Newcomer

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051416.cfm) reminds me that God has plans for all, even the newcomers. 

In this world, newcomers are not always welcomed. They are not always given fair treatment and respect. Some bully them. Some give them minimal tasks. Some don't treat them well. However, it is good to know that God does not deal with us like this. He does not give undue favor to those who have been serving him versus newcomers. 

As we celebrate the feast of St Matthias, the newest member if the Apostles and the replacement of Judas, we are reminded of God's plans and wisdom. The first reading says that he has been with the apostles all the time. He has experienced what they did. He has learned from and has experienced Jesus. Even if he initially was not part of the apostles, God has plans and he became part and did a lot of work for God. 

God has plans. 

Sometimes we may feel like Matthias. Just sitting at the side, seeing people do things and wondering why we are not part of it. Sometimes we may feel we are capable, just not given the right opportunities. Even if people don't see the potential in us, God does. He sees what we can do. He sees what we can offer. And he has great plans for us. It may just take a while, like it did to Matthias, but nothing can stop God's perfect plans. 

May we learn to trust and patiently wait on God and his perfect plans for us. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to know you more. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for being impatient. Sorry for wanting things to happen my way, my time. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Help me have faith like St Matthias. Help me to just trust in your wisdom and plans. Help me to just continue loving and serving you, continue to absorb I can, until such time you call me for your purpose. Amen. 

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 14, 2016
Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
Lectionary: 564

Reading 1 Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters
(there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons
in the one place).
He said, “My brothers and sisters,
the Scripture had to be fulfilled
which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand
through the mouth of David, concerning Judas,
who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.
Judas was numbered among us
and was allotted a share in this ministry.
For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

Let his encampment become desolate,
and may no one dwell in it.
and:
May another take his office.

Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men
who accompanied us the whole time
the Lord Jesus came and went among us,
beginning from the baptism of John
until the day on which he was taken up from us,
become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas,
who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
Then they prayed,
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,
show which one of these two you have chosen
to take the place in this apostolic ministry
from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”
Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias,
and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.

Responsorial Psalm PS 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R. (8) The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high
and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor
To seat them with princes,
with the princes of his own people.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia See Jn 15:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.”

Another Chance

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051316.cfm) reminds me that God will give us opportunities to redeem ourselves. 

In Philippine street basketball, the term "rebanse" means that a losing team will be given a chance to redeem themselves. It means that the losing team will play another ballgame with the winners - a rematch to allow them to redeem themselves or take "revenge" for their loss. 

This is similar to what Jesus gave Peter in the gospel. 

When Jesus was arrested, Peter denied him three times. He left Jesus and denied him during the time Jesus needed his support the most. And after that, Peter felt so bad for what he did to Jesus.  So when Jesus rose again, he did not just tell Peter he is forgiven and asked him to work for God's kingdom. He first gave him a chance to redeem himself, to tell Jesus "I love you" three times, one for every time he denied Jesus. Then he was told to follow him. 

God gives us a chance to redeem ourselves, so we can be more confident and be more at peace with ourselves. Then he gives us a chance to follow him again.

Jesus also gives each one of us the chance to redeem ourselves. Our own rebanse from our sins towards him. He calls to live a right life, and when we fall, we have the sacrament of reconciliation where we can confess and receive forgiveness, so we can again follow Jesus. He calls us to serve him always. And even if we say no he continues to call us, until we say yes to him. 

God is not a "one-false-move-you-die" God. God is a God of second chances. One mistake will not be enough to keep you from following Him. He will always be the gracious winner, giving us a rebanse - a chance to redeem ourselves and do things right. 

