Greatness of God

The WORD today reminds me of the greatness of God. 

They say that history repeats itself. Things happen over and over again because as they say, the test will not end until the lesson is learned. This is because people can be forgetful. We forget experiences and lessons of the past and just focus on the present. That is why things are bound to happen again if we do not remember the lesson and repeat the same mistakes over again. This is why it is good to be reminded from time to time. 

God is a great and powerful God, just in case we forget. 

In the first reading, Job reminds us who God is. We see the things we sometimes, or oftentimes,  take for granted, things we think are normal or things we don’t even think about.  It is God who created everything and tells everything what to do. The sun – how it rises and sets, the sky – how it behaves and how the clouds form, the sea – how deep it is, how dark the depths of the sea is, these are just some of the things God created and arranges. These things, which we overlook, or oftentimes do not understand, are all God’s work. Even these things we take for granted are under the supervision of God.

God created everything. And he is powerful. 

We see that no one and nothing can match God's power and might. He can do anything. He can do as he pleases. And we as human beings are his creation. We may feel we deserve things, but we should not impose on God. We should not feel entitled. Just as Job reminds us how special we should feel if God hears us, listens to us, and gives us what we ask. God, the almighty and powerful being, listens to us. Wow. 

In the busyness of life, we sometimes forget these things. We forget how great God is. We forget how powerful he is. We forget how loving he is. When we don’t get what we want, we get angry at him. We feel that he doesn’t love us, or he doesn’t know how to make us happy. Worse, we sometimes feel he has no power over our concerns, we think that God doesn’t have power over the natural things in life, over the things logic tells us are not possible. Sometimes we get worried about worldly things and don’t know if God can and will help us. We forget how powerful he is, and we forget that he always has his eyes on us. Yes, his eye is always on you.

We are still in a pandemic. It seems powerful. We seem to be helpless, our government just waiting for a vaccine. However, we should be reminded that God is more powerful than the virus. He truly is. He is great snd loving. We do not know his plans and his purpose, but we just need to remember his power and we need to trust in him. 

Do I sometimes forget what great things God has done? Do I sometimes belittle his power or his love for me? How has he made his love alive in my life? What great things has he done that I take for granted? What can I do to always be reminded of his power and love for me? In this pandemic, do I remember and know that God is more powerful than the sickness? 

May we always remember how powerful God is, and how he loves us, knows everything about us, and always has his eyes on us. And may it lead us to remember how little we are in this universe, yet in God's infinite goodness, loves us so much. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for loving me, an unworthy and little person. Lord, you don’t need to love me. I don’t make your being God mightier or greater. You don’t need me Lord, but you love me just because you are love. In fact, it is I who need you. I know that I am nothing without you, that I cannot accomplish anything without you. Sorry for the times I forget this. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Sorry for feeling entitled to receive blessings from you. Help me remember who you are and who I am, especially without you. May I always remember to stay close to you and trust that you always have the best plan for me, and that with you, nothing is impossible. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/10/no-looking-back.html

September 30, 2020

Wednesday of Week 26; St. Jerome

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FIRST READING

Job 9:1-12, 14-16

Job answered his friends and said:

I know well that it is so; but how can a man be justified before God? Should one wish to contend with him, he could not answer him once in a thousand times. God is wise in heart and mighty in strength; who has withstood him and remained unscathed?

He removes the mountains before they know it; he overturns them in his anger. He shakes the earth out of its place, and the pillars beneath it tremble. He commands the sun, and it rises not; he seals up the stars.

He alone stretches out the heavens and treads upon the crests of the sea. He made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south; He does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning.

Should he come near me, I see him not; should he pass by, I am not aware of him; Should he seize me forcibly, who can say him nay? Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

How much less shall I give him any answer, or choose out arguments against him! Even though I were right, I could not answer him, but should rather beg for what was due me. If I appealed to him and he answered my call, I could not believe that he would hearken to my words.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 88:10bc-11, 12-13, 14-15

R. (3) Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Daily I call upon you, O LORD; to you I stretch out my hands. Will you work wonders for the dead? Will the shades arise to give you thanks?

