To Be Great

The WORD today reminds me that I should be childlike to be great in God's eyes.

Young children usually obey their parents. When they are asked to be quiet, to do or not to do something, they don't usually ask why. Sometimes they do, but even if they don't fully understand the explanation of their parents, they still obey. They still follow. They respect their parents. Hindi sila pasaway na gagawin ang gusto nila. This attitude is what God wants us to have. This is what God wants us to be - childlike. 

What is being childlike? A childlike attitude puts full faith and trust in the parents  

Kapag bata, walang choice eh. The child needs to rely on the parents to walk, stand up, eat, etc. Ganun nalang yung dependency nya sa magulang. Ganun nalang yung tiwala nya sa magulang. Complete faith

A childish attitude is the opposite. 

It is when a person wants to have things their way. Kapag hindi nakuha ang gusto, magdadabog o magagalit. Gusto laging masunod. The focus is on the self.

This is why God blessed the childlike. Jesus wanted his disciples to be open to children and be childlike. He blessed those who relied on Him, instead of relying on their own personal achievements. He blessed those who know that they are nothing and everything that they have is from God, not those who think highly of themselves because of their accomplishments and credentials. the childlike have open hearts ready to welcome Him and will not argue with him or push him away. That is why Jesus wants us to be like that. 

God wants us to have that childlike faith – faith that will humble ourselves and totally rely on and trust in Him, knowing that He is the only one who loves us enough to die for us and save us from our sin, and that everything happening will lead to a full life in Him.

Are you childlike or childish? Are you proud of your own accomplishments and credentials that you forget the source of all those? Do you get mad at God when things don’t go your way, or when you don’t understand everything that is happening? Do you have full faith in God, confidently walking with him even if you can only see until the next step, knowing that He will be there every step of the way?

May we be sensitive to how we react to God, and work on having and pray for a childlike faith and attitude towards God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week to live and to experience your love. Thank you for reminding me the importance of being childlike and not childish. Thank you for loving me and being patient with me. Lord, sorry for the many times I act childish. Sorry for getting mad at you when things do not go my way. Sorry for wanting things my way. Sorry for not having faith in you. Increase my faith. May I always trust in you, especially when things are challenging. A lot of times, I do not understand what is happening and how all these could turn into something great. But Lord, i have faith that you can see, and that as long as I cooperate with your plan, things will turn out great. May I develop that childlike faith as I live my life in service of you. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 30 2019

«

 September 29  |  October 1 »

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 455

Reading 1 ZEC 8:1-8

This word of the LORD of hosts came:

Thus says the LORD of hosts:

I am intensely jealous for Zion,
stirred to jealous wrath for her.
Thus says the LORD:
I will return to Zion,
and I will dwell within Jerusalem;
Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city,
and the mountain of the LORD of hosts,
the holy mountain.

Thus says the LORD of hosts:  Old men and old women,
each with staff in hand because of old age,
shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem.
The city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
Even if this should seem impossible
in the eyes of the remnant of this people,
shall it in those days be impossible in my eyes also,
says the LORD of hosts?
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
Lo, I will rescue my people from the land of the rising sun,
and from the land of the setting sun.
I will bring them back to dwell within Jerusalem.
They shall be my people, and I will be their God,
with faithfulness and justice.

Responsorial Psalm PS 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 AND 22-23

R.  (17) The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
The nations shall revere your name, O LORD,
and all the kings of the earth your glory,
When the LORD has rebuilt Zion
and appeared in his glory;
When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute,
and not despised their prayer.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
Let this be written for the generation to come,
and let his future creatures praise the LORD:
"The LORD looked down from his holy height,
from heaven he beheld the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoners,
to release those doomed to die."
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
The children of your servants shall abide,
and their posterity shall continue in your presence.
That the name of the LORD may be declared in Zion;
and his praise, in Jerusalem,
When the peoples gather together,
and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

Alleluia MK 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest.
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
"Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest."

Then John said in reply,
"Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company."
Jesus said to him,
"Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.

Do Good To Others

The WORD today reminds me that I should not be indifferent towards others, but do good to them instead.

There is a saying that the “ only way for evil to succeed in this world is for good men to do nothing.” I believe this is true. Evil will only succeed if good people do not do anything about it. Evil work will prosper only if good people stay silent and let evil things happen. God is all powerful, and nothing is above his power, that is why evil will only triumph if people of God remain silent, sit on the sidelines, and let evil things happen

We should not be passive, instead be active in fighting evil and doing good.

