CHRISTmas 2018!

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122518-night.cfm) reminds me how beautiful and meaningful Christmas is. 

They say that Christmas is the longest season here in the Philippines. As early as September, or when the –BER months enter, there are already Christmas decors on display, and some establishments already play Christmas songs - especially malls. And after weeks of preparing and waiting for Jesus, we now commemorate his coming. In the first reading, Isaiah says: For a child is born to us, a son is given us (Isaiah 9:6). Eto na yun. God’s immense love for us made concrete by his sending of his one and only Son to save us from our sins. He even allowed his Son to be born in a manger, with the animals, because he loves us and wants us not to be intimidated by his Son, but be able to relate and feel comfortable with Him. 

There are a lot of Christmas songs. New and the old classics. One of the classics is O Holy Night. I haven’t given much attention to this song before. For me, it was just one of those normal Christmas songs that have been there for ages. However, taking a closer look at the lyrics, this actually encapsulates Christmas: 

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

‘Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

Deep.

Until he appeared and the soul felt its worth. 

Until Jesus appeared. 

Before Jesus entered the world, we were living in sin. We were living far away from God. No sense. No purpose. Jesus brought us salvation. Jesus brought us peace. Jesus bridged our way to God. He stood in the gap from us, sinners, to God the Father Almighty. He made us children of God.

We all have different feeling towards this day. Others may have been blessed by attending the “Misa De Gallo” or “Simbang Gabi” every 4AM for 9 consecutive days. Others may have been blessed by helping out others, because it gave them an opportunity to serve, help out, and be Christ to others. Others may have been blessed by reading His word, praying, reflecting and taking the sacraments. Those are all great feelings. But how about others? What about those who were so stressed preparing gifts, cooking food, arranging get-togethers, that they did not realize it’s already Christmas? How about those who got so engrossed with the year-end responsibilities at work and requirements for a January deadline that they forgot about Christmas? How about those who did their best, prepared spiritually for this, yet do not seem to feel an effect on their lives 

Good news! It’s never too late! Preparing does not end at Christmas Day. More important than preparing for Christmas, it should continue even after Christmas. 

Jesus was born in a stable, probably a dirty one, together with animals. This shows external appearance is not so important to him. What’s important is the owners welcomed them. Are we welcoming him as well? IF you haven’t been preparing, ok lang, never too late. If kulang pa yung preparation, ok lang, never too late. If parang walang epekto, ok lang, never too late, dasal pa. Let us hang on to his promise in Jeremiah:  If you seek me you’ll find me, if you seek me with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

What is important to God is we welcome him, we allow Him to stay in us, no matter how unprepared, no matter how dirty, no matter how unworthy our heart is for Him. IF we allow him to stay, if we welcome him, if we allow him to do whatever he wants, he will use us mightily, and we would glorify God by it, and the more we continue doing these, the more our soul will feel its worth.

May we continue to prepare spiritually for Christ, and may the spirit of Christmas – which is God’s love made alive and concrete, continue to remain in us and be alive through us.

Father God,

Thank you for this day. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for Christmas. Thank you for coming into this world as a little child born in a stable in a little town of Bethlehem. Father, thank you for not being intimidating. Thank you for humbling yourself so we could relate to you. Thank you for your great love for us. Lord, sorry for not doing my best to prepare for Christmas. Sorry for being busy and distracted. Lord, my heart is not so clean. Madumi sya, madami pa kailangang ayusin at linisin. I feel I have not prepared as much, that I am unworthy. But Lord, however unworthy I am, I ask, I beg you to come into my life, into my heart. Make the most out of it. Fill it with your love, that I may always realize how special I am to you. I ask that you grant me the grace to see myself the way you see me – beautiful, worthy of your love, capable of doing good. I ask that you continuously use me to do your work, and this CHRISTmas and always, may I always remember who this is for, who should come first, who my attention and focus should be. Amidst all the technological advancements and worldly distractions, may I never lose my focus on you, on the real essence of Christmas. Help me and use me to make you more alive and more real to others. Amen.

Let’s not forget the REASON for the SEASON and keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas! 

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

December 25, 2018 - The Nativity of the Lord – Christmas - Mass During the Night

The Nativity of the Lord – Christmas
Mass During the Night
Lectionary: 14

Reading 1 IS 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as people make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David's throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

Responsorial Psalm PS 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13.

R. (Lk 2:11) Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Reading 2 TI 2:11-14

Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.

AlleluiaLK 2:10-11

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I proclaim to you good news of great joy:
today a Savior is born for us,
Christ the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Still Prepare

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122418.cfm) reminds me that I should continue my preparation for Christ's coming. 

They say that time flies when you're having fun. That is usually true. But time also flies when you are very busy. Time flies when there are a lot of things to do. Time flies when there are a lot of parties and activities. This is what happened to some. Just like that, it's already Christmas day tomorrow. Weeks of preparation seemed to just fly by. 

However, this should not dishearten us. Regardless if we feel we have done our best or not, we should not stop preparing for him. We should not stop today or tomorrow, but be motivated to continue and prepare for his eventual coming. Being a Christian is not a once in a lifetime decision. It is an everyday, continuous decision. We have to constantly choose to follow God. We have to constantly allow God to change us, and to use us.

The readings show us people who continuously allow God to use them. In the first reading, we see David, a former shepherd who was used by God in many ways, and eventually was made a king of his people. In the gospel we see Zechariah’s canticle, his profession of faith and love. After doubting God and being silenced, he eventually gave praises to God with his words, with his life. They both live the psalm – to forever sing the goodness of the Lord.

We should also continue to let God use us and change us. We should continue to allow him to use us to help other people. There are everyday things we should do to improve ourselves - obey the rules and be honest even if other people are not, be generous and selfless even if other people are not, confess and be at peace with God, ourselves and others, even if other people do not. As we do so, God will continue to live through us, and we will be a representation of Jesus to others around us, and He will continue to be present in us and through us.

How have I prepared for Christmas this year? Did I lose sight of the reason for this season? Did I allow myself to get busy and stressed that I did not devote enough time for prayer and sacraments as I prepare for Him? How can I continue to prepare for Jesus’ coming in my life? How can I continue to allow Him to change me? Am I willing?

May we make the decision to continue to prepare not just for Christmas, but for Christ’s eventual coming. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for this reminder. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for all the love. Thank you for all the guidance and protection. Lord, sorry for being so busy and distracted. Sorry for losing sight of you. Lord, I pray that you give me a heart that would continue to let you use me and mold me to be more like you. Give me a heart that would continue to humble myself before you and allow you to use me in whatever way you want to. Lord, use me. Live in me. Be alive in me and through me. Help me also to never stop preparing, even after Christmas. I pray that in my own little way, you would be able to use me and make me Jesus to others. Amen

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

December 24, 2018

Monday in Fourth Week of Advent - Mass in the Morning
Lectionary: 200

Reading 1 2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16

When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
"Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!"
Nathan answered the king,
"Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you."
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
"Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?

"'It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his Kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever.'"

Responsorial Psalm PS 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 AND 29

R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
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.
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
"He shall say of me, 'You are my father,
my God, the rock, my savior.'
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
and my covenant with him stands firm."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O Radiant Dawn,
Splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hand of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Continue to Prepare

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122318.cfm) reminds me that I should continue to prepare for Christmas. 

For weeks, we have been preparing for Christmas, and how fast time flies, we are now on the last Sunday before Christmas, we are now on the the fourth Sunday of advent. God has been telling us how we can prepare and that we should serve and proclaim him in this world. now the question is, how are we responding to his messages?

The gospel story is a familiar one. We also see the effect of what having a relationship with God would bring. We see the effect of preparing our hearts. Mama Mary was told what was about to happen. What God wanted to happen. Of course she had a lot of questions, but she remained firm in faith. She still said yes and submitted to God's will. And after, she visited her pregnant cousin and served her. We see how her mere presence brings God to others. This is what we should aim as well - to bring God to others with our presence. 

We should continue to prepare for God, so we can have faith and relationship to God as Mama Mary. We should prepare and work on our relationship with God not just for Christmas, but always. We should always declare God through our life. By our words. By our actions. 

Do I respond positively to God’s message? Do I put things in the proper perspective? Am I making him the center of the celebration, the reason for the season? OR am I still busy buying and wrapping gifts, preparing for parties and get together, being annoyed by the traffic, that I forget the reason why we are celebrating Christmas in the first place? How can I prepare more for Christmas?

May we be wiling to let God enter our lives, and prepare for Him as we commemorate his birth, and for always after it. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. thank you for knowing me, for reaching out to me, for giving me a long time to prepare, for you know it will take time. Lord, sorry for not doing my best to prepare. Sorry for being busy and distracted. Sorry for not making this about you. help me make the most out of the preparation time you are giving me, and help me make this season a really meaningful one. May I continue to prepare and may I continue to let you into my life and work on my relationship with you.  Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

December 23, 2018

Fourth Sunday of Advent
Lectionary: 12

Reading 1 MI 5:1-4A

Thus says the LORD:
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time
when she who is to give birth has borne,
and the rest of his kindred shall return
to the children of Israel.
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
he shall be peace.

Responsorial Psalm PS 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.

R. (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power,
and come to save us.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Reading 2 HEB 10:5-10

Brothers and sisters:
When Christ came into the world, he said:
"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but a body you prepared for me;
in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight.
Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll,
behold, I come to do your will, O God.'"

First he says, "Sacrifices and offerings,
holocausts and sin offerings,
you neither desired nor delighted in."
These are offered according to the law.
Then he says, :Behold, I come to do your will."
He takes away the first to establish the second.
By this "will," we have been consecrated
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Alleluia LK 1:38

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 1:39-45

Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."

Do Not Forget

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122218.cfm) reminds me that I should not forget God when he gives me what I pray for. 

When we are praying for something, it is not unusual to bargain. We promise God something. We tell God we will do something. We say a lot in the hopes of receiving what we pray for. We say a lot and hope it will help us get our prayers. However, when we get what we pray for, we do not always keep our word. Today, I am reminded that we should. 

In the first reading, Hannah did not forget to thank God for answering her prayers for a son. She did not forget, and She eventually dedicated Samuel for the Lord. She did not keep him to herself, she did not forget God when her prayers were answered. She did not make excuses whatsoever. She glorified God by giving Him the one thing precious to her – her son. 

In the gospel, Mary said it explicitly. After being called blessed by Elizabeth, Mary responded with her canticle. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. All honour and glory was given back to God, as it should be. She did not boast that she is special, that she is blessed, that she was carrying the Son of God. Rather, she gave back everything to God. And she served God by visiting and serving Elizabeth despite her situation. She knew who she was and did not forget God’s part in everything. 

As we prepare for Christmas, may we never forget whom to glorify, whom the season is all about. In celebrating Christmas, may we not forget that amidst all the gift-giving, the merrymaking, the parties and gatherings, Jesus is the one whose birthday we are celebrating. In celebrating his birthday, may we STILL give him glory by how we act, by what we say and what we do. Christmas is not just about having fun, giving gifts to family and friends, and relaxing, having a good time. This is about Christ and his great love for us. With all these parties, merrymaking, and gift giving, may we never forget to give to others who cannot give us back. 

What are the things I am praying for? What are the answers of God to these things? How do I respond when God gives me what I ask for? Do I forget him and move on with my life, or do I thank Him?

When God hears our prayers and this season, may we never forget Him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for another chance to know more about you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for forgetting you. Sorry for ignoring you when things are well. And sorry for forgetting that this season is all about you. Help me live right. Help me live for you. Help me prepare for you. May I never forget you, and may I live in a way pleasing to and glorifying you always. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ, 

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/12/proclaim-his-greatness.html

Daily Readings

December 22, 2018

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Lectionary: 198

Reading 1 1 SM 1:24-28

In those days,
Hannah brought Samuel with her,
along with a three-year-old bull,
an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine,
and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh.
After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull,
Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said:
"Pardon, my lord!
As you live, my lord,
I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD.
I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request.
Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD;
as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD."
She left Samuel there.

Responsorial Psalm 1 SAMUEL 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD

R. (see 1a) My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"My heart exults in the LORD,
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the tottering gird on strength.
The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,
while the hungry batten on spoil.
The barren wife bears seven sons,
while the mother of many languishes."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"The LORD puts to death and gives life;
he casts down to the nether world;
he raises up again.
The LORD makes poor and makes rich,
he humbles, he also exalts."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"He raises the needy from the dust;
from the dung heap he lifts up the poor,
To seat them with nobles
and make a glorious throne their heritage."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 1:46-56

Mary said:

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
and has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months
and then returned to her home.

Believe and Be Blessed

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122118.cfm) reminds me that believing God's word will bless us. 

It is difficult to readily believe what others say. A lot of people lie, we have been hurt and disappointed a lot of times, and the situation seem so powerful that a lot of factors and a lot of things can happen that can prevent something from happening. However, this should not be our attitude when it comes to God's word. 

We should always believe in God. 

In the gospel, we again see Mama Mary visiting Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mama Mary's voice, the baby leaped in her womb. This is how blessed mama Mary is. And Elizabeth told her that she is blessed because she believed God's word would be fulfilled. 

Things were not easy for Mary. She was pregnant. She did not know what will happen to her. Yet she travelled to see and serve Elizabeth. She had faith that God's word would be fulfilled and that God will take care of her. And God did. 

God needs our faith in Him. 

