Travel Light

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020713.cfm) reminds us of the importance of travelling light.

He instructed them to take nothing for the journey
but a walking stick--
no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals
but not a second tunic.

Jesus instructed his disciples to bring what is necessary, the very basics. He told them not to take anything except a walking stick.

Why a walking stick…?

In those times, it was not unusual for people to have a walking stick. People, especially those advanced in age and those who often travel, have a walking stick. It helps them since they travel through far distances. It gives them additional strength by acting sort of their third leg, or something that would support their weary legs so as not to take all the weight of the body. It is also used to protect themselves from stray animals as they travel. Also, we see in the bible God using the walking stick or staff to perform great things. Moses parted the red sea, led Israelites to victories in wars, and drew water out of a stone all by using a staff or a stick.

How light the disciples must have felt in that travel.

However, in today’s day and age, we feel that as though we need a lot of things to survive. There are a lot of gadgets, smartphones, portable battery source and even internet, that we feel we need with us every time. When we travel, we bring with us a lot of these things. That’s why sometimes, instead of enjoying our journey and focusing on it, our attention is divided because we have to think of what we brought, making sure nothing gets lost or left behind, checking if we have battery, and spare battery, to take pictures; making sure there’s signal for mobile and internet use, etc.

This is exactly what Jesus did not want to happen to his apostles. He wanted them to remain simple and focus on their task. More than that, they wanted them to have faith that God will provide as they stay focused on God.

As I look at my things, what are the extras that seem to be necessities to me? As I look at my life, what are the extras that seem to be necessities? What are weighing me down? What things, people or habits are hindering me from focusing on God and on the task he has for me? What are hindering me from fully trusting and surrendering to God? Am I willing to let go?

May we be challenged and see what things we do not really need, the things that are taking our focus away from God and the task he has in store for us. Let us develop our faith in God’s providence – he still provides, until now!

Dear God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding us the importance of staying light – to rid ourselves of anything and everything that prevents us from focusing on you and from doing what you want us to do. Lord, there are a lot of distractions in life, and I ask that you help me keep my focus on you. I am sorry for allowing myself to be distracted, and for considering as necessary some of the extras in life. Help me have faith and travel light as I take this journey towards you. I have faith that you will always provide as long as I focus on you and put you first. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/07/light-journey.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/go-by-pairs.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/power-over-sickness.html

Dad’s Discipline

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020613.cfm) reminds me that God the Father has his ways of disciplining us.

The first reading tells us:

My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord
or lose heart when reproved by him;
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;
he scourges every son he acknowledges.
Endure your trials as “discipline”;
God treats you as his sons.
For what A son is there whom his father does not discipline?
At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain,
yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness
to those who are trained by it

Yes, God is like our earthly father who disciplines us. God has his best interests in his heart, and no matter how difficult or challenging the situation may be, we should have faith that God is arranging everything to benefit us, to make us stronger individuals, to make us better children of God

It gives a new light to our challenges in life, as it is written “he scourges every son he acknowledges” He cares enough to give his attention to us. He cares enough to train us, to strengthen us, and to mold us to become more and more like him. We should look at challenges in life as God the Father’s love notes to us, blessings in disguise, that though at present may seem hard or may dishearten us,  in his perfect time, these things would make sense and make us better children of God, as long as we bear it with love, and cooperate with God all throughout.

What challenges am I going through right now? How do I react to these challenges? Am I dishearten by them, or do I have faith that in these challenges, God is moving his hand secretly, silently making me strong and more and more like him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your reminder. Lord, I would admit that I complain about a lot of things. I complain especially when I feel I am suffering for doing good. Lord, I am sorry for being disheartened, or for thinking of giving up in following you. Like Jesus, I pray that even if I want you to take these challenges away, I submit to your will and pray that not my will, but yours, be done. Thank you for taking time to give me these trials and mold me to become the person you want me to be, to become more and more like you. I pray that I be strong enough to remain faithful to you and humble enough to always submit to your will. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Just Have Faith

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020513.cfm) reminds me how important and powerful faith is.

In the different gospels, we see how important faith is, and how it is ne                eded for Jesus to make miracles happen in our lives.

In the gospel, we see two miracles / healings. The woman, who touched just the cloak of Jesus, even without Jesus touching her, was healed.

Was it because of Jesus’ cloak? The gospel tells us why – “… your faith has saved you”

We also see Jairus’ daughter being healed. People told them she already died, but with Jesus, nothing is really impossible. Amidst this seemingly bad news, God’s glory shone even brighter. I believe Jesus words to Jairus  are his words to us as well “Don’t be afraid, just have faith”

In life, there are many challenges. Like the woman, we may have health challenges. Like Jairus, we may have people around us discouraging us, or challenging our faith. However, amidst all these voices around us, we are asked to hear God’s voice saying to us – “Do not be afraid, just have faith”

What are the challenges in my life I am facing? How am I reacting to it? Do I hear God’s voice telling me not to be afraid and just have faith?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day you gave me. Lord, may I always appreciative of your present, may I always be appreciative of another chance you gave me to live my life on earth. Lord, in my life, there are many challenges. There are many concerns. Amidst all these, may I listen and believe to your voice that tells me not to be afraid and just have faith in you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

To Each His Own

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020413.cfm) reminds me that each one of us is called for a specific mission in life.

The first reading tells us of different ways Christ’s followers were persecuted. it tells how they suffered and died for the faith. In the gospel, we see a man tormented by evil spirits, and was set free by Jesus. When the man told Jesus he would follow Him, Jesus turned him away, and instead told him to go proclaim God’s work to his family.

God calls each of us in different ways. Some, like the followers in the first reading, were persecuted, suffered and died for the faith. Some, like the man in the gospel, are asked not to evangelize in other places, but at home. I believe that does not mean one if more favoured than the other. It’s probably because Jesus needs us to do different work for his kingdom.

Nowadays, some are called to be missionaries, here and abroad. Some are called to religious life. Others are called to serve God through community, or through their own families and friends. God calls us in different ways, and it does not matter how you are called to serve. What is more important is we respond to his call to serve in our own little way.

How is God calling me to serve? How am I serving God now? Do I continuously say yes to his call to service?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week. Lord, as I start another week, I ask that you help me be sensitive to your call. I know there are different ways you call us, and I pray that I hear your voice when you call me. And as I hear your voice, may I always say yes to your call to serve, no matter how easy, or difficult, your call may seem. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Faith, and lack of it

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020313.cfm) reminds me how important Love is, as well as faith.

We have heard so many times that faith is important for God to do miracles in our lives. In the gospels we have seen that Christ healed a lot of people who had faith in him. Different ways were used to heal, but one thing is common, the person to be healed, or those who asks for healing for others (in the case of the centurion who asked that his servant be healed) should have faith in God. That’s how important faith is.

In today’s gospel, we again see the impact of not having faith. Jesus power and love does not change from town to town. Wherever he goes, his love for the people and power over sickness and death is the same. However, when he went back to his hometown, he did not see faith in the people. Instead, they challenged him and his power, knowing that he is the son of a carpenter, so they know his origin and knows that he is one of them, not the son of God. They also feel entitled to experience and benefit from his so called power, so they asked him to perform miracles as well. When Jesus did not give into them, and told them that they will not get what they want, they became mad and drove him out of the city.

Do I have faith in the love and power of Christ? Do I feel entitled to receive his blessings, just because I am a follower of Christ?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me the importance of faith. Lord, as I live this day, may I always be reminded to build and strengthen my faith in you, so that you may work miracles and wonders to and through me. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Presentation

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020213.cfm) reminds me that we should present and consecrate ourselves to God.

Sharing an excerpt of the gospel..

Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,

Jesus was presented in the temple. He was consecrated to God. So should we.

I believe consecrating ourselves to God is not a one-time thing. It is not just being baptized and that’s it. I believe that consecrating ourselves and offering ourselves to God should happen every day. We should be reminded who we are living for. What we should do with our lives. Who we should be serving.

Consecrating ourselves, offering ourselves to God does not mean that everything else will be easy afterwards. The first reading says that God will be there to purify us as well. However, we should take comfort in the fact that God would be there every step of the way, watching protecting us, making sure we will be subjected to what we can handle with his grace.

Am I constantly striving to consecrate myself to God?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me of the need to continuously consecrate myself to you. Lord, I am sorry for the times I forget. Sorry for the times I live on my own and do what I want. Lord, I ask that you constantly remind me to consecrate myself to you. I ask that you never give up on me, even if I may seem to be hard headed, because you know deep in my heart, I have a longing for you. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Insignificant?

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020113.cfm) reminds me that nothing that God created is insignificant

There are a lot of people with insecurities, and one of the reason for this is because of our attitude of comparing ourselves with others. On our own, we are okay, but once we start comparing ourselves with others, these insecurities arise. I am not intelligent as him, or I am not as beautiful or popular as her, or I am not as powerful or successful as them. These things cause us to feel insecure about ourselves and overlook the blessings we have.

In the gospel, we see that the mustard seed starts small. It is the smallest of the seeds.it may feel insignificant or small compared to other seeds especially the trees in the forest. On its own, it would really be small and probably not so important, but when it dies of itself, it becomes huge. As the seed is planted, it dies of itself and allows God to take control. With God’s soil, sunshine, air and water, the small seed grows to be one of the biggest trees, and is able to be of great use to the birds and the environment.

This is true with us as well.

We may feel small and insignificant if we compare ourselves with others, and if we don’t allow God to take over.

We will continue to feel small and insignificant if we remain closed to God and just rely on ourselves and our own efforts. We will continue to feel insignificant if we always compare ourselves with others and overlook our blessings and graces from God. Only when we die of ourselves and allow God to work through us can we reach our full potential. God can magnify our efforts and use us mightily to further his kingdom and fulfil his purpose for us. Only God can enable us to reach our full potential and do great things for his kingdom. Only God can make us feel really significant and important as we build his kingdom and work for Him.

Do I feel insignificant? Am I insecure? Why? Do I compare myself with others? Am I willing to die of myself and surrender to God so he can use me mightily and so I can reach my full potential?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for your word that reminds me of the need to surrender to you. Lord, a lot of times I try to do things my way. I want things done my way, on my own. I sometimes leave you in church and do not include you in my day to day living. Lord, help me die of myself and surrender to you – be it in my service to you, in the workplace and in the home. May I be humble enough and let you take control of my life, because I know that I can only reach my full potential if I surrender to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-