Walk on Water

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080718.cfm) reminds me that I should always focus on Jesus. 

In the movie Happy Gilmore, the secret of Happy to get him focused and make a good shot is to think of a happy place. During stressful situations, he would think of a happy place to help him relax as he prepares for the shot, and it helps him. This is true as well for Peter Pan, when he says that people should just think of happy thoughts to be able to fly. In the gospel, we see something similar.

The disciples were on a boat when the sea got rough. They probably were not scared since most of them were fishermen. However, when they saw Jesus on water, they initially thought he was a ghost. Then when Jesus told them it was him, Peter asked Jesus to call him to the water. Jesus did, and Peter, full of faith in Jesus was able to walk on water. However, when he was distracted by the waves, and probably it sank into him he was walking on water and got worried. Then, he began to sink. But of course Jesus helped him when Peter cried out.

Keeping our eyes on Jesus will keep us above the challenges of life

I am sure we can relate to Peter. Sometimes, especially when we are spiritually high after a retreat or after experiencing something great from God, we feel we can do anything with God. Like Peter, we will leave our comfort zone and walk on water when Jesus tells us. However, sometimes this doesn’t last. When the spiritual high fades away, when we are back to the daily grind of life, or when we are faced with life’s challenges, we get scared and lose our focus on God. Then we cry out to God for help, and he always comes to our rescue.

God’s power is enough to sustain us. God’s love is so great. We just have to always focus on Him. We just always have to trust in him, especially when problems overwhelm us. Yes, situations may seem scary and overwhelming, but they will only affect us if we focus on them. No problem can weigh us down if we know that God’s love and power is bigger the these problems. As they say, all the water in the world cannot sink a ship unless they enter it. We should learn to keep them outside and focus on God as we face life.

What is the biggest problem I have right now? How do I feel about it? What am I doing about it? Do I have faith that God can and will help me, or do I stress myself out finding out solutions without putting God in the picture? Do i know that God wants me to just focus on Him and trust him? How can I increase my faith? 

May we be inspired and strengthened to be reminded of God’s love and power in our lives.

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 everything. Lord, sorry for the times I do not focus in you. Sorry for the times I focus on the problem. I am sorry for the times I let the water in my life, sorry for the times I let problems overwhelm and drown me. I ask that you help me always focus on you. always remind me of your love and power. help me to always fix my eyes on you and focus on you and not on anyone or anything else. I know that nothing is too big for you, and your love and power is greater than any problem or challenge in life.  Help me stay afloat and walk above the water. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/08/never-doubt-him.html

Daily Readings

August 7, 2018

Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 408

Reading 1 JER 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22

The following message came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel:
Write all the words I have spoken to you in a book.

For thus says the LORD:
Incurable is your wound,
grievous your bruise;
There is none to plead your cause,
no remedy for your running sore,
no healing for you.
All your lovers have forgotten you,
they do not seek you.
I struck you as an enemy would strike,
punished you cruelly;
Why cry out over your wound?
your pain is without relief.
Because of your great guilt,
your numerous sins,
I have done this to you.

Thus says the LORD:
See! I will restore the tents of Jacob,
his dwellings I will pity;
City shall be rebuilt upon hill,
and palace restored as it was.
From them will resound songs of praise,
the laughter of happy men.
I will make them not few, but many;
they will not be tiny, for I will glorify them.
His sons shall be as of old,
his assembly before me shall stand firm;
I will punish all his oppressors.
His leader shall be one of his own,
and his rulers shall come from his kin.
When I summon him, he shall approach me;
how else should one take the deadly risk
of approaching me? says the LORD.
You shall be my people,
and I will be your God.

