The WORD today reminds me that I should have the right reasons in looking for God.
There are a lot of church groups nowadays, which is very good. These groups and organizations help us know God more. They help us learn more about our faith and how we could live them. However, not all have the right reasons when attending these gatherings or joining these groups, especially pre pandemic. some people join and attend gatherings not because they are looking for God and want to improve their faith, but because they are looking for new friends, especially from the opposite sex who they can go on a date with. Some are looking to expand their network. This is probably the same as Herod’s reasons in the gospel.
Herod kept trying to see Jesus.
Why? Because he probably wanted to know who Jesus was, and what the fuss was all about. He probably wanted to know if what the people were saying are true. There could be many reasons why Herod was looking for Jesus. However, what’s more important is our reasons for looking for Jesus – if we are looking for Him in the first place.
Why should we look for Jesus? Jesus is anything and everything we need. He is the Son of God. He is able. He loves us. We just need to seek him and humbly come to him, surrendering ourselves to him. IF we seek him, we will find him, if we seek him with all of our heart (Jeremiah 29:13)
Finding Jesus is not enough. After finding Jesus, we should spread him to others
All of us have gifts, talents and skills given by God to be used for His purpose, to further his kingdom. Time spent in the internet, browsing social media sites and watching videos can be used to instead pray, read the bible, and strengthen our relationship with God. Skills used for work and business may also be used in medical missions, outreach, or fundraising activities to build God's kingdom. Connections in government and society may be used not just for our own benefit, but to benefit others who need to feel and be reminded of God's love on earth.
Do I look for God in my life? Is he present in my life? How do I use my skills, talents and resources? Do I use them to spread God’s kingdom? Do I look for God? Do I consider him in my decisions?
May we do our part and look for Jesus, and when we find him, may we be generous enough to share him with others.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I don't look for you. Sorry for the times I have the wrong reasons for searching for you. Help me look for your with all of my heart, Lord. May I take the time off to really look hard for you and search for you. and I know if I look for you with all of my heart, I will find you. As I find you and experience you, may I share you to others. Help me use my skills and talents for your kingdom. Help me be more aware and help me use them for your purpose and your glory. Amen.
Blessed Day!
In Christ,
-g-
Daily Readings
Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 452
Reading 1
Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth,
vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!
What profit has man from all the labor
which he toils at under the sun?
One generation passes and another comes,
but the world forever stays.
The sun rises and the sun goes down;
then it presses on to the place where it rises.
Blowing now toward the south, then toward the north,
the wind turns again and again, resuming its rounds.
All rivers go to the sea,
yet never does the sea become full.
To the place where they go,
the rivers keep on going.
All speech is labored;
there is nothing one can say.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing
nor is the ear satisfied with hearing.
What has been, that will be;
what has been done, that will be done.
Nothing is new under the sun.
Even the thing of which we say, “See, this is new!”
has already existed in the ages that preceded us.
There is no remembrance of the men of old;
nor of those to come will there be any remembrance
among those who come after them.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,
Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
Prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,
Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
Prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening,
and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,
“John has been raised from the dead”;
others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”;
still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”
But Herod said, “John I beheaded.
Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
And he kept trying to see him.
and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,
“John has been raised from the dead”;
others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”;
still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”
But Herod said, “John I beheaded.
Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
And he kept trying to see him.
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