Still

The WORD today reminds me that in times of troubles, God wants me to be still and trust in Him. 

There was a time when I was applying for a job and I felt so scared before the interview. I did not feel confident because I was applying for a job different from what I was doing then, then I was told that I would be interviewed not only by the immediate head, but by her head as well. I was new to my faith community at this time, and while I was waiting to be interviewed, I suddenly remembered the song “still". It was one of the first christian songs I learned, and at that time, it just meant to much to remember how God is in control of everything, and we just have to be still and trust in him. It helped relax me a bit, though I was still nervous. Good thing the bosses were both nice during the interview. 

Being still in times of trouble is a sign of great faith in God.

In the gospel, Jesus was on a boat with his disciples when they encountered a violent storm. It must be so strong, since the disciples were mostly fishermen, yet they were so afraid they woke up Jesus, a son of a carpenter. How ironic. They may have lacked faith, but they had faith in him, since they knew Jesus can help them in the situation they are in. and eventually, Jesus calmed the storm. 

Jesus is asking us the same question he asked his disciples – why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?

Sometimes, we get overwhelmed by problems in this life. Sometimes we get stressed with the things happening around us. Sometimes we feel prayers cannot do anything with the situation and with powerful people we are faced with. However, Jesus is telling us to be still and have faith in him. To have faith in his love. To have faith in his power. If we have faith, we will not have time to be terrified or troubled. If we know how much God loves us, and how powerful he is, then no storm in life can bother us. We just have to trust him and surrender, and tell him to fight our battles. 

This message is perfect in this Pandemic situation we are in. We have lots of concerns, worries and fear. We do not know how long this will be. We are uncertain of our jobs and livelihood. It is easy to panic and worry - like the disciples in the boat. However, God tells us otherwise. Instead if frantically doing a lot of things, he wants us to he still. He wants us to just trust in him. He wants us to build and strengthen our relationship with him so we can hear him. So he can assure and remind us that despite how it seems, everything is under his control. We just need to trust in him. 

What are my concerns right now? What are worrying me? How do I feel about my problems and concerns? Do I still have faith in God? Do I believe he is still in control? What is God reminding me today? 

May we be inspired by the gospel, and be challenged and moved to build and strengthen our relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus directly affects our faith. As we get to know him more, as we experience his love and power, then our faith will be stronger. May we do our part, and seek him in prayer, bible reading and the sacraments to solidify our faith and relationship with him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the timely reminder. Thank you for reminding me of your great love and power. Sorry for the times I act like the disciples. Sorry for the times I get so stressed and scared of what is happening around me. sorry for the times that I know you are there beside me, but I still feel scared and stressed. Sorry for not having enough faith in you. help me strengthen my faith and my relationship with you. I will do my part and read the bible, pray more, and take the sacraments, and I ask you to help me strengthen my faith in you. may I always be still in times of trouble, knowing that you are always there protecting me. Having faith that you are fighting my battles as I surrender to you. And I ask that you surprise me with how powerful and loving and generous you are. In this pandemic situation, help me be still and know that you are still and always will be, God. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection and song:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z3wwWFsSlNQ

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2018/07/do-not-doubt.html

June 30, 2020

Tuesday of Week 13; First Martyrs of the Church of Rome

FIRST READING

Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12

Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the LORD pronounces over you, over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt: 

You alone have I favored, more than all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your crimes. 

Do two walk together unless they have agreed? Does a lion roar in the forest when it has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from its den unless it has seized something? Is a bird brought to earth by a snare when there is no lure for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground without catching anything? If the trumpet sounds in a city, will the people not be frightened? If evil befalls a city, has not the LORD caused it? Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants, the prophets.

The lion roars who will not be afraid! The Lord GOD speaks who will not prophesy! 

I brought upon you such upheaval as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah: you were like a brand plucked from the fire; Yet you returned not to me, says the LORD. 

So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel! and since I will deal thus with you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8

R. (9a) Lead me in your justice, Lord. 

At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you. For you, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with you; the arrogant may not stand in your sight. 

R. Lead me in your justice, Lord. 

You hate all evildoers; you destroy all who speak falsehood; The bloodthirsty and the deceitful the LORD abhors. 

R. Lead me in your justice, Lord. 

But I, because of your abundant mercy, will enter your house; I will worship at your holy temple in fear of you, O LORD. 

R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

ALLELUIA

Psalm 130:5

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

Peter and Paul

The WORD today reminds me that I should be like saints Peter and Paul who continued to serve God no matter what situation they were in.

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

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

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

God appreciates hard work done for Him.

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

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

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

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

Father God,

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

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

June 29, 2020

Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles

Mass During the Day

FIRST READING

Acts 12:1–11

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

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

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 34:2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9 (5)

R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. 

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad.

R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. 

Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 

R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. 

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. 

R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. 

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. 

R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

SECOND READING

2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18

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

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

ALLELUIA

Matthew 16:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 16:13–19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

God First

The WORD today reminds me that God wants me to put him first. 

Jesus is the price of peace, but the gospel seems to contradict that at first glance. Jesus told them that whoever loves family more than him is not worthy of him. Demanding. But looking at it closely, it is not an intentional division, but rather, he reminds us that he wants us to put him first in everything. 

Nothing should come between you and God.

Family is very important, especially to us Filipinos. Unlike in other cultures where elders are disregarded, we give so much importance to family, and we take care of our family, especially in old age. However, we are reminded in today’s gospel that nothing should come in between us and God. Nothing should be more important that God in our lives. Nothing should hinder us from loving and worshipping God. A division may occur among friends, among those we love, and even among family members, as we try to follow God. We should love our family and respect them. However, this should not matter as much as God matters to us. This is just a reminder that we should not let attachment come in between our faith, and nothing should separate us from God.

The gospel further says why we should take up our cross. We should be willing to experience challenges for God. This is normal as we follow Him. We are also reminded that Whoever receives him receives the one who sent him - God the Father. Whoever puts him first puts God first. Whoever welcomes him welcomes God. As we follow his commandments, we are following God, and He is always more important than anyone. 

Who is first in my life? Do I give him due importance? Do I make God first in my life? How do I see and give importance to my family? What is God telling me today? 

God’s ways are not always easy, but it always worth it. May we be encouraged to stand firm, and avoid division by doing our best to bring our loved ones to Christ as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for Sunday. Thank you for another opportunity to love and to experience you. Sorry for the times I let other things or other people come before you. sorry for giving importance to others instead of putting you first in my life all the time. Lord, I pray for strength to stand firm, to stand for you no matter what happens. May I always put you first. May I always choose you first.  Help and equip me as well so  I may bring others, those whom I love in live, closer to you. Lord, I ask that you continue to be with us as we go through this pandemic.  Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

June 28, 2020

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Irenaeus

FIRST READING

2 Kings 4:8–11, 14–16a

One day Elisha came to Shunem, where there was a woman of influence, who urged him to dine with her. Afterward, whenever he passed by, he used to stop there to dine. So she said to her husband, “I know that Elisha is a holy man of God. Since he visits us often, let us arrange a little room on the roof and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp, so that when he comes to us he can stay there.” Sometime later Elisha arrived and stayed in the room overnight. 

Later Elisha asked, “Can something be done for her?” His servant Gehazi answered, “Yes! She has no son, and her husband is getting on in years.” Elisha said, “Call her.” When the woman had been called and stood at the door, Elisha promised, “This time next year you will be fondling a baby son.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 89:2–3, 16–17, 18–19 (2a)

R. Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. 

The promises 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. Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. 

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. Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. You are the splendor of their strength, and by your favor our horn is exalted. For to the LORD belongs our shield, and to the Holy One of Israel, our king. 

R. Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

SECOND READING

Romans 6:3–4, 8–11

Brothers and sisters:

Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. 

If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.

ALLELUIA

1 Peter 2:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation; announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 10:37–42

Jesus said to his apostles:

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple— amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

Firm Faith

The WORD today reminds me to have firm faith in God. 

In the movie "Faith like Potatoes", Angus Buchan's faith is obvious when he said that "the condition for a miracle is difficulty. The condition for a great miracle is impossibility" and his faith enabled him to experience a great miracle. 

In the gospel, we see someone with great faith that Jesus himself commended. The centurion had great faith in Jesus. He did not need him to physically go to his house. He knew that just the mere word of Jesus is enough. Not only that, he asked for healing not for himself or his family, but for his servant! What a great person. What a great leader. A good person full of faith in God. Inspiring. 

Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith

In fact, this faith is so great and inspiring that we remember it every time we celebrate the holy mass. 

Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant (soul) will be healed

Of course, Jesus honored this man's faith, and let him witness a miracle. Jesus never disappoints. He rewarded the centurion’s faith in Him. 

“You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour his servant was healed. 

Nowadays, we are faced with situations that will test our faith. We have a lot of questions. When will this pandemic end? Will politics and corruption in our country improve? Will peace and order be stabilized?  Does God really have a great plan for me? Will I be healed of this sickness? Will I be able to get out of debt? When will my career improve? What will happen to me during this pandemic? These are things that we worry about. Things that test our faith. However, we are reminded in the gospel of the love and power of Jesus. He healed the man's servant by his mere word. He healed peter's mother in law. He healed all the sick and those possessed who were brought to him. Nothing is impossible for the power of God. 

Do I have faith in God, especially during difficult situations? How do I react when seemingly trapped and hopeless? Do I get strength and take refuge in other things and other people, or do I have firm faith in God? What seemingly impossible situation did God take me out of? When did I experience God’s great power and love? What challenging or impossible situation am I faced with now? What is he telling me today? 

May we be inspired by the centurion’s great and firm faith, and be assured of Jesus' love and power. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, I am sorry for doubting your love and power, especially when the situation seems to be impossible to get out of. Sorry for being inpatient with your plans for me. Sorry for losing my faith when situations are tough. Sorry for not having firm faith. Help me, Lord. Increase my faith in and love for you. May I have faith like the centurion, especially with the concerns I have in life. May I have faith like the centurion especially when the situations are against me. Use my faith and enable great things to happen for your purpose and glory. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/06/he-cured-all.html

June 27, 2020

Saturday of Week 12; St. Cyril of Alexandria

FIRST READING

Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19

The Lord has consumed without pity all the dwellings of Jacob; He has torn down in his anger the fortresses of daughter Judah; He has brought to the ground in dishonor her king and her princes. 

On the ground in silence sit the old men of daughter Zion; They strew dust on their heads and gird themselves with sackcloth; The maidens of Jerusalem bow their heads to the ground. 

Worn out from weeping are my eyes, within me all is in ferment; My gall is poured out on the ground because of the downfall of the daughter of my people, As child and infant faint away in the open spaces of the town. 

In vain they ask their mothers, “Where is the grain?” As they faint away like the wounded in the streets of the city, And breathe their last in their mothers’ arms. 

To what can I liken or compare you, O daughter Jerusalem? What example can I show you for your comfort, virgin daughter Zion? For great as the sea is your downfall; who can heal you? 

Your prophets had for you false and specious visions; They did not lay bare your guilt, to avert your fate; They beheld for you in vision false and misleading portents. 

Cry out to the Lord; moan, O daughter Zion! Let your tears flow like a torrent day and night; Let there be no respite for you,
no repose for your eyes. 

Rise up, shrill in the night, at the beginning of every watch; Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord; Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your little ones Who faint from hunger at the corner of every street.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 74:1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21

R. (19b) Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones. 

Why, O God, have you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Remember your flock which you built up of old, the tribe you redeemed as your inheritance, Mount Zion, where you took up your abode. 

R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones. 

Turn your steps toward the utter ruins; toward all the damage the enemy has done in the sanctuary. Your foes roar triumphantly in your shrine; they have set up their tokens of victory. They are like men coming up with axes to a clump of trees. 

R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones. 

With chisel and hammer they hack at all the paneling of the sanctuary. They set your sanctuary on fire; the place where your name abides they have razed and profaned. 

R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones. 

Look to your covenant, for the hiding places in the land and the plains are full of violence. May the humble not retire in confusion; may the afflicted and the poor praise your name. 

R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.

ALLELUIA

Matthew 8:17

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 8:5-17

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven, but the children of the Kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour his servant was healed. 

Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him. 

When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet: 

He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Powerful Word

The WORD today reminds me how powerful God's word is. 

Nowadays, power is equated to something – a strong military, fast processing, clear images, top speed. all these things are associated with power. However, we see in the gospel how different God’s power is. More simple, but more powerful.

God’s word is powerful.

In the gospel, we see a leper being healed with just Jesus’ words. Yes there were actions, but it was his words. His power. His love. Jesus words healed the man. Jesus words were enough to heal the man. That’s how powerful God’s word is. And of course, the faith of the man got him healed. He believed in Jesus power.

When he says he has great plans for us, we should believe it. When he says he is watching over us, we should believe it. God’s word is true and powerful, and we should hold on to it, especially when situations are tough. The leper was probably helpless. No one can help him. No one can heal him. He was dirty and despised by everyone. Situation was against him. Logic was against him. The leper has been living in a difficult situation before he got a chance to go to Jesus. He was tired. Hopeless probably. But those things are not enough to stop God's word from coming true. 

We are in a tough situation right now, but we should remember that God’s word is more powerful than the pandemic we are in. He is still in control. We just have to believe in him. And do our part to make his love more alive. 

What are the problems I carry right now? How do I feel about these problems? Do I trust God? Do I lift up these things to God? Do I believe his words and promises for me? 

May we be comforted in the love of God and the power of his word.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another Friday. Lord, thank you for always loving me. thank you for always looking after me, especially when I do not feel it and when I do not appreciate it. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore you. Sorry for the times I let the world dictate my feelings. Sorry for letting myself be overwhelmed by the world. Lord, help me have faith in you, your love and your powerful word. I know that whatever situation I may be in, your love is greater and your word more powerful than it. May I always have faith in you. Always. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/01/complete-healing.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/01/reaching-out.html

June 26, 2020

Friday of Week 12; St. Josemaría Escrivá

FIRST READING

2 Kings 25:1-12

In the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his whole army advanced against Jerusalem, encamped around it, and built siege walls on every side. The siege of the city continued until the eleventh year of Zedekiah. On the ninth day of the fourth month, when famine had gripped the city, and the people had no more bread, the city walls were breached. Then the king and all the soldiers left the city by night through the gate between the two walls that was near the king’s garden. Since the Chaldeans had the city surrounded, they went in the direction of the Arabah. But the Chaldean army pursued the king and overtook him in the desert near Jericho, abandoned by his whole army. 

The king was therefore arrested and brought to Riblah to the king of Babylon, who pronounced sentence on him. He had Zedekiah’s sons slain before his eyes. Then he blinded Zedekiah, bound him with fetters, and had him brought to Babylon. 

On the seventh day of the fifth month (this was in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon), Nebuzaradan, captain of the bodyguard, came to Jerusalem as the representative of the king of Babylon. He burned the house of the LORD, the palace of the king, and all the houses of Jerusalem; every large building was destroyed by fire. Then the Chaldean troops who were with the captain of the guard tore down the walls that surrounded Jerusalem. 

Then Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, led into exile the last of the people remaining in the city, and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the last of the artisans. But some of the country’s poor, Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, left behind as vinedressers and farmers.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

R. (6ab) Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you! 

By the streams of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. On the aspens of that land we hung up our harps. 

R. Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you! 

Though there our captors asked of us the lyrics of our songs, And our despoilers urged us to be joyous: “Sing for us the songs of Zion!” 

R. Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you! 

How could we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land? If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand be forgotten! 

R. Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you! 

May my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember you not, If I place not Jerusalem ahead of my joy. 

R. Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!

ALLELUIA

Matthew 8:17

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 8:1-4

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”