Have faith in God

The readings today point to having faith in God

The first reading asks us to serve God using God given talents.

Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God;
whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies,
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

In serving him, we should not rely on ourselves, on our own abilities, skills and experiences. Yes, we need to move, we need to act for God to be glorified and his work be done, but it should not be us doing God’s work. IT should be God doing his work through us. We should die of ourselves and allow God to live in us. We should have faith that he will equip us with words, strength, patience and love to serve Him, to glorify him. it is only in knowing that we are not doing this on our own and the realization that it is by God’s grace that we are able to serve Him, can we really give back the glory to Him – because we know that it was not us, it was all Him doing things through us.

The first reading also says that we will experience trials. God never fails to warn us that it will not be easy all the time, that we will experience trials. However, he also reminds us to focus on Him and have faith that he is watching over us and protecting us when these trials hit our lives. We are asked to focus on Him, and rejoice, that in as much as we are one with Christ on his suffering, we will also be one with him in his glory.

In the gospel, we see Jesus saying these words to his disciples. “Have faith in God.” He acknowledges that it is God’s power making things possible, and that our faith in God gives Him the opportunity to unlock not only his power, but also his blessings in our lives.

Jesus said to them in reply, "Have faith in God.

Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,'
and does not doubt in his heart
but believes that what he says will happen,
it shall be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.

Yes, our faith is that powerful. I believe Jesus was not exaggerating when he said this. God’s power is not limited. We only need to have that much faith as well for Him to bless us with these things. We need to have faith and be ready for the outpouring of his blessings, of his grace.

Do I believe that God can and will use me mightily to proclaim his kingdom? What am I praying for right now? What is my biggest concern or problem? What is my biggest struggle? Is it a health problem for me or my loved one? Is it me wanting a partner, or having things fixed with my partner? Is it getting rid of a bad habit, or an unhealthy relationship? Is it about my career and my future? Do I have faith in God, that he can take care of these things is I let him, if I surrender? Can I honestly say that in praying to God, I have full faith and confidence in God? Do I want to improve my faith? How?

May we see the beauty  and the power of faith in God, and have the desire to work to improve ours.

Father God,

Thank you for the gift of faith. Thank you for giving me something very powerful. I ask Lord that you help me strengthen my faith. I know there are a lot of times that I get weak, especially when things seem uncertain, when the world seems to tell me it is impossible. But Father God, you say that with you, anything is possible. I ask that you help me believe that will all my heart. Strengthen my faith that I may serve you more, that I may serve you well. All this I ask in Jesus name. Amen.

Blessed Friday!

In Christ,

-g-

PS,

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/it-aint-easy.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/faith-without-works-is-dead.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/joy.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/refiner-and-purifier-of-silver.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/pray-and-prepare.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/02/of-faith-and-humility.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/01/confidence-in-god.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/01/jesus-heals_31.html

He visits us too

Today, we celebrate the feast of Mama Mary’s Visitation. The gospel today recounts her visit to her cousin Elizabeth.

After being told by the angel Gabriel that she would be the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Imagine how simple, humble and selfless Mama Mary is! Instead of taking care of her own needs or asking others to take care of her because she’s carrying inside her the Son of God, she herself travelled to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

Elizabeth recognized how blessed Mama Mary is. John, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb recognized it too! They recognized God visiting them, not as a glorious and powerful king, but as a simple woman in Mary.

God visits us too! Yes, everyday!

However,  is like a secret agent not revealing himself in the way we expect him to be.  Like Mary visiting her cousin, God visits us through people arund us – people that we know, people who annoy us, people who we see and interact with. Although Jesus said that he is in the small and the weak (see Matthew 25:34), he does not always come in the form of the needy in society. Sometimes, he visits us through a friend who gives us support when we least expect it, from an annoying person who suddenly shows concern for us or from someone who gives us that much needed nudge to wake us up and remind us we’re going away from God already.

God visits us in such unexpected ways, and we should always be sensitive to Him.

