Increase in Faith

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/113018.cfm) reminds me how I can increase my faith. 

They say that a good way to study Is to read aloud. They say it is similar to studying twice, because if you read aloud, you not only read it, but hear it as well. Hearing something, aside from reading it, has a great impact on the memory retention and on understanding things. This is similar to what God is telling me today in the readings.

A lot of us ask for faith. We want our faith to increase. However, we say we do not know how to increase iur faith. Today, we see one concrete action how we can have faith. How we can improve and strengthen our faith. 

Faith comes from hearing the WORD of God.

In the first reading, we see the importance of responding to God’s call to preach his word. No one will be saved if no one responds to God’s call to preach. We need to do our part to build God’s kingdom. Someone should preach, should talk about God, for people to hear about God. Hearing about God eventually leads to believe in him, and call on him. in the latter part of the reading, we see how faith is attained – from hearing the WORD of God. This goes for both the doer and receiver. OF course, the receiver hears the word of God which can be the entry point of God in his life. Then the doer actually hears what he is saying, so he is doubly blessed as well.

Another way to increase our faith, aside from hearing and talkinh about God, is to read up on him. Read the bible. And talk about it with others. It makes God’s love and power more concrete in our lives, and would eventually increase our faith. 

In the gospel, we see people who were saved because of hearing God’s word. Jesus called them, they heard his voice, and followed his call. This is how powerful hearing God’s word is. This is why we are all sent to spread his word.

We need not be missionaries to do this. Wherever God placed us, we can proclaim him. We can preach about him by the words we speak, by the way we live our lives, by the way we treat others, and by how well we do our work.

How is my faith? Do I have faith in God? Do I want my faith to improve? What do I do to improve my faith? Am I preaching God’s kingdom? Am I talking about him with others?

May we be reminded of the importance of talking about God, and the power of hearing about it. May not only our faith increase, but that of others as well.

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 another day off. Thank you for the reminder. Sorry for not talking about you. Sorry for not working on my faith. Sorry for not doing my part to build your kingdom. Lord, help me remember this. Help me remember the importance of talking about you and of hearing you. May I be willing to proclaim you to others. and I ask that you use me and my words to brings faith to myself and others. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/11/immediately-follow.html

Daily Readings

November 30, 2018

Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle
Lectionary: 684

Reading 1 ROM 10:9-18

Brothers and sisters:
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.
For one believes with the heart and so is justified,
and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.
The Scripture says,
No one who believes in him will be put to shame.
There is no distinction between Jew and Greek;
the same Lord is Lord of all,
enriching all who call upon him.
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed?
And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone to preach?
And how can people preach unless they are sent?
As it is written,
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!
But not everyone has heeded the good news;
for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us?
Thus faith comes from what is heard,
and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
But I ask, did they not hear?
Certainly they did; for

Their voice has gone forth to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.

Responsorial Psalm PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. (10) The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. (John 6:63) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Alleluia MT 4:19

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Come after me, says the Lord,
and I will make you fishers of men.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 4:18-22

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,
Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,
casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.
He said to them,
"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."
At once they left their nets and followed him.
He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,
James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.
He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father
and followed him.

Ready and Excited

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112918.cfm) reminds me that I should be ready and prepared for God's coming. 

In school, students have different reactions to surprise tests. Students who constantly prepare are usually excited because they are ready. They have been preparing for surprise tests that is why they are excited take such tests. However, students who lack preparation are usually scared because they are not ready to take the test and they might fail. This is similar to what would happen with God's second coming. 

In the gospel, Jesus told the people what would happen. Scary things. He even said that people would die of fright. However, he ended by telling them that when he comes again, even if other people would be scared, they should stand firm and raise their hands, because their redemption is at hand. They should be excited to see the Son of Man come again. 

We would only be excited to see Jesus coming again if we are ready to meet him. 

If we live right and pleasing to God, if we stay firm and live our faith despite all the opposition from powerful people of the world, if we constantly pray and strengthen our relationship with God, then we would be ready. Then we would be excited to meet him again. Then we would be confident. 

Am I ready to face God? How do I feel about God’s second coming? Am I living my life ib preparation for His second coming? How else can I prepare? 

May we constantly live right and prepare for God's coming so we would be excited and ready to meet him when he comes. 

