Good Example

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081318.cfm) reminds me that I should be a good example to others. 

When we have idols or people we look up to, how they act affect us. When we see athletes, leaders or celebrities doing great things outside the court or in real life, helping others and living up to our expectations on why we look up to them, we feel inspired. However, when we see them involved in scandals and issues, we feel disappointed. This is probably what Jesus was thinking in the gospel. 

In the gospel, we see that Jesus, being the Son of God, was supposed to be exempted from paying temple tax. The temple is his Father's house, so there is no need to pay taxes. However, just so he may not offend others, he pays this tax. Some say that this is not just because he wants to avoid issues with authorities, but more to be a good example for those looking up to him and following him. He does not want them to mistake his not paying tax as a revolt against the temple, or that he is too proud. He does not want to be a stumbling block to those who look up to him and follow him. 

We should be good examples to others. 

Just as Jesus was, we should too. Wether we know it or not, as Christians, we reflect Jesus. People associate Jesus to us - our actions, our decisions, our way of life. As workers for Christ, we should be good examples to others. We should be extra careful on our actions and what we do. Because our lives may affect the faith and belief of others. 

Am I aware that my actions reflect Christ? How do I act around others? Am I being a good example to them? How do I act when I am alone? How can I reflect Christ through my life and my actions?

May we be aware that our lives say a lot about our faith, and strive to lo live good, honorable lives for God. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore how I act and how I live. Sorry for the times I forget that I reflect you to others. Help me be aware. Help me be willing to live right. May my life be pleasing to you. May my life reflect the gospel values. May others see you in me. Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

August 13, 2018

Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 413

Reading 1 EZ 1:2-5, 24-28C

On the fifth day of the fourth month of the fifth year,
that is, of King Jehoiachin's exile,
The word of the LORD came to the priest Ezekiel,
the son of Buzi,
in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar.—
There the hand of the LORD came upon me.

As I looked, a stormwind came from the North,
a huge cloud with flashing fire enveloped in brightness,
from the midst of which (the midst of the fire)
something gleamed like electrum.
Within it were figures resembling four living creatures
that looked like this: their form was human.

Then I heard the sound of their wings,
like the roaring of mighty waters,
like the voice of the Almighty.
When they moved, the sound of the tumult was like the din of an army.
And when they stood still, they lowered their wings.

Above the firmament over their heads
something like a throne could be seen,
looking like sapphire.
Upon it was seated, up above, one who had the appearance of a man.
Upward from what resembled his waist I saw what gleamed like electrum;
downward from what resembled his waist I saw what looked like fire;
he was surrounded with splendor.
Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day
was the splendor that surrounded him.
Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm PS 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14

R. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights;
Praise him, all you his angels;
praise him, all you his hosts.
R. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the kings of the earth and all peoples,
the princes and all the judges of the earth,
Young men too, and maidens,
old men and boys,
R. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.
R. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
And he has lifted up the horn of his people.
Be this his praise from all his faithful ones,
from the children of Israel, the people close to him.
Alleluia.
R. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia SEE 2 THES 2:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God has called you through the Gospel
To possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 17:22-27

As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee,
Jesus said to them,
"The Son of Man is to be handed over to men,
and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."
And they were overwhelmed with grief.

When they came to Capernaum,
the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said,
"Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?"
"Yes," he said.
When he came into the house, before he had time to speak,
Jesus asked him, "What is your opinion, Simon?
From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax?
From their subjects or from foreigners?"
When he said, "From foreigners," Jesus said to him,
"Then the subjects are exempt.
But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook,
and take the first fish that comes up.
Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax.
Give that to them for me and for you."