Ready to Go (Pentecost 2020)

The WORD today reminds me that God equips us as we do his work. 

Before athletes join competitions, they train hard. They practice hard. And the bigger the competition, the harder and the longer they practice. For Olympics, we hear of countries that constantly prepare years before. They devote time and resources to prepare their athletes. This is something similar to what God wants us to do. 

We should prepare ourselves so it will be easier for God to equip and use us. 

In the gospel, we see Jesus appearing to his disciples and greeting them with peace. He then told them that he is sending them out to do his work. But before that, he breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit to be with them as they do God's work. And in the first reading, we see this the disciples actually doing God's task and we see the mighty effect of God's blessing working through them. People heard them speak in their own languages. 

Working for God is not easy, but God makes sure that as we work for Him, we are equipped and capable. That is why he sent the Holy Spirit to be with us always and to guide us as we work for Him. 

Nothing great comes easy. But what is important is we know that it can be done. God can equip and use us to do great things through him. That is what the Holy Spirit is for.

What's the catch? What's the prerequisite for the Holy Spirit to remain in us? 

We have to prepare. We have to do our part. And part of preparing is being clean and ready to receive Him. 

We have to be empty and clean. 

Empty and clean. God and sin cannot mix. That is why if we are sinful, or are secretly living sinful lives, God cannot be with us. God cannot enter our lives. The Holy Spirit cannot dwell in us. And if we are full of ourselves and do not have space for God, He cannot stay with us. Only if we are living righteous lives and if we have space for Him can we truly be equipped to serve God. We should prepare ourselves by constantly trying to build a good relationship with God. We have to know his voice so we can recognize him. 

God can only fill us if we are empty of ourselves. and we can only effectively do God's work if we are full not of ourselves, but of God. Only when we are full of God, only when we are burning with God's love can we serve him mightily.

We are in a pandemic right now. A lot of people are affected. However, I believe that no matter where you are or what situation you are in, you will always be in a position to help others. You are always in a position to be God to others. God doesn’t need grand gestures. Jesus appreciated the two coins the woman offered in the temple. There are a lot of ways to help others - from frontliners who need PPEs or meals, from people who lost their livelihood, or from friends who are doing extra work opportunities online. We can always do something to share what we have and make others feel God’s love and provisions.

Am I living a life pleasing to God? Do I have space in my life for God? What takes up most of the space in my heart and in my life? Do I serve God? How? Do I have faith that he will equip me as I serve Him? Do I prepare and build a good relationship with Him? How am I sharing God in this pandemic situation? 

May we prepare and allow ourselves to be ready and empty so God can fill us and equip us for his work.

Father God, 

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the sun that not only brightens my day, but gives energy to me. Lord, sorry for the times I fail to prepare. Sorry for being too lazy to do my part. Sorry for not having the desire and the will to prepare myself for you. Lord, I pray that i always be reminded that you will equip me as i serve you. May I always remember too that I need to do my part as well - to be clean and empty so i can make space for you, so I can receive you. Help me humble myself and empty my heart so i can have space for you. Fill me and use me mightily to further your kingdom, Lord.  Help me make you more alive and more real now. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

May 31, 2020

Pentecost - Solemnity; Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

FIRST READING

Acts 2:1–11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 104:1, 24, 29–30, 31, 34 (see 30)

R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. or R. Alleluia. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! How manifold are your works, O LORD! the earth is full of your creatures. 

R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. or R. Alleluia. 

If you take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. 

R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. or R. Alleluia. 

May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD be glad in his works! Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the LORD. 

R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. or R. Alleluia.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 12:3b–7, 12–13

Brothers and sisters:

No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

SEQUENCE

Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Come, Holy Spirit, come! 

And from your celestial home Shed a ray of light divine! Come, Father of the poor! Come, source of all our store! Come, within our bosoms shine. You, of comforters the best; You, the soul’s most welcome guest; Sweet refreshment here below; In our labor, rest most sweet; Grateful coolness in the heat; Solace in the midst of woe. O most blessed Light divine, Shine within these hearts of yours, And our inmost being fill! Where you are not, we have naught, Nothing good in deed or thought, Nothing free from taint of ill. Heal our wounds, our strength renew; On our dryness pour your dew; Wash the stains of guilt away: Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill; Guide the steps that go astray. On the faithful, who adore And confess you, evermore In your sevenfold gift descend; Give them virtue’s sure reward; Give them your salvation, Lord; Give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 20:19–23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

You Follow Me

The WORD today reminds me that God wants me to focus on Him as I serve Him. 

It is said that John was the favorite of Jesus, or at least that he was special to Jesus. Probably he knew that he would eventually entrust his earthly mother to John, that’s why he was special. John was referred to as “the disciple that Jesus loved,” and in the gospel today, we see Peter asking Jesus what will happen to John. This was after Jesus told Peter that he would suffer for Christ. 

Siguro medyo takot si Peter. Kaya tinanong nya si Jesus what will happen to John. Mahihirapan din ba si John parang ako? He was probably thinking.

The Jesus said to him: "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me."

They thought John would not die, although of course, this was not the case. He died too.  But more than answering what will happen to John, Jesus wants to make a point – It is not your concern. You follow me.

Sometimes, as human beings we tend to envy others. We tend to see and focus on what others have that we don’t. We compare ourselves and our lives, with others. This is true even with those whom we serve with, sometimes we can’t help but compare. Bakit siya maganda ang career…? Bakit sya may lovelife? Bakit sya gwapo o maganda? Bakit siya masagana ang buhay…? E pare pareho naman kami naglilingkod sayo, Lord..?

Jesus is telling us today to just FOCUS on HIM, not on other people, not on what other people have. He did not tell Peter something like “E leader ka naman e, first Pope ka nga, o diba?” Instead, he told Peter to mind his own business and just follow God. You follow me, nevermind other people, nevermind what they have. You serve me. You love me. 

Ikaw.

Ikaw ang gusto ng Diyos. Ang buong pagkatao mo. Ang buong sarili mo. Not your accomplishments on earth. Not your beauty. Not your richness. Ikaw mismo. And for us to be able to give our whole selves to Him, we should be happy with whatever blessings we have, we should be contented and thankful for everything. We should focus on Him.

Do I feel that way too? Am I like Peter who looks around and compare my life with other people? Am I envious of other people’s lives? What does it take to make me realize that God wants me, my whole self? What can I do to be able to focus on God? How can I strengthen my personal relationship with Him so I would be able to focus on Him more? What does he want me to do during this pandemic to help other people?

May we always remember what Jesus said to Peter. You follow me. Let us focus on God and offer our whole self to Him

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for this weekend. I thank you for giving me another opportunity to rest and recharge. Lord, sorry for the times I act like Peter. Sorry for comparing myself with others. Sorry for focusing on others instead of on you. Lord, I ask that you help me give myself to you.  Help me build my relationship with you so I can focus on you and not compare my life with that of other people. Help me serve you with love. May I never be envious of what other people have, and just follow and serve you. All this I ask in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

May 30, 2020. 

Saturday Mass

FIRST READING

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 

Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them, “My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.” 

He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 11:4, 5 and 7

R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his searching glance is on mankind. 

R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

The LORD searches the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face. 

R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

John 16:7, 13

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 21:20-25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” 

It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

Rebanse

The WORD today reminds me that God will always give us an opportunity to redeem ourselves and get right with Him. 

In Philippine street basketball, the term "rebanse" means that a losing team will be given a chance to redeem themselves. It means that the losing team will play another ballgame with the winners - a rematch to allow them to redeem themselves or take "revenge" for their loss. 

This is similar to what Jesus gave Peter in the gospel. 

When Jesus was arrested, Peter denied him three times, just as Jesus predicted. He not only left Jesus, but also denied him during the time Jesus needed his support the most. And after that, Peter felt so bad for what he did to Jesus.  So when Jesus rose again, he did not just tell Peter he is forgiven and asked him to work for God's kingdom. He first gave him a chance to redeem himself, to tell Jesus "I love you" three times, one for every time he denied Jesus. Then he was told to follow him. 

