Bring God to Others (Visitation 2018)

As we celebrate the feast of Mama Mary's visitation to Elizabeth today, the WORD (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/053118.cfm) reminds me that we should bring God to others. 

When we have problems, we usually don't have the will And desire to help others. We focus on ourselves and our situation. Helping others is the least of our concerns. In fact, it is the opposite. We want others to help us. However, we see today Mama Mary doing the opposite. 

After being told by the angel Gabriel that she would be the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is pregnant in her old age. Imagine how simple, humble and selfless Mama Mary is! Instead of taking care of her own needs or asking others to take care of her because she’s carrying inside her the Son of God, she herself travelled to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

Our concerns should not be our excuses for not bringing God to others. 

Elizabeth recognized how blessed Mama Mary is. John, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb, recognized it too! They recognized God visiting them, not as a glorious and powerful king, but as a simple and humble woman in Mary.

We should bring God to others!

Just as Mama Mary's visitation brought God to Elizabeth and her baby John, our presence and visitation to others should bring God to them as well. I believe it is not that hard to do it. Like Mama Mary, she did not come prepared with an exhortation or a preaching about God. She just came as she was with the intent of serving others. Simple as that. I believe this is what we should do as well. We can bring God to others by doing simple things out of love. Genuinely serve others. Being willing to step out of our comfort zone and reach out to others. Treat others right. Simple things, but these could be used by God to reach out to others.

Do I believe that God visits me everyday? In what ways? Am I ready and willing to be used by God to visit other people as well? Does my presence bring God to others? What concrete actions can I do to bring God to others? 

May we be sensitive of God’s visitation to us today, and allow him to use us to visit others as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the beautiful reminder. I thank you for choosing Mama Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Thank you that you chose a simple and humble woman from a simple place to be the earthly mother of your Son. Thank you because I know that just as you chose and used her, you can also choose me, a simple servant of yours, to accomplish your work and use me in a great way to proclaim your kingdom. Sorry for the times I don't act like her. Sorry for focusing on my concerns and problems, instead of focusing on you and on serving you. sorry for having lots of excuses.  I ask that I be more aware of your presence as you visit me today through other people and the circumstances surrounding me. And as I become sensitive to you visiting me, may I also be sensitive and cooperative to allow you to use me to visit others as well. Fill me with your love and presence, so I may bring you to others through the things that I do. Use me and my life to bring and proclaim you to others.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 31, 2018

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Lectionary: 572

Reading 1 ZEP 3:14-18A

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.

or 

ROM 12:9-16

Brothers and sisters:
Let love be sincere;
hate what is evil,
hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection;
anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal,
be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction,
persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,
exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you,
bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another;
do not be haughty but associate with the lowly;
do not be wise in your own estimation.

Responsorial Psalm ISAIAH 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6

R. (6) Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Alleluia SEE LK 1:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed
That what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 1:39-56

Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."

And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."

Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.

Intense Love

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/053018.cfm) reminds me that God wants me to love intensely. 

Intense. 

It is a strong word. Something that defines something so strongly. So exciting. So passionate. Intense sports game. Intense concert. Intense competition. Intense exchange of words and ideas. We do not usually use it in everyday conversation but we know what it means. This strong word should describe how we love. 

Our love for God and others should be intense. 

We all know that God wants us to love one another. It is a given. However, in today's first reading, Peter reminds us that we should not be contented with just loving. We should love with intensity. This is how God wants us to love each other. We should love others with intensity. Love is powerful, and the more intense we love, the more intense we serve, the more intense and strong the power of that love. We should love God through other with passion. Intense. 

In the gospel, we see how Jesus wants us to love this. We want to be great. We want to be leaders. However, God’s definition of greatness is different from the world. His is intense. He wants us to serve t be great, not to have a lot of servants. Jesus, the king of kings and son of God, came here to serve us. That is how we would be great in his eyes. That is how he wants us to love him. 

Do I love God? How? How do I show and demonstrate my love for him in a concrete way? Do I love and serve my neighbour? Is my love for God and neighbour intense? How can I make it that way, as God wants it?

May we be inspired and challenged to love God and others in an intense way. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to know you more. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for loving me intensely. Thank you for guiding and protecting me. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, sorry for not doing this. Sorry for not living this. Sorry for having a lot of excuses. Sorry for all my issues and priorities. Help me live and love right. help me love you in an intense manner. Help me love others this way. May my love for and faith in you be intense, so you may use me mightily as well. May my love make you more real in this world.  Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/10/to-be-great.html

Daily Readings

May 30, 2018

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 349

Reading 1 1 PT 1:18-25

Beloved:
Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct,
handed on by your ancestors,
not with perishable things like silver or gold
but with the precious Blood of Christ
as of a spotless unblemished Lamb.
He was known before the foundation of the world
but revealed in the final time for you,
who through him believe in God
who raised him from the dead and gave him glory,
so that your faith and hope are in God.

Since you have purified yourselves
by obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love,
love one another intensely from a pure heart.
You have been born anew,
not from perishable but from imperishable seed,
through the living and abiding word of God, for:

"All flesh is like grass,
and all its glory like the flower of the field;
the grass withers,
and the flower wilts;
but the word of the Lord remains forever."
This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.

Responsorial Psalm PS 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia MK 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man cane to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 10:32-45

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem,
and Jesus went ahead of them.
They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.
Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them
what was going to happen to him.
"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man
will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes,
and they will condemn him to death
and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him,
spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death,
but after three days he will rise."

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
came to Jesus and said to him,
"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you."
He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?"
They answered him,
"Grant that in your glory
we may sit one at your right and the other at your left."
Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I drink
or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"
They said to him, "We can."
Jesus said to them, "The chalice that I drink, you will drink,
and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;
but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared."
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.
Jesus summoned them and said to them,
"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles
lord it over them,
and their great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Gird

The WORD (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052918.cfm) today reminds me that I should always be ready to do God’s work. 

There is a story about a pig and a cow. The pig was complaining to the cow “Life is unfair. I give others everything - my knuckles, my belly, my ears, some even lechon my whole body. But people don’t like me! They say I smell bad, that I am noisy. People even call me baboy! Unlike you, you just give your milk but people like you. They even made a drink named after your sound, Moo!” To this the cow replied – “Maybe this is because I give while I am still alive”

All of us will eventually meet our creator. And it doesn’t matter how much money you will leave to charity when you die, kasi hindi mo talaga madadala yun sa pupuntahan mo. What matters to God is not what we will leave behind in this earth, but what we give while we are still alive. What we give while it still hurts. How we live our life on earth. 

In the first reading it says that we should gird up the loins of our minds. To gird means to secure on the body with a belt or a band. To secure. To protect. To be ready. One girds so he would always be ready - to attack, to go, to act. We should do this in our spiritual life. Let us start to gird our loins. Let us start preparing as we meet him. Ultimately, we will come face to face with God. We will give an accounting of our lives to Him. And based on how we live our lives on earth will determine where we will spend my eternity. 

These acts – reading the bible, sacraments, praying, are not enough to get me to heaven. Because we can attend the mass without being there. We can confess without meaning it. We can receive you in communion without being prepared.  We can read the bible, pray, and attend community activities with wrong intentions. Only one thing is needed for us to be ready - a surrendered heart. A heart ready to receive God. A heart ready to follow him. a heart ready to die of ourselves so that God may live in us. 

In the gospel Jesus says that there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age

We should be ready to give up things for God. We should be ready to act and see him. This would enable us to be ready to meet him. 

Waiting may not be easy, but being ready when we meet face to face will have heavenly rewards. God will also gird his loins and bless those who are ready upon his arrival. We should do our part and wait on Him as we prepare to meet him.  

Am I prepared to meet God? Am I doing what God wants me to do with my life? Am I always ready to serve God? Do I serve God? How can I prepare myself to meet Him?

May we always be ready to serve and meet God anytime. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another reminder. Amidst the busyness of this week, it is good to be reminded. Sorry for being so busy and for being distracted. Sorry for not focusing on you. Sorry for putting you last. Help me examine my life. Lord, as I look inside my heart, I know it is not so clean. But like your presence in the manger in Bethlehem, it is enough to make it clean, to make it a worthy place for you. Lord, I give you my heart – with all the sins, impurities and desires. Take it Lord. Live in it, Lord. And as I do so, I know you will slowly transform me to become more and more like you. as I do so, I will slowly become ready to face you. I will slowly be ready to act and serve you always. Help me live pleasing to you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/08/are-you-ready.html

Daily Readings

May 29, 2018

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 348

Reading 1 1 PT 1:10-16

Beloved:
Concerning the salvation of your souls
the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours
searched and investigated it
investigating the time and circumstances
that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated
when it testified in advance
to the sufferings destined for Christ
and the glories to follow them.
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you
with regard to the things that have now been announced to you
by those who preached the Good News to you
through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven,
things into which angels longed to look.

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly,
and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Like obedient children,
do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance
but, as he who called you is holy,
be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct,
for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.

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

R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.
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. The Lord has made known his salvation.
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. The Lord has made known his salvation.
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. The Lord has made known his salvation.

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 MK 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus,
"We have given up everything and followed you."
Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."

Temporary Trials

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052818.cfm) reminds me that trials of this world are temporary, and overcoming them brings eternal rewards. 

Looking at the world, we see that a lot of wicked people prosper. Worldly people prosper. Those corrupt, abusive and evil people seem to be rewarded. They prosper in the world, attaining wealth, power and glory. However, those who do good and try to follow God do not seem to be rewarded. This may be what it looks like, but the first reading tells us the truth. 

rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

God sees our suffering. And God will reward those are faithful to Him. 

There you go. Makes sense, right? As we experience challenges, trials and problems because of our faith, because of following God, we know that these things will strengthen us, will strengthen our faith, and we will be able to praise, honor and glorify God more. And this will eventually lead to our eternal reward - when we spend eternity with Him. 

When we see other people, worldly people prosper, let us not lose hope. Let us not question ourselves. Let us continue to trust in God. Let us continue to do good. Let us suffer for Him. Let us get strength from him and allow him to fill us. And let us expect him to change us and make us more like him. 

What are the challenging I am experiencing right now? Are these because of my own doing and bad decisions, or are these because of my faith in God that results in me doing the right things though it may be unpopular and not beneficial? How do I respond to these challenges? How do I see these challenges? 

May we always be firm and faithful to God, especially when faced with challenges.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for the reminder and exhortation. Sorry for the times I question you when I suffer. Sorry for the times I compare myself with others, and envy prosperous people. Sorry for the times I give up and turn my back on you when experiencing suffering and pain. Lord, as I experience challenges for you, may I remain faithful and focused on you. Help me be loyal.  I surrender, Lord. Use me for your greater glory. Make me more like you. And when the right time comes, may you welcome me into your kingdom. Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/02/what-must-i-do.html

Daily Readings

May 28, 2018

Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 347

Reading 1 1 PT 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you
who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while
you may have to suffer through various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.

Responsorial Psalm PS 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 AND 10C

R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
His praise endures forever.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia 2 COR 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother."
He replied and said to him,
"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
"You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
At that statement, his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
"How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!"
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
"Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God."
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
"Then who can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said,
"For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God."

Holy Trinity 2018

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052718.cfm) reminds me that I should have faith in the Holy Trinity. 

People take interest with mysteries. Aliens, UFO's, paranormal, etc. There are a lot of shows that deal with mysteries and similar things. There are studies. There are people who devote a lot of time, effort and resources to study and know more about mysteries. However, as such, there are also a lot who don't believe in these things. They want scientific proof and evidences. 

Today, we celebrate one of the greatest mysteries of our faith - The Holy Trinity

The readings today tells us of the Holy Trinity. In the first reading, we see the greatness and love of God the Father. He created everything. His hand is on everything that happened. He let things happen. As such, he deserves all the love and respect we can give him. In the second reading, we see the power of God the Holy Spirit, to be with us always and work through us. The Holy Spirit makes us children of God. By the Spirit, we can call God our father. And in the gospel we see Jesus, God the Son, who was with us, and commissioned us to continue his work, before telling them He was with them, with us, until the end of age – through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Trinity - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 

God is everywhere. And God is with us always. 

The psalmist reminds us that we are blessed, as we are God’s chosen people. But with it comes the responsibility to continue Jesus’ mission. As Jesus told his disciples in the gospel, we are to make disciples of all nation. We are to proclaim God and spread his kingdom. We are to do God’s work on earth. But we are to remember that we are not to do this alone. God is always with us through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Trinity is one of the mysteries of our faith that is very hard to explain and understand. Being a mystery, it is only a heart full of faith that can accept and understand this. We may not be able to explain it well, or may not be able to understand everything, but we just need to have faith. 

Do I believe in the Holy Spirit? How is my relationship with God? Do I have doubts? What do i do about it? Do I pray and try to get to know him more?

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is one and all there for us. May we feel his presence in our lives, especially as we do his work.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for your greatness. Thank you for your power. Thank you for your love. And thank you that all these are for me. Help me Lord to do my best and work for you. Help me do your command and make disciples of all nations as I live on earth. Father God, as I live my life, I will not understand everything that is happening. I have questions and concerns. But Lord, I ask for faith that trusts in your love, trusts in the Holy Trinity, even if I cannot explain or understand. And I have faith that you will always be there to help, support, guide and protect me. May I live my life by faith and not by sight. Amen

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 27, 2018

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Lectionary: 165

Reading 1 DT 4:32-34, 39-40

Moses said to the people:
"Ask now of the days of old, before your time,
ever since God created man upon the earth;
ask from one end of the sky to the other:
Did anything so great ever happen before?
Was it ever heard of?
Did a people ever hear the voice of God
speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live?
Or did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself
from the midst of another nation,
by testings, by signs and wonders, by war,
with strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors,
all of which the LORD, your God,
did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?
This is why you must now know,
and fix in your heart, that the LORD is God
in the heavens above and on earth below,
and that there is no other.
You must keep his statutes and commandments that I enjoin on you today,
that you and your children after you may prosper,
and that you may have long life on the land
which the LORD, your God, is giving you forever."

Responsorial Psalm PS 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22

R. (12b) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made;
by the breath of his mouth all their host.
For he spoke, and it was made;
he commanded, and it stood forth.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Reading 2ROM 8:14-17

Brothers and sisters:
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear,
but you received a Spirit of adoption,
through whom we cry, "Abba, Father!"
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit
that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs,
heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,
if only we suffer with him
so that we may also be glorified with him.

Alleluia RV 1:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;
to God who is, who was, and who is to come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.
When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
Then Jesus approached and said to them,
"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Pray

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052618.cfm) reminds me how important and powerful prayer is. 

When we have problems, we often hear from or tell others to pray. Magdasal ka lang. Ipagdadasal kita. Idaan mo nalang yan sa dasal. Sometimes, we just pray because we don't know what to do anymore. Sometimes we pray because we cannot do anything anymore. But in the first reading we are reminded that we should pray because it is important and powerful. And we should pray always, if we are feeling down, if we have problems, and if we are happy. 

Prayer is powerful. 

Prayer is our hotline to God. And it is important and powerful to pray. God hears our prayers. And will always be generous to his praying and trusting children. The more we pray, the more we talk to God, the more God can talk to us as well. And in prayer, we just don't talk to God. He talks to us. And as he does that, he slowly changes us and transforms us to be more and more like him. 

What is interesting is the verse that says that the fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful. It further explained it by citing Elijah as an example. Wow. So we should aspire to be righteous. We should work on always being right with God, on being at peace with God. We should work on being one with God. This is because as we pray, we are becoming righteous. We are being filled with God. And as we are filled with God, our prayers become God's prayers. We become more sensitive to what God wants us to pray for. And if we are praying these things, God will grant them. 

How do I see prayer? Do I always pray? When? Do I pray only when I am sad and have problems, or do I pray with thanksgiving when I am happy and everything is going well? How can I improve my prayer life and my relationship with God?

