For or Against

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/093018.cfm) reminds me that I should decide if i am for or against God. 

There are a lot of politicians who stay on the safe side. This safe side is the strong side or the administration. Unlike in other countries where political parties are defined by their beliefs and values, here, it usually is just dependent on the administration, whoever has majority and the power. So politicians change parties often. They stay where it will be politically safe and wise based on the situation and the administration. They do not make their own firm stand. This is something that would not work with God.

You are either for God or against him.

There is no middle ground. God does not want a middle ground. In revelation, he said that he will spit out of his mouth those like lukewarm water. We should either be hot or cold. Jesus says in the gospel that we are either for God or against him. In the first reading, Moses also affirmed that those proclaiming God is for God, no matter where they come from. We cannot be in the middle – choosing which commandments and laws to obey. We cannot choose what doctrines we are comfortable with and believe in just those. We cannot choose what commandments we want to obey and just do those. It’s all or nothing – for God or against God.

God untiringly sends people to wake us up, to make us come to our senses and follow him. But he cannot force us. He will not force us. The decision is ours. 

Are there commandments I do not follow? Do I choose what I believe in? Do I just do and obey what is comfortable to me? Am I living for God or against him? What is God telling me today? 

May we listen to God as we hear his voice today calling us, and may we decide to live for Him all the time. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, I am sorry for the times I ignore this. Sorry for the times I only choose what I believe in, what I want, what is comfortable and acceptable to me. Sorry for not being for you all the time. Help me live right. Create in me a pure and clean heart, that I may wholeheartedly follow you as I live my life. May I choose you all the time. And may my actions, may my life tell you that I am for you. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 30, 2018

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 137

Reading 1 NM 11:25-29

The LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses.
Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses,
the LORD bestowed it on the seventy elders;
and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.

Now two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad,
were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp.
They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent;
yet the spirit came to rest on them also,
and they prophesied in the camp.
So, when a young man quickly told Moses,
"Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp, "
Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses' aide, said,
"Moses, my lord, stop them."
But Moses answered him,
"Are you jealous for my sake?
Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!
Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!"

Responsorial Psalm PS 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14

R. (9a) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
the decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
Though your servant is careful of them,
very diligent in keeping them,
yet who can detect failings?
Cleanse me from my unknown faults!
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant;
let it not rule over me.
Then shall I be blameless and innocent
of serious sin.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Reading 2 JAS 5:1-6

Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries.
Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten,
your gold and silver have corroded,
and that corrosion will be a testimony against you;
it will devour your flesh like a fire.
You have stored up treasure for the last days.
Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers
who harvested your fields are crying aloud;
and the cries of the harvesters
have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure;
you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter.
You have condemned;
you have murdered the righteous one;
he offers you no resistance.

Alleluia CF. JN 17:17B, 17A

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

Gospel MK 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

At that time, John said to Jesus,
"Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,
and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us."
Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name
who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.
Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink
because you belong to Christ,
amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,
it would be better for him if a great millstone
were put around his neck
and he were thrown into the sea.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.
It is better for you to enter into life maimed
than with two hands to go into Gehenna,
into the unquenchable fire.
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off.
It is better for you to enter into life crippled
than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye
than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'"

Confident in Battle

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092918.cfm) reminds me that I should be confident in battle against the evil one. 

Culture depicts the devil/satan as a powerful and scary creature, and it depicts God as a peaceful and loving creature. We also associate angels with cute babies and kids. This sometimes make us think that the devil is more powerful than God. However, this is not true. As they say, angels are not cute babies, but mighty beings. They are soldiers of God. That's why they defeated Satan in the first reading. We tend to forget that though God is peaceful and loving God, He is also powerful - more powerful than the devil. As such, as long as we are on God's side, we need not be afraid of anything or anyone.

The first reading shows us three saints whose feast we are celebrating today. Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael bravely and confidently fought the devil. They have a reason to do so, because they are on God's side.

War broke out in heaven;

Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.

The dragon and its angels fought back,

but they did not prevail

and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,

who is called the Devil and Satan,

who deceived the whole world,

was thrown down to earth,

and its angels were thrown down with it

In the gospel, we again see a glimpse of how powerful God through Jesus is. He is not bound by time and space. He may be in this world, but he is definitely not of this world.

Sometimes, when problems overwhelm us, we feel helpless. When the world seems to crush on us, we feel hopeless. When situations seem too strong for us, we feel afraid and insecure. We fear the power of the devil and what he can do to us. Today, we are reminded to be strong and confident as we fight for and with God. No problem or sickness is too strong for God. He is powerful and loving. We should just trust in Him. 

God is powerful and strong. His angels watching over us are powerful and strong as well. We are in good hands as long as we are in God's hands. We should be confident in battle, especially as we face challenges because of our faith in and love for God. 

What are my current concerns and fears? What is troubling me right now? How do I feel about these? Do I know that God is in control and he is all powerful and all loving? Do I have faith in his goodness, power and love? 

Just as God is loving and peaceful, he also is very powerful. May this calm us and remind us who we should fight for. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the encouraging reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I forget how powerful you are. Sorry for the times I forget how powerful your angels are. Sorry for the times I forget how loving you are. Remind me of your great love and power. May we always be ready and willing to bravely and confidently fight for you, the way the archangels did. May I defend your kingdom with the way I live. Lord, I thank you for the gift of life. In a special way, I ask you to bless all those celebrating their birthdays today especially my uncle Miguel. Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for always being with him.  I ask that you continue to bless, protect and defend him. May he continue to experience your love and your power in his life. And May he always be a blessing to others. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 29, 2018

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
Lectionary: 647

Reading 1 DN 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched:

Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw

One like a son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
nations and peoples of every language serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Or RV 12:7-12AB

War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back,
but they did not prevail
and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,
who is called the Devil and Satan,
who deceived the whole world,
was thrown down to earth,
and its angels were thrown down with it.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
"Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who accuses them before our God day and night.
They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them."

Responsorial Psalm PS 138:1-2AB, 2CDE-3, 4-5

R. (1) In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
"Great is the glory of the LORD
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Alleluia PS 103:21

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 1:47-51

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
"Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him."
Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."
Nathanael answered him,
"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this."
And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Who Am I to You?

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092818.cfm) reminds me to work on my relationship with God. 

The gospel shows us Jesus asking the disciples the question: Who am I to you? He asked them who other people said he was, but it was really not important to Jesus. What matters to him is who his disciples see him for. Who he is to his disciples. Peter proclaimed that Jesus is the Christ of God. Jesus then affirmed it, and reminded them that even though he is such, he will have to suffer in the hands of people – telling them that they would suffer too as his followers, but with the assurance of victory when Jesus told them he will be raised on the third day.

Today, God is asking us the same question: Who am I to you? It does not matter what other people say Jesus is. It does not matter what sins we have committed in the past. It does not matter what we intend to do in our lives. What matters for Christ is our answer to his question. And we can only say he is our God if we have an intimate and personal relationship with him. if we don’t pray, if we don’t hear mass and take the sacraments, if we don’t read the bible, if we don’t experience Jesus, we cannot honestly say that he is our God. Probably we can say that other people say he is, or other people say he is a great and loving God, but unless we build an intimate relationship with Him, we cannot say the same.

We are challenged today.

We can all have that relationship with Christ. We can all call him our Christ, our Messiah, our Savior. However, we need to do our part. We need to exert effort and work on our relationship with Christ. And he will come meet us and help us and give us what we really desire. 

Who is Jesus to you? Who is Jesus in your life? Do you put Him first in your life? Do you believe that He is the all loving, all merciful, all powerful God? Do you believe that He can work great things to and through you?

May we find it in our hearts to answer him like Peter did – that he is Christ the God, that he is God in our lives. May we work to have an intimate and personal relationship with Him, and work harder to maintain and grow it.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder and the challenge. I praise and adore you for who you are. Lord, I am so blessed that you are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and that no matter what I do, you will not love me less. I am so grateful to be worshipping the same God that Peter worshipped, and I believe that you will use me in a mighty way the same way you used Peter for your glory. Lord, sorry for not having a personal and intimate relationship with you. Sorry for not prioritizing you. Sorry for being complacent. help me. Give me the desire and will to know you more. I will do my part. I ask that you help me live my life proclaiming that you are the Messiah, that you are my God, so that I can bring people to you and glorify you. Help me build and sustain an intimate and personal relationship with you. This I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 28, 2018

Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 453

Reading 1 ECCL 3:1-11

There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every thing under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;
a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.

