No Looking Back

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/063019.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to keep moving forward as we serve Him.

We have a saying that goes “Ang hindi marunong tumingin sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating sa paroroonan.” This shows that in our journey in life, it is important to know and remember where we came from, where we started, and not to forget our beginnings. However, in God’s kingdom, it may not always be best to look back as we move forward to serve him

Everyone in Christ is a new creation.

As we follow God, we are made new. The old self, with the sins, are left behind. This is why in the readings today, we see how God wants us not to look back as we follow Him. we should not look back to our old self and our sins, and just focus on Him, our new life, our new self, as we serve Him. It is said that we can’t serve two masters, so we should choose him and not our old self.

Once you decide to choose God, to follow Him, then it should be permanent.

No need to reminisce of your old life, or old decisions or sins. That will just open the doors to temptation and relapse. As we choose God, as we allow ourselves to be transformed, we should just let God use and mold us, and not look back to what we are before.

Change does not happen overnight. As we can see in the gospel, even his disciples’ temper is still on a rage. “Lord, you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” This must have been an exciting sight – but not a good one. This shows that from time to time, we will still fall, old habits will still manifest. But we should be humble enough and allow God to continue to change us as we focus on Him

As we live our new life in Christ, as we allow Him to mold and use us, may we not be tempted to look back at our old lives and just focus on what lies ahead. Let us keep moving forward towards him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for always reminding me. Thank you for the opportunities you constantly give me to serve you and to choose you. Thank you for reaching out to me. Sorry for the times I am not that serious in changing and shaping up for you. Sorry for half hearted decisions to do good and serve you. Lord, I pray that as I live, I may constantly choose you. May I never look back to my old self and accept the new person you are making me. As I serve you, may I choose to keep moving forward and focus on you as I follow you. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/03/stay-clean.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/10/stay-clean.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/10/dont-look-back.html 

Daily Readings

June 30 2019

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 99

Reading 1 1 KGS 19:16B, 19-21

The LORD said to Elijah:
"You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah,
as prophet to succeed you."

Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat,
as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen;
he was following the twelfth.
Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him.
Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said,
"Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,
and I will follow you."
Elijah answered, "Go back!
Have I done anything to you?"
Elisha left him, and taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them;
he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh,
and gave it to his people to eat.
Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.

Responsorial Psalm PS 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. (cf. 5a) You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
 I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you.
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
 you it is who hold fast my lot."
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
 even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
 with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
 my body, too, abides in confidence
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
 nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
You will show me the path to life,
 fullness of joys in your presence,
 the delights at your right hand forever.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Reading 2 GAL 5:1, 13-18

Brothers and sisters:
For freedom Christ set us free;
so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters.
But do not use this freedom
as an opportunity for the flesh;
rather, serve one another through love.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement,
namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
But if you go on biting and devouring one another,
beware that you are not consumed by one another.

I say, then: live by the Spirit
and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
For the flesh has desires against the Spirit,
and the Spirit against the flesh;
these are opposed to each other,
so that you may not do what you want.
But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Alleluia 1 SM 3:9; JN 6:68C

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening;
you have the words of everlasting life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:51-62

When the days for Jesus' being taken up were fulfilled,
he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,
and he sent messengers ahead of him.
On the way they entered a Samaritan village
to prepare for his reception there,
but they would not welcome him
because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.
When the disciples James and John saw this they asked,
"Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven
to consume them?"
Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him,
"I will follow you wherever you go."
Jesus answered him,
"Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."

And to another he said, "Follow me."
But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father."
But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead.
But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
And another said, "I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home."
To him Jesus said, "No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God."

Peter and Paul

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062919-day.cfm) reminds me that I should be like Sts Peter and Paul who continued to serve God no matter what situation they were in.

As we celebrate the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, I am inspired to be like them.

The first reading shows us what great things God has done to Peter. He was captured, chained and was set to die. A lot of guards were guarding him to be sure he cannot escape. Then we see that nothing really is impossible with God! God hears the prayers of his people! God sent an angel to take Peter away from a seemingly impossible situation. God turned the hopeless situation into one which shows his great love, power and glory! Peter continued to serve God even if he was in prison, even if times were tough.

