Travel Light

The WORD today reminds me why God wants us to travel light.

This pandemic has taught us a lot of things. One of the things we learned and realized is that we do not need a lot of things in life. There are only few essential things that we really need in life. Others are nice to haves or extras, but not essential. This is similar to what God is probably reminding us today. 

God wants us prioritize only the important things in our lives.

In the gospel, Jesus instructed his disciples basically not to bring anything to the journey.

They may have felt very light not bringing anything, but probably they were also worried because they had no supplies with them. However, Jesus did not tell them to not think of themselves. Jesus did not tell them not to eat, drink, rest and just do God’s work. No, he told them trust in God and experience him working in them. Divine Providence. In effect, he was telling the disciples that even though they did not bring things, God will provide for them in every town they visit. They will have shelter and food, and the grace and power to heal people and proclaim God wherever they go.

He wanted them to remain simple so they could focus on their task. More than that, they wanted them to have faith that God will provide as they stay focused on God.

God honored their obedience and trust, and he provided for all of their needs. He will do the same to us. This pandemic may affect us aversely, but God is more powerful. He continues to watch over us. He continues to take care of us, despite the challenges we experience. We just need to trust in him. 

As I look at my things, what are the extras that seem to be necessities to me? As I look at my life, what are the extras that seem to be necessities? What are weighing me down? What things, people or habits are hindering me from focusing on God and on the task he has for me? What are hindering me from fully trusting and surrendering to God? Am I willing to let go?

May we be challenged and see what things we do not really need, the things that are taking our focus away from God and the task he has in store for us. Let us develop our faith in God’s providence – he still provides, until now!

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me the importance of staying light – to rid ourselves of anything and everything that prevents us from focusing on you and from doing what you want us to do. Lord, there are a lot of distractions in my life, and I ask that you help me keep my focus on you. I am sorry for allowing myself to be distracted, and for considering as necessary some of the extras in life. Help me have faith and travel light as I take this journey towards you. I have faith that you will always provide, so I just need to  focus on you and put you first. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2019/10/go-by-pairs.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/07/light-journey.html

Daily Readings

• SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
• September 30, 2021
• OCTOBER 1, 2021

• Readings for the Memorial of Saint Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church

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Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Lectionary: 458

Reading I

Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12

The whole people gathered as one in the open space before the Water Gate,
and they called upon Ezra the scribe
to bring forth the book of the law of Moses
which the LORD prescribed for Israel.
On the first day of the seventh month, therefore,
Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly,
which consisted of men, women,
and those children old enough to understand.
Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate,
he read out of the book from daybreak until midday,
in the presence of the men, the women,
and those children old enough to understand;
and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law.
Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform
that had been made for the occasion.
He opened the scroll 
so that all the people might see it
(for he was standing higher up than any of the people);
and, as he opened it, all the people rose.
Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God,
and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, 
“Amen, amen!”
Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD,
their faces to the ground.
As the people remained in their places,
Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God,
interpreting it so that all could understand what was read.
Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe
and the Levites who were instructing the people
said to all the people:
“Today is holy to the LORD your God.
Do not be sad, and do not weep”–
for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.
He said further:  “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks,
and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared;
for today is holy to our LORD.
Do not be saddened this day,
for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!”
And the Levites quieted all the people, saying,
“Hush, for today is holy, and you must not be saddened.”
Then all the people went to eat and drink,
to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy,
for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.

Responsorial Psalm

19:8, 9, 10, 11

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

Mk 1:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 10:1-12

Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.’
Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you, 
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”

Confident in Battle

The WORD today reminds me that I should be confident in battle against the evil one. 

Culture depicts the devil/satan as a powerful and scary creature, and it depicts God as a peaceful and loving creature. We also associate angels with cute babies and kids. This sometimes make us think that the devil is more powerful than God. However, this is not true. As they say, angels are not cute babies, but mighty beings. They are soldiers of God. That's why they defeated Satan in the first reading. We tend to forget that though God is peaceful and loving God, He is also powerful - more powerful than the devil. As such, as long as we are on God's side, we need not be afraid of anything or anyone.

The first reading shows us three saints whose feast we are celebrating today. Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael bravely and confidently fought the devil. They have a reason to do so, because they are on God's side.

War broke out in heaven;

Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.

The dragon and its angels fought back,

but they did not prevail

and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,

who is called the Devil and Satan,

who deceived the whole world,

was thrown down to earth,

and its angels were thrown down with it

In the gospel, we again see a glimpse of how powerful God through Jesus is. He is not bound by time and space. He may be in this world, but he is definitely not of this world.

Sometimes, when problems overwhelm us, we feel helpless. When the world seems to crush on us, we feel hopeless. When situations seem too strong for us, we feel afraid and insecure. We fear the power of the devil and what he can do to us. Today, we are reminded to be strong and confident as we fight for and with God. No problem or sickness is too strong for God. He is powerful and loving. We should just trust in Him.

God is powerful and strong. His angels watching over us are powerful and strong as well. We are in good hands as long as we are in God's hands. We should be confident in battle, especially as we face challenges because of our faith in and love for God. 

We are fighting a battle now. Continuously fighting. We do not know what will happen. We do not know how things will turn out. This pandemic really affects everyone. However, we are reminded that God is on our side. No matter what happens, no matter what we feel, we should be confident as we fight because he is on our side. 

What are my current concerns and fears? What is troubling me right now? How do I feel about these? Do I know that God is in control and he is all powerful and all loving? Do I have faith in his goodness, power and love? 

Just as God is loving and peaceful, he also is very powerful. May this calm us and remind us who we should fight for. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the encouraging reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I forget how powerful you are. Sorry for the times I forget how powerful your angels are. Sorry for the times I forget how loving you are. Remind me of your great love and power. May we always be ready and willing to bravely and confidently fight for you, the way the archangels did. May I defend your kingdom with the way I live. Lord, I thank you for the gift of life. In a special way, I ask you to bless all those celebrating their birthdays today especially my uncle Miguel. Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for always being with him.  I ask that you continue to bless, protect and defend him. Give him good health. May he continue to experience your love and your power in his life. And May he always be a blessing to others. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/09/gods-victory.html

Daily Readings

• SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
• September 29, 2021
• SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

Lectionary: 647

Reading I

Dn 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched:

    Thrones were set up
        and the Ancient One took his throne.
    His clothing was bright as snow,
        and the hair on his head as white as wool;
    His throne was flames of fire,
        with wheels of burning fire.
    A surging stream of fire
        flowed out from where he sat;
    Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
        and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw

    One like a son of man coming,
        on the clouds of heaven;
    When he reached the Ancient One
        and was presented before him,
    He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
        nations and peoples of every language serve him.
    His dominion is an everlasting dominion
        that shall not be taken away,
        his kingship shall not be destroyed.

OR: 

Rv 12:7-12ab

War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back,
but they did not prevail
and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,
who is called the Devil and Satan,
who deceived the whole world,
was thrown down to earth,
and its angels were thrown down with it.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who accuses them before our God day and night.
They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them.”

Responsorial Psalm

138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5

R.    (1)  In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
    for you have heard the words of my mouth;
    in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name.
R.    In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
    for you have made great above all things
    your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
    you built up strength within me.
R.    In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
    when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
    “Great is the glory of the LORD
R.    In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Alleluia

Ps 103:21

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Jn 1:47-51

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”
Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”