Faith From Hearing

The WORD today reminds me how important it is to talk about God.

They say that a good way to study is to read aloud. They say it is similar to studying twice, because if you read aloud, you not only read it, but hear it as well. Hearing something, aside from reading it, has a great impact on the memory retention and on understanding things. This is similar to what God is telling me today in the readings.

A lot of us ask for faith. Today, we see one concrete action how we can have faith.

Faith comes from hearing the WORD of God.

In the first reading, we see the importance of responding to God’s call to preach his word. No one will be saved if no one responds to God’s call to preach. Someone should preach, should talk about God, for people to hear about God. Hearing about God eventually leads to believe in him, and call on him. in the latter part of the reading, we see how faith is attained – from hearing the WORD of God. This goes for both the doer and receiver. OF course, the receiver hears the word of God which can be the entry point of God in his life. Then the doer actually hears what he is saying, so he is doubly blessed as well.

In the gospel, we see people who were saved because of hearing God’s word - one of which is the feast day we are celebrating today. Jesus called them, they heard his voice, and followed his call. This is how powerful hearing God’s word is. This is why we are all sent to spread his word.

We need not be missionaries to do this. Wherever God placed us, we can proclaim him. We can preach about him by the words we speak, by the way we live our lives, by the way we treat others, and by how well we do our work.

This pandemic, it is more important to hear God’s word. It is important to talk to and about him. We have a lot of problems. A lot of frustrations. A lot of bad news. And it is easy to forget him. It is easy to forget the good. It is easy to despair and lose hope and faith. That is why we should talk about him and keep him alive despite all that is happening. In our own little way, we should keep him alive in our hearts and our lives. 

How important is God’s word for me? Do I spend time learning about him? Do I spend time knowing Him? Do I share him and his word to other people? What is he telling me today? 

May we be reminded of the importance of talking about God, and the power of hearing about it. May not only our faith increase, but that of others as well.

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 another time off. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, help me remember this. Help me remember the importance of talking about you and of hearing you. May I be willing to proclaim you to others. and I ask that you use me and my words to brings faith to myself and others. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

November 30, 2020

Saint Andrew, Apostle - Feast

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FIRST READING

Romans 10:9-18

Brothers and sisters:
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The Scripture says, No one who believes in him will be put to shame. There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news! But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us?Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, did they not hear? Certainly they did; for

Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.

R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.

R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; Sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb.

R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

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ALLELUIA

Matthew 4:19

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Matthew 4:18-22

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

Be Ready and Prepare

The WORD today reminds me that we should be ready and prepared for God's coming. 

The readings for the past few days have been talking about the judgment, about Christ’s second coming. Today, we are again reminded to be ready and prepared - not just for the second coming that we do not know when will come, but also for something we know when – Christmas. As we usher in the happiest season of the year, as we usher in advent, and as we read the gospel, we are reminded to prepare and be ready - to meet God and to commemorate Christ’s birth.

The gospel reminds us to be prepared, for we do not know when Christ will come again. We should be watchful. We do not know when we will die. We do not know when we will be judged. As he said in the gospel, he will come when we least expect it, when we are busy living our lives, when things are normal. This is why we should always be prepared. And as a reminder and opportunity, we can start preparing for this season. 

We should prepare our hearts for Christmas

We now officially start the advent season, and this first Sunday of advent should set us in the mood not of Christmas as the world sees  – with all the lights, parties, gifts and food, but to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming that we commemorate on Christmas day.

Some say that this season, Christmas season, is not just happy, but a very busy, and sometimes can be stressful. It may be different this year because of the pandemic, but usually, There are a lot of things going on – from the yearend reports and quotas, the get together and parties, relatives and friends coming home to and from the province or abroad, the bazaars and gift shopping, and of course, the extra special traffic we expect even during the wee hours of the morning. Yes, it can be stressful. It can be busy. And unfortunately sometimes with all of these, we forget the reason for the season. We forget what Christmas is all about. 

Christmas is about Christ. It is about God's love for us made concrete through Jesus.

Looking at our lives and at our hearts, a lot of us can say that we are not ready to welcome Jesus. We are not yet prepared. There are a lot of issues, concerns and even sins that make our hearts unworthy of God’s visitation. There are a lot of things going on in our lives. Good thing we have 4 weeks to prepare. We have 4 weeks to clean our hearts. We have 4 weeks to remember him and focus on him. We are reminded to hear mass more often, to partake of the sacraments, to pray more, read the bible more, and to love others more as we prepare our hearts for Christ. For we might miss this opportunity to prepare not just for Christmas, but for Christ’s coming.

They say Christmas this year will be very different. Probably yes with the pandemic. It may be different from what we know and are used to. But it may be for the better. The first Christmas was simple but happy and meaningful. We may not have gatherings and parties. We may not have gifts and travels. But we should make the most out of this time. Time with family. Time with important people. Most importantly, time with God. Let us make this extra meaningful with grateful hearts. 

How do I feel about Christ’s second coming? What is the essence of Christmas for me? How do I feel about Christmas? Am I ready for Christmas and his second coming? What can I do to prepare myself for him?

May we take this opportunity and make the most out of the time we have to prepare for Christ’s visitation, so that when he comes, we will be ready.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to experience your love. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for forgetting you. Sorry for being distracted. Help me do it right this hear. Lord, my heart is not clean. I am not ready for you. There are a lot of things distracting me. There are a lot of things on my mind. I have a lot of excuses. But i will do my best to prepare for you in this season of advent. Be with me in this journey. May this be a special one, a memorable one. May I get to know you more and experience you more as I prepare. May this be about you. Only you. Amen

Blessed Sunday and Advent Season!

In Christ,

-g-

November 29, 2020

1st Sunday of Advent; Blessed Francis Anthony of Lucera

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FIRST READING

Isaiah 63:16b–17, 19b; 64:2–7

You, LORD, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever. Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we fear you not? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your heritage. Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you, while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for, such as they had not heard of from of old. No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you doing such deeds for those who wait for him. Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways! Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful; all of us have become like unclean people, all our good deeds are like polluted rags; we have all withered like leaves, and our guilt carries us away like the wind. There is none who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to cling to you; for you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us up to our guilt. Yet, O LORD, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 80:2–3, 15–16, 18–19 (4)

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power, and come to save us.

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted, the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name.

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

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SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 1:3–9

Brothers and sisters: 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.

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ALLELUIA

Psalm 85:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Show us Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Mark 13:33–37

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

Vigilant

The WORD today reminds me that I should be vigilant and ready for God's calling. 

How easy it is to be tangled up with the demands and troubles of our daily lives. It's easy to be distracted from the things that really matter. We give up a lot of things for work, business, or things needed to make a living. We sacrifice our time with family, friends, and even time to rest for ourselves. Sadly, we may also tend to sacrifice time for God. 

We should make a living so we can live, not live to make a living.

Jesus warns us about this in the gospel. It is very easy to be distracted with the things of this world, so we should be extra vigilant. We should always be ready and prepared for his second coming. We should not allow the enemy to distract us from doing what we should, to distract us from serving our one true God. Our focus should remain on God, not on things of the world. These things, no matter how innocent and harmless they seem, should not prevent us from serving God, from working for God. 

Given this, it will not be always easy. When you are working for God, you are not of the world, and the world will hate you like it did Jesus. However, we should remember what the first reading reminds us - that Jesus will come again. He will come again soon. The world is temporary, with it the powers and things of the world. Until we meet Christ again, life will not always be easy. However, we should have faith in Christ, and follow what Jesus said

Right now, we are worried with a lot of things. Pandemic. Work. Job security or business concerns. Studies. Things are uncertain. However, no matter how busy and preoccupied we are, we should never forget our souls. We should never forget to nourish our souls and still prepare for eternity. 

Am I ready to meet God? Am I preparing myself for his coming? How can I prepare myself more for him? 

May we always be vigilant and live ready always for God's second coming. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the many times I ignore you. Sorry for letting myself get distracted by things of this world. Sorry for letting myself be tricked by the enemy to focus on this world and not on you. Help me remember what is important. Help me always be vigilant. Help me be wise and know where to put you in my life. May I always live knowing your place in my heart. May I always be ready for your second coming. Amen.

Blessed Long Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

November 28, 2020

Saturday of Week 34; St. Catherine Labouré

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FIRST READING

Revelation 22:1-7

John said:
An angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the street, On either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month; the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations. Nothing accursed will be found anymore. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever.

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.” “Behold, I am coming soon.” Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7ab

R. (1 Cor 16: 22b, see Rev. 22: 20c) Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

R. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

For the LORD is a great God, and a great king above all gods; In his hands are the depths of the earth, and the tops of the mountains are his. His is the sea, for he has made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed.

R. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us. For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

R. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

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ALLELUIA

Luke 21:36

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.

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GOSPEL

Luke 21:34-36

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Know His WORD

The WORD today reminds me of the importance of knowing God's WORD. 

For a few days now, the readings have all been about judgment, about Christ’s second coming. We may initially feel scared or afraid while reading them. That is how some people see the book of Revelation - something scary. However, as Christ's followers, this is not something we should be afraid of. Rather, it should get us inspired and motivated to live life according to God’s ways. And in today’s readings, we are also reminded of something we should take joy in - that God’s words will not pass away.

His words will be fulfilled.

God did not only tell us about judgment time, he also has promises for us as we live here on earth. He has promises of provision, of great plans, of love, of protection. And we are reminded to trust in his words, all of it. However, we will not know his words if we do not read up on it

You will not know God's promises if you will not make the effort to know Him. 

One of my favorite praise rap artist, Lecrae, writes this in his song: “when he gets home, I pray he'll open up the sixty-six book love letter you wrote and soak it up “ Makes sense. Sometimes we feel so down and low, but we are not doing anything about it. We won’t improve if we will just wait for things to get better. Reading God’s word, his promises, and soaking up ourselves on them will help us be better.  His love letter, the bible, will remind us of his promises and his love for us.

We generally have more time now with the pandemic. Aside from doing other things and hobbies, we should also spend time to work on and give importance to our faith. Improving our faith would help us cope with this pandemic as well. 

How do I feel right now? How is my relationship with God? Do I feel close to him? Do I know his promises? Do I work on my relationship with Him? 

God’s words will not pass away. May we soak ourselves on his word and live life by it.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend coming up. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your word, for your love letter to me. Sorry for the times I am too lazy to read up on it. Sorry for not giving it the importance it deserves. Sorry for not being hungry enough for you. I pray that I may have the desire to just soak it up and bask in your word. May I always remember how much you love me and the promises you have for me. I will do my best to get to know you more by reading your word. As I do this, I humbly ask that you fill me, inspire me, and assure me. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

November 27, 2020

Friday of Week 34; St. John Berchmans

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FIRST READING

Revelation 20:1-4, 11—21:2

I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a heavy chain. He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent, which is the Devil or Satan, and tied it up for a thousand years and threw it into the abyss, which he locked over it and sealed, so that it could no longer lead the nations astray until the thousand years are completed. After this, it is to be released for a short time.

Then I saw thrones; those who sat on them were entrusted with judgment. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image nor had accepted its mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Next I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it. The earth and the sky fled from his presence and there was no place for them. I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls. The sea gave up its dead; then Death and Hades gave up their dead. All the dead were judged according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire. (This pool of fire is the second death.) Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a

R. (Rev. 21:3b) Here God lives among his people.

My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

R. Here God lives among his people.

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young– Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my king and my God!

R. Here God lives among his people.

Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you. Blessed the men whose strength you are! They go from strength to strength.

R. Here God lives among his people.

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ALLELUIA

Luke 21:28

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 21:29-33

Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Ready and Excited

The WORD today reminds me that I should be ready and prepared for God's coming. 

In school, students have different reactions to surprise tests. Students who constantly prepare are usually excited because they are ready. They have been preparing for surprise tests that is why they are excited take such tests. However, students who lack preparation are usually scared because they are not ready to take the test and they might fail. This is similar to what would happen with God's second coming. 

In the gospel, Jesus told the people what would happen. Scary things. He even said that people would die of fright. However, he ended by telling them that when he comes again, even if other people would be scared, they should stand firm and raise their hands, because their redemption is at hand. They should be excited to see the Son of Man come again. 

We would only be excited to see Jesus coming again if we are ready to meet him. 

If we live right and pleasing to God, if we stay firm and live our faith despite all the opposition from powerful people of the world, if we constantly pray and strengthen our relationship with God, then we would be ready. Then we would be excited to meet him again. Then we would be confident. This is a reminder and encouragement to live right and pleasing to God. It may not make sense now, it may not be exciting or rewarding, but it will be. 

We are constantly given opportunities to prepare and live right. there are a lot of people to help. There are a lot of things to do during this pandemic and after the typhoons. There are a lot of ways to make other people realize God is still alive and present. We should do our part. We should live pleasing to God, making people realize his love and presence in our lives. 

