Remain In Him

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052114.cfm) reminds me how we need to be connected and rooted in Christ.

A tree cannot bear fruit if disconnected from the root.

Makes sense? Root in this context refers to not just the physical root of the tree, but the root of life and fruit of the tree - the nutritious soil.

In the gospel, we see Jesus repeating multiple times: I am the vine, you are the branches. Remain in me so you will bear fruit. Multiple times. And if repeats it a lot of times, we know that he is serious. So we should listen.

No act, no matter how simple, is futile, if done out of love for God. No matter how simple we think our actions are, if it is rooted in Christ, then it will bear fruit. In the same way, nothing grand will bear real fruit if not done rooted in Christ. Worldly success and actions are very temporary. Eternal are the ones with Christ in it.

May we know which one to do.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Lord, I know that my actions will only bear real fruit if done out of love for you, if my actions are rooted in you. Help me to always be. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Not Giving Up

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052014.cfm) reminds me that we should never give up in times of hardships.

You reach success when you overcome challenges.

This is what I believe, and this is what St Paul did, as we see in the first reading. He is regarded as one of, if not the greatest evangelist. However, he did not have it easy. We see people stoning him in the first reading. Yet, he knew this was necessary, or normal as we do God's work, for Christ himself experienced these challenges and sufferings.

“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Life is not easy, but is manageable. May we never give up, hang on to God, and do our best as we live our lives and as we do God's work. And have faith that eventually, we will reach success in spreading and building God's kingdom.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder to be steadfast. Lord, thank you for the challenges that keep me strong, and remind me that I am in the right direction. Give me strength in times of challenges, and be with me as I reach success for you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Not Us, But Him

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051914.cfm) reminds me that we should always give back the praise and glory to God.

In the first reading, we see Paul do a mighty deed in Jesus name. But the people did not understand it, and thought that it was Paul and Barnabas themselves who did the act, and they were worshipping them, offering sacrifices. Paul and Barnabas, however, did not let this distract them. They did not enjoy the recognition and bask in false glory. They did their best to point to God, to let the people know it is God they should worship, not them. The psalmist echoes this, "not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory".

There may probably come a point in our lives that we will experience something similar. People would commend us for good work, for great talent or for great outcome of our endeavors. Yes, we probably worked really hard to achieve these things, but may we never fail to realize that ultimately, everything came from God, and every praise, recognition and glory should be lifted to him and not for us to enjoy.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Lord, I pray that you help me keep my focus on you. Help me achieve great things as a testament of your love and blessing. Help me shine for you. But do not let me stray and forget that everything should be given back to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Strong Foundation

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051814.cfm) reminds me that we should have a strong faith foundation whatever we do.

Some think that being a pilot is easy, especially nowadays where airplanes are very advanced in technology. There are gadgets and tools which tell the pilots what to do, and there are even autopilot modes that would direct the plane in reaching the destination. Yes, it might be easy when things are normal. But it becomes challenging during situations needing the technical expertise of the pilot, like in emergency or crisis situations. Their specialty may not always be seen or used, but it is very important as they do their work.

This is similar to the requirements in the first reading. What the community needed were men who would so seemingly simple things -  to serve at the table. It may be literal serving, or others say that it is managing the allocation of resources of the community. May be simple, but the apostles' requirements for this is not administrative qualities or expertise, but to be spirit filled and with wisdom. As they do things, they should be deeply rooted in faith, so they would be able to properly do their task in the way God wants them to, especially during challenging or tempting moments.

God wants us to be deeply rooted in him. We may not be doing hardcore ministry or evangelization work, but God still expects us to be rooted in him. This will enable us to live the way God wants us to, and will help us make the right decisions, especially in times of trouble and temptation.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another opportunity to spend time with you. Lord, I am sorry for the times i put you in the backseat of my life. Sorry for focusing on myself and my dreams. Lord, give me a heart that would desire to grow closer to you, and the will to act to make it happen. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

In Jesus' Name

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051714.cfm) reminds me that Jesus name is very powerful.

Jesus name is very powerful. In the bible it says that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth. (Philippians 2:10). Saying Jesus name is also the simplest way of praying (CCC 2668).

In the gospel today, we see Jesus telling us how powerful his name is.

And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

However, his name is not magic. We cannot expect that saying his name will grant us whatever wish we have. His name is not something you can blackmail God for. We should have faith as we say his name. We should have a good relationship with him as we pray in his name. We should have one goal - to glorify God, not ourselves, as we ask in his name. Then as it is in accordance to God's plans, what we ask for will be given us.

May we always remember how simple yet so powerful Jesus name is. And make it our simple yet effective prayer.

How do I treat Jesus name? Do I treat it with reverence, or has it become a normal name r expression for me? Do I pray and ask in Jesus name?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for your love and your name. Thank you for a simple yet very powerful prayer - Jesus. May I always be reminded of your great love and power through Jesus name. In a special way we ask that you welcome in your kingdom all the souls of our beloved, and may you comfort and strengthen the family they have left behind. In Jesus name, Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

No Fear

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051614.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to have no fear as we face life's challenges.

One of Manny Pacquiao's sponsors is the brand No Fear. They say this is his battlecry - no fear, as he faces opponents. He believes in this as he faces opponents - in the boxing ring and in the bigger arena of life. In fact, one documentary he made in 2004 is entitled No Fear: The Manny Pacquiao story.

This is also what Jesus told his disciples in the gospel today. No need to fear.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me."

As Jesus assured his disciples in the gospel to have no fear, he too is assuring us that we should have no fear as we face life's challenges. There is no need for us to be troubled. God is on our side, and he is watching over us. God is bigger than our problems, so we just have to have faith in Him - his word, power and his love for us.

Times may be tough, but we should not fear, because God is on our side.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for all the challenges. Thank you for reminding me that there is no reason for me to be afraid. Life is challenging. Problems may be big. But I know that you are bigger than my problems, that you are more powerful than difficult situations in my life. I trust in you Lord. I have faith in your love, power and goodness. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Servant Leader

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051514.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to serve others.

In the movie Coach Carter, one of the scenes that i will never forget is when Coach Carter was being pressured for not letting the athletes with failing grades play. He even cancelled practices so athletes can study. For him, they are student athletes, so being a student comes first before playing basketball.

We see something similar in the gospel. After Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, he told them that they should also do the same. As their leader served others, so too should they serve.

Jesus ways is not the same with the world. He was a king, a mighty leader, but instead of making his slaves work for Him, he did the opposite. He worked more than his followers, and he even served them. Washing of the feet was done not by all slaves, but only the lowest of the slaves. So him doing that is a grand gesture of service. Servant leadership. Service comes first.

As we live our lives, we are reminded that we should also do the same. Being a leader or achiever in society does not exempt us from doing what our king did - to serve others. May we never let success, power or fame get in our head, but strive to be like Jesus - a servant leader. Service comes first.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me how much you love me. Lord, may I always be ready and willing to be your servant. May I always be ready to serve you through others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-