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 forget you. Sorry for the times I ignore you. Sorry for living my life on earth as if you will not come back. Sorry for not preparing myself to meet you. Help me do my part. Help me live right and pleasing to you. I will do my best to be ready and prepare myself to meet you. I will do my best to be faithful to you. So when you come again, I will be excited to meet you and spend eternity with you. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings 

November 29, 2018

Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 506

Reading 1 RV 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9A

I, John, saw another angel coming down from heaven,
having great authority,
and the earth became illumined by his splendor.
He cried out in a mighty voice:

"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great.
She has become a haunt for demons.
She is a cage for every unclean spirit,
a cage for every unclean bird,
a cage for every unclean and disgusting beast."

A mighty angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone
and threw it into the sea and said:

"With such force will Babylon the great city be thrown down,
and will never be found again.
No melodies of harpists and musicians,
flutists and trumpeters,
will ever be heard in you again.
No craftsmen in any trade
will ever be found in you again.
No sound of the millstone
will ever be heard in you again.
No light from a lamp
will ever be seen in you again.
No voices of bride and groom
will ever be heard in you again.
Because your merchants were the great ones of the world,
all nations were led astray by your magic potion."

After this I heard what sounded like
the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying:

"Alleluia!
Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God,
for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great harlot
who corrupted the earth with her harlotry.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants."

They said a second time:

"Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever."

Then the angel said to me, "Write this:
Blessed are those who have been called
to the wedding feast of the Lamb."

Responsorial Psalm PS 100:1B-2, 3, 4, 5

R. (Rev. 19: 9a) Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
R. Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
For he is good:
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

Alleluia LK 21:28

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 21:20-28

Jesus said to his disciples:
"When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,
know that its desolation is at hand.
Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Let those within the city escape from it,
and let those in the countryside not enter the city,
for these days are the time of punishment
when all the Scriptures are fulfilled.
Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,
for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth
and a wrathful judgment upon this people.
They will fall by the edge of the sword
and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles;
and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles
until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand."

Protected

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112818.cfm) reminds me that God will always be there to protect me. 

I used to watch a TV series called “The Blacklist” , where the main character is a powerful and well-connected criminal who for some reason wanted to work with the FBI to catch other criminals. On one episode, the person he cares for doesn’t know that he sent someone to follow her and keep her safe. She only knew about it when the person actually saved her from danger.

God is more powerful and more loving than that.

In the gospel, we see that he is speaking to us, his followers. People may try to harm us or hurt us or humiliate us. But he promises us help and assistance.

It will lead to your giving testimony.

Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speakingthat all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents,
brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

We need to trust in Him, even if it may seem that it doesn’t make sense. We need to trust him even if we would rather do our way. 

Yes, Jesus asked them not to prepare beforehand. However, This should not be an excuse not to do our part and just hope God will come to our rescue. That’s laziness. Jesus told them not to prepare because he wanted them to trust in Him rather than trust in themselves. Rather than preparing and exerting human effort in defending, God wants us to prepare by having a good relationship with him. God wants us to use our time and effort by building a relationship with Him. And having a good relationship with him takes more time and effort than a one time preparation for something. We need to be consistent in exerting effort and time to build a relationship with God. That is why he wants that. 

People may try to hurt us or humiliate us, but we are reminded by Jesus that not a hair on our head will be destroyed. He is more powerful than the enemy, and he will continue to protect us from all harm. This should reassure us.

What are my concerns right now? Do I believe that God can do something about them? Do I have faith in God, or do I do it my way? Do I work to build a strong and personal relationship with God? 

May we always remember that as God’s children doing his will, we will always be protected. And may we work on our relationship with God. 

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 and for always protecting me. I may not always see it, and I may not always feel it, but I know that it is precisely the reason why I don’t feel it – because you keep me safe. Lord, sorry for the times I do not recognize it. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Sorry for not working hard enough to build and strengthen my relationship with you. Help me continue to work on my relationship in you and do your will in my life. May my life be pleasing to you all the time.  Amen

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

November 28, 2018

Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 505

Reading 1 RV 15:1-4

I, John, saw in heaven another sign, great and awe-inspiring:
seven angels with the seven last plagues,
for through them God's fury is accomplished.

Then I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire.
On the sea of glass were standing those
who had won the victory over the beast
and its image and the number that signified its name.
They were holding God's harps,
and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God,
and the song of the Lamb:

"Great and wonderful are your works,
Lord God almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
O king of the nations.
Who will not fear you, Lord,
or glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All the nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed."

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 2-3AB, 7-8, 9

R. (Rev. 15: 3b) Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
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. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
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. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to rule the earth;
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Alleluia RV 2:10C

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain faithful until death,
and I will give you the crown of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 21:12-19

Jesus said to the crowd:
"They will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents,
brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

Do Not be Deceived

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112718.cfm) reminds me that we should be careful and not be deceived by impostors. 

There are a lot of criminals nowadays. In the Philippines, one of the modus being used is called the "Budol Budol" wherein people are tricked into believing that their employers/parents got into an accident and needs money. They are told to break in to the house safe or forcibly take jewelry and precious items supposedly for their master's use. When they give it to the criminals, who pretend to be friends of their master, they will eventually find out they have been victimized. They were deceived in believing the impostors.

This is similar to what the devil will try to do. The devil will always try to deceive us and take us away from God.

In the gospel Jesus says that there will be people who will come in his name and deceive others. We are warned not to be deceived. There are a lot of people and groups who claim to be the true group, true religion, or have divine origins. Whatever they say, no matter how other people may take it, we should not believe it. We should not be deceived. We know who will come back. We know how he wants us to prepare. 

Jesus will come back, Yes, but not in the form of another person. He will come back as Jesus. When he comes back, there will be no question. We will know it is him. This is why we should only believe in Him and guard our faith against those who try to distract us and keep us away from God. As we wait for him, we know how he wants us to live and prepare - to live the gospel values and live right for him. 

May we guarded and careful as we follow only God

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for always providing for me. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I lose my focus on you. Sorry for looking for you in other things. help me be vigilant of my faith. Help me always keep my focus on you. May I never be deceived by others, no matter what they say, do and how the people react to them. Help me keep my eyes and my heart to you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

November 27, 2018

Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 504

Reading 1 RV 14:14-19

I, John, looked and there was a white cloud,
and sitting on the cloud one who looked like a son of man,
with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.
Another angel came out of the temple,
crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud,
"Use your sickle and reap the harvest,
for the time to reap has come,
because the earth's harvest is fully ripe."
So the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth,
and the earth was harvested.

Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven
who also had a sharp sickle.
Then another angel came from the altar, who was in charge of the fire,
and cried out in a loud voice
to the one who had the sharp sickle,
"Use your sharp sickle and cut the clusters from the earth's vines,
for its grapes are ripe."
So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and cut the earth's vintage.
He threw it into the great wine press of God's fury.

Responsorial Psalm PS 96:10, 11-12, 13

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Alleluia RV 2:10C

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain faithful until death,
and I will give you the crown of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 21:5-11

While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, "All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."

Then they asked him,
"Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
He answered,
"See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,' and 'The time has come.'
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Then he said to them,
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky."

Two Small Coins

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112618.cfm) reminds me that God sees the value of what we give him, even if the world may not.

There are a lot of people who have their favorite sleepwear. They always use old and oversized shirts for sleeping. It makes them feel comfortable and relaxed. They could easily buy new and expensive sleepwear, but choose to use their old ones. These may not be worth a lot, since they are old and worn out, but to the owners, their value is high. Same is true for people who keep old or damaged toys, whose worth may be minimal, but who value these things a lot. God looks at our giving the same way.

God looks at the value of what we give him, not  the worldly worth.

In the gospel, what the widow gave may not have much worth in the world. Two small coins may not be able to help the poor that much. It may be practically useless. But its value for the woman is high because it was all she had. Good thing God is not man, and he does not see things the way we do. He does not need money from us to be able to do great things, to buy new things, and to help the poor. What he needs from us is a heart surrendered, a heart ready to give him what we value most, and a heart who trusts in him to make use of whatever we give and multiply it.

Aside from her generosity, we also see the woman’s faith in God. Being a widow, she is practically worthless in society, because without her husband she is nothing. That being the case, she needs every money she has to survive. However, her situation did not prevent her from sharing for God’s kingdom. Her situation did not prevent her from surrendering to God. She gave all she had because she had faith that God would continue to take care of her. She gave all she had, because she loves God and wants to share him with others.

The woman may not have given a lot in terms of amount, but she gave everything she had. That may not have much worth in the world’s eyes, but in God’s eyes, that is priceless.

