The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092418.cfm)
reminds me that I should not delay doing good to others.
We
Filipinos have something we call the "Mañana Habit or Attitude".
Mañana is the coined word for "mamaya na". We put off something if it
is not yet urgent. We delay doing something until such time that we have no
choice but to do it already. We cram, waiting until the very last minute until
we do something. It may work with some, since they like to work under pressure.
However, God does not want us to act like this as we do his work.
Good
work should be done at once, whenever possible.
We
should not delay doing good work. In the first reading, we are told that
we should do something now if it can already be done. As they say, justice
delayed is justice denied. Probably we can say the same way with good deeds.
Good deed delayed is good deed denied, because probably the person needs the
deed to be done immediately.
Sometimes
we set a lot of conditions for doing something good. We wait for the
perfect opportunity. We wait until we have more extra money or time. We wait
for a pay raise before we give. However, the perfect situation rarely
happens. There will always be something off. We would always be wanting. We
would always have problems. So we should not delay doing good, rather, do it
now.
What
things am I putting off doing? Why am I delaying these things? What am I
waiting for before I do these things? Am I willing to act now, as God wants me
to?
May
we be moved into acting immediately on things that God wants us to do, and not
put it off and wait for another time to do it.
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 put off doing your work. Sorry for the times I
delay doing good. Sorry for the times I wait for something before doing your
work and end up not doing anything. Help me give even when it hurts. Help me
give even when I don't feel like it. May I readily share you to others, no
matter what situation I am in. In a special way, I lift up all those who are
celebrating their birthdays today. Continue to bless and protect them, and make
them feel your love and protection in their lives. Amen.
Blessed Day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflections:
September
24, 2018
Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week
in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 449
Lectionary: 449
Reading 1 PRV
3:27-34
Refuse
no one the good on which he has a claim
when it is in your power to do it for him.
Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once.
Plot no evil against your neighbor,
against one who lives at peace with you.
Quarrel not with a man without cause,
with one who has done you no harm.
Envy not the lawless man
and choose none of his ways:
To the LORD the perverse one is an abomination,
but with the upright is his friendship.
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
When dealing with the arrogant, he is stern,
but to the humble he shows kindness.
when it is in your power to do it for him.
Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once.
Plot no evil against your neighbor,
against one who lives at peace with you.
Quarrel not with a man without cause,
with one who has done you no harm.
Envy not the lawless man
and choose none of his ways:
To the LORD the perverse one is an abomination,
but with the upright is his friendship.
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
When dealing with the arrogant, he is stern,
but to the humble he shows kindness.
Responsorial Psalm PS 15:2-3A,
3BC-4AB, 5
R.
(1) The just one shall live on your
holy mountain, O Lord.
He who walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
By whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
shall never be disturbed.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
He who walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
By whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
shall never be disturbed.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Alleluia MT 5:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel LK 8:16-18
Jesus
said to the crowd:
"No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away."
"No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away."
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