amends were made before the decision is finalized, they will have to suffer the full consequences of their actions. Jesus wants us to prepare and change our ways early on, when it is still easier, and when we still can. Otherwise, if we don’t make amends and settle, God will eventually come and judge us, and we will be made accountable for all the sins we have committed. We will bear eternal punishment.

Sometimes, we don’t feel like making amends. Sometimes we don’t feel like repenting or changing our ways. We think judgment day is far off, and that we will have time when we are old or before we die. Sometimes we totally forget about it when we get caught up in the busyness of life. Today, we are reminded of what we should do and how we should act.

May we heed His call and act early, repent, and prepare for eternity. 

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 coming up. Lord, sorry for the times. Ignore you. Sorry for not preparing for eternity. Sorry for being complacent. I thank you for knowing me and knowing how to get through me. Sometimes life gets very busy that I forget these things. Sometimes I just push it off. Help me to make the resolve. Help me to repent and live right, so that I won’t have to face you on judgment day unprepared. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/10/change-while-possible.html

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October 27, 2017
Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 477

Reading 1ROM 7:18-25A

Brothers and sisters:
I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh.
The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not.
For I do not do the good I want,
but I do the evil I do not want.
Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it,
but sin that dwells in me.
So, then, I discover the principle
that when I want to do right, evil is at hand.
For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self,
but I see in my members another principle
at war with the law of my mind,
taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.
Miserable one that I am!
Who will deliver me from this mortal body?
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Responsorial PsalmPS 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94

R. (68b) Lord, teach me your statutes.
Teach me wisdom and knowledge,
for in your commands I trust.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Never will I forget your precepts,
for through them you give me life.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

AlleluiaSEE 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.

GospelLK 12:54-59

Jesus said to the crowds,
"When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

"Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny."