Keep His Commandments

The WORD today reminds me that God wants us to keep his commandments. 

We show our love and appreciation for our family, especially our parents, by respecting them and living in the way they raised us. Telling them we love them but living in sin, disobeying and disrespecting them, do not really show them we love them. Actions speak louder than words. They will only know and feel that we love them if we live right, if we obey and respect them.

This is the same with how we relate to God. It is easy to tell God that we love him. It is easy to tell God that we are thankful for all the blessings. However, proving it is not as easy. Living it is not as easy. But God wants us to act, not just talk. 

God wants us to keep his commandments.

In the gospel, Jesus said that we will remain in him and his love If we keep his commandments. If we truly love him, we will respect him and obey his commandments. We will live that love for him. We will live our thanksgiving. We will live our faith.

In the first reading, we see who we should live this commandment to. God is not just the God of the Jews, or of the Gentiles. God is the God of all. He is God of everyone. Thus, we should live his commandment to everyone. We should love each other, especially those unlovable. We should treat others right, especially those who don't treat us right. We should spread the gospel to everyone, especially those who love this world so much to know and learn about Christ. 

Do I love God? In what ways? Do I keep God’s commandments and follow him by how I live? Does my life prove how much I love him? How else can I show him that I love him?  

There are a lot of people nowadays who speak of good things but live otherwise. May we be challenged and inspired to live consistent with what we say. May we live our faith and love for God through others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another day to experience your love. Lord, I am sorry for the times I do not live my faith and love for you. sorry for the times I get contented with just professing my faith and love, thinking that my thoughts and intentions are good, even if my actions tell you otherwise. Help me live a consistent life, where my words and actions go hand in hand. May my life show you how much I love you. Help me love others like you do. Help me love the way you want me to. Fill me with your love so I can love them with it.  amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

May 06, 2021

5th Week of Easter - Thursday; Blessed Francois de Montmorency Laval

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FIRST READING

Acts 15:7-21

After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to the Apostles and the presbyters, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. 

After they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me. Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written: 

After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again, so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things, known from of old. 

It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood. For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name. 

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. 

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. 

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia.

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ALLELUIA

John 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

John 15:9-11

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

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

Remain in God

The WORD today reminds me that I should always remain in God. 

A vehicle cannot run on its own. No matter how advance or powerful the engine is, it needs something to fuel it up – be it the normal petroleum, or more advanced sources such as electricity, solar or water. It needs something to power it, to enable it to function as it should. This is also how we should be as we live. we need God.

Our actions will be more powerful if we remain in God.

In the bible, we see a lot of simple, ordinary people do extraordinary things because they were grounded on God. They allowed God to use them for his purpose. Simple actions have great effects when God’s favor is working. If we remain in Christ, our actions, no matter how simple they may seem, would be magnified to glorify his name.

This is what Jesus reminds us in the gospel. In the short passage of the gospel, Jesus told us to remain in him. He reminds us why. He told us to be connected in, rooted on him. He reminds us to remain in him, not just so we can bear fruit, but more importantly, so that God may be glorified. 

As we live, we should remember to always remain in Christ. It may be easier and worldly rewarding to go the other way, but we should remember what the more important thing is. Let us remember that without Christ, we cannot really do and achieve anything significant. Let us remember that this world and everything in it is temporary, and we should focus on what is really essential. 

With the corona pandemic, the more important it is to remain in Christ. We have a lot of concerns with how the government and people in power are responding. It is frustrating. That is why it is important to just remain in Christ. Focus in Him. God is still in control. We just have to remain on him, do what we can to protect ourselves, and do what we can to make others’ lives a little bit easier.

What fuels and inspires me to work and achieve things? Do I recognize God in my accomplishments? Is my perspective right, or do I just focus on the worldly things and forget the spiritual ones? When things get tough, do I remain in Christ or do I turn elsewhere? How can I improve my relationship with God today?

May we remember and do our best to remain in and be faithful to Christ, whatever the situation may be. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another chance to experience you. thank you for the reminder today. Lord, I am sorry for the times I choose to stay away from you. sorry for the times I go my way. Sorry for forgetting you. help me stay close to you all the time. Help me remain in you. May I always be grounded on you. May I always remain in you so you can fill me. May I remain in you so you can make me more like you. Use me and magnify my life, my actions, that I may bring you great glory. May I remain in you during this challenging times. Hold on to me as well please.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps   

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/05/remain-in-him.html

May 05, 2021

5th Week of Easter - Wednesday; St. Mary Mazzarello

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FIRST READING

Acts 15:1-6

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the Apostles and presbyters about this question. They were sent on their journey by the Church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brethren. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church, as well as by the Apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.” 

The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. 

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD.” And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. 

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD. 

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. 

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

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ALLELUIA

John 15:4a, 5b

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

Peace Even on Hard Times

The WORD today reminds me that I should trust in God and have peace while undergoing challenges and hardships in life. 

They say that nothing worthwhile comes easy. I believe this is true. You have to work hard for things. You have to persevere. And I believe that challenges make victories sweeter. This is true in this world, and even when you relate it to the spiritual world. 

In the first reading, we see the leaders exhorting the disciples to persevere in faith

They strengthened the spirits of the disciples

and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,

"It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships

to enter the Kingdom of God."

Why is it necessary to undergo hardships? Why do we face difficulties and challenges in life?

I believe this is God’s way of purifying us. Like silver being purified by fire (See http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/refiner-and-purifier-of-silver.html), or probably, like Job’s story, the enemy wants to test us and God is just allowing him as long as he does not take our life, because God knows we can withstand http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/refiner-and-purifier-of-silver.htmit, God knows we are faithful. God has faith in us. 

It is normal to experience pain, because as they say, no slave is greater than his master. Just as Jesus experienced these, so would his disciples. Jesus is not of the world, that’s why the world hates him. In the gospel, he says that the ruler of the world is coming, but quickly says that the ruler has no power over Jesus. Jesus may not be of the world, but the enemy still has no power over him. Jesus died, not because the enemy won, but because He loved the Father so much and subjected Himself to the will of God. 

In the same way Jesus was subjected to worldly hardships, as disciples of Jesus, we should not be surprised if we experience the same. However, we should act like Jesus, who remained faithful to God till the end, even when it was hard to. Also In the gospel, just as he warned us of what will come, Jesus also gives us peace – peace amidst all the trials in life, peace that comes only from Him, peace that the world does not understand. As we pray, as we have faith, we will get the peace of Christ that is beyond all human understanding (Philippians 4:6-7 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/search=Philippians+4%3A6-7&version=NLT). The fact that the devil has no power over Jesus should remind us of God’s power and encourage us to have inner peace, no matter how powerful we think the devil is. 

We are still in a tough situation. More than a year already. We are worried. We are concerned. We may feel helpless. However, God is still here. He is still powerful. He is still faithful. We just need to come to him. We just need to trust in him. And we just need to ask him for his peace to enable us to brave this challenge with confidence in Him. 

What is the one thing that is troubling me right now? Why is it bothering me? Do i believe that God is victorious and will be with me as I face life’s challenges? When experiencing  challenges, do I persevere in faith?  Do I pray for faith and for God’s peace as I face life’s challenges, especially this covid pandemic? What can I do to strengthen my faith?

May we be ready and willing to face challenges with Christ's peace that come with being his disciples

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 lose hope. Sorry for the times I give up. Sorry for the times I get affected. Help me have faith in you. Help me live right and pleasing to you. Give me peace amidst all the challenges in life, especially now with this pandemic. Be with me. Strengthen me. Guide me. Help me persevere and act in a way you want me to - with humility, dependence in and love for you. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/04/peace-in-pain.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/05/no-power.html

May 04, 2021

5th Week of Easter - Tuesday; Blessed Ceferino Giménez Malla

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FIRST READING

Acts 14:19-28

In those days, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered around him, he got up and entered the city. On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 

After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith. Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia. After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now accomplished. And when they arrived, they called the Church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Then they spent no little time with the disciples.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21

R. (see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might. 

R. (see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Making known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. 

R. (see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD, and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. 

R. (see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.

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ALLELUIA

See Luke 24:46, 26

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

John 14:27-31a

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

In His Name

The WORD today reminds me what it means to pray in Jesus name. 

In life, connections are important. In school, work, business and anywhere, knowing someone powerful gives you an advantage already. This is what Jesus is giving us

There is real power in Jesus name.

We are CHRISTIANS. If you take away CHRIST, what remains are IAN - I Am Nothing. We cannot do anything on our own, so Jesus gave us the authority to work for his name. In the gospel, we see Jesus telling his disciples:

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

There is power in his name as we work for him and as we pray. We see that the disciples were able to heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, expel demons and work miracles all in the name of Jesus. Thats how powerful his name is. 

In the gospel, we are reminded of praying in Jesus’ name. We are reminded to ask for God's favors in his name. What is asking in His name? What is asking in Jesus name? 

I believe asking in Jesus’ name means putting yourself in His shoes. It is like Jesus himself asking that something to God. Yes, he will grant the requests to glorify God the Father. He will grant the request as long as it is in accordance with God’s perfect will. Even Jesus said this – “take this cup away from me…but not my will, but yours, be done” 

This reminds us what God wants. He wants us to seek him first, to subject to his will. Yes, our intentions may be good and it may be to glorify his name. However, that does not always guarantee that it is in accordance to God’s will. As we pray, we should also work on having childlike faith in seeking God’s perfect will first and being humble enough to accept when what we want is not in accordance to his.

Do I believe in the power of Jesus name? Do I pray in his name? Do I ask and pray in full faith? What do I do when I do not get what I pray for? How does Jesus want me to pray?

May we remember the power in Jesus name, and ask God to make us more like Him as we pray in Jesus name. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for the beautiful reminder. Thank you for your powerful name that I can use. Sorry for not having that much faith in you. Sorry for not believing in your name. Sorry for being proud. Lord, I pray that I would always remember how much you love us and how much power there is in your name. Awaken my soul and make me thirst for you deeper every day. Make me more and more like you. May I always depend on you and remember that as long as I ask in your name and for your glory, and as long as it is in accordance to your most perfect will, it will be given. Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

May 03, 2021

Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles - Feast

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FIRST READING

1 Corinthians 15:1-8

I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the Apostles. Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day; and night to night imparts knowledge. 

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; Through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. 

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

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ALLELUIA

John 14:6b, 9c

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; Philip, whoever has seen me has seen the Father. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

John 14:6-14

Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

Remain in Him

The WORD today reminds me that I should always remain in God. 

Greatness is never achieved inside your comfort zone.

I believe this is true, even in different aspects of life. Athletes train and push themselves to the limit to improve themselves, to increase their endurance, their performance, their game. People who push themselves to the limit at work, in school or in business are often the ones achieve greatness. This is true in the bible as well. Those who are willing to step out of their comfort zones were used mightily by God. – David, Abraham, Moses, Paul, Elijah – to name a few great people. However, the road to greatness is never easy. 

Leaving your comfort zone causes pain.

You know you’re in your comfort zone when you have that – comfort. There is no new thing being learned, no new realizations, no new improvements, no growth. Growth is often accompanied by pain. And only when we leave our comfort zone, only when we welcome transforming pain, will we grow and improve. Only then can we achieve greatness. 

This is what Jesus tells us in the gospel. God will prune us so we can bear much fruit. It may entail pain, but it will be for a good cause. It will be for greatness as we serve him. However, there is one thing we should remember all throughout – that we should remain in Jesus, just like the great people in the bible did. They experienced a lot of pain, but they did not give up. Instead, they remained in God and trusted in Him. Thus, God used them mightily.

In the first reading, we see Paul. He was one of the great apostles. He preached God’s word to the world. However, he did not have it easy. He experienced challenges. He experienced pain. He experienced rejection. However, he remained in Christ. And he was used mightily. The disciples grew in number. 

In the second reading, we see how we should love. We should love not in word and speech, but in deed and truth. Harder to do that. But doing that makes us great. It will make us and teach us how to love greatly - the way Jesus loves. The way God wants us to love. But we can only do this, to love despite pain and despite challenges, if we remain in Him. 

What are the challenges I experience in life? How do I respond? Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone to improve and be better, or do I remain there to stat comfortable and safe? Do i trust God with everything? Do I remain in him, especially when things are tough, or do I give him up?

May we continue to be faithful and remain In Christ, especially when faced with challenges. Let us have faith that as we allow him to lead us, as we step our of our comfort zones for him, he will use us in great ways.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for the reminder. Thank you for another Sunday. Lord, I thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for all the challenges that improve me. thank you for all the opportunities for growth. Lord, sorry for the times I am not willing to trust you and step out of my comfort zone. Sorry for not being willing to do hard things for you. Help me remain in you as I live. I know that without you, I am nothing, so I will just stick to you and trust in you. Lord, I am willing to step out of my comfort zone for you. I am willing to experience pruning, to experience pain, so I can be better, so I can love you more, so I can serve you more. Do to me as you please, and use me mightily for your glory. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

May 02, 2021

5th Sunday of Easter; St. Athanasius

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FIRST READING

Acts 9:26–31

When Saul arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how he had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. He moved about freely with them in Jerusalem, and spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord. He also spoke and debated with the Hellenists, but they tried to kill him. And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus. The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 22:26–27, 28, 30, 31–32 (26a)

R. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people. or R. Alleluia. 

I will fulfill my vows before those who fear the LORD. The lowly shall eat their fill; they who seek the LORD shall praise him: “May your hearts live forever!” 

R. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people. or R. Alleluia. 

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; all the families of the nations shall bow down before him. 

R. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people. or R. Alleluia. 

To him alone shall bow down all who sleep in the earth; before him shall bend all who go down into the dust. 

R. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people. or R. Alleluia. 

And to him my soul shall live; my descendants shall serve him. Let the coming generation be told of the LORD that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born the justice he has shown. 

R. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people. or R. Alleluia.

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SECOND READING

1 John 3:18–24

Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us.

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ALLELUIA

John 15:4a, 5b

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Remain in me as I remain in you, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me will bear much fruit. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

John 15:1–8

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

Lack of Faith

The WORD today reminds me how important faith is.

In the gospels, a lot of times we see Jesus telling people that their faith has saved or cured them. Today, we see the opposite. He was not able to do a lot of miracles in his hometown because of their lack of faith.

Jesus went to his hometown, but instead of being proud that Jesus was from there, the people belittled him and took offense at him. They did not believe that someone from their own could really be God’s Child. He was a normal person, just like them. Pare pareho lang sila na taga doon, na doon lumaki. This lack of belief, this lack of faith, was the reason why Jesus did not do a lot of miracles. Yes, Jesus needs our faith. His love and power does not change depending on our faith, but we affect it. We affect his love and power over us. 

Our hardened hearts and our lack of faith limits God’s power over us.

God can only enter our lives if we allow him. God can only fill our hearts if we have space for him. God’s love and power is overflowing, but we cannot accept it if our hearts are closed and our lives are full of ourselves.

We are asked to look at ourselves and see what our heart says. Do we allow God to enter our lives? Do we have space for God? Is our faith strong, or are we like the people who do not trust in God? Do we humble ourselves and allow him to be God in our lives, or do we want him to conform to what we want? 

May we be inspired and challenged by this.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another weekend.  Thank you for the gift of faith. Lord, sorry for the times I doubt and let the world take away my faith. I ask that you help me strengthen my faith. I know faith is such a powerful and important aspect of my life, and I ask that you help me develop it. Kahit maliit, kahit mala mustard seed, I know it is enough, that it is a good start. I am making space in my life and in my heart for you, Lord. Come into my life and fill me, so I can share you to others as well. Amen

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

May 01, 2021

Saint Joseph the Worker - Feast; St. Joseph the Worker

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FIRST READING

Genesis 1:26B2:3

God said:
“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.” 

God created man in his image;
in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. 

God blessed them, saying:
“Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth.”
God also said:
“See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food.” And so it happened. God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. Evening came, and morning followed–the sixth day. 

Thus the heavens and the earth and all their array were completed. Since on the seventh day God was finished with the work he had been doing, God rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation. 

or: 

Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24

Brothers and sisters:
Over all these things put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one Body. And be thankful. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 12-13, 14 and 16

R. Lord, give success to the work of our hands.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Before the mountains were begotten and the earth and the world were brought forth, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 

R. Lord, give success to the work of our hands.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. 

R. Lord, give success to the work of our hands.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! 

R. Lord, give success to the work of our hands.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. Let your work be seen by your servants and your glory by their children. 

R. Lord, give success to the work of our hands.
or:
R. Alleluia.

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ALLELUIA

Psalm 68:20

R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Blessed be the Lord day by day, God, our salvation, who bears our burdens. 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Matthew 13:54-58

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