Friday, December 3, 2021

According To My Faith


The WORD today reminds me work on my faith and personal relationship with God. 

We Filipinos love basketball. We love to watch games. And when we do, we almost always have something to say, either about the players or coaches. We say that a particular player lack speed, or power, or shooting. Or this and that can be improved. Same with coaches. We have something to say about them. However, that's it. We can give our inputs or comments, but most cannot do what they are able to do. We cannot play or coach at the same level as they do. This should remind us to look up to them and give them the credit due them, because we cannot do these things ourselves. It is similar to what Jesus said in the gospel. 

Your personal faith is important to God. Not that of other people. 

In the gospel, two blind men came to Jesus for healing. And when Jesus asked them if they believed, they said yes. Then Jesus told them that they will be healed according to their faith. Not according to God’s power or according to the faith of others. But according to their faith. To their own personal faith in Jesus and his power. Well, they were healed, so they really had faith in Jesus power. How about us?

If God would ask us if we had faith in him, what would he tell him? If he asked if we really believe that he could do things we pray for, or if he could really answer our prayers, can we honestly say yes? Can we honestly say we believe in him, his love, and his power - despite the situation we are in?

This should encourage us to work on our faith and relationship with God. Only if we have an intimate relationship with God can we build our faith. And we can build our relationship with him by working on it. By getting to know him more. By reading his word, attending mass, and praying. This season, as we prepare for Christmas, is a good time to work on our faith and relationship with him so we can have a more meaningful celebration. 

We may not be in a perfect situation, but we should still work on our faith. On our relationship with God. We should use this time to build and strengthen our relationship with him as this would help us get through these challenging times. 

How is my faith? How is my relationship with God? Do I have faith that God can answer my prayers? Do I sincerely believe he can and will help me with what I am praying for? How can I improve my faith and relationship with God?

May we do our best to work on our relationship with God so our faith can increase. 

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 lack faith. And sorry for not doing my best to build my relationship with you. Help me do my part. Increase my faith as I do my best to build and strengthen my relationship with you. Help me make my faith greater than my fears and problems. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
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Daily Readings

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

Lectionary: 179

Reading I

Is 29:17-24

Thus says the Lord GOD:
But a very little while,
    and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard,
    and the orchard be regarded as a forest!
On that day the deaf shall hear
    the words of a book;
And out of gloom and darkness,
    the eyes of the blind shall see.
The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD,
    and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
For the tyrant will be no more
    and the arrogant will have gone;
All who are alert to do evil will be cut off,
    those whose mere word condemns a man,
Who ensnare his defender at the gate,
    and leave the just man with an empty claim.
Therefore thus says the LORD,
    the God of the house of Jacob,
    who redeemed Abraham:
Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of,
    nor shall his face grow pale.
When his children see
    the work of my hands in his midst,
They shall keep my name holy;
    they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob,
    and be in awe of the God of Israel.
Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding,
    and those who find fault shall receive instruction.

Responsorial Psalm

27:1, 4, 13-14

R.    (1a)  The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
    whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
    of whom should I be afraid?
R.    The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing I ask of the LORD;
    this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
    all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
    and contemplate his temple.
R.    The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
    in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
    be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R.    The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Behold, our Lord shall come with power;
he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mt 9:27-31

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out,
“Son of David, have pity on us!” 
When he entered the house,
the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I can do this?” 
“Yes, Lord,” they said to him. 
Then he touched their eyes and said,
“Let it be done for you according to your faith.” 
And their eyes were opened. 
Jesus warned them sternly,
“See that no one knows about this.” 
But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

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Thursday, December 2, 2021

House on A Rock


The WORD today reminds me that I should anchor my life on God. 

In Tagalog, we have a saying: "Para kang nakasandal sa bato o pader". This means that one usually do not worry of there is someone powerful backing the person up. Someone powerful to rely and lean on, someone you know will have your back. This is very nice to have. And the readings today reminds me that we can have this in God. 

The first reading reminds us that God is powerful. We sometimes forget this, just because he is gentle as well. The gospel compliments this, and says that trusting in him and doing his works is like having a house built on a rock cannot be destroyed by rain, flood, and wind… Having a strong foundation enables us to withstand these challenges that could destroy others - like a house built on sand. 

All of us are in this earth for a brief moment only. This is a temporary stage for us. We are just travelling, But as we travel, we are actually building our house – our permanent home, whether in heaven or not. The things we do in this world, the choices we make in this life, and the actions live our lives by, would determine how we want our eternal home to be. We are building a home. We are building a foundation. We are starting in this life.

As we build our eternal home, it is good to ask who is our foundation? Who is the rock upon we are building our house? The first reading tells us that it is to God that we should build our foundation. The strong and eternal rock, so it is indeed wise to build our foundation on him.  The gospel further says that we should listen AND ACT upon God’s words. It is not enough to recognize God. Satan recognizes God as well – but he does not follow God. We should recognize God and follow His ways. Hindi pwedeng puro realizations. Hindi pwedeng puro lip service. We should act and follow God’s will in our lives.

God has given us a lot of things. Gifts. Time, talent and treasures. We know that we cannot physically bring anything when we die. All of our time, talents, and treasures will be left in this earth. This is why we should use them - not only for ourselves but also for others. This is why we should do our best to share them, so our earthly blessings can be used to build our heavenly home. 

Do do I rely on in life? Do I rely on worldly power and connections, or do I rely on God? What is my foundation in this life? Do I listen to the word of God? Do I act on the word on God? How can I strengthen my foundation in life? Do I live serving and loving God through others especially this pandemic?

May we be wise and use this life to work towards building our house on a rock, a solid foundation.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, I thank you for your strong love. Thank you for your power. And I thank you for the opportunity to make the most of this life. Lord, sorry for focusing on other things. Sorry for building my foundation on other things. Help me be a wise builder and build the foundation of my house, of my life, on you. Help me make good choices in life. Help me make the right choices in life. May I always choose you, in the little and big things, Lord. May I use this life wisely to build my eternal home in heaven with you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-


Daily Readings

Thursday of the First Week of Advent

Lectionary: 178

Reading I

Is 26:1-6

On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah:

    “A strong city have we;
        he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.
    Open up the gates
        to let in a nation that is just,
        one that keeps faith.
    A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace;
        in peace, for its trust in you.”

    Trust in the LORD forever!
        For the LORD is an eternal Rock.
    He humbles those in high places,
        and the lofty city he brings down;
    He tumbles it to the ground,
        levels it with the dust.
    It is trampled underfoot by the needy,
        by the footsteps of the poor.

Responsorial Psalm

118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a

R.    (26a)  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, 
    for his mercy endures forever.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
    than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
    than to trust in princes. 
R.    Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
Open to me the gates of justice;
    I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD.
This gate is the LORD’s;
    the just shall enter it.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me
    and have been my savior.
R.    Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
O LORD, grant salvation!
    O LORD, grant prosperity!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD;
    we bless you from the house of the LORD.
    The LORD is God, and he has given us light.
R.    Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.

Alleluia

Is 55:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call him while he is near.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mt 7:21, 24-27

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house. 
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand. 
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house. 
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”



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Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Complete Nourishment


The WORD today reminds me that God thinks of our complete nourishment - physical and spiritual.

The gospel tells us one of the more famous gospels – Jesus feeding a lot of people. There are various accounts of this. In today’s gospel, We see Jesus feeding the people not just physically when he multiplied food for them, but first, spiritually which was the primary food he gave them even before the physical food. He taught them and he healed them. Spiritual nourishment. Then when it was late and dark already, Christ gave them physical food for their bodies.

God loves us so much that he gives us not only spiritual nourishment, but also physical nourishment. 

Love is the reason for this season. Love is the reason why we are celebrating Christmas - God sent his only Son to save us from our sins. Love should also be our primary reason for living – to spread God’s love to each other. The first reading reminds us that God saved and provided for us, and a good way to thank him is by passing that saving love to others. And one way of loving one another is to care and share what we have with one another – which what other people said about the gospel, that the miracle is not Jesus multiplying food, but the real miracle is the hearts of the people were changed and the shared food with each other because of love.

We may not have a lot. But for God, what we have is enough. The people only had few food, definitely not enough to feed thousands. But God takes what we offer and magnifies it. No matter what situation we are in, we still have enough to share with others. 

The same way God nourishes us, so we should do our part to nourish others. We can be a blessing to others in a lot of ways, especially during this pandemic and after the typhoons and floods. Doesn't need to be big ways, as with the story, God can magnify whatever we give for him. We just need to act and trust him. 

Do I come to God for nourishment of not only my body, but more importantly, my soul? How can I nourish more my soul as I prepare for Christmas? Do I graciously share my blessings to others, especially this season? How can I give more to others? 

May we be inspired to not only nourish our bodies, but more importantly, our spirit. May we allow God to transform us and expand our hearts so we can share more and love more – to make him more alive here.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder that you nourish not only our body but our spirit as well. Lord, I ask that you be with me in a special way today. Help me always be reminded to nourish not only my body, but more importantly, my spirit. Lord, it is easy to know and be reminded when my body is weak, when I am hungry, but not as easy to detect spiritual hunger…so I ask you Lord that you disturb me, wake me up and give me warnings when my spirit is running low, when I am spiritually hungry. And Lord, may I be sensitive and respond to it. In the same way, give me the heart that would be ready and willing to share what I have to help and nourish others as well. Amen

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-


Daily Readings

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

Lectionary: 177

Reading I

Is 25:6-10a

On this mountain the LORD of hosts
    will provide for all peoples
A feast of rich food and choice wines,
    juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
    the veil that veils all peoples,
The web that is woven over all nations;
    he will destroy death forever.
The Lord GOD will wipe away
    the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove
    from the whole earth; for the Lord has spoken.

    On that day it will be said:
“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
    This is the LORD for whom we looked;
    let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.

Responsorial Psalm

23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

R.    (6cd) I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
    In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
    he refreshes my soul.
R.    I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
He guides me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
    I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
    that give me courage. 
R.    I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
You spread the table before me
    in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
R.    I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
    all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
    for years to come.
R.    I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people;
blessed are those prepared to meet him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mt 15:29-37

At that time:
Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee,
went up on the mountain, and sat down there. 
Great crowds came to him,
having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute,
and many others. 
They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. 
The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking,
the deformed made whole, 
the lame walking, 
and the blind able to see,
and they glorified the God of Israel.

Jesus summoned his disciples and said,
“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd,
for they have been with me now for three days
and have nothing to eat. 
I do not want to send them away hungry,
for fear they may collapse on the way.” 
The disciples said to him,
“Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place
to satisfy such a crowd?” 
Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” 
“Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” 
He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. 
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish,
gave thanks, broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. 
They all ate and were satisfied. 
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

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