Not Overconfident

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022819.cfm) reminds me not to be overconfident and abuse God’s goodness and love. 

They say that anything excessive is bad – even being excessively good. If we don’t know our limits, there is a risk that people will abuse the goodness you have, thus is does not become helpful to everyone. However, God’s goodness is infinite. Yes, it does not run out, but we are reminded not to abuse it.

Say not: “I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?”

for the Most High bides his time.
Of forgiveness be not overconfident,
adding sin upon sin.
Say not: “Great is his mercy;
my many sins he will forgive.”
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
upon the wicked alights his wrath.
Delay not your conversion to the LORD,

We say that we should take advantage of the sacraments. That we should maximize the sacraments. We should confess and be at peace with God. However, this should not be an excuse to commit sin. Yes, he forgives us everytime we confess, but God also sees our hearts. He sees if the repentance is genuine or if we know that we can sin anytime because we can confess anyway. Maximizing and taking advantage of the sacraments is not the same as abusing it.

In the bible, it is said that Jesus only promised heaven to one person – the repentant thief who was crucified beside him. Probably he was a lucky man – having had the chance to repent just moments before he dies, and being promised heaven by Jesus himself. Sometimes we joke about this – how lucky he was to live life the way he wanted to, and just repented before he died. Also, some even go further by joking that we can live our lives the way we want to, just make sure to repent before you die. Well, they say that the greatest lie of the devil is to make us think there is still time. No need to convert yet, there is still time to repent before we die or when we get old. We can hurt other people, there is still time to make amends later on. We can sin, there is still time to confess. No need to pray or hear mass, there’s still tomorrow or next Sunday. Jesus strongly warns us about this. Do not delay your conversion. 

God is a great God – unending in love, mercy and compassion. However, he is also a just God – not leaving the guilty, guiltless. 

Do I make the most out of the sacraments? When I confess, is it genuine? Am I truly sorry for my sins and do I aim to not sin and hurt God anymore? Or do I have future plans of sinning, knowing God will forgive me anyway? What is he telling me?

May we remember not to abuse God’s love and goodness towards us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for giving me another day to live for you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the many times I abuse you. Sorry for not being truly sorry for my sins. Sorry for not repenting and living right. Lord, I pray that I always be reminded not to abuse your love. May I never too complacent of your love for me, of your goodness and compassion over me. Help me make the most of the sacraments, but not to abuse it. Disturb me Lord when I am being too complacent and too comfortable with my life, so that I may not veer away from you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/02/do-not-delay.html

Daily Readings

February 28 2019

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 344

Reading 1 SIR 5:1-8

Rely not on your wealth;
say not: "I have the power."
Rely not on your strength
in following the desires of your heart.
Say not: "Who can prevail against me?"
or, "Who will subdue me for my deeds?"
for God will surely exact the punishment.
Say not: "I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?"
for the Most High bides his time.
Of forgiveness be not overconfident,
adding sin upon sin.
Say not: "Great is his mercy;
my many sins he will forgive."
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
upon the wicked alights his wrath.
Delay not your conversion to the LORD,
put it not off from day to day.
For suddenly his wrath flames forth;
at the time of vengeance you will be destroyed.
Rely not upon deceitful wrath,
for it will be no help on the day of wrath.

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

R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
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. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
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. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
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. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Alleluia SEE 1 THES 2:13

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Receive the word of God, not as the word of men,
but as it truly is, the word of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 9:41-50

Jesus said to his disciples:
"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. 

"Everyone will be salted with fire.
Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid,
with what will you restore its flavor?
Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another."

For God

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022719.cfm) reminds me that I should decide if I am for God or not. 

In the third Star Wars movie, when Anakin was fighting his Master Obi-Wan, his master knew that he turned to the dark side and said that only the sith deal with absolutes. This was because Anakin told him that Obi-Wan is either for him or against him. Although God is obviously not on the dark side, this is what he is asking from us. 

