Tell the World

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042617.cfm) reminds me that I should tell the world of God's love. 

I remember the 1995 World Youth Day held here in the Philippines. It was such a big event. I think I was in grade four then, and we were practicing the songs for the event. We sang those songs during first Friday masses, that we got familiar and memorized the lyrics. During the event, my parents and grandparents accompanied me and my sister to the event, saying we would be very blessed and lucky if we can see the Pope at least once in our lives. We were blessed that his convoy passed on the area where we were standing, and I saw him up close (since his Pope Mobile was made of glass so you can see him). When the theme song was played, I remember singing with it because I knew the song. “Tell the World of his love” – which anchored on John 3:16, part of today’s gospel.

For God so loved the world

He gave us his only son

Jesus Christ our Savior

His most precious one…

Let us Tell the world of his love

The greatest love the world has known…

We are to tell the world of God’s love. Like the apostles in the first reading who were not bound by prison and told the world of God. The gospel also reminds us that we should live in the truth and come to the light, so our works may be exposed and God be glorified.

Wherever we are, we can tell the world of God’s love. Proclaiming this is not limited to priests, missionaries and preachers. On the other hand, a more powerful testimony of this is when we live our everyday lives proclaiming God. When we make our everyday little actions, everyday decisions, anchored on God’s love and his gospel values, we are proclaiming God. We tell of God’s love when we are extra kind to others, when we extend our mercy and patience to those who do not deserve it, when we act with integrity even if we think no one is watching, when we do the right things, when we extend love to those unlovable in the office. These things, though may seem simple and little, proclaim God’s love through our lives.

May we be challenged and encouraged to tell the world of God’s love everyday.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for reminding me of your call to tell the world of your love. Lord, sorry for the times I don not. Sorry for being too busy or too lazy. Sorry for making up excuses. I ask that you help me life my life consistent with your instruction. Help me proclaim you. May I do everyday things, simple things, that will proclaim you, that will magnify and glorify you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/04/in-light.html

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April 26, 2017
Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
Lectionary: 269

Reading 1ACTS 5:17-26

The high priest rose up and all his companions,
that is, the party of the Sadducees,
and, filled with jealousy,
laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail.
But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison,
led them out, and said,
"Go and take your place in the temple area,
and tell the people everything about this life."
When they heard this,
they went to the temple early in the morning and taught.
When the high priest and his companions arrived,
they convened the Sanhedrin,
the full senate of the children of Israel,
and sent to the jail to have them brought in.
But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison,
so they came back and reported,
"We found the jail securely locked
and the guards stationed outside the doors,
but when we opened them, we found no one inside."
When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, 
they were at a loss about them,
as to what this would come to.
Then someone came in and reported to them,
"The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area
and are teaching the people." 
Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them,
but without force,
because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

Responsorial PsalmPS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.

AlleluiaJN 3:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelJN 3:16-21

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Work for God

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042517.cfm) reminds me that I should work for God, no matter how small I feel my contributions are. 

In the corporate world, those who make huge contributions are highlighted and praised. Top management honors those who contribute a lot to the organization. On the other hand, hardworking people who may not necessarily have huge contributions, but do their best to help and contribute, are not given much attention. This causes these people to lose morale. However, this is not the way with God's kingdom. 

God values everything we do for him - big or small. 

As we celebrate the feast of St Mark, we are reminded of this. In the gospel we see that Jesus told his disciples to go our into the world and proclaim the gospel. His disciples followed and preached about the gospel after Jesus was taken into heaven. They really did this as we see In the first reading that Peter and Mark are still doing God's work and proclaiming Jesus to others.

Mark was one of the twelve in the gospel, and he continued Christ's commandment to work for Him and preach about the gospel. In the first reading, Peter tells us that Mark still does this. Mark may not have written a lot, like Paul and Peter, but we see that he was still doing God's work. No matter how small your contribution may seem, God acknowledges it as we see in today's feast. What is important is if we follow his commandment. 