In the gospel we see a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. There was no mention that the rich man was a bad person, or if he got his wealth by doing evil things. However, they say that what got him into hell was his indifference towards Lazarus.

Dapat lagi tayong may paki alam sa kapakanan ng iba.

Why was he indifferent? Taking a look at the gospel, we see that the rich man knew Lazarus. He knew his name. And he knew he was a beggar. However, he did not care about Lazarus. Probably he was not explicitly doing bad, but his lack of concern towards others is what got him in trouble. He was too focused on himself, enjoying his wealth, without regard for others who need help as well. Probably the rich man was greedy, not giving the scraps to Lazarus - scraps he did not even need anymore.

God not only expects use to avoid evil, but we should actively do good as well.

God has blessed us with different things. Most probably, no one will admit that he or she is rich, or have more than enough. We will always find ourselves wanting more, other that those we already have. But taking a closer look at our lives, we are sure to find that we have what we need to survive. Probably not as much as others, or not as much that will enable us to live lavishly, but we have more than what we need. With this, God expects that we also share what we have with others – might be a tiny portion, might not be a lot, but what is important is we have a heart that gives cheerfully. God has blessed us not just to make us comfortable, but also so we can share his blessings to others. Our actions, our sharing of our blessings, make God more real and more alive in the lives of others.

What are my intentions? What do I work for? What are my treasures and blessings? What do I do with these? Do I just want them for myself, or do I share them with others? Do I realize that as I share, I make God more alive and more real in others?

May we have genuine concern for others, and have the heart who would share what we have to others may live and feel God in this world. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live and learn about you. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for loving me and providing for me. Lord, sorry for the times I act like the rich man. Sorry for being indifferent to the needs of others. Sorry for focusing only on my own needs and concerns. Lord, I pray that you give me a giving heart. May I develop a heart that would always be sensitive with others, and be ready and willing to help others in whatever way we can. I know that not doing evil is enough – you also want me to actively do good to others as well. I pray that in my own little way, I may be always able to help others and make them feel your love and concern. In a special way, I lift up my uncle Miguel who is celebrating his birthday today. Continue to bless and protect him. Surprise him with your great love and protection. May he continue to experience your immense love and share of himself and share you to others through his life. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 29 2019

« September 28  |  September 30 »

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 138

Reading 1 AM 6:1A, 4-7

Thus says the LORD the God of hosts:
 Woe to the complacent in Zion!
 Lying upon beds of ivory,
 stretched comfortably on their couches,
 they eat lambs taken from the flock,
 and calves from the stall!
 Improvising to the music of the harp,
 like David, they devise their own accompaniment.
 They drink wine from bowls
 and anoint themselves with the best oils;
 yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph!
 Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile,
 and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.

Responsorial Psalm PS 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

R. (1b) Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed he who keeps faith forever,
 secures justice for the oppressed,
 gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD gives sight to the blind;
 the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.
The LORD loves the just;
 the LORD protects strangers.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The fatherless and the widow he sustains,
 but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever;
 your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 1 TM 6:11-16

But you, man of God, pursue righteousness,
devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called
when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I charge you before God, who gives life to all things,
and before Christ Jesus,
who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession,
to keep the commandment without stain or reproach
until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ
that the blessed and only ruler
will make manifest at the proper time,
the King of kings and Lord of lords,
who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light,
and whom no human being has seen or can see.
To him be honor and eternal power.  Amen.

Alleluia CF. 2 COR 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees:
"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen
and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps
that fell from the rich man's table.
Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died,
he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried,
and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off
and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames.'
Abraham replied,
'My child, remember that you received
what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;
but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.
Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established
to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go
from our side to yours or from your side to ours.'
He said, 'Then I beg you, father,
send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers,
so that he may warn them,
lest they too come to this place of torment.'
But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them listen to them.'
He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,
but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

Hindi Mo Maintindihan

The WORD today reminds me that there are times when we will not immediately understand God's wisdom.

We were trained to understand things. In school, even if you don’t necessarily memorize the formulas, if you understand its application, you’ll most probably be able to solve problems. After reading chapters and books, there are questions to see if we understood what was just read. We expect to understand lessons and concepts immediately for us to pass tests. However, in life, this is not always the case.

Minsan hindi mo talaga agad mauunawaan ang karunungan ng Diyos.

In the gospel, we see that even the disciples did not understand everytime what Jesus tells them. Even if they have been spending time with him and it was Jesus directly talking to them, they did not understand. Yes, it says that it’s meaning is hidden from them, but they did not even ask Jesus what he meant. We do not know if Jesus will explain it to them had they asked, but the fact is they did not ask.

How about us? What do we do when we don’t understand things that are happening to us?

We should have faith. God’s wisdom is different from ours. We may not understand things, but we just need to have faith in God, knowing he has the best intentions for us. Even if the disciples did not understand what Jesus meant, they continued to spend time with him. They continued to follow him, and he continued to guide and protect them.

We should also not be frustrated when we do not know or do not understand. Ganun talaga, may mga bagay na hindi natin ma iintindihan no matter hard we try to understand or make sense of it. What is important is we pray for an open heart and continue having faith. Like the disciples, we should wait on God’s perfect timing when he will reveal these things to us. The disciples did not understand these things, but when God sent the holy Spirit on Pentecost, their hearts and minds were opened and understood everything. All in God's perfect time and perfect way.

What are the questions on my mind? Do I have doubts on God’s power and love? How do I react when I do not understand the things that are happening to me? What does God want me to do?

May we never be frustrated when we don't understand God's plans and his wisdom, and have faith that in God’s perfect time and way, we will understand too.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Lord, sorry for the times I get angry or sad when I don't understand what is happening. Sorry for always wanting to know and be aware of your plans and your wisdom. Help me have faith. More faith. Lord, give me a heart that will continue to pray and trust you even if I do not understand a lot of things that are happening in my life. I know that in your perfect time and perfect way, I will understand these things. While I wait, I will continue to trust in you. I will continue to have faith. I will continue to love and serve you. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 28 2019

« September 27  |  September 29 »

Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 454

Reading 1 ZEC 2:5-9, 14-15A

I, Zechariah, raised my eyes and looked:
there was a man with a measuring line in his hand.
I asked, "Where are you going?"
He answered, "To measure Jerusalem,
to see how great is its width and how great its length."

Then the angel who spoke with me advanced,
and another angel came out to meet him and said to him,
"Run, tell this to that young man:
People will live in Jerusalem as though in open country,
because of the multitude of men and beasts in her midst.
But I will be for her an encircling wall of fire, says the LORD,
and I will be the glory in her midst."

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion!
See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD.
Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day,
and they shall be his people and he will dwell among you.

Responsorial Psalm JEREMIAH 31:10, 11-12AB, 13

R.(see 10d)  The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,
proclaim it on distant isles, and say:
He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together,
he guards them as a shepherd guards his flock.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
The LORD shall ransom Jacob,
he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror.
Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion,
they shall come streaming to the LORD's blessings.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Then the virgins shall make merry and dance,
and young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Alleluia SEE 2 TM 1:10

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

Gospel LK 9:43B-45

While they were all amazed at his every deed,
Jesus said to his disciples,
"Pay attention to what I am telling you.
The Son of Man is to be handed over to men."
But they did not understand this saying;
its meaning was hidden from them
so that they should not understand it,
and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Who Am I To You?

The WORD today reminds me to work on my relationship with God.

People have different opinions of who or what we are. Some say good things about us. Others say the opposite. They may have their reasons. We may act differently towards various people. However, we should not give so much importance on what others say about us. We give more importance on what our family and close friends say about us, because they matter more, and they should know us more. This is what we see Jesus do in the gospel.

The gospel shows us Jesus asking the disciples the question: Who am I to you? He asked them who other people said he was, but it was really not important to Jesus. What matters to him is who his disciples see him for. Who he is to his disciples. Peter proclaimed that Jesus is the Christ of God. Jesus then affirmed it, and reminded them that even though he is such, he will have to suffer in the hands of people – telling them that they would suffer too as his followers, but with the assurance of victory when Jesus told them he will be raised on the third day.

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 we can only say he is our God if we have an intimate and personal relationship with him. if we don’t pray, if we don’t hear mass and take the sacraments, if we don’t read the bible, if we don’t experience Jesus, we cannot honestly say that he is our God. Probably we can say that other people say he is, or other people say he is a great and loving God, but unless we build an intimate relationship with Him, we cannot say the same.

We are challenged today.

We can all have that relationship with Christ. We can all call him our Christ, our Messiah, our Savior. However, we need to do our part. We need to exert effort and work on our relationship with Christ. And he will come meet us and help us and give us what we really desire.

Who is Jesus to you? Who is Jesus in your life? Do you put Him first in your life? Do you believe that He is the all loving, all merciful, all powerful God? Do you believe that He can work great things to and through you?

