Mission for Me

The WORD today reminds me that God has specific missions for me  

In the movie series James Bond, Mission Impossible, or most of the spy movies, we see the main actor being given a specific mission, then after he successfully completes the mission, he is taken out and given another mission. Same is true in the corporate world. There are consultants who are hired for a specific task, and after they have completed it, they transfer to another company and given another task. God does something similar to this. 

God has specific missions for you. 

In the first reading, we see God doing it to Philip. He was told by an angel to take a specific route, and eventually was led by the Spirit to go up to the Eunuch, a high official at that time. It was probably not an easy thing to do at that time. The Eunuch was a high official with a lot of people with him. However, he did not let it get in the way. He was bold and followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. He explained the scripture to the eunuch, and proclaimed Jesus. The eunuch asked to be baptized, and after that, Philip was taken by God for another mission. 

It is important to obey God and do our mission. 

Some missions are not necessarily long term ones – some missions may be as simple as to lift the spirit of a person, or proclaim God to the person by talking about God or by the way we live our lives. Some may be long term such as looking after the faith and spiritual journey of friends. Only God knows these missions, and only he has the wisdom and vision to see the effect of our simple specific mission to his grand plan for humanity. On our part, what is important is we are sensitive enough to recognize and humble enough to obey. 

To be sensitive, we should know God's voice and we should build a relationship with Him. We need to pray and be familiar with His voice so we would know when he calls us. We also need to obey him. Knowing is not enough. We need to act. Philip wont be able to do his mission if he did not follow the angel and set out on the road. Also, he would not have done it if he had not been bold and followed the leading of the Spirit to approach the eunuch. We too will not be able to do God’s mission if we won’t take the first step and recognize God speaking to us, and obey what God wants us to do – no matter how simple, unclear or weird it may be.

Am I sensitive to God when he calls me? Do I know his voice? Do I listen to his voice and to his promptings? Am I willing to be used by God to reach out to other people? In this time of corona pandemic, what is God’s mission for me? How do I respond?

May we be sensitive, obedient and bold as we do God's specific missions for us. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for having faith in me – in seeing the goodness in me, and in seeing my potential as your child, as your servant working in your vineyard. Lord, sorry for the times I do not listen to you. Sorry for the times I do not know what you want me to do. Sorry for being scared or afraid to do what you want me to do. Lord, I ask that I always be sensitive to you and recognize what you want me to do. may I always be humble and obey what you are leading me to do – no matter how simple it may be, no matter how unclear the direction may be, no matter how weird it may be, and no matter how hard or challenging it may be. I have faith that as you call me, you will equip me and use me for your kingdom, for your purpose. And may all my actions glorify you, not me. Use me to bring your love alive especially during these chalengines times. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.jp/2015/04/obey.html

April 30, 2020

3rd Week of Easter - Thursday; St. Pius V

FIRST READING

Acts 8:26-40

The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, “Get up and head south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, the desert route.” So he got up and set out. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, that is, the queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, and was returning home. Seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip, “Go and join up with that chariot.” Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him. This was the Scripture passage he was reading: 

Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who will tell of his posterity? For his life is taken from the earth. 

Then the eunuch said to Philip in reply, “I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this? About himself, or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning with this Scripture passage, he proclaimed Jesus to him. As they traveled along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, there is water. What is to prevent my being baptized?” Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and he baptized him. When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing. Philip came to Azotus, and went about proclaiming the good news to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Bless our God, you peoples, loudly sound his praise; He has given life to our souls, and has not let our feet slip. 

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. When I appealed to him in words, praise was on the tip of my tongue. 

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness!

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

John 6:51

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 6:44-51

Jesus said to the crowds: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: 

They shall all be taught by God. 

Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.”

Obey God

The WORD today reminds me that God is pleased with my obedience. 

The end justifies the means. 

Some say this is true, but this is not absolute. Sometimes, the results are not always as important as the process. In the gospel, Jesus said that he came down from heaven not to do his will but the will of the one who sent him. He came down to do God’s will - which was to save people. He did not say God wanted to convert half of the world, or proclaiming the gospel to 100 countries. God wanted us to be saved, and he sent his only son to do that. So obedience to Him was very important.

Obedience is important to God, not just results of our actions. 

God wants us to obey him and not just focus on the outcome. God wants us to follow his commandments, and did not set a minimum number of people converted, or minimum number of places where we preach his word. The results of our actions are actually dependent on Him. He can make our actions effective and powerful, no matter how simple and normal it may be. What he needs from us is to trust him, to obey him, and do what he tells us.