May we always make the most out of the opportunity God gives us to be on track and live right with Him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another Friday. Thank you for being so generous and merciful. Lord, I thank you for being so patient with me. Thank you for loving me so much. Lord, thank you for always giving be a chance to redeem myself from my sins, from hurting you, and from saying no to you. Thank you for giving me a chance to be at peace with myself so I can love and serve you better. Help me make the most out of it. May I take every opportunity to get back to you and to be used by you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/04/another-chance.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/06/rebanse.html

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May 13, 2016
Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Lectionary: 301

Reading 1 Acts 25:13b-21

King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea
on a visit to Festus.
Since they spent several days there,
Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying,
“There is a man here left in custody by Felix.
When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.
I answered them that it was not Roman practice
to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers
and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.
So when they came together here, I made no delay;
the next day I took my seat on the tribunal
and ordered the man to be brought in.
His accusers stood around him,
but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.
Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion
and about a certain Jesus who had died
but who Paul claimed was alive.
Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy,
I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem
and there stand trial on these charges.
And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody
for the Emperor’s decision,
I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

Responsorial Psalm ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab

R. (19a) The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you his angels,
you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 14:26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Holy Spirit will teach you everything
and remind you of all I told you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 21:15-19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them,
he said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go.”
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.

And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Take Courage

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051216.cfm) reminds me that I should continue serving God especially when faced with challenges. 

A few weeks ago, I was talking to a friend, and she mentioned that she noticed that when you get closer to God, life seems to be more challenging. It seems that God is allowing you to be tested and pruned. This is true. God's ways are not our ways. While Children are usually rewarded for doing good - some parents give toys, food or something the child wants to make him or her feel rewarded for doing good, for studying well, for acting properly; God does not always act that way. We see in the first reading that God wants us to continue doing good even if he might not immediately reward us for the good we are doing.

Serving God does not stop after one good deed.

After Paul gave a testimony to the people, which could have caused him his life, God appeared to him. However, unlike a parent rewarding the child, God did not tell him to rest first. Instead, God told him to take courage, because he will continue to bear witness and suffer persecution in Rome. Working for God does not end after one good deed. God wants us to continue doing his work, especially despite the challenges that come with it.

Serving God is more powerful when done with love, despite the pain. 

God may not have directly affirmed Paul, but we know God is pleased. Service becomes more powerful if we continue to do it with love for God, despite the pain, challenges and discomfort we experience. God may not have immediately rewarded Paul, but we know the great reward waiting for him. This is important to remember, especially as we do God’s work. We may experience challenges one after another. We may think that God is mad or is not looking after us. We may even question what we do. Unlike Paul, we may not necessarily see or feel God, but we should take comfort in his words to Paul. In as much as Paul continued to suffer as he proclaimed God’s kingdom, we too should not be surprised if we continue to experience challenges and persecutions as we do God’s work.

May we take courage and continue doing God’s work despite the challenges that come with it.

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, as a human being, it’s hard to continue when I do not get affirmation and encouragement from you. I may sometimes question what’s happening and even doubt myself. But Lord, today you remind me to take courage and just continue doing your work. I ask that you continue to strengthen and guide me as I serve you. use me mightily, even if it will entail pain on me. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/05/aint-over-yet.html

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May 12, 2016
Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Lectionary: 300

Reading 1 Acts 22:30; 23:6-11

Wishing to determine the truth
about why Paul was being accused by the Jews,
the commander freed him
and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene.
Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.

Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees,
so he called out before the Sanhedrin,
“My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees;
I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.”
When he said this,
a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees,
and the group became divided.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection
or angels or spirits,
while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.
A great uproar occurred,
and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party
stood up and sharply argued,
“We find nothing wrong with this man.
Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”
The dispute was so serious that the commander,
afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them,
ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst
and take him into the compound.
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage.
For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,
so you must also bear witness in Rome.”

Responsorial Psalm PS 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. (1) Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 17:21

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 17:20-26

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.”

Blessed To Give

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051116.cfm) reminds me that it is a huge blessing to be able to give to others. 

Many people, if not all, like to get gifts. It is a great feeling to be reminded that someone cares enough and remembers to give you something. More than the actual gift, it is the thought that someone deemed you special and important. That is why on birthdays and special occasions, we look forward to receiving gifts. However, do we feel the same way when giving gifts?

