The WORD today reminds me that God wants our life and our works to be consistent with our words.

We used to have a trainer in basketball that always emphasizes consistency. If you want to improve. If you want to dominate. Consistency is the key. There are techniques and scientific methods of doing things. But it would not have a maximum effect if you are not consistent in doing these things. In living these things, beyond the basketball court. This consistency is very important, even in our spiritual life as Jesus said in the gospel.

It is very annoying to talk to people who say one thing but do another. People who do not follow through with their words. People who do not act consistently with their words. You don't know what to expect from them. This is something that God wants us to avoid.

Actions, words, and intentions should always be in agreement with each other. Consistency is the key.

In the gospel, Jesus told the disciples to be careful of both the Pharisees and Scribes. The pharisees pay tithes to be seen by others, but do not focus on love for God. They focus only on external, because they want to be recognized and respected by others. Their hearts are not consistent with their actions. Same with the Scribes. They impose burdens on people but do not act to help others.

God wants us to be better.

Our actions, words and intentions of the heart should always be in agreement with each other. We cannot say we love God but not treat our neighbors right. We cannot do good not to serve and love God, but to be seen and recognized by others. Everything should be consistent. Everything should be pointing to God.

God sees everything.

The first reading and the psalm reminds and warns us that God sees everything. He sees the intentions of our hearts. He sees our actions, not just our words. And as such, as fair as he is, he will reward or punish us based on our lives and our actions. He tells us what the fruits of our lives should be. How we should live consistently with.

Are my words consistent with my actions? When I say I love God, do I live it through other people? Do I live up to my words by my actions? Are my actions always consistent to what i say?

May we be challenged and always be aware to speak, act, and live consistent with God's ways.

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 the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times my words and actions are not consistent with each other. Sorry for not always following up on my words with actions. And sorry for the times my intentions are not pure in doing good work for you. Help me live right. Help me live in a way pleasing to you. Help me live consistent with the gospel values. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 469

Reading I

Rom 2:1-11

You, O man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment.
For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself,
since you, the judge, do the very same things.
We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true.
Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things
and yet do them yourself,
that you will escape the judgment of God?
Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience
in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God
would lead you to repentance?
By your stubbornness and impenitent heart,
you are storing up wrath for yourself
for the day of wrath and revelation
of the just judgment of God,
who will repay everyone according to his works,
eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality
through perseverance in good works,
but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth
and obey wickedness.
Yes, affliction and distress will come upon everyone
who does evil, Jew first and then Greek.
But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone
who does good, Jew first and then Greek.
There is no partiality with God.

Responsorial Psalm

62:2-3, 6-7, 9

R.   (13b) Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
Only in God is my soul at rest;
   from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
   my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all.
R.    Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
Only in God be at rest, my soul,
   for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
   my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.
R.    Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
Trust in him at all times, O my people!
   Pour out your hearts before him;
   God is our refuge!
R.    Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.

Alleluia

Jn 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 11:42-46

The Lord said:
“Woe to you Pharisees!
You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb,
but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.
These you should have done, without overlooking the others.
Woe to you Pharisees!
You love the seat of honor in synagogues
and greetings in marketplaces.
Woe to you!
You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”

Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply,
“Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.”
And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law!
You impose on people burdens hard to carry,
but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

My Simple Reflection

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Consistent