In the first reading, we see that the disciples obeyed what Jesus told them to do. They proclaimed the gospel to save people. They did their part to spread God’s kingdom. And I believe that God is with them. We see how there was great joy with what Philip did. And most probably, this was also what happened to other places. They obeyed and God greatly blessed them. 

Merely obedience is not what God wants. Obedience go deeper. Obeying him is a sign of trust. We will only obey him if we trust him. Obedience is a sign of belief. We will only obey him if we believe in him. Obedience is a sign of love. We will only obey him if we love him. So when Jesus told us he glorified God by obeying him, he means more than that. He means deeper than that. As we obey him, we will be taken out of our comfort zone, and we would need to trust, believe and love God for us to successfully do this. Then we will glorify Him.

In what ways do God ask me to obey him? How do I respond? Do I obey and trust him, or do I insist having things done my way? Do I obey the officials when they issue guidelines on quarantine, staying at home, and social distancing? What is he telling me today? 

May we take time to pause and reflect to see if and how we obey him in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another Wednesday. Thank you for reminding me how I can glorify you. Sorry for the times I do not obey you. Sorry for having a lot of reasons and excuses not to do what you are asking of me. help me be like Jesus. Help me be like the disciples. May I be able to obey you as I live. may my life be a testament of my obedience, of my love, and of my faith in you. use me and my actions. May I bring people to you and glorify you with my simple actions done out of love and obedience to you. Lord, I will continue to obey our officials as a sign of my obedience to you. Help us get through this.  amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/04/fruits.html

April 29, 2020

3rd Week of Easter - Wednesday; St. Catherine of Siena

FIRST READING

Acts 8:1b-8

There broke out a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made a loud lament over him. Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the Church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment. 

Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!” 

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

“Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you, sing praise to your name!” Come and see the works of God, his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. 

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

He has changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot; therefore let us rejoice in him. He rules by his might forever.

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

See John 6:40

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Everyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day, says the Lord. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 6:35-40

Jesus said to the crowds,

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. But I told you that although you have seen me, you do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”

Love in the Face of Death

The WORD today reminds and inspires me to fill my life with Christ’s love.

The first reading today is a continuation of yesterday’s, and here we see what eventually happened to Stephen. In front of people who were against him, Stephen did not keep quiet. We see yesterday that he was calm and firm. But he was not timid. He did not back down. Instead, he testified on his faith. He was strong and held on to his faith, despite being surrounded by unbelievers and enemies. And when he was being stoned to death, just before he breathed his last, we see how peaceful and loving he was.

“Lord, do not hold this against them”

Inspite of the people wanting to kill him, he did not get angry with them. He even prayed to God not to hold it against the people. Very similar to Jesus praying just before he died “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” This shows how much peace and love there is in their hearts. We see the genuine peace and love, that even in the last moments in this life, Stephen and Jesus radiated that peace and that love only God can give. This is because of their faith. This is because of their relationship with God. They know that proclaiming God and testifying to the faith is more important than peace and approval of people. Faith is more important than earthly life. 

How do I react when faced with challenges. Do I succumb to these? Do I get pressured by powerful people and worldly pressures that I compromise my values? Or do I have a strong faith in God? How do I strengthen my relationship with Him? 

May we also fill our lives with God’s peace and love, so that whatever we do, whatever situation we may be in, that peace and love may radiate in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the inspiration and the reminder. Lord, Thank you for St Stephen, our first Martyr, who died peacefully and full of love. Sorry for the times I do not act like him. Sorry for giving in to pressure. Sorry for not having a strong faith in you. I pray that I may fill my life with your love. May I work to build my faith and strengthen my relationship with you, so that whatever situation I may be in, I may always radiate your authentic peace and love in my life and my faith always be firm. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2018/04/bread-of-life.html

April 28, 2020

3rd Week of Easter - Tuesday; St. Peter Chanel

FIRST READING

Acts 7:51B8:1a

Stephen said to the people, the elders, and the scribes: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.” 

When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep. 

Now Saul was consenting to his execution.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me. 

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. My trust is in the LORD; I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy. 

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men. 

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

John 6:35ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

I am the bread of life, says the Lord; whoever comes to me will never hunger. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 6:30-35

The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” So Jesus said to them, AAmen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Peace and Calm

The WORD today reminds me that God’s peace will keep me calm amidst the storms in life. 

According to Peter Pan, we can fly when we think of happy thoughts. This is similar with Happy Gilmore – he thinks of happy thoughts before making a tough shot. In the first reading, we see St Stephen who probably had this also, but his is not only happy thoughts, but thoughts of God.

Only God's peace can make you calm amidst the storms in life.

In the first reading, St Stephen was being accused of false things, and he was in trouble. He was brought to the Sanhedrin and false witnesses testified against him. However, he did not panic. He did not defend himself. He did not get mad. Instead, he was calm. He was at peace. The people saw his face was like the face of an angel. He had this peace, because his focus is on God. Others say that there is divine brightness or light. Calm. He is able to remain like this because he trusted on God. He did not let anything distract and disturb him.

We can only have peace like Stephen if we focus on God. We can only be calm amidst all life’s distractions and concerns when our eyes are set on God. When we focus on Him, things would be placed in the proper perspective. We would realize that this world is not where we belong, that this is not our final destination. When we focus on Him, we would be assured that God would always be there to help and strengthen us.  This would give us peace, and when we have peace amidst all the problems and concerns, then people will see God working in our lives. They would know that there is someone who keeps us sane, who gives us incredible peace. 

How great it would be to be like that. It must be so cool to have that inner peace that no matter what happens, God is still in control. It must be great to have that intimate relationship with God, having faith that no matter what lies other people say about you, or how helpless you may seem, God will not abandon you and will always, always take care of you.

With the corona pandemic, it is easy to panic. Situation is very challenging. However, now is the time to let God’s peace envelope our hearts and minds. Now is the time to be calm amidst all the fear and chaos. Now is the time to showcase what God brings to our lives, and what blessings from God we can share to bless others as well. 

Do I have faith in God? Do I trust him? Do I hold firm to my faith? Does God give me peace and keep me calm, no matter what the world tells me or makes me feel? Do I work on my relationship with God so I can be like St stephen? How am I reacting to the covid pandemic? What is God telling me today? 

In times of storm and challenges in life, may we be inspired by St Stephen. God can calm the storm in our lives. May we live our lives at peace and with calmness in our hearts. May Christ in us calm the storm and not let it affect us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for another chance to experience your peace. Thank you for the storms and challenges in my life that enable me to strengthen my faith, that enable me to magnify you in my life. Lord, sorry for the times I panic. Sorry for the times I think the world is stronger than you. I pray that I be like St Stephen in the first reading, whose calmness and faith in you was made evident by his appearance. May other people see you in me, especially in the storms and challenges in life. As people see you in me, may it also lead them to you. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

April 27, 2020

3rd Week of Easter - Monday; St. Gianna Beretta Molla

FIRST READING

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyreneans, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, accosted him, seized him, and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law. For we have heard him claim that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant meditates on your statutes. Yes, your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors.

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia. 

I declared my ways, and you answered me; teach me your statutes. Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. 

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me. 

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

Matthew 4:4b

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

One does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 6:22-29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

Burning

The WORD today reminds me that I should be burning with God's love so I can share him to others. 

I personally believe that coaches should be good inspirational speakers. They should be able to give inspirational messages to players, especially during games. This affects the players. They would feel inspired, they would feel their purpose, And it would lead them to play well and give their all. This is similar to our spiritual life as well. We should be filled with inspiration, with purpose, and with God's love before we go out into the world. 

"If you are not burning with God's love, you cannot inspire others"

Makes sense, right? Because truly, we cannot give what we do not have. We cannot love others and inspire others if we do not experience love from God, if we are not full of it, and if we are not burning with God's love. 

In the gospel, we see the disciples felt this. Jesus has just risen, so he was burning with the love of and for God the Father. He was filled with God. And as he was speaking to the disciples while they were walking, as they were talking and while he was explaining things to them, he was able to pass this on burning love to others. 

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

We also see this In the first and second readings. The apostles, led by Peter, spoke about God. Peter proclaimed God to others. He was filled with God's love, and this enabled him, this inspired him to proclaim God to others. He shared God's word, God's message to others. 

We should also aim to be burning with God's love. We should allow God to love us so we can experience his love. We should also do our part, like praying, reading the bible, and partaking of the sacraments. These would help us be aware and conscious of God's love. 

Now is a good time to be burning with God’s love. Now is a good time to spread him to others. With all the bad news, sad news, fake news and the extended ECQ, it is a breathe of fresh air to have people proclaim God - his positivity, his obedience, his goodness to others. We should do this. 

How do I feel God's love in my life? What was the moment i felt God's love in my life the most? Am I burning with God's love? Am I able to share this to and inspire others? With the corona pandemic, am I burning with God’s love and spreading him to the world? Am I an instrument of God’s love to the people around me? 

May we do our best to be filled with God's love. May we ask God to continue to love us and fill us. And as we are filled, may we be generous enough to pass on his love to others. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for all your blessings. Thank you for loving me. thank you for being so generous. Lord, sorry for the times your love is not enough for me. Sorry for looking for love and affirmation somewhere else. Sorry for the times I ignore and refuse your love. Lord, I allow you to love me. I allow you to fill me with your love, your blessings, your presence. I ask you to fill me so I may be able to share you to others. Help me feel and be sensitive to your love. As i do so, may I inspire others. May I bless others. Use me Lord for your purpose and glory, especially with the corona virus. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

April 26, 2020

3rd Sunday of Easter; St. Zita

FIRST READING

Acts 2:14, 22–33

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words. You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it. For David says of him: I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted; my flesh, too, will dwell in hope, because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. 

“My brothers, one can confidently say to you about the patriarch David that he died and was buried, and his tomb is in our midst to this day. But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption. God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured him forth, as you see and hear.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 16:1–2, 5, 7–8, 9–10, 11 (11a)

R. Lord, you will show us the path of life. or R. Alleluia. 

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. Lord, you will show us the path of life. or R. Alleluia. 

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. Lord, you will show us the path of life. or R. Alleluia. 

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. Lord, you will show us the path of life. or R. Alleluia. 

You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. 

R. Lord, you will show us the path of life. or R. Alleluia.

SECOND READING

1 Peter 1:17–21

Beloved:

If you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one’s works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb. 

He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

ALLELUIA

John 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us; make our hearts burn while you speak to us. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 24:13–35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.

Work For Christ

The WORD today reminds me that I should continue to work for God, no matter how small I think my contributions are. 

In the corporate world, those who make huge contributions are highlighted and praised. Top management honors those who contribute a lot to the organization. On the other hand, hardworking people who may not necessarily have huge contributions, but do their best to help and contribute, are not given much attention. This causes these people to lose morale. However, this is not the way with God's kingdom. 

God values everything we do for him - big or small. 

As we celebrate the feast of St Mark, we are reminded of this. In the gospel we see that Jesus told his disciples to go our into the world and proclaim the gospel. His disciples followed and preached about the gospel after Jesus was taken into heaven. They really did this as we see In the first reading that Peter and Mark were still doing God's work and proclaiming Jesus to others.

Mark was one of the twelve in the gospel, and he continued Christ's commandment to work for Him and preach about the gospel. In the first reading, Peter tells us that Mark still does this. Mark may not have written a lot, like Paul and Peter, but we see that he was still doing God's work. No matter how small your contribution may seem, God acknowledges it as we see in today's feast. What is important is if we follow his commandment. 

As we do God's work, we are not empty handed. Jesus spent years with his disciples, teaching and guiding them. He did not just choose twelve and sent them out. In the gospel he told them that he will always be with them, and there would be signs not for them to believe, but for others to be affirmed that God is indeed on their side. Jesus is with us as we do God's work. From then, until now. 

With the corona virus pandemic, it is more important to work for Christ. There are a lot of affected people. And there are a lot of things we can do. Following government instructions is one. Staying at home and taking extra care of ourselves. Helping others is another thing we can to work for Christ. There are a lot of opportunities for us to work for him and serve him.

May we be inspired by Mark and all others who tirelessly work for God. May we do our part, no matter how small we feel our service may be.  And as we do so, as we work for God, let us not be surprised of God's signs and power manifesting in us for God's glory. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to live for you. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for feeling small. Sorry for looking down on myself, on my talents, and on what I can do for you. I know you appreciate whatever I can offer, and you will magnify it. Lord give me the desire, the will, and the strength to always work for you in little and big ways. Use me to glorify yourself. Use me to make your love more alive, especially now.  Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

April 25, 2020

Saint Mark, Evangelist - Feast; St. Mark the Evangelist

FIRST READING

1 Peter 5:5b-14

Beloved:

Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: 

God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble. 

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. 

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen. 

I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it. The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. 

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

The heavens proclaim your wonders, O LORD, and your faithfulness, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can rank with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the sons of God? 

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk. At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted. 

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

1 Corinthians 1:23a-24b

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

We proclaim Christ crucified; he is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Mark 16:15-20

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 

Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs