Bring God to Others (Visitation 2019)

As we celebrate the feast of Mama Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, the WORD (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/053119.cfm) reminds me that we should bring God to others.

When we have problems, we usually don't have the will and desire to help others. We focus on ourselves and our situation. Helping others is the least of our concerns. In fact, it is the opposite. We want others to help us. However, we see today Mama Mary doing the opposite.

After being told by the angel Gabriel that she would be the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is pregnant in her old age. Imagine how simple, humble and selfless Mama Mary is! Instead of taking care of her own needs or asking others to take care of her because she’s carrying inside her the Son of God, she herself travelled to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

Our concerns should not be our excuses for not bringing God to others.

Elizabeth recognized how blessed Mama Mary is. John, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb, recognized it too! They recognized God visiting them, not as a glorious and powerful king, but as a simple and humble woman in Mary.

We too should bring God to others!

Just as Mama Mary's visitation brought God to Elizabeth and her baby John, our presence and visitation to others should bring God to them as well. I believe it is not that hard to do it. Like Mama Mary, she did not come prepared with an exhortation or a preaching about God. She just came as she was with the intent of serving others. Simple as that. I believe this is what we should do as well. We can bring God to others by doing simple things out of love. Genuinely serving others. Being willing to step out of our comfort zone and reach out to others. Treat others right. Simple things, but these could be used by God to reach out to others.

Do I believe that God visits me everyday? In what ways? Am I ready and willing to be used by God to visit other people as well? Does my presence bring God to others? What concrete actions can I do to bring God to others?

May we be sensitive of God’s visitation to us today, and allow him to use us to visit others as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the beautiful reminder. I thank you for choosing Mama Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Thank you that you chose a simple and humble woman from a simple place to be the earthly mother of your Son. Thank you because I know that just as you chose and used her, you can also choose me, a simple servant of yours, to accomplish your work and use me in a great way to proclaim your kingdom. Sorry for the times I don't act like her. Sorry for focusing on my concerns and problems, instead of focusing on you and on serving you. sorry for having lots of excuses.  I ask that I be more aware of your presence as you visit me today through other people and the circumstances surrounding me. And as I become sensitive to you visiting me, may I also be sensitive and cooperative to allow you to use me to visit others as well. Fill me with your love and presence, so I may bring you to others through the things that I do. Use me and my life to bring and proclaim you to others.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 31 2019

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Lectionary: 572

Reading 1 ZEP 3:14-18A

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.

Or    ROM 12:9-16

Brothers and sisters:
Let love be sincere;
hate what is evil,
hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection;
anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal,
be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction,
persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,
exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you,
bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another;
do not be haughty but associate with the lowly;
do not be wise in your own estimation.

Responsorial Psalm ISAIAH 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6

R.(6)  Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Alleluia SEE LK 1:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelLK 1:39-56

Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."

And Mary said:

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."

Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.

Ascension 2019

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/053019-ascension.cfm) reminds me that Jesus watches over us from above.

As we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord into heaven, we are reminded that He watches over us and blesses us from above. Both the first reading and the gospel tell us of Jesus’ ascension – him being taken back to heaven. It was probably a very awesome sight to see, and the fact that Jesus will come again in that glory is exciting to see – for those who are ready to see him.

Jesus wants us to continue his work while we wait for his return.

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples before he was taken up into heaven, that repentance and forgiveness of sin should be preached in the world in His name. He is basically telling them to go into the world and proclaim the gospel. If that is his last message, it must really be important. However, as he asks us to do this, we are not by ourselves. Jesus is watching from above – guiding and protecting us as we continue his work. The second reading also affirms us of God's power, dominion and protection as he watches over us from above.

We need not be missionaries to do this. We need not have great signs or miracles for us to do this. As St Vincent Pallotti says, God wills that you sanctify the world in your everyday life. Whatever we do and wherever we are, we can do God’s work. When we do simple things extraordinarily well for the love of God, we are pleasing him. When we treat others right, we are proclaiming the gospel. St Francis of Assisi said that we should preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words. The way we live is just as important, if not more important, as preaching the gospel by mouth.

Am I proclaiming God in this world? Am I doing my part in making God’s love and forgiveness more real and more alive in this world? How? What else can I do today to proclaim God and heed his call?

