Just Because

The WORD today reminds me that God gives us blessings just because He loves us. 

I am a believer of “just because” gifts. You don’t need an occasion to give gifts. It is actually what makes the gift more special. You don’t need an occasion to give flowers or simple gifts to your love ones. Gifts should be given not out of duty for an occasion, but out of love. This is what Jesus did to the woman in the gospel.

Most probably, Jesus did not know who the woman was. The woman probably did not know who Jesus was, and did not even ask him to help her. Jesus just knows she is a widow, and after losing her only son, she now is considered very little in society(because women at that time get their identity from their husbands and their sons). That’s why Jesus had pity on her. She has no husband. She has no son. She was practically helpless. She was not only grieving, she was also probably afraid of what will happen to her. Afraid of how she will live. This was probably why Jesus healed the son and gave her back to her mother.

Just because.

God does to us as well. There are a lot of things we do not pray for. There are a lot of things we certainly do not deserve. Blessings abound, to the point that we don’t consider them blessings anymore. The mere fact we have work, can read and write, can eat – these are some blessings we sometimes take for granted, just because God has always given us these, and because we see these in others as well. But it is out of God’s love and goodness that we have these. Looking in our lives, we see other specific blessings – things we unexpectedly get, things we do not deserve, favors that go our way.. these things are reminders of God’s love and blessings, not because we ask for them or deserve them, but just because God loves us so much. 

What things or blessings do I sometimes take for granted? Why do I take these things for granted? What things and blessings have I received that I have not prayed for or asked God for? What do these things remind me of? 

May we be more conscious and aware of God’s “just because” blessings and gifts in our lives. And may it lead us to thank him and love him more.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another Tuesday. Thank you for my work, Lord. I thank you for my everyday blessings, especially those I do not deserve and pray for. Thank you for your great love for me, Lord. I am sorry for not being grateful and not appreciating these things. Sorry for forgetting you in times of distress and great problems. Sorry for not calling unto you. May I always be sensitive and may these things make me love you more. As you bless me, use me to bless others as well. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

September 13, 2022

Tuesday of Week 24; St. John Chrysostom

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FIRST READING

1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31a

Brothers and sisters:
As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one Body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. 

Now the body is not a single part, but many. 

Now you are Christ’s Body, and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated in the Church to be, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all Apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5

R. (3) We are his people: the sheep of his flock. 

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song. 

R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock. 

Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. 

R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; Give thanks to him; bless his name. 

R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock. 

For he is good, the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations. 

R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.

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ALLELUIA

Luke 7:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 7:11-17

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.