Responsorial Psalm PS 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 AND 22-23

R. (17) The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
The nations shall revere your name, O LORD,
and all the kings of the earth your glory,
When the LORD has rebuilt Zion
and appeared in his glory;
When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute,
and not despised their prayer.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
Let this be written for the generation to come,
and let his future creatures praise the LORD:
"The LORD looked down from his holy height,
from heaven he beheld the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoners,
to release those doomed to die."
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
The children of your servants shall abide,
and their posterity shall continue in your presence,
That the name of the LORD may be declared on Zion;
and his praise, in Jerusalem,
When the peoples gather together
and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

Alleluia JN 1:49B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Rabbi, you are the Son of God;
you are the King of Israel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat
and precede him to the other side of the sea,
while he dismissed the crowds.
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them, walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.
"It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
Peter said to him in reply,
"Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
He said, "Come."
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him,
and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,
"Truly, you are the Son of God."

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.
When the men of that place recognized him,
they sent word to all the surrounding country.
People brought to him all those who were sick
and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak,
and as many as touched it were healed.

Or: MT 15:1-2, 10-14

Some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said,
"Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders?
They do not wash their hands when they eat a meal."
He summoned the crowd and said to them, "Hear and understand.
It is not what enters one's mouth that defiles the man;
but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one."
Then his disciples approached and said to him,
"Do you know that the Pharisees took offense
when they heard what you said?"
He said in reply, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted
will be uprooted.
Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind.
If a blind man leads a blind man,
both will fall into a pit.

Transfiguration 2018

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080618.cfm) reminds me of God’s great power and glory. 

As we celebrate the Feast the Transfiguration, I am reminded of God's great power and glory, and the readings beautifully illustrate it. 

In the first reading, we see how human words describe God’s power, glory and dominion. Such an amazing sight to see. We could only imagine how great and majestic it really was. This shows how great and powerful God is, and how powerful Jesus, the Son of Man is, receiving dominion, glory and kingship from God.

The second reading is Peter’s testament of what happened in the gospel. In the gospel, we see an account of Jesus’ transfiguration. Jesus chose to reveal a glimpse of his glory to three of his closest friends, the big three of the apostles – Peter, James and John. They saw Jesus transfigured, and saw Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets respectively, with him. What an amazing sight it must have been. Then to cap it off, they heard God’s voice – “This is my chosen Son, listen to Him.”  Probably they were thinking that Wow! this Jesus is indeed the real thing. 

We see how great and powerful God is. We see how anointed and glorious Jesus is. This should lead us to remember and be thankful to Jesus and God. God loves us so much that he sent his only Son to be separated with him in his glory and become one like us. How special we really are!

However, this should not end here. Knowing how great God is, knowing how glorious Jesus is, is not enough. Just as we excitingly share news of great leaders in our lives, we too should share God to others. In the latter part of the gospel, the three wanted to build tents and stay in the mountain. Of course, it was such a glorious sight, a spiritually high moment. But Jesus said no. Jesus asked them to come down the mountain. What does it tell us? Just as Jesus told the three to go down, we too should go back to reality. We should go back into the world and live the gospel. Preach the gospel. Share God to others. It is not enough that we know and experience how great God is. We should also go back and proclaim him to other people. That’s the challenge. That’s the work we need to do.

Do I believe God is really all powerful, all glorious? Do I know and appreciate how much God loves me? When do I experience God in a special way? Am I willing to go back to reality and work to proclaim his greatness? Where is he calling me to preach? How?

May we always remember how great and powerful God is, and may it lead us to share him to others.

Father God,

Thank you today. thank you for giving me another day to live and to serve you. Thank you for another week. Thank you for reminding me of how great the God I am serving. Lord, sorry for not sharing you to others. Sorry for not proclaiming you to others. Sorry for the times I forget how amazing you are. Hello me respond to your call. Alam ko mahirap, minsan gusto ko nalang magdasal mag isa, or masaya na ako sa experience ko sa iyo, or I just want to live right and not care about others. But Lord, I know you want me to act. I know you want me to move. I know you want me to make disciples for you. So I ask you Lord to give me faith to step out of my comfort zone and do what you want, so I can do my part in building your kingdom. Help me proclaim you in my life. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

August 6, 2018

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Lectionary: 614

Reading 1 DN 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched:

Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
his throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened and the books were opened.

