Priority

The WORD today reminds me who should be our first in life. 

People usually give time, or lack of it, as an excuse. If only I had time, I would do this. Or do that. Or go here. We always blame the lack of time for not being able to do things. However, I believe that we have enough time - enough for the things we value. Its a matter of prioritizing things. We have time, and we will make time, for our priorities. 

The second reading, at first glance, seems like it goes against marriage. However, if we take a closer look, we will see that it is not a literal sermon that it is better to be unmarried rather than to be married. This is obviously not the case, especially since matrimony is one of the sacraments. What God means by unmarried here is being unattached to anything or anyone, especially if they come in before God in our lives.

Nothing should be more important than God. 

In life, there are a lot of distractions. For parents, they think of their children, their education and being able to provide for their family. A married couple thinks of being able to pay the bills, to be able to support each other, and prepare themselves to start a family. Older people think about their health and finances. Young professionals think of their careers and business, how they can succeed and improve their quality of life. Of course, there are hobbies, vices, and other things that keep us busy. With all of these, it is very easy to lose focus, to lose sight of God, to forget him.

When we have a lot of things on our head, we have less space in our heart for God.

When we have a lot of things on our head, when we have a lot of plans, when we have a lot of problems, when we worry too much, we wont be able to give God what’s due him. It will take time away from God, from worshipping him and working for him. It takes away time and energy for prayer, and even if we pray, it will all be supplications, asking God what we need – and we wont be able to thank and listen to Him. These things can easily take God’s place in our lives. We should learn how to prioritize, and put God on top of that list. 

May we be sensitive to these things, and may we do our best not to let anything and anyone take God’s place in our lives. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for the times you are not first in my life. Sorry for the times I let my emotions, my worries, my fears, my plans, and other things take your place. Sorry for losing focus on you. Help me be unmarried to anything In this world. Help me to always put you first, because that’s what you deserve in my life. You know how much I love you and how much I want you to be first in my life, and I ask you help me live it consistently. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2020/09/more-than-just-knowing.html

January 31, 2021

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. John Bosco

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FIRST READING

Deuteronomy 18:15–20

Moses spoke to all the people, saying:
“A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you from among your own kin; to him you shall listen. This is exactly what you requested of the LORD, your God, at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let us not again hear the voice of the LORD, our God, nor see this great fire any more, lest we die.’ And the LORD said to me, ‘This was well said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kin, and will put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him. Whoever will not listen to my words which he speaks in my name, I myself will make him answer for it. But if a prophet presumes to speak in my name an oracle that I have not commanded him to speak, or speaks in the name of other gods, he shall die.’”

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 95:1–2, 6–7, 7–9 (8)

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 

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. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 

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. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 

Oh, that today you would hear his voice: “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works.” 

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

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SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 7:32–35

Brothers and sisters:
I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and he is divided. An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy in both body and spirit. A married woman, on the other hand, is anxious about the things of the world, how she may please her husband. I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to impose a restraint upon you, but for the sake of propriety and adherence to the Lord without distraction.

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ALLELUIA

Matthew 4:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light; on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Mark 1:21–28

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Steady in Faith

 

The WORD today reminds me that in times of troubles and challenges, I should be still because of my faith in God. 

There was a time when I was applying for a job and I felt so scared before the interview. I did not feel confident because I was applying for a job different from what I was doing then, and I was told that I would be interviewed not only by the immediate head, but by her head as well. I was new to my faith community at this time, and while I was waiting to be interviewed, I suddenly remembered the song “still". It was one of the first praise songs I learned, and at that time, it just meant to much to remember how God is in control of everything, and we just have to be still and trust in him. It helped relax me a bit, though I was still nervous. Good thing they were both nice during the interview. 

Being still in times of trouble is a sign of great faith in God.

Th first reading shows us one of the definitions of faith that I really like - realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Faith nalang, kahit mukhang imposible. Faith nalang, kahit hindi mo makita paano mangyayari. We also see some of the instances this faith was evident - from Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac. 

In the gospel, we see that the disciples did not have this faith yet. Jesus was on a boat with his disciples when they encountered a violent storm. It must be so strong, since the disciples were mostly fishermen, yet they were so afraid they woke up Jesus, a son of a carpenter. How ironic. They may have lacked faith, but they had faith in him, since they knew Jesus can help them in the situation they are in. and eventually, Jesus calmed the storm. 

Jesus is asking us the same question he asked his disciples – why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?

Sometimes, we get overwhelmed by problems in this life. Sometimes we get stressed with the things happening around us. Sometimes we feel prayers cannot do anything with the situation and with powerful people we are faced with. However, Jesus is telling us to be still and have faith in him. To have faith in his love. To have faith in his power. Be steady. Relax. If we have faith, we will not have time to be terrified or troubled. If we know how much God loves us, and how powerful he is, then no storm in life can bother us. We just have to trust him and surrender, and tell him to fight our battles. 

May we be inspired by the gospel, and be challenged and moved to build and strengthen our relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus directly affects our faith. As we get to know him more, as we experience his love and power, then our faith will be stronger. 

What are my concerns right now? How is my faith? Do I worry and fear things? Do I realize that God is not only loving, but also powerful? What is he telling me today? 

May we do our part and seek God in prayer, bible reading and the sacraments to solidify our faith and relationship with him...so we can be still in times of troubles and challenges.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the timely reminder. Thank you for reminding me of your great love and power. Sorry for the times I act like the disciples. Sorry for the times I get so stressed and scared of what is happening around me. sorry for the times that I know you are there beside me, but I still feel scared and stressed. Sorry for not having enough faith in you. help me strengthen my faith and my relationship with you. I will do my part and read the bible, pray more, and take the sacraments, and I ask you to help me strengthen my faith. may I always be still in times of trouble, knowing that you are always there protecting me. I have faith that you are fighting my battles as I surrender to you. And I ask that you surprise me with how powerful and loving and generous you are. amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/01/great-faith.html

January 30, 2021

Saturday of Week 3; St. Maria Soledad Torres-Acosta 

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FIRST READING

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

Brothers and sisters:
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested. 

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age Band Sarah herself was sterile for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore. 

All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth, for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son, of whom it was said, Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name. He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol. 

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75 

R. (see 68) Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; he has come to his people. 

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. 

R. Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; he has come to his people. 

Through his holy prophets he promised of old. that he would save us from our sins from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. 

R. Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; he has come to his people. 

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the bonds of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. 

R. Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

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ALLELUIA

John 3:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Mark 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

Just Sow

 

The WORD today reminds me that I should be focused on sowing seeds for God's kingdom and not on seeing the effects of our actions. 

It is normal for people to want to see the output of their efforts. I believe this is the reason why community building outreach activities are so popular. Institutions like “habitat for humanity” and “gawad kalinga” who give people the chance of seeing the immediate output of their actions are supported very well. After working for a day, volunteers get to see the output – be it hollow blocks or other materials being moved from one place to another, a house being painted or walls buing built – these things give a sense of fulfillment and joy, knowing that the effort spent was not put to waste. However, it is not always like this when we are doing God’s work.

In the first part of the gospel, we see that the man would just sow the seeds, and he does not know how these seeds grow and bear fruit. He does not know what happens inside the soil, he just sows seeds. What happens to the seeds, inside the soil, and the fruits it will bear are all dependent on God - what God wants to happen according to his perfect plans. His power, not our efforts. His plans, not ours. 

We should be focused on sowing seeds for God's kingdom and not on seeing the effects of our actions. 

We may not always see the effects of our service to God. We may not always get good results. However, these things should not dishearten us and prevent us from doing God’s work, from planting seeds. 

God needs workers to plant seeds of faith. God needs our help to spread his word.

We do not need to see the effects of our actions. We do not need to know that the seeds bore fruit. We should not seek comfort and approval from the output of our work, because everything is dependent on God’s time and plan, not ours. We should just focus on God as we do his work, and have complete faith that our work for Him is not futile. We may not see the effects but it does not mean God is not pleased with us, that our actions were not effective. We may think we are doing small things for him, but the mustard seed in the gospel reminds us that little things done for Him can be turned into something good. Something big. Something great. We should just remember that no good work, especially if done for God, is futile. 

What are the things I do for God? Why do I do these things? Do I enjoy the success or affirmation, or is it because I know these are the things God wants me to do? Do I focus on the outcome, or just on obeying God?

May we continue to sow seeds of faith without the need to see the effects of our actions.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Thank you for the opportunity to continue to sow seeds of faith to others around me. sorry for the times I look for and focus on the results of my actions. Sorry for wanting validation and affirmation. Lord, guide me so I wont be too focused on the results, on the fruits of the seeds. Remind me that those seeds would bear fruit, not necessarily in my time, but definitely in your perfect time. May I just continue to sow seeds of faith and focus on you as I work for you, knowing in faith that my work for you will always bear fruit. Use the little I have and turn it into something that would give you great glory. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

January 29, 2021

Friday of Week 3; St. Genevieve

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FIRST READING

Hebrews 10:32-39

Remember the days past when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a great contest of suffering. At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction; at other times you associated yourselves with those so treated. You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense. You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised. 

For, after just a brief moment, he who is to come shall come; he shall not delay. But my just one shall live by faith, and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him. 

We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40

R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. 

Trust in the LORD and do good, that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security. Take delight in the LORD, and he will grant you your heart’s requests. 

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. 

Commit to the LORD your way; trust in him, and he will act. He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication. 

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. 

By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm, and he approves his way. Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate, for the hand of the LORD sustains him. 

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. 

The salvation of the just is from the LORD; he is their refuge in time of distress. And the LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. 

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

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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.

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GOSPEL

Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds:
“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” 

He said,
“To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

Stay Together

 

The WORD today reminds me that we should stay together and encourage everyone to grow in faith.

There is strength in numbers. A  normal pencil would be easy to break, but when 10 pencils are joined together, it is almost impossible to break them. They get strength from each other and make each other stronger. This is how God wants us to behave with our spiritual life.

In the first reading, we are again reminded that Jesus made a way for us to be able to worship God. And we are told to encourage one another as the day (of God’s coming) draws near. We should be helping each other grow and mature in faith. This is what the psalmist tells us, that we should be the people that longs to see God’s face. As we wait for God’s second coming, we should help and encourage one another to prepare spiritually and grow in faith. We should help each other out. We should inspire each other. 

To one who has, more will be given.

The gospel says this. We all love God, and we are working towards strengthening our relationship with Him. However, the love and support of others can help us to further develop our love and relationship with Jesus Christ. As we obey him and encourage each other, we will attain the words of Jesus in the gospel, that more will be given to us. Our faith will increase. Our relationship with God will deepen. Our love for Him will grow. We just have to encourage and support each other, and grow in faith together.

Do I have a faith community? Do I actively serve and participate in my faith community or in my church? How can I grow in faith with others?

May we be reminded and encouraged to be faithful and love one another, despite all the challenges that make us want to do otherwise.

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 love you have been giving me. Thank you for my friends and my community. Lord, sorry for not being active in community. Sorry for being lazy. Help me give of myself more. Help me to inspire and encourage others around me, as you use others to nourish and strengthen my faith and relationship with you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2020/01/nothing-hidden.html

January 28, 2021

Thursday of Week 3; St. Thomas Aquinas

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FIRST READING

Hebrews 10:19-25

Brothers and sisters:
Since through the Blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, and since we have Aa great priest over the house of God,” let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. 

The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. 

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. 

Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. 

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. 

He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior. Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. 

