Bigger than Fears

The WORD today reminds me that my faith in God should always be bigger than my fears. 

They say that worries do not empty tomorrow of it's sorrow. It empties today of its strength. This is true in a lot of situations. There are a lot of bad effects of worrying. There are studies that show that worrying and stress activate bad cells in the body and weaken the immune system, thus worrying can lead to sickness. Not only that, there are people who worry too much that it can trigger a heart attack that can be fatal. And the gospel today tells us one way we can fight being worried. 

Faith in God should be bigger than our worries. 

In the gospel, Jesus said : 

"Do not let your hearts be troubled"

You have faith in God; have faith also in me

Do not worry. Have faith. 

Short but very powerful words from Jesus himself. Let us imagine Jesus telling us these words as we face life’s challenges, especially now with the corona pandemic. Jesus told these words to his disciples during the last supper. He told them he would die, that he would suffer, that he would be betrayed. Imagine how the disciples must have felt. Their leader for years will soon die a humiliating death. What would happen to them? Who would guide and protect them? These probably were some of the questions going through their minds.

In our lives, we face challenges everyday. Today, a lot of us are still worried with this pandemic. Some may not be as painful or hard as others, but we should take comfort in Jesus’ words. He is asking us to have faith in Him, the Son of God. Faith that knows he will take care of us. Faith that submits ourselves to his divine will. Faith that allows us to die of ourselves so that he may live in us. Faith that would be the source of inner peace, knowing He is in control. Faith.

God is bigger than the pandemic. He has things under his control. We may not understand his wisdom and his reasons, but we should continue to trust in him. We should continue to have faith in him. We should continue to draw strength from his words, from his power and love. 

What is troubling my heart now?  Why?  Are the challenges I am facing bigger than God? Am I letting them block my view of God? Why can I not focus on God, his power and his love for me? How can I improve my faith in God? Am I praying to God to help me strengthen my faith? How do I feel about the pandemic? What is God reminding me today? 

May we always remember Christ’s words. Do not worry. Have faith. Let us remember who is saying this to us, as the first reading and psalm say – “You are my Son, this day I have begotten you” The only Son of God tells us this. Do not worry. Have faith.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend coming up, even if most of us are staying at home. Thank you for the very beautiful reminder to have faith in you. Lord, sorry for the many times I forget this. Sorry for the many times I let my fears, concerns and worries get the best of me. Sorry for letting the world drown me.  Sorry for worrying too much with this pandemic.  remind me always of your love and power. Increase my faith. May I always be sensitive to your love and miracles in my life. May I always be sensitive to your power in my life. As I face life's challenges, I will be stronger because of my faith in you. I know you are always in control. I trust in you. I know you are powerful, you are faithful, and you will continue to protect us. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

April 30, 2021

4th Week of Easter - Friday; St. Pius V

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FIRST READING

Acts 13:26-33

When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue: “My brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent. The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath. For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death, and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses before the people. We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our fathers he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.”

---

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab

R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

“I myself have set up my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.” 

R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

“Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession. You shall rule them with an iron rod; you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.” 

R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

And now, O kings, give heed; take warning, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him; with trembling rejoice. 

R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.

---

ALLELUIA

John 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

---

GOSPEL

John 14:1-6

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Serve

The WORD today reminds me that I should continue to serve God, especially amidst all the challenges that come with it. 

Serviam is Latin for “I will serve.” This was St Michael the Archangel’s response to God. On the other hand, Non Serviam, which means "I will not serve", was Lucifer’s response to God

What is your response?

Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, did not come to this world to be served. He did not come as a mighty ruler lording over us. He did not even come into this world in a nice place, not on a hospital or inn. He did not live in mansions or palaces. He could have. He has every right as the Son of God. But he did not. Jesus came as a helpless child, born in a stable, lived in a simple town as a carpenter’s son, proclaimed God’s kingdom, healed people, died for us, and eventually rose from the dead. In the gospel today, after washing the feet of his disciples , which was a task reserved for the lowest of slaves, he told them that no slave is greater than his master. We who call God our master, should follow his ways. 