May we heed Jesus’ call to proclaim Him, and take comfort that he watches, blesses and guides us from above.

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 blessings. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, thank you for always watching over me, for protecting me and for guiding me. Sorry for the times I forget it. Sorry for the times I do not proclaim you. Sorry for being lazy and selfish, just doing what I want in life. Sorry for being stubborn. Help me be able to do what you ask of me, Lord. May I proclaim you to the people I meet, not just in words but more importantly, by the way I live my life. Help me to live right and pleasing to you. May my life glorify you and bring you to others. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 30 2019- The Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension of the Lord
Lectionary: 58

Reading 1 ACTS 1:1-11

In the first book, Theophilus,
I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught
until the day he was taken up,
after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit
to the apostles whom he had chosen.
He presented himself alive to them
by many proofs after he had suffered,
appearing to them during forty days
and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While meeting with them,
he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem,
but to wait for "the promise of the Father
about which you have heard me speak;
for John baptized with water,
but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

When they had gathered together they asked him,
"Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
He answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons
that the Father has established by his own authority.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
throughout Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth."
When he had said this, as they were looking on,
he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going,
suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
They said, "Men of Galilee,
why are you standing there looking at the sky?
This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven
will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."

Responsorial PsalmPS 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For king of all the earth is God;
sing hymns of praise.
God reigns over the nations,
God sits upon his holy throne.
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 EPH 1:17-23

Brothers and sisters:
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
for us who believe,
in accord with the exercise of his great might:
which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead
and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,
far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,
and every name that is named
not only in this age but also in the one to come.
And he put all things beneath his feet
and gave him as head over all things to the church,
which is his body,
the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

Or HEB 9:24-28; 10:19-23

Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands,
a copy of the true one, but heaven itself,
that he might now appear before God on our behalf.
Not that he might offer himself repeatedly,
as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary
with blood that is not his own;
if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly
from the foundation of the world.
But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages
to take away sin by his sacrifice.
Just as it is appointed that men and women die once,
and after this the judgment, so also Christ,
offered once to take away the sins of many,
will appear a second time, not to take away sin
but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since through the blood of Jesus
we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary
by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil,
that is, his flesh,
and since we have Aa great priest over the house of God, "
let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust,
with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience
and our bodies washed in pure water.
Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope,
for he who made the promise is trustworthy.

Alleluia MT 28:19A, 20B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 24:46-53

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer
and rise from the dead on the third day
and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins,
would be preached in his name
to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things.
And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you;
but stay in the city
until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany,
raised his hands, and blessed them.
As he blessed them he parted from them
and was taken up to heaven.
They did him homage
and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
and they were continually in the temple praising God.

Who is Your God?

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052919.cfm) makes me examine who the God of my life is.

Confused people often ask for opinions of others. They ask multiple people. However, most of he time, they already have an answer in mind and are just seeking validation from others. This is why they ignore opinions different from what they want, and focus on opinions that support what they want to do or want to happen. This is similar to the first reading, with what Paul did and how the people of Athens reacted.

You Athenians, I see that in every respect

you are very religious

For as I walked around looking carefully at your shrines,

I even discovered an altar inscribed, 'To an Unknown God.'

What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you.

The God who made the world and all that is in it,

the Lord of heaven and earth,

does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands,

nor is he served by human hands because he needs anything

The Athenians should have been happy to know the truth, or to receive new information on their faith. They should have been excited. But they were not. Instead, they ignored Paul. They were contented on their current situation and do not want to know and do the truth.

We may not be like the Athenians worshipping an unknown God, but probably we can ask ourselves, who is my God? Who am I worshipping? Yes, I know that he created everything, that he loves us so much, that he sent his son Jesus to die for us… people tell us that. Doctrine tells us that. We can read that in catholic literature, or have probably known that ever since grade school. However, we are asked personally… sino ba si God para sa iyo? Sino ba si God sa buhay mo? Sino ba ang Diyos mo? Do I really know that he loves me so much? That he is merciful? That he is faithful? That he is mighty?

Kapag tinanong ka ng Diyos kung sino sya sa buhay mo, ano ang isasagot mo?

