Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Fraternal Correction


The WORD today reminds me that correction should be founded in love. 

One should confront not to blame or find fault, but to heal and improve. 

This should be our attitude when we confront others. We should not confront or find fault to humiliate others, or to show that we are better than them. We should confront to show love. To help others improve and be better. This is what God wants us to do, and this is how he wants us to deal with others.

It is easy to find fault in others. And if there is hate, or bitterness towards the person, it is easy to broadcast the fault in the person. Some can disguise it as concern, but it actually can be done in bad faith. It is easy to call out the mistake, especially when there are other people witnessing. However, this should not be done as we relate to others.

Correction should be founded on love.

The gospel shows us the anchor verse on fraternal correction. This is how correction or confrontation should be done. In secret first – bring it to the attention of the person directly. Then if nothing is done, call other witnesses, or people who has authority. Then if the person still does not listen, bring it to the church. Then if nothing is done, then it is probably the person making a decision to be outcast from others.

Correction should not be done to humiliate, but should be an expression of love - to let others know we love them too much to let them stay that way. That we want to genuinely help to improve them. Let us always keep this in mind. 

How do I feel about correcting others? How do I approach others when I correct them and give them feedback? What are my intentions?  Do I come with love and pure intentions? 

May we be reminded how to treat confrontation, and as we confront others, may our actions always be founded on love. 

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 the times I am quick to judge others. Sorry for the times I silently rejoice in the sins and imperfections of others. Sorry for being quick to point out the imperfections of others. Help me be like you. help me see them as you see me. Help me forgive them as you always forgive me. Help me love them as you tirelessly love me. May my actions always be founded on love. amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-
August 12, 2020
Wednesday of Week 19; St. Stanislaus Kostka
FIRST READING
The LORD cried loud for me to hear: Come, you scourges of the city! With that I saw six men coming from the direction of the upper gate which faces the north, each with a destroying weapon in his hand. In their midst was a man dressed in linen, with a writer’s case at his waist. They entered and stood beside the bronze altar. Then he called to the man dressed in linen with the writer’s case at his waist, saying to him: Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and mark a “Thau” on the foreheads of those who moan and groan over all the abominations that are practiced within it. To the others I heard the LORD say: Pass through the city after him and strike! Do not look on them with pity nor show any mercy! Old men, youths and maidens, women and children–wipe them out! But do not touch any marked with the “Thau”; begin at my sanctuary. So they began with the men, the elders, who were in front of the temple. Defile the temple, he said to them, and fill the courts with the slain; then go out and strike in the city.

Then the glory of the LORD left the threshold of the temple and rested upon the cherubim. These lifted their wings, and I saw them rise from the earth, the wheels rising along with them. They stood at the entrance of the eastern gate of the LORD’s house, and the glory of the God of Israel was up above them. Then the cherubim lifted their wings, and the wheels went along with them, while up above them was the glory of the God of Israel.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. (4b) The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forever.

R. (4b) The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.
or:
R. Alleluia.

From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the LORD to be praised. High above all nations is the LORD; above the heavens is his glory.

R. (4b) The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high, and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?

R. (4b) The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Jesus said to his disciples:
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

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Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Sweet to the Mouth


The WORD today inspires me to work on my faith until God's words become sweet to my mouth and my soul. 


Children generally like sweets. Candies, chocolates, cakes, ice cream – these are happy food for children. I remember the lyrics of a song by 50 cent – “I love you like a fat kid love cake.” And even for a lot of adult people like me, these are comfort food until now – food we don’t really want to eat because of the calories that make us gain unwanted weight, but when stressed or tired, generally make us feel happy. Comfort food. Reward food. Happy food. This is how we should feel about God's words. 

In the first reading, we see how sweet God’s word is to the mouth.

He said to me: Son of man, eat what is before you; eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth and he gave me the scroll to eat. Son of man, he then said to me, feed your belly and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you. I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.

And in the psalm, we continue to see declaration of how sweet God’s promise is.

R. How sweet to my taste is your promise! 

How sweet to my palate are your promises, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 

Wow, How sweet God’s word is. How sweet his promises are. When he says he has great plans for us, that should be sweet. When he says he will always be there for us, to bless and protect us, that is sweet. When he says with Him, nothing is impossible, that is sweet. When he says that he will give us eternal life, that is sweet. His word, the bible, is full of sweet promises. Inspiring words. Strengthening and encouraging us to move forward and face the challenges. But we need to know it. We need to read and understand, so we would know and feel it alive in our lives.

The gospel tell us how this can happen. How we can be so excited to hear and know god's words. We should be like children. Childlike faith. That will trust in God's words. That will Trust in God's promises. That will focus on and listen to God, not on what is happening around us. 

