Hated For Christ

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052519.cfm) reminds me that the world will hate me for being Christ’s follower.

We know that the ruler of this world is satan. He has his ways in the world. And today, we are reminded by Jesus in the gospel that all his followers will be hated by the world. He said that if the world hates us, we should remember that it hated Jesus first. And in the same way the world persecuted Jesus, so will do his disciples.

The world loves its own, and since we are followers of Christ who is not of the world, the world will hate us. This is something that we should remember – as we face injustices and challenges of the world. We see evil people prospering, we see good people suffering, and now we are reminded why. The world is Satan’s and he gives worldly favor to those on his side, not on Jesus’.

Challenges and sufferings are expected to those who follow Christ.

A friend once told me that if you don’t experience sufferings and challenges in the world, you should examine if you are really of Christ. As believers, we do not want challenges and oppression. We do not seek it. But we should expect it and be strong about it. Jesus, our master, experienced these things, and it is our privilege to experience the same things he did – as long as we do so because of the right reasons. No slave is greater than his master.

In the bible, Peter said that it is better to suffer for doing good, if it be the will of God, than to suffer doing evil. Not all suffering is due to being followers of God. Some people suffer because of their own decisions and mistakes, and it does not mean they’re suffering because of God. This should remind us to check the reasons for our sufferings.

How is my life right now? Do I live my faith in and love for God? How am I living my faith? Do I experience biases, challenges and oppressions because I am God’s follower? How do I react to these? What is God telling me today?

May we remember to hold on to God’s word and promises as we experience suffering and challenges in this world.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the exhortation. Lord, sorry for the times I lose my focus. Sorry for being disheartened when faced with challenges. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. I ask that you help me focus on you. Help me hang on to your promises as I experience challenges and suffering in this world. may I always be faithful to you and have joy as I experience the same things you experienced in this world. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 25 2019

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 290

Reading 1 ACTS 16:1-10

Paul reached also Derbe and Lystra
where there was a disciple named Timothy,
the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer,
but his father was a Greek.
The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him,
and Paul wanted him to come along with him.
On account of the Jews of that region, Paul had him circumcised,
for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
As they traveled from city to city,
they handed on to the people for observance the decisions
reached by the Apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem.
Day after day the churches grew stronger in faith
and increased in number.

They traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian territory
because they had been prevented by the Holy Spirit
from preaching the message in the province of Asia.
When they came to Mysia, they tried to go on into Bithynia,
but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them,
so they crossed through Mysia and came down to Troas.
During the night Paul had a vision.
A Macedonian stood before him and implored him with these words,
"Come over to Macedonia and help us."
When he had seen the vision,
we sought passage to Macedonia at once,
concluding that God had called us to proclaim the Good News to them.

Responsorial PsalmPS 100:1B-2, 3, 5

R. (2a) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is good:
his kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
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 15:18-21

Jesus said to his disciples:
"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
Remember the word I spoke to you,
'No slave is greater than his master.'
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me." 

Sunshine

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052419.cfm) reminds me to think if others take delight in what comes out of me.

We all have different reputations. Some are terror teachers and professors that students feel afraid to come to. When they teach, they bring students fear more than the desire to learn. Others have the reputation of being mean bosses. Employees are afraid to come to them. And some are what they call sunshine - people who bring light and joy to others. This is what God wants us to be.

God wants us to bring joy and positivity to others despite our personal struggles and challenges.

In the first reading, we see that the people felt burdened. There were unnecessary things placed upon them. It became hard and burdensome to follow God. But the Apostles wrote them. Gave them representatives, and explained what they just needed to do. And when the people read it, they were delighted.

It probably was not always easy for the Apostles to be positive. They themselves experienced challenges and persecutions. They have their own problems. However, they were still able to bring joy to others. This was because they were filled with God. They have the fullness of God's love, God's joy and God's peace in them, so it was easy for God to use them. This made their actions powerful and positive.

This is what God wants us to bring others.

In the gospel, Jesus asked his disciples to follow his commandment - to love one another. Simple. But tough. It is challenging to love others, especially those annoying and unlovable people. But these are the people God wants us to love, because probably they have not experienced love so they’re like that. As we love them, we are following the command of Jesus, and we are being sunshine to others.

There are a lot of negative people in this world. We cannot blame them. They may have experienced pain and challenges in their lives. These things may have changed the way they see others. Their pain made them hard and tough. This is why we should be the opposite. We should bring God's peace, joy, and positivity to others. Just as the apostles' exhortation delighted the people, our words and actions too should make people feel good, should remind others of God's love and peace and forgiveness. To do this, we should do as the apostles did - to fill ourselves with God. So what we would share with others is coming from God. This will make it easier for God to use us mightily.

How do other people see me? What is my image to others? Am I mean and scary, am I negative and whiny, or do I bring sunshine, joy and peace to others? What should I do to have God’s joy and peace in me? How can I radiate God’s love to others?

May we be challenged to be sunshines to others despite our own struggles and challenges.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to know you more. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I just focus on myself. Sorry for letting my hurts and pain change me. Sorry for being negative and for always complaining. Help me be a ray of light to others. Help me be a sunshine. May my presence, words and deeds remind them of your great love, of your joy, of your peace. May others experience you through me. Fill me so it would be easy for me to share you to others. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/05/love-others.html

Daily Readings

May 24 2019

Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 289

Reading 1 ACTS 15:22-31

The Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:
"The Apostles and the presbyters, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
'It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right. Farewell.'"

And so they were sent on their journey.
Upon their arrival in Antioch
they called the assembly together and delivered the letter.
When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation.

Responsorial Psalm PS 57:8-9, 10 AND 12

R. (10a) I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and chant praise.
Awake, O my soul; awake, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn.
R. I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O LORD,
I will chant your praise among the nations.
For your mercy towers to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the skies.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
above all the earth be your glory!
R. I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 15:15B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I call you my friends, says the Lord,
for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 15:12-17

Jesus said to his disciples:
"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another."

Keep His Commandments

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052319.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to keep his commandments.

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

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

God wants us to keep his commandments.

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

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

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

Father God,

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

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 23 2019

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 288

Reading 1 ACTS 15:7-21

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

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

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

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

Responsorial Psalm PS 96:1-2A, 2B-3, 10

R.(3) Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 10:27

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

Gospel JN 15:9-11

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

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

Remain in God

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052219.cfm) reminds me that I should always remain in God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Father God,

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

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

May 22 2019

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 287    

Reading 1 ACTS 15:1-6

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

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

Responsorial Psalm PS 122:1-2, 3-4AB, 4CD-5

R.(see 1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 15:4A, 5B

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

Gospel JN 15:1-8

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

Peace Even Hard Times

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052119.cfm ) reminds me that I should trust in God and have peace while undergoing challenges and hardships in life.

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

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

They strengthened the spirits of the disciples

and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,

"It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships

to enter the Kingdom of God."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I lose hope. Sorry for the times I give up. Sorry for the times I get affected. Help me have faith in you. Help me love right and pleasing to you. Give me peace amidst all the challenges in life. Help me persevere and act in a way you want me to - with humility, dependence in and love for you. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

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

Daily Readings

May 21 2019

Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 286

Reading 1 ACTS 14:19-28

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

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

Responsorial Psalm PS 145:10-11, 12-13AB, 21

R.(see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD,
and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia SEE LK 24:46, 26

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

Gospel JN 14:27-31A

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

Faith to be Healed

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052019.cfm) reminds me of the importance of having faith.

There are things in life that are necessary. We need air to breathe. We need food and water to survive. Even when playing games on smartphones and computer, we need something to be able to play - lives, points, etc. we see something similar with regards to our spiritual life.

Faith is necessary for you to maximize God's blessings.

In the first reading, Paul was speaking when he noticed a crippled man listening. He saw that the man had faith to be healed, so he eventually healed the man. We know that Paul had the anointing of God and he can cure people. He can do, and did, great things in God's name. However, we see another important aspect in the reading. We see that God needs our faith as well. He needs us to believe in him. In his power. In his love.

In one of the gospels, Jesus was not able to heal the people he in his hometown because of their lack of faith. This was Jesus himself. It shows that if we do not have faith, God will be powerless over us. This shows that if we do not have faith, that if we refuse to believe in Him, that if we continue to reject him, then he cannot do anything. He will not force his way in our lives.

However, we need not have that great faith to experience God's love and blessings. Jesus said that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can do great things. We just need a little, and God will fill hp the rest. He has faith in us. And until we have full faith in him, he can supplement our little faith. We just need to work on our faith and our relationship with Him until it happens.

Do I have faith in God? Do I trust in his healing power and great love for me? Do I focus on hin and trust in him no matter what the situation is? How can I strengthen my faith?

May we work on our relationship with God, and pray for faith in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to love and serve you. Thank you for another week. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I do not have faith in you. Sorry for being overwhelmed by the world. Sorry for letting the world stress me out. Help me. Increase my faith. Give me faith in you, your power, and your love. As I ask for it, I will do my part and work on my relationship with you be reading the bible, praying, and partaking of the sacrament, so it will be easier for you to increase my faith. Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2018/04/credit-to-god.html 

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/08/lack-of-faith.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/faith-that-heals.html

Daily Readings

May 20 2019

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 285

Reading 1 ACTS 14:5-18

There was an attempt in Iconium
by both the Gentiles and the Jews,
together with their leaders,
to attack and stone Paul and Barnabas.
They realized it,
and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe
and to the surrounding countryside,
where they continued to proclaim the Good News.

At Lystra there was a crippled man, lame from birth,
who had never walked.
He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him,
saw that he had the faith to be healed,
and called out in a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet."
He jumped up and began to walk about.
When the crowds saw what Paul had done,
they cried out in Lycaonian,
"The gods have come down to us in human form."
They called Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes,"
because he was the chief speaker.
And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city,
brought oxen and garlands to the gates,
for he together with the people intended to offer sacrifice.

The Apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their garments
when they heard this and rushed out into the crowd, shouting,
"Men, why are you doing this?
We are of the same nature as you, human beings.
We proclaim to you good news
that you should turn from these idols to the living God,
who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.
In past generations he allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways;
yet, in bestowing his goodness,
he did not leave himself without witness,
for he gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons,
and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts."
Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds
from offering sacrifice to them.

Responsorial Psalm PS 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16

R.(1ab) Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your mercy, because of your truth.
Why should the pagans say,
"Where is their God?"
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men.
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Heaven is the heaven of the LORD,
but the earth he has given to the children of men.
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 14:26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Holy Spirit will teach you everything
and remind you of all I told you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel JN 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Whoever has my commandments and observes them
is the one who loves me.
Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I will love him and reveal myself to him."
Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him,
"Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us
and not to the world?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.

"I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit
whom the Father will send in my nameB
he will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you."