Parents

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/103118.cfm) reminds me that I should always honor my parents. 

They say that in life, you easily hurt the people closest to you – the people you love, the important people, the people you are comfortable with… simply because with them you can be yourself, you can show the real you. Unfortunately, our parents, because of their genuine love and understanding for us, usually experience this from their children. However, the first reading today reminds us how we should treat our parents.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother.

This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.

The fourth commandment is relating to the parents. after the first three, which are all about God, he put the parents next. This tells us something – how God wants us to really respect and honor our parents. So much that he gives us a promise as we do so – a long and good life. Wow, powerful. God must be really serious about this, right?

Our parents are the first “Jesus” in our lives.

Our parents showed and made us feel real love, care and concern. When we were helpless children, they cared for us. When we were always crying, they tried to go down to our level and understand what we need – based only from our cry. When we were growing up, they made themselves always available for us. When we need support – financial, emotional, spiritual, etc, they do their best. They make miracles happen that despite all the challenges they face in life and in their careers, they were there for us, making us feel that everything is normal and fine. Come to think of it, they were one of the most strong, if not the strongest, embodiment of Jesus and God’s love in our lives. Thus, it is just right that we should treat them as we would Jesus.

How do I treat my parents? Do I love them the best way I know how? Do I realize everything they have done for me? Do I treat them with love and respect? 

Our parents may be imperfect, like everyone else. But they try their best,  not to be perfect, but to be the best version of themselves for us. May we obey God and show our love for God through our parents.

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.  Thank you for my parents, Lord. Thank you for sending them in my life. Thank you for blessing them with love, graces, understanding and peace – for they give us these things as well. Sorry for the times I do not treat them the way they should be treated. Sorry for the times I do not love them the way they should be loved. I ask that you continue to bless my parents, and that you help me do my best to show them my love. May I always do my best to honor them in my life. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 31, 2018

Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 481

Reading 1 EPH 6:1-9

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Honor your father and mother.
This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling,
in sincerity of heart, as to Christ,
not only when being watched, as currying favor,
but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
willingly serving the Lord and not men,
knowing that each will be requited from the Lord
for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Masters, act in the same way towards them, and stop bullying,
knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven
and that with him there is no partiality.

Responsorial Psalm PS 145:10-11, 12-13AB, 13CD-14

R. (13c) The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.

Alleluia SEE 2 THES 2:14

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

Gospel LK 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
'Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
'I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
'I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."

Small to Big

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/103018.cfm) reminds me that God can turn our small offerings into big blessings. 

They say that great things start from small beginnings. That is true. As we look in our lives, we know that we all started small. We were born a baby, not knowing anything on our own. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was born as a baby. It was God’s love and protection, through other people, that got us where we are today. No matter how much one achieves in life, that person started small. And it is by God’s love and grace, not by human power, intelligence, influence and connections, that one is able to achieve things.

in the gospel, we see Jesus telling us something similar. The mustard seed and yeast are small. Yet they eventually affect a lot. The mustard seed grew into a huge tree, and the yeast affected the flour. They were able to do great things and accomplish a lot, even if they started small. Whatever they accomplished, they started small. 

Small things can accomplish great things with God’s blessing.

We may feel simple and normal, but that will not stop God from using us mightily. Mustard seed. Yeast. Simple stuff. Small stuff. But eventually did great things. This is what God does. He turns what we have, the simple that we have, and multiplies it. He turns it to something great. He blesses us so we can bless others and build God's kingdom. 

God’s kingdom is also like this. Jesus was explaining to his disciples what the kingdom of God is like. It is like a small mustard seed that grew into a huge tree. It is like yeast that affected the flour. During that time, it may seem small, since they were the only ones working for it. But Jesus is telling them that in God’s perfect time, God’s kingdom will be immensely huge, bigger than what they can imagine. I believe this also applies to us right now. Looking at the world, God’s kingdom may seem so small. People are busy with achieving and accomplishing a lot, especially with all the advancements and technology in place. We put very small importance on God’s kingdom since we really cannot feel it, unlike things on this world. However, in his perfect time, we will realize how huge God’s kingdom really is.

How do I see myself? Do I look down on myself because I feel insignificant and too simple, with nothing special to offer to the world? Am I too proud with all my achievements and accomplishments? What is God telling me today? 

May we learn to trust in God, that he will magnify whatever little we can offer, especially as we work for His kingdom. 

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 losing my focus on you. Sorry for allowing myself to be distracted by the world and what it has to offer. Sorry for being too busy and focused on achieving worldly things. Sorry for ignoring you. sorry for thinking that I would have the time to work for your kingdom later on. Lord, I ask that you help me put things in perspective. Help me have faith in you, however small like a mustard seed. I know that even if I have just a tiny bit of faith and knowledge of you, you will help me grow it, so I would always be aware of your kingdom, work for your kingdom, and prepare for your coming to this world. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/11/faith-in-you.html

Daily Readings

October 30, 2018

Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 480

Reading 1 EPH 5:21-33

Brothers and sisters:
Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.
For the husband is head of his wife
just as Christ is head of the Church,
he himself the savior of the Body.
As the Church is subordinate to Christ,
so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ loved the Church
and handed himself over for her to sanctify her,
cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,
that he might present to himself the Church in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.
So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself.
For no one hates his own flesh
but rather nourishes and cherishes it,
even as Christ does the Church,
because we are members of his Body.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.

This is a great mystery,
but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.
In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself,
and the wife should respect her husband.

Responsorial Psalm PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

R. (1a) Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

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 LK 13:18-21

Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and 'the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.'"

Again he said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened."

Lakas Mo

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102918.cfm) reminds me how much God loves me and what He would do for me. 

There are people who we know are in very good terms with others. If we need something with parents, we tend to ask someone who's in very good terms with them. A favorite child, or family member. Someone they cannot or won't say no to. Same at work, we tend to go through or include someone who we know is in very good terms with the boss so we can get support as well. Malakas. Well, This is how we are with God. 

Malakas ka sa Diyos. 

God will go out of his way for us. That’s how special we are to him.

In the gospel, Jesus could have ignored the woman. Or he could have just cured her by his words. However, Jesus loved her so much that he wanted her to feel a personal connection. After telling her she is free and cured, Jesus laid her hands on her. Jesus went out of his way to personally make her feel his love and healing. And when other people questioned him, Jesus defended his actions and the importance of the woman. He went out of his way for the woman. He was willing to go through to all the trouble for the woman, just so the woman would feel his personal connection and concern for her. This is also how God sees each one of us. Indeed, he goes out of his way for us.

There are times in life we feel our concerns are too shallow, or too complex for God. We may also feel God is too busy for us. Today, we are reminded that He will go out of his way for us. that’s how much he loves us. That is how special we are to Him. 

What are my concerns right now? What are bothering me? Do I bring these concerns to God? How much do I think God loves me? Do I know and realize that God loves me so much and will go out of his way for me?

May we always remember how special we are to God, be inspired to repay him with our love and service, just like the woman in the gospel who glorified God after being healed.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for having issues. Sorry for being dramatic and not coming to you for whatever reason. Sorry for not having faith in you. Sorry for thinking you cannot do anything about my problems. Lord, as you went out of your way for the woman, I know you are telling me that you will also go out of your way for me. Thank you for loving me that much. I come to you in humility and faith bringing my concerns, and I have faith that you will take care of them. And as I come to you, as I experience your love, I will praise and glorify you with me life. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 29, 2018

Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 479

Reading 1 EPH 4:32–5:8

Brothers and sisters:
Be kind to one another, compassionate,
forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love,
as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us
as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.
Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you,
as is fitting among holy ones,
no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place,
but instead, thanksgiving.
Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person,
that is, an idolater,
has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no one deceive you with empty arguments,
for because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.
So do not be associated with them.
For you were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light. 

Responsorial Psalm PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6

R. (see Eph. 5:1) Behave like God as his very dear children.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.

Alleluia JN 17:17B, 17A

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

Gospel LK 13:10-17

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath.
And a woman was there who for eighteen years
had been crippled by a spirit;
she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.
When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,
"Woman, you are set free of your infirmity."
He laid his hands on her,
and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.
But the leader of the synagogue,
indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath,
said to the crowd in reply,
"There are six days when work should be done.
Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day."
The Lord said to him in reply, "Hypocrites!
Does not each one of you on the sabbath
untie his ox or his ass from the manger
and lead it out for watering?
This daughter of Abraham,
whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now,
ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day
from this bondage?"
When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated;
and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

A Blind Man’s Faith

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102818.cfm) reminds me to have a strong and unwavering faith, like Bartimaeus. 

One of my favorite movies is Facing the Giants. In one scene, there was a story about two farmers. Both of them desperately needed rain, so they prayed to God for rain. But only one farmer prepared his field to receive it. Who showed greater faith? Of course the one who prepared his field. God will send rain when he’s ready or when the time is right. Question is, are we prepared to receive it? 

God wants to see us with that level of faith. 

Sometimes we pray. We ask from God but we do not really believe that what we pray for will come true. Sometimes we don't have faith - faith in him, faith in his word, faith in his power, faith in his goodness, faith in his love. 

This is contrast to the blind man in the gospel - Bartimaeus. He showed much faith. Great faith in Jesus. Being a blind person, he begged by the roadside. Probably he was really desperate, but definitely not hopeless. When he heard that Jesus passed by, he gave all he got and shouted to get Jesus’ attention. When asked by the people to shut up, he did not lose hope, his spirit was not dampened, instead, shouted louder. Makulit sya. 

