Monday, May 31, 2021

Bring God to Others (Visitation 2021)


As we celebrate the feast of Mama Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, the WORD today reminds me that we should bring God to others. 

When we have problems, we usually don't have the will and desire to help others. We focus on ourselves and our situation. Helping others is the least of our concerns. In fact, it is the other way around. We want others to help us. However, we see today Mama Mary doing the opposite. 

After being told by the angel Gabriel that she would be the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is pregnant in her old age. Imagine how simple, humble and selfless Mama Mary is! Instead of taking care of her own needs or asking others to take care of her because she’s carrying inside her the Son of God, she herself travelled to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

Our concerns should not be our excuses for not bringing God to others. 

Elizabeth recognized how blessed Mama Mary is. John, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb, recognized it too! They recognized God visiting them, not as a glorious and powerful king, but as a simple and humble woman in Mary.

We too should bring God to others!

Just as Mama Mary's visitation brought God to Elizabeth and her baby John, our presence and visitation to others should bring God to them as well. I believe it is not that hard to do it. Like Mama Mary, she did not come prepared with an exhortation or a preaching about God. She just came as she was with the intent of serving others. Simple as that. I believe this is what we should do as well. We can bring God to others by doing simple things out of love. Genuinely serving others. Being willing to step out of our comfort zone and reach out to others. Treat others right. Simple things, but these could be used by God to reach out to others.

Do I believe that God visits me everyday? In what ways? Am I ready and willing to be used by God to visit other people as well? Does my presence bring God to others? What concrete actions can I do to bring God to others? 

May we be sensitive of God’s visitation to us today, and allow him to use us to visit others as well.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week! Thank you for the beautiful reminder. I thank you for choosing Mama Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Thank you that you chose a simple and humble woman from a simple place to be the earthly mother of your Son. Thank you because I know that just as you chose and used her, you can also choose me, a simple servant of yours, to accomplish your work and use me in a great way to proclaim your kingdom. Sorry for the times I don't act like her. Sorry for focusing on my concerns and problems, instead of focusing on you and on serving you. sorry for having lots of excuses.  I ask that I be more aware of your presence as you visit me today through other people and the circumstances surrounding me. And as I become sensitive to you visiting me, may I also be sensitive and cooperative to allow you to use me to visit others as well. Fill me with your love and presence, so I may bring you to others through the things that I do. Use me and my life to bring and proclaim you to others.  Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,
-g-

May 31, 2021
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth - Feast

FIRST READING

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. 

or: 



Brothers and sisters:
Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. 

God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. 

R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. 

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. 

R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. 

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! 

R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. 

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” 

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

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Sunday, May 30, 2021

Holy Trinity 2021


The WORD today reminds me that I should have faith in the Holy Trinity. 

People take interest with mysteries. Aliens, UFO's, paranormal, etc. There are a lot of shows that deal with mysteries and similar things. There are studies. There are people who devote a lot of time, effort and resources to study and know more about mysteries. However, as such, there are also a lot who don't believe in these things. They want scientific proof and evidences. 

Today, we celebrate one of the greatest mysteries of our faith - The Holy Trinity

The readings today tells us of the Holy Trinity. In the first reading, we see a glimpse of this. God was there and has been guiding Moses and the people. In the second reading we see St Paul remind us to live in God's ways, remembering as well Jesus and the Holy Spirit as we live and deal with others.  And in the gospel we see how powerful Jesus as the Son of God is. 

Holy Trinity - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 

God is everywhere. And God is with us always. 

The psalmist reminds us that we are blessed as God’s chosen people. However, with it comes the responsibility to continue Jesus’ mission. We are to proclaim God and spread his kingdom. We are to do God’s work on earth as Jesus told his apostles in the gospel. But we are to remember that we are not to do this alone. God is always with us through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Trinity is one of the mysteries of our faith that is very hard to explain and understand. Being a mystery, it is only a heart full of faith that can accept and understand this. We may not be able to explain it well, or may not be able to understand everything, but we just need to have faith. 

Do I believe in the Holy Spirit? How is my relationship with God? Do I have doubts? What do i do about it? Do I pray and try to get to know him more? Do I realize that especially in this pandemic situation, the Holy Spirit is alive? 

