Credit to God

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/043018.cfm) reminds me that I should always give credit to God. 

A good manager knows not just how to manage, but to develop and improve his or her team. He should also know how to give credit where credit is due. A good team performance reflects on the manager as the head, but he should know that it would not be achieved without the people doing their work well. No single manager can take credit for the success of his team, because a lot of people are involved. In the same way that managers should give credit to his team, the more we should give credit to God

We cannot achieve anything without God’s blessings.

In the first reading, we see Paul and Barnabas do great works in the name of God. However, people gave them credit for that and treated them as gods. However, They did not let this get into their heads, and instead pointed to God as the source and the reason for all their works. In the gospel Jesus reminded the apostles that the Holy Spirit will cause them to remember his teachings - the Holy Spirit, not themselves and their memory. 

In our lives, we strive for greatness. We want to be achievers. We want to be respected and accomplished. And sometimes, we get it, and even accomplish greater than what we wanted. However, we should not let these things get in our heads. It is God who allowed these things to happen. God gave us the intelligence, the right opportunities and connections, the breaks that allowed these things to happen. We may have worked hard, but we should always remember that God is the one ultimately responsible for everything – thus we should always remember not just to thank him, but also to point to him and acknowledge all his works in our lives. We should always give him back the credit, and give back to others a portion of what we have received from Him.

What are the things I am praying for? What are the things that i prayed for and now have or have accomplished? How do I feel about these things? Am I proud to have had accomplished these things due to my own hardwork and perseverance? Or do I know, realize and acknowledge God’s helping hands blessing and guiding me throughout?

As we start another week, may we be one with the psalmist in praying “Not to us, Lord, but to your name give the glory”

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another week. thank you for another chance to experience your love and blessings. Lord, I thank you for helping me achieve things in life. Thank you for your provisions. Thank you for everything. Lord, sorry for the times I forget you. Sorry for the times I get proud. Sorry for forgetting that your guiding and helping hand is always with me. Help me live right. I give you back all the praise and honor that come with them. I also pledge to give back to others and in my own little way, help them experience your love and blessings on earth. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/05/faith-to-be-healed.html

Daily Readings

April 30, 2018

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 285

Reading 1 ACTS 14:5-18

There was an attempt in Iconium
by both the Gentiles and the Jews,
together with their leaders,
to attack and stone Paul and Barnabas.
They realized it,
and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe
and to the surrounding countryside,
where they continued to proclaim the Good News.

At Lystra there was a crippled man, lame from birth,
who had never walked.
He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him,
saw that he had the faith to be healed,
and called out in a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet."
He jumped up and began to walk about.
When the crowds saw what Paul had done,
they cried out in Lycaonian,
"The gods have come down to us in human form."
They called Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes,"
because he was the chief speaker.
And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city,
brought oxen and garlands to the gates,
for he together with the people intended to offer sacrifice.

The Apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their garments
when they heard this and rushed out into the crowd, shouting,
"Men, why are you doing this?
We are of the same nature as you, human beings.
We proclaim to you good news
that you should turn from these idols to the living God,
who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.
In past generations he allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways;
yet, in bestowing his goodness,
he did not leave himself without witness,
for he gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons,
and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts."
Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds
from offering sacrifice to them.

Responsorial Psalm PS 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16

R. (1ab) Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your mercy, because of your truth.
Why should the pagans say,
"Where is their God?"
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men.
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Heaven is the heaven of the LORD,
but the earth he has given to the children of men.
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 14:26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Holy Spirit will teach you everything
and remind you of all I told you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Whoever has my commandments and observes them
is the one who loves me.
Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I will love him and reveal myself to him."
Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him,
"Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us
and not to the world?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.

"I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit
whom the Father will send in my name --
he will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.

Remain in Him

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042918.cfm) reminds me that I should always remain in God. 

Greatness is never achieved inside your comfort zone.