As the visions during the night continued, I saw:

One like a Son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

R. (1a and 9a) The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

Reading 2 2 PT 1:16-19

Beloved:
We did not follow cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father
when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory,
"This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased."
We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven
while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.
You will do well to be attentive to it,
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Alleluia MT 17:5C

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 9:2-10

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John,
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
"Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
from the cloud came a voice,
"This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,
except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
So they kept the matter to themselves,
questioning what rising from the dead meant.

Bread Of Life

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080518.cfm) reminds me how powerful Jesus, the bread of life, is. 

Food gives energy. For people who train and exercise, it is important that they eat properly, so they would have nutrients and energy to train. When I eat properly before training and going to the gym, I feel that I have more energy to do physical activities. And when I don’t eat well or eat properly, I feel weak and not in the mood to exercise or train. In the first reading we see God feeding the people with this similar food. They never got hungry and had energy to do their work and continue in their journey. However, eventually they got tired of this and rebelled against God.

As the new testament is the fulfillment of the old testament, we see that Jesus in the new testament gives us the new version of the food from the old testament. In the gospel, we see something more important and nourishing than food. Jesus was telling people about a food more powerful and more important than the usual - Jesus, the bread of life. He will never make us hungry and thirsty.

Jesus gives us power to do great things for God’s kingdom, no matter what the cost is.

IF we focus on Jesus and partake of him, the bread of life, then we will always be nourished. We are blessed that as Catholics, we believe that the Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Christ, and not just a representation. And everytime during Mass, we have the opportunity to partake of it. As we take him it, as we allow him to consume us, we will never be hungry for God, and will never thirst for God, because he is always with us. He can always be with us if we let him. IF we have him in our lives, He can use us mightily to further his kingdom. We will know how important God’s kingdom is, compared to the here and now. 

Do I believe the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist? How hungry am I to receive him in the Eucharist? Do I make the most out of it? Do I prepare myself as I receive Him in the Holy Eucharist? Do I get energy and inspiration from God in the Eucharist?

May we make the most of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, and allow Jesus to consume us and use us.

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 the opportunity to be consumed by you in the Holy Eucharist. Lord, thank you for loving me and sharing your love and power with me. Sorry for not making the most out of the Eucharist. Sorry for not preparing myself to receive you. Sorry for complaining and for all my issues. Help me focus on you, the bread of life, as I live. May I have the desire to always partake of the Eucharist. Consume me, Lord and make me more and more like you. May my love and desire for you continue to grow day by day. AS I do so, I allow you to take over me and use me to further your kingdom. Amen

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

August 5, 2018

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 113

Reading 1 

EX 16:2-4, 12-15

The whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
The Israelites said to them,
"Would that we had died at the LORD's hand in the land of Egypt,
as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread!
But you had to lead us into this desert
to make the whole community die of famine!"

Then the LORD said to Moses,
"I will now rain down bread from heaven for you.
Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion;
thus will I test them,
to see whether they follow my instructions or not.

"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites.
Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh,
and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread,
so that you may know that I, the LORD, am your God."

In the evening quail came up and covered the camp.
In the morning a dew lay all about the camp,
and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desert
were fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground.
On seeing it, the Israelites asked one another, "What is this?"
for they did not know what it was.
But Moses told them,
"This is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat."

Responsorial Psalm PS 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54

R. (24b) The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
What we have heard and know,
and what our fathers have declared to us,
We will declare to the generation to come
the glorious deeds of the LORD and his strength
and the wonders that he wrought.
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
He commanded the skies above
and opened the doors of heaven;
he rained manna upon them for food
and gave them heavenly bread.
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
Man ate the bread of angels,
food he sent them in abundance.
And he brought them to his holy land,
to the mountains his right hand had won.
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.

Reading 2 EPH 4:17, 20-24

Brothers and sisters:
I declare and testify in the Lord
that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do,
in the futility of their minds;
that is not how you learned Christ,
assuming that you have heard of him and were taught in him,
as truth is in Jesus,
that you should put away the old self of your former way of life,
corrupted through deceitful desires,
and be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
and put on the new self,
created in God's way in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Alleluia MT 4:4B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
One does not live on bread alone,
but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 6:24-35

When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there,
they themselves got into boats
and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
And when they found him across the sea they said to him,
"Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered them and said,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
you are looking for me not because you saw signs
but because you ate the loaves and were filled.
Do not work for food that perishes
but for the food that endures for eternal life,
which the Son of Man will give you.
For on him the Father, God, has set his seal."
So they said to him,
"What can we do to accomplish the works of God?"
Jesus answered and said to them,
"This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."
So they said to him,
"What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
What can you do?
Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:
He gave them bread from heaven to eat."
So Jesus said to them,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world."

So they said to him,
"Sir, give us this bread always."
Jesus said to them,
"I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

Holy Courage

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080418.cfm) reminds me that I should have courage as I do God’s work. 

Some people equate courage with being brave. To not back down and be ready to fight in war and battles. In some sense, this is true. But it is more than that, especially when it comes to our spiritual life. That is what I am reminded of today. 

Courage is the will and decision to continue doing God's work despite of the powerful worldly opposition. 

We see people exhibiting that courage in the readings. Jeremiah proclaimed God's message even if the powerful people did not initially approve of it. Powerful priests and prophets were against him. They wanted him dead. However, He was brave and did God's work, even if it could cause him his life. In the gospel, John the Baptist also did the same. He preached God's word to the king and the powerful people, even if it put him in prison. These two did not let powerful people bring them down and prevent them from doing God's work. They had Holy Courage to go on and do His work despite powerful opposition. 

God wants us to be like that as well. 

Doing God's work is not easy. Proclaiming his message is not always exciting. Living his ways are not always rewarding. There are others, powerful in the world, who may threaten us, disrespect us, or entice us to stop following God and live of the world. However, we should take courage and trust that God will always be there for us no matter what. 

However, God's ways are not our ways. His plans may be different from ours. We need to trust him, but it does not guarantee it will get us what we want. Jeremiah was spared, but John the Baptist was killed. Both had courage and trusted in God, but different things happened to them. However, we should always remember that everything happens with God's permission, and God's plans are always perfect. So we just need to trust in Him in everything. 

How do I react when faced with powerful opposition? Do I trust God, especially at these times? Do I let powerful people intimidate me, or do I know my purpose and keep doing God’s work despite of this? How can I strengthen my faith and have more courage for God? 

May we be inspired to have courage as we do God's work, and trust in him all throughout. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for always being there for me. Lord, sorry for the times I don't trust you enough. Sorry for the times I back down when I experience opposition from the world. Help me to just focus on you. Help me have faith in you. Give me courage to do your work no matter what. Equip me and use me to further your kingdom here on earth. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/08/hes-got-you.html

Daily Readings

August 4, 2018

Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest
Lectionary: 406

Reading 1 

JER 26:11-16, 24

The priests and prophets said to the princes and to all the people,
"This man deserves death;
he has prophesied against this city,
as you have heard with your own ears."
Jeremiah gave this answer to the princes and all the people:
"It was the LORD who sent me to prophesy against this house and city
all that you have heard.
Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds;
listen to the voice of the LORD your God,
so that the LORD will repent of the evil with which he threatens you.
As for me, I am in your hands;
do with me what you think good and right.
But mark well: if you put me to death,
it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves,
on this city and its citizens.
For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you,
to speak all these things for you to hear."

Thereupon the princes and all the people
said to the priests and the prophets,
"This man does not deserve death;
it is in the name of the LORD, our God, that he speaks to us."