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is one and all there for us. May we feel his presence in our lives, especially as we do his work.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for your greatness. Thank you for your power. Thank you for your love. And thank you that all these are for me. Help me Lord to do my best and work for you. Help me do your command and make disciples of all nations as I live on earth. Father God, as I live my life, I will not understand everything that is happening. I have questions and concerns. But Lord, I ask for faith that trusts in your love, trusts in the Holy Trinity, even if I cannot explain or understand. And I have faith that you will always be there to help, support, guide and protect me. May I live my life by faith and not by sight. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,
-g-


May 30, 2021
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity; St. Joan of Arc

FIRST READING

Moses said to the people:
“Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of? Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live? Or did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, with strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors, all of which the LORD, your God, did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the LORD is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other. You must keep his statutes and commandments that I enjoin on you today, that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may have long life on the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you forever.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. Blessed the people the LORD has chosen to be his own. 

Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. 

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. 

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host. For he spoke, and it was made; he commanded, and it stood forth. 

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. 

See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. 

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. 

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you. 

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

SECOND READING

Brothers and sisters:
Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

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Saturday, May 29, 2021

God’s Wisdom


The WORD today reminds me that God would give us Divine Wisdom as we serve Him. 

There are people who can intimidate us with their wisdom. Some just seem to know a lot of things and can talk about anything. Some seem to know all the answers in life, and can easily prove or disprove something. Some become too intimidating to converse with because of their wisdom. This is similar to what Jesus did in the gospel. 

In the gospel, when the people seemed to have trapped Jesus, we see God’s divine wisdom in action. He knows what they were thinking, and he knows how to answer them to show the wisdom and power that he has. 

Nothing can keep God’s plan from happening.

The people had no power to force Jesus to do something he did not want to do or tell what he did not want to tell. Even though it may seem that they were at an advantage, God proved otherwise. This should inspire us, and we should be encouraged because the world has no power over Jesus, and no matter how we feel, or what may be happening, is not out of God’s control.

God’s wisdom sees the logic of what is happening in our lives.

There are a lot of questions in our minds, but we are reminded today that God’s wisdom makes sense of everything, and though we may not yet see and understand it now, we should have faith that in His perfect time, everything would make sense. And as we serve him, we should remember that he will equip us, that seemingly impossible situations can easily be won over by God’s infinite and divine wisdom.

What are the things I wonder about? Have I experienced God’s wisdom working in my life? Do I trust his wisdom, especially as we are still in this pandemic? What is he reminding me today? 

May we learn to trust more in God's divine wisdom, and expect an extra portion of his wisdom as we serve Him. 


Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live, and thank you for another weekend. You know my fears and concerns, Lord. You see what I don’t see. You understand what I do not understand. Help me to just trust in you. I know you have great plans for me. Things may not make sense now, things may not look good, but I know that your wisdom is above all, and that your plans will eventually come into fruition in my life. And as I do my best to serve you, as I worry about the opposition, may I always be reminded that your wisdom, power and protection will be upon whose who faithfully serve you. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
See related reflection:
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/05/wisdom.html


May 29, 2021
Saturday of Week 8; Blessed Eugene de Mazenod

FIRST READING

I thank the LORD and I praise him; I bless the name of the LORD. When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe. My heart delighted in her, My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction. Since in this way I have profited, I will give my teacher grateful praise. I became resolutely devoted to herB the good I persistently strove for. My soul was tormented in seeking her, My hand opened her gate and I came to know her secrets. I directed my soul to her, and in cleanness I attained to her.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. (9ab) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. 

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

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. 

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

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. 

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

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. 

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

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, AI shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”– they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”


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Friday, May 28, 2021

Faith and Forgiveness


The WORD today reminds me how powerful and important faith and forgiveness are.

Yesterday, we saw how powerful one’s faith is, when Jesus healed Bartimaeus because of his faith. In today’s gospel, we see how powerful faith is in those who work for God.

Faith can move mountains.

God is powerful, and he can do anything. And if his child asks something, no matter how difficult it may be in worldly standards, with full faith, pure intentions and according to His plans, God will surely give it to him. In the same way that no prayer is too small or simple, no prayer is too big or difficult for God. We just have to have faith in God’s power and goodness.

However, we can only have full faith if we are right with God. We can only pray and worship him wholeheartedly if we do not have anger and sins in our hearts. That is why Jesus also tells us the importance of forgiveness.

We should forgive others, so God can also forgive us.

The Lord’s prayer goes “forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” We need to forgive others before God can forgive us. What makes it difficult to forgive is the hurt and the pain that others caused us. And if we find it difficult to forgive because we hold on to that hurt, because we focus on ourselves – what we feel and what we went through. So real forgiveness is letting go of those. Real forgiveness is surrendering those to God. In essence, real forgiveness is loving God more than we love ourselves.  And if we already love God more than ourselves, then God can forgive us of our sins – because sin is actually us loving ourselves more than we love God.

Do I have faith in God? Do I believe in his love and power? How is my relationship with God? Do I have unresolved issues, hurts and bitterness and I need to let go of? What is he telling me today? 

May we see the importance of forgiveness and of having a clean heart as we pray in faith.

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 Friday. Lord, I thank you for your message. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of faith and of forgiveness. Help me forgive others as I ask forgiveness from you. help me love you more than I love myself. And as I so do, I know you will increase my faith and enable me to do great things for you as I serve you. amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

May 28, 2021
Friday of Week 8; St. Mariana of Quito

FIRST READING

Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time. But of others there is no memory, for when they ceased, they ceased. And they are as though they had not lived, they and their children after them. Yet these also were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten; Their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants; Through God’s covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. 

And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Sing to the LORD a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel be glad in their maker, let the children of Zion rejoice in their king. 

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Let them praise his name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory. 

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches; Let the high praises of God be in their throats. This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. 

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area. He looked around at everything and, since it was already late, went out to Bethany with the Twelve. 

The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it. 

They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area. Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written: 

My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples? But you have made it a den of thieves.” 

The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city. 

Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”

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Thursday, May 27, 2021

No Turning Back


The WORD today inspires me to have faith like Bartimaeus. 

One of my favorite movies is Facing the Giants. In one scene, there was a story about two farmers. Both of them desperately needed rain, so they prayed to God for rain. But only one farmer prepared his field to receive it. Who showed greater faith? Of course the one who prepared his field. God will send rain when he’s ready or when the time is right. Question is, are we prepared to receive it? 

God wants to see us with that level of faith. 

Sometimes we pray. We ask from God but we do not really believe that what we pray for will come true. Sometimes we don't have faith - faith in him, faith in his word, faith in his power, faith in his goodness, faith in his love. 

This is contrast to the blind man in the gospel - Bartimaeus. He showed much faith. Great faith in Jesus. Being a blind person, he begged by the roadside. Probably he was really desperate, but definitely not hopeless. When he heard that Jesus passed by, he gave all he got and shouted to get Jesus’ attention. When asked by the people to shut up, he did not lose hope, his spirit was not dampened, instead, shouted louder. Makulit sya. 

Minsan kailangang maging makulit sa panalangin.

When he was called by people, not Jesus, he showed even greater faith. Even if Jesus was not the one personally called him, he knew that being summoned by Jesus would forever change his life. What did he do? From sitting by the roadside, he threw his cloak and sprang up to Jesus.

Wow, what great faith! 

During those times, beggars lived in the streets. Probably his cloak was his most important possession – not because it was expensive or beautiful, but because it helped him a lot. It protected him from the weather, from the heat of the sun or the coldness of the wind, his cloak was a big help. His action throwing away his cloak and running to Jesus was like saying “Goodbye cloak, I won’t be needing you anymore! This Jesus will cure me, and I won’t be blind anymore!” 

He had full faith in the power of Jesus, and he was not disappointed. Indeed, no one leaves the presence of Jesus unchanged. 

In life, we will not always get immediate answers to our prayers. We will not immediately get great results. However, this should not dampen our faith. In the same way that Bartimaeus was not stopped by the people and circumstances, so should we. God is faithful, and will not abandon those who cry out to him in full faith.

How about us? How do we react when we don’t seem to get what we want in the first try? Do we get angry or lose hope, or are we like the blind man whose faith was unwavering? What do I pray for right now? Do I have faith that God can grant me that? Do I have faith that he wants to, if it is according to His plan for me?  Am I willing to take a leap of faith? When God gives me what I pray for, do I remember to thank Him and live my life following Him?

May we be inspired by his faith, and may we do our best and ask God to increase our faith. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your beautiful message.  Thank you for reminding me that you do not disappoint. Thank you for reminding me how powerful and loving you are. Thank you for reminding me of how important faith is. Lord, help me improve my faith. May I have faith like Bartimaeus. When faced with challenges or when I don’t get what I pray for, may my faith get stronger and still do my part. May I be brave enough to take a leap of faith, knowing you are there to guide and catch me. And Lord, when you give me what I pray for, may I never forget to thank you and live my life serving you. Amen

Blessed day!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
See related reflections:
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-blind-mans-clear-and-unwavering-faith.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/10/blind-mans-faith.html


May 27, 2021
Thursday of Week 8; St. Augustine of Canterbury

FIRST READING

Now will I recall God’s works;
what I have seen, I will describe. At God’s word were his works brought into being; they do his will as he has ordained for them. As the rising sun is clear to all, so the glory of the LORD fills all his works; Yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the LORD, Though God has given these, his hosts, the strength to stand firm before his glory. He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart; their innermost being he understands. The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets. No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him. Perennial is his almighty wisdom; he is from all eternity one and the same, With nothing added, nothing taken away; no need of a counselor for him! How beautiful are all his works! even to the spark and fleeting vision! The universe lives and abides forever; to meet each need, each creature is preserved. All of them differ, one from another, yet none of them has he made in vain, For each in turn, as it comes, is good; can one ever see enough of their splendor?

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. (6a) By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. 

Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness. 

R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. 

For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. 

R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. 

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask; in cellars he confines the deep. 

R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. 

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all who dwell in the world revere him. For he spoke, and it was made; he commanded, and it stood forth. 

R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

ALLELUIA

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

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

at No comments:

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Great Servant


The WORD today reminds me that God wants us to be great servants of Him. 

The gospel today teaches us what servant leadership is. In worldly view, we see leaders as mighty, strong and great. They are respected, and sometimes feared. However Jesus coming in the world changes that. He redefines it, and puts the servant aspect in leadership. 

The greatest among you must be your servant. 

The higher we are in society, the more of a leader we are, the more others serve us. The more we experience special treatment. The more people love and respect us. This is the worldly view, but God wants us to act in a different way. The higher we are, the more successful we become, the more we should serve. that's what Jesus wants. Serve others, and not ask others to serve us. Serve God through others. 

Jesus came as a helpless baby boy born in a manger, not as a mighty king and ruler that he should have been. If the Son of God humbled himself and did that, what more us? As Jesus was doing God's mission for him, he came as a servant, serving God through us. He is mighty, great, powerful and a leader, but his life is a service. As Christ's followers, we should live like him. We should serve others. 

What have I accomplished in this world? Am I considered a leader? Do i have servants? How does God want me to live my life? How can I be great in God's eyes? Who can I serve today? How can I Serve today? 

May we be inspired and serve and love God through others. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the gift of life. Lord I am sorry for being distracted in attaining what the world wants me. Sorry for being distracted and working so much to get what I want in this world. Sorry for forgetting you. Sorry for putting you last. May I not be too focused on being a great leader, but spend more time in being a great servant. May I be inspired by the greatest servant - Jesus. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
See related reflections:
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/great-servant.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/03/great-servant.html

May 26, 2021
Wednesday of Week 8; St. Philip Neri

FIRST READING

Come to our aid, O God of the universe, look upon us, show us the light of your mercies, and put all the nations in dread of you! Thus they will know, as we know, that there is no God but you, O Lord. 

Give new signs and work new wonders. 

Gather all the tribes of Jacob, that they may inherit the land as of old, Show mercy to the people called by your name; Israel, whom you named your firstborn. Take pity on your holy city, Jerusalem, your dwelling place. Fill Zion with your majesty, your temple with your glory. 

Give evidence of your deeds of old; fulfill the prophecies spoken in your name, Reward those who have hoped in you, and let your prophets be proved true. Hear the prayer of your servants, for you are ever gracious to your people; and lead us in the way of justice. Thus it will be known to the very ends of the earth that you are the eternal God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. (Sirach 36:1b) Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness. 

Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. 

R. Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness. 

Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake. 

R. Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness. 

Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you; with your great power free those doomed to death. Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; through all generations we will declare your praise. 

R. Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, ‘What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, ‘We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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