What Will You Be?

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062419-day.cfm) makes me think what will my participation be in the kingdom of God.

Today, we celebrate the solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist. We know that he is a cousin or a relative of Jesus, and he did great things for God’s kingdom. He preached about the kingdom and the Messiah, but was consistent in denying that he was the chosen one. he prepared the way for Jesus, and worked hard doing so.

Supporting cast can be great too.

John the Baptist was not talking about himself. He was preparing the way for Jesus. He directed all attention to Jesus, never to himself. This reminds us that we need not be overachievers to be great in God’s eyes. What matters to him is our hearts – that we point to him all the time.

In the gospel, we saw that when John was born, holy fear came to his town. They were thinking that he would be a mighty person, since his birth is a special occasion. And indeed he did great. This reminds me that we too should strive to be great and do great things for God. No matter where we are right now, no matter what we have done in the past, all the sins we have committed, is not as important as what lies ahead of us.

God’s plans for us are greater than our past.

In the same way that John allowed himself to be used by God, we too just need to allow ourselves to be used by God. He will use us mightily, we just have to surrender and submit to his will.

May we be ready to surrender to God, and like John, let God lead our lives for his greater glory.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. thank you for another reminder. Lord, I am sorry for the times I only think of myself. Sorry for the times I just do what I want, regardless of the implications or the moral issues of my actions. Help me be like John. Help me to always submit to you and allow you to use me to build your kingdom here on earth. May I be able to do great things for you and through you. amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 24 2019 - Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist - Mass during the Day
Lectionary: 587

Reading 1 IS 49:1-6

Hear me, O coastlands,
listen, O distant peoples.
The LORD called me from birth,
from my mother's womb he gave me my name.
He made of me a sharp-edged sword
and concealed me in the shadow of his arm.
He made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me.
You are my servant, he said to me,
Israel, through whom I show my glory.

Though I thought I had toiled in vain,
and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength,
yet my reward is with the LORD,
my recompense is with my God.
For now the LORD has spoken
who formed me as his servant from the womb,
that Jacob may be brought back to him
and Israel gathered to him;
and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,
and my God is now my strength!
It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant,
to raise up the tribes of Jacob,
and restore the survivors of Israel;
I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

Responsorial Psalm PS 139:1B-3, 13-14AB, 14C-15

R.(14) I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
you know when I sit and when I stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
with all my ways you are familiar.
R. I praise you for I am wonderfully made.
Truly you have formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother's womb.
I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;
wonderful are your works.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
My soul also you knew full well;
nor was my frame unknown to you
When I was made in secret,
when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.

Reading 2 ACTS 13:22-26

In those days, Paul said:
"God raised up David as king;
of him God testified,
I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;
he will carry out my every wish.
From this man's descendants God, according to his promise,
has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel;
and as John was completing his course, he would say,
'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.
Behold, one is coming after me;
I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.'

"My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham,
and those others among you who are God-fearing,
to us this word of salvation has been sent."

Alleluia SEE LK 1:76

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Gospel LK 1:57-66, 80

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child
she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and relatives heard
that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,
and they rejoiced with her.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,
they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
but his mother said in reply,
"No. He will be called John."
But they answered her,
"There is no one among your relatives who has this name."
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name,"
and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
and he spoke blessing God.
Then fear came upon all their neighbors,
and all these matters were discussed
throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
"What, then, will this child be?"
For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
The child grew and became strong in spirit,              
and he was in the desert until the day
of his manifestation to Israel.

Corpus Christi 2019

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062319.cfm) reminds me how blessed I am with our faith.

As we commemorate the Feast of Corpus Christi, or the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (especially that it is alive in the Holy Eucharist) we are reminded how blessed we are in our faith.

In the second reading, we see how Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist. He said the bread is his body, and the wine is his blood. We are reminded to do it in remembrance of Jesus. We are reminded that as we partake of Him, so should we proclaim him as well.

