In Jesus’ Name

The WORD today reminds me how powerful Jesus’ name is. 

Here in our country, name dropping is common. And a lot of times, it works if used well. We mention the name of a powerful person to get us out of trouble, or to get favors. Just the mere name can do a lot. The association to a name can do a lot. In the same way, Jesus name works wonders as well. 

Just the mere name of Jesus is powerful. 

Jesus name is very powerful. In the bible it says that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth. (Philippians 2:10). Saying Jesus name is also the simplest way of praying (CCC 2668). 

In the gospel today, we see Jesus telling us how powerful his name is. 

And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you

ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

However, his name is not magic. We cannot expect that saying his name will grant us whatever wish we have. His name is not something you can blackmail God with. We should have faith in him as we say his name. We should have a good relationship with him as we pray in his name. We should have one goal - to glorify God, not ourselves, as we ask in his name. Same with what Jesus wants. Then as it is in accordance to God's plans, what we ask for will be given us. 

We see this in the first reading. Paul and Barnabas preached God’s kingdom. They preached in Jesus name. They had oppositions and challenges, just like every disciple. However, we see how powerful they were. We see the works and the effects. A lot of people were converted. A lot of people were saved. A lot of people were filled not only with joy, but with the Holy Spirit. That is how powerful they were in Jesus’ name. 

How do I treat Jesus name? Do I treat it with reverence, or has it become a normal name or expression for me? Do I pray and ask in Jesus name?

May we always remember how simple yet so powerful Jesus name is. And make it our simple yet effective prayer. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for your love and your name. Thank you for a simple yet very powerful prayer - Jesus. Lord, sorry for the times I take Jesus name in vain. Sorry for not calling unto you. Sorry for not building and strengthening my relationship with you. Guide me in my life. May I always be reminded of your great love and power through Jesus name. Use me and make me more like you. All these I ask in Jesus name. I lift up to you our country and the whole world. Keep us safe from the pandemic. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend

In Christ,

-g-

May 09, 2020

4th Week of Easter - Saturday; Blessed Nicholas Albergati

FIRST READING

Acts 13:44-52

On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” 

The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. 

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. 

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

or:

R. Alleluia. 

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. 

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

or:

R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

John 8:31b-32

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 14:7-14

Jesus said to his disciples:

“If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”