Monday, August 31, 2020

Not Entitled



The WORD today reminds me that  I am not entitled to God’s blessings. 

Some children feel that they are entitled to receive from their parents whatever they want, at whatever cost. Some people feel entitled to receive blessings from their family members that are more financially capable than them. Some breadwinners feel that they should always have their way just because they are the ones who contribute the most. Some people feel they should be getting the promotion at work because they are working so hard. Some people think that because they do good and serve God, they are entitled to receive more blessings, that they will receive whatever they ask from God. This is not a good attitude. We should not have this attitude l, especially towards God. 

No matter what we do, we are not entitled to God's blessings. 

In the gospel we see the people expecting their town-mate Jesus do amazing things and miracles there. They did not ask, they expected. Not because they had faith, but they believed they deserved it since Jesus was from their town. Jesus was one of them. Clearly, Jesus tells us that our relationship or affinity do not entitle us to such things. 

We are blessed because of one thing - God's love. 

God loves us so much that he blesses us. He protects us. He gives us a lot. We sometimes take these blessings for granted, and we want more. We expect more for whatever reason. We are reminded today not to be like this. We are reminded to be aware and thankful. And these should move us into action - sharing his blessings to others. 

Even if we so good and follow him, even if we serve others and obey his commandments, we should not feel entitled to God’s blessings. In another parable, Jesus said that servants who do their master’s wishes should not be rewarded, because they are just doing what they are supposed to do. They should not be praised and be recognized. Just like doing good work in the office, you are paid and expected to do just that. It does not give you the right to expect and demand blessings and favors. God, our creator, master and Father, gave us everything we have. It is just right to give him what we have and to serve him. We should not feel entitled, even if we are living better lives serving him than others. 

During this pandemic, we should also share our blessings. We are not entitled, but God continues to bless us. As such, it would be a great way to thank God by sharing his blessings to others who are not so blessed, or others who may not also be entitled to these blessings. 

In what ways do I have a sense of entitlement? Am I expecting to be treated a certain way just because of what I do, give or say? Do I feel I deserve all the blessings i have because of what I do? How can I show God that I am thankful for his blessings? What is God telling me today?

May we remember that no matter what we do, we are not entitled to God's blessings, and we should never act as is we deserve these things. His love is the only reason we have so much. May we realize it and show our gratitude by sharing these things to others. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for another week to love and serve you. Thank you for the holiday. Lord, sorry for the times I feel entitled to your blessings. Sorry for the times I act entitled, that I deserve these things. Lord, I do not. I know it is only because of your love that I have these things. Help me always be aware, and show you my gratitude by loving others and by generously sharing to others what You gave me. May I give all I can for you, happily and not expecting anything in return, but full of gratitude for everything you have been giving me. All these I ask in your mighty name, Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,
-g-

August 31, 2020
Monday of Week 22; St. Aidan of Lindisfarne
FIRST READING

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. (97) Lord, I love your commands.

How I love your law, O LORD! It is my meditation all the day.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

Your command has made me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

I have more understanding than all my teachers when your decrees are my meditation.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

I have more discernment than the elders, because I observe your precepts.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

From your ordinances I turn not away, for you have instructed me.

R. Lord, I love your commands.
ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL

Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
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Sunday, August 30, 2020

Take Up Your Cross


The WORD today reminds me that I should take up my cross and follow Jesus. 

There are a lot of organizations in school that students can choose from. These organizations recruit members and organize activities for them. However, not all those who sign up and register as members become active and participate. Some would just sign up for the sake of signing up but not become involved with the org. Technically, they can declare that they are members of the org, even if they are not involved. This works in the world, but not with God. 

Real followers of God are very involved. They experience pain for Him. 

In the gospel, Jesus said that whoever wants to follow God must deny himself and take up his cross. Hindi lang basta basta sumunod sa Diyos. Merely Saying that you are a follower of God is not enough. We should be ready to walk the talk. We should be ready to suffer for God. Not because cause he wants us to suffer or he enjoys seeing us in pain, but because we should be ready to experience what he experienced in this world. Taking up our cross. Bearing our share of pain and suffering for Christ. He suffered in this world because he was not of this world. As his followers, we should be ready to experience this as well. 

We should also learn how to deny ourselves. Denying ourselves of what we want. Denying ourselves of what is easy and enjoyable. Denying ourselves of our own desires, of our own will...and submitting to God. Submitting to God our dreams. Our desires. Our plans. Denying ourselves, humbling ourselves, and proclaiming that God, his will, his plans, are high in our life. This is what we see in the second reading, that we should not conform in this world, but be transformed for God. 

How do I see myself as God’s follower? Do I love him? Is my life consistent to what my lips profess? Do I serve him, even despite the risks and persecutions it may bring? How can I follow him more? What is he reminding me today? In this time of pandemic, do I still follow God? Do I take up my cross and serve others? How can I become more of a follower during this time? 

May we take time to reflect what it means for us to follow God, and may we be ready and willing to do what it takes. 


Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I am not willing to suffer for you. Sorry for the times I am not willing to deny myself for you. Help me humble myself. Help me always be ready and willing to deny myself and carry my cross as I follow you. Change me and make me more like you, Lord. As I do so use me to bring glory to you. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,
-g-

August 30, 2020
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Fiacre
FIRST READING

You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me.

Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day.

I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
SECOND READING

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.
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Saturday, August 29, 2020

Stay Firm


The WORD today reminds me that I should stay firm as I serve God. 

Today, we commemorate the Passion of St John the Baptist. Jesus himself told his disciples that they should expect suffering just as He, their master, suffered on earth for doing God’s work. John the Baptist experienced this, and faced this head on. He did not shy away from doing God’s work, even if he knew he offended powerful people in the course of doing it. He continued to do God’s work, despite the opposition and challenges he faced. He stayed firm in his faith. 

Only a strong faith will enable us to stay firm in times if great challenges.

John had this, and we should aspire to have it too. He worked for God despite these challenges against him. He lived the first reading - setting a good example to others and working (for God), and in the process doing his best to earn the eternal great reward of life in eternity with God. 

In one way or another, we all suffer. We all experience problems and challenges. But we are also reminded that it is better to suffer for doing good, than suffer as a consequence of your actions and decisions. Doing God’s work, like St John the Baptist, caused him to suffer in the hands of powerful people at that time. We too can experience this in the form of oppression from others, mockery, among other things. These are sufferings, but because of doing good, and are temporary. St John the Baptist’s suffering was the end of his hardships here on earth and the beginning of his life eternal with God in heaven. However, some can also suffer for doing bad. A drug addict can suffer from addiction, torn family, financial problems, etc. these are also sufferings, but not caused by doing God’s work, but by our own decisions. 

 During this time of pandemic, we should continue to stay firm. We see a lot of corruption and evil all around us. Sometimes it may make us question our decisions. Evil ones remain unpunished. However, we should stay firm in faith. God knows what he is doing. He is still in charge. And even if evil people remain free and unscathed in this world, it will not be the case when God comes to judge us. 

How do I look at sufferings and problems? Do I live right, or are my sufferings the result of my wrong decisions and lifestyle? Do I offer my sufferings to God, and keep my faith, continue doing good despite of these? How can I strengthen my faith in Him, especially amidst all the rampant evil in this world? 

May we be inspired by St John the Baptist’s focus on God, courage and strength as he experienced suffering in doing God’s work.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the inspiration. Lord, I am sorry for the many times I don't act like John the Baptist. Sorry for being scared and not staying firm when faced with powerful oppositions. And sorry for making bad decisions that cause my sufferings and hardships. Lord, I ask that you help me be like St John the Baptist. May I always find courage from and strength in you, especially as I experience challenges and suffering in doing your work. Help me be brave and strong in doing your work. Make me a firm soldier especially when evil propers around me. Use me for your kingdom wherever I may be. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ
-g-

August 29, 2020
The Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist; Beheading of John the Baptist
FIRST READING

The word of the LORD came to me thus:
Gird your loins; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as though I would leave you crushed before them; For it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, A pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: Against Judah’s kings and princes, against its priests and people. They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. I will sing your salvation.

In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me.

R. I will sing your salvation.

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.

R. I will sing your salvation.

For you are my hope, O LORD; my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength.

R. I will sing your salvation.

My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.

R. I will sing your salvation.
ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL

Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Friday, August 28, 2020

Ready and Prepared


The WORD today reminds me again to be ready and prepared for God’s coming. 

The gospel today is a continuation of yesterday’s. we again see Jesus telling us something about preparing for God’s coming. We see the story of the ten virgins – half were wise, half were foolish.

During those times, it was customary to meet the bridegrooms. And they know that it usually takes time, that is why the five wise ones brought with them extra oil. The five foolish ones were not just foolish, but lazy as well. They probably thought that the bridegroom will arrive early, or that they can ask anyway from others who brought oil. They did not make an effort to prepare. They just planned to depend on others and ask from others if they need help. 

This is the same with God’s coming. We all know that we will all face God. We all know what we need to do. Like the virgins who knew they just need to bring oil but were lazy and just depended on others, we too know what we need to do to be prepared when God comes. He has been telling us what we need to do to prepare – read his word, pray, love him, do good to others, live right. All of us know it, but just that like the virgins, not all of us are willing to do it. Some are lazy and just think that others may help them, or that they will still have time to prepare when the time is near. However, this may not be the case. And there are some things we cannot expect others to help us with. There are some things, like spiritual preparation, that we have to do ourselves. When we stand with God, it will be him and ourselves. No other people to help us or to back us up. Kanya kanya. That is why we also need to prepare individually. 

We may be in a pandemic now but we still need to prepare. We need to live right. We need to share what we have. We need to do what God wants us to do. No matter the situation, we should do what God wants us to do so we are always prepared and we will be ready when he comes unexpectedly.

Am I preparing for God’s coming, or do I delay or expect others to help me? In what ways can I prepare for God’s coming? What aspects of my life need to be prepared? What should I stop or start doing to prepare for God’s coming? 

May we make the most out of what God is giving us. He tells us what we need to do, and he gives us the opportunities to do these things. May we be like the wise virgins who prepared to meet the bridegroom, so we can like them celebrate with God forever.

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, I am sorry for the times I get lazy. Sorry for not doing my best to prepare to meet you. sorry for being complacent in my preparations, thinking that you will not come soon, or that there will always be time to prepare in the future. Help me live right. Help me live like the wise virgins, who diligently prepared what they need. As I do so, I know that when you come in your glory, I will be able to celebrate with you forever. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

August 28, 2020
Friday of Week 21; St. Augustine
FIRST READING

Brothers and sisters:
Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the learning of the learned I will set aside.

Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish? For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. (5) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten‑stringed lyre chant his praises.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Be vigilant at all times and pray, that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
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Thursday, August 27, 2020

Be Prepared


The WORD today reminds me that I should always be prepared for God’s coming. 

There are a lot of things we are busy with in this life. Family, career, business, relationships and social responsibilities. Others are also busy planning and taking trips and vacations. It is easy to be distracted and to lose focus. We only have 24 hours in a day, and it is not enough if we think about all these things. This can lead us to forget the important things in life – like preparing for eternity.

The gospel today reminds us that God will come like a thief in the night – when we least expect it. I believe this is not just true for the second coming, but also, our face to face meeting with God. Death comes when we least expect it, and when it does, we should always be ready to meet our creator. We should always be prepared. 

Being unprepared sometimes bring grave consequences. 

The gospel also tells us that there will be grave consequences when the master finds the servant unprepared. Worse, unprepared and deliberately ignoring the master’s instructions. Too complacent. We should act as St Paul instructed the Corinthians in the first reading. We should love right and stay firm as we wait God’s revelation, the time we see face to face. 

God wants us to be prepared and be ready. He knows us and he helps us. This is why every day, he gives us a chance to prepare for our meeting with Him. he gives us opportunities to do good and live right. He reminds us of his love and what we can do to remain in Him. We should never lose focus on him, especially with the many things we do and the many things on our minds. Let us remember that just as we are in the middle of preparing and organizing things of this world,  he can come to meet us. and when he does, there will be no second chance. 

What am I busy with in this life? What takes most of my time? What are my priorities? Do I give importance to eternal things or am I too busy with worldly things? How can I prepare for my meeting with God? If he takes me now, am I ready to meet him? During this time of pandemic, am I too busy and stressed that I do not give importance to God? What is he reminding me? 

May we do our part to always be ready and prepare for that meeting.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another reminder. Thank you for being patient with me. Sorry Lord for the times I allow myself to be busy and distracted. Sorry for allowing myself to forget you and to disregard preparing for my meeting with you. I ask that you help me prepare. Give me the desire and the will to prepare my life for eternity with you. Help me prepare amidst all my concerns and all the distractions in this life, especially during this pandemic. May I always remember what is important and prepare for it. May my life be lived consistently with your values all the time. Amen.


Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

August 27, 2020
Thursday of Week 21; St. Monica
FIRST READING

Paul, called to be an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the Church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. (1) I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.

R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Generation after generation praises your works and proclaims your might. They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty and tell of your wondrous works.

R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds and declare your greatness. They publish the fame of your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your justice.

R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Clean Inside


The WORD today still reminds me how important it is to be clean inside. 

It is easy to clean the outside. This is true with cars. There are a lot of carwash which provide cleaning services. And its relatively cheap. You don't even need to go to a carwash. You can clean the car at home, and it won't take a lot of time and effort. However, what requires more time and effort is cleaning the inside of the car - the interior, the engine, among other things. That’s why they charge more for detailing and cleaning services, because it is harder and more time consuming than cleaning just the outside of the car.

This is what Jesus says in the gospel. The gospel is a continuation of yesterday’s. We are still reminded of the importance of what is inside. We should not just focus on being clean outside, like the Pharisees who appear clean outside but very dirty inside. Whitewashed tombs. What is inside is more important than the outside, than what people see. 

Being clean inside would eventually be manifested outward. 

As with cars, what requires more time and effort and what is really important, is that we are clean from the inside. This is what Jesus wants us to do and to work on, not the easier exterior cleaning. 

Being clean outside does not mean that the inside is clean as well. It is easy to seem clean. It's easy to go to the church, go to outreach activities and relief operations, help the less fortunate. It's easy to show others you go to mass, confess and serve. However, this does not guarantee the inner state of the person. Jesus wants us to work harder and clean ourselves from the inside. What are our motives as we do these things? Do we do it for show, or because we really love God so much? 

Being clean inside may not be easily seen by others. In fact, it may never be seen by others. So affirmation and praise from people may not come. But God sees everything. God sees the inside - our intentions, motives and values. And having a clean heart, a clean soul, would eventually manifest to the outside. It will show by the way you talk, react, and deal with others.

What do I prioritize - being clean outside, where people can see and affirm, or do I work to clean the inside, the more important although unseen parts? Am I more concerned on pleasing others and getting affirmation and praise, or on pleasing God, no matter how silent and delayed his reward is? What areas of my life do I need to clean? 

May we work to have a clean heart, a clean spirit first. Clean and pure motives and intentions. May we pray for these, so that eventually, these things will be manifested in our actions. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I focus on the outside rather than the inside. Sorry for the times I feel contented with looking clean to others.  I pray that you help me have a clean heart. Purify my thoughts, purify my spirit, purify my heart, so that my actions would follow what is inside me. May my life be pleasing to you, and may I always give you importance, not other people. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

August 26, 2020
Wednesday of Week 21; St. Elizabeth Bichier
FIRST READING
We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who walks in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. (1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever keeps the word of Christ, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Jesus said,
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!”
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Tuesday, August 25, 2020

From Inside


The WORD today reminds me that what makes a person unclean does not come from the outside, rather, from the inside.

It is easy to appear good to other people. Superficial level. Surface level. Mukhang mabait, mukhang magalang. Mukhang matulungin. It is easy to organize and attend socio civic activities that alleviate poverty. It is easy to organize fundraising activities for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. It is easy to attend prayer gatherings and appear holy. However, doing these things do not necessarily mean that goodness is inside the person. 

In the gospel, Jesus warns us not to be like the scribes and Pharisees who look good and clean outside, but dirty inside. It is easy to appear righteous to others even if the inside - what are in our thoughts, minds and actions, are filled with evildoing. 


God sees beyond the superficial level.

What makes us clean, or unclean, comes from the inside. Organizing and attending such activities with hidden agenda may make no difference in the surface level. Probably money will still go to the poor even if the intention is not really to help them, but to build up your reputation. Seems the same, but God sees what is in our hearts. God sees if our service to him is genuine or fake. God sees if our worship is pure or not. These things will make us clean or unclean in God’ eyes.

God is reminding us today to check our hearts. Check our reasons and intentions for doing good to others, for worshipping God. Is it really to give back to God, to share our blessings to others, or just for our personal hidden agenda? God sees what others cannot, so we always have to pray that we be guided and our intentions always be pure as we do things for God

Do I always pray that my intentions be pure as I serve God? Do I even reflect to see what my intentions are, or am I satisfied with merely doing things? Do I judge others based on their actions, or do I pray for guidance to discern their intentions? During this pandemic, do I help out other people? What does it tell me about the state of my heart? What are my intentions for doing so? 


May we always check our intentions and our hearts as we do things.

Father God,
Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me that what makes me unclean comes from inside. Lord, sorry for the times I am contented with superficial goodness. Sorry for focusing on what others see. I ask that you help me purify my intentions as I serve you, as I do things for you. I know it is easy to get distracted in this world. May I always put the focus on you, and may my reason for doing these things be to praise and glorify you, not myself. Help me clean my heart and may it move me to be a blessing to other people as well. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-


August 25, 2020
Tuesday of Week 21; St. Louis of France
FIRST READING

We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand. Let no one deceive you in any way.

To this end he has also called you through our Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity.

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Before the LORD, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy.

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.
ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL

Jesus said:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”
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