Perfect Love

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061819.cfm) reminds me that I should love perfectly, like God who loves especially the unlovable.

They say that no one is perfect. In reality, this is true. Everyone sins and has shortcomings. However, in the gospel, Jesus tells us that we can try to be perfect, just as God, our Heavenly Father, is perfect. We can love others they way God loves others, and be perfect like God.

Perfect love loves the unlovable

IT is easy to love those who love us. It is easy to do good to those who are good to us. It is easy to serve those who appreciate our service. Even criminals and thieves love their own. We see a “good” side of convicted criminals, thieves and corrupt officials when they signify their love for their children and family. They also love and protect their own. It is easy to do this because these people are also good to them. They need these people. And of course, especially as Filipinos, family has a special part in our hearts. However, God wants more from us, his children

In the first reading, we are also reminded of this. Paul reminds and encourages the Corinthians to love like the Macedonians. They loved even despite of their affliction. They loved even when it was not easy to. They were generous and had genuine concern for others despite having problems on their own. They did this because Jesus did this for us.

God wants us to love those unlovable.

God wants us to love The annoying person in the office. That someone who speaks ill of us. The person who does not affirm or acknowledge the good we are trying to do. The ungrateful person we have always been helping. The family member who always has something bad to say about us. It is easy to love those who love us, but God wants us to love these unlovable people in our lives. Just as the sun shines on the good and bad, and the rain nourishes the just and unjust, God wants us to love these unlovable people. For probably, the reason they are unlovable and they act this way is because they do not know love. They do not experience love. You can’t give what you don’t have, and if your life is not filled with love, then you cannot give love.

God has loved us before we were born, and will continue to love us. Let us soak that in, experience that love, and let it overflow in our lives – not just to the people who are easy to love, but more importantly to the unlovable people in our lives.

Who are the unlovable people in my life? How do I treat them? Do I ignore them or wish them ill? Can I imagine loving them? Am I loving them? How do I share God’s love to others?

May we be willing to be perfect and love like Jesus.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another chance to experience your love. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I am not willing to love others like you do. Sorry for not willing to expand my heart for others. Sorry for just loving those who are easy to love. I ask that you continue to love and fill me. And help me pass on that love to others – especially to the unlovable people in my life. May my actions make your love more alive and more real. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/03/love-unlovable.html

Daily Readings

June 18 2019

Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 366

Reading 1 2 COR 8:1-9

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, of the grace of God
that has been given to the churches of Macedonia,
for in a severe test of affliction,
the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty
overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
For according to their means, I can testify,
and beyond their means, spontaneously,
they begged us insistently for the favor of taking part
in the service to the holy ones,
and this, not as we expected,
but they gave themselves first to the Lord
and to us through the will of God,
so that we urged Titus that, as he had already begun,
he should also complete for you this gracious act also.
Now as you excel in every respect,
in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness,
and in the love we have for you,
may you excel in this gracious act also.

I say this not by way of command,
but to test the genuineness of your love
by your concern for others.
For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that for your sake he became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Responsorial Psalm PS 146:2, 5-6AB, 6C- 7, 8-9A

R.(1b) Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD, my soul!
I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
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. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD gives sight to the blind.
The LORD raises up those who were bowed down;
the LORD loves the just.
The LORD protects strangers.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 13:34

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I give you a new commandment:
love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Extra Mile

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061719.cfm) reminds me that God wants me to go the extra mile for Him and others.

Athletes push themselves to the limit, not because they want to hurt themselves, but because they want to improve on their craft. Great ball handlers do not stop there, but practice in learning how to handle the ball better. Great shooters don’t sit on their laurels, but exert extra effort before and after practice to shoot the ball and practice their craft. Runners push themselves to be faster and run better. They strive for greatness, and they are willing to push themselves to go the extra mile to elevate their game to the next level. This is also the attitude God wants from us as we serve him.

We should strive for greatness and push ourselves to go the extra mile as we serve God.

In the gospel, Jesus tells us to go the extra mile. Give more of ourselves. Give more to others – despite the hurt, pain or uncomfort it will bring. God wants us to do this not because he wants us to punish or hurt ourselves, but because he wants us to become great servants. He wants us to be more and more like him – willing to die of ourselves and let go of our comfort, and live for him, live for others

One naturally loves the self. We protect our self. We give our self what we need, what we want. However, God wants us to love him first. God wants us to put him first. With this comes loving and serving others, even at the expense of our own comfort. As we do this, as we love God more and as we love others more, God is pleased because we are becoming more and more like him – and it means we are on the right track in living our lives on earth in preparation to spend eternity with him

How do I love others? How do I love God? Do I give him just the extras, or do I give my best? Am I willing to go the extra mile for him, and not be contented with superficial love and service?

May we be ready and willing to go the extra mile in loving God and serving others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another week. Thank you for the beautiful reminder as I start my week. Lord, I am sorry for the times I put myself first. Sorry for the times I hold back from loving you and loving others when it is painful to me. Help me live the way you want me to. May I love you and serve you through others, despite all the pain it can bring me. help me go the extra mile for you. Make me more like you. amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/06/no-resistance.html

Daily Readings

June 17 2019

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 365

Reading 1 2 COR 6:1-10

Brothers and sisters:
As your fellow workers, we appeal to you
not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says:

In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.

Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
We cause no one to stumble in anything,
in order that no fault may be found with our ministry;
on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves
as ministers of God, through much endurance,
in afflictions, hardships, constraints,
beatings, imprisonments, riots,
labors, vigils, fasts;
by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness,
in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love, in truthful speech,
in the power of God;
with weapons of righteousness at the right and at the left;
through glory and dishonor, insult and praise.
We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful;
as unrecognized and yet acknowledged;
as dying and behold we live;
as chastised and yet not put to death;
as sorrowful yet always rejoicing;
as poor yet enriching many;
as having nothing and yet possessing all things.

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 2B, 3AB, 3CD-4

R.(2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
In the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

Alleluia PS 119:105

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A lamp to my feet is your word,
a light to my path.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one to him as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand him your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go with him for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."

Holy Trinity 2019

The WORD today (see  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061619.cfm) reminds me that I should have faith in the Holy Trinity.

People take interest with mysteries. Aliens, UFO's, paranormal, etc. There are a lot of shows that deal with mysteries and similar things. There are studies. There are people who devote a lot of time, effort and resources to study and know more about mysteries. However, as such, there are also a lot who don't believe in these things. They want scientific proof and evidences.

Today, we celebrate one of the greatest mysteries of our faith - The Holy Trinity

The readings today tells us of the Holy Trinity. In the first reading, we see the greatness of God the Father. And not only that, we saw that God the Son was with him from the start. He created everything. His hand is on everything that happened. He let things happen. As such, he deserves all the love and respect we can give him. In the second reading, we see the power of God the Holy Spirit, to be with us always and work through us. The Holy Spirit makes us children of God. By the Spirit, we can call God our father. And in the gospel we see Jesus, God the Son, tell us of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit, and that the Holy Spirit will be with us always.

Holy Trinity - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

God is everywhere. And God is with us always.

The psalmist reminds us that we are blessed, as we are God’s chosen people. But with it comes the responsibility to continue Jesus’ mission. We are to proclaim God and spread his kingdom. We are to do God’s work on earth. But we are to remember that we are not to do this alone. God is always with us through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Trinity is one of the mysteries of our faith that is very hard to explain and understand. Being a mystery, it is only a heart full of faith that can accept and understand this. We may not be able to explain it well, or may not be able to understand everything, but we just need to have faith.

Do I believe in the Holy Spirit? How is my relationship with God? Do I have doubts? What do i do about it? Do I pray and try to get to know him more?

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is one and all there for us. May we feel his presence in our lives, especially as we do his work.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for your greatness. Thank you for your power. Thank you for your love. And thank you that all these are for me. Help me Lord to do my best and work for you. Help me do your command and make disciples of all nations as I live on earth. Father God, as I live my life, I will not understand everything that is happening. I have questions and concerns. But Lord, I ask for faith that trusts in your love, trusts in the Holy Trinity, even if I cannot explain or understand. And I have faith that you will always be there to help, support, guide and protect me. May I live my life by faith and not by sight. In a special way, I lift up my parents. I ask that you continue to bless their relationship, and that you continue to guide them, keep them safe and healthy. Amen

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 16 2019

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Lectionary: 166

Reading 1 PRV 8:22-31

Thus says the wisdom of God:
"The LORD possessed me, the beginning of his ways,
the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago;
from of old I was poured forth,
at the first, before the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no fountains or springs of water;
before the mountains were settled into place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
while as yet the earth and fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world.

"When the Lord established the heavens I was there,
when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;
when he made firm the skies above,
when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth;
when he set for the sea its limit,
so that the waters should not transgress his command;
then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the human race."

