Parents

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/103118.cfm) reminds me that I should always honor my parents. 

They say that in life, you easily hurt the people closest to you – the people you love, the important people, the people you are comfortable with… simply because with them you can be yourself, you can show the real you. Unfortunately, our parents, because of their genuine love and understanding for us, usually experience this from their children. However, the first reading today reminds us how we should treat our parents.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother.

This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.

The fourth commandment is relating to the parents. after the first three, which are all about God, he put the parents next. This tells us something – how God wants us to really respect and honor our parents. So much that he gives us a promise as we do so – a long and good life. Wow, powerful. God must be really serious about this, right?

Our parents are the first “Jesus” in our lives.

Our parents showed and made us feel real love, care and concern. When we were helpless children, they cared for us. When we were always crying, they tried to go down to our level and understand what we need – based only from our cry. When we were growing up, they made themselves always available for us. When we need support – financial, emotional, spiritual, etc, they do their best. They make miracles happen that despite all the challenges they face in life and in their careers, they were there for us, making us feel that everything is normal and fine. Come to think of it, they were one of the most strong, if not the strongest, embodiment of Jesus and God’s love in our lives. Thus, it is just right that we should treat them as we would Jesus.

How do I treat my parents? Do I love them the best way I know how? Do I realize everything they have done for me? Do I treat them with love and respect? 

Our parents may be imperfect, like everyone else. But they try their best,  not to be perfect, but to be the best version of themselves for us. May we obey God and show our love for God through our parents.

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.  Thank you for my parents, Lord. Thank you for sending them in my life. Thank you for blessing them with love, graces, understanding and peace – for they give us these things as well. Sorry for the times I do not treat them the way they should be treated. Sorry for the times I do not love them the way they should be loved. I ask that you continue to bless my parents, and that you help me do my best to show them my love. May I always do my best to honor them in my life. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 31, 2018

Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 481

Reading 1 EPH 6:1-9

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Honor your father and mother.
This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling,
in sincerity of heart, as to Christ,
not only when being watched, as currying favor,
but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
willingly serving the Lord and not men,
knowing that each will be requited from the Lord
for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Masters, act in the same way towards them, and stop bullying,
knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven
and that with him there is no partiality.

Responsorial Psalm PS 145:10-11, 12-13AB, 13CD-14

R. (13c) The Lord is faithful in all his words.
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. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
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. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.

Alleluia SEE 2 THES 2:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God has called us through the Gospel
to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
'Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
'I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
'I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."