How do I view giving? Do I give for God’s kingdom and his purpose? How do I give? Do I just give from my surplus, or do I give with the best I can, until it hurts? 

God does not look at the worldly value of what we give. He looks at our hearts as we give. May we be inspired and encouraged to give until it hurts, not because we like pain or are crazy, but because we want to love like Jesus did – with pain, dying of one’s self, and putting others first.

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 another week. Thank you for the very inspiring reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I put off giving because I feel that I cannot give a lot. Sorry for the times I give but only out of my surplus. Sorry for not having a giving heart.  Lord, I pray that you help me give you the kind of importance the woman in the gospel gave you. May I be generous, loving and faith filled as her. May  I be willing to give you whatever I have, no matter how painful it may be for me and no matter how insignificant it may seem for me. May I be willing and ready to give you my best. Help me be detached from the things of this world. Help me put importance on you, not on worldly things. And help me have faith to trust in you and surrender. Help me love and give like you do. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

November 26, 2018

Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 503

Reading 1 RV 14:1-3, 4B-5

I, John, looked and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion,
and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand
who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.
I heard a sound from heaven
like the sound of rushing water or a loud peal of thunder.
The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.
They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne,
before the four living creatures and the elders.
No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousand
who had been ransomed from the earth.
These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes.
They have been ransomed as the first fruits
of the human race for God and the Lamb.
On their lips no deceit has been found; they are unblemished.

Responsorial Psalm PS 24:1BC-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 MT 24:42A, 44

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stay awake!
For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelLK 21:1-4

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people
putting their offerings into the treasury
and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
He said, "I tell you truly,
this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."

Christ My King

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112518.cfm) reminds me that God should always be my king. 

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, we are reminded through the readings that he indeed is king. In the first reading we see his dominion, kingship and glory. The second reading also reminds us of God’s eternal glory, and the love and power of Jesus, God’s only begotten Son. In the gospel we further see that Jesus is indeed the King, though not of this world.

God is the king of the universe, but his kingdom does not belong in this world.

God is the all mighty, all powerful and ever living God. The king of kings. However, Jesus in the gospel says that his kingdom is not on this world. The ruler of this world is the devil, thus we can see his evil works active in this world. However, it does not mean God has no power here. 

In as much as we are reminded of Jesus’ kingship, he does not want us to end there. In the gospel he says that everyone who belongs to the truth listens to his voice. That is a challenge and a reminder to us. Even if he is not the king of this world, he should be our king. We should always remember that Christ is our king, and we should live it. 

We should not only proclaim that Jesus is king, we should live is.

God is the universe, but He also wants to be the king of our hearts. He is all powerful, but he does not have power over our hearts and our decisions. God wants to also be the king of our lives. That is what we should work on.

Do we hear God’s voice? Are we listening to his voice? Are we obeying his voice? Who is the king in our lives? Do we proclaim his kingship by our lives, by our actions and decisions?

With our everyday decisions, with our everyday words and actions, we tell him who our king is. We tell him who we are – are we of this world, or of God. May we be one with the psalmist in proclaiming that God is the king – not just of the universe, but most importantly, of our lives as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I proclaim that you are the king of the universe, the eternal and all powerful God. And I proclaim that I will do my best to make you the king of my heart, to make you the king of my life. I will do my best to live for you. To proclaim you to others. To spread your message and your love to others. Help me live my faith and love for you. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/11/christ-king.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/11/saving-king.html

Daily Readings

November 25, 2018

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Lectionary: 161

Reading 1 DN 7:13-14

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,
the one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm PS 93:1, 1-2, 5

R. (1a) The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.
The LORD is king, in splendor robed;
robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.
R. The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.
And he has made the world firm,
not to be moved.
Your throne stands firm from of old;
from everlasting you are, O LORD.
R. The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.
Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed;
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, for length of days.
R. The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.

Reading 2 RV 1:5-8

Jesus Christ is the faithful witness,
the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
who has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father,
to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
Behold, he is coming amid the clouds,
and every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him.
All the peoples of the earth will lament him.
Yes. Amen.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, " says the Lord God,
"the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty."