Responsorial Psalm PS 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (2a)    O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place —
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet:
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

Reading 2 ROM 5:1-5

Brothers and sisters:
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith
to this grace in which we stand,
and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions,
knowing that affliction produces endurance,
and endurance, proven character,
and proven character, hope,
and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Alleluia CF. RV 1:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;
to God who is, who was, and who is to come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you."

All Things New

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061519.cfm) reminds me that God and his love makes all things new

We usually associate a fresh start during new year. We say that it is a year to change our ways. We have new years resolutions to be better and improve ourselves. However, today we are reminded that God gives this opportunity to us every day.

Sharing an excerpt of the first reading:

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation:

the old things have passed away;

behold, new things have come

God is fond of giving us a fresh start. Everyday, when we wake up, we are given a new day, a new chance to do good, an opportunity to do what is right in our lives. He does not keep a record of our wrongs and wait for us to prove we are sorry or we will do what is right. Instead, he gives us fresh opportunities everyday to do what is right. Everyone is given that – regardless of your attitude, of your faith or of your way of life. God gives all of us fresh opportunities and a fresh supply of his love everyday.

New things have come.

God’s love makes all things new. There is no one too bad that he can’t be loved. There is no sin so grave that can’t be forgiven. Whatever sins we have, whatever bad habits we harbor, whatever issues we have – is not enough to prevent God from loving us and giving us a new start. God’s love is like soap – it cleans everything that it touches. We just need to humble ourselves and go to God, and expect him to change us and make things new, make things clean.

How is my life? How is my relationship with God? Am I living in a way pleasing to God? Do I want to live right? Do I want a fresh start? Do I realize that God gives me opportunities to start fresh every day?

May we be aware of God’s love and his opportunities, and may we make the most out of these.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, thank you for your love. Thank you for your great love that can overcome anything. Sorry for the times I forget how much you love me. Sorry for the times I forget your great power. Sorry for running away from you. Lord, I pray that I humble myself and come to you. May I always allow you to love me so that I can experience and feel how real and how great your love for me is. And as I do so, I know that it will change me, it will change my life, and it will make things new and clean in my life. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/06/integrity.html

Daily Readings

June 15 2019

Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 364

Reading 1 2 COR 5:14-21

Brothers and sisters:
The love of Christ impels us,
once we have come to the conviction that one died for all;
therefore, all have died.
He indeed died for all,
so that those who live might no longer live for themselves
but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh;
even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh,
yet now we know him so no longer.
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come.
And all this is from God,
who has reconciled us to himself through Christ
and given us the ministry of reconciliation,
namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
not counting their trespasses against them
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
So we are ambassadors for Christ,
as if God were appealing through us.
We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

Responsorial Psalm PS 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

R.(8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.
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 is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
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 is kind and merciful.

AlleluiaPS 119:36A, 29B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees;
and favor me with your law.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 5:33-37

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
Do not take a false oath,
but make good to the Lord all that you vow.
But I say to you, do not swear at all;
not by heaven, for it is God's throne;
nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;
nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Do not swear by your head,
for you cannot make a single hair white or black.
Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.'
Anything more is from the Evil One."

He Lives in Me

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061419.cfm) reminds me that God, my Father, lives in me.

In the musical “The Lion King”, there is a song  titled “He Lives in You” wherein the son, Simba, is reminded that his king-father, who died already, lives in him, and that he is watching over and guiding him. This reminder is something that strengthened him as he was facing his own battles and as he was preparing to live the great life destined for him

I believe this is also what God is reminding us today. He lives in you. He lives in me. He lives in us.

Life is not easy. It will never be. But God promises that he lives in us, that he is with us as we face life’s challenges

We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;

perplexed, but not driven to despair;

persecuted, but not abandoned;

struck down, but not destroyed;

always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus

As God lives in us, we are reminded to bring back the glory to Him.

…  may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God

God lives in us.  What a thought, right? The all-powerful, all loving God, who created everything, lives in us. He is with us, guiding us in life, giving us hope. Life may bring us down, it may make things hard for us, but we will not be defeated, because God lives in us.

However, we should always remember to bring back the glory to him. We should always remember to honor him. God helps us and blesses us not just because he loves us, but also so we can help and bless other people too. We should not be too proud of our accomplishments. We should not be too insensitive to others. We should glorify God and share him to others by sharing his goodness and blessings.

What challenges am I facing right now? How do I react to these challenges? Do I stress myself out, or do I get strength from God? Do I realize that He is always with me?

May we take comfort in that thought, and as He lives in us, may we live to glorify Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me that you live in me. Sorry for forgetting this. Sorry for forgetting you. Lord, life sometimes gets overwhelming that I am not able to put things in its proper perspective. I pray that I always remember that you live in me, that you are with me with whatever I am facing right now, that you are with me as I face life’s challenges. I pray that I be aware that it is you who gives me strength and the one who makes sure life does not defeat me. And as I win over life’s challenges, may I always glorify you. May I remind others of your great love for me and for all. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 14 2019

Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 363

Reading 1 2 COR 4:7-15

Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, AI believed, therefore I spoke,"
we too believe and therefore speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

Responsorial Psalm PS 116:10-11, 15-16, 17-18

R.(17a) To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I believed, even when I said,
"I am greatly afflicted";
I said in my alarm,
"No man is dependable."
R. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Precious in the eyes of the LORD
is the death of his faithful ones.
O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;
you have loosed my bonds.
R. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
or:
R. Alleluia.
To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
My vows to the LORD I will pay
in the presence of all his people.
R. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
or:
R. Alleluia.

AlleluiaPHIL 2:15D, 16A

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Shine like lights in the world,
as you hold on to the word of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 5:27-32

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.
But I say to you,
everyone who looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye causes you to sin,
tear it out and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one of your members
than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna.
And if your right hand causes you to sin,
cut it off and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one of your members
than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.

"It was also said,
Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.
But I say to you,
whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful)
causes her to commit adultery,
and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Higher Standards

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061319.cfm) reminds me that God wants me to have higher standards as I live for Him.

In some schools, there is an honors class. The brightest students of the batch are gathered in one class. Usually, teachers expect more from them. They have more difficult examinations, homeworks and projects. Sometimes, they have different or more advanced lessons too. This is why participants in competitions are usually taken from this class.

God wants us to be in this class as well - on our spiritual life.

In the gospel, Jesus tells us that God wants more from us. Like the students in the honors class, we are subjected to the same things as all human beings. However, just as the expectations from the honor students are higher, God also expects more from us who are following Him. God expects more from his children.

Killing is bad, we all know that. But in the gospel, Jesus tells us that even just getting angry is bad – because it can eventually grow into something more, which could eventually lead into killing. God wants a higher standard for us, that instead of just not killing, we should not allow ourselves to be tempted into even thinking of that. This is not just with killing – it is true with other aspects of our lives as well, with our prayer life, almsgiving, forgiveness, chastity, and concern for others.

God expects more from us because as followers of God, we should know God more. We should experience his love more. We should be more aware of his goodness and blessings in our lives more. We should have a better and deeper relationship with God. As such, as we know him more, we should be moved to live pleasing to him. We should be moved to live his teachings.

In the gospel, we also see that before offering anything to God, we should first reconcile with others who we have conflict with. This means that God wants us to come to him clean and in the best possible state we can. God is more concerned with our heart rather than our offering to him. We can fast and offer sacrifices, but if we hold grudges against others, if we keep ill feelings, and if we withhold expressions of love to others, then our fasting will not be as pleasing to him. Again, higher standards for us, his children.

How do I live? Am I living right and pleasing to God? Do I harbor ill feelings or thoughts against others? How can I improve my life and relationship with others?

May we be inspired to have higher standards of living for God, and be up for the challenge of living it. Just as the students in the honors class are usually sent to competitions, may we be ready and willing to prepare, so God can send us to spread his love and kingdom on earth

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another day to experience your love. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I do not follow this. Sorry for being lazy and complacent. Sorry for not living pleasing to you. Lord, I ask that you help me live in a way you want me to. Help me live with higher standards, not to show that I am better than others, but to tell you just how much I love you. Help me be ready and willing to go the extra mile, to do the extra actions, so my life would be more pleasing to you. Help me and use me to build your kingdom on earth. amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 13 2019

Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 362

Reading 1 2 COR 3:15—4:1, 3-6

Brothers and sisters:
To this day, whenever Moses is read,
a veil lies over the hearts of the children of Israel,
but whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed.
Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.
All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,
as from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us,
we are not discouraged.
And even though our Gospel is veiled,
it is veiled for those who are perishing,
in whose case the god of this age
has blinded the minds of the unbelievers,
so that they may not see the light of the Gospel
of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord,
and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus.
For God who said, Let light shine out of darkness,
has shone in our hearts to bring to light
the knowledge of the glory of God
on the face of Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm PS 85:9AB AND 10, 11-12, 13-14

R.(see 10b) The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.

Alleluia JN 13:34

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I give you a new commandment:
love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
"I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother,
'Raqa,' will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."