Another great servant of God, Paul’s final moments was recalled in the second reading. Yes, he gave his all for God. He was tired, yet very happy and satisfied with how he lived his life in service of God. Until the end, he had complete and full faith in God, something we can aspire to have, something we can work to have.

God appreciates hard work done for Him.

The gospel shows us Jesus asking the disciples the question: Who am I to you? Who do you say that I am? It does not matter who Jesus is for other people. What matters is who Jesus is to them. Peter proclaimed that Jesus is the messiah. Jesus then affirmed that it was God who revealed this to Peter, and he said his blessings on Peter as the head of his Church.

Today, God is asking us the same question: Who am I to you? It does not matter what other people say Jesus is. It does not matter what sins we have committed in the past. It does not matter what we intend to do in our lives. What matters for Christ is our answer to his question, and if like Saints Peter and Paul, we are willing to walk the talk – to live what our answer to what God is in our lives. We should be willing to serve God no matter what situation we are in.

Who is God to me? Who is God in my life? Do I put him first in my life? Do I believe that he is all loving, all merciful, all powerful? Do I believe that he can work great things to and through me? Do I serve him? Do I continue to serve him when times are tough?

May we find it in our hearts to answer him like Peter did – that he is the Messiah, that he is God in our lives. Let us be inspired by saints Peter and Paul, and live our lives the way these two servants of God did – working tirelessly to proclaim God’s kingdom wherever they are, having full faith in God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for another chance to experience your love and live my faith. Thank you for the reminder and challenge. Lord, I praise and adore you for who you are. I am so blessed that you are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and that no matter what I do, you will not love me less. I am so grateful to be worshipping the same God that Peter and Paul worshipped. Sorry for the times I do not act like Sts Peter and Paul. Sorry for being afraid to proclaim my faith. Sorry for losing hope and faith. Increase my faith. I believe that you will use me in a mighty way the same way you used Peter and Paul for your glory. Lord, I ask that you help me live my life proclaiming that you are the Messiah, that you are my God, so that I can bring people to you and glorify you. Help me be like them who tirelessly served you, especially when times are tough. May I live my love for you through service. This I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 29 2019 - Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles - Mass during the Day
Lectionary: 591

Reading 1 ACTS 12:1-11

In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them.
He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword,
and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews
he proceeded to arrest Peter also.
–It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.–
He had him taken into custody and put in prison
under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each.
He intended to bring him before the people after Passover.
Peter thus was being kept in prison,
but prayer by the Church was fervently being made
to God on his behalf.

On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial,
Peter, secured by double chains,
was sleeping between two soldiers,
while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison.
Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him
and a light shone in the cell.
He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying,
"Get up quickly."
The chains fell from his wrists.
The angel said to him, "Put on your belt and your sandals."
He did so.
Then he said to him, "Put on your cloak and follow me."
So he followed him out,
not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real;
he thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed the first guard, then the second,
and came to the iron gate leading out to the city,
which opened for them by itself.
They emerged and made their way down an alley,
and suddenly the angel left him.
Then Peter recovered his senses and said,
 "Now I know for certain
 that the Lord sent his angel
 and rescued me from the hand of Herod
 and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting."

Responsorial Psalm PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (5) The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

Reading 2 2 TM 4:6-8, 17-18

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.

The Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Alleluia MT 16:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and 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." 

Sacred Heart of Jesus

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062819.cfm) reminds me of God’s divine love for me.

Today is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It reminds me of Christ's intense and divine love for me.

What comes into mind when one sees an image of a heart?

Some, probably the scientists and physicians, would associate heart with science and remember one of the most important organ in the human body. Well, the heart hand sign nowadays is similar to the actual heart. The finger heart, as others would call it. So a lot would associate it with a heart.

Well, that is true.