Sometimes, we say we worship God without really having a deep and personal relationship with Him. Minsan, nagsisimba lang tayo kasi ganun tayo lumaki. Minsan, nagdadasal ka lang kasi sabi nila dapat magdasal. Minsan, nag p prayer meeting ka lang kasi nandun mga kaibigan mo. But that is not enough. We can only worship if we personally know who God is in our lives. We can only worship with abandon if we really experience Him in our lives.

How do we know him? He reveals himself to us through a lot of ways. Bible. Songs. Friends. People around us. Prayer. We just have to be sensitive. We just have to seek him, and have faith in his word. Sabi nya, “You will seek me and find me, if you seek me with all of your heart…(Jeremiah 29:13)” Let us pray to have that heart that seeks God, and that faith to believe.

Sometimes, we may also act like the Athenians when we do not follow everything God tells us. Like the Athenians who left when what Paul said was not what they wanted to hear, we too sometimes just choose what commandments we want to follow and we want to do. We want God to adjust to us. This is not right.

In the reading, he also says that he would forgive our ignorance, but should start acting now.

God has overlooked the times of ignorance,

but now he demands that all people everywhere repent

because he has established a day on which he will 'judge the world

with justice' through a man he has appointed,

and he has provided confirmation for all

by raising him from the dead."

It’s okay if we’ll start just now. It is okay if we’ll seek him just now. It’s okay to follow him wholeheartedly just now. It is okay if we had other gods in our life, money, fame, power, as long as we seek him now. We need to be consistent in seeking Him and in following his path. He has revealed himself to us, we just need to make the decision to follow him, to let him be God in our lives, and to pray for God’s guidance in helping us stick to that decision.

Who is God in my life? Do I have other gods - money, fame, success, wealth, popularity? What is important in my life right now? How can I improve my relationship with God now? What is HE telling me today?

May we find time to ask who is God in my life, and who the God in my life is. and make the effort to work on that realization.

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 you are not God in my life. Sorry for working for money, fame, and other worldly things instead of you. Sorry for the times I do not focus on you and on building my relationship with you. Help me live right. Help me know and do what is right. Help me live my faith. Help me improve my relationship with you. May my life consistently show you who you are in my life. You know I love, you, help me make that concrete. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-spirit.html

Daily Readings

May 29 2019

Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 293

Reading 1 ACTS 17:15, 22—18:1

After Paul's escorts had taken him to Athens,
they came away with instructions for Silas and Timothy
to join him as soon as possible.

Then Paul stood up at the Areopagus and said:
"You Athenians, I see that in every respect
you are very religious.
For as I walked around looking carefully at your shrines,
I even discovered an altar inscribed, 'To an Unknown God.'
What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you.
The God who made the world and all that is in it,
the Lord of heaven and earth,
does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands,
nor is he served by human hands because he needs anything.
Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.
He made from one the whole human race
to dwell on the entire surface of the earth,
and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions,
so that people might seek God,
even perhaps grope for him and find him,
though indeed he is not far from any one of us.
For 'In him we live and move and have our being,'
as even some of your poets have said,
'For we too are his offspring.'
Since therefore we are the offspring of God,
we ought not to think that the divinity is like an image
fashioned from gold, silver, or stone by human art and imagination.
God has overlooked the times of ignorance,
but now he demands that all people everywhere repent
because he has established a day on which he will 'judge the world
with justice' through a man he has appointed,
and he has provided confirmation for all
by raising him from the dead."

When they heard about resurrection of the dead,
some began to scoff, but others said,
"We should like to hear you on this some other time."
And so Paul left them.
But some did join him, and became believers.
Among them were Dionysius,
a member of the Court of the Areopagus,
a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

After this he left Athens and went to Corinth.

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

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

Alleluia JN 14:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I will ask the Father
and he will give you another Advocate
to be with you always.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you."

Shine in the Dark

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052819.cfm) reminds me that God’s light shines even in the darkest of situations.

They say that darkness bring out light. The darker it is, the brighter the light would be. This is why in the province, where there are more trees and less electrical lights, you can see stars better. Stars are brighter. We can also see this in the readings.