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

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ALLELUIA

Psalm 119:105

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

A lamp to my feet is your word, a light to my path. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

My Soil

 

The WORD today reminds me that our readiness to receive God will determine the effects that we will experience in our lives.

My wife took subjects on agriculture before we got married, and one interesting fact she shared was that there are different kinds of soil. Not all will be conducive for plants and fruits. It depends on the kind of soil if the seeds will bear fruit. In the gospel today, Jesus uses this in the context of spiritual growth and maturity.

The sower went out to sow. He put out the same seeds to the different soil. It was the same sower, and the same kind of seed. What was different was the kind of soil that received the seeds.

The readiness and receptiveness of the soil determines what will happen to the seeds.

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower.

We all have the same bible. We all have the same God. We all experience the great, unconditional and forgiving love of God through Jesus. However, we receive it differently. Some chose to prioritize worldly riches over spiritual ones, some allow stress and problems overwhelm us and take the focus away from God, some allow the devil to take away what God gave us, while some keep everything in their hearts and lives and allow God’s seeds of love to bear fruit in their lives.

God is powerful. He can make things happen. Great things. The first reading reminds us that God sent his powerful Son, greater than any man, to help us be right with him. God is willing and able to help and forgive us. We just need to come to him and allow him to grow in us. 

How is my relationship with God? Do I give him space in my life? Do I allow his word to grow and bear fruit in my life? How can I make more space for Him?

May we be challenged and inspired by the fact that God gave us all his love, his word, his blessings and protection. May we prepare our hearts to receive him and allow him to bear fruit through us.

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 you have been continuously giving me. Lord, sorry for rejecting you. Sorry for being distracted. Sorry for not welcoming you and for not allowing your word to bear fruit in my life. Help me prepare my heart to receive you Lord. Help me be good soil, that your word in my life may take effect. May I be able to absorb it, give it its due importance, and allow you to bear fruit through me. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps 

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/01/patient.html

January 27, 2021

Wednesday of Week 3; St. Angela Merici

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FIRST READING

Hebrews 10:11-18

Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool. For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying: 

This is the covenant I will establish with them after those days, says the Lord: “I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them upon their minds,” 

he also says: 

Their sins and their evildoing I will remember no more. 

Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for sin.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion: “Rule in the midst of your enemies.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

“Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent: “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

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ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Mark 4:1-20

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” 

And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that 

they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.” 

Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

Timothy and Titus

 

The WORD today reminds me again that I should proclaim God.

Yesterday, I was reminded of the need and call to proclaim God. Today, as we commemorate Timothy and Titus, I am again reminded to proclaim God, just like them. 

Today, we celebrate the memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus. The first reading shows us two options – both written by Paul, one to Timothy and one to Titus. Two different people, but the message is similar – to continue doing God’s work and proclaim God.

We too are called to do that. Probably the reason both readings have the same message is to tell us that the task is not for one person alone. We are all called to proclaim God, to glorify him, to testify as we continue God’s work.

We may have a different calling from Titus and Timothy, but we are called to still do the same. We need not be full time evangelists like them to do God’s work. It does not also mean that because we are not doing full time mission and evangelization, our work means less to God. We are all called differently to do different things – but wherever we are and whatever we do, we are called to serve God, to do his work, and proclaim Him.

Proclaiming God should be an everyday decision and action. We need not speak in front of thousands to tell others about God. The way we live, the way we talk, the way we drive, the way we treat others – they all contribute to our proclaiming God through our lives.  

How do I proclaim God? How can I concretely proclaim him in my life?  In my own little way, do I serve and proclaim God with how I live and how I treat others?

May we always remember that there are a lot of ways we can proclaim God, and be motivated to be creative and happy, no matter how simple we think our proclamation to God is.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another opportunity to do things for you. Lord, thank you for the reminder that you are asking me to proclaim you through my life. Thank you that you gladly accept even the little things I can do for you. Lord, sorry for the times I am unwilling to do this. Sorry for being lazy and distracted. Help me Lord to be always aware and sensitive of my purpose, so that in my simple everyday ways, I may proclaim and glorify you through my life. Amen

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/01/to-whom-much-is-given.html

January 26, 2021

Memorial of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus, bishops; St. Timothy and St. Titus

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FIRST READING

2 Tm 1:1-8

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God for the promise of life in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear child: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

I am grateful to God, whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day. I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, as I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you. 

For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.

or: 

Ti 1:1-5

Paul, a slave of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ for the sake of the faith of God's chosen ones and the recognition of religious truth, in the hope of eternal life that God, who does not lie, promised before time began, who indeed at the proper time revealed his word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted by the command of God our savior, to Titus, my true child in our common faith: grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our savior. 

For this reason I left you in Crete so that you might set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10

R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations. 
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations. 
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations. 
Give to the LORD, you families of nations,
give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name!
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations. 
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

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GOSPEL

Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Go and Tell

The WORD today reminds me that God wants us to go and tell the world about him. 

Today, we celebrate the feast of St Paul's conversion. He was one of the greatest evangelizers in the bible. He proclaimed the Word of God, and was not afraid to suffer for the kingdom. However, he did not have it right when he started. He was doing things against God. In fact, he was actively persecuting Christ's followers. But today we commemorate his conversion, the time when God called him, and he responded yes to God. 

No matter what point you are in right now, God is calling you and asking you to proclaim Him. 

We may be in a situation like St Paul. We may not have been living right. We may not have been doing the right things. We may not have been serving God. However, God does not give up on us. And just as he has plans for St Paul, he also has plans for us. And he is calling us and asking us to do things for him. 

St Paul was humble enough to bow down to God. He was humble enough to accept God, to change his ways, and do what God asked him to. This is the reason God was able to use him mightily. 

God is calling everyone to proclaim Him. In the gospel, he told his disciples to go into the world to proclaim him. No matter where we are, God is calling us. It is just up to us to respond  

How am I living my life? Do I proclaim God in my life? In what ways? How can I share God to others today? 

May we be inspired by St Paul’s humility and faith, and may we do what we can do proclaim God as he did. 

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 fir another week. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I keep my heart away from you. Sorry for the times I choose to have a hard heart and not listen to you. Do not give up on me. Keep calling me, until I come to my senses and be like St Paul, who was humble enough to accept you and obedient enough to do your work, especially when times get tough. I know as I try to act like this, you will use me mightily to proclaim your kingdom. Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

January 25, 2021

The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle - Feast

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FIRST READING

Acts 22:3-16

Paul addressed the people in these words:
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was educated strictly in our ancestral law and was zealous for God, just as all of you are today. I persecuted this Way to death, binding both men and women and delivering them to prison. Even the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify on my behalf. For from them I even received letters to the brothers and set out for Damascus to bring back to Jerusalem in chains for punishment those there as well. 

“On that journey as I drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ I replied, ‘Who are you, sir?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting.’ My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. I asked, ‘What shall I do, sir?’ The Lord answered me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do.’ Since I could see nothing because of the brightness of that light, I was led by hand by my companions and entered Damascus. 

“A certain Ananias, a devout observer of the law, and highly spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me and stood there and said, ‘Saul, my brother, regain your sight.’ And at that very moment I regained my sight and saw him. Then he said, ‘The God of our ancestors designated you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of his voice; for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard. Now, why delay? Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his name.’”

or: 

Acts 9:1-22

Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.

There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, AAnanias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is there praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, that he may regain his sight.” But Ananias replied, “Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man, what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel, and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.” So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, “Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength. 

He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus, and he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. All who heard him were astounded and said, “Is not this the man who in Jerusalem ravaged those who call upon this name, and came here expressly to take them back in chains to the chief priests?” But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 117:1bc, 2

R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! 

R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever. 

R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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ALLELUIA

See John 15:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Mark 16:15-18

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”