Double Lives

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031417.cfm) reminds me that I should not live a double life

In the movie “The Amazing Spider Man”, there was a line by Aunt May to Peter Parker. “Secrets have a cost. They’re not free.” We know how applicable it was in the movie, but I believe this is true as well even to us, normal human beings. Secrets have a cost. Spider man was living a double life. He is Peter Parker and Spider Man. Some of us, too, have double lives. We may not have a different identity, we may not be a superhero, but we are living double lives if we are not living consistently with what we say.

In the gospel, the scribes and Pharisees know what they should do. Even Jesus acknowledges this. “Do and observe whatever they tell you” These Pharisees and scribes know how we should behave, how God wants us to behave. But they are not living it. Jesus further says – “but do not follow their example” Yes, double lives.. What you say is different from what you actually do.

Words and actions go hand in hand. They should be in agreement with each other. 

Sometimes, we may not realize, but we may already be living double lives. We know what God wants. We know the 10 commandments, we know we should be good people, we know the importance of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. However, we may not necessarily do these things. We may say these, but we may not do these things, especially when no one is watching us, when no one can see what we are doing. It is easy to be good when you’re with good people, with church friends, with people who have the same values as you. However, when we are with other people, people who do not necessarily value these things, we may get carried away and act differently from what we say, from what we know, from how we act when we’re with church friends. Double lives.

In what ways am I living double lives? Do I have secrets? What are the bad habits and vices I cannot let go? What is keeping me from letting go of these things? Am I willing to let God control my life?

May we be conscious of how God wants us to live, and strive to live right and pleasing to God. May we live our faith and knowledge of God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me to live a life consistent with your ways all the time. Thank you for challenging me not to live double lives. I am sorry Lord for living double lives sometimes. Sometimes I act differently or behave differently when I am with other people, when no one can see me. I forget that you Lord always see what I do. Help me live right. Help me live pleasing to you. Help me live my faith. I pray that you give me the strength to submit to you and follow you all the time. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/02/preach-and-act.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/03/great-servant.html 

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March 14, 2017
Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Lectionary: 231

Reading 1 Is 1:10, 16-20

Hear the word of the LORD,
princes of Sodom!
Listen to the instruction of our God,
people of Gomorrah!

Wash yourselves clean!
Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil; learn to do good.
Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,
hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow.

Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;
But if you refuse and resist,
the sword shall consume you:
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!

Responsorial Psalm Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23

R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.
I take from your house no bullock,
no goats out of your fold."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?"
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Verse Before the Gospel Ez 18:31

Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the LORD,
and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

Gospel Mt 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
"The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people's shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'
As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Siksik, Liglig, at Umaapaw

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031317.cfm) reminds me that I should be a generous giver. 

They say that the more you give, the more you will have. Does not make sense, right? The more you give, the less there will be for you - at least in the worldly sense. But today's gospel tells us otherwise.

Give and gifts will be given to you; 

a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, 

will be poured into your lap

There are some things better expressed and more heartfelt when said in the native language. And this is one of them. The Filipino translation of the verse says:

Magbigay kayo at kayo'y bibigyan ng Diyos; 

hustong takal, siksik, liglig, at umaapaw pa 

ang ibibigay sa inyo.

The more you give, the more you will receive. This does not just go with financial blessings. As we see in the gospel, God wants us to be generous in giving mercy, love, and forgiveness as well. If you want to have more of these things, you should learn how to give and let go. When God sees you are generous in giving away, he will give you more - not just so you can have more, but so that you can give away more. 

God cannot be outgiven. 

This is just how he is. He will not let you give him more than he gives you. Whatever we give him will surely be returned back to us.  And the more we give, the more he can give us back, because God can only fill us up when we are empty.

What am I giving to God? How do i give - do i give the best, the first fruits, or just my surplus? Looking back in my life, what situations have I given to God - my time, talent and treasure? In what ways has he rewarded me?

May we be generous to give and share what we have to others. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord I thank you for being generous. Indeed you cannot be outgiven. Lord, sorry for not being like this. Sorry for keeping things to myself. Sorry for not having the desire to share to others. I pray that you give me a heart like yours. Give me a heart that will always be ready and willing to give you my best, not because I want something in return, but because I am just full of your love and blessings, and the natural reaction is to share you to others. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/11/give-to-receive.html

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March 13, 2017
Monday of the Second Week in Lent
Lectionary: 230

Reading 1 Dn 9:4b-10

"Lord, great and awesome God,
you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you
and observe your commandments!
We have sinned, been wicked and done evil;
we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.
We have not obeyed your servants the prophets,
who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes,
our fathers, and all the people of the land.
Justice, O Lord, is on your side;
we are shamefaced even to this day:
we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem,
and all Israel, near and far,
in all the countries to which you have scattered them
because of their treachery toward you.
O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers,
for having sinned against you.
But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness!
Yet we rebelled against you
and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God,
to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 79:8, 9, 11 and 13

R. (see 103:10a) Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name's sake.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Let the prisoners' sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

Verse Before the Gospel See Jn 6:63c, 68c

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life;
you have the words of everlasting life.