In as much as God uses other people to visit us, do you think God uses you to visit other people as well?

Mary’s presence was God’s visitation to Elizabeth, and we too would be used by God to touch other people’s lives, if we let him do so. In living a life centered on him and focused on Him, we give him the opportunity to use us, knowingly or unknowingly, to bless other people and make them feel God’s love. Challenge is, when we are made aware of it, we be humble like Mary, who did not take credit for it, but proclaimed how great God is and magnified the Lord.

Do I believe that God visits me everyday? Am I aware of God’s ways of visiting me? What can I do to be more aware when he visits me today? Am I ready and willing to be used by God to visit other people as well? Do I always give back all the glory to God?

May we be sensitive of God’s visitation to us today, and allow him to use us to visit others as well.

Prayer:

Father God,

I thank you for choosing Mama Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Thank you that you chose a simple and humble woman from a simple place to be the earthly mother of your Son. Thank you because I know that you will choose me, a simple servant of yours, to accomplish your work and use me in a great way to proclaim your kingdom. Lord, I ask that I be more aware of your presence as you visit me today through other people and the circumstances surrounding me. And as I become sensitive to you visiting me, may I also be sensitive and cooperative to allow you to use me to visit others as well. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Serve to be great

The gospel today reminds us of a truth stated by Christ himself.

Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many."

We must serve others first.

We must die of ourselves and our worldly needs, concerns and attitudes, and allow to live to and through us.

When you ask people what they want to be, usually they say they want to be great. I want to be a good pilot. I want to be a great doctor. I want to be a successful businessman.

In the gospel, Jesus gives us his definition of greatness – one who serves and puts others first. Servant Leaders. Being a servant comes first before leading. Christ, the Son of God, came into this world not to rule us, but to serve us. By doing such, he gave us a standard of what greatness is.

It is also interesting to note the first part of the gospel. Jesus said a lot of things – that he would be handed over, be condemned to death, mocked, spat upon, scourged, suffer, and eventually die… then he said after three days, he will rise again. After, James and John asked to be seated by his side when he comes in glory. Although we know this question led to Jesus teaching them about greatness, it is interesting to note that amidst all the challenges Jesus said, they focused on the end result – Jesus rising from the dead and coming in his glory. They did not focus on the challenges along the way, but kept their eyes on the prize, on the victory that is Christ’s.

Ganun din ba tayo? When faced with adversity and challenges, are we focused on the victory, on the end result or do we let the challenges take away our strength and out focus on God? What is my definition of greatness? Am I willing to be great, not just in this world, but in the eyes of God?

Dear God,

I thank you for this day. Thank you for waking me up, and for giving me another chance to serve you. Father God, as I read your word today, help me put this into practice. May I be willing to serve others just like you served us. As I face the challenges of this life, may my eyes remain on you and may I be motivated not by what this world can offer, but what you have prepared for me. Amen.

God bless!

In Christ,

-g-

Be Holy

The first reading today calls us to be holy, just as God is holy. Yes, God commands us

Be holy because I am holy

Wow, angbigat. We tend to think that holiness is something we cannot attain. We tend to think that only saints are holy. We tend to think we cannot be holy. We forget that saints are human beings too, like you and I, that lived on this earth and experienced the same things we are experiencing. We forget that since God is holy, and we are creatures of God, we are asked to be holy, and we can be holy.

But what is holy? To be holy simply means to be dedicated or consecrated to God.

Holiness does not necessarily mean you don’t sin. Holiness does not necessarily mean you’ll go out into the world and preach the gospel to everyone. Holiness does not necessarily mean you know the bible from cover to cover, and can perform miracles just like Jesus.

Holiness means being dedicated or consecrated to God. Whatever we do.Wherever we are.

Holiness is praying even if the world seems to take up all your time. Holiness is going to mass even if other people invite you to go to a movie or hang out. Holiness is living the gospel values even if people around you do otherwise. Holiness is doing good to or simple treating someone fairly, even if that someone annoys you at work. Holiness is seeking God in this busy world.