May we be inspired by the power of prayer and make the most out of this gift. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for this weekend. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I don't pray. Sorry for the times I get too tired or too lazy to pray. Remind me of the power, importance and beauty of prayer. May I feel your love and presence through prayer. May I develop a desire for prayer.  And as I pray, I ask that you move me, fill me, and transform me to become more like you. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 26, 2018

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
Lectionary: 346

Reading 1 JAS 5:13-20

Beloved:
Is anyone among you suffering?
He should pray.
Is anyone in good spirits?
He should sing a song of praise.
Is anyone among you sick?
He should summon the presbyters of the Church,
and they should pray over him
and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
The prayer of faith will save the sick person,
and the Lord will raise him up.
If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
Elijah was a man like us;
yet he prayed earnestly that it might not rain,
and for three years and six months it did not rain upon the land.
Then Elijah prayed again, and the sky gave rain
and the earth produced its fruit.

My brothers and sisters,
if anyone among you should stray from the truth
and someone bring him back,
he should know that whoever brings back a sinner
from the error of his way will save his soul from death
and will cover a multitude of sins.

Responsorial Psalm PS 141:1-2, 3 AND 8

R. (2a) Let my prayer come like incense before you.
O LORD, to you I call; hasten to me;
hearken to my voice when I call upon you.
Let my prayer come like incense before you;
the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice.
R. Let my prayer come like incense before you.
O LORD, set a watch before my mouth,
a guard at the door of my lips.
For toward you, O God, my LORD, my eyes are turned;
in you I take refuge; strip me not of life.
R. Let my prayer come like incense before you.

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.

GospelMK 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
"Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it."
Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them. 

Integrity

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052518.cfm) reminds me that I should have integrity and honor God with my words and actions. 

They say to have integrity is to say what you mean, and mean what you say. You cannot just say things and not mean it, or not do it. A person with integrity is someone whose words we can count on. This is what God wants from us. 

In the first reading, this us what we see. We see that God wants us to  say yes when we mean yes, and no when we mean no. God wants us to honor our word. To be true to our word. Talk is cheap so he wants us to back it up with actions. He wants our words to be consistent with our actions - in our worldly life and our spiritual life. 

When we give our word, when we say something, God wants us to mean it, to do our best to keep it, to honor it, and to stick to it. In worldly life this is important, but more so in spiritual life. When we say we love God and we want to follow him, we should be ready to live it. God expects us to live it - that we be willing to die of ourselves and our selfish desires, and allow God to live through us. 

We honor God through our words. When we do what we say, and say what we do, we are witnessing for God. Our honesty and integrity would remind people how honest and straight God is. Our being faithful to what we say reminds people that God is faithful. Everything, no matter how simple it may be, if done for God, glorifies and honors God.

What is integrity for me? Do I have it? Do I live it? Do i say yes when i mean yes, and make sure I live up to my word? Or do I always bail out and makes it hard for people to trust in what I say? Do I keep my word to God? How can I improve and concretize integrity in my life?

May we always be true to our word and testify to God's goodness and greatness. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend coming up. Thank you for another chance to experience your love. Lord i thank you for reminding me how important to you my word is. I am sorry for the times I am not true to my word. sorry for the times I do not keep my word. sorry for the times I tell you I love you, but do not live it. Help me live a life consistent with my words. Help me be true to my word. help me honor you with my words. May the way I honor my word remind people of your love, greatness and honor. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/05/persevere-with-purpose.html

Daily Readings

May 25, 2018

Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 345

Reading 1 JAS 5:9-12

Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another,
that you may not be judged.
Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters,
the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered.
You have heard of the perseverance of Job,
and you have seen the purpose of the Lord,
because the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear,
either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath,
but let your "Yes" mean "Yes" and your "No" mean "No,"
that you may not incur condemnation.

Responsorial Psalm PS 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12

R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

Alleluia SEE JN 17:17B, 17A

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Your word, O Lord, is truth;
consecrate us in the truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 10:1-12

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan.
Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom,
he again taught them.
The Pharisees approached him and asked,
"Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?"
They were testing him.
He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?"
They replied,
"Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce
and dismiss her."
But Jesus told them,
"Because of the hardness of your hearts
he wrote you this commandment.
But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together,
no human being must separate."
In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this.
He said to them,
"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another
commits adultery against her;
and if she divorces her husband and marries another,
she commits adultery."