Saturday, July 31, 2021

Faithful Until the End



The WORD today reminds me that I should be faithful to God until the end of my life on earth. 

We have seen a lot of times how God’s power saves his followers - Jonah and the whale, Daniel and the lion, the three men in the fiery furnace, Peter and the angel leading him out of prison, and even Abraham and his son Isaac. We have seen how God does the impossible in seemingly impossible situations. There’s no question in that, however, it does not happen all the time.

In the gospel, we see how John the Baptist died. His head was cut off, as requested by Herodias’ daughter. OF course, there were a lot of ways God could have saved him. However, His death does not mean God loves him less, or God’s power is not enough for him. Rather, this means that John has probably done his part, and God loves him so much that he wants John to be with him in his kingdom. He was probably happy with the life John lived, how faithful he as until the very end, and he gave him the eternal rest he deserves. 

God wants us to be faithful to him, no matter what situation we are faced with. 

In our lives, God has been saving us through little and big ways. However, this does not mean we will be free from sufferings and challenges. Like John, and even Jesus, there will come a time when we will be imprisoned and will experience the challenges of the world, because we are not of the world, but followers of God. And inevitably, we will experience what John did, leaving the earth. This should not scare us, but rather, excite us… because the only way we can be with God in his kingdom is if we leave this earth. And as we wait for this final exit, we should be like John who was faithful until the end, not stopping his love and service to God, no matter how tough and dangerous the situation may be. 

Do I serve God? In what way? How do I react when faced with challenges? Do I adjust and change my ways to conform with worldly power and rulers, or do I remain faithful to God? 

May we be inspired to be faithful to God until the end. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live! Thank you for another weekend. Lord, thank you for reminding me how loving and powerful you are. Sorry for the times I do not feel like this. Sorry for forgetting your love and power. Sorry for not having enough faith in you. Sorry for not always being faithful. I pray that even if I don’t feel your power and I experience challenges in this earth, I may always remain faithful to you. Help me live like John, whose love for you was greater than the fear and danger in this world. And I pray that when the time comes that you call me from this earth, I may be ready and excited. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps 
See related reflection:

Daily Readings

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

Lectionary: 406

Reading I

The LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai,
“Seven weeks of years shall you count–seven times seven years–
so that the seven cycles amount to forty-nine years.
Then, on the tenth day of the seventh month, let the trumpet resound;
on this, the Day of Atonement, the trumpet blast shall re-echo
throughout your land.
This fiftieth year you shall make sacred
by proclaiming liberty in the land for all its inhabitants.
It shall be a jubilee for you,
when every one of you shall return to his own property,
every one to his own family estate.
In this fiftieth year, your year of jubilee,
you shall not sow, nor shall you reap the aftergrowth
or pick the grapes from the untrimmed vines.
Since this is the jubilee, which shall be sacred for you,
you may not eat of its produce,
except as taken directly from the field.

“In this year of jubilee, then,
every one of you shall return to his own property.
Therefore, when you sell any land to your neighbor
or buy any from him, do not deal unfairly.
On the basis of the number of years since the last jubilee
shall you purchase the land from your neighbor;
and so also, on the basis of the number of years for crops,
shall he sell it to you.
When the years are many, the price shall be so much the more;
when the years are few, the price shall be so much the less.
For it is really the number of crops that he sells you.
Do not deal unfairly, then; but stand in fear of your God.
I, the LORD, am your God.”

Responsorial Psalm

R.     (4)  O God, let all the nations praise you!
May God have pity on us and bless us;
    may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
    among all nations, your salvation.
R.    O God, let all the nations praise you!
May the nations be glad and exult
    because you rule the peoples in equity;
    the nations on the earth you guide.
R.    O God, let all the nations praise you!
The earth has yielded its fruits;
    God, our God, has blessed us.
May God bless us,
    and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R.    O God, let all the nations praise you!

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
for John had said to him,
“It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people,
for they regarded him as a prophet.
But at a birthday celebration for Herod,
the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests
and delighted Herod so much
that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
Prompted by her mother, she said,
“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed, 
but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.
His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl,
who took it to her mother.
His disciples came and took away the corpse
and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.



Friday, July 30, 2021

Lack of Faith


The WORD today reminds me that not having faith in God affects what he can do to and through us. 

When the pandemic started last year, a lot of people started to work from home. They were forced to. And during the early part of the work from home process, I read an article that people at home were surprised to see how their spouse / partner were at work. During meetings and video calls, they were surprised on how serious, organized, and well respected their partners were. Maybe they did not see that side of their partner. Or maybe they were surprised because due to familiarity, they did not expect their partner was like that at work. This is probably similar to what Jesus is saying in the gospel. 

A lot of times, we see Jesus telling people that their faith has saved them. In a number of times, Jesus even said that a faith so small like the mustard seed can do great things. They say that God supplements our faith, so just a little amount would doGod fills up what we lack in terms of faith. However, in the gospel today, we see the power and importance of faith, ironically through the lack of it.

And he did not work many mighty deeds there
because of their lack of faith”

Jesus went to his hometown, and the people, instead of being proud that Jesus came from there, belittled him and took offense at him. They did not believe that someone from their own could really be God’s Child. They felt they knew Jesus, that he was normal just like them. This lack of belief, this lack of faithwas the reason why Jesus did not do a lot of miracles. Yes, Jesus needs our faith. His love and power does not change, but our hearts and our lack of faith limits his power over us.

Our lack of faith limits God’s power over us.

I believe we are challenged by God. We are asked to look at ourselves and see what our heart says. There is no need and no benefit to doubt God. He is all loving and all powerful. We should always remember and believe this, no matter what situation we are in.

This pandemic may be testing our faith. There are a looooot of reasons to lose faith. With what is happening. With how people in authority are responding. With corruption and greed still rampant despite people dying. With those in power abusing even those who are helping others. However, we are reminded to trust in God. There are a lot of things we cannot control, but we can control how we react. We can still do good. We can still spread God’s love in this world. And we should. 

Is my faith strong, or am I like the people who do not trust in God? When we pray, do we really have complete faith in God and his love and power, or do we just pray just in case God hears us? Is our faith strong enough to be willing to suffer for God? When God does not seem to hear us, do we have a humble heart and will still continue to serve Him, or do we walk away from him when we don’t get what we want?

May we work on our faith and build it, so we can have and develop a strong faith in God no matter what the situation may be. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the gift of faith. Sorry for not having enough faith in you, especially when situations are difficult. Sorry for not working on improving my faith and relationship with you. Lord, I ask that you help me strengthen my faith. I know faith is such a powerful and important aspect of my life, and I ask that you help me develop it. Kahit maliit, kahit mala mustard seed, I know it is enough, that it is a good start. May I have faith and may I be willing to suffer and still serve you because of that faith, knowing that your name will be glorified in everything. May i have faith in you especially during challenging situations. Your love and power are greater than anything.  Amen.

Blessed Day! 

In Christ,
-g-


Daily Readings

Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 405

The LORD said to Moses,
“These are the festivals of the LORD which you shall celebrate
at their proper time with a sacred assembly.
The Passover of the LORD falls on the fourteenth day of the first month,
at the evening twilight.
The fifteenth day of this month is the LORD’s feast of Unleavened Bread.
For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread.
On the first of these days you shall hold a sacred assembly
and do no sort of work.
On each of the seven days you shall offer an oblation to the LORD.
Then on the seventh day you shall again hold a sacred assembly
and do no sort of work.”

The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the children of Israel and tell them:
When you come into the land which I am giving you,
and reap your harvest,
you shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest
to the priest, who shall wave the sheaf before the LORD
that it may be acceptable for you.
On the day after the sabbath the priest shall do this.

“Beginning with the day after the sabbath,
the day on which you bring the wave-offering sheaf,
you shall count seven full weeks,
and then on the day after the seventh week, the fiftieth day,
you shall present the new cereal offering to the LORD.

“The tenth of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement,
when you shall hold a sacred assembly and mortify yourselves
and offer an oblation to the LORD.

“The fifteenth day of this seventh month is the LORD’s feast of Booths,
which shall continue for seven days.
On the first day there shall be a sacred assembly,
and you shall do no sort of work.
For seven days you shall offer an oblation to the LORD,
and on the eighth day you shall again hold a sacred assembly
and offer an oblation to the LORD.
On that solemn closing you shall do no sort of work.

“These, therefore, are the festivals of the LORD
on which you shall proclaim a sacred assembly,
and offer as an oblation to the LORD burnt offerings and cereal offerings,
sacrifices and libations, as prescribed for each day.”

Responsorial Psalm

R.     (2a)  Sing with joy to God our help.
Take up a melody, and sound the timbrel,
    the pleasant harp and the lyre.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
    at the full moon, on our solemn feast.
R.     Sing with joy to God our help.
For it is a statute in Israel,
    an ordinance of the God of Jacob,
Who made it a decree for Joseph
    when he came forth from the land of Egypt.
R.     Sing with joy to God our help.
There shall be no strange god among you
    nor shall you worship any alien god.
I, the LORD, am your God
    who led you forth from the land of Egypt.
R.     Sing with joy to God our help.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The word of the Lord remains forever;
This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.
They were astonished and said,
“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?
Is he not the carpenter’s son?
Is not his mother named Mary
and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
Are not his sisters all with us?
Where did this man get all this?”
And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and in his own house.”

And he did not work many mighty deeds there
because of their lack of faith.

Thursday, July 29, 2021

God’s Lead


The WORD today reminds me that I should always follow God's lead in my life.

I believe that some people, especially those who have strong characters or are leaders, have a natural aversion to being subjected to authority. They feel that they should not be instructed or they know the right thing to do, or the right way to do things. I believe we as human beings a lot of times feel this way towards God.

Impatience prevents God from leading our lives.

In the first reading, we see that the people during this time let God lead them. They probably did not always agree with what God wanted them to do. Probably a lot of times they would rather go on their pace – to continue walking or to stop walking. However, they let God lead them. They followed what God wanted them to do – to walk or to stop. As a result, God was with them and they were blessed and protected.

In the gospel, we are reminded that this is true. Jesus taught us how God wants us to live. We know how God wants us to live. And following it has rewards. We just have to make the decision if we will follow him or not. 

In our lives, we do not always let God take the lead. We do not always follow God’s lead. We want to do things our way. we want things to happen in our time. We sometimes forget that we as human beings have limited capacity. We don’t know everything. We cannot see everything. We do not know the big picture. This is the reason why we should just surrender and let God take the lead. As we do so, we can be assured that we will always be protected and things will happen according to God’s perfect plan.

What are my concerns in life? How do I live? Do I let God lead my life, or am I impatient and do I do things my way and in my time? Do I have faith in God and allow him to take control of my life, especially during this pandemic? What is he reminding me today?

May we be inspired by the readings, and make the decision and have the will to give God control over our lives.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live.  Thank you for all the blessings. thank you for another reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I become impatient. Sorry for the times I let my emotions and desires have the best of me. Sorry for disrespecting and disobeying you. Lord, I come to you with a repentant heart. I ask that you forgive me, and that you help me to just trust in you. help me surrender to you. As I do so, as I take your lead, I know you will always be with me and my journey would be a better, safer one. I a special way I lift up those who are celebrating their birthdays today, especially my wife. Be with her in a special way.  Continue to bless her snd remind her of your love. May she always follow your lead so she can continue to bring you to others. amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

Daily Readings

Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

Lectionary: 404/607

Moses did exactly as the LORD had commanded him.
On the first day of the first month of the second year
the Dwelling was erected.
It was Moses who erected the Dwelling.
He placed its pedestals, set up its boards, put in its bars,
and set up its columns.
He spread the tent over the Dwelling
and put the covering on top of the tent,
as the LORD had commanded him.
He took the commandments and put them in the ark;
he placed poles alongside the ark and set the propitiatory upon it.
He brought the ark into the Dwelling and hung the curtain veil,
thus screening off the ark of the commandments,
as the LORD had commanded him.

Then the cloud covered the meeting tent,
and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling.
Moses could not enter the meeting tent,
because the cloud settled down upon it
and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling.
Whenever the cloud rose from the Dwelling,
the children of Israel would set out on their journey.
But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward;
only when it lifted did they go forward.
In the daytime the cloud of the LORD was seen over the Dwelling;
whereas at night, fire was seen in the cloud
by the whole house of Israel
in all the stages of their journey.

Responsorial Psalm

R.    (2)    How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
My soul yearns and pines 
    for the courts of the LORD.
My heart and my flesh
    cry out for the living God.
R.     How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
Even the sparrow finds a home,
    and the swallow a nest
    in which she puts her young–
Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
    my king and my God!
R.     How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
Blessed they who dwell in your house!
    continually they praise you.
Blessed the men whose strength you are!
They go from strength to strength.
R.    How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
I had rather one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
R.    How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary
to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died].
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming,
she went to meet him;
but Mary sat at home.
Martha said to Jesus,
“Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have died.
But even now I know that whatever you ask of God,
God will give you.”
Jesus said to her,
“Your brother will rise.”
Martha said to him,
“I know he will rise,
in the resurrection on the last day.”
Jesus told her,
“I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?”
She said to him, “Yes, Lord.
I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,
the one who is coming into the world.”

OR:

Lk 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village 
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. 
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
“Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? 
Tell her to help me.” 
The Lord said to her in reply,
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. 
There is need of only one thing. 
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.