As we do God's work, we are not empty handed. Jesus spent years with his disciples, teaching and guiding them. He did not just choose twelve and sent them out. In the gospel he told them that he will always be with them, and there would be signs not for them to believe, but for others to be affirmed that God is indeed on their side. Jesus is with us as we do God's work. From then, until now. 

May we be inspired by Mark and all others who tirelessly work for God. May we do our part, no matter how small we feel our service may be.  And as we do so, as we work for God, let us not be surprised of God's signs and power manifesting in us for God's glory. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to live for you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for feeling small. Sorry for looking down on myself, on my talents, and on what I can do for you. I know you appreciate whatever I can offer, and you will magnify it. Lord give me the desire, the will, and the strength to always work for you in little and big ways. Use me to glorify yourself. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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April 25, 2017
Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist
Lectionary: 555

Reading 11 PT 5:5B-14

Beloved:
Clothe yourselves with humility
in your dealings with one another, for:

God opposes the proud
but bestows favor on the humble.

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time.
Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

Be sober and vigilant.
Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, steadfast in faith,
knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world
undergo the same sufferings.
The God of all grace
who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus
will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you
after you have suffered a little.
To him be dominion forever. Amen.

I write you this briefly through Silvanus,
whom I consider a faithful brother,
exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God.
Remain firm in it.
The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son.
Greet one another with a loving kiss.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Responsorial PsalmPS 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17

R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The heavens proclaim your wonders, O LORD,
and your faithfulness, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies can rank with the LORD?
Who is like the LORD among the sons of God?
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.
At your name they rejoice all the day,
and through your justice they are exalted.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia1 COR 1:23A-24B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We proclaim Christ crucified:
he is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelMK 16:15-20

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
"Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe:
in my name they will drive out demons,
they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.
They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them

and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

Not Yet Ready

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042417.cfm) reminds me that God will take us in whatever situation we are in, even if we feel we are not yet ready. 

In the gospel, we see Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night. He came at night because he did not want people to see him coming to Jesus. He was not fully proud to be seen and associated with Jesus, though he knows who Jesus is. He was a Pharisee, so it was probably very difficult for him to stand up boldly for Jesus. However, despite that situation, Jesus still taught him. In the same way, we know the apostles were not the bravest and wisest of men, yet we see in the first reading that Jesus is using them mightily.

God takes you for what you are, improves you, then uses you.

No one comes to the presence of God then leaves unchanged. As we experience God, as we encounter God, as we know God, we will be changed. We will be improved. As we are filled with his love, we will be more like Him. 

Sometimes we feel we need to change first before coming to God. Sometimes we feel we need to be better before we come to Him. But today, we are reminded that God will take us for who we are, and as we cooperate and let him work in us, he will change us for the better. Christian rapper Lecrae echoes this in his song:

So if you feel like you gotta clean yourself up 

Before you can come to Him, Forget it 

Just come to Him 

He’ll take you as you are, 

and he’ll change YOU From the inside, out

May we remember to just come to God as we are, and allow him to improve and use us. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for another week. Lord, I am not perfect. I sin a lot of times, despite all you have been doing to me. Sorry, Lord. Sorry for not standing up for you. Sorry for continuously hurting you. Sorry for the times I run away. But I am here, coming to you with a repentant heart, and asking you to accept me, to change me and use me. Make in me what you want, Lord. Love me and fill me. Transform me and use me for your glory. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

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April 24, 2017
Monday of the Second Week of Easter
Lectionary: 267

Reading 1 Acts 4:23-31

After their release Peter and John went back to their own people
and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them.
And when they heard it,
they raised their voices to God with one accord
and said, "Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth
and the sea and all that is in them,
you said by the Holy Spirit
through the mouth of our father David, your servant:

Why did the Gentiles rage
and the peoples entertain folly?
The kings of the earth took their stand
and the princes gathered together
against the Lord and against his anointed.