So Ahikam, son of Shaphan, protected Jeremiah,
so that he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Responsorial Psalm PS 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34

R. (14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Rescue me out of the mire; may I not sink!
may I be rescued from my foes,
and from the watery depths.
Let not the flood-waters overwhelm me,
nor the abyss swallow me up,
nor the pit close its mouth over me.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
But I am afflicted and in pain;
let your saving help, O God, protect me.
I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
"See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not."
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Alleluia MT 5:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants, "This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him."

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
for John had said to him,
"It is not lawful for you to have her."
Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people,
for they regarded him as a prophet.
But at a birthday celebration for Herod,
the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests
and delighted Herod so much
that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
Prompted by her mother, she said,
"Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist."
The king was distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.
His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl,
who took it to her mother.
His disciples came and took away the corpse
and buried him; and they went and told Jesus

Lack of Faith

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080318.cfm) reminds me that not having faith in God affects what he can do to and through us. 

A lot of times, we see Jesus telling people that their faith has saved them. In a number of times. Jesus even said that a faith so small like the mustard seed can do great things. God fills up what we lack in terms of faith. A lot of times, we see Jesus telling people that their faith has saved them. In a number of times. Jesus even said that a faith so small like the mustard seed can do great things. God fills up what we lack in terms of faith. However, in the gospel today, we see the power and importance of faith, ironically through the lack of it.

“And he did not work many mighty deeds there

because of their lack of faith”

Jesus went to his hometown, and the people, instead of being proud that Jesus came from there, belittled him and took offense at him. They did not believe that someone from their own could really be God’s Child. This lack of belief, this lack of faith, was the reason why Jesus did not do a lot of miracles. Yes, Jesus needs our faith. His love and power does not change, but our hearts and our lack of faith limits his power over us.

Our lack of faith limits God’s power over us.

I believe we are challenged by God. We are asked to look at ourselves and see what our heart says. There is no need and no benefit to doubt God. He is all loving and all powerful. We should always remember and believe this, no matter what situation we are in. 

Is my faith strong, or am I like the people who do not trust in God? When we pray, do we really have complete faith in God and his love and power, or do we just pray just in case God hears us? Is our faith strong enough to be willing to suffer for God? When God does not seem to hear us, do we have a humble heart and will still continue to serve Him, or do we walk away from him when we don’t get what we want?

May we work on our faith and build it, so we can have and develop a strong faith in God no matter what the situation may be. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the gift of faith. Sorry for not having enough faith in you, especially when situations are difficult. Sorry for not working on improving my faith and relationship with you. Lord, I ask that you help me strengthen my faith. I know faith is such a powerful and important aspect of my life, and I ask that you help me develop it. Kahit maliit, kahit mala mustard seed, I know it is enough, that it is a good start. May I have faith and may I be willing to suffer and still serve you because of that faith, knowing that your name will be glorified in everything. May i have faith in you especially during challenging situations. Your love and power are greater than anything.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

August 3, 2018

Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 405

Reading 1 JER 26:1-9

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim,
son of Josiah, king of Judah,
this message came from the LORD:
Thus says the LORD:
Stand in the court of the house of the LORD
and speak to the people of all the cities of Judah
who come to worship in the house of the LORD;
whatever I command you, tell them, and omit nothing.
Perhaps they will listen and turn back,
each from his evil way,
so that I may repent of the evil I have planned to inflict upon them
for their evil deeds.
Say to them: Thus says the LORD:
If you disobey me,
not living according to the law I placed before you
and not listening to the words of my servants the prophets,
whom I send you constantly though you do not obey them,
I will treat this house like Shiloh,
and make this the city to which all the nations of the earth
shall refer when cursing another.

