Lack Of Faith

The WORD today reminds me that not having faith in God affects what he can do to and through us. 

When the pandemic started this year, a lot of people started to work from home. They were forced to. And during the early part of the work from home process, I read an article that people at home were surprised to see how their spouse / partner were at work. During meetings and video calls, they were surprised on how serious, organized, and well respected their partners were. Maybe they did not see that side of their partner. Or maybe they were surprised because due to familiarity, they did not expect their partner was like that at work. This is probably similar to what Jesus is saying in the gospel. 

A lot of times, we see Jesus telling people that their faith has saved them. In a number of times, Jesus even said that a faith so small like the mustard seed can do great things. They say that God supplements our faith, so just a little amount would do. God fills up what we lack in terms of faith. However, in the gospel today, we see the power and importance of faith, ironically through the lack of it.

“And he did not work many mighty deeds there

because of their lack of faith”

Jesus went to his hometown, and the people, instead of being proud that Jesus came from there, belittled him and took offense at him. They did not believe that someone from their own could really be God’s Child. They felt they knew Jesus, that he was normal just like them. This lack of belief, this lack of faith, was the reason why Jesus did not do a lot of miracles. Yes, Jesus needs our faith. His love and power does not change, but our hearts and our lack of faith limits his power over us.

Our lack of faith limits God’s power over us.

I believe we are challenged by God. We are asked to look at ourselves and see what our heart says. There is no need and no benefit to doubt God. He is all loving and all powerful. We should always remember and believe this, no matter what situation we are in.

This pandemic may be testing our faith. There are a looooot of reasons to lose faith. With what is happening. With how people in authority are responding. With corruption and greed still rampant despite people dying. However, we are reminded to trust in God. There are a lot of things we cannot control, but we can control how we react. We can still do good. We can still spread God’s love in this world. And we should. 

Is my faith strong, or am I like the people who do not trust in God? When we pray, do we really have complete faith in God and his love and power, or do we just pray just in case God hears us? Is our faith strong enough to be willing to suffer for God? When God does not seem to hear us, do we have a humble heart and will still continue to serve Him, or do we walk away from him when we don’t get what we want?

May we work on our faith and build it, so we can have and develop a strong faith in God no matter what the situation may be. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the gift of faith. Sorry for not having enough faith in you, especially when situations are difficult. Sorry for not working on improving my faith and relationship with you. Lord, I ask that you help me strengthen my faith. I know faith is such a powerful and important aspect of my life, and I ask that you help me develop it. Kahit maliit, kahit mala mustard seed, I know it is enough, that it is a good start. May I have faith and may I be willing to suffer and still serve you because of that faith, knowing that your name will be glorified in everything. May i have faith in you especially during challenging situations. Your love and power are greater than anything.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-  

July 31, 2020

Friday of Week 17; St. Ignatius of Loyola

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 26:1-9

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, king of Judah, this message came from the LORD: Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the house of the LORD and speak to the people of all the cities of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD; whatever I command you, tell them, and omit nothing. Perhaps they will listen and turn back, each from his evil way, so that I may repent of the evil I have planned to inflict upon them for their evil deeds. Say to them: Thus says the LORD: If you disobey me, not living according to the law I placed before you and not listening to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I send you constantly though you do not obey them, I will treat this house like Shiloh, and make this the city to which all the nations of the earth shall refer when cursing another.

Now the priests, the prophets, and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the LORD. When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the LORD bade him speak to all the people, the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying, “You must be put to death! Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD: ‘This house shall be like Shiloh,’ and ‘This city shall be desolate and deserted’?” And all the people gathered about Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14

R. (14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Those outnumber the hairs of my head who hate me without cause. Too many for my strength are they who wrongfully are my enemies. Must I restore what I did not steal?

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Since for your sake I bear insult, and shame covers my face. I have become an outcast to my brothers, a stranger to my mother’s sons, Because zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

But I pray to you, O LORD, for the time of your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with your constant help.