The first reading shows us Paul quoting Jesus in saying “It is better to give than to receive.” Is this true? Well, most probably those who have been serving God can attest to this that it is more blessed to give, to be on the giving end and be used by God to reach out to people. In our community, those who have served and sponsored during a retreat can attest how more blessed it is to be on the giving end, to be serving others, than it is to receive these blessings from others. 

But on other things, is it true? It is really more blessed to give than to receive? I think so.

A candle loses nothing if as it lights another candle. Instead, is spreads light and enables another candle to shine bright for God, thus making the place a little brighter.

When we give, when we serve,  we are not only blessing others. We are not only making God’s love more alive in others.. because as we serve God, and as we do it well and properly, we also allow God to bless us. We cannot give what we do not have, so as we serve, we are telling God to fill us up first, give us graces, energy and love so that we can also share this with others. We are telling God we need healing too so we can be instruments of God’s healing to others. It may require more effort and energy on our part to serve… but we are sure that as we do so, we will be doubly blessed. We are serving a generous God who cannot be out-given!

May we be inspired and challenged to serve God, and expect blessings as we do so.

Am I serving God? In what ways? Do I like to give to others, or am I too lazy and just want to be on the receiving end of things? What excuses do I tell myself to justify me not serving God, or not giving my all to Him? Do I realize that as I give to others, as I serve to God, I will be more blessed, because God is a generous God, and he cannot be out given?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your word that reminds me and encourages me to give of myself for you. Lord, I pray that you change my heart and expand it so I would desire to give you more of myself. Magnify my service, Lord, so that as I give and serve you, your name would be glorified and your kingdom proclaimed. As I serve you, I ask you to fill me with everything I need – your love, peace, joy, healing and mercy, so that as I serve, these will overflow to others I am serving. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.hk/2015/05/blessed-to-give.html

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May 11, 2016
Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Lectionary: 299

Reading 1 Acts 20:28-38

At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus:
“Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock
of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers,
in which you tend the Church of God
that he acquired with his own Blood.
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you,
and they will not spare the flock.
And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth
to draw the disciples away after them.
So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day,
I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.
And now I commend you to God
and to that gracious word of his that can build you up
and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.
I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
You know well that these very hands
have served my needs and my companions.
In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort
we must help the weak,
and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
When he had finished speaking
he knelt down and prayed with them all.
They were all weeping loudly
as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,
for they were deeply distressed that he had said
that they would never see his face again.
Then they escorted him to the ship.

Responsorial Psalm PS 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab

R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Show forth, O God, your power,
the power, O God, with which you took our part;
For your temple in Jerusalem
let the kings bring you gifts.
R. Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,
chant praise to the Lord
who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.
Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:
“Confess the power of God!”
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Over Israel is his majesty;
his power is in the skies.
Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 17:17b-17a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Your word, O Lord, is truth;
consecrate us in the truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 17:11b-19

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name
that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we are one.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

Glorify God

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051016.cfm) reminds me of a concrete way to glorify God. 

We all say we love God. We all say we want to serve and glorify Him. However, sometimes we have different ideas of how to do these. Good thing in the gospel today, we are reminded of a concrete way to do it. 

Doing God's work glorifies God, no matter what that work is. 

Some say that end justifies the means. Some say this is true, but this is not absolute. Sometimes, the results are not always as important as the process. In the gospel, Jesus said that he glorified God by doing what God wanted him to do. He did not say he glorified God by converting half of the world, or proclaiming the gospel in 100 countries. No, he glorified God by accomplishing the work God had for Him.

Obedience is important to God, not just results.

God wants us to obey him and not just focus on the outcome. God wants us to follow his commandments, and did not set a minimum number of people converted, or minimum number of places where we preach his word. the results are actually dependent on Him. He can make our actions effective and powerful, no matter how simple and normal it may be. What he needs from us is to trust him, to obey him, and do what he tells us.

Merely obedience is not what he wants. Obedience go deeper. Obeying him is a sign of trust. We will only obey him if we trust him. Obedience is a sign of belief. We will only obey him if we believe in him. Obedience is a sign of love. We will only obey him if we love him. So when Jesus told us he glorified God by obeying him, he means more than that. He means deeper than that. As we obey him, we will be taken out of our comfort zone, and we would need to trust, believe and love God for us to successfully do this. Then we will glorify Him.