Now the priests, the prophets, and all the people
heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the LORD.
When Jeremiah finished speaking
all that the LORD bade him speak to all the people,
the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying,
"You must be put to death!
Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD:
'This house shall be like Shiloh,' and
'This city shall be desolate and deserted'?"
And all the people gathered about Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm PS 69:5, 8-10, 14

R. (14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Those outnumber the hairs of my head
who hate me without cause.
Too many for my strength
are they who wrongfully are my enemies.
Must I restore what I did not steal?
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Since for your sake I bear insult,
and shame covers my face.
I have become an outcast to my brothers,
a stranger to my mother’s sons,
Because zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
But I pray to you, O LORD,
for the time of your favor, O God!
In your great kindness answer me
with your constant help.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Alleluia 1 PT 1:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The word of the Lord remains forever;
this is the word that has been proclaimed to you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.
They were astonished and said,
“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?
Is he not the carpenter’s son?
Is not his mother named Mary
and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
Are not his sisters all with us?
Where did this man get all this?”
And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and in his own house.”
And he did not work many mighty deeds there
because of their lack of faith.

Potter’s Hands

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080218.cfm) reminds me that I should always trust the Potter’s Hands. 

Masterpieces take time to complete. 

Masterpieces are not instantly done or achieved. No matter how beautiful they are, until it is finished, it seems to be of no purpose or value. Kulang. Parang pangit at walang kwenta. But when it is finished, one will be surprised with the outcome. The partial ugly part has become beautiful when combined with other parts. This is what God wants us to learn. 

We should always trust God's hands, for only he knows his plans. 

In the first reading, God told Jeremiah that as a potter can do anything to the clay, so can he do anything to us, his creations. He is God. We are his mere creations, and he has the right to do whatever he pleases. We should wholeheartedly allow him to. But we should be assured that he is making something great. It may be painful. It may take time. But he will not stop until he is satisfied with what he sees. Just as the potter will not stop until he sees a masterpiece. 

God knows what he is doing. 

Things may sometimes seem to not make any sense. Minsan parang walang saysay. Walang kwenta. Walang kabuluhan yung nararamdaman at pinagdadaanan natin. However, God just wants us to trust in Him. He sees everything. We can make sense of everything in his perfect time. We just need to have faith, because having faith makes it easier to bear these things. And having faith and allowing Him to do his will would make it easier to achieve his plans. 

God also knows when to stop. If a potter encounters hard clay, he would take that out of the clay so he can continue to mold it. In the gospel, Jesus says that the bad catch will be thrown away. God will do his best and never give up on us. But he is gentle. He will not force himself upon us. But when the time comes, he will give us what we want based on our lives - if we want to spend eternity with him, or away from him. 

How do I react when things does not go my way? How do I react when I do not understand what is happening in life? Do I trust God and his plans, or do I doubt? Do I cooperate with God and wait on him as I trust him, or do I take matters into my own hands? Am I patient with God’s plans? What is he telling me today?

May we learn to trust in God, especially when things do not seem to make sense. And may we always allow Him to take control, having faith that in his perfect time, his perfect plans will come into fruition. 

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, sorry for being hard headed. Sorry for not cooperating with you. Sorry for not trusting you enough. Sorry for not having faith in you when times are tough. Help me be an obedient clay. Help me be humble. Use me and do with me as you wish. I have faith that even if I cannot make sense of things now, you know what you are doing and you will take care of me. I trust you. And I allow you to mold me. Create a masterpiece in me. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

August 2, 2018

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 404

Reading 1 JER 18:1-6

This word came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
Rise up, be off to the potter's house;
there I will give you my message.
I went down to the potter's house and there he was,
working at the wheel.
Whenever the object of clay which he was making
turned out badly in his hand,
he tried again,
making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.
Then the word of the LORD came to me:
Can I not do to you, house of Israel,
as this potter has done? says the LORD.
Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter,
so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

Responsorial Psalm PS 146:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6AB

R. (5a) Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Put not your trust in princes,
in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.
When his spirit departs he returns to his earth;
on that day his plans perish.
R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD, his God.
Who made heaven and earth,
the sea and all that is in them.
R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia SEE ACTS 16:14B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Open our heart, O Lord,
to listen to the words of your Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 13:47-53

Jesus said to the disciples:
"The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea,
which collects fish of every kind.
When it is full they haul it ashore
and sit down to put what is good into buckets.
What is bad they throw away.
Thus it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous
and throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."