Indeed they gathered in this city
against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed,
Herod and Pontius Pilate,
together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,
to do what your hand and your will
had long ago planned to take place.
And now, Lord, take note of their threats,
and enable your servants to speak your word
with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal,
and signs and wonders are done
through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook,
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9

R. (see 11d) Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Why do the nations rage
and the peoples utter folly?
The kings of the earth rise up,
and the princes conspire together
against the LORD and against his anointed:
"Let us break their fetters
and cast their bonds from us!"
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He who is throned in heaven laughs;
the LORD derides them.
Then in anger he speaks to them;
he terrifies them in his wrath:
"I myself have set up my king
on Zion, my holy mountain."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD.
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you.
Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You shall rule them with an iron rod;
you shall shatter them like an earthen dish."
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Col 3:1

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If then you were raised with Christ,
seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 3:1-8

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
He came to Jesus at night and said to him,
"Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God,
for no one can do these signs that you are doing
unless God is with him."
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
Nicodemus said to him,
"How can a man once grown old be born again?
Surely he cannot reenter his mother's womb and be born again, can he?"
Jesus answered,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born of water and Spirit
he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
What is born of flesh is flesh
and what is born of spirit is spirit.
Do not be amazed that I told you,
'You must be born from above.'
The wind blows where it wills,
and you can hear the sound it makes,
but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes;

so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Divine Mercy

The WORD Today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042317.cfm) reminds me of God's divine mercy, and the need to share that to others. 

Today we celebrate Divine Mercy. We see in the gospel Jesus showing this to his disciples when he greeted them with peace. Peace was the first thing he said to them, even when they deserted him when he needed friends the most. Mercy, not punishment or lecture. He gave Peter this peace after denying him three times. He gave Thomas peace when Thomas doubted him. And because of this peace, because the disciples experienced this peace, they were able to pass it on to others. It is also a reminder for us that God's mercy is so great that whatever you do, he will still forgive you.

Whatever you receive from God should be passed on to others. 

In the first reading, we see how the disciples lives. They experienced God's mercy as we see in the gospel, and they were able to pass it on to others. Mercy towards each other. They shared whatever they have to others. They lived as one community. In the second reading, Peter passed on exhortation to people who are experiencing trials in life. They made God more alive in the world.

God is merciful, but we also have to do our part. We also have to share him to others. We also have to allow God to use us to extend his love and mercy to others. To do this, we should build and strengthen our faith and relationship with him. 

God should not be confined on Sunday masses. That’s just not enough for us to experience his great love. That’s not enough to experience his mercy. With the technology that we have, there are a lot of ways to grow spiritually. Internet research to know him more. Social media to proclaim him. Communication technology to talk about him with others. We need nourishment, and we need to work on it. Of course, prayers, reading the bible, the sacraments help us a lot in building our faith and relationship with him. 

May we always be reminded of God's love and mercy, and be inspired to work on our faith and relationship with him so we can be ready to proclaim him and share his mercy to others. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for the many ways you reach out to us and remind us of your love and your mercy. Sorry for the times I ignore it. Sorry for the times I sm too lazy to act and work on my relationship with you. Sorry for being lazy to share you to others. Lord, I ask that you Help me know you more. Help me experience you more. Fill me with your love and mercy so it will be easy and natural for me to share you to others. Make me a living testament of your love and mercy. Make me more loving and more merciful to others. Use me as you used Peter to proclaim you and share you to others. May you be glorified. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

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April 23, 2017
Lectionary: 43
Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Reading 1 Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves
to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life,
to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone,
and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their property and possessions
and divide them among all according to each one's need.
Every day they devoted themselves
to meeting together in the temple area
and to breaking bread in their homes.
They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

R. (1) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the house of Israel say,
"His mercy endures forever."
Let the house of Aaron say,
"His mercy endures forever."
Let those who fear the LORD say,
"His mercy endures forever."
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I was hard pressed and was falling,
but the LORD helped me.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just:
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 1 Pt 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you
who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while
you may have to suffer through various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Alleluia Jn 20:29

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, "Peace be with you."
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
"Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained."

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But he said to them,
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Go and Proclaim

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042217.cfm) reminds me that God asks us to go and proclaim him, no matter how imperfect we are. 

People usually train to prepare for something. Contest in school. Athletic meets and competitions. Tests. We do our best to train, prepare, and be better - so we would be more confident in what we are supposed to do. Being unprepared do not give confidence. You usually fail or don't do good when you are not prepared. Good thing God does not act this way. 

In the gospel, we see Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and instructing her to tell the others. He appeared to others and told them to tell the disciples. However, the disciples did not believe. Yes, you can't blame them. It is hard to think Jesus will really rise from the dead, they saw him die. So when Jesus appeared to them, he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart. Makulit, ayaw maniwala. May trust issues. But Jesus did not stop there. He saw more in them. Despite their unbelief, he still had faith in them. He saw what they are capable of. And he will make that happen. 

Kahit may trust issues ka, hindi ka titigilan mg Diyos hanggang maniwala ka sa kanya. 

Jesus told his disciples in the gospel to go and proclaim the gospel to every creature. They did. And In the first reading, we see Peter and John doing this, despite threats from church leaders at that time. From unbelievers, they became firm in faith, proclaiming God to others despite the danger in their lives. Jesus believed in them and did not stop until they believed in Him and realized what they are capable of. 

In the same way God told his disciples to proclaim him, he too is telling this to us today.

God does not need us to be like his disciples and become full time missionaries. They say that actions speak louder than words, and the best way to proclaim Jesus and the gospel is by how we live our lives. We proclaim him where we are, whatever we do, by the way we live our lives.

They say that we have different mission fields in life. We need not go to other countries to proclaim Jesus. We proclaim him in our families, in our workplace, in our school, and in the different people we meet and encounter. We proclaim him not just by telling people about him and the gospel, but by how we live our lives. If we live honest – treating people right, respecting the rules and the leaders, being good to others in need, being joyful despite all the problems, then people will see Jesus. They will experience Jesus love, peace, hope and faithfulness, which is just as powerful, if not more powerful, than telling them of the life of Jesus and the love of God.

May we be willing to be living proofs of God in this world. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, sorry for not doing this. Sorry for not proclaiming you through my life. Sorry for being hard headed and for having a hard heart. Sorry for not believing in you.  Lord, help me live for you. Help me live right. Help me live in a way pleasing to you. As I try to do so, I ask that you move in me and through me, so that people would know and experience you through me. Change me and transform me so I can make you more real and more alive in this world. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

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April 22, 2017
Saturday in the Octave of Easter
Lectionary: 266

Reading 1 Acts 4:13-21

Observing the boldness of Peter and John
and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men,
the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed,
and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus.
Then when they saw the man who had been cured standing there with them,
they could say nothing in reply.
So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin,
and conferred with one another, saying,
"What are we to do with these men?
Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign
was done through them, and we cannot deny it.
But so that it may not be spread any further among the people,
let us give them a stern warning
never again to speak to anyone in this name."

So they called them back
and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
Peter and John, however, said to them in reply,
"Whether it is right in the sight of God
for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges.
It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard."
After threatening them further,
they released them,
finding no way to punish them,
on account of the people who were all praising God
for what had happened.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21

R. (21a) I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just.
R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
or:
R. Alleluia.
"The right hand of the LORD is exalted;
the right hand of the LORD has struck with power."
I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.
Though the LORD has indeed chastised me,
yet he has not delivered me to death.
R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Open to me the gates of justice;
I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD.
This is the gate of the LORD;
the just shall enter it.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me
and have been my savior.
R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Ps 118:24

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 16:9-15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week,
he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,
out of whom he had driven seven demons.
She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping.
When they heard that he was alive
and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

After this he appeared in another form
to two of them walking along on their way to the country.
They returned and told the others;
but they did not believe them either.

But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them
and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart
because they had not believed those
who saw him after he had been raised.
He said to them, "Go into the whole world

and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." 

Ang Sarap Kumain!

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042117.cfm) reminds me that I should make the most out of simple opportunities to spread the faith. 

We Filipinos have a special love for food. We love to eat. I love to eat. And more than food, the beauty in eating is if you spend it with people who matter to you. Important people. This is probably why the gospel struck me. 

The gospel paints an interesting scene. I could just imagine what the disciples were feeling. Pagod from working all night and not being able to catch anything. It must have been so frustrating. Not to mention tiring. Then may biglang nagsabi sa kanila na ibato sa kanan yung net. Siguro nainis sila, pagod na sila, nasa mababaw na sila, tapos sasabihan na ibaba and net kasi may isda? Pero sinunod parin nila. Then came the surprise. Their obedience, their faith, enabled Jesus to bless them in a special way. They caught 153 large fish that their net almost broke. Not only that, they realized it was Jesus who talked to them!

Eto pa, astig na pagdating nila sa shore, si Jesus nagluluto na! May breakfast na! How wonderful it must have felt, that after being up all night and not catching anything, they were given a lot, then breakfast was prepared for them. Iba talaga si God pag nag bless! Sobra!

Jeus used eating, the breaking of bread, to remind them of the Eucharist. He also reminded them to come to Him for food, for he alone can give food that satisfies. Tao talaga si Jesus, he knows how to maximize eating time, and he made good use of that. He turned a simple and normal breakfast into an opportunity for him to have communion and fellowship with his friends, and strengthened his relationship to those who would eventually proclaim his kingdom.

We should maximize every opportunity to spread the faith. 

God is telling me to maximize simple things such as eating, and to use it as an avenue to share God’s word and to build relationships. Kapag kumakain tayo, sulitin na natin. Let us proclaim God’s love, goodness and power when we break bread. We can enjoy each other’s company and talk about God in a simple meal. We do not need alcohol or a fancy meal to build relationships. We just need to make sure that in the simplest of things, we include Jesus, and that makes the difference. Kahit ano pa yan. Kahit simple lang. pwedeng ipasok sa usapan ang kadakilaan ng Diyos. 

How do I react when God asks me to do something? Do I justify and reason out, or do I just obey, allowing him to bless me abundantly?  How do I build relationships? Do I need alcohol or fancy meals to build relationships, or do I know that if I include Christ in the simplest of meals, that is enough to build relationships anchored on Him? Do I make the most out of simple opportunities to talk about God and spread the faith?

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 forget about you. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Sorry for not sharing you to others. Increase my faith. May I be like the disciples who would follow you even if I have doubts or questions. And guide me every day. Help ,e proclaim you. In the simplest of things, in the way I live, help me share you to others. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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April 21, 2017
Friday in the Octave of Easter
Lectionary: 265

Reading 1 Acts 4:1-12

After the crippled man had been cured,
while Peter and John were still speaking to the people,
the priests, the captain of the temple guard,
and the Sadducees confronted them,
disturbed that they were teaching the people
and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
They laid hands on Peter and John
and put them in custody until the next day,
since it was already evening.
But many of those who heard the word came to believe
and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

On the next day, their leaders, elders, and scribes
were assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest,
Caiaphas, John, Alexander,
and all who were of the high-priestly class.
They brought them into their presence and questioned them,
"By what power or by what name have you done this?"
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them,
"Leaders of the people and elders:
If we are being examined today
about a good deed done to a cripple,
namely, by what means he was saved,
then all of you and all the people of Israel should know
that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean
whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead;
in his name this man stands before you healed.
He is the stone rejected by you, the builders,
which has become the cornerstone.
There is no salvation through anyone else,
nor is there any other name under heaven
given to the human race by which we are to be saved."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a

R. (22) The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say,
"His mercy endures forever."
Let those who fear the LORD say,
"His mercy endures forever."
R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.
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. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Ps 118:24

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.
He revealed himself in this way.
Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus,
Nathanael from Cana in Galilee,
Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples.
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."
They said to him, "We also will come with you."
So they went out and got into the boat,
but that night they caught nothing.
When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore;
but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?"
They answered him, "No."
So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat
and you will find something."
So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in
because of the number of fish.
So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord."
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord,
he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad,
and jumped into the sea.
The other disciples came in the boat,
for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards,
dragging the net with the fish.
When they climbed out on shore,
they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread.
Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught."
So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore
full of one hundred fifty-three large fish.
Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast."
And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?"
because they realized it was the Lord.
Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them,
and in like manner the fish.
This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples

after being raised from the dead.

Stick to Him

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042017.cfm) reminds me that I should continue to hang on to God even if I do not understand what is happening in my life. 

Children do not know anything when they come into the world. They have to learn everything. They are taught how to walk, to run, to crawl, etc. However, they do not get it in one try. It takes time. Effort. Practice. But they keep on trying. They just do what their parents ask them to do. They trust their parents. And eventually, they learn these things. This is how we should act. 

We should not give up and instead, hold on to God, especially when we do not understand what is happening in life. 

The apostles did not understand what Jesus was telling them when he was still with them. Yet, they continued to follow him. they continued to spend time with him. They were rewarded in the gospel when Jesus rose from the dead and opened their minds to understand the scriptures. Though they did not understand things when Jesus was with them, they did not let go of their faith. They did their best. They trusted in Jesus. And eventually they were rewarded. 

When God uses us, when things finally makes sense, he will also use us in a great way. We see in the first reading that Peter, the one who went away and denied Jesus three times, testified for Jesus. After understanding the scripture, God used him mightily. And he was able to glorify God. 

I am reminded to be patient when I do not understand things that are happening in life. That I should be patient when I do not understand everything I read in the bible. I am encouraged to be like the apostles, who continued to spend time with him even if they did not understand everything he was teaching. I need to continuously spend time with God in prayer and continue to build the relationship with Him, having faith that in the right time, he too will open my mind to understand the scriptures and to understand his purpose, plan, and wisdom. 

How do I react when I don’t understand the bible? What do I do when I can’t seem to understand God? Do I give up on him and walk away, or do I continue to spend time with him, knowing in faith that in his perfect time, he would reveal things to me?

May we be patient and continue to hold on to him, especially when we do not understand things in life. 

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 give up. Sorry for being impatient and not trusting in you enough. Sorry for the times I want things done my way, my time. Help me act like the apostles. Help me be patient. Give me faith in you. May I continue to love and trust you no matter what. Help me do my best and hold on to you. I know that in your perfect time, things will make sense and you will use me mightily. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/04/wisdom.html

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April 20, 2017
Thursday in the Octave of Easter
Lectionary: 264

Reading 1 Acts 3:11-26

As the crippled man who had been cured clung to Peter and John,
all the people hurried in amazement toward them
in the portico called "Solomon's Portico."
When Peter saw this, he addressed the people,
"You children of Israel, why are you amazed at this,
and why do you look so intently at us
as if we had made him walk by our own power or piety?
The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,
the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus
whom you handed over and denied in Pilate's presence,
when he had decided to release him.
You denied the Holy and Righteous One
and asked that a murderer be released to you.
The author of life you put to death,
but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.
And by faith in his name,
this man, whom you see and know, his name has made strong,
and the faith that comes through it
has given him this perfect health,
in the presence of all of you.
Now I know, brothers and sisters,
that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did;
but God has thus brought to fulfillment
what he had announced beforehand
through the mouth of all the prophets,
that his Christ would suffer.
Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away,
and that the Lord may grant you times of refreshment
and send you the Christ already appointed for you, Jesus,
whom heaven must receive until the times of universal restoration
of which God spoke through the mouth
of his holy prophets from of old.
For Moses said:

A prophet like me will the Lord, your God, raise up for you
from among your own kin;
to him you shall listen in all that he may say to you.
Everyone who does not listen to that prophet
will be cut off from the people.

"Moreover, all the prophets who spoke,
from Samuel and those afterwards, also announced these days.
You are the children of the prophets
and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors
when he said to Abraham,
In your offspring all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
For you first, God raised up his servant and sent him to bless you
by turning each of you from your evil ways."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9

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

Alleluia Ps 118:24

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 24:35-48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way,
and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this,
he stood in their midst and said to them,
"Peace be with you."
But they were startled and terrified
and thought that they were seeing a ghost.
Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled?
And why do questions arise in your hearts?
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.
Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones
as you can see I have."
And as he said this,
he showed them his hands and his feet.
While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed,
he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?"
They gave him a piece of baked fish;
he took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them,
"These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you,
that everything written about me in the law of Moses
and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled."
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
And he said to them,
"Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer
and rise from the dead on the third day
and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins,
would be preached in his name
to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things."