I believe this is true, even in different aspects of life. Athletes train and push themselves to the limit to improve themselves, to increase their endurance, their performance, their game. People who push themselves to the limit at work, in school or in business are often the ones achieve greatness. This is true in the bible as well. Those who are willing to step out of their comfort zones were used mightily by God. – David, Abraham, Moses, Paul, Elijah – to name a few great people. However, the road to greatness is never easy. 

Leaving your comfort zone causes pain.

You know you’re in your comfort zone when you have that – comfort. There is no new thing being learned, no new realizations, no new improvements, no growth. Growth is often accompanied by pain. And only when we leave our comfort zone, only when we welcome transforming pain, will we grow and improve. Only then can we achieve greatness. 

This is what Jesus tells us in the gospel. God will prune us so we can bear much fruit. It may entail pain, but it will be for a good cause. It will be for greatness as we serve him. However, there is one thing we should remember all throughout – that we should remain in Jesus, just like the great people in the bible did. They experienced a lot of pain, but they did not give up. Instead, they remained in God and trusted in Him. Thus, God used them mightily.

In the first reading, we see Paul. He was one of the great apostles. He preached God’s word to the world. However, he did not have it easy. He experienced challenges. He experienced pain. He experienced rejection. However, he remained in Christ. And he was used mightily. The disciples grew in number. 

In the second reading, we see how we should love. We should love not in word and speech, but in deed and truth. Harder to do that. But doing that makes us great. It will make us and teach us how to love greatly - the way Jesus loves. The way God wants us to love. But we can only do this, to love despite pain and despite challenges, if we remain in Him. 

What are the challenges I experience in life? How do I respond? Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone to improve and be better, or do I remain there to stat comfortable and safe? Do i trust God with everything? Do I remain in him, especially when things are tough, or do I give him up?

May we continue to be faithful and remain In Christ, especially when faced with challenges. Let us have faith that as we allow him to lead us, as we step our of our comfort zones for him, he will use us in great ways.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for the reminder. Thank you for another Sunday. Lord, I thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for all the challenges that improve me. thank you for all the opportunities for growth. Lord, sorry for the times I am not willing to trust you and step out of my comfort zone. Sorry for not being willing to do hard things for you. Help me remain in you as I live. I know that without you, I am nothing, so I will just stick to you and trust in you. Lord, I am willing to step out of my comfort zone for you. I am willing to experience pruning, to experience pain, so I can be better, so I can love you more, so I can serve you more. Do to me as you please, and use me mightily for your glory. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

April 29, 2018

Fifth Sunday of Easter
Lectionary: 53

Reading 1 ACTS 9:26-31

When Saul arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples,
but they were all afraid of him,
not believing that he was a disciple.
Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles,
and he reported to them how he had seen the Lord,
and that he had spoken to him,
and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
He moved about freely with them in Jerusalem,
and spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord.
He also spoke and debated with the Hellenists,
but they tried to kill him.
And when the brothers learned of this,
they took him down to Caesarea
and sent him on his way to Tarsus.

The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace.
It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord,
and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers.

Responsorial Psalm PS 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32

R. (26a) I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will fulfill my vows before those who fear the LORD.
The lowly shall eat their fill;
they who seek the LORD shall praise him:
"May your hearts live forever!"
R. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All the ends of the earth
shall remember and turn to the LORD;
all the families of the nations
shall bow down before him.
R. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
To him alone shall bow down
all who sleep in the earth;
before him shall bend
all who go down into the dust.
R. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
And to him my soul shall live;
my descendants shall serve him.
Let the coming generation be told of the LORD
that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born
the justice he has shown.
R. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 1 JN 3:18-24

Children, let us love not in word or speech
but in deed and truth.
Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth
and reassure our hearts before him
in whatever our hearts condemn,
for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.
Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us,
we have confidence in God
and receive from him whatever we ask,
because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
And his commandment is this:
we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,
and love one another just as he commanded us.
Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them,
and the way we know that he remains in us
is from the Spirit he gave us.

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 JN 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."

Jesus’ Name

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042818.cfm) reminds me how powerful Jesus’ name is. 