You are either for God or against him. 

Choosing God is absolute. You are either for him or against him. There is no middle ground. Jesus says in the gospel that we are either for or against God. 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 Got.

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? What is God telling me today?

May we choose to follow God all the time. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. 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. Create in me a pure and clean heart, that I may wholeheartedly follow you as I live my life. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

February 27 2019

Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 343

Reading 1 SIR 4:11-19

Wisdom breathes life into her children
and admonishes those who seek her.
He who loves her loves life;
those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord.
He who holds her fast inherits glory;
wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings.
Those who serve her serve the Holy One;
those who love her the LORD loves.
He who obeys her judges nations;
he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers.
If one trusts her, he will possess her;
his descendants too will inherit her.
She walks with him as a stranger
and at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him
and tries him with her discipline
until she try him by her laws and trust his soul.
Then she comes back to bring him happiness
and reveal her secrets to them
and she will heap upon him
treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice.
But if he fails her, she will abandon him
and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.

Responsorial Psalm PS 119:165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175

R. (165a)  O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Those who love your law have great peace,
and for them there is no stumbling block.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
I keep your precepts and your decrees,
for all my ways are before you.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
My lips pour forth your praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
May my tongue sing of your promise,
for all your commands are just.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Let my soul live to praise you,
and may your ordinances help me.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

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 MK 9:38-40

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."

Great in His Eyes

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022619.cfm) reminds me how to be great in God's eyes. 

A few years back, there was a movie about the life of Muhammad Ali, whom many considered one of, if not the world’s greatest boxer, although today Floyd Mayweather insists he is the greatest. The theme song of the Ali movie is titled “The World’s Greatest”. He won many fights, he was a well-respected boxer in the ring, and his skills are superior… that’s why he is a great fighter.

God’s standards are usually opposite as those of the world’s. The greatest in God’s eyes are not the strong and mighty, but the dependent and childlike.

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples how to be first, how to be great, in God's eyes. He told them that a child is great in God’s eyes, and they should welcome and be like children. That they should humble themselves like the children. Back then, children together with women were the least in the society, so women and of course children are naturally humble because of their situation. 

Why is a child great? Because of his humility and nothingness. He knows he cannot do anything on his own, so he is fully dependent on his parents. Children do not only rely, but also obey their parents – even when they do not understand what the parents are asking them to do. The same way, God wants us to be like that, to know and remember that we really cannot do anything on our own… that we should be fully dependent and obedient on God, our father. This is something difficult, especially for successful and independent people who think they can do anything and can exist on their own.

If we know and accept our nothingness, and fully depend on God, then we are great. For it is when we humbly ask for His grace and guidance that we can be filled with everything God wants to give us. And when we are filled with God, then we are certainly great, for God is in us.

In the  first reading, we are reminded why we should humble ourselves before God. We are reminded why we should trust God. No one who has hoped in the Lord has been disappointed. God does not forsake people who obey Him. Who trust in Him. God is compassionate and merciful and powerful. That is why we should humble ourselves before him, following the psalmist that reminds us to commit ourselves to the Lord, and he will help us. 

What is my definition of greatness? Do I want to be great? What are the things I plan to do to be great? Do I acknowledge and believe God’s definition of greatness? What is he telling me today?  

May we be reminded of what it takes to be great in God’s eyes, and do our best to be one.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Thank you for sending people in my life who remind me how much you love me and how special I am to you. Lord, I am sorry for the times I put you out of the picture, when I just rely on myself and do things on my own. Sorry for the times I focus too much on myself, how I can be great in the eyes of the world. Help me have the childlike attitude and faith that will always rely on you as I live. Help me submit to your will all the time. Help me humble myself. Help me live like your child so I can be pleasing and great in your eyes. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

February 26 2019

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 342

Reading 1 SIR 2:1-11

My son, when you come to serve the LORD,
stand in justice and fear,
prepare yourself for trials.
Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
incline your ear and receive the word of understanding,
undisturbed in time of adversity.
Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;
thus will you be wise in all your ways.
Accept whatever befalls you,
when sorrowful, be steadfast,
and in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold and silver are tested,
and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and God will help you;
trust in him, and he will direct your way;
keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,
turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the LORD, trust him,
and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.
You who fear the LORD, love him,
and your hearts will be enlightened.
Study the generations long past and understand;
has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?
Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken?
has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?
Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;
he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble
and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth.