However, I believe most of the people would associate heart with love. Not just the actual heart, but to love. And I believe that is what Jesus, through the readings today, wants to tell us

In the first reading we see God our shepherd taking care of us, his flock. He loves us even if we do not love him. He loves us even if we do not recognize him. He does not let his anger get in the way of his love. Nanjan sya kahit hindi natin alam, kahit hindi natin napapansin or pinapansin. His love is unconditional, na kahit hindi mo I acknowledge, kahit hindi ka magpasalamat, hindi sya titigil magmahal. He is willing to die for us. To protect us. To guide us. To save us. And that is exactly what Jesus did for us.

In the second reading, we see the first reading concretized. Hindi na concept yung pagmamahal ni God. Hindi na theoretical yung unconditional love nya sa atin. We see that this love is true. While it is easy to love our family, friends and those who love us, pero mahirap mahalin ang kaaway. Mahirap mahalin ang sumasakit sayo. But this is exactly what Christ did. He loved us while we were still sinners. He died for us while we were still sinners. This is how he proved his love for us. He loved us even if we sin and hurt him. He loved us even if we were the cause of his pain. He did not wait for us to change and love him before loving and saving us. He died for us while we were still sinners. While we were still hurting him. He died to save us. That's how he loved us. That's how he proved his love for us.

God loves you even if you don't love him.

He will not force you to love him. His sacred heart will love you no matter what. However, hopefully, as we feel his love, we will be moved to love him as well. Hopefully, as we experience his love and goodness, we will not only be thankful and love him, but love others and make his love more alive. And as we are reminded in the gospel, hopefully this love of God would make us repent, change our ways, and go back to him.

Do I know that God really loves me so much? Do I value God’s love for me? IS it enough for God to tell me how special and worthy I am, or do I still look for love and affirmation of other people to make me feel good about myself? How can I love others and make them feel God’s love? Does God’s love make me repent and go back to Him?

May we always remember how much God loves us, and live to make that love alive in the world.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Thank you for loving me, even if I am unworthy. Lord, I am sorry for sinning and hurting you. Sorry for not loving you enough. Pero Lord salamat, kasi kahit pasaway ako, that does not stop you from loving me. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for loving me even if I hurt you. Thank you for dying for me. Lord, help me value to your love for me and may I find my worth in your love and not in others. May I always remember how divine your love for me is. Today and every day, may I always remember how much you love me, and may I be a vessel of your love to others. Use me to make your love more alive in this world.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 28 2019

Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Lectionary: 172

Reading 1 EZ 34:11-16

Thus says the Lord GOD:
I myself will look after and tend my sheep.
As a shepherd tends his flock
when he finds himself among his scattered sheep,
so will I tend my sheep.
I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered
when it was cloudy and dark.
I will lead them out from among the peoples
and gather them from the foreign lands;
I will bring them back to their own country
and pasture them upon the mountains of Israel
in the land's ravines and all its inhabited places.
In good pastures will I pasture them,
and on the mountain heights of Israel
shall be their grazing ground.
There they shall lie down on good grazing ground,
and in rich pastures shall they be pastured
on the mountains of Israel.
I myself will pasture my sheep;
I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD.
The lost I will seek out,
the strayed I will bring back,
the injured I will bind up,
the sick I will heal,
but the sleek and the strong I will destroy,
shepherding them rightly.

Responsorial Psalm PS 23:1-3A, 3B-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.
He guides me in right paths
 for his name's sake.
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.

Reading 2 ROM 5:5B-11

Brothers and sisters:
The love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
For Christ, while we were still helpless,
died at the appointed time for the ungodly.
Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person,
though perhaps for a good person
one might even find courage to die.
But God proves his love for us
in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood,
will we be saved through him from the wrath.
Indeed, if, while we were enemies,
we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son,
how much more, once reconciled,
will we be saved by his life.
Not only that,
but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Alleluia MT 11:29AB

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord,
and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or JN 10:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord,
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 15:3-7

Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes:
"What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them
would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert
and go after the lost one until he finds it?
And when he does find it,
he sets it on his shoulders with great joy
and, upon his arrival home,
he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them,   
'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'
I tell you, in just the same way
there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents
than over ninety-nine righteous people
who have no need of repentance."

Not Just Words

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062719.cfm) reminds me that God wants more than lip service from me.

Knowing is different from doing. Knowing the law is different from following the law. Knowing God and his commands is different from following and doing God’s commands. Knowing God is not enough, for even the devil knows God! God calls us to further our faith and prove our love to Him by not being contented in knowing Him, but doing his commands us well.

It is wise not just to know, but more importantly to obey God's commandments.

God plays no favourites. Although there were chosen people, they were not saved simply because they were chosen. God still needs us to act and do our part. In the gospel we see Jesus reminding us how important it is to act and not just hear God’s words when he said that the man who hear God’s word and act on it is wise, compared to someone who simply hears but does not act.

Hearing and acting on God’s word means to build our foundation on Jesus. Building on Jesus may not seem interesting at first. He may not give us the desires of this world. He may not give us money, power or fame. However, he gives us much more than that. He gives us something we can take into eternity. He gives us something to hold on to when things around us crumble and fall. He gives us life to the fullest through his redeeming love.

Indeed it is true what Saint Augustine said, “God who created us without us, cannot save us without us.” We need to want being saved, and out of that desire and that love, stems our action of following God’s word, doing his will, and being his ambassadors here on earth.

Do I know God? How? What do I do, or can I do, so that I can know God more? Am I contented with knowing God, or am I moved to act on it as well? What can I do today so I can prove to God that I love him?

May we always remember to love our faith and build our foundation on God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for loving me, even if I don’t deserve your love. I know that you don’t need me, you don’t need my love, but you love me because you are loving, because you are love. Lord, Sorry for the times I do not love you back. Sorry for the times I am hard headed. Sorry for putting my trust on others. Lord, I ask that you give me the heart that would desire to know you more. May I have a passion to get to know you more, and do my part so I can know you more. And out of that, may I always be willing to act and do your will and be your ambassador here on earth. Help me prepare for eternity by doing your work and following your commandments. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/12/house-on-rock.html

Daily Readings

June 27 2019

Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 374

Reading 1 GN 16:1-12, 15-16

Abram's wife Sarai had borne him no children.
She had, however, an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar.
Sarai said to Abram:
"The LORD has kept me from bearing children.
Have intercourse, then, with my maid;
perhaps I shall have sons through her."
Abram heeded Sarai's request.
Thus, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan,
his wife Sarai took her maid, Hagar the Egyptian,
and gave her to her husband Abram to be his concubine.
He had intercourse with her, and she became pregnant.
When she became aware of her pregnancy,
she looked on her mistress with disdain.
So Sarai said to Abram:
"You are responsible for this outrage against me.
I myself gave my maid to your embrace;
but ever since she became aware of her pregnancy,
she has been looking on me with disdain.
May the LORD decide between you and me!"
Abram told Sarai:  "Your maid is in your power.
Do to her whatever you please."
Sarai then abused her so much that Hagar ran away from her.

The LORD's messenger found her by a spring in the wilderness,
the spring on the road to Shur, and he asked,
"Hagar, maid of Sarai, where have you come from
and where are you going?"
She answered, "I am running away from my mistress, Sarai."
But the LORD's messenger told her:
"Go back to your mistress and submit to her abusive treatment.
I will make your descendants so numerous," added the LORD's messenger,
"that they will be too many to count.
Besides," the LORD's messenger said to her:

"You are now pregnant and shall bear a son;
you shall name him Ishmael,
For the LORD has heard you,
God has answered you.

This one shall be a wild ass of a man,
his hand against everyone,
and everyone's hand against him;
In opposition to all his kin
shall he encamp."


Hagar bore Abram a son,
and Abram named the son whom Hagar bore him Ishmael.
Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.

Or  GN 16:6B-12, 15-16

Abram told Sarai:  "Your maid is in your power.
Do to her whatever you please."
Sarai then abused her so much that Hagar ran away from her.

The LORD's messenger found her by a spring in the wilderness,
the spring on the road to Shur, and he asked,
"Hagar, maid of Sarai, where have you come from
and where are you going?"
She answered, "I am running away from my mistress, Sarai."
But the LORD's messenger told her:
"Go back to your mistress and submit to her abusive treatment.
I will make your descendants so numerous," added the LORD's messenger,
"that they will be too many to count.
Besides," the LORD's messenger said to her:

"You are now pregnant and shall bear a son;
you shall name him Ishmael,
For the LORD has heard you,
God has answered you.