Here in our country, name dropping is common. And a lot of times, it works if used well. We mention the name of a powerful person to get us out of trouble, or to get favors. Just the mere name can do a lot. The association to a name can do a lot. In the same way, Jesus name works wonders as well. 

Just the mere name of Jesus is powerful. 

Jesus name is very powerful. In the bible it says that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth. (Philippians 2:10). Saying Jesus name is also the simplest way of praying (CCC 2668). 

In the gospel today, we see Jesus telling us how powerful his name is. 

And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

However, his name is not magic. We cannot expect that saying his name will grant us whatever wish we have. His name is not something you can blackmail God for. We should have faith in him as we say his name. We should have a good relationship with him as we pray in his name. We should have one goal - to glorify God, not ourselves, as we ask in his name. Then as it is in accordance to God's plans, what we ask for will be given us. 

We see this in the first reading. Paul and Barnabas preached God’s kingdom. They preached in Jesus name. They had oppositions and challenges, just like every disciple. However, we see how powerful they were. We see the works and the effects. A lot of people were converted. A lot of people were saved. A lot of people were filled not only with joy, but with the Holy Spirit. That is how powerful they were in Jesus’ name. 

How do I treat Jesus name? Do I treat it with reverence, or has it become a normal name or expression for me? Do I pray and ask in Jesus name?

May we always remember how simple yet so powerful Jesus name is. And make it our simple yet effective prayer. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for your love and your name. Thank you for a simple yet very powerful prayer - Jesus. Lord, sorry for the times I take Jesus name in vain. Sorry for not calling unto you. Sorry for not building and strengthening my relationship with you. Guide me in my life. May I always be reminded of your great love and power through Jesus name. Use me and make me more like you. All these I ask in Jesus name. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/04/power-of-name.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/asking-in-his-name.html

Daily Readings

April 28, 2018

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 284

Reading 1 ACTS 13:44-52

On the following sabbath
almost the whole city
gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy
and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,
“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
but since you reject it
and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation
to the ends of the earth.”

The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this
and glorified the word of the Lord.
All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread
through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers
and the leading men of the city,
stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them
and went to Iconium.
The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 8:31B-32

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 14:7-14

Jesus said to his disciples:
"If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to Jesus,
"Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do,
so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it."

Bigger Than Fears

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042718.cfm) reminds me that my faith in God should always be bigger than my fears. 

They say that worries do not empty tomorrow of it's sorrow. It empties today of its strength. This is true in a lot of situations. There are a lot of bad effects of worrying. There are studies that show that worrying and stress activate bad cells in the body and weaken the immune system, thus worrying can lead to sickness. Not only that, there are people who worry too much that it can trigger a heart attack that can be fatal. And the gospel today tells us one way we can fight being worried. 

Faith in God should be bigger than our worries. 

In the gospel, Jesus said : 

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me

Do not worry. Have faith. 

Short but very powerful words from Jesus himself. Let us imagine Jesus telling us these words as we face life’s challenges. Jesus told these words to his disciples during the last supper. He told them he would die, that he would suffer, that he would be betrayed. Imagine how the disciples must have felt. Their leader for years will soon die a humiliating death. What would happen to them? Who would guide and protect them? These probably were some of the questions going through their minds.

In our lives, we face challenges everyday. Some may not be as painful or hard as others, but we should take comfort in Jesus’ words. He is asking us to have faith in Him, the Son of God. Faith that knows he will take care of us. Faith that submits ourselves to his divine will. Faith that allows us to die of ourselves so that he may live in us. Faith that would be the source of inner peace, knowing He is in control. Faith.

What is troubling my heart now?  Why?  Are the challenges I am facing bigger than God? Am I letting them block my view of God? Why can I not focus on God, his power and his love for me? How can I improve my faith in God? Am I praying to God to help me strengthen my faith?

May we always remember Christ’s words. Do not worry. Have faith. Let us remember who is saying this to us, as the first reading and psalm say – “You are my Son, this day I have begotten you” The only Son of God tells us this. Do not worry. Have faith.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend coming up. Thank you for the very beautiful reminder to have faith in you. Lord, sorry for the many times I forget this. Sorry for the many times I let my fears, concerns and worries get the best of me. Sorry for letting the world drown me. remind me always of your love and power. Increase my faith. May I always be sensitive to your love and miracles in my life. May I always be sensitive to your power in my life. As I face life's challenges, I will be stronger because of my faith in you. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

April 27, 2018

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 283

Reading 1 ACTS 13:26-33

When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue:
“My brothers, children of the family of Abraham,
and those others among you who are God-fearing,
to us this word of salvation has been sent.
The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him,
and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets
that are read sabbath after sabbath.
For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence,
they asked Pilate to have him put to death,
and when they had accomplished all that was written about him,
they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb.
But God raised him from the dead,
and for many days he appeared to those
who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem.
These are now his witnesses before the people.
We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you
that what God promised our fathers
he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus,
as it is written in the second psalm, You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.”

Responsorial Psalm PS 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11AB

R. (7bc) You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“I myself have set up my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you.”
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You shall rule them with an iron rod;
you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.”
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
And now, O kings, give heed;
take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;
with trembling rejoice.
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
No one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 14:1-6

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.”
Thomas said to him,
“Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Serve

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042618.cfm) reminds me that I should continue to serve God, especially amidst all the challenges that come with it. 

Serviam is Latin for “I will serve.” This was St Michael the Archangel’s response to God. On the other hand, Non Serviam, which means "I will not serve", was Lucifer’s response to God.

What is your response?

Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, did not come to this world to be served. He did not come as a mighty ruler lording over us. He did not even come into this world in a nice place, not on a hospital or inn. He did not live in mansions or palaces. He could have. He has every right as the zson of God. But he did not. Jesus came as a helpless child, born in a stable, lived in a simple town as a carpenter’s son, proclaimed God’s kingdom, healed people, died for us, and eventually rose from the dead. In the gospel today, after washing the feet of his disciples , which was a task reserved for the lowest of slaves, he told them that no slave is greater than his master. We who call God our master, should follow his ways. 

We should serve others, just as Jesus served us. 

As children, as followers of Christ, we are asked to serve Him as well. Serving God starts with a decision – a decision to serve God, a decision to say Yes to Him. St Michael’s “serviam” is a testimony of that decision to serve God. Mary’s “Fiat” was her “yes” to God. We may not be perfect, we may have concerns, weaknesses and issues, but we are all called to serve God. Only when we give our own yes to God can he use us mightily. Great servants in the bible all had concerns, but their yes to God was all God needed to use them and work through them, only then could they do great things for and through God.

We see this in the first reading, when Paul continued to serve God. He continued to preach and share God to others. It was not easy. He had to travel a lot. It was dangerous because people were against him. But he understood this commandment. He understood that just as Jesus served us despite all his concerns and all the challenges, so should he. Paul also told of another servant of God, John the Baptist, who proclaimed Jesus and served him tirelessly. This should be an inspiration to us. 

Do I live my life in service of God? Do I want to serve God, or do I want God to serve me and give me what I want? Do I serve other people, knowing that God is alive and present in each one of us, or do I expect other people to serve me? Do I wait until things are perfect, until I don’t have major concerns, before I serve God and others?

May we be reminded of Christ's commandment for us to serve, and resolve to say yes to serving God through our lives. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for seeing me in me what I sometimes, or most of the times, don’t see. Thank you Lord for deeming me worthy of your love, your everlasting and unconditional love. Thank you for loving and serving me even if I don’t deserve it, even if I hurt you every time I sin. Lord, sorry for the times I focus on being served. Sorry for not having the desire and will to serve you in others. Sorry for being hard headed. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart of service. Give me a heart that would desire to love and serve you. Give me a heart that would be willing to go out of my comfort zone to serve you. Lord, I give you my Yes, my serviam, my fiat, and I ask that you guide me and be with me all throughout. Lord, life is not easy, I too have problems and concerns of my own, but I just lift up everything to you. Give me a heart to be a wounded servant, continuously serving and loving you no matter what. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

April 26, 2018

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 282

Reading 1 ACTS 13:13-25

From Paphos, Paul and his companions
set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia.
But John left them and returned to Jerusalem.
They continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia.
On the sabbath they entered into the synagogue and took their seats.
After the reading of the law and the prophets,
the synagogue officials sent word to them,
"My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation
for the people, please speak."