 What is happening nowadays may not be sweet. Pandemic is very much alive in our country. Government does not seem to have a plan or doesn’t seem to care as much, and are more concerned on other matters. Allegations of billions worth of corruption are there. However, in as much as these are present, God is present as well. His words tell us that he is still in control. That he loves us. That he has plans for us. We should just continue to have faith, and continue to let his sweet words sustain us and move us forward. 

How do we see God’s word? How do we feel when we hear God’s promises to us? Are we too busy to read God’s word, or do we give it it’s due importance in life? when God tells us he has great plans for us, and he promises salvation to those who come to him, do we feel impatient because we don’t want to wait for it to happen? Do we feel anxious because these may not be what we want to happen in our lives? Or do we feel excited, and feel want more of his word and his promises?

May we be inspired and challenged to work on our faith on and relationship with God, so his words will always be sweet not only to our mouth but to our soul as well. 


Father God,
Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to love you, to feel you, to get closer to you. Lord, I am sorry for not giving importance to you and your word. Sorry for justifying my not being able to read and bask in your word with my being busy and tired. Help me feel and realize your sweet words in my life. Grant me a heart Lord that would always want you and desire you. May I have childlike faith and heart, that your every word and promise would be sweet to me. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
See related reflection:

August 11, 2020
Tuesday of Week 19; St. Clare
FIRST READING

The Lord GOD said to me:
As for you, son of man, obey me when I speak to you: be not rebellious like this house of rebellion, but open your mouth and eat what I shall give you.

It was then I saw a hand stretched out to me, in which was a written scroll which he unrolled before me. It was covered with writing front and back, and written on it was: Lamentation and wailing and woe!

He said to me: Son of man, eat what is before you; eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth and he gave me the scroll to eat. Son of man, he then said to me, feed your belly and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you. I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. He said: Son of man, go now to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. (103a) How sweet to my taste is your promise!

In the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches.

R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!

Yes, your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors.

R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!

The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!

How sweet to my palate are your promises, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!

Your decrees are my inheritance forever; the joy of my heart they are.

R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!

I gasp with open mouth, in my yearning for your commands.

R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL

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 becomes humble 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. What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
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Monday, August 10, 2020

Die to Live



The WORD today reminds me that I should die of myself so that Christ may live in and through me. 

In this world, your supply decreases as you use it or as you give it away. That's how it works. That's logic. However, it is different with God. The more you give to and for Him, the more you will have. This is what the readings remind me. 

The first reading clearly explains this. The more we give for God, the more we will have. The more God will give us.

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully... Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.

We see this continued in the gospel. The more we give to God, the more we receive. It actually becomes a pre requisite. The gospel teaches us that we should die of ourselves, in whatever we have, for us to attain something great - In order for Christ to live in us.

Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.

How strong Jesus’ words are. We will only produce fruit if we die of ourselves. Scientifically, it’s true. The seed has to die to give life to a tree. When the seed dies in the soil, something bigger than it comes to life. This shows that dying is not enough. It has to die in a good soil for it to become a tree and bear fruits.

We need to die of ourselves and allow God to dwell and live in us. Jesus says that whoever hates his life in the world will preserve it. If we live our lives not for our own comfort and personal worldly concerns, but rather die of our natural worldly desires and allow God to live in us by following and serving Him, then we will have life for eternity, after we live on this world. That is real life. That is real living. We need to realize that this world is fleeting and we are merely passers-by in this world. We need to prepare for eternity. 

Christ, God’s only son, out of his great love for God and us, obeyed God and suffered in this world. However, when he was perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation. Like Christ, we need to obey and trust God’s plan and expect him to use us mightily as we obey him, as we die of ourselves. And as we do so, take note that in the first reading it says that God loves a cheerful giver. May we give cheerfully. 

We are all living ON this world, but am I also living OF the world? What things do I need to die of in order that Christ may live in me? Do I realize that this world is temporary and that I need to prepare for eternity? Am I willing to die of myself and of my worldly concerns to be able to live for eternity with God?

May we be inspired and moved to die of ourselves so Christ may be fully alive in and through us. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I love myself too much. Sorry for the times I enjoy this world too much. Help me have a big heart for you. Help me love you more than i love myself. I surrender and empty myself. I submit to your will. As I do so, I ask that you fill me with your love. Fill me with good things. Love me and live in me, so that I may love others the way you want me to, and make you alive in this world. Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,
-g-

August 10, 2020
Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr - Feast; Saint Lawrence 
FIRST READING
Brothers and sisters:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:

He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed.

R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; He shall never be moved; the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.

R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes.

R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Lavishly he gives to the poor, his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory.

R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, says the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
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Sunday, August 9, 2020

Whisper

The WORD today reminds me that I should work on my relationship with God. 

Angry people, especially when fighting, usually shout. Their voices are very loud and their words strong. This is in sharp contrast to lovers, who talk silently and whisper to each other. Some say this is because the words reflect the state of the hearts. Lovers have hearts who are close to each other, that why a whisper is enough, while angry people have hearts far away from each other thats why they have to shout. 

God wants us to be able to hear him when he whispers to us. 

In the first reading, we see again Elijah. God's word came upon him that he would meet God outside where he was staying. However, God was not in the mighty and loud things. Strong winds. Earthquake. Fire. God was not there. Instead, he was in a tiny whispering sound. God does not shout at us. He wants us to be able to hear him in his small soft voice. 

The only way we can hear God is if we work on our relationship with him. 

Elijah was able to recognize God in a tiny whispering sound, despite the mighty and strong manifestations, because he was close to God. He had a very good personal relationship with Him. His heart was close to God. We also see this in the gospel when Peter was able to walk on water. He had a good relationship with Jesus so when he was focused on Jesus, he was able to walk n water. 

We should work on our relationship with God. God gave us ways of building and deepening our relationship with him - prayer, the sacraments, service, the bible. There are a lot of ways we can get to know him more. We just need to want it. We just need to make the decision, because it is not always easy to do so. 

Nowadays, it is very important to work on our relationship with God. There are a lot of loud distractions. Covid cases in the country. Government response. Corruption. Seems frustrating. But this is the time when we need to be sensitive to God’s voice. His little voice amidst everything loud happening. He is still here. He is still alive. And his voice should guide us, strengthen us, and remind us to do something good in our own little way no matter what the situation is. 

How is my relationship with God? Do I hear him in the small things? Am I sensitive to God? Do I work on my relationship with God? How can I further improve my relationship with God? 

May we be inspired by Elijah's relationship with God, and work to have something similar, so we can hear God when he whispers to us. 


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 the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I take you for granted. Sorry for the times I work on other things except my relationship with you. Sorry for not giving you the importance you deserve. Help me have a relationship with you like Elijah. Help me do things that will build and deepen our relationship. I want to always hear and recognize you as you come to me in a tiny whispering sound. I love you lord. Amen. 


Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,
-g-

August 09, 2020
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Edith Stein
FIRST READING

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.”

A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD— but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake — but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire— but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD—for he proclaims peace. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

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. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
SECOND READING

Brothers and sisters:
I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for his word.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, 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 Peter, 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.”

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Saturday, August 8, 2020

Faith in Me


The WORD today reminds me that God has a lot of faith in me. 

God sees us a lot better than we see ourselves. 

God sees not only our past or current state, but more importantly, he sees what we can become if we allow Him to work in and through us. He sees not only the challenges and sins, but also the goodness in us.

We see this in the gospel. The disciples were not able to heal a boy because of their lack of faith. Jesus stepped in and healed the boy. However, he did not stop there. He also worked on the disciples. He guided the disciples so they can improve their faith and relationship with God. He sees them not just for what they are at the moment, but sees what they can become and continued to use them. 

This is how God sees us. 

Jesus told them that having faith the size of a mustard seed can not only heal the boy, but move mountains. Really, that small faith is enough?

I used to think that yes, that probably is enough. But what I discovered is that it becomes enough not because the requirement is small, but because of God.

God has faith in us! 

It is his faith in us that increases the power of our little faith. It is his faith in us, our capacity to do good, our capacity to do great things through him, our capacity to love and to forgive, that enables us to do so, to move mountains, to forgive others even when we are deeply hurt, to love others the way Jesus wants us to. God adds to our faith. He fills our small and lacking faith. Yes, I believe that it is not just our faith, but God’s faith in us, that enables our mustard seed sized faith to do great things.

 Looking back at this pandemic, if you were told last march that this was going to happen, you wouldn’t have probably believed it. It would have not been possible or you wouldn’t think you’d survive. But you have. And probably, it is God’s faith in us, adding to our little faith and helping us, that is keeping us alive and well. He has faith in us and is always guiding and protecting us so we can get by with what we have.until eventually we realize how great and powerful he is and start increasing our faith. 

Do I have faith in God? When? Do I trust Him even during difficult situations, or only on the easy ones? Do I know God has faith in me also, and sees me not only for what I am now, but for what I can become? What does he want to tell me today? 

May we not be disheartened by our little faith. May we pray that God increase our faith. And may we feel blessed and special, knowing that God sees us not just for what we are right now, but for what we can become through him. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another weekend. Thank you for all the blessings you have been giving me. Lord, sorry for not having faith in you. And sorry for seeing myself as a small, insignificant person.  I pray that you continue to increase my faith in you. And while you are in the process of increasing my faith, I ask that you continue to complement my faith, and continue to have faith in me. Your faith in me increases the power of my little faith, and I pray that as I continuously experience your love and faith in me, my faith will slowly and eventually increase as well. I also ask that you help me see myself the way you see me. Improve me and help me reach my full potential so I can love and serve you the best way I can. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,
-g-

August 08, 2020
Saturday of Week 18; St. Dominic
FIRST READING
Habakkuk 1:12—2:4
Are you not from eternity, O LORD, my holy God, immortal? O LORD, you have marked him for judgment, O Rock, you have readied him punishment! Too pure are your eyes to look upon evil, and the sight of misery you cannot endure. Why, then, do you gaze on the faithless in silence while the wicked man devours one more just than himself? You have made man like the fish of the sea, like creeping things without a ruler. He brings them all up with his hook, he hauls them away with his net, He gathers them in his seine; and so he rejoices and exults. Therefore he sacrifices to his net, and burns incense to his seine; for thanks to them his portion is generous, and his repast sumptuous. Shall he, then, keep on brandishing his sword to slay peoples without mercy?

I will stand at my guard post, and station myself upon the rampart, And keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what answer he will give to my complaint.

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 man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 9:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
R. (11b) You forsake not those who seek you, O Lord.

The LORD sits enthroned forever; he has set up his throne for judgment. He judges the world with justice; he governs the peoples with equity.

R. You forsake not those who seek you, O Lord.

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of distress. They trust in you who cherish your name, for you forsake not those who seek you, O LORD.

R. You forsake not those who seek you, O Lord.

Sing praise to the LORD enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations his deeds; For the avenger of blood has remembered; he has not forgotten the cry of the poor.

R. You forsake not those who seek you, O Lord.
ALLELUIA
See 2 Timothy 1:10
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 17:14-20
A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him, and said, “Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”


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Friday, August 7, 2020

Take Up My Cross and Follow Him

The WORD today reminds me that I should take up my cross and follow Jesus. 

There are a lot of organizations in school that students can choose from. These organizations recruit members and organize activities for them. However, not all those who sign up and register as members become active and participate. Some would just sign up for the sake of signing up but not become involved with the org. Technically, they can declare that they are members of the org, even if they are not involved. This works in the world, but not with God. 

Real followers of God are very involved. They are willing to experience pain for Him. 

In the gospel, Jesus said that whoever wants to follow God must deny himself and take up his cross. Hindi lang basta basta sumunod sa Diyos. Merely Saying that you are a follower of God is not enough. We should be ready to walk the talk. We should be ready to suffer for God. Not because he wants us to suffer or he enjoys seeing us in pain, but because we should be ready to experience what he experienced in this world. Taking up our cross. Bearing our share of pain and suffering for Christ. He suffered in this world because he was not of this world. As his followers, we should be ready to experience this as well. 

We should also learn how to deny ourselves. Denying ourselves of what we want. Denying ourselves of what is easy and enjoyable. Denying ourselves of our own desires, of our own will...and submitting to God. Submitting to God our dreams. Our desires. Our plans. Denying ourselves, humbling ourselves, and proclaiming that God, his will, his plans, are high in our life. 

Do I love God? Do I follow him? In what way? Am I ready to face challenges in his name? How can I live my faith in and love for him? 

May we take time to reflect what it means for us to follow God, and may we be ready and willing to do what it takes. 

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 the times I am not willing to suffer for you. Sorry for the times I am not willing to deny myself for you. Help me humble myself. Help me always be ready and willing to deny myself and carry my cross as I follow you. As I do so, use me to bring glory to you. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

August 07, 2020
Friday of Week 18; St. Cajetan
FIRST READING
See, upon the mountains there advances the bearer of good news, announcing peace! Celebrate your feasts, O Judah, fulfill your vows! For nevermore shall you be invaded by the scoundrel; he is completely destroyed. The LORD will restore the vine of Jacob, the pride of Israel, Though ravagers have ravaged them and ruined the tendrils.

Woe to the bloody city, all lies, full of plunder, whose looting never stops! The crack of the whip, the rumbling sounds of wheels; horses a-gallop, chariots bounding, Cavalry charging, the flame of the sword, the flash of the spear, the many slain, the heaping corpses, the endless bodies to stumble upon! I will cast filth upon you, disgrace you and put you to shame; Till everyone who sees you runs from you, saying, “Nineveh is destroyed; who can pity her? Where can one find any to console her?”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. (39c) It is I who deal death and give life.

Close at hand is the day of their disaster, and their doom is rushing upon them! Surely, the LORD shall do justice for his people; on his servants he shall have pity.

R. It is I who deal death and give life.

“Learn then that I, I alone, am God, and there is no god besides me. It is I who bring both death and life, I who inflict wounds and heal them.”

R. It is I who deal death and give life.

I will sharpen my flashing sword, and my hand shall lay hold of my quiver, “With vengeance I will repay my foes and requite those who hate me.”

R. It is I who deal death and give life.
ALLELUIA
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
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
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