Responsorial Psalm PS 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40

R. (see 5)  Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.
Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart's requests.
R. Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.
The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted;
their inheritance lasts forever.
They are not put to shame in an evil time;
in days of famine they have plenty.
R. Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.
Turn from evil and do good,
that you may abide forever;
For the LORD loves what is right,
and forsakes not his faithful ones.
R. Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.
The salvation of the just is from the LORD;
he is their refuge in time of distress.
And the LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
R. Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.

Alleluia GAL 6:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee,
but he did not wish anyone to know about it.
He was teaching his disciples and telling them,
"The Son of Man is to be handed over to men
and they will kill him,
and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise."
But they did not understand the saying,
and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house,
he began to ask them,
"What were you arguing about on the way?"
But they remained silent.
For they had been discussing among themselves on the way
who was the greatest.

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,
"If anyone wishes to be first, 
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all."
Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, 
and putting his arms around it, he said to them,
"Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;
and whoever receives me,
receives not me but the One who sent me."

Yes, He Can!

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022519.cfm) reminds me how powerful God is. We also see how powerful faith is, and that we should ask for it. 

The gospel tells of a story of a boy possessed by a powerful demon – so powerful that the disciples could not drive it out. The boy’s father was losing hope, feeling helpless on the situation. See an excerpt of the conversation between the boy’s father and Jesus.

“‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”

Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”

As human beings, we are sometimes limited by what we see. We tend to think “realistically”, based on our situation or on what is actually happening. We focus on what is obvious and what we think is possible based on what happened previously or what our senses can perceive and do. However, unfortunately, sometimes we think God is in the same boat with us – that he is limited by time and space, that his power is not real anymore, that he cannot do things except those what we think is possible and normal. We sometimes base our faith on what we think is possible instead on what God can do. We say we have faith in God, but at the back of our minds, we are thinking of alternative ways because we don’t think God will really come to help us out.

God is very powerful. However, Faith is important for God to do miracles.

It has been mentioned that faith can move mountains, and the lack of faith of people caused him not to do many miracles in his own town. And in the gospel, we are reminded that anything is possible to one who has faith. We may not immediately have that strong a faith, and it’s okay. As we can see, the boy’s father cried out to Jesus. I do believe, help my unbelief. Yes, I believe but not entirely. Naniniwala naman ako, Lord, pero kulang pa. I have faith in you – your love and your power, but sometimes the power of the world, the temptations and distractions of the world, is just so overwhelming. God, help me. Increase my faith.

God hears us. Jesus heard the prayer of the man, and healed the son. God has faith in us as well. He filled up what was missing. He added to the lack of faith of the man and healed the boy. We need not be perfect, we just need to be humble and sometimes, that is enough for God. 

How often do we act like the father? How often do we feel helpless in situations, that we think God cannot do anything about it? How often do we say we trust in God, but are not sure of it ourselves? How often do we say we have faith but deep in our hearts, we are still troubled and we do not know if God can really help us out? Do we ask for faith from God, and do what we can to increase our faith?

May we always remember how powerful God is, and may we be humble enough to admit that we lack faith, and pray that God help our unbelief and increase our faith in Him. May we really remember and live this – nothing is impossible to those who have faith.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the weekend. Thank you for a new week. Thank you for your great love and great power.  Thank you for this beautiful reminder as I start the week – that nothing is impossible to those who have faith. Lord, sorry for not having a strong faith in you. Sorry for letting the world overwhelm me. Sorry for being weak. Father God, I pray that you help me unbelief. I pray that you increase my faith. There are a lot of things I am thinking – things about my career, my family, and my service to you. Lord, I pray that you increase my faith and help me just trust in you as I live. I know you have great plans for me, and I know you will not disappoint me. May I always be open and allow you to pleasantly surprise me as I live for you. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/of-faith-and-humility.html

Daily Readings

February 25 2019

Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 341

Reading 1 SIR 1:1-10

All wisdom comes from the LORD
and with him it remains forever, and is before all time
The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain,
the days of eternity: who can number these?
Heaven's height, earth's breadth,
the depths of the abyss: who can explore these?
Before all things else wisdom was created;
and prudent understanding, from eternity.
The word of God on high is the fountain of wisdom
and her ways are everlasting.
To whom has wisdom's root been revealed?
Who knows her subtleties?
To whom has the discipline of wisdom been revealed?
And who has understood the multiplicity of her ways ?
There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring,
seated upon his throne:
There is but one, Most High
all-powerful creator-king and truly awe-inspiring one,
seated upon his throne and he is the God of dominion.
It is the LORD; he created her through the Holy Spirit,
has seen her and taken note of her.
He has poured her forth upon all his works,
upon every living thing according to his bounty;
he has lavished her upon his friends.

Responsorial Psalm PS 93:1AB, 1CD-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.

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 MK 9:14-29

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John
and approached the other disciples,
they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them.
Immediately on seeing him,
the whole crowd was utterly amazed.
They ran up to him and greeted him.
He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?”
Someone from the crowd answered him,
“Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit.
Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down;
he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid.
I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.”
He said to them in reply,
“O faithless generation, how long will I be with you?
How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.”
They brought the boy to him.
And when he saw him,
the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions.
As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around 
and foam at the mouth.
Then he questioned his father,
“How long has this been happening to him?”
He replied, “Since childhood.
It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him.
But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Jesus said to him,
“‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”
Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”
Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering,
rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it,
“Mute and deaf spirit, I command you:
come out of him and never enter him again!”
Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out.
He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!”
But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private,
“Why could we not drive the spirit out?”
He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

Do Good

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022419.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to do good and be good to others. 

I saw a sign in a church some time ago that says: "Take care of your valuables, other people may think it's God's answer to their prayers". It may seem funny, but there is a lot of truth in it. We have lots of prayers, and most of them are financial. And when we come across financial things, money, jewelry, and other valuables, there may be a temptation to think that it should not be returned to the owner for it may be God's answer to our prayers. This is similar to what happened to David. 

David was in hiding because Saul wanted him dead. And when he got the opportunity to kill him, people told him God delivered him to his hands. It is one way of looking at it, but that is similar to taking things not yours thinking they are God's answer to your prayers. However, God never wants violence, and his ways are different and peaceful. He does not want us to take revenge on others, no matter how unfair we were treated. How David responded to the situation should inspire us. 

The state of our heart determines how we respond to situations. 

There are times we are faced with similar situations. There are times we are given a choice, and seem to have God answer our prayers. However, we should remember that God answers our prayers in the right way, and we should not resort to bad things in doing God's will. We should think of other people who may be affected by what we would do. 

What am I praying for the most right now? How is God responding? do I realize that his ways are always consistent with the gospel values? Do I continue to build a relationship with him so I can always hear him clearly?

May we be inspired by David's heart and be guided by our decisions.  

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, sorry for the times I don't act like David and instead thinking like his men. Sorry for understanding and interpreting things in a worldly way. Sorry for choosing to see things in the way that it would favor me. Sorry for letting emotions take over instead of a peaceful heart. Help me have a heart like David who clearly sees your ways. Help me live right and pleasing to you. Help me build a relationship with you. As I do so, use me and glorify your name. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

February 24 2019

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 81

Reading 1 1 SM 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

In those days, Saul went down to the desert of Ziph
with three thousand picked men of Israel,
to search for David in the desert of Ziph.
So David and Abishai went among Saul’s soldiers by night
and found Saul lying asleep within the barricade,
with his spear thrust into the ground at his head
and Abner and his men sleeping around him.