Alleluia MK 11:9, 10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 18:33B-37

Pilate said to Jesus,
"Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your own
or have others told you about me?"
Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I?
Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me.
What have you done?"
Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world.
If my kingdom did belong to this world,
my attendants would be fighting
to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.
But as it is, my kingdom is not here."
So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?"
Jesus answered, "You say I am a king.
For this I was born and for this I came into the world,
to testify to the truth.
Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

God of the Living

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112418.cfm) reminds me that God is still alive and is the God of the living. 

In the gospel, people were trying to trap and make fun Jesus. The Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, presents Jesus with a hypothetical scenario. They want to prove a point that there really is no resurrection, as opposed to what Jesus was saying. They wanted to prove that there could possibly be no resurrection where a woman will be wife of seven men, because based on the law, she married seven men and died childless. No resurrection because she died childless. And no resurrection because he could not possibly not become the wife of seven men in the afterlife. Jesus tells them upfront that they are misled. They did not understand the resurrection. It is NOT a continuation of life on earth. In the resurrection, we will be like angels. 

God is a God of the living, not of the dead.

It was custom belief that time that immortality was connected with the existence of the physical body. Thus, they did not believe that the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still exist or are immortal. Jesus quotes the Scripture – I AM the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I Am. He is the Present and living God. God did not say I WAS the God. I AM the God means HE is still alive until now, and that he is the same God who guided Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This also shows that because of their relationship with Him, they are immortal as they live one with the living God.

We are asked to live a holy life not according to our standards and through our efforts, but through the grace of God. As we remember to live a life based on God’s grace, we will remember to give him back all the honor, glory and praise. We strengthen our faith not for our benefit, but for God’s work and his people, as we allow ourselves to be used by God to proclaim his kingdom.

Do I believe that God is living and present here in this world? Am I living my life like he is present and living in me?  Do I always focus on Him, his love and power, as I work to give him glory and serve Him? How can I make God more alive and living to the people I interact with?

May we always remember that God is alive, and think of a way we can make him more alive through us today!

Father  God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for another inspiring message. Thank you that you are a living God. Thank you that you are always with me during times of troubles and persecution. Sorry for forgetting this. Sorry for forgetting your love and power. Help me remember that especially when times are tough you are there with me even if I don’t always feel it. May I never forget all that you have done for me and my loved ones.  May I always have that faith in you, and live my life in honor and glory of you – the one true living God. I ask that you use me to make your love more real and more alive to others. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/11/god-of-living.html

Daily Readings

November 24, 2018

Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
Lectionary: 502

Reading 1 RV 11:4-12

I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me:
Here are my two witnesses:
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands
that stand before the Lord of the earth.
If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes out of their mouths
and devours their enemies.
In this way, anyone wanting to harm them is sure to be slain.
They have the power to close up the sky
so that no rain can fall during the time of their prophesying.
They also have power to turn water into blood
and to afflict the earth with any plague as often as they wish.

When they have finished their testimony,
the beast that comes up from the abyss
will wage war against them and conquer them and kill them.
Their corpses will lie in the main street of the great city,
which has the symbolic names “Sodom” and “Egypt,”
where indeed their Lord was crucified.
Those from every people, tribe, tongue, and nation
will gaze on their corpses for three and a half days,
and they will not allow their corpses to be buried.
The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them
and be glad and exchange gifts
because these two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth.
But after the three and a half days,
a breath of life from God entered them.
When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them.
Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, “Come up here.”
So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on.

Responsorial Psalm PS 144:1, 2, 9-10

R. (1b) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
My mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me.R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
O God, I will sing a new song to you;
with a ten stringed lyre I will chant your praise,
You who give victory to kings,
and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Alleluia SEE 2 TM 1:10

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

Gospel LK 20:27-40

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,
came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,
“Teacher, Moses wrote for us,
If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child,
his brother must take the wife
and raise up descendants for his brother.
Now there were seven brothers;
the first married a woman but died childless.
Then the second and the third married her,
and likewise all the seven died childless.
Finally the woman also died.
Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?
For all seven had been married to her.”
Jesus said to them,
“The children of this age marry and remarry;
but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age
and to the resurrection of the dead
neither marry nor are given in marriage.
They can no longer die,
for they are like angels;
and they are the children of God
because they are the ones who will rise.
That the dead will rise
even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,
when he called ‘Lord’
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;
and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,
for to him all are alive.”
Some of the scribes said in reply,
“Teacher, you have answered well.”
And they no longer dared to ask him anything.