In the first reading, we see that Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Not only that, they were beaten before being thrown into prison. They must have felt down and tired. The physical darkness of being in the innermost cell probably added to the spiritual and moral darkness they felt. However, this did not dampen their spirits. They were still faithful to God – singing songs and praying. Imagine, after being beaten and thrown into prison, they were still having this “prayer meeting.” God did not disappoint them – he made them feel his power and protection over them, and not only that, he made them realize that darkness cannot stop God’s glory from shining brightly. To add to that, The guard and his whole household was converted and came into faith.

God's power and light shines in the darkest of situations, and are still effective in glorifying his name.

In the gospel, we see that Jesus prepared his disciples for his leaving. Yes, there was grief in their hearts, but this grief will be turned into gladness when the Holy Spirit comes to them. The dark situation of Christ’s leaving them, turned into a glorious one when he rose from the dead and sent the holy spirit to always be with the disciples.

God cannot be stopped by the darkest night.

Again we see that what the enemy designed to stop God was actually turned into something to glorify God. God is powerful and loving, and no amount of darkness is enough to stop his love from flowing, to stop his glory from shining.

What are my fears? What is the darkest, the lowest point in my life? How did God manifest his love for me during that situation? Am I going through something sad right now? What is God telling me about it?

May we remember how powerful and how loving God is, especially during challenging times.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for always talking to me through your WORD and the people around me. Thank you for your love that strengthens relationships and makes it easier to get by through life’s challenges. Lord, sorry for the times I lose my faith in you. Sorry for letting darkness overpower me. Sorry for thinking that you can be stopped by the enemy. Lord, I pray that I always allow you to fill my life with your love. I also pray that I would always be faithful to you, no matter how challenging life may become, may I be like Paul and Silas who continued to pray and praise you despite the darkness around them. Lord, as I do this, I know that you will continue to manifest yourself and your glory will continue to shine bright. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/05/for-god.html

Daily Readings

May 28 2019

Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 292

Reading 1 ACTS 16:22-34

The crowd in Philippi joined in the attack on Paul and Silas,
and the magistrates had them stripped
and ordered them to be beaten with rods.
After inflicting many blows on them,
they threw them into prison
and instructed the jailer to guard them securely.
When he received these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell
and secured their feet to a stake.

About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened,
there was suddenly such a severe earthquake
that the foundations of the jail shook;
all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose.
When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open,
he drew his sword and was about to kill himself,
thinking that the prisoners had escaped.
But Paul shouted out in a loud voice,
"Do no harm to yourself; we are all here."
He asked for a light and rushed in and,
trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas.
Then he brought them out and said,
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus
and you and your household will be saved."
So they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house.
He took them in at that hour of the night and bathed their wounds;
then he and all his family were baptized at once.
He brought them up into his house and provided a meal
and with his household rejoiced at having come to faith in God.

Responsorial PsalmPS 138:1-2AB, 2CDE-3, 7C-8

R. (7c) Your right hand saves me, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple,
and give thanks to your name.
R. Your right hand saves me, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Because of your kindness and your truth,
you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. Your right hand saves me, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
R. Your right hand saves me, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia SEE JN 16:7, 13

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;
he will guide you to all truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 16:5-11

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Now I am going to the one who sent me,
and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'
But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.
But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.
For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he comes he will convict the world
in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:
sin, because they do not believe in me;
righteousness, because I am going to the Father
and you will no longer see me;
condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned."

Be Strong

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052719.cfm) reminds me that God wants me to be strong amidst all the challenges in life.

In the movie facing the giants, one of the moving scenes that stuck with me was during the latter part, when the coach was telling the leader of his team to be strong. He was telling him to continue fighting and leading, especially when it was difficult to. When he is weak. When he wants to give up. It is easy to lead when you're strong, and when things are normal. The challenge is to do this during tough times. This was probably what Jesus was thinking that's why he reminded his disciples in the gospel.

It is easy to serve God when life is comfortable, when things are normal. But we need to prepare and be strong when challenges come.

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples what is in store for them. He did not sugarcoat. He told them what will happen. He told them that the disciples will be expelled from the synagogue, and worse, people will try to kill them. They will experience these challenges as they do God’s work. But Jesus reminds them to be firm in faith and be strong, that God is with them.