"Do you understand all these things?"
They answered, "Yes."
And he replied,
"Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven
is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom
both the new and the old."
When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

Pearl of Great Price

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080118.cfm) reminds me that I should be ready to give up everything for God. 

When I was in college, our chapel was named PGP chapel or Pearl of Great Price Chapel. initially I did not understand why it was named that way. Why a pearl? Why not Jesus, Mary, Joseph or one of the saints? Why is it valuable? Then when I came across the gospel, I understood why.

In the gospel, one would do anything to have the pearl of great price. One would sell everything to have the pearl of great price. Being valuable, having it comes with a great price. The price may be great and expensive, but it is reasonable and most importantly, attainable. That is why the people sold everything they had to be able to get hold of the treasure and the pearl. They found it worth their while that they were willing to let go of everything they had - all their possessions and their current treasures, to have the new found treasure.

This is what God wants from us, the readiness and willingness to give up anything and everything once we get to know Him. God wants us to let go of all the sins, of all the worldly attachments we are holding on to, so we can attain life with Him. so he can give us new life. God wants us to see him as worthy enough for us to give up everything we currently have just to have him.

In the first reading, we see why it a worth it. God said that if we return to him. If we humble ourselves, he will take care of us. He can do great things to us and through us. Also, the psalmist reminds us that God is our refuge. This is how great God is. That is why we should be ready to give up everything for our great God. 

How do I see God? Do I have faith in him? Do I trust him, at every situation I am in? Do I know and believe he is powerful and loving? What hinders me from giving everything to God?

May we find it in our heart to see God as that pearl of great price, and be willing to give up everything just for Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder and challenge. Thank you for another day to feel your love. Lord, sorry for the times I don't give you the importance that you deserve. May I see you like the how people in the gospel saw the treasures. May I recognize you. I pray that I would always seek you. May my heart always beat for you. may I always be ready and willing to give up everything worldly for you. and as I serve you, may I give you my best, because you deserve nothing less. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

August 1, 2018

Saint Alphonsus Liguouri, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 403

Reading 1 

JER 15:10, 16-21

Woe to me, mother, that you gave me birth!
a man of strife and contention to all the land!
I neither borrow nor lend,
yet all curse me.
When I found your words, I devoured them;
they became my joy and the happiness of my heart,
Because I bore your name,
O LORD, God of hosts.
I did not sit celebrating
in the circle of merrymakers;
Under the weight of your hand I sat alone
because you filled me with indignation.
Why is my pain continuous,
my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?
You have indeed become for me a treacherous brook,
whose waters do not abide!
Thus the LORD answered me:
If you repent, so that I restore you,
in my presence you shall stand;
If you bring forth the precious without the vile,
you shall be my mouthpiece.
Then it shall be they who turn to you,
and you shall not turn to them;
And I will make you toward this people
a solid wall of brass.
Though they fight against you,
they shall not prevail,
For I am with you,
to deliver and rescue you, says the LORD.
I will free you from the hand of the wicked,
and rescue you from the grasp of the violent.

Responsorial Psalm PS 59:2-3, 4, 10-11, 17, 18

R. (17d) God is my refuge on the day of distress.
Rescue me from my enemies, O my God;
from my adversaries defend me.
Rescue me from evildoers;
from bloodthirsty men save me.
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.
For behold, they lie in wait for my life;
mighty men come together against me,
Not for any offense or sin of mine, O LORD.
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.
O my strength! for you I watch;
for you, O God, are my stronghold,
As for my God, may his mercy go before me;
may he show me the fall of my foes.
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.
But I will sing of your strength
and revel at dawn in your mercy;
You have been my stronghold,
my refuge in the day of distress.
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.
O my strength! your praise will I sing;
for you, O God, are my stronghold,
my merciful God!
R. God is my refuge on the day of distress.

Alleluia JN 15:15B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I call you my friends, says the Lord,
for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 13:44-46

Jesus said to his disciples:
"The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,
which a person finds and hides again,
and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."