There is a story of a protestant and a catholic talking. The protestant asked the catholic: "is it true that in your religion, you believe that the Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Christ?" To which the catholic answered yes. Then the protestant said: "wow. If that were the case in our religion, I would do anything to receive him everyday!"

This story struck me. Sometimes we actually do not realize how blessed we are in our belief in the Holy Eucharist. As Catholics, we believe that it is the actual Body and Blood of Christ, not just a representation of it! Even if Jesus is not physically with us anymore, he is till very much alive and real in the presence of the Holy Eucharist. That is what God wants us to have. This is how God makes his presence alive and real in our lives. Isn't that amazing?! Isn’t it enough reason to want to receive him daily?

Everytime we attend mass, we have the opportunity to partake of it. To be one with him. As we consume the Holy Eucharist, it is actually God who consumes us. If we are in the proper disposition as we receive it, God will slowly transform us and consume us. We can slowly be transformed to become more and more like Him. We just need to make the decision to accept him and allow him to transform us.

What is the significance of the Holy Eucharist for me? Do I believe that it is the actual body and blood of Christ? Do I make the most out of it? Am I willing to accept Christ in my life and allow him to take control of my life? How do I prepare myself to receive Him?

May we have a renewed love for the Holy Eucharist, and may we do our part to spiritually prepare ourselves as we receive Him, so it will be easier for him to change us and to consume us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for sending your only Son to die for me. Thank you for loving me however unworthy I am. Thank you for a very beautiful gift of the Holy Eucharist. I am sorry for not making the most out of it. Sorry for being contented to receive you only on Sundays. Sorry for not preparing myself to receive you. Awaken me Lord. I pray that I would always remember the importance and power of the Holy Eucharist. May I always do my best and prepare to receive you each time I hear mass. Give me the heart and the desire to always be thirsty for you and make the most out of the Eucharist. As I receive you, I ask that you consume me and transform me to become more like you. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 23 2019

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Lectionary: 169

Reading 1 GN 14:18-20

In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine,
and being a priest of God Most High,
he blessed Abram with these words:
"Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
the creator of heaven and earth;
and blessed be God Most High,
who delivered your foes into your hand."
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Responsorial Psalm PS 110:1, 2, 3, 4

R.(4b) You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.
The LORD said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand
till I make your enemies your footstool."
R. You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.
The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion:
"Rule in the midst of your enemies."
R. You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.
"Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor;
before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you."
R. You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.
The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent:
"You are a priest forever, according to the order of  Melchizedek."
R. You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.

Reading 2 1 COR 11:23-26

Brothers and sisters:
I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you,
that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over,
took bread, and, after he had given thanks,
broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."
In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

Sequence Lauda Sion

Laud, O Zion, your salvation,
Laud with hymns of exultation,
 Christ, your king and shepherd true:

Bring him all the praise you know,
He is more than you bestow.
 Never can you reach his due.

Special theme for glad thanksgiving
Is the quick'ning and the living
 Bread today before you set:

From his hands of old partaken,
As we know, by faith unshaken,
 Where the Twelve at supper met.

Full and clear ring out your chanting,
Joy nor sweetest grace be wanting,
 From your heart let praises burst:

For today the feast is holden,
When the institution olden
 Of that supper was rehearsed.

Here the new law's new oblation,
By the new king's revelation,
 Ends the form of ancient rite:

Now the new the old effaces,
Truth away the shadow chases,
 Light dispels the gloom of night.

What he did at supper seated,
Christ ordained to be repeated,
 His memorial ne'er to cease:

And his rule for guidance taking,
Bread and wine we hallow, making
 Thus our sacrifice of peace.

This the truth each Christian learns,
Bread into his flesh he turns,
 To his precious blood the wine:

Sight has fail'd, nor thought conceives,
But a dauntless faith believes,
 Resting on a pow'r divine.

Here beneath these signs are hidden
Priceless things to sense forbidden;
 Signs, not things are all we see:

Blood is poured and flesh is broken,
Yet in either wondrous token
 Christ entire we know to be.

Whoso of this food partakes,
Does not rend the Lord nor breaks;
 Christ is whole to all that taste:

Thousands are, as one, receivers,
One, as thousands of believers,
 Eats of him who cannot waste.

Bad and good the feast are sharing,
Of what divers dooms preparing,
 Endless death, or endless life.

Life to these, to those damnation,
See how like participation
 Is with unlike issues rife.

When the sacrament is broken,
Doubt not, but believe 'tis spoken,
 That each sever'd outward token
 doth the very whole contain.

Nought the precious gift divides,
Breaking but the sign betides
 Jesus still the same abides,
 still unbroken does remain.

The shorter form of the sequence begins here.

Lo! the angel's food is given
To the pilgrim who has striven;
 see the children's bread from heaven,
 which on dogs may not be spent.

Truth the ancient types fulfilling,
Isaac bound, a victim willing,
 Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling,
 manna to the fathers sent.

Very bread, good shepherd, tend us,
Jesu, of your love befriend us,
 You refresh us, you defend us,
 Your eternal goodness send us
In the land of life to see.

You who all things can and know,
Who on earth such food bestow,
 Grant us with your saints, though lowest,
 Where the heav'nly feast you show,
Fellow heirs and guests to be. Amen. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 6:51

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord;
whoever eats this bread will live forever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:11B-17

Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God,
and he healed those who needed to be cured.
As the day was drawing to a close,
the Twelve approached him and said,
"Dismiss the crowd
so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms
and find lodging and provisions;
for we are in a deserted place here."
He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves."
They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have,
unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people."
Now the men there numbered about five thousand.
Then he said to his disciples,
"Have them sit down in groups of about fifty."
They did so and made them all sit down.
Then taking the five loaves and the two fish,
and looking up to heaven,
he said the blessing over them, broke them,
and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.
They all ate and were satisfied.
And when the leftover fragments were picked up,
they filled twelve wicker baskets.

Seek Him First

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062219.cfm) reminds me that I should always seek God first.

They say that worrying is like sitting on a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere. As human beings, we tend to worry a lot. There are a lot of concerns on our minds, and we sometimes over analyze things and assume things will turn out bad. Sometimes, we worry about things we should not worry about, things that are not even existing problems.

If you have faith in God, you will have no reason to worry.

Faith is the foundation of our strength, and the reason for not worrying. In the gospel, we are told one of the most important and inspiring thing in the bible – to seek God first, and all things will be given us. We should not worry, instead seek God, look for him and serve Him. As we do, God will take care of us and our concerns. As we seek God, as we get to know him more, our faith will increase and eventually there will be no reason to worry. God knows everything we need, and as we put him first, as we tell him we trust him enough to put him first and serve him instead of worrying and working on our needs, then He will reward our faith and will continue to take care of us.

In the first reading, we see a man living this. Paul put God first. He did not want the focus on him, rather on God. He did seek God first, boasting of his weakness so God kay fill him up. So God would be with him. He did not have it easy though. He experienced a lot of persecutions and hardships. He experienced challenges. However, he remained faithful to God. He continued to do God’s work. Even though life was challenging, God took care of him and his needs, and magnified his actions such that it reached and converted a lot of people.

God is powerful and faithful to us. We just need to trust him and put him first, everytime.

Do I know God is powerful? Do I know and have faith that he can and will help me in life? How do I react when there are problems and challenges? Do I do and solve it my way, or do I trust Him enough and seek him? How can I strengthen my faith and love for him?

May we always remember to have faith in God and seek him in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another weekend. Lord, thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for not seeking you first. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Sorry for boxing you out of my life and for doing what I think is best and reasonable. I have a lot of things in my head right now. I have lots of concerns. I have lots of problems. So Lord, thank you for reminding me to just have faith in you and put you first. I know that as I put you first, that as I put my focus on you and serve you, you will continue to bless me and take care of other things in my life. I know you are faithful and you are powerful, and I just put my faith in you. amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 22 2019

Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 370

Reading 1 2 COR 12:1-10

Brothers and sisters:
I must boast; not that it is profitable,
but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago
(whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows),
was caught up to the third heaven.
And I know that this man
(whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows)
was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things,
which no one may utter.
About this man I will boast,
but about myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.
Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish,
for I would be telling the truth.
But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me
than what he sees in me or hears from me
because of the abundance of the revelations.
Therefore, that I might not become too elated,
a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan,
to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,
but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is made perfect in weakness."
I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses,
in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults,
hardships, persecutions, and constraints,
for the sake of Christ;
for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Responsorial Psalm PS 34:8-9, 10-11, 12-13

R. (9a) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
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. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Fear the LORD, you his holy ones,
for nought is lacking to those who fear him.
The great grow poor and hungry;
but those who seek the LORD want for no good thing.
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Come, children, hear me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Which of you desires life,
and takes delight in prosperous days?
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Alleluia 2 COR 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelMT 6:24-34

Jesus said to his disciples:
"No one can serve two masters.
He will either hate one and love the other,
or be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink,
or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds in the sky;
they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns,
yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are not you more important than they?
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
Why are you anxious about clothes?
Learn from the way the wild flowers grow.
They do not work or spin.
But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor
was clothed like one of them.
If God so clothes the grass of the field,
which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow,
will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?'
or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'
All these things the pagans seek.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.
Sufficient for a day is its own evil."

Heavenly Treasure

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062119.cfm) reminds me of the importance of storing heavenly treasures.

Being a guy, I believe that financial stability is important. Being the eldest and only guy just makes really important. And as a husband now, the pressure for financial stability increases.

It is easy to be lost in the world as you search of financial stability. The intention may be good – to be able to help out in the family more, to be able to help the less fortunate more, to be able to provide for the future family, etc. However, sometimes we make financial stability the end goal and not one of the means to the goal. Sometimes in our desire to help out more, we become too focused on work and financial stability that we lose touch with the very people that we want to help.

We should put things in perspective, and work for heavenly treasures, not earthly ones.

In the gospel, Jesus reminded his disciples not to store up earthly treasures, and instead, work on having heavenly treasures. Earthly treasures will not last. Money can be stolen, fame can easily be gone in a second, and properties can easily be burned and will eventually decay. Nothing is permanent in this world. Nothing will last, and we cannot bring anything when we die. That is reality, and that is something we should always remember. What is permanent is heavenly treasure – faith, prayer, sacrifices and good works done for God. These are the things that nothing can take away, and these are the things that build up our heavenly treasure – treasure that will be useful when we get out of this world.

In the first reading, we see that Paul did this. He did not work hard to collect earthly, temporary treasures. Instead, he worked on having heavenly treasures. He worked very hard for God. He proclaimed God’s kingdom. He knew these would have heavenly rewards. He built up his heavenly treasures.

God wants us to focus on Him, God wants us to store heavenly treasure while we are on earth. That’s true wealth, something that we will be using for eternity. God wants our hearts as we live life on earth. God wants us to focus our eyes on Him, and prepare for eternity with Him.

What is important to me? Am I too focused on worldly wealth that I tend to reject preparing for and accumulating heavenly wealth? What is God telling me today?

May we live each day knowing that everything in this world is temporary, and that we should prepare for eternity with God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another weekend coming up. Thank you for reminding me today what is important. Thank you for warning me. Lord, help me always remember this and put things in perspective as I live my life. Help me work for heavenly treasures, and not earthly ones. May I see earthly wealth as one of the means to further your kingdom on earth and not my goal in life. May I always be detached from material things as I work and prepare for eternity. And may I actively do good, pray and offer things to you as I store up heavenly riches. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 21 2019

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious
Lectionary: 369

Reading 1 2 COR 11:18, 21-30

Brothers and sisters:
Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
To my shame I say that we were too weak!