This one shall be a wild ass of a man,
his hand against everyone,
and everyone's hand against him;
In opposition to all his kin
shall he encamp."

Hagar bore Abram a son,
and Abram named the son whom Hagar bore him Ishmael.
Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.

Responsorial Psalm PS 106:1B-2, 3-4A, 4B-5

R. (1b)  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Who can tell the mighty deeds of the LORD,
or proclaim all his praises?
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed are they who observe what is right,
who do always what is just.
Remember us, O LORD, as you favor your people.
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Visit me with your saving help,
that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,
rejoice in the joy of your people,
and glory with your inheritance.
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 14:23

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

Gospel MT 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day,
'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?
Did we not drive out demons in your name?
Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?'
Then I will declare to them solemnly,
'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'

"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.

The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined."

When Jesus finished these words,
the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having

Ano Ang Bunga

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062619.cfm) reminds me that I should be conscious of the fruits I bear.

A mango tree bears mango, a buko tree bears buko. Looking at a tree will not only give you what fruit it will bear, but also what quality. A strong, mighty and leafy mango tree would usually give good fruit. A good tree bears good fruit, a rotten tree bears bad fruit.

A fruit gets its quality from what's inside the tree.

In the gospel, we are reminded that we will know people from the fruits or actions. We will know the tree from its fruits. We will know the quality if tree by the quality if the fruits. Jesus warns us to look past the superficial level – to look beyond the seemingly harmless appearance and see what is inside. Jesus wants is to look deep into our hearts and see beyond what other people see, beyond what we project, beyond what we say. Jesus is asking us to examine our lives and see what is inside of us, because eventually it will come out and bear fruit.

We all bear fruit.

Jesus sees what is inside of us. He sees way past our actions, our image and reputation and what we say or project to other people. Kahit sabihin mo, or ipakita mo sa ibang tao, alam ni God ano yung nasa loob ng puso mo. Minsan, kahit hindi mo alam, kahit hindi ka aware, alam ni God. That’s why it is important to always pray and ask his guidance as he reveal what is really in our hearts.

We all bear fruit. Fruits that are lasting. Fruits that are real. Not just superficial. We should be conscious of what fruits we bear, for it testifies to the life we live and ultimately to our faith. We should aim to be one with God, rooted in God, so we can bear good fruit always.

Am I seeking God’s will in my actions? Do I constantly try to make an effort to examine my life and change my ways, as I pray that God help me discern what’s in my heart? What fruits am I bearing in my life?  Do I bear good fruit?

May we be inspired and do our best to bear good fruit for God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Thank you for reminding me that I should bear good fruit. Sorry for the times I don't give it much thought. Sorry for the times I get contented with a good reputation and image, and not a good fruit. Lord, I ask that as I live my life, You help me to be always aware of my intentions, of what is inside my heart. I pray that I always seek your guidance and seek and obey your will above all so that I can glorify you. May my life bear good fruit for your glory. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/06/against-obvious.html

Daily Readings

June 26 2019

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 373

Reading 1 GN15:1-12, 17-18

The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:

"Fear not, Abram!
I am your shield;
I will make your reward very great."

But Abram said,
"O Lord GOD, what good will your gifts be,
if I keep on being childless
and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?"
Abram continued,
"See, you have given me no offspring,
and so one of my servants will be my heir."
Then the word of the LORD came to him:
"No, that one shall not be your heir;
your own issue shall be your heir."
He took him outside and said:
"Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.
Just so," he added, "shall your descendants be."
Abram put his faith in the LORD,
who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.

He then said to him,
"I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans
to give you this land as a possession."
"O Lord GOD," he asked,
"how am I to know that I shall possess it?"
He answered him,
"Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat,
a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."
Abram brought him all these, split them in two,
and placed each half opposite the other;
but the birds he did not cut up.
Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses,
but Abram stayed with them.
As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram,
and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him.