Minsan kailangang maging makulit sa panalangin.

When he was called by people, not Jesus, he showed even greater faith. Even if Jesus was not the one personally called him, he knew that being summoned by Jesus would forever change his life. What did he do? From sitting by the roadside, he threw his cloak and sprang up to Jesus.

Wow, what great faith! 

During those times, beggars lived in the streets. Probably his cloak was his most important possession – not because it was expensive or beautiful, but because it helped him a lot. It protected him from the weather, from the heat of the sun or the coldness of the wind, his cloak was a big help. His action throwing away his cloak and running to Jesus was like saying “Goodbye cloak, I won’t be needing you anymore! This Jesus will cure me, and I won’t be blind anymore!” 

He had full faith in the power of Jesus, and he was not disappointed. Indeed, no one leaves the presence of Jesus unchanged. 

In life, we will not always get immediate answers to our prayers. We will not immediately get great results. However, this should not dampen our faith. In the same way that Bartimaeus was not stopped by the people and circumstances, so should we. God is faithful, and will not abandon those who cry out to him in full faith.

How about us? How do we react when we don’t seem to get what we want in the first try? Do we get angry or lose hope, or are we like the blind man whose faith was unwavering? What do I pray for right now? Do I have faith that God can grant me that? Do I have faith that he wants to, if it is according to His plan for me?  Am I willing to take a leap of faith? When God gives me what I pray for, do I remember to thank Him and live my life following Him?

May we be inspired and always have great faith in God. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for your beautiful message.  Thank you for reminding me that you do not disappoint. Thank you for reminding me how powerful and loving you are. Thank you for reminding me of how important faith is. Lord, sorry for the times I do not have faith in you. Sorry for doubting you. Sorry for all my issues. Lord, I ask that you help me improve my faith. May I have faith like Bartimaeus. When faced with challenges or when I don’t get what I pray for, may my faith get stronger and still do my part. May I be brave enough to take a leap of faith, knowing you are there to guide and catch me. And Lord, when you give me what I pray for, may I never forget to thank you and live my life serving you. Amen

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 28, 2018

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 149

Reading 1 JER 31:7-9

Thus says the LORD:
Shout with joy for Jacob,
exult at the head of the nations;
proclaim your praise and say:
The LORD has delivered his people,
the remnant of Israel.
Behold, I will bring them back
from the land of the north;
I will gather them from the ends of the world,
with the blind and the lame in their midst,
the mothers and those with child;
they shall return as an immense throng.
They departed in tears,
but I will console them and guide them;
I will lead them to brooks of water,
on a level road, so that none shall stumble.
For I am a father to Israel,
Ephraim is my first-born.

Responsorial Psalm PS 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Reading 2 HEB 5:1-6

Brothers and sisters:
Every high priest is taken from among men
and made their representative before God,
to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring,
for he himself is beset by weakness
and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself
as well as for the people.
No one takes this honor upon himself
but only when called by God,
just as Aaron was.
In the same way,
it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest,
but rather the one who said to him:
You are my son:
this day I have begotten you;
just as he says in another place:
You are a priest forever
according to the order of Melchizedek.

Alleluia CF. 2 TM 1:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 10:46-52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,
Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,
sat by the roadside begging.
On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
he began to cry out and say,
"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."
And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.
But he kept calling out all the more,
"Son of David, have pity on me."
Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."
So they called the blind man, saying to him,
"Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."
Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way

Another Try

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102718.cfm) reminds me that God gives us opportunities to repent. 

The first time to do something is always challenging. Back in 2016 when it was our first time to work on an ISO certification, it was very challenging, especially when creating templates and other documents. We were not sure if we were doing it right. We did not know what to expect from the audit. We did not know a lot of things. That is why we feel better and more comfortable the second time we do things. This is what God gives us. 

Jesus gives us second chances to do things right.

In the gospel, we see Jesus as the gardener who asks the owner, God, for a second chance for us, the tree not bearing fruit, before cutting it down. What's interesting to note is that it was not a spur of the moment decision. He owner waited for three years for the tree to bear fruit. He was patient. And when he was about to have it cut, the gardener asked him for another chance for the tree. 

The gardener will not just ask for another chance and then do nothing, expecting the tree to bear fruit on its own. He will do his part. He will give his best effort. He will do whatever he can, fertilize the soil, water the tree, etc, to make a better environment for the tree. He will do everything in his capacity to help the tree. The only thing he cannot do is bear fruit for the tree. That’s the part of the tree already.

This is also how God deals with us. 

God gives us opportunities to bear fruit and do things right. He gives us opportunities to grow in Him. He gives us people to guide and inspire us. He gave us the Church and the sacraments to help us grow in our faith.  He gives us all that we need to grow in him and bear good fruit. But ultimately, it is our choice if we will allow Him to get through us. It is our choice to bear fruit for God and make the most out of the opportunities and second chances he gives us.

What things should I stop doing? What things should I start doing? How is God getting through to me? What opportunities and people does he use to remind me and give me opportunities to repent and change my ways? How am I responding to Him?

May we be sensitive to God's call and opportunities, and cooperate with and submit to him so he can transform us to bear fruit. 

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 your patience. Thank you for your great love for me. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore you and your messages and reminders. Sorry for doing things my way. I ask that you help me be sensitive to your calls and opportunities you give me to change my ways and repent. Help me have the will to do it. Help me choose you over all the pleasures of this life. As I do so, I have faith that you would transform me and enable me to bear fruits for you. May my life show you how much I love you. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/03/one-more-chance_1835.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/second-chances.html 

Daily Readings

October 27, 2018

Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 478

Reading 1 EPH 4:7-16

Brothers and sisters:
Grace was given to each of us
according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Therefore, it says:

He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;
he gave gifts to men.

What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended
into the lower regions of the earth?
The one who descended is also the one who ascended
far above all the heavens,
that he might fill all things.

And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets,
others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,
for building up the Body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of faith
and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood
to the extent of the full stature of Christ,
so that we may no longer be infants,
tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching
arising from human trickery,
from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming.
Rather, living the truth in love,
we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ,
from whom the whole Body,
joined and held together by every supporting ligament,
with the proper functioning of each part,
brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love.

Responsorial Psalm PS 122:1-2, 3-4AB, 4CD-5

R. (1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Alleluia EZ 33:11

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion that he may live.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
He said to them in reply,
“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way
they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!
Or those eighteen people who were killed
when the tower at Siloam fell on them–
do you think they were more guilty
than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!”

And he told them this parable:
“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?’
He said to him in reply,
‘Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.’”

Change While Early

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102618.cfm) reminds me that that we should change our ways on the early stages, while it is still possible. 

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

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

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

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

What aspects of my life should I change? What bad habits and attitudes should I let go? What am I waiting for before I change my ways?

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

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder.  I thank you for knowing me and knowing how to get through me. Sometimes life gets very busy that I forget these things. Sometimes I just push it off.  Lord, sorry for the times I ignore you. Sorry for not preparing for eternity. Sorry for being complacent. Help me to make the resolve. Help me to repent and live right, so that I won’t have to face you on judgment day unprepared. Help me prove by my life that I want to spend eternity with you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 26, 2018

Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 477

Reading 1 EPH 4:1-6

Brothers and sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.

Responsorial Psalm PS 24:1-2, 3-4AB, 5-6

R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

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.

GospelLK 12:54-59

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

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

Divided

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102518.cfm) reminds me that God will divide those who believe in him from those who do not. 

In our society, affiliations are powerful. We see entitled people get their way just because of their or their family's money, power and connections. Even if one is personally not powerful, being a spouse, children, or even relative of a powerful and influential person can make a big difference in society. It may work in the world, but not with God. 

Each of us has to choose if we are for or against God. Individually. 

Jesus is the price of peace, but the gospel seems to contradict that at first glance. However, looking at it closely, we will see that it is not an intentional division. Jesus reminds us that he comes to divide those who are following him from those who are not. And we have to choose individually. Our family cannot choose for us. 

Choosing him is a personal decision. And it is not a one time decision. If we constantly sin, we are telling God we want death over life with him. This is why God wants to separate us, his followers, from those who do not follow him. This is why he brings division - even from our families. 

Family is very important, especially to us Filipinos. Through thick and thin, family stays together. A family should be one, with no issues and division. However, we are reminded in today’s gospel that nothing should come in between us and God. Nothing and no one. A division may occur among friends, among those we love, and even among family members, as we try to follow God.  However, we are reminded that we should not let attachment come in between our faith, and nothing should separate us from God.

How is my relationship with God? Do I choose him and make him first always, or is there something or someone who gets in the way? Does my family bring me closer to God?

God’s ways are not always easy, but it always worth it. May we be encouraged to stand firm, and avoid division by doing our best to bring our loved ones to Christ as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another opportunity to experience you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I do not choose you. Sorry for not always standing up for you. Sorry for not bringing others to you. Lord, I pray for strength to stand firm, to stand for you no matter what happens. Help me be brave and live and defend my faith and love for you. I ask that you help me to also spread your love to others. May I also bring others, especially those whom I love, closer to you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 25, 2018

Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 476

Reading 1 EPH 3:14-21

Brothers and sisters:
I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine,
by the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm PS 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

R. (5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
For 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. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But 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. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Alleluia PHIL 3:8-9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."