The WORD today reminds me that God will reward his followers in his perfect time.
Life is not a bed of roses. Life is unfair. In the gospel we saw the explanation of the gospel last week. We saw that the good seeds were mixed with the weeds, pretty much like life here on earth. Even if we try to live righteous lives, we will still be surrounded by evil people - which would try to convince us to give up living righteous lives and be like them. Sometimes the situation doesn't help. We see them prosper and have a good life on earth. We may question why they seem to be blessed, or if what we are doing is really the way to go. We may question if it really is worth it.
God is not the ruler of the world.
The devil is - that is why many times, Jesus tells his disciples to live in the world but not of the world. Naturally, the enemy loves his own, so he gives worldly things those who follow him. However, God still provides and protects us, so we should just continue to remain faithful to Him.
God’s followers will shine like the Sun.
Life is not easy, but we should continue to hang on to God and his word, knowing that he is true to his word. No matter how difficult or challenging life may be, he will still protect us and make sure we have everything we need to move forward. As we remain faithful to God, we are sure that when the proper time comes, we will shine bright like the sun.
Nowadays, it is very important to shine for God. We have a lot of negativity. We have worries. However, God needs us to do good. God needs us to spread his love. We should be faithful and remind people of his love. That things will be better, especially when we do our part and help each other.
Do I follow God at all times? Am I faithful to God? Or do I sin and falter, especially when I am influenced by the world? Do I really believe God is all powerful, and he has great plans for me? How can I be faithful to God and not be blinded by the world?
May we always remember how powerful and loving God is, and may it lead us to be faithful and expect reward from Him in his perfect time.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for the reminder. Thank you for knowing me. Thank you for speaking to me through different ways. Lord, sorry for being distracted. Sorry for questioning you and for questioning if I am making the right decision to live according to your word. Sorry for doubting you. Lord, as I live my life, may I always be reminded to focus on you, to remain faithful to you. It may not be easy, it may be tempting to do otherwise, but I know that no matter what I experience, you are always there watching, guiding and protecting me. And I know that as i remain faithful to you, I will shine bright with you in your kingdom. Amen
Blessed Day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflection:
Daily Readings
Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Lectionary: 402
Reading 1
Let my eyes stream with tears
day and night, without rest,
Over the great destruction which overwhelms
the virgin daughter of my people,
over her incurable wound.
If I walk out into the field,
look! those slain by the sword;
If I enter the city,
look! those consumed by hunger.
Even the prophet and the priest
forage in a land they know not.Have you cast Judah off completely?
Is Zion loathsome to you?
Why have you struck us a blow
that cannot be healed?
We wait for peace, to no avail;
for a time of healing, but terror comes instead.
We recognize, O LORD, our wickedness,
the guilt of our fathers;
that we have sinned against you.
For your name’s sake spurn us not,
disgrace not the throne of your glory;
remember your covenant with us, and break it not.
Among the nations’ idols is there any that gives rain?
Or can the mere heavens send showers?
Is it not you alone, O LORD,
our God, to whom we look?
You alone have done all these things.
day and night, without rest,
Over the great destruction which overwhelms
the virgin daughter of my people,
over her incurable wound.
If I walk out into the field,
look! those slain by the sword;
If I enter the city,
look! those consumed by hunger.
Even the prophet and the priest
forage in a land they know not.Have you cast Judah off completely?
Is Zion loathsome to you?
Why have you struck us a blow
that cannot be healed?
We wait for peace, to no avail;
for a time of healing, but terror comes instead.
We recognize, O LORD, our wickedness,
the guilt of our fathers;
that we have sinned against you.
For your name’s sake spurn us not,
disgrace not the throne of your glory;
remember your covenant with us, and break it not.
Among the nations’ idols is there any that gives rain?
Or can the mere heavens send showers?
Is it not you alone, O LORD,
our God, to whom we look?
You alone have done all these things.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (9) For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
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. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
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. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
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. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
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. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Gospel
Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.
His disciples approached him and said,
“Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,
the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.
The weeds are the children of the Evil One,
and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.
The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire,
so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels,
and they will collect out of his Kingdom
all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.
They will throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun
in the Kingdom of their Father.
Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
His disciples approached him and said,
“Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,
the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.
The weeds are the children of the Evil One,
and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.
The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire,
so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels,
and they will collect out of his Kingdom
all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.
They will throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun
in the Kingdom of their Father.
Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
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