Gospel Lk 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

"Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure

will in return be measured out to you."

Back to the Ground

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031217.cfm) reminds me that God does not just want me to be with him, but to get my hands dirty and go back to the ground doing his work in loving service of Him. 

Going to vacations is always something special. You look forward to what will happen, to the place, to the people, to the food, and most importantly, to be away from the normal routine of work/business and get some rest and recreation. However, no matter how much you love it, vacation will always end. You would always need to go back to reality, back to work, and do what you should do. This is probably similar to what the disciples felt. 

The gospel tells us the story of transfiguration. Jesus was transfigured, his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. Wild. To add to that, Moses and Elijah appeared to them. They were talking with Jesus! Big names! Moses represented the Law, Elijah representing the prophets. Then they heard the voice of God! How amazing Peter, James and John must have felt. They must have wanted to stay there. However, Jesus did not allow them to. 

Jesus asked his disciples to come down the mountain. Come down the mountain and back to their regular lives. Back to doing God’s work – healing the sick, driving out demons, and proclaiming God’s kingdom and message. This is also what God wants from us. Yes, it ia good to know God snd to experience him. We should have a personal relationship with Him.  But it should not stop there. God wants us to act. God wants us to get our hands dirty as we serve him. It may be challenging, but the second reading reminds us to ask for God's strength as we serve him and do his work. 

May we be willing to get our hands dirty and serve God as he continues to nourish us and reveal himself to us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday! Thank you for reminding me how much you take care of me. Thank you for making your love more alive in my life. Lord, sorry for the times I am not willing to love and serve you. Sorry for being contented with just experiencing you. Sorry for being too lazy to get my hands dirty in service of you. Give me the strength and the will, Lord. As I continue to experience your love and blessings, I promise to continue working for and serving you. Use me for your purpose and your glory. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

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March 12, 2017
Second Sunday of Lent
Lectionary: 25

Reading 1 Gn 12:1-4a

The LORD said to Abram:
"Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk
and from your father's house to a land that I will show you.

"I will make of you a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
so that you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you
and curse those who curse you.
All the communities of the earth
shall find blessing in you."

Abram went as the LORD directed him.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22.

R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Reading 2 2 Tm 1:8b-10

Beloved:
Bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God.

He saved us and called us to a holy life,
not according to our works
but according to his own design
and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began,
but now made manifest
through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus,
who destroyed death and brought life and immortality
to light through the gospel.

Verse Before the Gospel Cf. Mt 17:5

From the shining cloud the Father's voice is heard:
This is my beloved Son, hear him.

Gospel Mt 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
"Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him."
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
"Rise, and do not be afraid."
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
"Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

Love the Unlovable

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031117.cfm) reminds me that I should be like God and love those unlovable. 

It is easy to love those who love us. It is easy to give to our family, our friends, and special people who treat us well. It is easy to do that - even sinners act this way. Even the criminals and corrupt public officials do that. They love their family and those who do good to them. However, God expects more from us. God expects us to love others, especially those unlovable – the annoying person in the office, the person who spreads rumors about you, the corrupt person who steals money that could have gone to good projects for the poor. God wants us to love them, just as he loves them.

Love is not an investment.

You don’t love a person with the hopes of receiving back that love. You don’t help a person hoping that in the future the person will help you too. That’s investment, not love. Loving like God is loving with no strings attached, not expecting anything in return, just loving and helping others out of our love for God, as our way of loving and serving God. 

God loves us. In fact, we know love because God loved us first. And as we are filled with his love, as we experience his love, we should be moved to love others back. We should be moved to pass on God's love to others, to love others as God loves us. 

May we be challenged and inspired by how God wants us to love – perfectly.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for all the blessings you continue to give me. I don’t deserve all these, Lord, and I thank you for continuing to bless me nonetheless. Lord, I am sorry for the times I treat love and service as a investments. Sorry for loving only those lovable, those easy to love, those who I know will love me back. Sorry for serving others in the hope of one day getting that service back when I need it. Lord, I pray that you help me love like you do. may I love perfectly, without wanting anything back in return. To just love because I love you, and I want to share that love to others. May my heart be like yours. To love out of the fullness of your love in me. Use me to make your love more real and more alive in this world. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/06/fatherly-love.html

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March 11, 2017
Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Lectionary: 229

Reading 1 Dt 26:16-19

Moses spoke to the people, saying:
"This day the LORD, your God,
commands you to observe these statutes and decrees.
Be careful, then,
to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.
Today you are making this agreement with the LORD:
he is to be your God and you are to walk in his ways
and observe his statutes, commandments and decrees,
and to hearken to his voice.
And today the LORD is making this agreement with you:
you are to be a people peculiarly his own, as he promised you;
and provided you keep all his commandments,
he will then raise you high in praise and renown and glory
above all other nations he has made,
and you will be a people sacred to the LORD, your God,
as he promised."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8

R. (1b) Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
Blessed are they whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they who observe his decrees,
who seek him with all their heart.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
You have commanded that your precepts
be diligently kept.
Oh, that I might be firm in the ways
of keeping your statutes!
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
I will give you thanks with an upright heart,
when I have learned your just ordinances.
I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Verse Before the Gospel 2 Cor 6:2b

Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.

Gospel Mt 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Final Decision

The WORD (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031017.cfm) reminds me that God will judge me based on my final decision, not on my initial reaction. 

In the game who wants to be a millionaire, the contestant is given choices. After analyzing the choices and picking an answer, the host will ask if it is the final answer. If the contestant says yes, then thats the only time the choice will be checked if correct. The contestant can change the answer until he says it is final. The same is true with God. 

God looks at our final answer. Our final action and decision will be judged, not the initial one. 

In the first reading, they say the wicked men refer to the sinners and outcasts at that time, while righteous men are the scribes and pharisees. God gives chances to sinners, to wicked people to change their ways and follow God. Maybe they have not known who God really is. Maybe they're just waiting for someone to guide them to repentance. That is why God is waiting for them to repent and he will save them. However, the righteous already know what to do and how to act. So if they do evil, it is with the knowledge that it is indeed evil, and it shows they are choosing wickedness over good, so they will be punished even if they did good works before. 

We all sin. We all hurt God. And we all have the opportunity to choose God, or choose wickedness. God does not judge us by our sins, but by our heart. Our heart determines our final action, our final answer. The state of our heart will determine if we choose God or wickedness. Then when we make that choice, that's the time we will be judged. 

May we take comfort in the fact that God does not judge us by our initial actions, and make the most of every opportunity to repent and choose God. 

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 all the blessings. Thank you for your patience and love for me. Lord, sorry for my sins. Sorry for hurting you. Sorry for the times I choose wickedness over you. Help me live right. Help me live pleasing to you. I want to be with you. Help me see you and choose you in the little decisions in life, so that as I live, I will be consistently showing you what my final answer is. May my actions tell you how much I love and choose you.  Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/09/final-answer.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/12/final-action.html 

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March 10, 2017
Friday of the First Week of Lent
Lectionary: 228

Reading 1 Ez 18:21-28

Thus says the Lord GOD:
If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed,
if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just,
he shall surely live, he shall not die.
None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him;
he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced.
Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked?
says the Lord GOD.
Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way
that he may live?

And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil,
the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does,
can he do this and still live?
None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered,
because he has broken faith and committed sin;
because of this, he shall die.
You say, "The LORD's way is not fair!"
Hear now, house of Israel:
Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?
When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies,
it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.
But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed,
does what is right and just,
he shall preserve his life;
since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed,
he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8

R. (3) If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication.
R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
If you, O LORD, mark iniquities,
LORD, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness,
that you may be revered.
R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the LORD
more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
Let Israel wait for the LORD.
R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
For with the LORD is kindness
and with him is plenteous redemption;
And he will redeem Israel
from all their iniquities.
R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

Verse Before the Gospel Ez 18:31

Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the LORD,
and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

Gospel Mt 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
"I tell you,
unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,

you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."

Ask Seek Knock

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/030917.cfm) reminds me that God will give my my desires as long as they would be good for me and are according to God's great plans. 

The first reading shows us a child of God coming to Him in prayer. Queen Esther comes to God with her petitions and opens up herself to God. She is desperate, and putting her faith on God. And we see in the gospel what God’s response to such prayers is. 

The words of Jesus in the gospel are very uplifting.  Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. He even illustrates that our earthly father gives us what we ask for, what more God our heavenly father? However, this does not mean we will get absolutely anything we ask for. God’s love is too great that he will not give us what is not good for us.

Ask. Seek. Knock.

God knows what we ask of Him even before we actually ask. However, that does not mean he will give everything we ask of him. Our parents love us, but would not give us what we ask if they know what we ask will be bad for us. More so with God. God also knows what will be good for us, so he will only give us what is best for us, he will give us only what is according to his perfect plan.  This is why it is important to stay close to God, so we would know what he wants from us, and be sensitive enough to his voice, and let humble ourselves and submit ourselves to his will.

God is giving. He will always give us what we ask for, sometimes more than we ask for... As long as these things are in accordance to what he wants for us. To what his plans for us are. So as we ask, seek and knock, we should not just have faith, but humility as well. 

What things am I asking for from God? What seems to be his answer? How do I react when God doesn’t give me what I pray for, especially when those things are very important for me? What is God telling me today?

May we learn to humbly ask according to the will of God, and be assured of his love for and protection to us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me how much you love me and how much you care for me. Lord, sorry for being hard headed. Sorry for not having faith - in your power, in your plans, and in your love for me. Sorry for wanting things done my way. Lord, I thank you for my earthly parents. They may not be perfect, but you gave them to me to be ambassadors of your love to me. Help me show how much I love and appreciate them. I pray for those who are orphans or those who do not have parents that make them feel your love. I pray that you send them people that would keep your love alive in their lives. I also ask that you mold my heart. Increase my faith. May I always trust you. May I always surrender to you. May I always be sensitive to your will, and always submit myself to your will, having the assurance that you have the best for me. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/10/good-gifts.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/10/ask-seek-knock.html

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March 9, 2017
Thursday of the First Week in Lent
Lectionary: 227

Reading 1 Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25

Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish,
had recourse to the LORD.
She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids,
from morning until evening, and said:
"God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.
Help me, who am alone and have no help but you,
for I am taking my life in my hand.
As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers
that you, O LORD, always free those who are pleasing to you.
Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you,
O LORD, my God.

"And now, come to help me, an orphan.
Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lion
and turn his heart to hatred for our enemy,
so that he and those who are in league with him may perish.
Save us from the hand of our enemies;
turn our mourning into gladness
and our sorrows into wholeness."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8

R. (3a) Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Verse Before the Gospel Ps 51:12a, 14a

A clean heart create for me, O God;
give me back the joy of your salvation.

Gospel Mt 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.

"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets."

Repentance

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/030817.cfm) reminds me how important repentance is. 

As we get into the first week of Lent, we are again reminded of the importance of repentance. In the gospel, we see that Jesus appreciates the people of Nineveh for repenting at the preaching of Jonah. They listened, fasted, and repented. Eventually, they were spared. And in the first reading, we see that account – the people turning from their evil ways because of Jonah’s warning.

All sin and fall short of the glory of God. 

All of us sin, no matter how big or trivial the sin may be. God does not qualify, a sin is a sin, and whatever the degree is, it still hurts God. A sin still shows we love others and ourselves more than we love Him. However, as we see in the first reading, God is a very forgiving God. As long as he sees us turning away from sin and humbly repenting, he will forgive us. He will honor our repenting heart. Even Jonah was given a second chance. He initially ran away from God, but when he repented and humbly did what God was asking him to do, God still used him mightily.

God wants us to change our ways and repent.

The psalmist tells us the attitude God wants from us – to have a humble and contrite heart. May we see how sinful we are and how much we hurt God. May we humbly come to him for forgiveness, and allow his transforming love to penetrate our hearts to heal us from all the hurts and melt away evil in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to experience your love. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for my sins. Sorry for abusing or ignoring your love. Sorry for hurting you. I humbly come to you with a repentant heart, asking your forgiveness, and for your grace to help me live a life pleasing to you. Transform me with your love. Heal me and make me whole. As you do, use me to bring your love to others as well.  Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/02/repent-and-act.html

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March 8, 2017
Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Lectionary: 226

Reading 1 Jon 3:1-10

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:
"Set out for the great city of Nineveh,
and announce to it the message that I will tell you."
So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh,
according to the LORD's bidding.
Now Nineveh was an enormously large city;
it took three days to go through it.
Jonah began his journey through the city,
and had gone but a single day's walk announcing,
"Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,"
when the people of Nineveh believed God;
they proclaimed a fast
and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.

When the news reached the king of Nineveh,
he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe,
covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes.
Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh,
by decree of the king and his nobles:
"Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep,
shall taste anything;
they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water.
Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God;
every man shall turn from his evil way
and from the violence he has in hand.
Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath,
so that we shall not perish."
When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way,
he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them;
he did not carry it out.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19

R. (19b) A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Verse Before the Gospel Jl 2:12-13

Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart
for I am gracious and merciful.

Gospel Lk 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
"This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here."