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

ALLELUIA

1 Peter 1:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The word of the Lord remains forever; this is the word that has been proclaimed to you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

Potter’s Hands

The WORD today reminds me that I should always trust the Potter’s Hands.

Masterpieces take time to complete.

Masterpieces are not instantly done or achieved. No matter how beautiful they are, until it is finished, it seems to be of no purpose or value. Kulang. Parang pangit at walang kwenta. But when it is finished, one will be surprised with the outcome. The partial ugly part has become beautiful when combined with other parts. This is what God wants us to learn.

We should always trust God's hands, for only he knows his plans. 

In the first reading, God told Jeremiah that as a potter can do anything to the clay, so can he do anything to us, his creations. He is God. We are his mere creations, and he has the right to do whatever he pleases. We should wholeheartedly allow him to. But we should be assured that he is making something great. It may be painful. It may take time. But he will not stop until he is satisfied with what he sees. Just as the potter will not stop until he sees a masterpiece.

God knows what he is doing. 

Things may sometimes seem to not make any sense. Minsan parang walang saysay. Walang kwenta. Walang kabuluhan yung nararamdaman at pinagdadaanan natin. However, God just wants us to trust in Him. He sees everything. We can make sense of everything in his perfect time. We just need to have faith, because having faith makes it easier to bear these things. And having faith and allowing Him to do his will would make it easier to achieve his plans.

God also knows when to stop. If a potter encounters hard clay, he would take that out of the clay so he can continue to mold it. In the gospel, Jesus says that the bad catch will be thrown away. God will do his best and never give up on us. But he is gentle. He will not force himself upon us. But when the time comes, he will give us what we want based on our lives - if we want to spend eternity with him, or away from him.

I believe this is a very timely reminder for us. The covid pandemic is really affecting us. A lot of people do not like how the government is responding. However, no single person is in control of what will happen. God, our Potter, is still alive. He still sees what is happening. And he knows when to act. He has plans. His masterpiece ia still in the process of being completed, so we just need to have faith in him while we do his work.

How do I react when things does not go my way? How do I react when I do not understand what is happening in life? Do I trust God and his plans, or do I doubt? Do I cooperate with God and wait on him as I trust him, or do I take matters into my own hands? Am I patient with God’s plans? What is he telling me today?

May we learn to trust in God, especially when things do not seem to make sense. And may we always allow Him to take control, having faith that in his perfect time, his perfect plans will come into fruition.


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, sorry for being hard headed. Sorry for not cooperating with you. Sorry for not trusting you enough. Sorry for not having faith in you when times are tough. Help me be an obedient clay. Help me be humble. Use me and do with me as you wish. I have faith that even if I cannot make sense of things now, you know what you are doing and you will take care of me. I trust you. And I allow you to mold me. Create a masterpiece in me. I lift up to you the world, but especially our country as we go through this pandemic. No matter how difficult to, I still trust in you. You have power more than any human being in this country, and I have faith that you are and will always be in control. I trust your plans and your ways. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

July 30, 2020

Thursday of Week 17; St. Peter Chrysologus

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 18:1-6
This word came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
Rise up, be off to the potter’s house; there I will give you my message. I went down to the potter’s house and there he was, working at the wheel. Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased. Then the word of the LORD came to me: Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done? says the LORD. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 146:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab
R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Praise the LORD, O my soul; I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live.

R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Put not your trust in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation. When his spirit departs he returns to his earth; on that day his plans perish.

R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Blessed he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD, his God. Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them.

R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

See Acts 16:14b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 13:47-53
Jesus said to the disciples:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

Pearl of Great Price

The WORD today reminds me that I should be ready to give up everything for God.

When I was in college, our chapel was named PGP chapel or Pearl of Great Price Chapel. initially I did not understand why it was named that way. Why a pearl? Why not Jesus, Mary, Joseph or one of the saints? Why is it valuable? Then when I came across the gospel, I understood why.

In the gospel, we saw that one would do anything to have the pearl of great price. One would sell everything to have the pearl of great price. Being valuable, having it comes with a great price. The price may be great and expensive, but it is reasonable and most importantly, attainable. That is why the people sold everything they had to be able to get hold of the treasure and the pearl. They found it worth their while that they were willing to let go of everything they had - all their possessions and their current treasures, to have the new found treasure.

This is what God wants from us, the readiness and willingness to give up anything and everything once we get to know Him. God wants us to let go of all the sins, of all the worldly attachments we are holding on to, so we can attain life with Him. so he can give us new life. God wants us to see him as worthy enough for us to give up everything we currently have just to have him.

How do I see God? Do I have faith in him? Do I trust him, at every situation I am in? Do I know and believe he is powerful and loving? What hinders me from giving everything to God?

May we find it in our heart to see God as that pearl of great price, and be willing to give up everything just for Him.

Father God,
Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder and challenge. Thank you for another day to feel your love. Lord, sorry for the times I don't give you the importance that you deserve. May I see you like the way the people in the gospel saw the treasures. May I recognize you. I pray that I would always seek you. May my heart always beat for you. may I always be ready and willing to give up everything worldly for you. and as I serve you, may I give you my best, because you deserve nothing less. In a special way, I lift up to you all those who are celebrating their birthdays today, but especially my wife Mady. Continue to bless her abundantly. May she feel your overflowing love all the days of her life. May she always treasure you, and may she feel your love and presence alive in her life. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

July 29, 2020

Wednesday of Week 17; St. Martha

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
Woe to me, mother, that you gave me birth! a man of strife and contention to all the land! I neither borrow nor lend, yet all curse me. When I found your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart, Because I bore your name, O LORD, God of hosts. I did not sit celebrating in the circle of merrymakers; Under the weight of your hand I sat alone because you filled me with indignation. Why is my pain continuous, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become for me a treacherous brook, whose waters do not abide! Thus the LORD answered me: If you repent, so that I restore you, in my presence you shall stand; If you bring forth the precious without the vile, you shall be my mouthpiece. Then it shall be they who turn to you, and you shall not turn to them; And I will make you toward this people a solid wall of brass. Though they fight against you, they shall not prevail, For I am with you, to deliver and rescue you, says the LORD. I will free you from the hand of the wicked, and rescue you from the grasp of the violent.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 59:2-3, 4, 10-11, 17, 18
R. (17d) God is my refuge on the day of distress.

Rescue me from my enemies, O my God; from my adversaries defend me. Rescue me from evildoers; from bloodthirsty men save me.

R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.

For behold, they lie in wait for my life
mighty men come together against me, Not for any offense or sin of mine, O LORD.

R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.

O my strength! for you I watch; for you, O God, are my stronghold, As for my God, may his mercy go before me; may he show me the fall of my foes.

R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.

But I will sing of your strength and revel at dawn in your mercy; You have been my stronghold, my refuge in the day of distress.

R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.

O my strength! your praise will I sing; for you, O God, are my stronghold, my merciful God!

R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.

ALLELUIA

John 15:15b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I call you my friends, says the Lord, for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 13:44-46
Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

Shine Like the Sun

The WORD today reminds me that God will reward his followers in his perfect time.

Life is not a bed of roses. Life is unfair. In the gospel we saw the explanation of the gospel last week. We saw that the good seeds were mixed with the weeds, pretty much like life here on earth. Even if we try to live righteous lives, we will still be surrounded by evil people - which would try to convince us to give up living righteous lives and be like them. Sometimes the situation doesn't help.  We see them prosper and have a good life on earth. We may question why they seem to be blessed, or if what we are doing is really the way to go. We may question if it really is worth it.

God is not the ruler of the world.

The devil is - that is why many times, Jesus tells his disciples to live in the world but not of the world. Naturally, the enemy loves his own, so he gives worldly things those who follow him. However, God still provides and protects us, so we should just continue to remain faithful to Him.

God’s followers will shine like the Sun.

Life is not easy, but we should continue to hang on to God and his word, knowing that he is true to his word. No matter how difficult or challenging life may be, he will still protect us and make sure we have everything we need to move forward. As we remain faithful to God, we are sure that when the proper time comes, we will shine bright like the sun.

Nowadays, it is very important to shine for God. We have a lot of negativity. We have worries. However, God needs us to do good. God needs us to spread his love. We should be faithful and remind people of his love. That things will be better, especially when we do our part and help each other. 

Do I follow God at all times? Am I faithful to God? Or do I sin and falter, especially when I am influenced by the world? Do ai really believe God is all powerful , and he has great plans for me? How can. Be faithful to God and not be blinded by the world?

May we always remember how powerful and loving God is, and may it lead us to be faithful and expect reward from Him in his perfect time.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for the reminder. Thank you for knowing me. Thank you for speaking to me through different ways. Lord, sorry for being distracted. Sorry for questioning you and for questioning if I am making the right decision to live according to your word. Sorry for doubting you. Lord, as I live my life, may I always be reminded to focus on you, to remain faithful to you. It may not be easy, it may be tempting to do otherwise, but I know that no matter what I experience, you are always there watching, guiding and protecting me. And I know that as i remain faithful to you, I will shine bright with you in your kingdom. Amen

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

July 28, 2020

Tuesday of Week 17; Blessed Mary Magdalen Martinengo

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 14:17-22

Let my eyes stream with tears day and night, without rest, Over the great destruction which overwhelms the virgin daughter of my people, over her incurable wound. If I walk out into the field, look! those slain by the sword; If I enter the city, look! those consumed by hunger. Even the prophet and the priest forage in a land they know not.

Have you cast Judah off completely? Is Zion loathsome to you? Why have you struck us a blow that cannot be healed? We wait for peace, to no avail; for a time of healing, but terror comes instead. We recognize, O LORD, our wickedness, the guilt of our fathers; that we have sinned against you. For your name’s sake spurn us not, disgrace not the throne of your glory; remember your covenant with us, and break it not. Among the nations’ idols is there any that gives rain? Or can the mere heavens send showers? Is it not you alone, O LORD, our God, to whom we look? You alone have done all these things.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13

R. (9) For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low.

R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake.

R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you; with your great power free those doomed to death. Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; through all generations we will declare your praise.

R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 13:36-43

Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 

The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

You Started Small

The WORD  today reminds me that we all started small. 

They say that great things start from small beginnings. That is true. As we look in our lives, we know that we all started small. We were born a baby, knowing nothing on our own. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was born as a baby. It was God’s love and protection, through other people, that got us where we are today. No matter how much one achieves in life, that person started small. And it is by God’s love and grace, not by human power, intelligence, influence and connections, that one was able to achieve things.

In the gospel, we see Jesus telling us something similar. The mustard seed and yeast are small. Yet they eventually affected a lot. The mustard seed grew into a huge tree, and the yeast affected the flour. Whatever they accomplished, they started small. So we should not be proud.

We see in the first reading how God opposes the proud. God told Jeremiah that he took offense in the pride and hardness of heart of Judah – how they turned away from God. in times like these, it is good to remember what Job said “the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.” Just because God is a gracious and generous God, does not mean he will not take away things. Just because he is loving does not mean he is not just.

God has blessed us with a lot of things. A lot of success and victories. A lot of accomplishments. However, we should not let these things get in our heads. We should remember how we started, and the role of God in our lives. This should put things in perspective and remind us of God’s love, goodness and greatness. 

What is my greatest achievement? What things have I achieved in life? How do I treat these things? Do these things get in my head, or do I know God’s role in everything? Do I remember how great, generous and loving God is? Do I know and remember that I cannot achieve anything on my own, and everything was approved by and blessed by God? 

May we be warned by the psalmist to not forget God who gave us birth. Let us remember that we all started small, and remember that it was God who caused all the good things to happen to us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for being proud. Sorry for being too full of myself and focusing on what I have accomplished and gained in this world. Sorry for thinking that it was because of me – my attitude, my skills, my intelligence, my connections – that got me where I am and what I have. Lord, may I never forget that everything comes from you and you can take them away anytime. May I be humble with everything, and generous with your blessings. May I always remember this, and may I live knowing this. May this lead me to be grateful to you, and may it lead me to be more generous to others and share all I have with others. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

July 27, 2020

Monday of Week 17; Blessed Titus Brandsma

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 13:1-11

The LORD said to me: Go buy yourself a linen loincloth; wear it on your loins, but do not put it in water. I bought the loincloth, as the LORD commanded, and put it on. A second time the word of the LORD came to me thus: Take the loincloth which you bought and are wearing, and go now to the Parath; there hide it in a cleft of the rock. Obedient to the LORD’s command, I went to the Parath and buried the loincloth. After a long interval, the LORD said to me: Go now to the Parath and fetch the loincloth which I told you to hide there. Again I went to the Parath, sought out and took the loincloth from the place where I had hid it. But it was rotted, good for nothing! Then the message came to me from the LORD: Thus says the LORD: So also I will allow the pride of Judah to rot, the great pride of Jerusalem. This wicked people who refuse to obey my words, who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts, and follow strange gods to serve and adore them, shall be like this loincloth which is good for nothing. For, as close as the loincloth clings to a man’s loins, so had I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the LORD; to be my people, my renown, my praise, my beauty. But they did not listen.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21 

R. (see 18a) You have forgotten God who gave you birth. 

You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you, You forgot the God who gave you birth. When the LORD saw this, he was filled with loathing and anger toward his sons and daughters. 

R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth. 

“I will hide my face from them,” he said, “and see what will then become of them. 
What a fickle race they are, sons with no loyalty in them!” 

R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth. 

“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.” 

R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

ALLELUIA

James 1:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 13:31-35

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.” 

He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” 

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, 
to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: 

I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.

Great Pearl

The WORD today reminds me that I should be ready to give up everything for God. 

When I was in college, our chapel was named PGP chapel or Pearl of Great Price Chapel. initially I did not understand why it was named that way. Why a pearl? Why not Jesus, Mary, Joseph or one of the saints? Why is it valuable? Then when I came across the gospel, I understood why.

In the gospel, one would do anything to have the pearl of great price. One would sell everything to have the pearl of great price. Being valuable, having it comes with a great price. The price may be great and expensive, but it is reasonable and most importantly, attainable. That is why the people sold everything they had to be able to get hold of the treasure and the pearl. They found it worth their while that they were willing to let go of everything they had - all their possessions and their current treasures, to have the new found treasure.

This is what God wants from us, the readiness and willingness to give up anything and everything once we get to know Him. God wants us to let go of all the sins, of all the worldly attachments we are holding on to, so we can attain life with Him. so he can give us new life. God wants us to see him as worthy enough for us to give up everything we currently have just to have him.

We see this in the first reading. Solomon realized how important and precious God is. He wants to serve God the best way he can. He wants to serve God the way God deserves to be served. That is why when asked, Solomon did not ask for treasures, for money or power. He asked for wisdom to know what God wants. God took delight in him and gave him what he asked for. 

What do I value most in life? What are the important aspects of my life? Do I value God in my life? In what way? Is my life a testament of the value of God for me? How can I concretely tell him I love and value him? 

May we find it in our heart to see God as that pearl of great price, and be willing to give up everything just for Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder and challenge. Thank you for another day to feel your love. Lord, sorry for the times I don't give you the importance that you deserve. May I see you like the how people in the gospel saw the treasures. May I recognize you. I pray that I would always seek you. May my heart always beat for you. may I always be ready and willing to give up everything worldly for you. and as I serve you, may I give you my best, because you deserve nothing less. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

July 26, 2020

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Saint Joachim and Saint Anne

FIRST READING

1 Kings 3:5, 7–12

The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered: “O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”

The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this— not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right— I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 119:57, 72, 76–77, 127–128, 129–130 (97a)

R. Lord, I love your commands. 

I have said, O LORD, that my part is to keep your words. The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 

R. Lord, I love your commands. 

Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. 

R. Lord, I love your commands. 

For I love your commands more than gold, however fine. For in all your precepts I go forward; every false way I hate. 

R. Lord, I love your commands. 

Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. 

R. Lord, I love your commands.

SECOND READING

Romans 8:28–30

Brothers and sisters:

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

ALLELUIA

see Matthew 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; for you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Longer Form Matthew 13:44–52

Jesus said to his disciples:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” 

or: 

Shorter Form Matthew 13:44–46

Jesus said to his disciples:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

Love and Service

The WORD today reminds me that I should love God by serving others. 

It is easy to say that we love God. It is easy to say that we serve God. However, applying it in our lives is another thing. We sometimes are not willing to concretely apply this love for God through other people. We sometimes think that we love God and want to serve God, but loving and serving people is different. However, it is not.

Love and service to God should be lived through other people.

In the gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that they should serve others. Just as Jesus, the son of God, came to serve, they too as Jesus’ disciples should serve others. God’s kingdom is very different from the world. in this world, rulers and powerful people are being served by others. In God’s kingdom, it is actually the great ones who serve others. And if we want to be great in God’s eyes we should serve others. 

God is not physically present in this world, but people are. There are people God sends our way who need our love and service. They are God coming to us in different forms. They are actually opportunities for us to prove to God that we really love him. Sometimes we think that God will make a way, that God is mighty that he will send help to those in need. However, we sometimes do not realize that maybe that someone is us. Maybe God is sending us. Maybe we are the ones he wants to help others. We are and should be God’s arms and legs in this world – the physical manifestations of his love.

The pandemic crisis we are in right now is the perfect time to prove our love for God. This is the perfect time to show him we really love him. This is the perfect time to live our faith. This is the perfect time to make people realize that God is alive. We are all affected. We are on the same boat. We too have worries and fears and concerns. However, this should not stop us from loving others and from helping other people. 

Making the decision to serve doesn’t mean things will be easy after. In the first reading, we see St Paul telling us that it will be challenging. It will be difficult. But God knows what we are going through, and will continue to sustain us as we experience challenges. We should take courage that God is the same from then until now. he sees the difficulties we experience as we serve him. He sees the pain and hurt that comes with service. He sees the sacrifices we make, and the persecutions we experience as we serve him. And he will continue to equip us and give us what we need to continue serving Him. We just need to trust in him and have faith.

Do I love God? How do I express my love for Him? Do I love and serve him through other people? How do I treat others? How can I make God more alive and more real in this world? How does God want me to show and prove my love to him, especially to people around me? How can I love him now during the pandemic? 

May we realize that we should serve others and be steadfast with the challenges that come with it.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. thank you for another day to experience your love. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you to others. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I fail to love and serve others. Sorry for making excuses not to. Sorry for not living my profession of love and service to you. help me be like Jesus. Help me live my love for you by loving and serving other people. Help me make your love more alive and more real in this world. In a special way, as we celebrate our fifth year of being married, I thank you for always being with us. Thank you for always being there on our journey. Thank you for all the blessings and all the challenges. Thank you for being so great and loving. Lord, I will continue to see you in and serve you through my wife  I will continue to love you as I love her. May your love always be alive in and through our lives. I ask that you continue to bless us and be with us in whatever lies ahead. i also ask that you always equip me to love you and do your work. All this I ask in faith in the mighty name of your Son Jesus through the intercession of Mama Mary. Amen

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

July 25, 2020

Saint James, Apostle - Feast

FIRST READING

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

Brothers and sisters:

We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 

So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R.(5) Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. 

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. 

R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. 

Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. 

R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. 

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. 

R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. 

Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown,

ALLELUIA

See John 15:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 20:20-28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”