So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said,
"Fellow children of Israel and you others who are God-fearing, listen.
The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors
and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt.
With uplifted arm he led them out,
and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert.
When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan,
he gave them their land as an inheritance
at the end of about four hundred and fifty years.
After these things he provided judges up to Samuel the prophet.
Then they asked for a king.
God gave them Saul, son of Kish,
a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
Then he removed him and raised up David as their king;
of him he 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.'"

Responsorial Psalm PS 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 AND 27

R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
"I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
That my hand may be always with him,
and that my arm may make him strong."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
"My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,
and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
He shall say of me, 'You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.'"
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia SEE RV 1:5AB

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness,
the firstborn of the dead,
you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 13:16-20

When Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, he said to them:
"Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master
nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
I am not speaking of all of you.
I know those whom I have chosen.
But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.
From now on I am telling you before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send
receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."

Work For Christ

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042518.cfm) reminds me that I should continue to work for God, no matter how small I think my contributions are. 

In the corporate world, those who make huge contributions are highlighted and praised. Top management honors those who contribute a lot to the organization. On the other hand, hardworking people who may not necessarily have huge contributions, but do their best to help and contribute, are not given much attention. This causes these people to lose morale. However, this is not the way with God's kingdom. 

God values everything we do for him - big or small. 

As we celebrate the feast of St Mark, we are reminded of this. In the gospel we see that Jesus told his disciples to go our into the world and proclaim the gospel. His disciples followed and preached about the gospel after Jesus was taken into heaven. They really did this as we see In the first reading that Peter and Mark are still doing God's work and proclaiming Jesus to others.

Mark was one of the twelve in the gospel, and he continued Christ's commandment to work for Him and preach about the gospel. In the first reading, Peter tells us that Mark still does this. Mark may not have written a lot, like Paul and Peter, but we see that he was still doing God's work. No matter how small your contribution may seem, God acknowledges it as we see in today's feast. What is important is if we follow his commandment. 

As we do God's work, we are not empty handed. Jesus spent years with his disciples, teaching and guiding them. He did not just choose twelve and sent them out. In the gospel he told them that he will always be with them, and there would be signs not for them to believe, but for others to be affirmed that God is indeed on their side. Jesus is with us as we do God's work. From then, until now. 

May we be inspired by Mark and all others who tirelessly work for God. May we do our part, no matter how small we feel our service may be.  And as we do so, as we work for God, let us not be surprised of God's signs and power manifesting in us for God's glory. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to live for you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for feeling small. Sorry for looking down on myself, on my talents, and on what I can do for you. I know you appreciate whatever I can offer, and you will magnify it. Lord give me the desire, the will, and the strength to always work for you in little and big ways. Use me to glorify yourself. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

April 25, 2018

Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist
Lectionary: 555

Reading 1 1 PT 5:5B-14

Beloved:
Clothe yourselves with humility
in your dealings with one another, for:
God opposes the proud
but bestows favor on the humble.

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time.
Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

Be sober and vigilant.
Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, steadfast in faith,
knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world
undergo the same sufferings.
The God of all grace
who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus
will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you
after you have suffered a little.
To him be dominion forever. Amen.

I write you this briefly through Silvanus,
whom I consider a faithful brother,
exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God.
Remain firm in it.
The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son.
Greet one another with a loving kiss.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Responsorial Psalm PS 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17

R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The heavens proclaim your wonders, O LORD,
and your faithfulness, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies can rank with the LORD?
Who is like the LORD among the sons of God?
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.
At your name they rejoice all the day,
and through your justice they are exalted.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia 1 COR 1:23A-24B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We proclaim Christ crucified;
he is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 16:15-20

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
"Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe:
in my name they will drive out demons,
they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.
They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them
and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.