God First

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/070217.cfm) reminds me that God wants me to put him first. 

Jesus is the price of peace, but the gospel seems to contradict that at first glance. Jesus told them that whoever loves family more than him is not worthy of him. Demanding. But looking at it closely, it is not an intentional division, but rather, he reminds us that he wants us to put him first in everything. 

Nothing should come between you and God.

Family is very important, especially to us Filipinos. Unlike in other cultures, we give so much importance to family, and we take care of our family, especially in old age. However, we are reminded in today’s gospel that nothing should come in between us and God. Nothing should be more important that God in our lives. Nothing should hinder us from loving and worshipping God. A division may occur among friends, among those we love, and even among family members, as we try to follow God. We should love our family and respect them. However, this should not matter as much as God matters to us. This is just a reminder that we should not let attachment come in between our faith, and nothing should separate us from God.

The gospel further says why we should take up our cross. We should be willing to experience challenges for God. This is normal as we follow Him. We are also reminded that Whoever receives him receives the one who sent him - God the Father. Whoever puts him first puts God first. Whoever welcomes him welcomes God. As we follow his commandments, we are following God, and He is always more important than anyone. 

God’s ways are not always easy, but it always worth it. May we be encouraged to stand firm, and avoid division by doing our best to bring our loved ones to Christ as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for Sunday. Thank you for another opportunity to love and to experience you. Sorry for the times I let other things or other people come before you. sorry for giving importance to others instead of putting you first in my life all the time. Lord, I pray for strength to stand firm, to stand for you no matter what happens. May I always put you first. May I always choose you first.  Help and equip me as well so  I may bring others, those whom I love in live, closer to you. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

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July 2, 2017
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 97

Reading 12 KGS 4:8-11, 14-16A

One day Elisha came to Shunem,
where there was a woman of influence, who urged him to dine with her. 
Afterward, whenever he passed by, he used to stop there to dine.
So she said to her husband, "I know that Elisha is a holy man of God.
Since he visits us often, let us arrange a little room on the roof
and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp,
so that when he comes to us he can stay there."
Sometime later Elisha arrived and stayed in the room overnight.

Later Elisha asked, "Can something be done for her?"
His servant Gehazi answered, "Yes!
She has no son, and her husband is getting on in years."
Elisha said, "Call her."
When the woman had been called and stood at the door,
Elisha promised, "This time next year
you will be fondling a baby son."

Responsorial PsalmPS 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19

R. (2a) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
The promises 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.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.
At your name they rejoice all the day,
and through your justice they are exalted.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
You are the splendor of their strength,
and by your favor our horn is exalted.
For to the LORD belongs our shield,
and the Holy One of Israel, our king.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Reading 2ROM 6:3-4, 8-11

Brothers and sisters:
Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death?
We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death,
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
we too might live in newness of life.

If, then, we have died with Christ,
we believe that we shall also live with him.
We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more;
death no longer has power over him.
As to his death, he died to sin once and for all;
as to his life, he lives for God.
Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin
and living for God in Christ Jesus.

Alleluia1 PT 2:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation;
announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelMT 10:37-42

Jesus said to his apostles:
"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,
and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and whoever does not take up his cross
and follow after me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

"Whoever receives you receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet
will receive a prophet's reward,
and whoever receives a righteous man
because he is a righteous man
will receive a righteous man's reward.
And whoever gives only a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones to drink
because the little one is a disciple—
amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward."