Still

The WORD today reminds me that in times of troubles, God wants me to be still and trust in Him. 

There was a time when I was applying for a job and I felt so scared before the interview. I did not feel confident because I was applying for a job different from what I was doing then, then I was told that I would be interviewed not only by the immediate head, but by her head as well. I was new to my faith community at this time, and while I was waiting to be interviewed, I suddenly remembered the song “still". It was one of the first christian songs I learned, and at that time, it just meant to much to remember how God is in control of everything, and we just have to be still and trust in him. It helped relax me a bit, though I was still nervous. Good thing the bosses were both nice during the interview. 

Being still in times of trouble is a sign of great faith in God.

In the gospel, Jesus was on a boat with his disciples when they encountered a violent storm. It must be so strong, since the disciples were mostly fishermen, yet they were so afraid they woke up Jesus, a son of a carpenter. How ironic. They may have lacked faith, but they had faith in him, since they knew Jesus can help them in the situation they are in. and eventually, Jesus calmed the storm. 

Jesus is asking us the same question he asked his disciples – why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?

Sometimes, we get overwhelmed by problems in this life. Sometimes we get stressed with the things happening around us. Sometimes we feel prayers cannot do anything with the situation and with powerful people we are faced with. However, Jesus is telling us to be still and have faith in him. To have faith in his love. To have faith in his power. If we have faith, we will not have time to be terrified or troubled. If we know how much God loves us, and how powerful he is, then no storm in life can bother us. We just have to trust him and surrender, and tell him to fight our battles. 

This message is perfect in this Pandemic situation we are in. We have lots of concerns, worries and fear. We do not know how long this will be. We are uncertain of our jobs and livelihood. It is easy to panic and worry - like the disciples in the boat. However, God tells us otherwise. Instead if frantically doing a lot of things, he wants us to he still. He wants us to just trust in him. He wants us to build and strengthen our relationship with him so we can hear him. So he can assure and remind us that despite how it seems, everything is under his control. We just need to trust in him. 

What are my concerns right now? What are worrying me? How do I feel about my problems and concerns? Do I still have faith in God? Do I believe he is still in control? What is God reminding me today? 

May we be inspired by the gospel, and be challenged and moved to build and strengthen our relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus directly affects our faith. As we get to know him more, as we experience his love and power, then our faith will be stronger. May we do our part, and seek him in prayer, bible reading and the sacraments to solidify our faith and relationship with him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the timely reminder. Thank you for reminding me of your great love and power. Sorry for the times I act like the disciples. Sorry for the times I get so stressed and scared of what is happening around me. sorry for the times that I know you are there beside me, but I still feel scared and stressed. Sorry for not having enough faith in you. help me strengthen my faith and my relationship with you. I will do my part and read the bible, pray more, and take the sacraments, and I ask you to help me strengthen my faith in you. may I always be still in times of trouble, knowing that you are always there protecting me. Having faith that you are fighting my battles as I surrender to you. And I ask that you surprise me with how powerful and loving and generous you are. In this pandemic situation, help me be still and know that you are still and always will be, God. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

• JUNE 27, 2022
• June 28, 2022
• JUNE 29, 2022

• Readings for the Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, bishop and martyr

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Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr

Lectionary: 378

Reading I

Am 3:1-8; 4:11-12

Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the LORD pronounces over you,
over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt:

            You alone have I favored,
                        more than all the families of the earth;
            Therefore I will punish you
                        for all your crimes.

            Do two walk together
                        unless they have agreed?
            Does a lion roar in the forest
                        when it has no prey?
            Does a young lion cry out from its den
                        unless it has seized something?
            Is a bird brought to earth by a snare
                        when there is no lure for it?
            Does a snare spring up from the ground
                        without catching anything?
            If the trumpet sounds in a city,
                        will the people not be frightened?
            If evil befalls a city,
                        has not the LORD caused it?
            Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing
                        without revealing his plan
                        to his servants, the prophets.

            The lion roars—
                        who will not be afraid!
            The Lord GOD speaks—
                        who will not prophesy!

            I brought upon you such upheaval
                        as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah:
                        you were like a brand plucked from the fire;
            Yet you returned not to me,
                        says the LORD.

            So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel!
                        and since I will deal thus with you,
                        prepare to meet your God, O Israel.

Responsorial Psalm

5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8

R.        (9a)  Lead me in your justice, Lord.
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
            no evil man remains with you;
            the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R.        Lead me in your justice, Lord.
You hate all evildoers;
            you destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
            the LORD abhors.
R.        Lead me in your justice, Lord.
But I, because of your abundant mercy,
            will enter your house;
I will worship at your holy temple
            in fear of you, O LORD.
R.        Lead me in your justice, Lord.
 

Alleluia

Psalm 130:5

R.        Alleluia, alleluia.
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
R.        Alleluia, alleluia.
 

Gospel

Mt 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea,
so that the boat was being swamped by waves;
but he was asleep.
They came and woke him, saying,
“Lord, save us!  We are perishing!”
He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”
Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea,
and there was great calm.
The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this,
whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

What It Takes

The WORD today reminds me of what it takes to follow God, and how serious it is. 

It is very hard to be an athlete. They train for hours to be the best in their sport. Not only that, it is actually a lifestyle. They eat proper food, get enough sleep, and skip late night activities and other things that will be bad for their training and conditioning. Serious stuff. They do a lot and give up a lot to be able to prepare well and be the best they can be. This should also be our attitude as we serve God.

In the gospel, Jesus is saying that serving God is serious. We see Jesus telling us what it takes. The scribe came to him, wanting to be his disciple. But he reminded him how challenging it will be. Animals have places to stay, Jesus the Son of Man do not. This just shows how unrewarding in the world this would be. Probably applicable to him since as a scribe, he is used to honors and in being important in society. You won’t get that with Jesus. On the other hand, The other disciple told Jesus that he would first take care of things at home. He is delaying responding to God. He has worldly things to take care of first. This reminds us that One’s obligations to family and social responsibilities should not get in the way of our serving God. Once we say yes to serving God, we should not look back at our old life, at other responsibilities, or anything that will hinder us from serving Him. 

This is what is takes to serve God, full focus on Him. 

There are times it is easy to serve God. When things are new and fun, when you’re serving with friends, when activities are nice and easy, it is very fun to serve God. However, we should continue serving Him when things change. When the demands at work are overwhelming, or when there are concerns in life – financial concerns, health concerns, relationship concerns, then it becomes a challenge serving God. We should serve him even if we are not rewarded by the world, or if we are not acknowledged and even judged by the world. This is the time our character is built. This is the time we really need to serve God. This is the time to focus on Him and not on other things that hinder us from serving Him.

Do I serve God in my life? How? Am I living my life pleasing to God and in accordance to his values? Do I seek worldly rewards and recognition as I serve God? Do I give excuses for not serving God? Do I delay in serving him? In what ways? What is he telling me today?

May we be inspired by the readings to take seriously serving God. 

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 another week. thank you for the reminder. Lord, thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Sorry for the times I do not serve you. Sorry for having lots of reasons and excuses for not serving you. Sorry for delaying serving you. And sorry for expecting rewards as I serve you. Lord, I will serve you because I love you. I know you call us to serve in different ways, and I pray that I would always be sensitive to the ways you are calling me to serve you. and when I hear you, help me be serious about it. Despite all the challenges and distractions, help me focus on you and serve you despite of everything. I know it will make you happy. As I serve you, use my service to bring glory to your name. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

• JUNE 26, 2022
• June 27, 2022
• JUNE 28, 2022

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Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 377

Reading I

Am 2:6-10, 13-16

Thus says the LORD:
For three crimes of Israel, and for four,
I will not revoke my word;
Because they sell the just man for silver,
and the poor man for a pair of sandals.
They trample the heads of the weak
into the dust of the earth,
and force the lowly out of the way.
Son and father go to the same prostitute,
profaning my holy name.
Upon garments taken in pledge
they recline beside any altar;
And the wine of those who have been fined
they drink in the house of their god.

Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorites before them,
who were as tall as the cedars,
and as strong as the oak trees.
I destroyed their fruit above,
and their roots beneath.
It was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt,
and who led you through the desert for forty years,
to occupy the land of the Amorites.

Beware, I will crush you into the ground
as a wagon crushes when laden with sheaves.
Flight shall perish from the swift,
and the strong man shall not retain his strength;
The warrior shall not save his life,
nor the bowman stand his ground;
The swift of foot shall not escape,
nor the horseman save his life.
And the most stouthearted of warriors
shall flee naked on that day, says the LORD.
 

Responsorial Psalm

50:16bc-17, 18-19, 20-21, 22-23

R. (22a) Remember this, you who never think of God.
“Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?”
R. Remember this, you who never think of God.
“When you see a thief, you keep pace with him,
and with adulterers you throw in your lot.
To your mouth you give free rein for evil,
you harness your tongue to deceit.”
R. Remember this, you who never think of God.
“You sit speaking against your brother;
against your mother’s son you spread rumors.
When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.”
R. Remember this, you who never think of God.
“Consider this, you who forget God,
lest I rend you and there be no one to rescue you.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
R. Remember this, you who never think of God.

Alleluia

Ps 95:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mt 8:18-22

When Jesus saw a crowd around him,
he gave orders to cross to the other shore.
A scribe approached and said to him,
“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”
Another of his disciples said to him,
“Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”
But Jesus answered him, “Follow me,
and let the dead bury their dead.”

No Looking Back

The WORD today reminds me that God wants us to keep moving forward as we serve Him. 

We have a saying that goes “Ang hindi marunong tumingin sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating sa paroroonan.” This shows that in our journey in life, it is important to know and remember where we came from, where we started, and not to forget our beginnings. However, in God’s kingdom, it may not always be best to look back as we move forward to serve him

Everyone in Christ is a new creation.

As we follow God, we are made new. The old self, with the sins, are left behind. This is why in the readings today, we see how God wants us not to look back as we follow Him. we should not look back to our old self and our sins, and just focus on Him, our new life, our new self, as we serve Him. It is said that we can’t serve two masters, so we should choose him and not our old self.

Once you decide to choose God, to follow Him, then it should be permanent.

No need to reminisce of your old life, or old decisions or sins. That will just open the doors to temptation and relapse. As we choose God, as we allow ourselves to be transformed, we should just let God use and mold us, and not look back to what we are before.

Change does not happen overnight. As we can see in the gospel, even his disciples’ temper is still on a rage. “Lord, you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” This must have been an exciting sight – but not a good one. This shows that from time to time, we will still fall, old habits will still manifest. But we should be humble enough and allow God to continue to change us as we focus on Him

As we live our new life in Christ, as we allow Him to mold and use us, may we not be tempted to look back at our old lives and just focus on what lies ahead. Let us keep moving forward towards him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for always reminding me. Thank you for the opportunities you constantly give me to serve you and to choose you. Thank you for reaching out to me. Sorry for the times I am not that serious in changing and shaping up for you. Sorry for half hearted decisions to do good and serve you. Lord, I pray that as I live, I may constantly choose you. May I never look back to my old self and accept the new person you are making me. As I serve you, may I choose to keep moving forward and focus on you as I follow you. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/03/stay-clean.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/10/stay-clean.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/10/dont-look-back.html 

Daily Readings

• JUNE 25, 2022
• June 26, 2022
• JUNE 27, 2022

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Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 99

Reading I

1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21

The LORD said to Elijah:
“You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah,
as prophet to succeed you.”

Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat,
as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen;
he was following the twelfth.
Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him.
Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said,
“Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,
and I will follow you.”
Elijah answered, “Go back!
Have I done anything to you?”
Elisha left him, and taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them;
he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh,
and gave it to his people to eat.
Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R (cf. 5a) You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
            I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
            you it is who hold fast my lot.”
R You are my inheritance, O Lord.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
            even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
            with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
            my body, too, abides in confidence
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
            nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R You are my inheritance, O Lord.
You will show me the path to life,
            fullness of joys in your presence,
            the delights at your right hand forever.
R You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Reading II

Gal 5:1, 13-18

Brothers and sisters:
For freedom Christ set us free;
so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters.
But do not use this freedom
as an opportunity for the flesh;
rather, serve one another through love.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement,
namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
But if you go on biting and devouring one another,
beware that you are not consumed by one another.

I say, then: live by the Spirit
and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
For the flesh has desires against the Spirit,
and the Spirit against the flesh;
these are opposed to each other,
so that you may not do what you want.
But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Alleluia

1 Sm 3:9; Jn 6:68c

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening;
you have the words of everlasting life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 9:51-62

When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled,
he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,
and he sent messengers ahead of him.
On the way they entered a Samaritan village
to prepare for his reception there,
but they would not welcome him
because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.
When the disciples James and John saw this they asked,
“Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven
to consume them?”
Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him,
“I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus answered him,
“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

And to another he said, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”
But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead.
But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
And another said, “I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”
To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”