We should serve others, just as Jesus served us. 

As children, as followers of Christ, we are asked to serve Him as well. Serving God starts with a decision – a decision to serve God, a decision to say Yes to Him. St Michael’s “serviam” is a testimony of that decision to serve God. Mary’s “Fiat” was her “yes” to God. We may not be perfect, we may have concerns, weaknesses and issues, but we are all called to serve God. Only when we give our own yes to God can he use us mightily. Great servants in the bible all had concerns, but their yes to God was all God needed to use them and work through them, only then could they do great things for and through God.

We see this in the first reading, when Paul continued to serve God. He continued to preach and share God to others. It was not easy. He had to travel a lot. It was dangerous because people were against him. But he understood this commandment. He understood that just as Jesus served us despite all his concerns and all the challenges, so should he. Paul also told of another servant of God, John the Baptist, who proclaimed Jesus and served him tirelessly. This should be an inspiration to us.

We are in a perfect situation to live this. More than ever, the pandemic situation we are in right now calls for service. We should serve God through others. We are blessed with more than we need, so we should share what we have with others. There are a lot of people in need. People who lost jobs and livelihood. People who are sick. People who are lonely. People who are spiritually dry. People who are afraid. We should serve God by serving them in whatever way we can. 

Do I live my life in service of God? Do I want to serve God, or do I want God to serve me and give me what I want? Do I serve other people, knowing that God is alive and present in each one of us, or do I expect other people to serve me? Do I wait until things are perfect, until I don’t have major concerns, before I serve God and others? How do I concretize my service to God through others, especially with the corona pandemic? 

May we be reminded of Christ's commandment for us to serve, and resolve to say yes to serving God through our lives. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for seeing me in me what I sometimes, or most of the times, don’t see. Thank you Lord for deeming me worthy of your love, your everlasting and unconditional love. Thank you for loving and serving me even if I don’t deserve it, even if I hurt you every time I sin. Lord, sorry for the times I focus on being served. Sorry for not having the desire and will to serve you in others. Sorry for being hard headed. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart of service. Give me a heart that would desire to love and serve you. Give me a heart that would be willing to go out of my comfort zone to serve you. Lord, I give you my Yes, my serviam, my fiat, and I ask that you guide me and be with me all throughout. Lord, life is not easy, I too have problems and concerns of my own, but I just lift up everything to you. Give me a heart to be a wounded servant, continuously serving and loving you no matter what. Even if I am also afraid or worried or concerned with the covid pandemic, I will serve you through others. Help me be sensitive and willing. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/04/send-me.html

April 29, 2021

4th Week of Easter - Thursday; St. Catherine of Siena

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FIRST READING

Acts 13:13-25

From Paphos, Paul and his companions set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia. But John left them and returned to Jerusalem. They continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered into the synagogue and took their seats. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, “My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” 

So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Fellow children of Israel and you others who are God-fearing, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out, and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert. When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance at the end of about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he provided judges up to Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. Then he removed him and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish. From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’“

---

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. 

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

“I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, That my hand may be always with him, and that my arm may make him strong.” 

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him, and through my name shall his horn be exalted. He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the Rock, my savior.’” 

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

---

ALLELUIA

See Revelation 1:5ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

---

GOSPEL

John 13:16-20

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

Ambassador

The WORD today reminds me how important and powerful being sent by God is. 

Ambassadors are very important diplomats. They act in behalf of their president and represent their country. In the same way, when we do God’s work, in essence we are being ambassadors for Christ. We are acting for God. We are representing God. That is why it is a very important role. This is why it is a powerful role. The prophet Isaiah knows this, and we can see his willingness and readiness to serve God. In Isaiah 6:8, when God asked whom he shall send, Isaiah readily volunteered himself  - Here I am! Send me!

