As Expected

The WORD today reminds me that I should not have a sense of entitlement as I do God's commands.

They say that younger people nowadays have a deep sense of entitlement. I have friends who complain about the attitudes of fresh graduates. They do not want to work for things, and they feel that they deserve good things. They feel they need to be rewarded for what they do. This is true actually for a lot of people, especially with our faith. When we pray, when we do good, when we live right, we sometimes feel that God should reward us, that we deserve good things in life, that God should give us our desires. This is something we need to take out.

We should not feel entitled to God’s blessings just because we do his work.

In the gospel, Jesus reminds us that servants should not expect thanks or acknowledgement from their masters for doing their work. They don’t get rewarded for doing their work. They work because they are supposed to work. This is how we should live our faith. When we do good, when we follow God’s commandments, when we do what he wants us to do, when we treat others right, we should not expect greater blessings. When we do God’s work, we should not compare ourselves with evil men and think that just as they get good things in life, much more should we get them as we do God’s work. 

We should do good simply because that's how we should live. 

God’s ways are different from the world. The devil, the ruler of the world, rewards his followers – the evil people in this world, with things of this world. money, fame, power. but all these are good only for this world. God is different. He rewards his faithful servants with greater things – things not of this world. He will reward us not with temporary, material things, but with eternal heavenly things.

We owe everything to God. He gave us all that we have. We cannot claim that we worked hard for what we have. We may have worked hard, we may have did our part, but it was God’s goodness and greatness that helped us get through. And when we give of ourselves to others, when we do good, when we live right, it should be our way of thanking God for everything. We should not feel entitled to certain things just because of these things. 

God is God, and we are his creations. The second reading says that we should bear our share of hardships as His children, but he gives us strength to do so. He may not be a demanding God, but he deserves every good we can give him through others. He may be a generous God, giving us more than we deserve, and blessing us even if we do not ask for it, but we should not let these things get in our head and forget who we are and who he is.

What is my attitude towards God? Do I feel entitled to God’s blessings just because I live right? Do I compare my life with others? Do I get mad when God does not give me what I pray for? 

May we always remember who God is, and be moved to serve him through others as our way of thanking and loving him – without expecting anything in return.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. thank you for another chance to love and serve you. thank you for all the blessings. Lord, I thank you for your goodness – that you continue to bless me even without me asking. Thank you for not waiting on me to pray for help, for blessings, and for protection. I am sorry for not being aware of your goodness and presence in my life. Sorry for taking your blessings for granted. Sorry for the times I feel entitled to blessings that I want, just because I am doing your work and being good to others. Help me rid myself of these thoughts and attitude. Help me focus on you. help me be aware of your presence, of your blessings, of your love in my life. And may this lead me to love and serve you through others, without expecting anything in return. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 6 2019

« 

October 5  |  October 7 »

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 141

Reading 1 HAB 1:2-3; 2:2-4

How long, O LORD?  I cry for help
 but you do not listen!
 I cry out to you, "Violence!"
 but you do not intervene.
 Why do you let me see ruin;
 why must I look at misery?
 Destruction and violence are before me;
 there is strife, and clamorous discord.
 Then the LORD answered me and said:
 Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets,
 so that one can read it readily.
 For the vision still has its time,
 presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint;
 if it delays, wait for it,
 it will surely come, it will not be late.
 The rash one has no integrity;
 but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.

Responsorial Psalm PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

R. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
 let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
 let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Come, let us bow down in worship;
 let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
 and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
 "Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
 as in the day of Massah in the desert,
Where your fathers tempted me;
 they tested me though they had seen my works."
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Reading 2 2 TM 1:6-8, 13-14

Beloved:
I remind you, to stir into flame
the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice
but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,
nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;
but bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God.

Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me,
in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit
that dwells within us.

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 LK 17:5-10

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
The Lord replied,
"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you would say to this mulberry tree,
'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

"Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
'Come here immediately and take your place at table'?
Would he not rather say to him,
'Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished'?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded,
say, 'We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

Generous God

The WORD today reminds me how generous God is.