Mama Mary showed great faith in God. She served him by serving others. She trusted in Him even if there were a lot of questions and concerns. And God rewarded her for that. We should also have this attitude. We should also believe and trust in God no matter what the situation may be. We should have faith in God. And we should continue loving and serving Him no matter what situation we may be in. God rewarded Mama Mary and she was used mightily because of this. Because she believed. Because she had faith. 

Do I have faith in God? Do I believe in God’s word, especially when things are tough? What prevents me from believing in God when things are tough and situations are challenging? How has God proven his love and provisions for me? 

May we learn to trust and have faith in God no matter what the situation may be. 

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 doubt you. Sorry for the times I let the situation weigh me down. Sorry for the times I don't have enough faith in you. Help me be like Mama Mary who trusted in you no matter how tough the situation may be. May my faith be bigger than my fears. I have faith in you. I believe in you. Use me mightily for your kingdom. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

December 21, 2018

Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Lectionary: 197

Reading 1 SG 2:8-14

Hark! my lover–here he comes
springing across the mountains,
leaping across the hills.
My lover is like a gazelle
or a young stag.
Here he stands behind our wall,
gazing through the windows,
peering through the lattices.
My lover speaks; he says to me,
"Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one,
and come!
"For see, the winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of pruning the vines has come,
and the song of the dove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance.
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one,
and come!

"O my dove in the clefts of the rock,
in the secret recesses of the cliff,
Let me see you,
let me hear your voice,
For your voice is sweet,
and you are lovely."

Or ZEP 3:14-18A

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.

Responsorial Psalm PS 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21

R. (1a; 3a) Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
Sing to him a new song;
pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice;
in his holy name we trust.
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 1:39-45

Mary set out in those days
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."

Sign

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122018.cfm) reminds me of God's ultimate sign. 

It is not uncommon for people to ask for a sign from God. As human beings, we want to have tangible feedback from God, that’s why we ask for signs, and God knows this. The first reading tells us:

The LORD spoke to Ahaz:

Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!

However, Ahaz knew he should not tempt God, that He should have faith. Isaiah confirms this, and tells us the sign of God

But Ahaz answered,

"I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!"
Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary men,
must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:
the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall name him Emmanuel.

We look for God’s sign or approval in different aspects of our lives. As we prepare for school or work, we want to know where God wants us to go. We want to know if we are doing the right thing and making the right decision. During times of insecurities, we want to know if we are really loved. During calamities and times of challenges, we want to know that we are protected. God knows this, so He has given the ultimate sign for us. A sign of his great, unconditional love for us. A sign of his humility. A sign of his strength.. A sign of his power. A sign of might. A sign of his protection

Jesus is the ultimate sign of God. 

God sent Jesus because he loves us, even if we are sinners, even if we are unworthy of that love. Jesus came as a carpenter’s son, born in a stable – reminding us that he is humble of heart, and he loves us so much he is willing to take human form to relate to us better, to know us better, and for us to relate to him and know him better. God conquered the world – he sent Jesus and defeated sin and death because of that love for us, because he is the only one who can do that. He wants to protect us from the evil one, and he continues to do so.

Whatever sign we are looking for, we can find it in God sending Jesus for us. When we don’t know what to do, let us continue to pray and seek God’s will as a sign of our humility and faith in Him. Let us not ask for mighty signs from God that confirms what we want, but be humble and willing to seek his will and obey it, even if it is not what we would have wanted.

This is how Mama Mary reacted in the gospel. When the angel told her what would happen, she did not ask or demand for signs no matter how difficult God’s plan may seem. She just trusted in God. She just had faith and said yes. This is how we should be. 

Do I ask for signs from God? How does God respond? Do I have faith in God? How am I preparing for Christmas?

As we prepare for Christmas, may we continue to seek God’s will in our lives. May we continue to be humble and prepare our hearts to be ready for him – for his will, for his coming.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus for us. Thank you for loving me so much. Lord, sorry for the times I ask for signs. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Sorry for doubting. I pray that you help me increase my faith, and as I continue to prepare for Christmas, may I always be open and receptive of you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

December 20, 2018

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Lectionary: 196

Reading 1 IS 7:10-14

The LORD spoke to Ahaz:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered,
"I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!"
Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary men,
must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:
the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall name him Emmanuel.

Responsorial Psalm PS 24:1-2, 3-4AB, 5-6

R. (see 7c and 10b) Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 1:26-38

In the sixth month,
the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?"
And the angel said to her in reply,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.

React and Participate

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121918.cfm) reminds me that usually, my reaction determines my participation in God's plans. 

They say that you cannot control what happens in life. You cannot control what life throws as you. You cannot control other people and their behavior. However, there is one thing that you can control – your reaction to these things. You cannot control challenges, but you can control how you react to these challenges. You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can control how you behave. 

Our reaction determines our participation in God’s plans. 

Our reaction determines where we will be and what will happen to us as God’s plans are happening. Nothing can stop God's plans from happening. If we chose to turn away from him and reject him, his great plans will still be accomplished - we just will not be a part of it.

Both in the first reading and gospel, we see angels bearing good news to people. In the first reading, the angel told Manoah’s wife that she will bear a son, while in the gospel the angel told Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth will also bear a son in their old age. Both good news. Both redemption. But they reacted differently.

Zechariah was full of doubt. Well, who can blame him? He and Elizabeth were very old, and probably they have stopped hoping and praying for a child. However, we see that Manoah’s reaction was very different. When he learned about the good news, he prayed to God and asked him to tell them how they are to prepare. (Though this is not included in the readings, see the rest of the chapter here http://usccb.org/bible/judges/13:2) Then when the angel was sent to them, they thanked the angel so much and gave their offering to God. Such faith! Surrendered heart full of faith!

No matter how we react, we cannot stop God’s plan from being fulfilled.

God is always welcoming us to be part of his plans. He gives us opportunities. He surprises us. But if we choose to doubt and react like Zechariah, we limit our participation and may even cause ourselves unnecessary pains, but if we act like Manoah, things will be better.

How do I react to things that are happening in my life? Do I do my best to react in a way God wants me to, or do I let the situation get the best of me and affect my reaction? Do I believe in God’s word to me, or am I full of doubt and let me fears or past hurts affect the way I see God’s word? What is God telling me today?

May we have faith in God like Manoah, and be inspired by Elizabeth’s surrendered faith in God’s perfect time as we say “So the Lord has done for me at a time he has seen fit…”

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience you. Thank you for the reminders. Thank you for being you, for choosing the helpless and using them to bring your glory. Lord, sorry for the times I act like Zechariah and doubt you. Sorry for not believing in you and for looking at the situation, for looking at logic and not on you, your great power and your great love. I also ask that you help me have faith like Manoah. May I be ready and willing to receive good news and do my best to prepare my heart and my life for you. May I have that great faith, accompanied by the will to do my part. Cast away all my doubts and fears, and may this day give me a renewed faith, renewed hope, and a renewed life founded on you.  In a special way, I lift up all those who are celebrating their birthdays today. May you continue to bless and protect them, and work your way in their hearts and in their lives. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

December 19, 2018

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
Lectionary: 195

Reading 1 JGS 13:2-7, 24-25A

There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites,
whose name was Manoah.
His wife was barren and had borne no children.
An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her,
"Though you are barren and have had no children,
yet you will conceive and bear a son.
Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink
and to eat nothing unclean.
As for the son you will conceive and bear,
no razor shall touch his head,
for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb.
It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel
from the power of the Philistines."

The woman went and told her husband,
"A man of God came to me;
he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed.
I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name.
But he said to me,
'You will be with child and will bear a son.
So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean.
For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb,
until the day of his death.'"

The woman bore a son and named him Samson.
The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him;
the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.

Responsorial Psalm PS 71:3-4A, 5-6AB, 16-17

R. (see 8) My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
For you are my hope, O LORD;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother's womb you are my strength.
R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
I will treat of the mighty works of the LORD;
O God, I will tell of your singular justice.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O Root of Jesse's stem,
sign of God's love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea,
there was a priest named Zechariah
of the priestly division of Abijah;
his wife was from the daughters of Aaron,
and her name was Elizabeth.
Both were righteous in the eyes of God,
observing all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.
But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren
and both were advanced in years.

Once when he was serving as priest
in his division's turn before God,
according to the practice of the priestly service,
he was chosen by lot
to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.
Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside
at the hour of the incense offering,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him,
standing at the right of the altar of incense.
Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.

But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah,
because your prayer has been heard.
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall name him John.
And you will have joy and gladness,
and many will rejoice at his birth,
for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
He will drink neither wine nor strong drink.
He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb,
and he will turn many of the children of Israel
to the Lord their God.
He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah
to turn the hearts of fathers toward children
and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous,
to prepare a people fit for the Lord."

Then Zechariah said to the angel,
"How shall I know this?
For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."
And the angel said to him in reply,
"I am Gabriel, who stand before God.
I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.
But now you will be speechless and unable to talk
until the day these things take place,
because you did not believe my words,
which will be fulfilled at their proper time."
Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah
and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.
But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them,
and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary.
He was gesturing to them but remained mute.

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.

After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived,
and she went into seclusion for five months, saying,
"So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit
to take away my disgrace before others."