Am I ready to face God? How do I feel about God’s second coming? Am I living my life ib preparation for His second coming? How else can I prepare? 

May we constantly live right and prepare for God's coming so we would be excited and ready to meet him when he comes. 

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 the times I forget you. Sorry for the times I ignore you. Sorry for living my life on earth as if you will not come back. Sorry for not preparing myself to meet you. Help me do my part. Help me live right and pleasing to you. I will do my best to be ready and prepare myself to meet you. I will do my best to be faithful to you. So when you come again, I will be excited to meet you and spend eternity with you. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

November 26, 2020

Thursday of Week 34; Blessed James Alberione

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FIRST READING

Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a

I, John, saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth became illumined by his splendor. He cried out in a mighty voice:

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great. She has become a haunt for demons. She is a cage for every unclean spirit, a cage for every unclean bird, a cage for every unclean and disgusting beast.”

A mighty angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone and threw it into the sea and said:

“With such force will Babylon the great city be thrown down, and will never be found again. No melodies of harpists and musicians, flutists and trumpeters, will ever be heard in you again. No craftsmen in any trade will ever be found in you again. No sound of the millstone will ever be heard in you again. No light from a lamp will ever be seen in you again. No voices of bride and groom will ever be heard in you again. Because your merchants were the great ones of the world, all nations were led astray by your magic potion.”

After this I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying:

“Alleluia!
Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her harlotry. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

They said a second time:

“Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever.”

Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5

R. (Rev. 19: 9a) Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song.

R. Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends.

R. Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; Give thanks to him; bless his name.

R. Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

For he is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.

R. Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

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ALLELUIA

Luke 21:28

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 21:20-28

Jesus said to his disciples:
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

Protected

The WORD today reminds me that God will always be there to protect me. 

I used to watch a TV series called “The Blacklist” , where the main character is a powerful and well-connected criminal who for some reason wanted to work with the FBI to catch other criminals. On one episode, the person he cares for doesn’t know that he sent someone to follow her and keep her safe. She only knew about it when the person actually saved her from danger.

God is more powerful and more loving than that.

In the gospel, we see that he is speaking to us, his followers. People may try to harm us or hurt us or humiliate us. But he promises us help and assistance.

It will lead to your giving testimony.

Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speakingthat all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents,
brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

We need to trust in Him, even if it may seem that it doesn’t make sense. We need to trust him even if we would rather do our way. 

Yes, Jesus asked them not to prepare beforehand. However, This should not be an excuse not to do our part and just hope God will come to our rescue. That’s laziness. Jesus told them not to prepare because he wanted them to trust in Him rather than trust in themselves. Rather than preparing and exerting human effort in defending, God wants us to prepare by having a good relationship with him. God wants us to use our time and effort by building a relationship with Him. And having a good relationship with him takes more time and effort than a one time preparation for something. We need to be consistent in exerting effort and time to build a relationship with God. That is why he wants that. 

People may try to hurt us or humiliate us, but we are reminded by Jesus that not a hair on our head will be destroyed. He is more powerful than the enemy, and he will continue to protect us from all harm. This should reassure us.

What are my concerns right now? Do I believe that God can do something about them? Do I have faith in God, or do I do it my way? Do I work to build a strong and personal relationship with God? 

May we always remember that as God’s children doing his will, we will always be protected. And may we work on our relationship with God. 

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 all the blessings and for always protecting me. I may not always see it, and I may not always feel it, but I know that it is precisely the reason why I don’t feel it – because you keep me safe. Lord, sorry for the times I do not recognize it. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Sorry for not working hard enough to build and strengthen my relationship with you. Help me continue to work on my relationship in you and do your will in my life. May my life be pleasing to you all the time.  Amen

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

November 25, 2020

Wednesday of Week 34; St. Catherine of Alexandria

FIRST READING

Revelation 15:1-4

I, John, saw in heaven another sign, great and awe-inspiring: seven angels with the seven last plagues, for through them God’s fury is accomplished.

Then I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire. On the sea of glass were standing those who had won the victory over the beast and its image and the number that signified its name. They were holding God’s harps, and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

“Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty. Just and true are your ways, O king of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9

R. (Rev. 15: 3b) Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy.

R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to rule the earth; He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity.

R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

ALLELUIA

Revelation 2:10c

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 21:12-19

Jesus said to the crowd:
“They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”