The WORD today reminds me of the importance of faith, and the effect of the lack of it.
A lot of times, we see Jesus telling people that their faith has saved them. However, today’s gospel is different. Jesus went to his hometown, and the people, instead of being proud that Jesus came from there, belittled him and took offense at him. They did not believe that someone from their own could really be God’s Child. This lack of belief, this lack of faith, was the reason why Jesus did not do a lot of miracles.
Jesus needs our faith, even just a tiny bit.
He mentioned that if we have faith of a mustard seed, we can do great things. They say that this is not because only a small bit of faith is needed, but rather, God fills up our faith. God has faith in us, and his faith compensates for our little faith. His faith, combined with our little faith, enables him to do great things to us and through us.
In the second reading, we see a man of faith. Paul had complete faith in Jesus. He was willing to suffer, kahit hirap na hirap na sya, for God. He was willing to take all the hardships just so God would be magnified and glorified. He did not take his suffering against God, but embraced it for God’s glory. Ganun kalakas ang faith nya kay God, faith that is more than just lip service – faith that is willing to suffer and experience pain for God’s greater glory. And God did not disappoint, he did great things through Paul.
I believe we are challenged by God. We are asked to look at ourselves and see what our heart says. We should have faith in God, and not question or belittle him. The situation in the world is not absolute. Even if it may seem hopeless, it cannot stop God. His power is greater. His love is greater. His plan is greater.
Is our faith strong, or are we like the people who do not trust in God? When we pray, do we really have complete faith in God and his love and power, or do we just pray just in case God hears us? Is our faith strong enough to be willing to suffer for God? When God does not seem to hear us, like his response to Paul’s request in the second reading, do we have a humble heart and will still continue to serve Him, or do we walk away from him when we don’t get what we want? How is my faith in him right now, especially with the pandemic situation?
May we always remember how important faith is, and do our best to increase our faith as we pray for it as well.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. I thank you for the gift of faith. Lord, sorry for the times I lose my faith in you. Sorry for the times I let the power of the world overwhelm me. Sorry for the times I lose my focus on you. Lord, I ask that you help me strengthen my faith. I know faith is such a powerful and important aspect of my life, and I ask that you help me develop it. Kahit maliit, kahit mala mustard seed, I know it is a good start. Help me have complete and firm faith in you, especially when other people or the circumstances lead me otherwise. May my faith always be bigger than my fears. May I have faith and may I be willing to suffer and still serve you because of that faith, knowing that your name will be glorified in everything. Amen.
Blessed Sunday!
In Christ,
-g-
July 04, 2021
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Elizabeth of Portugal
FIRST READING
As the LORD spoke to me, the spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking say to me: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have revolted against me to this very day. Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say to them: Thus says the LORD God! And whether they heed or resist—for they are a rebellious house— they shall know that a prophet has been among them.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.
To you I lift up my eyes who are enthroned in heaven— as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters.
R. Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.
As the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes on the LORD, our God, till he have pity on us.
R. Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.
Have pity on us, O LORD, have pity on us, for we are more than sated with contempt; our souls are more than sated with the mockery of the arrogant, with the contempt of the proud.
R. Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.
SECOND READING
Brothers and sisters:
That I, Paul, might not become too elated, because of the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
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