What advantage has the worker from his toil?
I have considered the task that God has appointed
for the sons of men to be busied about.
He has made everything appropriate to its time,
and has put the timeless into their hearts,
without man's ever discovering,
from beginning to end, the work which God has done.

Responsorial Psalm PS 144:1B AND 2ABC, 3-4

R. (1) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
my mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
LORD, what is man, that you notice him;
the son of man, that you take thought of him?
Man is like a breath;
his days, like a passing shadow.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Alleluia MK 10:45

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

Gospel LK 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude,
and the disciples were with him,
he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
They said in reply, "John the Baptist; others, Elijah;
still others, 'One of the ancient prophets has arisen.'"
Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter said in reply, "The Christ of God."
He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, "The Son of Man must suffer greatly
and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.

Right Reasons

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092718.cfm) reminds me that I should have the right reasons in looking for God. 

There are a lot of church groups nowadays, which is very good. These groups and organizations help us know God more. They help us learn more about our faith and how we could live them. However, not all have the right reasons when attending these gatherings or joining these groups. some people who join and attend gatherings not because they are looking for God and want to improve their faith, but because they are looking for new friends, especially from the opposite sex who they can go on a date with. Some are looking to expand their network. This is probably the same as Herod’s reasons in the gospel.

Herod kept trying to see Jesus. 

Why? Because he probably wanted to know who Jesus is, and what the fuss is all about. He probably wanted to know if what the people were saying are true. There could be many reasons why Herod was looking for Jesus. However, what’s more important is our reasons for looking for Jesus – if we are looking for Him in the first place.

Why should we look for Jesus? Jesus is anything and everything we need. He is the Son of God. He is able. He loves us. We just need to seek him and humbly come to him, surrendering ourselves to him. IF we seek him, we will find him, if we seek him with all of our heart (Jeremiah 29:13)

Finding Jesus is not enough. After finding Jesus, we should spread him to others

All of us have gifts, talents and skills given by God to be used for His purpose, to further his kingdom. Time spent in the internet, browsing social media sites and watching videos can be used to instead pray, read the bible, and strengthen our relationship with God. Skills used for work and business may also be used in medical missions, outreach, or fundraising activities to build God's kingdom. Connections in government and society may be used not just for our own benefit, but to benefit others who need to feel and be reminded of God's love on earth. 

How do I use my skills, talents and resources? Do I use them to spread God’s kingdom? Do I look for God? Do iI consider him in my decisions? 

May we do our part and look for Jesus, and when we find him, may we be generous enough to share him with others. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I don't look for you. Sorry for the times I have the wrong reasons for searching for you. Help me look for your with all of my heart, Lord. May I take the time off to really look hard for you and search for you. and I know if I look for you with all of my heart, I will find you. As I find you and experience you, may I share you to others. Help me use my skills and talents for your kingdom. Help me be more aware and help me use them for your purpose and your glory. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 27, 2018

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest
Lectionary: 452

Reading 1 ECCL 1:2-11

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth,
vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!
What profit has man from all the labor
which he toils at under the sun?
One generation passes and another comes,
but the world forever stays.
The sun rises and the sun goes down;
then it presses on to the place where it rises.
Blowing now toward the south, then toward the north,
the wind turns again and again, resuming its rounds.
All rivers go to the sea,
yet never does the sea become full.
To the place where they go,
the rivers keep on going.
All speech is labored;
there is nothing one can say.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing
nor is the ear satisfied with hearing.

What has been, that will be;
what has been done, that will be done.
Nothing is new under the sun.
Even the thing of which we say, "See, this is new!"
has already existed in the ages that preceded us.
There is no remembrance of the men of old;
nor of those to come will there be any remembrance
among those who come after them.

Responsorial Psalm PS 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 AND 17BC

R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, "Return, O children of men."
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,
Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
Prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

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 LK 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening,
and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,
"John has been raised from the dead";
others were saying, "Elijah has appeared";
still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen."
But Herod said, "John I beheaded.
Who then is this about whom I hear such things?"
And he kept trying to see him.

He Provides

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092618.cfm) reminds me that God always provides. 

As a man, I want to be able to provide well for my family. However, there will always be challenges along the way. There will always be reasons and situations that can stress you. And it is fitting that the gospel today reminded me that God will provide. We should just continue to remain dependent on him as we do our part.

He said to them, “Take nothing for the jourey,

neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,

and let no one take a second tunic

It must have been weird for the disciples when they were told to do. Proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick, but we are not supposed to bring anything for ourselves? Nothing. Not even the basics. He wanted total dependence on the part of his disciples. They were probably thinking, how about us? how about our concerns and needs? Probably these were some things they had on their mind. However, these did not keep them from following Jesus and doing their part. 

They obeyed Jesus. They worked. And they trusted in God.

And God took care of them.

In our lives, we too are facing such concerns. There are a lot of things bothering us. A lot of problems weighing us down. However, Jesus is reminding us to just do what we are supposed to do. To just do our part, do our best, and leave the rest to Him. We do not have to understand everything. We do not have to see and plan everything, until the very end. But we should do our best, work, and trust in God... and he will provide.

What are my concerns right now? What are bothering me? What prevents me from fully following God? How do I react to these concerns? Do I let them stress me, or do I have faith in God’s goodness and generosity? What is God telling me today? 

May we always be reminded of the goodness and the provision of God, and may this move us to do our best and just trust in Him on things we have no control of.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience your love and provision. Thank you for your word that reminds me how much you love me and that you will always take care of me. Lord, sorry for the times I do not trust in you. Sorry for doubting you. Sorry for worrying too much. help me to let go and just trust on you. May I just do my best, while having full faith that as I go along, you will continue to provide for what I need. I know you love me so much and you will always be there.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 26, 2018

Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 451

Reading 1 PRV 30:5-9

Every word of God is tested;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Add nothing to his words,
lest he reprove you, and you will be exposed as a deceiver.

Two things I ask of you,
deny them not to me before I die:
Put falsehood and lying far from me,
give me neither poverty nor riches;
provide me only with the food I need;
Lest, being full, I deny you,
saying, "Who is the LORD?"
Or, being in want, I steal,
and profane the name of my God.

Responsorial Psalm PS 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163

R. (105) Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
Remove from me the way of falsehood,
and favor me with your law.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
Your word, O LORD, endures forever;
it is firm as the heavens.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
From every evil way I withhold my feet,
that I may keep your words.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
Through your precepts I gain discernment;
therefore I hate every false way.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
Falsehood I hate and abhor;
your law I love.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

Alleluia MK 1:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority
over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal the sick.
He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey,
neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,
and let no one take a second tunic.
Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.
And as for those who do not welcome you,
when you leave that town,
shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them."
Then they set out and went from village to village
proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.

Children of God

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092518.cfm) reminds me that we can all be children of God if we want to. 

There are people who blame their situation for the way their life turned out. Some feel they are at a disadvantage because of their family, because of their surroundings, or because of their environment growing up. They did not have the resources, the connections, and the proper atmosphere for learning and growing. In one of Tupac Shakur’s songs, he mentioned this: “…but if I had a better life, I would have lived a good life and did more things right…” it may make sense in this world. However, we cannot say this with God. His ways are not our ways.

We can all part of God’s family if we really want to.

In the gospel, Jesus said that his mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it. Relationship with him is not just by blood. Family with him is not just by blood. We are not at a disadvantage with God. We just need to hear and act on His word for us to tell him we want to be his family. We just need to live right for us to tell God we really want to be his children. And we will.

As we hear God’s word and act on it, we slowly become children of God. We slowly allow God to transform us to be more and more like him. We slowly tell him how much we want him and how much we want to be with him. That’s family. And as we continue to do that, we are slowly preparing our place in eternity. As we slowly choose him and act upon his word, we are preparing our final resting place with him. Family. 

Do I have issues and concerns about my family and my environment? Do I feel like I am at a disadvantage because of my situation? Is there anything I am doing about it? Do I realize that with God’s family, I am not at a disadvantage? Am I willing to do my part to be part of God’s family? 

May we be inspired by Jesus words. He welcomes everyone. May we take on his call to listen and act on his word, and enjoy all the benefits that come with being God’s family.

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 all the blessings. Lord, I thank you for your love and the opportunity to be your family. Thank you that I am not at a disadvantage no matter what situation I was born in. Sorry for forgetting this. Sorry for forgetting you and focusing on the world. I promise to act and do my part to be your family. I promise to not only listen but more importantly to act on your word. Help me live my love for and faith in you. amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 25, 2018

Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 450

Reading 1 PRV 21:1-6, 10-13

Like a stream is the king's heart in the hand of the LORD;
wherever it pleases him, he directs it.

All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes,
but it is the LORD who proves hearts.

To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Haughty eyes and a proud heart–
the tillage of the wicked is sin.

The plans of the diligent are sure of profit,
but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.

Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue
is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.

The soul of the wicked man desires evil;
his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.

When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser;
when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

The just man appraises the house of the wicked:
there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.

He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself also call and not be heard.

Responsorial Psalm PS 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44

R. (35) Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Blessed are they whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
The way of truth I have chosen;
I have set your ordinances before me.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
and keep it with all my heart.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Lead me in the path of your commands,
for in it I delight.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
And I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Alleluia LK 11:28

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are those who hear the word of God
and observe it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 8:19-21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him
but were unable to join him because of the crowd.
He was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside
and they wish to see you."
He said to them in reply, "My mother and my brothers
are those who hear the word of God and act on it."

Do Not Delay

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092418.cfm) reminds me that I should not delay doing good to others. 

We Filipinos have something we call the "Mañana Habit or Attitude". Mañana is the coined word for "mamaya na". We put off something if it is not yet urgent. We delay doing something until such time that we have no choice but to do it already. We cram, waiting until the very last minute until we do something. It may work with some, since they like to work under pressure. However, God does not want us to act like this as we do his work. 

Good work should be done at once, whenever possible. 

We should not delay doing good work. In the first reading, we are told that we should do something now if it can already be done. As they say, justice delayed is justice denied. Probably we can say the same way with good deeds. Good deed delayed is good deed denied, because probably the person needs the deed to be done immediately. 

Sometimes we set a lot of conditions for doing something good. We wait for the perfect opportunity. We wait until we have more extra money or time. We wait for a pay raise before we give. However, the perfect situation rarely happens. There will always be something off. We would always be wanting. We would always have problems. So we should not delay doing good, rather, do it now. 

What things am I putting off doing? Why am I delaying these things? What am I waiting for before I do these things? Am I willing to act now, as God wants me to? 

May we be moved into acting immediately on things that God wants us to do, and not put it off and wait for another time to do it. 

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 the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I put off doing your work. Sorry for the times I delay doing good. Sorry for the times I wait for something before doing your work and end up not doing anything. Help me give even when it hurts. Help me give even when I don't feel like it. May I readily share you to others, no matter what situation I am in. In a special way, I lift up all those who are celebrating their birthdays today. Continue to bless and protect them, and make them feel your love and protection in their lives. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/01/nothing-hidden.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/02/love-now.html

Daily Readings

September 24, 2018

Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 449

Reading 1 PRV 3:27-34

Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim
when it is in your power to do it for him.
Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once.

Plot no evil against your neighbor,
against one who lives at peace with you.
Quarrel not with a man without cause,
with one who has done you no harm.

Envy not the lawless man
and choose none of his ways:
To the LORD the perverse one is an abomination,
but with the upright is his friendship.

The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
When dealing with the arrogant, he is stern,
but to the humble he shows kindness.

Responsorial Psalm PS 15:2-3A, 3BC-4AB, 5

R. (1) The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
He who walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
By whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
shall never be disturbed.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

Alleluia MT 5:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd:
"No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away."