May we find it in our hearts to answer him like Peter did – that he is Christ the God, that he is God in our lives. May we work to have an intimate and personal relationship with Him, and work harder to maintain and grow it.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder and the challenge. I praise and adore you for who you are. Lord, 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 worshipped, and I believe that you will use me in a mighty way the same way you used Peter for your glory. Lord, sorry for not having a personal and intimate relationship with you. Sorry for not prioritizing you. Sorry for being complacent. help me. Give me the desire and will to know you more. I will do my part. 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 build and sustain an intimate and personal relationship with you. This I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 27 2019

« September 26  |  September 28 »

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest
Lectionary: 453

Reading 1 HG 2:1-9

In the second year of King Darius,
on the twenty-first day of the seventh month,
the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai:
Tell this to the governor of Judah,
Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel,
and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak,
and to the remnant of the people:

Who is left among you
that saw this house in its former glory?
And how do you see it now?
Does it not seem like nothing in your eyes?
But now take courage, Zerubbabel, says the LORD,
and take courage, Joshua, high priest, son of Jehozadak,
And take courage, all you people of the land,
says the LORD, and work!
For I am with you, says the LORD of hosts.
This is the pact that I made with you
when you came out of Egypt,
And my spirit continues in your midst;
do not fear!
For thus says the LORD of hosts:
One moment yet, a little while,
and I will shake the heavens and the earth,
the sea and the dry land.
I will shake all the nations,
and the treasures of all the nations will come in,
And I will fill this house with glory,
says the LORD of hosts.
Mine is the silver and mine the gold,
says the LORD of hosts.
Greater will be the future glory of this house
than the former, says the LORD of hosts;
And in this place I will give you peace,
says the LORD of hosts!

Responsorial PsalmPS 43:1, 2, 3, 4

R.(5) Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.
Do me justice, O God, and fight my fight
against a faithless people;
from the deceitful and impious man rescue me.
R. Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.
For you, O God, are my strength.
Why do you keep me so far away?
Why must I go about in mourning,
with the enemy oppressing me?
R. Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.
Send forth your light and your fidelity;
they shall lead me on
And bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling place.
R. Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.
Then will I go in to the altar of God,
the God of my gladness and joy;
Then will I give you thanks upon the harp,
O God, my God!
R. Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.

Alleluia MK 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude,
and the disciples were with him,
he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
They said in reply, "John the Baptist; others, Elijah;
still others, 'One of the ancient prophets has arisen.'"
Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter said in reply, "The Christ of God."
He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, "The Son of Man must suffer greatly
and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised."

Right Reasons

The WORD today reminds me that I should have the right reasons in looking for God.

There are a lot of church groups nowadays, which is very good. These groups and organizations help us know God more. They help us learn more about our faith and how we could live them. However, not all have the right reasons when attending these gatherings or joining these groups. some people join and attend gatherings not because they are looking for God and want to improve their faith, but because they are looking for new friends, especially from the opposite sex who they can go on a date with. Some are looking to expand their network. This is probably the same as Herod’s reasons in the gospel.

Herod kept trying to see Jesus. 

Why? Because he probably wanted to know who Jesus was, and what the fuss was all about. He probably wanted to know if what the people were saying are true. There could be many reasons why Herod was looking for Jesus. However, what’s more important is our reasons for looking for Jesus – if we are looking for Him in the first place.

Why should we look for Jesus? Jesus is anything and everything we need. He is the Son of God. He is able. He loves us. We just need to seek him and humbly come to him, surrendering ourselves to him. IF we seek him, we will find him, if we seek him with all of our heart (Jeremiah 29:13)

Finding Jesus is not enough. After finding Jesus, we should spread him to others

All of us have gifts, talents and skills given by God to be used for His purpose, to further his kingdom. Time spent in the internet, browsing social media sites and watching videos can be used to instead pray, read the bible, and strengthen our relationship with God. Skills used for work and business may also be used in medical missions, outreach, or fundraising activities to build God's kingdom. Connections in government and society may be used not just for our own benefit, but to benefit others who need to feel and be reminded of God's love on earth. 

How do I use my skills, talents and resources? Do I use them to spread God’s kingdom? Do I look for God? Do iI consider him in my decisions? 

May we do our part and look for Jesus, and when we find him, may we be generous enough to share him with others. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I don't look for you. Sorry for the times I have the wrong reasons for searching for you. Help me look for your with all of my heart, Lord. May I take the time off to really look hard for you and search for you. and I know if I look for you with all of my heart, I will find you. As I find you and experience you, may I share you to others. Help me use my skills and talents for your kingdom. Help me be more aware and help me use them for your purpose and your glory. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 26 2019

«

 September 25  |  September 27 »

Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 452

Reading 1 HG 1:1-8

On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius,
The word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai
to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel,
and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak:

Thus says the LORD of hosts:
This people says:
"The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD."
(Then this word of the LORD came through Haggai, the prophet:)
Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses,
while this house lies in ruins?