Abishai whispered to David:
“God has delivered your enemy into your grasp this day.
Let me nail him to the ground with one thrust of the spear;
I will not need a second thrust!”
But David said to Abishai, “Do not harm him,
for who can lay hands on the LORD’s anointed and remain unpunished?”
So David took the spear and the water jug from their place at Saul’s         head,
and they got away without anyone’s seeing or knowing or awakening.
All remained asleep,
because the LORD had put them into a deep slumber.

Going across to an opposite slope,
David stood on a remote hilltop
at a great distance from Abner, son of Ner, and the troops.
He said: “Here is the king’s spear.
Let an attendant come over to get it.
The LORD will reward each man for his justice and faithfulness.
Today, though the LORD delivered you into my grasp,
I would not harm the LORD’s anointed.”

Responsorial Psalm PS 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

Reading 2 1 COR 15:45-49

Brothers and sisters:
It is written, The first man, Adam, became a living being, 
the last Adam a life-giving spirit.
But the spiritual was not first;
rather the natural and then the spiritual.
The first man was from the earth, earthly;
the second man, from heaven.
As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly,
and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly.
Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one,
we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.

Alleluia JN 13:34

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I give you a new commandment, says the Lord:
love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelLK 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“To you who hear I say,
love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
To the person who strikes you on one cheek,
offer the other one as well,
and from the person who takes your cloak,
do not withhold even your tunic.
Give to everyone who asks of you,
and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
For if you love those who love you,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who do good to you,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners do the same.
If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners lend to sinners,
and get back the same amount.
But rather, love your enemies and do good to them,
and lend expecting nothing back;
then your reward will be great
and you will be children of the Most High,
for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give, and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.” 

Steady in Faith

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022319.cfm) reminds me that in times of troubles, challenges and uncertainties, I should be still because of my faith in God. 

There was a time when I was applying for a job and I felt so scared before the interview. I did not feel confident because I was applying for a job different from what I was currently doing then, then I was told that I would be interviewed not only by the immediate head, but by her head as well. I was new to my faith community at this time, and while I was waiting to be interviewed, I suddenly remembered the song “still". It was one of the first christian songs I learned, and at that time, it just meant to much to remember how God is in control of everything, and we just have to be still and trust in him. It helped relax me a bit, though I was still nervous. Good thing the bosses were both nice during the interview. 

Being still in times of trouble is a sign of great faith in God.

The first reading shows us one of the definitions of faith that I really like - realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Faith nalang, kahit mukhang imposible. Faith nalang, kahit hindi mo makita paano mangyayari. Faith kahit di mo alam kung may pag asa pa. We are also reminded of Noah who obeyed God and built the ark even if it was very sunny. He had faith - even if it did not seem to make sense. 

Sometimes, we get overwhelmed by problems in this life. Sometimes we get stressed with the things happening around us, or not happening to us. Sometimes we feel prayers cannot do anything with the situation and with powerful people we are faced with. However, Jesus is telling us to be still and have faith in him. To have faith in his love. To have faith in his power. Be steady. Relax. If we have faith, we will not have time to be terrified or troubled. If we know how much God loves us, and how powerful he is, then no storm in life can bother us. We just have to trust him and surrender, and tell him to fight our battles. 

God is faithful. His plan is perfect. Always. We should just be still, be calm, and have faith in Him no matter what situation we are facing. 

What situation am I in right now? What are my worries and concerns? How am I reacting? Do I keep myself calm and have faith in God? Or do I panic worry, not trusting in God and his plans and power? 

May we do our part and seek God in prayer, bible reading and the sacraments to solidify our faith and relationship with him...so we can be still in times of troubles and challenges.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the timely reminder. Thank you for reminding me of your great love and power. Sorry for the times I get so stressed and scared of what is happening around me. sorry for the times that I know you are there beside me, but I still feel scared and stressed. Sorry for not having enough faith in you. help me strengthen my faith and my relationship with you. I will do my part and read the bible, pray more, and take the sacraments, and I ask you to help me strengthen my faith. may I always be still in times of trouble, knowing that you are always there protecting me. I have faith that you are fighting my battles as I surrender to you. And I ask that you surprise me with how powerful and loving and generous you are. amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

February 23 2019

Memorial of Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr
Lectionary: 340

Reading 1HEB 11:1-7

Brothers and sisters:
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested.
By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God,
so that what is visible came into being through the invisible.
By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice greater than Cain’s.
Through this, he was attested to be righteous,
God bearing witness to his gifts,
and through this, though dead, he still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death,
and he was found no more because God had taken him.
Before he was taken up, he was attested to have pleased God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him,
for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who seek him.
By faith Noah, warned about what was not yet seen,
with reverence built an ark for the salvation of his household.
Through this, he condemned the world
and inherited the righteousness that comes through faith.

Responsorial Psalm PS 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11

R. (see 1)  I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
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. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Alleluia SEE MK 9:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:
This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 9:2-13

Jesus took Peter, James, and John
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
then from the cloud came a voice,
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, the disciples no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,
except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
So they kept the matter to themselves,
questioning what rising from the dead meant.
Then they asked him,
“Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
He told them, “Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things,
yet how is it written regarding the Son of Man
that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt?
But I tell you that Elijah has come
and they did to him whatever they pleased,
as it is written of him.”

Be Like Peter

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022219.cfm) reminds me to be a servant leader like Peter.  

As we celebrate the feast of the Chair of St Peter, we are reminded of him in the readings. 

The first reading shows us how saint Peter, the Church’s leader, wants us to serve. He exhorts the church leaders to take care of those entrusted to their care and not abuse them – to be faithful to their task and be rewarded when Jesus, the chief shepherd, comes again. This is different from the world's view of leaders. Peter wants us to serve as we lead. 

The gospel reminds us that Peter was anointed and chosen by Jesus, how Jesus entrusted the Church to Peter.

And so I say to you, you are Peter,

and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven

Jesus loved us so much that He appointed and anointed Peter to take care of his church. God revealed to Peter who Jesus was. That is how anointed he is. Jesus trusts in us so much that he gave us one of our own to be our leader in faith. And I believe he is calling us to be like Peter, even if we are not church leaders, to serve Him and bring others to him as we take care of each other in following Christ. We are calling him to be like Peter and serve others as we lead them. To make his love more alive and more real in this world. 

How do I live my faith? Do I try to positively influence others? Am I a good example of my faith and if my love for God? Do I trust God and surrender to Him so he can use me for his purpose? 

May we look up to Peter and his love for God, and may we always allow God to lead and shepherd us as the psalmist says, us as we serve others. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me how much you love me. Thank you for giving us saint Peter to take care of us. Thank you for continuing to guide us through the Pope which we consider as the successor of Saint Peter. Sorry for the times I do not allow myself to be used. Sorry for rejecting you. Sorry for being hard headed. Lord, We pray for the Pope, the servant of the servants of God.  Lord, I also ask that in my own little way, you use me as your servant and may I bring glory and happiness to you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

February 22 2019

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle
Lectionary: 535

Reading 1 1 PT 5:1-4

Beloved:
I exhort the presbyters among you,
as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ
and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed.
Tend the flock of God in your midst,
overseeing not by constraint but willingly,
as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.
Do not lord it over those assigned to you,
but be examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd is revealed,
you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Responsorial Psalm PS 23:1-3A, 4, 5, 6

R. (1)  The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Alleluia MT 16:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church;
the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”