God needs human ambassadors to do his work

In the gospel, Jesus said that whoever believes him believes the one who sent him - God. He also said that whoever sees him sees the one who sent him – God the Father. Jesus is an ambassador of God the father. And He is asking us to be his ambassadors as well. In the first reading, we see how Barnabas and Saul actively worked as Jesus’ ambassadors when they proclaimed the good news of salvation to different places. They were willing to go wherever God wanted them to. God needs human beings to spread his love and proclaim his kingdom to others. Actually, this is for us humans – that we may feel God’s love become alive through others.

We are all called to be ambassadors for Christ. In our simple ways, in the way we live and treat others, we become his ambassadors. We need not explicitly preach the gospel and tell the people about God. Sometimes, or a lot of times, a more powerful testimony is how we live our lives. As St Francis of Assissi once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”

Sharing a quote from Corey Brooker. May it inspire and challenge us:

Don't speak to me about your religion;

first show it to me in how you treat other people. 

Don't tell me how much you love your God;

show me in how much you love all God's children.

Don't preach to me your passion for your faith;

teach me through your compassion for your neighbors. 

In the end, I'm not as interested in what you have  to tell or sell

as I am in how you choose to live and give

With the pandemic still here, the more important it is to be an ambassador for Christ. As Fr Gerry Orbos puts is, be spreaders of OMG+. Spread God’s love. God’s peace. God’s positivity and hope. His promises. Amidst all the negativities and challenges, the more we should spread his gospel and kingdom. 

Do I realize that God is sending me as an ambassador for him? How do I respond? Do I live in a way pleasing to him? Does my life reflect his love and goodness? In this time of pandemic, am I being an ambassador for Christ? In what way? 

May we be willing ambassadors of God and allow Him to send us. 

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 chance to share your love. Lord, thank you for the reminder. Thank you for telling me that you need me to be an ambassador for you. Lord, sorry for the times I am not willing. Sorry for the times I do not step out of my comfort zone for you. help me live up to it, Lord. I will do my best to live a good life for you. I will do my best to live right, so people can see how great and loving the God I am serving is. Magnify my actions so that It may glorify you. Send me and use my as you please, especially this time. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/04/save-not-condemn.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/04/focus-on-good_29.html

April 28, 2021

4th Week of Easter - Wednesday; St. Peter Chanel

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FIRST READING

Acts 12:24B13:5a

The word of God continued to spread and grow. 

After Barnabas and Saul completed their relief mission, they returned to Jerusalem, taking with them John, who is called Mark. 

Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off. 

So they, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. 

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia. 

May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. 

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia. 

May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. 

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia. 

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! 

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.

---

ALLELUIA

John 8:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

---

GOSPEL

John 12:44-50

Jesus cried out and said,
“Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”

Not Interested

The WORD today reminds me that some people probably do not want to be included in God's flock. 

We have friends who never seem to learn. We have been with them in a lot of challenges in their lives, yet they sometimes seem to be making the same mistakes over and over. When people step forward to help them or remind them of what could happen based on previous experiences, they brush them away. They reject. And when things happen, them seem to understand, until the next challenge comes along, and they repeat their mistakes. Something similar happens to our faith life as well. We have friends who we try so hard to guide in the right direction, but they seem to reject God. We can get frustrated, and even question ourselves. Today, we are reminded that they just might be the problem. 

Some people do not want to be included in God's flock. 

No matter how hard we try. No matter what we do. We cannot get through to these people. 

In the gospel, Jesus said that if you do not believe, if you do not hear his voice, probably you are not part of his sheep. Probably he is not God in your life.

God’s love is for all, both jews and gentiles. He is not exclusive. Being in among his sheep is not a privilege given to a select few. In fact, we see in the first reading how the disciples proclaimed him to all nations. God welcomes all, but the decision to be among God’s sheep is ours.

IF we do not listen to God’s voice. If we do not hear it. If we do not believe his words and his promises. If we do not believe that he has great plans for us, and instead do things our way. If we do not trust in Him and depend on other people and ourselves, then we are deliberately choosing to be out of his fold. We are choosing to be away from him.

Who is God in my life? Do I give him due importance? Does my life reflect this? How else can I give God more importance? What is he reminding me today? 

God wants all of us to be with him, but the decision to be with him rests on us. May we choose wisely.

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 reminder. Thank you for being welcoming and loving. Thank you for your promises. Sorry for the times I run away from you. Sorry for denying you. Sorry for being away from you. Lord, I ask that you help me be more aware of you in my life. May I be sensitive to listen to your voice in my life. Help me choose you always. And I also ask you to help me do my best in bringing you to other people. And remind me that the effectiveness of my service does not depend on others. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection: 

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2018/04/do-i-hear-him.html

April 27, 2021

4th Week of Easter - Tuesday; St. Gianna Beretta Molla

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FIRST READING

Acts 11:19-26

Those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

His foundation upon the holy mountains the LORD loves: The gates of Zion, more than any dwelling of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! 

R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

I tell of Egypt and Babylon among those who know the LORD; Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia: “This man was born there.” And of Zion they shall say: “One and all were born in her; And he who has established her is the Most High LORD.” 

R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: “This man was born there.” And all shall sing, in their festive dance: “My home is within you.” 

R. All you nations, praise 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.

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GOSPEL

John 10:22-30

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

God of All

The WORD Today reminds me that God's forgiveness, mercy and love are not just for a select few, but for all. 

They say that the church is not a museum of saints, but a hospital for sinners. I believe this is true. this should be true. This is what we should be. Jesus said that he did not call the righteous, but the sinners. This reminds us that in church and in church groups, people are not perfect. People will never be perfect. There will always be annoying people. There will be sinners. However, we should accept that God wants them there, not because he tolerates it but because he will use the church to transform these people. They need to be there.

God’s love and forgiveness are for all – especially sinners.

In the first reading, people initially did not want to be associated with the Gentiles. Jews were the chosen people. Gentiles were the non jews. They were the unclean people at that time. We see in the reading that even in his dream, Peter did not want to be associated with them. However, God reminded him that his love is for all, and that he wants the gentiles to be saved too. When people understood and realized it, they became welcoming and accepted them as well. 

We should too. We should accept and welcome people that are different from us. 

There are annoying people in church. There are annoying people in our church groups. There are annoying people in our lives. Some more than others.  However, God wants us to love them nonetheless. We should not see them as hypocrites, attending church despite their shortcomings. Instead, God wants us to love them, the way he loves them. God wants to use us to make them realize and feel how special they are in God’s eyes, that God’s love and forgiveness are greater than their sins and shortcomings. 

God’s love can melt away all the evil in the heart.

We should not be concerned how they will change. We should not think if they can change. We just need to love them. We should just make God's love more real and more alive in this world, in their lives. How God will change and transform them is up to Him. We just need to do our part. 

Who are the annoying people in my life? Why do they annoy me? What am I doing about it and about them? What is God telling me today? 

May we be extra patient, extra welcoming and extra accommodating to those who need our love, patience and understanding the most. Let us ask God to use us to love and transform others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. thank you for the reminder. Thank you for not giving up on me. thank you for loving me despite all my sins, my shortcomings, my temper, my bad habits. Thank you for being patient with me. Lord, I am sorry for not being like this as I relate to others. Lord, I know I am not perfect, and I am sorry for the times I judge others on where they are right now. Sorry for being impatient with them, when I myself have experienced your patience and love. Help me love like you do. Use me to love them. Give me a heart like yours, that I may love others like you do. Help me love others the way they should be loved, the way you love them. Help me be extra patient with them the way you are extra patient with me. Especially with the current situation, Use me to make your love more alive and more real. Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

April 26, 2021

4th Week of Easter - Monday; St. Zita

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FIRST READING

Acts 11:1-18

The Apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles too had accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem the circumcised believers confronted him, saying, ‘You entered the house of uncircumcised people and ate with them.” Peter began and explained it to them step by step, saying, “I was at prayer in the city of Joppa when in a trance I had a vision, something resembling a large sheet coming down, lowered from the sky by its four corners, and it came to me. Looking intently into it, I observed and saw the four-legged animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky. I also heard a voice say to me, ‘Get up, Peter. Slaughter and eat.’ But I said, ‘Certainly not, sir, because nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But a second time a voice from heaven answered, ‘What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.’ This happened three times, and then everything was drawn up again into the sky. Just then three men appeared at the house where we were, who had been sent to me from Caesarea. The Spirit told me to accompany them without discriminating. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. He related to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, saying, ‘Send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter, who will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved.’ As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them as it had upon us at the beginning, and I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?” When they heard this, they stopped objecting and glorified God, saying, “God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too.”

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3, 4

R. Athirst is my soul for the living God.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, O God. Athirst is my soul for God, the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God? 

R. Athirst is my soul for the living God.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Send forth your light and your fidelity; they shall lead me on And bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling-place. 

R. Athirst is my soul for the living God.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Then will I go in to the altar of God, the God of my gladness and joy; Then will I give you thanks upon the harp, O God, my God! 

R. Athirst is my soul for the living God.
or:
R. Alleluia.

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ALLELUIA

John 10:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

John 10:1-10

Jesus said:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them. 

So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” 

Cornerstone

The WORD today reminds me that God should be the cornerstone of my life. 

A cornerstone is one of the most, if not the most important stone in a structure. It is defined as "A stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls". Some say that it is important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. This is why in the first reading, Peter said that the stone that the builders, the leaders at that time, rejected has become the cornerstone. What they considered insignificant is actually very important. 

This is how God should be in our lives. God should be the cornerstone in our life. 

God should be the foundation of our life. He should be the foundation in which we would build our life. He should be the foundation in which we would base our decisions and actions. We see this in action in the readings. 

Peter proclaimed this in the first reading, that Jesus is the cornerstone that the builders rejected. The psalmist emphasizes this. In the gospel, we see what this means. We see an implication of it, that if we treat Him as our cornerstone, we will trust him as well. He will be the shepherd of our life. We will surrender ourselves to him if we trust him and give him that much importance. This should be done not just when things are easy. But especially when things are unsure. We should have faith, just like in the second reading. We may not know what is going to happen. But we have faith and we know that when the time comes, we will be like God.

Who is God in my life? Do I give him due importance in life? Do U give him priority? Do I realize that I should make him the cornerstone, the foundation of my life? What can I do today to start to do it? 

May we not let our hearts be deceived by the lies of the world, and make God the cornerstone of our life. 

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 Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for not making you the cornerstone in my life. Sorry for not anchoring my actions and decisions on you. Sorry for keeping you in church on Sundays. Sorry for not trusting and surrendering in you. Help me live right. Help me live pleasing to you. Help me make you the cornerstone in my life. May all my actions and decisions be based on you, on what you want me to do. Use me to please you and proclaim your kingdom. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2020/05/not-included.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/04/pain.html

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/05/each-by-name.html

April 25, 2021

4th Sunday of Easter; St. Mark the Evangelist

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FIRST READING

Acts 4:8–12

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: “Leaders of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 118:1, 8–9, 21–23, 26, 28, 29 (22)

R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. or R. Alleluia. 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. 

R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. or R. Alleluia. 

I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior. The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. 

R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. or R. Alleluia. 

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD; we bless you from the house of the LORD. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his kindness endures forever. 

R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. or R. Alleluia.

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SECOND READING

1 John 3:1–2

Beloved:
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

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ALLELUIA

John 10:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

John 10:11–18

Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”