R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Do they declare your mercy in the grave, your faithfulness among those who have perished? Are your wonders made known in the darkness, or your justice in the land of oblivion?

R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

But I, O LORD, cry out to you; with my morning prayer I wait upon you. Why, O LORD, do you reject me; why hide from me your face?

R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

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ALLELUIA

Philippians 3:8-9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 9:57-62

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Confident in Battle

The WORD today reminds me that I should be confident in battle against the evil one. 

Culture depicts the devil/satan as a powerful and scary creature, and it depicts God as a peaceful and loving creature. We also associate angels with cute babies and kids. This sometimes make us think that the devil is more powerful than God. However, this is not true. As they say, angels are not cute babies, but mighty beings. They are soldiers of God. That's why they defeated Satan in the first reading. We tend to forget that though God is peaceful and loving God, He is also powerful - more powerful than the devil. As such, as long as we are on God's side, we need not be afraid of anything or anyone.

The first reading shows us three saints whose feast we are celebrating today. Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael bravely and confidently fought the devil. They have a reason to do so, because they are on God's side.

War broke out in heaven;

Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.

The dragon and its angels fought back,

but they did not prevail

and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,

who is called the Devil and Satan,

who deceived the whole world,

was thrown down to earth,

and its angels were thrown down with it

In the gospel, we again see a glimpse of how powerful God through Jesus is. He is not bound by time and space. He may be in this world, but he is definitely not of this world.

Sometimes, when problems overwhelm us, we feel helpless. When the world seems to crush on us, we feel hopeless. When situations seem too strong for us, we feel afraid and insecure. We fear the power of the devil and what he can do to us. Today, we are reminded to be strong and confident as we fight for and with God. No problem or sickness is too strong for God. He is powerful and loving. We should just trust in Him.

God is powerful and strong. His angels watching over us are powerful and strong as well. We are in good hands as long as we are in God's hands. We should be confident in battle, especially as we face challenges because of our faith in and love for God. 

We are fighting a battle now. Continuously fighting. We do not know what will happen. We do not know how things will turn out. This pandemic really affects everyone. However, we are reminded that God is on our side. No matter what happens, no matter what we feel, we should be confident as we fight because he is on our side. 

What are my current concerns and fears? What is troubling me right now? How do I feel about these? Do I know that God is in control and he is all powerful and all loving? Do I have faith in his goodness, power and love? 

Just as God is loving and peaceful, he also is very powerful. May this calm us and remind us who we should fight for. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the encouraging reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I forget how powerful you are. Sorry for the times I forget how powerful your angels are. Sorry for the times I forget how loving you are. Remind me of your great love and power. May we always be ready and willing to bravely and confidently fight for you, the way the archangels did. May I defend your kingdom with the way I live. Lord, I thank you for the gift of life. In a special way, I ask you to bless all those celebrating their birthdays today especially my uncle Miguel. Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for always being with him.  I ask that you continue to bless, protect and defend him. May he continue to experience your love and your power in his life. And May he always be a blessing to others. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

September 29, 2020

Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels - Feast

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FIRST READING

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched:

Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened. As the visions during the night continued, I saw

One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.

or:

Revelation 12:7-12ab

War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed.

For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death. Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them.”

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5

R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name.

R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.

R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth; And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD: “Great is the glory of the LORD.”

R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

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ALLELUIA

Psalm 103:21

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Bless the LORD, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

John 1:47-51

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Faithful, Despite Of

The WORD today reminds me that I should remain faithful to God, especially despite of problems and challenges. 

One of my favourite stories in the bible is the life of Job. He has such great faith in God, and a great perspective on life. He knows that everything he has is from God, and just as we should be thankful and grateful for what God has given us, so should we be thankful for the opportunity to have them when God takes them away. We should not hold on to these things, because God is the owner, not us, and it is up to him until when he will lend us these things in life. We should not get mad at God when he takes away someone or something.  Job knows that he came into the world with nothing and he will leave this world with nothing as well. And regardless of what happens, we should always be faithful to God. In the first reading, he said:

“Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb,

and naked shall I go back again.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
blessed be the name of the LORD!”

Only a man of great faith in and love for God can mean this. And this gives us a different perspective on things. On people. On possessions. It reminds us that we have nothing when we entered this life. And we cannot take anything. Anything. So we should make the best use of these things while we have them, and not be too attached to them. 

In the gospel, we are again told of the importance of being a child, of having a childlike attitude. Like a child, we should be totally dependent on God, our Father. Material things should not be a concern to us. We should just keep our focus on God, and have faith that even if he does not give us everything we want, he has the best intentions in his heart, and will give us what we need, what will be good for us. This is the attitude of Job. 

In our lives, it is easy to be distracted. There are a lot of things people hold on to right now, especially with the  age of technology. We tend to make life complicated. We have mobile devices. We have all these kinds of gadgets. We have all these attachments to things of the world – people, possessions, places, etc. We are reminded to be like Job, to thank God not only for giving us these things, but even if when he takes it away. We should remember that we were born naked and no matter how much we have in this world, we cannot bring any of these things when we die, so instead of being busy accumulating all the things of the world, we are asked to have a childlike faith and prepare for eternity with God, knowing that he will provide us what we need in this world.

What is my greatest possession? What will I feel if someone steals it, or if I lose it? Do I realize that God can give anything, and can take away anything anytime? Do I remember that life on earth is temporary? Do I realize that I cannot bring anything when I die? Do I prepare for eternity?

May we always remember that everything came from God, and can be taken away anytime. And may we always be faithful to God no matter what situation we are in. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for the inspiring reminder. Thank you for your faithful servant Job. Thank you for giving us an example of how to live a life fully surrendered to you. Lord, sorry for the times I don't act and live like Job. Sorry for being too attached on material things. Sorry for being too concerned with them. Sorry for losing sight on you. Lord, help me focus on you. Help me stay away from distractions in life. Help me put things in perspective. Help me praise and glorify you whatever situation I may be in. May I live my life preparing for eternity and not focused on accumulating worldly possessions, because I know that as I came to this world with nothing, so will I leave this world. Help me use your gifts to bless others as well. Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2019/09/to-be-great.html

September 28, 2020

Monday of Week 26; St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions

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FIRST READING

Job 1:6-22

One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the LORD, Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “Whence do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming the earth and patrolling it.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job, and that there is no one on earth like him, blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?” But Satan answered the LORD and said, “Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing? Have you not surrounded him and his family and all that he has with your protection? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock are spread over the land. But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has, and surely he will blaspheme you to your face.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand upon his person.” So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

And so one day, while his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were ploughing and the asses grazing beside them, and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid. They put the herdsmen to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Lightning has fallen from heaven and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three columns, seized the camels, carried them off, and put those tending them to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, when suddenly a great wind came across the desert and smote the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair. He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, and said,

“Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!”

In all this Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7

R. (6) Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

Hear, O LORD, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.

R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

From you let my judgment come; your eyes behold what is right. Though you test my heart, searching it in the night, though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me.

R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand.

R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

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ALLELUIA

Mark 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Final Answer

The WORD today reminds me that what's important to God is not the initial, but the final action. 

In the game who wants to be a millionaire, the contestant is given choices. After analyzing the choices and picking an answer, the host will ask if it is the final answer. If the contestant says yes, then thats the time the choice will be compared to the correct answer. It is not a touch move game wherein the first choice is the final. The same is true with God. 

God looks at our final answer. Our final action and decision will be judged, not the initial one. 

In the first reading, the wicked men referred to are the sinners and outcasts at that time, while righteous men are the scribes and pharisees. God gives chances to sinners, to wicked people to change their ways and follow God. Maybe they have not known who God really is. Maybe they're just waiting for someone to guide them to repentance. That is why God is waiting for them to repent and he will save them. However, the righteous already know what to do and how to act. So if they do evil, it is with the knowledge that it is indeed evil, and it shows they are choosing wickedness over good, so they will be punished even if they did good works before. 

In the gospl, Jesus repeats this concept. What is important to God is our actions, not our words. Talk is cheap. It is easy to say good things. It is harder to do them. And even if we initially do not choose to do good, if eventually we change, then God is pleased. He considers our final decision, our final action - to love him or hate him.

We all sin. We all hurt God. And we all have the opportunity to choose God, or choose wickedness. God does not judge us by our sins, but by our heart. Our heart determines our final action, our final answer. The state of our heart will determine if we choose God or wickedness. Then when we make that choice, that's the time we will be judged. 

May we take comfort in the fact that God does not judge us by our initial actions, and make the most of every opportunity to repent and choose God. 

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 all the blessings. Thank you for your patience and love for me. Lord, sorry for my sins. Sorry for hurting you. Sorry for the times I choose wickedness instead of you. Help me live right. I want to be with you. Help me see you and choose you in the little decisions in life, so that as I live, I will be consistently showing you what my final answer is. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

September 27, 2020

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Vincent de Paul

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FIRST READING

Ezekiel 18:25–28

Thus says the LORD:
You say, “The LORD’s way is not fair!” Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair? When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, and does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 25:4–5, 6–7, 8–9 (6a)

R. Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.

R. Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Remember that your compassion, O LORD, and your love are from of old. The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not; in your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O LORD.

R. Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, and teaches the humble his way.

R. Remember your mercies, O Lord.

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SECOND READING

Longer Form Philippians 2:1–11

Brothers and sisters:
If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.

Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

or:

Shorter Form Philippians 2:1–5

Brothers and sisters:
If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.

Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.

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ALLELUIA

John 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Matthew 21:28–32

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

Hindi Mo Maintindihan

The WORD today reminds me that there are times when we will not immediately understand God's wisdom. 

We were trained to understand things. In school, even if you don’t necessarily memorize the formulas, if you understand its application, you’ll most probably be able to solve problems. After reading chapters and books, there are questions to see if we understood what was just read. We expect to understand lessons and concepts immediately for us to pass tests. However, in life, this is not always the case.

Minsan hindi mo talaga agad mauunawaan ang karunungan ng Diyos.

In the gospel, we see that even the disciples did not understand everytime what Jesus tells them. Even if they have been spending time with him and it was Jesus directly talking to them, they did not understand. Yes, it says that it’s meaning is hidden from them, but they did not even ask Jesus what he meant. We do not know if Jesus will explain it to them had they asked, but the fact is they did not ask.

How about us? What do we do when we don’t understand things that are happening to us?

We should have faith. God’s wisdom is different from ours. We may not understand things, but we just need to have faith in God, knowing he has the best intentions for us. Even if the disciples did not understand what Jesus meant, they continued to spend time with him. They continued to follow him, and he continued to guide and protect them. 

We should also not be frustrated when we do not know or do not understand. Ganun talaga, may mga bagay na hindi natin ma iintindihan no matter hard we try to understand or make sense of it. What is important is we pray for an open heart and continue having faith. Like the disciples, we should wait on God’s perfect timing when he will reveal these things to us. The disciples did not understand these things, but when God sent the holy Spirit on Pentecost, their hearts and minds were opened and understood everything. All in God's perfect time and perfect way. 

We may feel this way towards the pandemic. Parang hindi bumababa numbers. A lot are still infected. We see articles of prominent people saying things not consistent with what should be done. We may feel frustration on government response, on the plans of government. However, we just need to trust in God. We need to do our part and have faith in his plans and his purpose. 

What are the questions on my mind? Do I have doubts on God’s power and love? How do I react when I do not understand the things that are happening to me? What does God want me to do?

May we never be frustrated when we don't understand God's plans and his wisdom, and have faith that in God’s perfect time and way, we will understand too.

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 loving me unconditionally. Lord, sorry for the times I get angry or sad when I don't understand what is happening. Sorry for always wanting to know and be aware of your plans and your wisdom. Help me have faith. More faith. Lord, give me a heart that will continue to pray and trust you even if I do not understand a lot of things that are happening in my life. I know that in your perfect time and perfect way, I will understand these things. While I wait, I will continue to trust in you. I will continue to have faith. I will continue to love and serve you. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

September 26, 2020

Saturday of Week 25; St. Cosmas and St. Damian

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FIRST READING

Ecclesiastes 11:9—12:8

Rejoice, O young man, while you are young and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart, the vision of your eyes; Yet understand that as regards all this God will bring you to judgment. Ward off grief from your heart and put away trouble from your presence, though the dawn of youth is fleeting.

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come And the years approach of which you will say, I have no pleasure in them; Before the sun is darkened, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, while the clouds return after the rain; When the guardians of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, And the grinders are idle because they are few, and they who look through the windows grow blind; When the doors to the street are shut, and the sound of the mill is low; When one waits for the chirp of a bird, but all the daughters of song are suppressed; And one fears heights, and perils in the street; When the almond tree blooms, and the locust grows sluggish and the caper berry is without effect, Because man goes to his lasting home, and mourners go about the streets; Before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is broken, And the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the broken pulley falls into the well, And the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it.

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, all things are vanity!

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17

R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades.

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. And may the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

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ALLELUIA

See 2 Timothy 1:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Our Savior Christ Jesus destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 9:43b-45

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Time For Everything

The WORD today reminds me that There is a time for everything, including challenges and victories. 

There is a time for everything. Time to be serious and time to relax and be funny. Time to work and time to play. The first reading reminds us of this.

There is an appointed time for everything,

and a time for every thing under the heavens.

A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to tear down, and a time to build.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;

a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.

A time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

a time to be silent, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate;

a time of war, and a time of peace.

This being said, it will not always going to be happy in life. There will also be challenges. And in the gospel, in as much as Jesus validated that He indeed is the Christ of God, he quickly told them that he will experience challenges despite of who he is.

Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.”

He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly

and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,

and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Challenges are not the end, but rather, the prelude to victory.

Jesus said this when he ended his discussion in the gospel "...and on the third day be raised." Challenges, hardships, and in his case, death is not the end. They just had to happen before the victory.

As children of God, there is a time for everything. A time to be happy and experience God's blessings, and a time to be tested and let our faith grow. During these challenging times, may we just remember that Jesus also went through this, and we just have to trust in Him. We just need to remain faithful to God, and expect that like Jesus, our challenges are just the prelude to victory, to a deeper and stronger faith and relationship with God. We should also remember that just as God as with Jesus all throughout, he too is with us when we are experiencing challenges. Even if we do not feel like it. 

What am I going through right now? How do I feel about it? Do I realize that God is powerful and faithful, that he is there during happy times as well as challenging times? What is he reminding me today? 

May we have faith in God's plans, and remember that as we experience challenges, he is with us, until we attain victory in his name. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for Fridays! Lord, thank you for the reminder that there is a time for everything - that life is not only problems and challenges, and that after these come victory. Thank you also for reminding me that you are always there especially during tough times. Sorry for the times I forget it. Sorry for the times I forget that challenges are not forever.  Help me to be faithful and remain in you Lord especially as I face these in my life.  Help be have faith and continue to do good and serve you, despite the challenges I face. I know that in your perfect time, victory is at hand. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2019/09/who-am-i-to-you.html

September 25, 2020

Friday of Week 25; St. Sergius

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FIRST READING

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every thing under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;
a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.


What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task that God has appointed for the sons of men to be busied about. He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without man’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4

R. (1) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Blessed be the LORD, my rock, my mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust.

R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

LORD, what is man, that you notice him; the son of man, that you take thought of him? Man is like a breath; his days, like a passing shadow.

R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

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ALLELUIA

Mark 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”