When the sun had set and it was dark,
there appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch,
which passed between those pieces.
It was on that occasion that the LORD made a covenant with Abram,
saying: "To your descendants I give this land,
from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River the Euphrates."

Responsorial Psalm PS 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

R.(8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generations—
Which he entered into with Abraham
and by his oath to Isaac.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 15:4A, 5B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord;
whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 7:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing,
but underneath are ravenous wolves.
By their fruits you will know them.
Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Just so, every good tree bears good fruit,
and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,
nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down
and thrown into the fire.
So by their fruits you will know them."

Narrow Gate

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062519.cfm) reminds me what the narrow road to Christ entails.

The road towards God is narrow.

In the gospel, Jesus said that we should enter through the narrow gate. Wide gates, easy roads, lead to destruction. And since it is easy, many people enter it. However, the narrow gate is constricted, but leads to life. It is not easy to enter through the narrow gate, but everyone can go through it.

In the road, there are signs that tell us if the road ahead is going to be narrow.. Narrow roads, gates and spaces are not easy to enter, unlike wide roads. That is why more discipline is required if we want to enter the narrow road, tha narrow gate. If we want to pass through the narrow road, we should be more careful. We should be sensitive to our surroundings and to other motorists on the road, so as not to get into an accident. Unlike with wide roads that we tend to just speed away and be more careless, because there is more space, more opportunities to do what we want

Same is true with narrow doors. Some buildings, and churches are huge, but have narrow doors – some just enough for people to go inside. Some even allow just one person at a time to go in. This requires us to be mindful of other people, to have discipline and leave behind unnecessary things that cannot pass through the narrow gate. Unlike buildings with wide gates which sometimes cause chaos, having a narrow gate promotes discipline.

The road towards God, towards his kingdom, is narrow. It is not easy to get to him. it requires discipline, sacrifice, and love. It requires us being mindful and sensitive to other people. Good news is, everyone can pass through it. We just need to be disciplined. To be serious. And to work hard for it.

What road am I taking in life? Do I always choose the easy and fun road? Or am I willing to take the narrow road that will lead me to Christ? What is he reminding me today?

May we be challenged and at the same time, encouraged, to walk the narrow road and pass through the narrow gate towards God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another say to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for your love. Lord, sorry for the times I am not willing to enter the narrow gate for you. Sorry for not making the extra step for you. Lord, I ask that you help me live my life in the narrow road. Help me be willing and ready. Give me patience and perseverance. IT may be difficult, but I know it is possible. And as I meet you, may I be ready to enter through the narrow gate, with only essential things with me. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2018/06/narrow-gate.html

Daily Readings

June 25 2019

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 372

Reading 1 GN 13:2, 5-18

Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.

Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents,
so that the land could not support them if they stayed together;
their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together.
There were quarrels between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock
and those of Lot's.
(At this time the Canaanites and the Perizzites
were occupying the land.)

So Abram said to Lot:
"Let there be no strife between you and me,
or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are kinsmen.
Is not the whole land at your disposal?
Please separate from me.
If you prefer the left, I will go to the right;
if you prefer the right, I will go to the left."
Lot looked about and saw how well watered
the whole Jordan Plain was as far as Zoar,
like the LORD's own garden, or like Egypt.
(This was before the LORD had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)
Lot, therefore, chose for himself the whole Jordan Plain
and set out eastward.
Thus they separated from each other;
Abram stayed in the land of Canaan,
while Lot settled among the cities of the Plain,
pitching his tents near Sodom.
Now the inhabitants of Sodom were very wicked
in the sins they committed against the LORD.

After Lot had left, the LORD said to Abram:
"Look about you, and from where you are,
gaze to the north and south, east and west;
all the land that you see I will give to you
and your descendants forever.
I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth;
if anyone could count the dust of the earth,
your descendants too might be counted.
Set forth and walk about in the land, through its length and breadth,
for to you I will give it."
Abram moved his tents and went on to settle
near the terebinth of Mamre, which is at Hebron.
There he built an altar to the LORD.

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

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

Alleluia JN 8:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 7:6, 12-14

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the Law and the Prophets.

"Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,
and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few."