We can be holy wherever we are and whatever we do.

It is easy to be holy? No. but is it worth is? Definitely!

When we are trying to be holy, we die of our self and allow God to live in us. In Peter’s words in the gospel, being holy is giving up everything to follow Christ. We are giving up our wants, our worldly desires, and we are living a holy life to follow Christ. Jesus then says that we will have life in abundance in the age to come – in the life with him.

What is my notation of holiness? Do I think of it as something I cannot attain, and reserved only for the saints and the religious? What is Jesus telling me today about holiness? Do I want to be holy? How can I start being holy?

May we be aware that we can be holy, and start baby steps in living a life of holiness.

Prayer:

Father God,

Thank you for this day. Thank you for letting me know that I can be holy, and that you are calling me to be holy. Lord, I ask that I be more sensitive and aware of how I can be holy in my own little ways, wherever I am and whatever I do. May I always seek to be more and more like you, in holiness and love of God the Father. These I ask in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

God bless!

In Christ,

-g-

Good Teacher, what must I do?

The gospel today shows us a man asking Jesus.. “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life…” Jesus tells him the basics – follow the commandments. Then when the man says he’s been doing those things, Jesus says something harder for him.: “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."

We can see by his answer that the man is looking for something. The man knows he must do something else. When Jesus said he must follow the commandments, which he already does, he knew he must do something else. Alam nya, kasi hindi nya sinabing “yey, ok na ako, thanks!.” Jesus also saw what the man needed to do. He looked at the man with love, and told him what he needs to do. Yes, he loved the man, kahit na alam ni Jesus na hindi pa ready yung tao to give up everything for him.

It is not easy following God. We see in the first reading that St Peter tells us we might have to suffer and our faith would be tested by fire. It is not easy to give up everything of this world and follow Christ. It is not easy spending hours for him. It is not easy living a Christ centered life when the world does otherwise.

Jesus is not telling us getting rich is bad. Jesus is not telling us material wealth is bad. OF course it is nice to be rich – especially if you would share your blessings to those who need it. What’s bad is the attachment to material things – money, power, fame, etc. IT is dangerous if accumulating such becomes the goal in life – when these things become the gods ruling our lives, and we lose sight of eternity with God. And Jesus says that it will be very hard for us to remain focused on God, on eternity, if we do it on ourselves. “For men, it is impossible, but not for God.” This is why we should always pray to God to help us focus on Him as we live our lives here on earth.

What am I clinging on right now? Do I want to follow God and have eternal life? What is preventing me from fully following God? Material things? A bad habit? An unhealthy relationship? Do I feel that I cannot let go of these things? Do I believe in God when he says he loves me, like he loved the man in the gospel? Do I believe what Jesus said, that for man it is impossible, but not with God? Do I pray to God to give me the desire to let go, and ask him to help me all the way?

May we pray that God help us and grant us the desire to follow him and let go of anything that is preventing us from fully following Him.

Father God,

Thank you for the weekend. Thank you for this new week you gave me. Thank you for the gospel that reminds me that you love me and you want me to be saved. Lord, I ask that you help me have the desire in my heart – to follow you and to rid myself of anything that is hindering me from fully following you. I pray for faith – in you, your love, and your power in my life. May I live this week aware of what I should do to glorify you. This I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Have a blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

PS

See related reflections

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/stay-in-world-but-not-of-it.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/refiner-and-purifier-of-silver.html

Let Go and Let God – Pentecost 2012

Happy Birthday!

This Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, is recognized as the birthday of the Church!

The readings today inspire us to let go of our old selves, receive the Spirit and let God take control.

In the gospel, we see Jesus giving Peace, then he gave them the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
"Receive the Holy Spirit.

In the first reading, we see a more detailed description, that the Spirit came like tongues of fire and enabled them to proclaim God’s kingdom. How empowering. The disciples who were afraid, locked up in a room for fear of the Jews, now proclaim God’s kingdom after receiving the Spirit. Ang galing talaga ni God! Indeed, his power is great and he can and will use us mightily if we let him.

Then the second reading reminds us to live a life in the Spirit – meaning a life pleasing to God all the time, not just when we’re with church friends, not just when we feel like it, not just when we are spiritually high.

Yes, mahirap.

But this is what God wants us to do. This is how God wants us to live We see in the second reading:

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh
with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

We are asked to let go of our old self, with the worldly passions and desires. Yes, Let go…and let God. Let God take the lead in our live. Let God take the driver seat.  We need to let go of our old self, we need to die of ourselves, so that God can live in and through us.

Do I want to receive the Spirit in my life? What should I let go of so that Christ may live in me? Am I willing to let go of myself and my desires so that God can take control?

May we be inspired to let go of ourselves as receive the Spirit and allow God to be God in our lives.

Prayer:

Father God,

Thank you for sending your spirit. Thank you for keeping your promise that you will send the Holy spirit to be with us. Lord, I ask that you help me let go of my old self, and be willing and ready to receive you and give you control of my life. I know it is not easy, and that it will only by your grace that I would be able to do this. I have faith that anything is possible, and as I let go and let you control my life, you will use me mightily for your glory, like the way you used the apostles. All this I ask in faith in Jesus name. Amen

Have a blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/04/peace-be-with-you.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/second-chance.html http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/05/ascension-2012.html

YOU follow ME

In the gospel today, Jesus is telling us to focus on our relationship with him.

It is said that John is the favorite of Jesus, or that he was special to Jesus. Probably he knew that he would eventually entrust his earthly mother to John, that’s why he was special. John was referred to as “the disciple that Jesus loved,” and in the gospel today, we see Peter asking Jesus what will happen to John. This was after Jesus told Peter that he would suffer for Christ.

Siguro medyo takot si Peter. Kaya tinanong nya si Jesus what will happen to John. Mahihirapan din ba si John parang ako? He was probably thinking.

The Jesus said to him: "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me."

They thought John would not die, although of course, this was not the case. He died too.  But more than answering what will happen to John, Jesus wants to make a point – It is not your concern. You follow me.

Sometimes, as human beings we tend to envy others. We tend to see and recognize what others have that we don’t. We compare ourselves, our lives, with others. This is true even with those whom we serve with, sometimes we can’t help but compare. Bakit siya maganda ang career…? Bakit sya may lovelife? Bakit sya gwapo o maganda? Bakit siya masagana ang buhay…? E pare pareho naman kami naglilingkod sayo, Lord..?

Jesus is telling us today to just FOCUS on HIM,not on other people, not on what other people have.He did not tell Peter something like “E leader ka naman e, first Pope ka nga, o diba?” Instead, he told Peter to mind his own business and just follow God. You follow me, nevermind other people, nevermind what they have. You serve me. You love me.

Ikaw.

Ikaw ang gusto ni God. Ang buong pagkatao mo. Ang buong sarili mo. Not your accomplishments on earth. Not your beauty. Not your richness. Ikaw mismo. And for us to be able to give our whole selves to Him, we should be happy with whatever blessings we have, we should be contented and thankful for everything. We should fous on Him.

Do I feel that way too? Am I like Peter who looks around and compare my life with other people? Am I envious of other people’s lives? What does it take to make me realize that God wants me, my whole self? What can I do to be able to fcus on God? How can I strengthen my personal relationship with Him so I would be able to focus on Him more?

May we always remember what Jesus said to Peter. You follow me. Let us focus on God and offer our whole self to Him

Prayer:

Dear God,

Weekend nanaman =) I thank you for giving me another opportunity to rest and recharge. Lord, I ask that you help me give myself to you.  Help me build my relationship with you so I can focus on you and not compare my life with that of other people. May I never be envious of what other people have, and just follow and serve you. All this I ask in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Happy Saturday!

In Christ,

-g-