May we take time to pause and reflect to see if we obey him in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another Tuesday. Thank you for reminding me how I can glorify you. Thank you for knowing me and for giving me a chance to work for your kingdom. help me be like Jesus. May I be able to obey you as I live. may my life be a testament of my obedience, of my love, and of my faith in you. use me and my actions. May I bring people to you and glorify you with my simple actions done out of love and obedience to you. amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 10, 2016
Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Lectionary: 298

Reading 1 Acts 20:17-27

From Miletus Paul had the presbyters
of the Church at Ephesus summoned.
When they came to him, he addressed them,
“You know how I lived among you
the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia.
I served the Lord with all humility
and with the tears and trials that came to me
because of the plots of the Jews,
and I did not at all shrink from telling you
what was for your benefit,
or from teaching you in public or in your homes.
I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks
to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus.
But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.
What will happen to me there I do not know,
except that in one city after another
the Holy Spirit has been warning me
that imprisonment and hardships await me.
Yet I consider life of no importance to me,
if only I may finish my course
and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus,
to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace.

“But now I know that none of you
to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels
will ever see my face again.
And so I solemnly declare to you this day
that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you,
for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God.”

Responsorial Psalm PS 68:10-11, 20-21

R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance;
you restored the land when it languished;
Your flock settled in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed day by day be the Lord,
who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation.
God is a saving God for us;
the LORD, my Lord, controls the passageways of death.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 14:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I will ask the Father
and he will give you another Advocate
to be with you always.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 17:1-11a

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said,
“Father, the hour has come.
Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,
just as you gave him authority over all people,
so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.
Now this is eternal life,
that they should know you, the only true God,
and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
I glorified you on earth
by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.
Now glorify me, Father, with you,
with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world.
They belonged to you, and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now they know that everything you gave me is from you,
because the words you gave to me I have given to them,
and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you,
and they have believed that you sent me.
I pray for them.
I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me,
because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours
and everything of yours is mine,
and I have been glorified in them.
And now I will no longer be in the world,
but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.”

Take Courage

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/050916.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to take courage in this world. 

In school, upper class students are usually effective tutors and guides. This is because they themselves have experienced what the lower class students are gong through. They have experienced and they have overcome, so they have powerful stories to share on their experiences, and tips on how to win over the challenges. This is what Jesus has done, experienced things we are experiencing, so we can take inspiration from him and look up to him. 

Jesus is not the ruler of the world. He has told his disciples a lot of times that the enemy is the ruler of the world. But Jesus has conquered the world. In the gospel we see Jesus reminding his disciples, as he is reminding us today, that He has conquered the world. 

"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

We all have problems. We all have concerns. And as followers of Christ, we experience extra challenges in life, as we are not in the team of the king of the world. However, Jesus reminds us that we should just continue to trust in him, he may not be the ruler of the world, but he conquered, he is more powerful than the ruler of the world. 

Being on God's team may not exempt us from challenges, problems and persecutions of the world..but it gives us a very powerful support and protection as we face these things. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another monday. Thank you for another week. Lord, thank you for the reminder that you have conquered the world. Sorry for the times I lose my faith and focus in you. Sorry for giving up. As I live for you, I just have faith that you will always be there, and I know I am safe because you are bigger and more powerful than my problems and the enemy. I take courage and look up to you for you know what I am going through and you know what to do. I trust in you. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.hk/2015/05/peace-in-him.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.hk/2012/05/take-courage.html

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May 9, 2016
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Lectionary: 297

Reading 1 Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos was in Corinth,
Paul traveled through the interior of the country
and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples.
He said to them,
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”
They answered him,
“We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
He said, “How were you baptized?”
They replied, “With the baptism of John.”
Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance,
telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,
that is, in Jesus.”
When they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul laid his hands on them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Altogether there were about twelve men.