God gives us a chance to redeem ourselves, so we can be more confident and be more at peace with ourselves. Then he gives us a chance to follow him again.

Jesus also gives each one of us the chance to redeem ourselves. Our own rebanse from our sins towards him. He calls us to live right, and when we fall, we have the sacrament of reconciliation where we can confess and receive forgiveness, so we can again follow Jesus. He calls us to serve him always. And even if we say no he continues to call us, until we say yes to him. 

God is not a "one-false-move-you-die" God. God is a God of second chances. One mistake will not be enough to keep you from following Him. He will always be the gracious winner, giving us a rebanse - a chance to redeem ourselves and do things right. 

When was the last time I hurt Jesus? When was the last time I sin? What do I feel about it? Did I do something about it? When was the last time I confessed? As I receive forgiveness, do I make the most out of it and do my best not to sin again? What is God telling me today? With the pandemic, how can I serve him better? 

May we always make the most out of the opportunity God gives us to be on track and live right with Him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Friday. Thank you for being so generous and merciful. Lord, I thank you for being so patient with me. Thank you for loving me so much. Lord, thank you for always giving me a chance to redeem myself from my sins, from hurting you, and from saying no to you. Thank you for giving me a chance to be at peace with myself so I can love and serve you better. Sorry for hurting you. Sorry for bailing out on you when the going gets tough. Sorry for all my sins and for all my excuses. Help me make the most out of your goodness. Help me live right as you forgive me. May I take every opportunity to get back to you and to be used by you. Use me mightily, despite all my weaknesses and failures, to glorify your name. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

May 29, 2020

7th Week of Easter - Friday; Blessed Eugene de Mazenod

FIRST READING

Acts 25:13b-21

King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea on a visit to Festus. Since they spent several days there, Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man here left in custody by Felix. When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation. I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge. So when they came together here, I made no delay; the next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges. And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.” 

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab

R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. 

R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. 

R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, all you his angels, you mighty in strength, who do his bidding. 

R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

John 14:26

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 21:15-19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Take Courage

The WORD today reminds me that God wants me to take courage and continue doing his work despite the challenges I face.

Some people say that when you get closer to God, life seems to be more challenging. It seems that God is allowing you to be tested and pruned. This is true. God's ways are not our ways. While Children are usually rewarded for doing good - some parents give toys, food or something the child wants to make him or her feel rewarded for doing good, for studying well, for acting properly; God does not always act that way. We see in the first reading that God wants us to continue doing good even if he might not immediately reward us for the good we are doing.

Serving God does not stop after one good deed.

After Paul gave a testimony to the people, which could have caused him his life, God appeared to him. However, unlike a parent rewarding the child with something happy and nice, God did not tell him to rest first. Instead, God told him to take courage, because he will continue to bear witness and suffer persecution in Rome. Working for God does not end after one good deed. God wants us to continue doing his work, especially despite the challenges that come with it.

Serving God is more powerful when done with love, despite the pain. 

God may not have directly affirmed Paul, but we know God is pleased. Service becomes more powerful if we continue to do it with love for God, despite the pain, challenges and discomfort we experience. God may not have immediately rewarded Paul, but we know the great reward waiting for him after his earthly death. This is important to remember, especially as we do God’s work. We may experience challenges one after another. We may think that God is mad or is not looking after us. We may even question what we do. Unlike Paul, we may not necessarily see or feel God, but we should take comfort in his words to Paul. In as much as Paul continued to suffer as he proclaimed God’s kingdom, we too should not be surprised if we continue to experience challenges and persecutions as we do God’s work.

Today, we can probably relate so much to this. We are in a pandemic. We are worried. We feel helpless. However, these concerns should not stop us from doing good work. We should not stop doing God’s work. In fact, the more he needs us active right now. Despite our concerns, we should continue to help out others. Wr should continue to make others feel God’s blessings. 

Am I doing God’s work? Am I serving God? How? Do I experience pain and challenges as I do this? Do people treat me differently? Do I seem to miss on opportunities and connections because I do God’s work? How do I react in these situations? What is God telling me today? How does he want me to react? What does he want me to do?

May we take courage and continue doing God’s work despite the challenges that come with it.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another chance to love and serve you. thank you for the reminder. Lord, as a human being, it’s hard to continue when I do not get affirmation and encouragement from you. I may sometimes question what’s happening and even doubt myself. But Lord, today you remind me to take courage and just continue doing your work. Sorry for the times I get discouraged. Sorry for the times I let challenges and problems stop me or weigh me down. Help me be faithful to you, especially when times get tough. I ask that you continue to strengthen and guide me as I serve you. use me mightily, even if it will entail pain on me. Do not lessen my pain and suffering for you, I just ask that you help me and give me strength to bear them. Lord, this Covid 19 pandemic is very challenging. Tiring. But Lord, I ask that you continue to give me strength to face it, and to be a blessing to others despite if everything. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

May 28, 2020

7th Week of Easter - Thursday; St. Mariana of Quito

FIRST READING

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11

Wishing to determine the truth about why Paul was being accused by the Jews, the commander freed him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene. Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them. 

Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees, so he called out before the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.” When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group became divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all three. A great uproar occurred, and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party stood up and sharply argued, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” The dispute was so serious that the commander, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst and take him into the compound. The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

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. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

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. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

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 nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. 

R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. 

R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

John 17:21

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 17:20-26

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

Blessed to Give

The WORD today reminds me that it is a huge blessing to be able to give to others, especially in God’s name. 

Many people, if not all, like to receive gifts. It is a great feeling to be reminded that someone cares enough and remembers to give you something. More than the actual gift, it is the thought that someone considered you special and important. That is why on birthdays and special occasions, we look forward to receiving gifts. However, do we feel the same way when giving gifts?

The first reading shows us Paul quoting Jesus in saying “It is better to give than to receive.” Is this true? Well, most probably those who have been serving God can attest to this, that it is more blessed to give, to be on the giving end and be used by God to reach out to people. In our community, those who have served and sponsored during a retreat can attest how more blessed it is to be on the giving end, to be serving others, than it is to receive these blessings from others. 

But on other things, is it true? It is really more blessed to give than to receive? I think so.

A candle loses nothing if as it lights another candle. Instead, is spreads light and enables another candle to shine bright for God, thus making the place a little brighter.

When we give, when we serve,  we are not only blessing others. We are not only making God’s love more alive in others.. because as we serve God, and as we do it well and properly, we also allow God to bless us. We cannot give what we do not have, so as we serve, we are telling God to fill us up first, give us graces, energy and love so that we can also share these with others. We are telling God we need healing too so we can be instruments of God’s healing to others. It may require more effort and energy on our part to serve… but we are sure that as we do so, we will be doubly blessed. We are serving a generous God who cannot be out-given!

A lot of people need something now. A lot lost their jobs. A lot cannot work. A lot cannot eat properly. With this pandemic, there is a greater need for people. And this is a time to live God’s command. For people who still have work and are still able to live comfortably, this is a time to share more. This is a time to be God’s hands in the world. We know and realize what are the basics and essentials in life. We realize that we do not need so much. And this should remind us to give back more.

Am I serving God? In what ways? Do I like to give to others, or am I too lazy or selfish and just want to be on the receiving end of things? What excuses do I tell myself to justify not serving God, or not giving my all to Him? Do I realize that as I give to others, as I serve to God, I will be more blessed, because God is a generous God, and he cannot be out given? How can I serve Him today?

May we be inspired and challenged to serve God and give our best for Him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your word that reminds me and encourages me to give of myself for you. Lord, I pray that you change my heart and expand it so I would desire to give you more of myself. Magnify my service, Lord, so that as I give and serve you, your name would be glorified and your kingdom proclaimed. As I serve you, I ask you to fill me with everything I need – your love, peace, joy, healing and mercy, so that as I serve, these will overflow to others I am serving. With this pandemic, use me to be your hands and make your love more real and more alive.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

May 27, 2020

7th Week of Easter - Wednesday; St. Augustine of Canterbury

FIRST READING

Acts 20:28-38

At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus:

“Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the Church of God that he acquired with his own Blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them. So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears. And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated. I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions. In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 

When he had finished speaking he knelt down and prayed with them all. They were all weeping loudly as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him, for they were deeply distressed that he had said that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab

R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Show forth, O God, your power, the power, O God, with which you took our part; For your temple in Jerusalem let the kings bring you gifts.

R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God, chant praise to the Lord who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens. Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power: Confess the power of God!” 

R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Over Israel is his majesty; his power is in the skies. Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. 

R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

John 17:17b, 17a

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 17:11b-19

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:

“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

Give It All

The WORD today reminds me that there will be no regrets if you give it all for God. 

My uncle tells me of a picture he keeps with him. it’s not a fancy picture taken by an artist using the state of the art camera, but by a normal camera taken by a normal person. It is a picture of me taking free throw while playing basketball in grade school. He does not even remember if the shot went in, but what stuck to him was what I told him after the game– “I gave this my best shot”

I believe God is like this as well. He wont care about the result as much as he does with the process of us obtaining the result. God cares if we give him our best shot, in whatever we do, and not just with the output of the game.

Why? Because God deserves our best. God deserves our all. 

This is what Paul did. In the first reading, we see that he is being called to go somewhere else and he probably would not see the people again. But he has confidence as he was about to leave them. He knew that he gave his all. He knew that he gave his best shot. He gave all his strength and effort to proclaim God to them, so he was leaving with confidence and without regrets. 

Giving God our best, our all, should give us the confidence in the results. 

The gospel reminds us of this as well. Jesus said that he glorified God by doing his works. By following Him. By doing what God wanted him to do. It was not because of the number of miracles or converts. It was because Jesus obeyed God. Jesus gave his best. And that’s what’s important to God. 

God expects only our best. He does not compare us with others – with what others give, with the service of others, with what others say. God looks at our heart and checks if what we give him is our best. He is not concerned if the amount we give is just a fraction of what others give. What is important to him is if we give our first fruits, if we give until it hurts, if we give from what we have and need, not just out of our surplus. God does not care of we cannot preach and teach as great preachers do. IF we live our lives in a way pleasing to him, if we teach others the best way we can, then that is more than enough for God. He does not care if we give up a lot for lent or when we sacrifice. What is more important to him is our heart and our intentions as we give these things up. If we give him our best, that is more than enough for Him.

What things do I do for God? What things do I offer him? Do I give him the first fruits. The best of my time, of my energy and my resources, or do I just give him the extras? Do I give him my all or just what I want? How can I give God my best in my life? What can I do to make him feel I am giving him my best? What else can I give and offer to God to show I love Him?

May we be moved and challenged to give God our best shot, our all, and not just to give him out of our surplus or what is comfortable for us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for this chance to ponder upon your Word. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I do not give you my all. Sorry for the times I do not give you my best. Lord, I ask that you help me have a heart that will give my best to you. Help me not to compare myself with other people, and not just to give you what is surplus, what is comfortable for me to give to you. May I give my best to you – the first fruits of my labor, the best of my time, my service, my resources. Remind me that you are not just concerned on the outcome, but rather on me giving my best every step of the way. May I always give you and offer you my all, my best shot in life. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/05/glorify-god.html

May 26, 2020

7th Week of Easter - Tuesday; St. Philip Neri

FIRST READING

Acts 20:17-27

From Miletus Paul had the presbyters of the Church at Ephesus summoned. When they came to him, he addressed them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia. I served the Lord with all humility and with the tears and trials that came to me because of the plots of the Jews, and I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public or in your homes. I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus. But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there I do not know, except that in one city after another the Holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me. Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace. 

“But now I know that none of you to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels will ever see my face again. And so I solemnly declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21

R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; you restored the land when it languished; Your flock settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy. 

R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Blessed day by day be the Lord, who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation. God is a saving God for us; the LORD, my Lord, controls the passageways of death. 

R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

John 14:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 17:1-11a

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.”