But what anyone dares to boast of
(I am speaking in foolishness)
I also dare.
Are they Hebrews?  So am I.
Are they children of Israel?  So am I.
Are they descendants of Abraham?  So am I.
Are they ministers of Christ?
(I am talking like an insane person).
I am still more, with far greater labors,
far more imprisonments, far worse beatings,
and numerous brushes with death.
Five times at the hands of the Jews
I received forty lashes minus one.
Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned,
three times I was shipwrecked,
I passed a night and a day on the deep;
on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers,
dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race,
dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city,
dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea,
dangers among false brothers;
in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights,
through hunger and thirst, through frequent fastings,
through cold and exposure.
And apart from these things, there is the daily pressure upon me
of my anxiety for all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak?
Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant?

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Responsorial Psalm PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. (see 18b) From all their distress God rescues the just.
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. From all their distress God rescues the just.
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. From all their distress God rescues the just.
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. From all their distress God rescues the just.

Alleluia MT 5:3

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit;
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 6:19-23

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.
But store up treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

"The lamp of the body is the eye.
If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light;
but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness.
And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be."

Lord’s Prayer

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062019.cfm) reminds me that we should make the Lord's prayer our own.

The gospel shows us Jesus teaching us how to pray. It is a simple prayer, one of the first prayers we usually memorize. Unfortunately, because we have known this prayer since we were kids, we sometimes fail to see the beauty and depth of this prayer who Jesus himself taught us.

Sharing with you a way I learned on how to see this prayer in a different way – with a foundation verse and some things to ponder upon as we pray each part of it

Our Father who art in heaven, hollowed by thy name

So the LORD passed before him and proclaimed: The LORD, the LORD, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity, continuing his love for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but bringing punishment for their parents’ wickedness on children and children’s children to the third and fourth generation! (Exodus 34: 6-7 -http://www.usccb.org/bible/exodus/34)

--- We remember our God. We remember what our God is like. We remember what God has done for us. We remember how blessed we are having such a great God. We are blessed that we can call him our God, our Father. We should be thankful and be full of awe as we pray, as we worship our God.

thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides (Matthew 6:33 -http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6)

--- Out of love for him, we pray that we would have the heart to seek and obey God’s will in our lives. We pray for faith, knowing that as we seek His will, he will bless us and give us the things that we need in this world, as we serve and glorify him with our lives. We also pray for others, that they also seek and obey God's will in their lives.

Give us this day our daily bread

so you might know that it is not by bread alone* that people live, but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:3b –http://www.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/8)

--- We pray to God daily to sustain us, not just physically, but more importantly, spiritually. We remember that in this life, we need more than just physical food. Yes, man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. We ask for spiritual nourishment as well. We need his word, we need to get to know him more, so we would be able to truly live, to truly serve and glorify Him. 

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. (1 John 1:9 -http://www.usccb.org/bible/1john/1)

--- The gospel says we should forgive so we would be forgiven. We also pray for humility that we would recognize our sins. We are far from perfect, and we ask God for forgiveness. We humbly come to him for forgiveness. We have faith that as we do, God forgives us and cleanses us. We also pray that we would feel God’s love and be moved to forgive others who have wronged us. We also pray for those who have sinned against us, that as we forgive them and as God changes us, they also welcome God and allow Him to change their lives.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 -http://www.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/10)

--- In faith, we call on Him to save and protect us. We have faith that he will not give us what we can’t bear. We have faith that God will be with us as we fight our battles, as we win over the enemy. We also pray for others who are undergoing challenges, that they may remain faithful to God, and realize that God will always be with us as we become victorious in Him.

Am I taking enough time for prayer? Do I know how important prayer is? What is God telling me today about my prayer life?

May we see the Lord’s prayer in a new perspective and make it our own, personal prayer.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience your love. Thank you for reminding me how important and powerful prayer is. Thank you for the Lord’s prayer that is a simple, yet complete prayer. Sorry for the times I take it for granted. Sorry for the times I fail to see the beauty and completeness of it. May I look past the normalcy of this prayer and see the beauty and completeness of this, and may I make this my own personal prayer to tell you how much I love you, how much I am sorry for my sins, how I long for you, how I praise you, and how I surrender my life to you. As I pray this, transform me and make me more like you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

June 20 2019

Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 368

Reading 1 2 COR 1:1-11

Brothers and sisters:
If only you would put up with a little foolishness from me!
Please put up with me.
For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God,
since I betrothed you to one husband
to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning,
your thoughts may be corrupted
from a sincere and pure commitment to Christ.
For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached,
or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received
or a different gospel from the one you accepted,
you put up with it well enough.
For I think that I am not in any way inferior to these "superapostles."
Even if I am untrained in speaking, I am not so in knowledge;
in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

Did I make a mistake when I humbled myself so that you might be exalted,
because I preached the Gospel of God to you without charge?
I plundered other churches by accepting from them
in order to minister to you.
And when I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone,
for the brothers who came from Macedonia
supplied my needs.
So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
By the truth of Christ in me,
this boast of mine shall not be silenced
in the regions of Achaia.
And why?  Because I do not love you?
God knows I do!

Responsorial Psalm PS 111:1B-2, 3-4, 7-8

R.(7a) Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Majesty and glory are his work,
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD.
R. Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
sure are all his precepts,
Reliable forever and ever,
wrought in truth and equity.
R. Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia ROM 8:15BC

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You have received a spirit of adoption as sons
through which we cry: Abba! Father!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
"In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"This is how you are to pray:

'Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.'

"If you forgive others their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."

Serve in Secret

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061919.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to serve him in secret, not loudly telling others what we do for Him.

When we hear the word secret service, we usually associate it with US security, agents and spies. They work secretly and blend in as normal people as they do their work of intelligence gathering and protection. People do not know that they are interacting with these security personnel. In a way, this is how God wants us to act as we do things for him

Real service to God should be known only to God.

In the first reading, we see that God wants us to give cheerfully. Giving is good. In fact, it was also mentioned that we are filled and blessed so that we can give more to others. However, we need not tell everyone who we are giving to or how much we are giving, or why we are giving. The gospel warns us of the state of our hearts as we do things for God – as we give, as we pray, as we offer sacrifices. The focus should be on God, and other people need not know we are doing these things. Focus should never be on ourselves.

This is a good reminder for us. Sometimes, as human beings, we want affirmation and acknowledgement. Yes, we do things for God, but sometimes we want to be affirmed that we are doing the right thing, or that we are appreciated for what we do. This should not be the case. God’s affirmation is enough. God’s approval is enough. Seeking human approval or affirmation for things we do for God may seem harmless at first, but this may lead us to constantly look for it, and eventually change the intention from serving God to seeking approval, affirmation and praise

Do I serve God? In what way? Do I tell other people of the things I do for God? Do I seek praise and affirmation for my service to God? What is he telling me today?

May we be willing to just trust in God, that he sees the service done for him in secret, even if we do not get human affirmation, approval or acknowledgement.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another reminder. Thank you for knowing me so much. Lord, sorry for the times I give importance to human affirmation, acknowledgement or approval as I do things for you. sorry for losing my focus on you as I seek these things. Lord, help me just focus in you. help me to just do things for you, only for you. I know it pleases you. Even if I don’t get human affirmation as I serve you, I will just continue since I am doing things for you, not for anyone else. Purify my thoughts and my actions as I serve you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/06/secret-servant.html

Daily Readings

June 19 2019

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 367

Reading 1 2 COR 9:6-11

Brothers and sisters, consider this:
whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written:

He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and multiply your seed
and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

You are being enriched in every way for all generosity,
which through us produces thanksgiving to God.

Responsorial Psalm PS 112:1BC-2, 3-4, 9

R.(1b) Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Wealth and riches shall be in his house;
his generosity shall endure forever.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him
and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door,
and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to others to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."