Life is not fair, and God wants us to be strong amidst the challenges and persecutions that life bring us, especially with regards to us being followers of God. In the gospel, Jesus said that his disciples then, and us until now, will experience persecutions, and he warns us ahead so we may be prepared and not fall away when we experience these things.

Following Christ is not easy.

Jesus experienced his share of suffering and persecution in this world, and we should expect them too if we are real followers of Christ. But He does not want us to succumb to these challenges. He wants us to be strong and hold on to his word as we experience these. God will give us strength to endure it, and the wisdom to look forward and know what is really important in life.

What things do I experience as a follower of God? How do I react to challenges and trials I experience as a follower of God? How can I improve my faith, especially during these times?

When we experience challenges that come with following Christ, may we learn to be strong and focus on Him.

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 the times I get weak and succumb to these challenges and persecutions. Sorry for the times I prioritize other things instead of my faith. I ask that you continue to be patient with me. give me strength to face the challenges that come with following you. give me the wisdom to know what is really important and be able to focus on you. Increase my faith and help me continue loving and serving you, especially amidst all the challenges in life. amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 27 2019

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 291

Reading 1 ACTS 16:11-15

We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace,
and on the next day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi,
a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony.
We spent some time in that city.
On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river
where we thought there would be a place of prayer.
We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there.
One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth,
from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened,
and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention
to what Paul was saying.
After she and her household had been baptized,
she offered us an invitation,
"If you consider me a believer in the Lord,
come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.

Responsorial Psalm PS 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A AND 9B

R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 15:26B, 27A

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,
and you also will testify.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 15:26—16:4A

Jesus said to his disciples:
"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning.

"I have told you this so that you may not fall away.
They will expel you from the synagogues;
in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you
will think he is offering worship to God.
They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.
I have told you this so that when their hour comes
you may remember that I told you."

Keep His Word

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052619.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to keep his word.

We usually keep things that we love. We keep things that are memorable or special to us. In the new method now, Konmari, the creator Mari Kondo basically tells people to do away with unnecessary things and just keep things that spark joy. This is indicative of how special something should be for you to keep it. This is how special God’s word should be to us.

God wants us to keep his word.

In the gospel, Jesus said that whoever loves him will keep his word, and in turn God the Father will love him. Jesus wants us to keep his word. He wants us to live his word. He taught us how to live right, and he wants us to remember his teachings. As we do, we show him how important he is to us. As we keep his word and live in a way pleasing to him, we are telling him we believe him. We are telling him we give him importance in our lives. And because of this, God is pleased and will love us even more.

In the first reading, the disciples lived this when they chose representatives to send to the people in Antioch. They wanted to focus on God. They wanted the people to focus on doing what God wants, and not on unnecessary burdens. This is what we should do, to help each other to do God’s word and live pleasing to him.

Do I keep God’s word? In what way? Do I live pleasing to him and consistent with his teachings? How can I help and encourage other people live pleasing to him as well?

May we always remember to keep God’s word and remain in him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore you. Sorry for the times I do not live my faith. Help me live right. Help me live pleasing to you. You know that I love you, and I will do my best to show that to you through my life. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 26 2019

Sixth Sunday of Easter
Lectionary: 57

Reading 1 ACTS 15:1-2, 22-29

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,
"Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,
you cannot be saved."
Because there arose no little dissension and debate
by Paul and Barnabas with them,
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others
should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders
about this question.

The apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:

"The apostles and the elders, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
'It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right.  Farewell.'"

Responsorial Psalm PS 67:2-3,5,6,8

R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 REV 21:10-14, 22-23

The angel took me in spirit to a great, high mountain
and showed me the holy city Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven from God.
It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone,
like jasper, clear as crystal.
It had a massive, high wall,

with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed
and on which names were inscribed,
the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.
There were three gates facing east,
three north, three south, and three west.
The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation,
on which were inscribed the twelve names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

I saw no temple in the city
for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it,
for the glory of God gave it light,
and its lamp was the Lamb.

Alleluia JN 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.

"I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me tell you,
'I am going away and I will come back to you.'
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe."