Humble

The WORD today reminds me that I should always be humble, especially before God. 

They say that humility is not about thinking less of yourself, but rather, thinking of yourself less.

All of us were made by God. All of us are God’s masterpieces. All of us are special. This is why we should not think less of ourselves. We should not look down on ourselves and feel we are useless or very common with nothing to contribute to the world, or that we are inferior compared to others. 

We should, however, think of ourselves less. We should think of others more. We should not get in our heads all that we have accomplished in this world. We should not expect special treatment and extra courtesy just because of worldly achievements, power and fame. We should be more sensitive to others. We should think of others more. As we think of others more, we think of God more.  

In the gospel, Jesus tells the Pharisees to humble themselves. Those who exalts themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. We should know our place in front of God. We should be ready to humble ourselves are remember that we are nothing before God. 

Lahat ng meron ka ay galing sa Diyos. 

No human achievement, no human power, no human fame and fortune is enough reason to be proud. We all achieved these things with God’s grace. We all obtained these things with God’s permission. We should not be proud and tell God we are self-made, successful and powerful. 

What are my greatest achievements and accomplishments in life? How do I feel about these? Do I feel that I worked hard for these and that I deserve these things? Or do I know that God blessed me and allowed these things to happen? Am I too proud of what I have become, or do I still humble myself before God? 

May we develop a humble heart as we serve God, and be humble and gracious to others as well. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another weekend. Thank you for reminding me how important it is to be humble. Sorry for the times I let worldly things and achievements get to me. Sorry for being proud and losing my focus on you. Help me always put the focus on you, that despite all my worldly accomplishments, may I never put myself above others but always be humble. I know that I am a sinner, I am your creation that should always be ready to serve you and live my life for your praise, honor and glory. As I humble myself, help me be humble and love and serve you through others. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/10/thirsty.html

October 31, 2020

Saturday of Week 30; St. Alphonsus Rodriguez

FIRST READING

Philippians 1:18b-26

Brothers and sisters:
As long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Indeed I shall continue to rejoice, for I know that this will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me when I come to you again.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 42:2, 3, 5cdef

R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.

As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, O God.

R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.

Athirst is my soul for God, the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?

R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.

I went with the throng and led them in procession to the house of God. Amid loud cries of joy and thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival.

R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.

ALLELUIA

Matthew 11:29ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 14:1, 7-11

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.

He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Cant Stop Him

The WORD today reminds me that what other people think cannot stop God from fulfilling his saving plans for us.

Sometimes we feel that a single mistake or missed opportunity caused us to lose on something. Sometimes we feel that our past mistakes prevent us from having a great future. Sometimes we feel that because we do not have the right connections or the right opportunities, we will not succeed. Sometimes we feel that because of an incident or a decision, we missed the opportunity to grow. This may be true in some aspect, but not with God’s kingdom.

What other people think or do cannot stop God from fulfilling his great and saving plans for us.

In the gospel, we see Jesus healing a man on a Sabbath, in the house of a leading Pharisee. There were many things that could have prevented it – the law prohibiting healing or work to be done on a Sabbath, the Pharisees disagreement with Jesus’ actions, and the situation having Jesus in the territory of the Pharisees. However, these things did not stop Jesus’ healing the man. These things did not delay God’s saving and healing plan for the man.

Nothing and no one is powerful enough to stop God’s plan for you.

No matter what other people say, no matter what the situation may be, no matter what other people do – these things cannot stop God’s great plans for us. Even if people oppose us, even if people bring us down, even if situations challenge us, these cannot stop God’s great plans for us. God’s love and power are greater than all of these combined.

This is a good reminder during these times. We may feel frustrated with how the people in power seem to be responding to the pandemic. They’re still focusing on other things - on elections, politics, and corruption. However, God is still and always in control. His plans cannot be stopped by humans. We should not be frustrated or scared, but just trust in Him and do what we can for Him. 

What are my concerns? Do I regret past decisions and actions? Do I feel previous decisions and actions led me to miss out on opportunities? Do I feel that other people delay my growth and prohibit opportunities? What is God reminding me today? 

May we be assured that God is not limited by a perfect situation. He does not need a perfect environment for his plans to come to fruition. And may this inspire us to continue trusting in him, and continue to do our best to live right as we wait on his perfect plans for us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love you and experience your love. Thank you for a very powerful reminder that no one and nothing can stop you from fulfilling your great plans for me. Lord, I am sorry for the times I am impatient and doubt your great plans for me. Sorry for the times I feel that I am trapped, that you cannot do anything for me because of the situation I am in. Sorry for thinking you are like a human being with limitations on external factors. Give me faith. Help me develop and strengthen my faith in you. May I have that great faith in you for I know that nothing and no one can stop your great plans for me. and as I wait for your plans to come true in my life, I will continue to love you, I will continue to serve you, I will continue my best to live right for you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

see related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/11/wrong-focus.html

October 30, 2020

Friday of Week 30; Blessed Angelo of Acri

FIRST READING

Philippians 1:1-11

Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the Gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right that I should think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. (2) How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights.

R. (2) How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.

Majesty and glory are his work, and his justice endures forever. He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.

R. (2) How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.

He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations.

R. (2) How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.

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.

GOSPEL

Luke 14:1-6

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. Then he said to them “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” But they were unable to answer his question.

Spiritual Armor

The WORD today reminds me that even though we are busy with things in this world, we should also work on building and strengthening our Spiritual Armor. 

They say that if you believe in the gospel, then you should also believe in evil. God is good, but not all people want Him. Not all people follow him. God gave us free will, and because of that, evil is present because there are people who do not accept God.  If you do not believe in evil, then maybe you do not really believe in the gospel. 

Evil is real. It is strong, even if we do not see it physically. However, God is stronger. And as followers of God, we are told how to fight evil. How to fight spiritual warfare - by using our spiritual armor. 

The first reading tells us how to fight it with God. The Spiritual Armor, more than anything, is a lifestyle. This is not an actual battle where we fight on God's side against the enemy. This is a battle we fight (and win) everyday with our lives. 

The spiritual armor as described in the first reading, is not a gift given to us when we follow Christ. We have to work on it. We have to do our part. We need to live in righteousness and truth. We need to live the gospel of Christ's peace. We need to attend mass, read the bible, and pray to remember that we are saved, to have a stronger faith and to know God's Word. 

Evil is around us and always attacking us. That is probably why most of the parts of the armor are for defense. Defending ourselves against the attacks of the enemy - belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith, and helmet of salvation. Knowing these things and having these things will protect us from all attacks of the evil one. However, there is one offensive weapon. The sword of the Spirit, the WORD of God. That is how powerful his word is! It is sufficient not just to defend ourselves, but attack the evil one. 

Do I believe that God is alive? Do I also believe that evil is real and is here as well? Do I work hard to build my Spiritual Armor? Do I believe that my lifestyle and my relationship with God would help in fighting the evil one? How can I strengthen my spiritual armor today? 

May we be willing to fight the enemy and do our part to build and strengthen our spiritual armor. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to grow in faith. Thank you for the reminder and inspiration. Lord, sorry for the times I do not exert effort to build and strengthen my spiritual armor. Sorry for being lazy to act. Help me do my part. Lord, I pray that you help me live for you. Help me do my part and live in a way pleasing to you. May my lifestyle be consistent with how you want me to live, and may it help me grow and strengthen my spiritual armor so I can fight the evil in this world. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

October 29, 2020

Thursday of Week 30; St. Narcissus

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FIRST READING

Ephesians 6:10-20

Brothers and sisters:
Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.

---

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10

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

Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.

R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

My mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust, who subdues my people under me.

R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

O God, I will sing a new song to you; with a ten‑stringed lyre I will chant your praise, You who give victory to kings, and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.

R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

---

ALLELUIA

See Luke 19:38; 2:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

---

GOSPEL

Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
“Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say,Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Prayer Power

The WORD today reminds me how important and powerful prayer is.

Good leaders lead by example. It is one thing to teach or tell others what to do and what needs to be done, and it is another thing to do it yourself. This is why people have greater respect for leaders who do what they preach. People have higher respect to leaders who can actually do what they are asking people to do. Jesus is this kind of leader.

In the gospel, we see how much Jesus values prayer. He does not only teach about the importance of prayer. He actually prays. A lot. He knows how powerful and important it is to pray and be one with God, so he spent the night in prayer before making an important decision - choosing his apostles

Prayer is a free and direct line to God. 

Jesus, being the Son of God, knows how important prayer is. He knows how powerful it is. He knows that he needs it and he spends time for it. This should tell us something. This should remind us of something. 

We make a lot of decisions in life. We make a lot of decisions daily. And just as Jesus immersed himself in prayer, so should we. Hopefully, we also include God in the picture. Hopefully we spend time with him and also consult him to know what he wants from us, not just what we think is the best for us. and hopefully, we can be humble and obedient to God.

In the first reading, we see that we are members of the household of God - with Jesus as the capstone or the foundation. We are all part of God’s family. As we realize this, may we also give value to what Jesus gives value to - prayer. 

We are still in a pandemic. Yes, we need to help others. We should share our blessings and be of help to others. However, we should not forget to pray. This is something very important, and something we can consistently do. No matter what the situation is, we should never forget to pray and have faith. 

How do I see prayer? Is it something I consider very important? Do I realize it is a direct line to God? How often do I pray? Do I remember to pray not just for guidance, but for thanksgiving as well? 

May we realize the importance and power of prayer, and make the most out of it. 

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 of the power and importance of prayer. I am so sorry for the many times I don't give much importance to prayer. Sorry for the many times I do not give it the importance it deserves. Sorry for making excuses - that i'm tired, busy or that I love you anyway so it's okay not to pray from time to time. May I have the same thirst and hunger for prayer as Jesus, and work little by little to improve my relationship with you through it. As I pray, I ask that you continue to mold me and talk to me. May I love you more through prayer. Amen.

 Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2019/10/iron-man-and-jesus.html 

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/he-rose-early-to-pray.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/power-of-prayer.html

October 28, 2020

Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles - Feast

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FIRST READING

Ephesians 2:19-22

Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

---

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge.

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; Through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

---

ALLELUIA
See Te Deum

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

---

GOSPEL

Luke 6:12–16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Small to Big

The WORD today reminds me that God can turn our small offerings into big blessings. 

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, not knowing anything 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 is able to achieve things.

in the gospel, we see Jesus telling us something similar. The mustard seed and yeast are small. Yet they eventually affect a lot. The mustard seed grew into a huge tree, and the yeast affected the flour. They were able to do great things and accomplish a lot, even if they started small. Whatever they accomplished, they started small. 

Small things can accomplish great things with God’s blessing.

We may feel simple and normal, but that will not stop God from using us mightily. Mustard seed. Yeast. Simple stuff. Small stuff. But eventually did great things. This is what God does. He turns what we have, the simple that we have, and multiplies it. He turns it to something great. He blesses us so we can bless others and build God's kingdom. 

God’s kingdom is also like this. Jesus was explaining to his disciples what the kingdom of God is like. It is like a small mustard seed that grew into a huge tree. It is like yeast that affected the flour. During that time, it may seem small, since they were the only ones working for it. But Jesus is telling them that in God’s perfect time, God’s kingdom will be immensely huge, bigger than what they can imagine. I believe this also applies to us right now. Looking at the world, God’s kingdom may seem so small. People are busy with achieving and accomplishing a lot, especially with all the advancements and technology in place. We put very small importance on God’s kingdom since we really cannot feel it, unlike things on this world. However, in his perfect time, we will realize how huge God’s kingdom really is.

This pandemic, problem seems to be so huge. Everyone is affected. And we don’t see how our actions can help other people. But God can. Like the mustard seed and yeast, he can turn our small actions to help others into a bigger blessing. He has the power. We just need to trust in him. And of course, we just have to do our part, no matter how simple or little we may feel.

How do I see myself? Do I look down on myself because I feel insignificant and too simple, with nothing special to offer to the world? Am I too proud with all my achievements and accomplishments? What is God telling me today? 

May we learn to trust in God, that he will magnify whatever little we can offer, especially as we work for His kingdom. 

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 losing my focus on you. Sorry for allowing myself to be distracted by the world and what it has to offer. Sorry for being too busy and focused on achieving worldly things. Sorry for ignoring you. sorry for thinking that I would have the time to work for your kingdom later on. Lord, I ask that you help me put things in perspective. Help me have faith in you, however small like a mustard seed. I know that even if I have just a tiny bit of faith and knowledge of you, you will help me grow it, so I would always be aware of your kingdom, work for your kingdom, and prepare for your coming to this world. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/10/little-and-mighty.html

October 27, 2020

Tuesday of Week 30; Blessed Contardo Ferrini

FIRST READING

Ephesians 5:21-33

Brothers and sisters:
Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the Church, he himself the savior of the Body. As the Church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the Church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the Church, because we are members of his Body.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.

This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church. In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

R. (1a) 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.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine 
in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants around your table.

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

See Matthew 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

Lakas Mo

The WORD today reminds me how much God loves me, and of what He would do for me. 

There are people who we know are in very good terms with others. If we need something with parents, we tend to ask someone who's in very good terms with them. A favorite child, or family member. Someone they cannot or won't say no to. Same at work, we tend to go through or include someone who we know is in very good terms with the boss so we can get support as well. Malakas. Well, This is how we are with God. 

Malakas ka sa Diyos. 

God will go out of his way for us. That’s how special we are to him.

In the gospel, Jesus could have ignored the woman. Or he could have just cured her by his words. He probably could have avoided being noticed or confronted. However, Jesus loved her so much that he wanted her to feel a personal connection. After telling her she is free and cured, Jesus laid her hands on her. Jesus went out of his way to personally make her feel his love and healing. And when other people questioned him, Jesus defended his actions and the importance of the woman. He went out of his way for the woman. He was willing to go through to all the trouble for the woman, just so the woman would feel his personal connection and concern for her. This is also how God sees each one of us. Indeed, he goes out of his way for us.

There are times in life we feel our concerns are too shallow, or too complex for God. We may also feel God is too busy for us. Today, we are reminded that He will go out of his way for us. that’s how much he loves us. That is how special we are to Him. 

What are my concerns right now? What are bothering me? Do I bring these concerns to God? How much do I think God loves me? Do I know and realize that God loves me so much and will go out of his way for me?

May we always remember how special we are to God, be inspired to repay him with our love and service, just like the woman in the gospel who glorified God after being healed.

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 having issues. Sorry for being dramatic and not coming to you for whatever reason. Sorry for not having faith in you. Sorry for thinking you cannot do anything about my problems. Lord, as you went out of your way for the woman, I know you are telling me that you will also go out of your way for me. Thank you for loving me that much. I come to you in humility and faith bringing my concerns, and I have faith that you will take care of them. And as I come to you, as I experience your love, I will praise and glorify you with me life. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

October 26, 2020

Monday of Week 30; The Eleven Martyrs of Almeria, Spain

FIRST READING

Ephesians 4:32–5:8

Brothers and sisters:
Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. So do not be associated with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. 

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R. (see Eph. 5:1) Behave like God as his very dear children.

Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night.

R. Behave like God as his very dear children.

He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers.

R. Behave like God as his very dear children.

Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the LORD watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes.

R. Behave like God as his very dear children.

ALLELUIA

John 17:17b, 17a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 13:10-17

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.