Now thus says the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways!
You have sown much, but have brought in little;
you have eaten, but have not been satisfied;
You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated;
have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed;
And whoever earned wages
earned them for a bag with holes in it.

Thus says the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways!
Go up into the hill country;
bring timber, and build the house
That I may take pleasure in it
and receive my glory, says the LORD.

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

R.(see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.
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.
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.
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.

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 LK 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening,
and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,
“John has been raised from the dead”;
others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”;
still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”
But Herod said, “John I beheaded.
Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
And he kept trying to see him.

He Provides

The WORD today reminds me that God always provides. 

As a man, I want to be able to provide well for my family. However, there will always be challenges along the way. There will always be reasons and situations that can stress you. And it is fitting that the gospel today reminded me that God will provide. We should just continue to remain dependent on him as we do our part.

He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,

neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,

and let no one take a second tunic

It must have been weird for the disciples when they were told to do these. Proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick, but we are not supposed to bring anything for themselves? Nothing. Not even the basics. Jesus wanted total dependence on the part of his disciples. They were probably thinking, how about us? how about our concerns and needs? Probably these were some things they had on their mind. However, these did not keep them from following Jesus and doing their part. 

They obeyed Jesus. They worked. And they trusted in God.

And God took care of them.

In our lives, we too are facing such concerns. There are a lot of things bothering us. A lot of problems weighing us down. However, Jesus is reminding us to just do what we are supposed to do. To just do our part, do our best, and leave the rest to Him. We do not have to understand everything. We do not have to see and plan everything, until the very end. But we should do our best, work, and trust in God... and he will provide.

What are my concerns right now? What are bothering me? What prevents me from fully following God? How do I react to these concerns? Do I let them stress me, or do I have faith in God’s goodness and generosity? What is God telling me today?

May we always be reminded of the goodness and the provision of God, and may this move us to do our best and just trust in Him on things we have no control of.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience your love and provision. Thank you for your word that reminds me how much you love me and that you will always take care of me. Lord, sorry for the times I do not trust in you. Sorry for doubting you. Sorry for worrying too much. help me to let go and just trust on you. May I just do my best, while having full faith that as I go along, you will continue to provide for what I need. I know you love me so much and you will always be there.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

September 25 2019

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 September 24  |  September 26 »

Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 451

Reading 1 EZR 9:5-9

At the time of the evening sacrifice, I, Ezra, rose in my wretchedness,
and with cloak and mantle torn I fell on my knees,
stretching out my hands to the LORD, my God.

I said: "My God, I am too ashamed and confounded to raise my face to you,
O my God, for our wicked deeds are heaped up above our heads
and our guilt reaches up to heaven.
From the time of our fathers even to this day
great has been our guilt,
and for our wicked deeds we have been delivered up,
we and our kings and our priests,
to the will of the kings of foreign lands,
to the sword, to captivity, to pillage, and to disgrace,
as is the case today.

"And now, but a short time ago, mercy came to us from the LORD, our God,
who left us a remnant and gave us a stake in his holy place;
thus our God has brightened our eyes
and given us relief in our servitude.
For slaves we are, but in our servitude our God has not abandoned us;
rather, he has turned the good will
of the kings of Persia toward us.
Thus he has given us new life
to raise again the house of our God and restore its ruins,
and has granted us a fence in Judah and Jerusalem."

Responsorial Psalm TOBIT 13:2, 3-4A, 4BEFGHN, 7-8

R.(1b) Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
He scourges and then has mercy;
he casts down to the depths of the nether world,
and he brings up from the great abyss.
No one can escape his hand.
R.Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
Praise him, you children of Israel, before the Gentiles,
for though he has scattered you among them,
he has shown you his greatness even there.
R.Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
So now consider what he has done for you,
and praise him with full voice.
Bless the Lord of righteousness,
and exalt the King of ages.
R.Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
In the land of my exile I praise him
and show his power and majesty to a sinful nation.
R.Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
Bless the Lord, all you his chosen ones,
and may all of you praise his majesty.
Celebrate days of gladness, and give him praise.
R.Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

Alleluia MK 1:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority
over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal the sick.
He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey,
neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,
and let no one take a second tunic.
Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.
And as for those who do not welcome you,
when you leave that town,
shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them."
Then they set out and went from village to village
proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.