He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly
with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.

Responsorial Psalm PS 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab

R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;
as wax melts before the fire.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the LORD.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Col 3:1

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If then you were raised with Christ,
seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus,
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Build God's Kingdom

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/050816-ascension.cfm) reminds me that God wants me to build his kingdom on earth. 

As we celebrate the feast of Christ’s Ascension into heaven, we are reminded that we need to build God’s kingdom here on earth.

The Ascension is the culmination of Christ’s mission. After rising from the dead and appearing to his disciples, Jesus went back to be with God the Father in heaven. But before he did that, he gave his last instructions to his disciples – to go into the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.

God wants us to continue Jesus’ work here on earth.

As Christ ascended into heaven, he takes a back seat and asks us to take the frontline in proclaiming God’s kingdom. We are to spread the gospel, spread God’s love to the world. OF course, God is watching and is with us, but he wants us to do our part and act.

Christ died to save us from sin. And as redeemed children of God, we are asked to share this love, this blessing and this relationship we have with God to the whole world. to every creature. And just as signs accompanied the disciples as they preached the gospel, just as their actions were powerful in proclaiming God’s kingdom, so too are our actions powerful and important as we build God’s kingdom on earth. 

More than preaching the gospel or the bible, we should proclaim God’s kingdom with the way we live our lives. How we treat others, how we treat those annoying people in our lives, how we react to challenges and disappointments, how we act when we think no one can see us – these are all powerful testimonies, powerful ways of building Gods kingdom here on earth.

May we be willing and obedient to his command.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for another day to love and experience your love. Thank you for the gift of new life and new beginnings. Lord, thank you for loving me. I ask that you fill me with your love. Fill me to the overflowing so that it would be easier to share it with others. help me do my part. Help me share you to others, help me build your kingdom on earth. May my  actions and the way I live proclaim you and build your kingdom on earth. May I make your love more alive to others. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 8, 2016 - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Lectionary: 58

Reading 1 Acts 1:1-11

In the first book, Theophilus,
I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught
until the day he was taken up,
after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit
to the apostles whom he had chosen.
He presented himself alive to them
by many proofs after he had suffered,
appearing to them during forty days
and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While meeting with them,
he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem,
but to wait for “the promise of the Father
about which you have heard me speak;
for John baptized with water,
but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

When they had gathered together they asked him,
“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons
that the Father has established by his own authority.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
throughout Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.”
When he had said this, as they were looking on,
he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going,
suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
They said, “Men of Galilee,
why are you standing there looking at the sky?
This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven
will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For king of all the earth is God;
sing hymns of praise.
God reigns over the nations,
God sits upon his holy throne.
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 Eph 1:17-23

Brothers and sisters:
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
for us who believe,
in accord with the exercise of his great might:
which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead
and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,
far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,
and every name that is named
not only in this age but also in the one to come.
And he put all things beneath his feet
and gave him as head over all things to the church,
which is his body,
the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

or Heb 9:24-28; 10:19-23

Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands,
a copy of the true one, but heaven itself,
that he might now appear before God on our behalf.
Not that he might offer himself repeatedly,
as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary
with blood that is not his own;
if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly
from the foundation of the world.
But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages
to take away sin by his sacrifice.
Just as it is appointed that men and women die once,
and after this the judgment, so also Christ,
offered once to take away the sins of many,
will appear a second time, not to take away sin
but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since through the blood of Jesus
we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary
by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil,
that is, his flesh,
and since we have Aa great priest over the house of God, “
let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust,
with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience
and our bodies washed in pure water.
Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope,
for he who made the promise is trustworthy.

Alleluia Mt 28:19a, 20b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 24:46-53

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer
and rise from the dead on the third day
and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins,
would be preached in his name
to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things.
And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you;
but stay in the city
until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Then he led them out as far as Bethany,
raised his hands, and blessed them.
As he blessed them he parted from them
and was taken up to heaven.
They did him homage
and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

and they were continually in the temple praising God.