In the gospel, we see Jesus' disciples returning to him happy because of a successful mission. they saw firsthand the power of God working through them. However, more than God being there to help them and enabling them to do great things in his name, Jesus reminds them that the real reason they should be happy is that their names are written in heaven. That is more than what the disciples wanted and expected.

God is generous. He cannot be out given. 

As long as we do what God asks us to do, as long as we remain faithful to Him, we will experience immense blessings, more than we can imagine. Why, is it God's reward for his good children? I believe it's more than that. It is more than a reward.  God only wants the best for us. He will not give us what we cannot handle - both with problems and with blessings. God gives these things to those who are ready to accept them, and following God and staying faithful to Him shows that we love him more than we love this world, and that we are ready to receive properly these blessings, for God is first in our lives.

Despite all the problems and challenges in life, may we remember that God's love and blessings is always more than what we need. May we always remember how generous and loving God is.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, sorry for the times I forget how generous you are. Sorry for the times I lose my focus on you. Sorry for getting weary in doing your work. Help me be faithful like the disciples. Help me be ready workers like them. Use me to do your work. Use me to make your love more real and more alive in this world. Transform me so I can love and serve others the way you want me to. I know that as I live my life for you, you will take care of everything. Use me for your glory. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 5 2019

« October 4  |  October 6 »

Saturday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 460

Reading 1 BAR 4:5-12, 27-29

Fear not, my people!
Remember, Israel,
You were sold to the nations
not for your destruction;
It was because you angered God
that you were handed over to your foes.
For you provoked your Maker
with sacrifices to demons, to no-gods;
You forsook the Eternal God who nourished you,
and you grieved Jerusalem who fostered you.
She indeed saw coming upon you
the anger of God; and she said:

"Hear, you neighbors of Zion!
God has brought great mourning upon me,
For I have seen the captivity
that the Eternal God has brought
upon my sons and daughters.
With joy I fostered them;
but with mourning and lament I let them go.
Let no one gloat over me, a widow,
bereft of many:
For the sins of my children I am left desolate,
because they turned from the law of God.

Fear not, my children; call out to God!
He who brought this upon you will remember you.
As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God,
turn now ten times the more to seek him;
For he who has brought disaster upon you
will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy."

Responsorial Psalm PS 69:33-35, 36-37

R.(34) The Lord listens to the poor.
“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.
Let the heavens and the earth praise him,
the seas and whatever moves in them!”
R. The Lord listens to the poor.
For God will save Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah.
They shall dwell in the land and own it,
and the descendants of his servants shall inherit it,
and those who love his name shall inhabit it.
R. The Lord listens to the poor.

Alleluia SEE MT 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 10:17-24

The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus,
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”
Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.  
Behold, I have given you the power
‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy
and nothing will harm you.
Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Turning to the disciples in private he said,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

Opportunities

The WORD today reminds me that God gives us opportunities to repent. 

There was a time where there were a lot of game shows in the Philippines. And one of the usual highlight of these shows is the host making the contestant choose between cash and the contents of a chosen box. Content could range from zero to one million. And in most cases, the host knows what is inside the box. That is why sometimes the amount of cash offered is proportionate to the amount in the box. Some contestants insist on choosing the box , and when the host knows that the amount in the box is zero, he usually gives opportunities for the contestant to change his mind and choose the cash. However, the show needs to end. And no matter how the host tries to persuade the contestant to change his mind, final answer will come from the contestant. This is similar to how God deals with us. 

God gives us opportunities to change our ways and choose him. He can try to persuade us, but the final decision is ours. 

In the gospel, Jesus reminds us that not all towns and people chose him. Not all repented. But he gave it all he can. He performed mighty deeds and actions in the hopes that the people will change their ways and realize who he is. He gave them a lot of opportunities to change and repent. But it does not last forever. Time will come that God will take note what they really want to happen - If they want to follow God or not. those who choose to ignore him will be punished. 

In the first reading, we saw that some people really disobeyed God. They did evil. They knew how great and loving God is. However, they did not change their hearts. They still disobeyed and did evil in his sight. 

In the same way that contestants are given opportunities to change their minds, God gives us opportunities as well. He sends us reminders. He sends us people. He uses different ways and different things to reminds us of who he is, to remind us of how we should act. However, he cannot force us. He cannot make us do something we don't want. He cannot save us if we don't want to be saved. He will honor our choice and will reward or punish us accordingly. 

How do I act towards God? How do I treat God? Do I love him and serve him? Or do I do evil in his sight and just do whatever I want to? What is he telling me today? 

May we be sensitive to God's reminders. And be moved into changing for, following and serving him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore you. Sorry for the times I choose to love myself more, to do my desires, even if they are not what you want. Help me be humble. Help me be sensitive. Help me choose you and live for you. Because I want to spend eternity with you. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 4 2019

« October 3  |  October 5 »

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lectionary: 459

Reading 1 BAR 1:15-22

During the Babylonian captivity, the exiles prayed:
"Justice is with the Lord, our God;
and we today are flushed with shame,
we men of Judah and citizens of Jerusalem,
that we, with our kings and rulers
and priests and prophets, and with our ancestors,
have sinned in the Lord's sight and disobeyed him.
We have neither heeded the voice of the Lord, our God,
nor followed the precepts which the Lord set before us.
From the time the Lord led our ancestors out of the land of Egypt
until the present day,
we have been disobedient to the Lord, our God,
and only too ready to disregard his voice.
And the evils and the curse that the Lord enjoined upon Moses, his servant,
at the time he led our ancestors forth from the land of Egypt
to give us the land flowing with milk and honey,
cling to us even today.
For we did not heed the voice of the Lord, our God,
in all the words of the prophets whom he sent us,
but each one of us went off
after the devices of his own wicked heart,
served other gods,
and did evil in the sight of the Lord, our God."

Responsorial Psalm PS 79:1B-2, 3-5, 8, 9

R.(9) For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple,
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
They have given the corpses of your servants
as food to the birds of heaven,
the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
They have poured out their blood like water
round about Jerusalem,
and there is no one to bury them.
We have become the reproach of our neighbors,
the scorn and derision of those around us.
O LORD, how long? Will you be angry forever?
Will your jealousy burn like fire?
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name's sake.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Alleluia PS 95:8

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

Gospel LK 10:13-16

Jesus said to them,
"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst
had been done in Tyre and Sidon,
they would long ago have repented,
sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon
at the judgment than for you.
And as for you, Capernaum, 'Will you be exalted to heaven?
You will go down to the netherworld.'
Whoever listens to you listens to me.
Whoever rejects you rejects me.
And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me

Go By Pairs

The WORD today reminds me of the importance of having support in our faith journey and as we serve God. 

The first reading reminds us that we should be joyful as we know God. As we understand him more and get to know him more, we should celebrate. We should be happy. The psalmist further emphasizes this, that God’s word should give us joy. However, it should not stop there. We should not keep him to ourselves. We should also share him with others. 

No man is an island. We are not made to be alone, that is why God created both man and woman. Probably, people who have experienced deep hurt in the past have the tendency to shy away from people – not wanting to get hurt again, unable to trust and love again. However, deep inside each and everyone of us has a longing and desire for companionship in our journey.

In the gospel, we see Jesus sending the disciples by pairs. We see how important and helpful it is to have someone to accompany you as you serve God and do his work. In a teambuilding I attended before, we were told that it is important and helpful to have someone to “run the race” with – to be with you, check up on you, encourage and support you, and pray for and with you in your journey of life, of the faith.

It is easier to travel when you have someone to be with you. It is easier to serve God when you have someone serving God with you. Challenges can weigh us down, but having someone there to support and encourage us makes it easier to face the challenges in life. Having someone to support you keeps you n the right track. Keeps you going. As they say, challenges are easier when shared, and success is sweeter when shared as well.

Do I value my relationships – with my family, friends, co-workers and significant other? Do I open up myself and allow others to enter my life? Do I have someone to run my race with – in life and in my serving God? Do I pray for God’s companion for me?

May we remember how important and helpful having a companion in our faith life is, and act as one when we get a chance. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me how important and helpful it is to have someone with me in this journey of life. Sorry for the times I'd rather be alone. Sorry for being proud and selfish. Lord, I pray that you help me open up myself to others. May I give importance to relationships, knowing that you are alive in each and every person that I meet. Lord, I ask that you also help me find the companion/s you have for me – people who would help, guide, support, encourage and pray for me as I live my life in serving you. Likewise, help me be a good faith companion to others when you want me to. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 3 2019

«

 October 2  |  October 4 »

Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 458

Reading 1 NEH 8:1-4A, 5-6, 7B-12

The whole people gathered as one in the open space before the Water Gate,
and they called upon Ezra the scribe
to bring forth the book of the law of Moses
which the LORD prescribed for Israel.
On the first day of the seventh month, therefore,
Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly,
which consisted of men, women,
and those children old enough to understand.
Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate,
he read out of the book from daybreak until midday,
in the presence of the men, the women,
and those children old enough to understand;
and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law.
Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform
that had been made for the occasion.
He opened the scroll
so that all the people might see it
(for he was standing higher up than any of the people);
and, as he opened it, all the people rose.
Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God,
and all the people, their hands raised high, answered,
"Amen, amen!"
Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD,
their faces to the ground.
As the people remained in their places,
Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God,
interpreting it so that all could understand what was read.
Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe
and the Levites who were instructing the people
said to all the people:
"Today is holy to the LORD your God.
Do not be sad, and do not weep"–
for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.
He said further:  "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks,
and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared;
for today is holy to our LORD.
Do not be saddened this day,
for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"
And the Levites quieted all the people, saying,
"Hush, for today is holy, and you must not be saddened."
Then all the people went to eat and drink,
to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy,
for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.

Responsorial Psalm PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. (9ab) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye;
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Alleluia MK 1:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 10:1-12

Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
'The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.'
Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."

Greatest

The WORD today reminds me who the greatest in God’s eyes is. 

A few years back, there was a movie about the life of Muhammad Ali, whom many considered one of if not the world’s greatest boxer, although today Floyd Mayweather insists he is the greatest. The theme song of the Ali movie  had the title. “The World’s Greatest”. He won many fights, he was a well-respected boxer in the ring, and his skills are superior… that’s why he is a great fighter.

God’s standards are usually opposite as those of the world’s. The greatest in God’s eyes are not the strong and mighty, but the dependent and childlike.

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples that a child is great in God’s eyes, and they should welcome and be like children. That they should humble themselves like the children. Back then, children together with women were the least in the society, so women and of course children are naturally humble because of their situation. 

Why is a child great? Because of his humility and nothingness. He knows he cannot do anything on his own, so he is fully dependent on his parents. Children does not only rely, but also obey their parents – even when they do not understand what the parents are asking them to do. The same way, God wants us to be like that, to know and remember that we really cannot do anything on our own… that we should be fully dependent and obedient on God, our father. This is something difficult, especially for successful and independent people who think they can do anything and can exist on their own.

If we know and accept our nothingness, and fully depend on God, then we are great. For it is when we humbly ask for His grace and guidance that we can be filled with everything God wants to give us. And when we are filled with God, then we are certainly great, for God is in us.

In the  first reading, we see that it is only by God’s graces can we receive blessings and provisions. Only when God’s hand is upon us can we receive great blessings. Not by our own merit. The psalmist reminds us not to forget God and all he has done. 

How do I see greatness? What is my perspective on greatness? Do I realize that God’s hand was upon me all my life? Do I humble myself before him? 

May we be reminded of what it takes to be great in God’s eyes, and do our best to be one.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Thank you for loving me and for blessing me. Lord, this gospel has been repeating a number of times these past few weeks, and I believe that you just want me to remember how important this is to you. Thank you for sending people in my life who remind me how much you love me and how special I am to you. Lord, I am sorry for the times I put you out of the picture, when I just rely on myself and do things on my own. Sorry for the times I focus too much on myself, how I can be great in the eyes of the world. Help me have the childlike attitude and faith that will always rely on you as I live. Help me live like your child so I can be great in your eyes. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 2 2019

«

 October 1  |  October 3 »

Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
Lectionary: 457/650

Reading 1 NEH 2:1-8

In the month Nisan of the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes,
when the wine was in my charge,
I took some and offered it to the king.
As I had never before been sad in his presence,
the king asked me, “Why do you look sad?
If you are not sick, you must be sad at heart.”
Though I was seized with great fear, I answered the king:
“May the king live forever!
How could I not look sad
when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins,
and its gates have been eaten out by fire?”
The king asked me, “What is it, then, that you wish?”
I prayed to the God of heaven and then answered the king:
“If it please the king,
and if your servant is deserving of your favor,
send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves,
to rebuild it.”
Then the king, and the queen seated beside him,
asked me how long my journey would take
and when I would return.
I set a date that was acceptable to him,
and the king agreed that I might go.

I asked the king further: “If it please the king,
let letters be given to me for the governors
of West-of-Euphrates,
that they may afford me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah;
also a letter for Asaph, the keeper of the royal park,
that he may give me wood for timbering the gates
of the temple-citadel and for the city wall
and the house that I shall occupy.”
The king granted my requests,
for the favoring hand of my God was upon me.

Responsorial Psalm PS 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

R. (6ab) Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!
By the streams of Babylon
we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
On the aspens of that land
we hung up our harps.
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!
Though there our captors asked of us
the lyrics of our songs,
And our despoilers urged us to be joyous:
"Sing for us the songs of Zion!"
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!
How could we sing a song of the LORD
in a foreign land?
If I forget you, Jerusalem,
may my right hand be forgotten!
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!
May my tongue cleave to my palate
if I remember you not,
If I place not Jerusalem
ahead of my joy.
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

Alleluia PS 103:21

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 18:1-5, 10

The disciples approached Jesus and said,
"Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?"
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."

He Is With Me

The WORD today reminds me that I should live my life proclaiming and showing how great God is. 

I am part of a Singles church group in the south, and the last line of our mission is a call to live a life proclaiming God and his greatness. We want others to see God living and alive in us, and would eventually want to be with us. This is similar to what we see in the first reading. 

In the first reading, we saw that people wanted to follow the disciples because they have heard that God is with them. 

How great it must have been. People coming up to them and telling them they want to be with them and go with them, for they heard God is with them. Their actions speak and proclaim God. Word got around that God is with them, and it drew people to them. We should live like this. 

Our lives should proclaim God. Our lives should remind people how great God is. Our lives should make God more alive and more real in this world. We should be ambassadors of Christ, proclaiming him to others not just with our words, but more importantly with our lives. We should live consistent with the gospel values. We should treat others right. We should find joy and peace in all situations.  

However, we will not always be able to do this. We will fail from time to time. As we see in the gospel, the temper of the apostles got the best of them. Even though they had the best teacher, they still fall from time to time. Moreso with us. We may not always be able to live his ways, but we should not stop trying, and instead pray more and ask more guidance and grace to do his will. 

How do I live my life? Do I realize that my life is a reflection of my faith? Do I proclaim God? In what way? How can I make God more concrete and more real? 

May we live a life proclaiming God and may our lives show others that God is always with us. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for giving me opportunities to share you to others. Lord, sorry for the times I do not live pleasing to you. Sorry for focusing only on myself and what I want. Sorry for forgetting you. Sorry for not proclaiming you. Help me live right. May other people see you in me. May my life proclaim your greatness and your goodness. Help me and use me. May others see how good and how loving you are by my life. May you always be proclaimed and glorified. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 1 2019

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 September 30  |  October 2 »

Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 456

Reading 1 ZEC 8:20-23

Thus says the LORD of hosts:
There shall yet come peoples,
the inhabitants of many cities;
and the inhabitants of one city shall approach those of another,
and say, "Come! let us go to implore the favor of the LORD";
and, "I too will go to seek the LORD."
Many peoples and strong nations shall come
to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem
and to implore the favor of the LORD.
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
In those days ten men of every nationality,
speaking different tongues, shall take hold,
yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of his garment and say,

"Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."

Responsorial Psalm PS 87:1B-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. (Zec 8:23) God is with us.
His foundation upon the holy mountains
the LORD loves:
The gates of Zion,
more than any dwelling of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God!
R. God is with us.
I tell of Egypt and Babylon
among those that know the LORD;
Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia:
“This man was born there.”
And of Zion they shall say:
 “One and all were born in her;
And he who has established her
is the Most High LORD.”
R. God is with us.
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:
“This man was born there.”
And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
“My home is within you.”
 R. God is with us.

AlleluiaMK 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:51-56

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