Victor In Christ

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010618.cfm) reminds me that I am a victor in Christ. 

Almost everyone wants to be part of the winning team. In school, people would want to be group mates with responsible and intelligent students. In sports, even in street basketball, people want to be part of a strong team. Of course, who wants to have a hard time or to lose? This is the logic why we should always pick God's team. 

The first reading tells us that we will be victors in Christ. We will be victors if we believe in Jesus Christ. Further in the reading, we see why. It is only Christ who can give us eternal life. Life that is greater than anything in this world. Life that transcends this world. It may not be as enticing as the things of this world, but it is eternal. It is forever. 

In the gospel, we see someone who clearly understood this. We see someone who clearly lived this. John the Baptist knew who Christ was and lived it. He may not have been great in the eyes of the world, but he was a victor in Christ. He was faithful in his calling. And we know how pleased God was with him. 

Things of this world will pass away. Worldly riches are temporary. They are only good in this world. Achievements and power are only good for this world. Very temporary. As we see in the bible, we came in this world naked, and we will leave naked. We cannot bring anything to life after this world. This is why it is foolish to invest in this world. This is why it is wise, that it is victory to follow and have faith in Christ - the only one that can give eternal life. 

May we not focus too much in the things of this world, and remember to hold on to Christ, as we are victors in Him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I forget this. Sorry for the times I focus too much on the world. Sorry for the times I ignore you. Help me choose you always. Help me be wise. I know I am a victor in you, for only you can give me eternal life. I will do my best to choose you always. I will do my best to live for you. Help me be like John the Baptist who focused on you. Amen. 

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

------------------------

January 6, 2018

Christmas Weekday

Lectionary: 209

Reading 1 1 Jn 5:5-13

Beloved:
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came through water and Blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and Blood.
The Spirit is the one who testifies,
and the Spirit is truth.
So there are three that testify,
the Spirit, the water, and the Blood,
and the three are of one accord.
If we accept human testimony,
the testimony of God is surely greater.
Now the testimony of God is this,
that he has testified on behalf of his Son.
Whoever believes in the Son of God
has this testimony within himself.
Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar
by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son.
And this is the testimony:
God gave us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son.
Whoever possesses the Son has life;
whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.

I write these things to you so that you may know
that you have eternal life,
you who believe in the name of the Son of God.

Responsorial Psalm PS147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia  SEE Mk 9:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:
This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:
"One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Of Love and Loving

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010518.cfm) reminds me that I should love God the way he wants me to. 

Love is probably one of the most overused word in this world. We see and hear love almost everywhere. And in the process, sometimes it loses its real meaning. We equate it to just romantic love. Or love for career. But it goes a lot deeper than that. 

The first reading reminds us that we should love one another. Yes, we should. Regardless of the person. No IF’s, no BUT’s. As followers of Christ, this is one of the most important things we should learn and do – love one another, especially those unlovable, just as Christ did. In the first reading, we are reminded that:

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer

and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him

Such strong words. Hate can cause bad actions, evil actions.. like Cain who belonged to the evil one, and killed his own brother. When we hate others, we also are being affected by it. It angers us, stresses us out, ruins our mood. It can move us to sin, thus losing eternal life with God in the process. As they say, the best “Revenge” for someone we “hate” is to love him/her back. In the process, we change the person and we are being changed to be more like Christ.

The ultimate demonstration of love Jesus on the cross. 

The way we came to know love
was that he laid down his life for us

Christmas. Christ came as a man to save us… more importantly, he died and rose again to save us from our sins. Pure love. We can't love like that, but we can and should be inspired by that love of Christ for us.

Children, let us love not in word or speech
but in deed and truth.

When we say we love, we should act it out, we should live it out. Lip service is not enough. 

The gospel shows that love brings people to God. As we love others, especially the unlovable, we may not know or feel it, but we are bringing that person to God, and we are bringing God to that person. And this is something that makes it well worth it.

May we be inspired and challenged to love in the way God wants us to, and make God's love more real and more alive in this world. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Thank you for loving me first. Sorry for the times I ignore that love. Sorry for the times that love is not enough for me. Sorry for keeping that love to myself. I know love because you loved me first. You loved me when I am unlovable. And I ask that you help me love in that way. Help me love those who are not easy to love. Help me love without thinking of myself. As I try to do this, may I make your love more real and more alive in this world. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

--------------------------

January 5, 2018

Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop

Lectionary: 208

Reading 1 1 Jn 3:11-21

Beloved:
This is the message you have heard from the beginning:
we should love one another,
unlike Cain who belonged to the Evil One
and slaughtered his brother.
Why did he slaughter him?
Because his own works were evil,
and those of his brother righteous.
Do not be amazed, then, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.
We know that we have passed from death to life
because we love our brothers.
Whoever does not love remains in death.
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.
The way we came to know love
was that he laid down his life for us;
so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
If someone who has worldly means
sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion,
how can the love of God remain in him?
Children, let us love not in word or speech
but in deed and truth.

Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth
and reassure our hearts before him
in whatever our hearts condemn,
for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.
Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us,
we have confidence in God.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5

R. (2a) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
The LORD is good:
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Alleluia 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A holy day has dawned upon us.
Come, you nations, and adore the Lord.
Today a great light has come upon the earth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 1:43-51

Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip.
And Jesus said to him, "Follow me."
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter.
Philip found Nathanael and told him,
"We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law,
and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth."
But Nathanael said to him,
"Can anything good come from Nazareth?"
Philip said to him, "Come and see."
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
"Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him."
Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."
Nathanael answered him,
"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this."
And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see the sky opened and the angels of God
ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Actions

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010418.cfm) reminds me that my actions tell God that I love Him. 

Words are important and powerful. However, sometimes It’s true that actions speak louder than words. Cliche, but true. What we say is important, but it should be backed up by what we do. This is important not only as we relate to others, but to God as well. 

God puts a premium on our actions. 

It is important to walk the talk. Lip service is not enough. In the first reading, we see that those who act in righteousness are righteous, and those who sin belong to the Devil. Actions, not words. You can say good things, but if you sin and not mean your words, you are not of God's flock. 

In the gospel, we see examples of this. Jesus' first apostles just obeyed him when he called them. They just followed. No questions, just actions. And God honors that. He used them mightily. 

As we serve, it is important to have a mixture of both – speaking and acting. It is not enough to pray and sing praises to God, we should also get up and act as another way of worshiping and serving God. It is not enough to just do good works, we should also do so for love of God, for his glory.

May today be another day we can start worshiping, serving and loving Him with our words and actions.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I do not live my faith. Sorry for the times I do not live my love for you. Sorry for lip service worship and love. Help me live in a way pleasing to you. Help me live right. Help me act right and tell you how much I love you, that I choose you over the enemy, over the things of this world, over my own pleasures. May my actions, may my life, tell you how much I love you. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

-------------------------

January 4, 2018

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

 Lectionary: 207

Reading 1 1 Jn 3:7-10

Children, let no one deceive you.
The person who acts in righteousness is righteous,
just as he is righteous.
Whoever sins belongs to the Devil,
because the Devil has sinned from the beginning.
Indeed, the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the Devil.
No one who is begotten by God commits sin,
because God's seed remains in him;
he cannot sin because he is begotten by God.
In this way,
the children of God and the children of the Devil are made plain;
no one who fails to act in righteousness belongs to God,
nor anyone who does not love his brother.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy before the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD comes;
he comes to rule the earth;
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Alleluia Heb 1:1-2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples,
and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God."
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
"What are you looking for?"
They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher),
"where are you staying?"
He said to them, "Come, and you will see."
So they went and saw where he was staying,
and they stayed with him that day.
It was about four in the afternoon.
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,
was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
He first found his own brother Simon and told him,
"We have found the Messiah," which is translated Christ.
Then he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said,
"You are Simon the son of John;
you will be called Cephas," which is translated Peter.

Great Plans

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010318.cfm) reminds me that God has great plans for me, and it will come to fruition in his perfect time. 

Early on in the year, it is nice to be reminded that God has great plans for us. A lot made new year’s resolutions. A lot have plans and dreams they want to concretize and accomplish within this year. And as we do so, it is reassuring that God has great plans for us as well.

A lot of people take inspiration in Jeremiah 29:11, that God has plans to prosper us and for our good. It is inspiring indeed. However, In the first reading today, we see something inspiring as well. A lesser known verse but just as inspiring. we see God telling us what he told through John – what we shall be has not yet been revealed, but we know that when it is revealed, we will be like him. So affirming, and so inspiring. We may have a lot of plans, worries and concerns right now. We may have a lot of questions in our minds. But we are assured by God that when we finally understand things, when we see the plans of God come together, it will be great!

In the gospel, we see someone experiencing God’s plan come into fruition. John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus. Probably they have not seen each other yet. But John knew what his purpose was, and he was faithful in doing it, despite people saying stuff about him and others persecuting him. He was faithful to God. He trusted in God’s plans. And in the gospel, we see God’s plan come into fruition when Jesus came to John to be baptized. The one he was preparing the way for came to him.

God knows what he is doing, we just need to trust in Him.

John may not have expected that. He was preparing the way for Jesus, yet it was Jesus himself who came to him to be baptized! That's how great God's plans are. That is how generous he is. That is how he rewards those who are focused on loving and serving Him, instead of on getting worldly rewards. 

What are my new year’s resolutions? What are my plans and goals for this year? Do I have worries or fears? What is God telling me today?

May we have faith in God and his great plans on us. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the beautiful reminder that you have things under control and you have great plans for me. Lord, sorry for worrying too much and for taking things into my hands. Sorry for being stressed with troubles.  Help me trust in you, your plans and your timing. As I start the year and make plans and goals, may I always remember to surrender to you and trust in you, knowing that your plans are always better than mine. Always. And that your plans will come into fruition in your perfect time. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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January 3, 2018
Christmas Weekday
Lectionary: 206

Reading 1 1 Jn 2:29–3:6

If you consider that God is righteous,
you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness
is begotten by him.

See what love the Father has bestowed on us
that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God's children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,
as he is pure.

Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness,
for sin is lawlessness.
You know that he was revealed to take away sins,
and in him there is no sin.
No one who remains in him sins;
no one who sins has seen him or known him

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Alleluia Jn 1:14a, 12a

 R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him
he gave power to become the children of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.'
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel."
John testified further, saying,
"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

Prepare the Way

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010218.cfm) reminds me that I should prepare the way for God. 

Recognition is important to most people. We want to be affirmed and recognized. However, there are a lot of things at play in situations and events, and some who do a lot of work sometimes do not get the recognition they deserve. In concerts, for example, tech people set up the stage, lights and sound system, making sure everything is in order for the artist to use. They play an important role, but not always recognized. When they mess up, it affects the production in a big way. Good thing God does not act this way, he sees everything, especially what others do not. 

God recognizes the little things we do for Him. 

In the gospel, we see John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. He knew his part. He knew he was unworthy. He knew his role. And he did it well. He did not seek affirmation or recognition. He just did what he knows God wanted him to do. And God was pleased with him. 

This is a good reminder as we start the year. New beginnings. New resolutions. New goals. New dreams. New habits. We are also reminded to prepare the way for Christ. We are reminded to proclaim Christ. We are reminded not to desire human recognition, and instead just do what God wants. We started preparing for Christmas, and we should not end now. We should continue to prepare the way for God in our lives and in through our lives. 

May we be encouraged to continue preparing the way for God through our lives. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I seek recognition from other people. Sorry for the times I want people to recognize and affirm me with what I do. Sorry for putting more weight on what other people think or say instead of what you do. Help me focus on what is right. Help me focus in you. Help me prepare the way for you. Help me proclaim you through my life. May my actions and decisions remind others how great and loving you are. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

---------------------------------------------------

January 2, 2018

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

Lectionary: 205

Reading 1 1 Jn 2:22-28

The LORD said to Moses:
Beloved:
Who is the liar?
Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ.
Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.
Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father,
but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.

Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.
If what you heard from the beginning remains in you,
then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.
I write you these things about those who would deceive you.
As for you,
the anointing that you received from him remains in you,
so that you do not need anyone to teach you.
But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false;
just as it taught you, remain in him.

And now, children, remain in him,
so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming.

Responsorial Psalm  ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Alleluia Heb 1:1-2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him
to ask him, "Who are you?"
He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted,
"I am not the Christ."
So they asked him,
"What are you then? Are you Elijah?"
And he said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."
So they said to him,
"Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?
What do you have to say for yourself?"
He said:
"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
'Make straight the way of the Lord,'
as Isaiah the prophet said."
Some Pharisees were also sent.
They asked him,
"Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"
John answered them,
"I baptize with water;
but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.

Great 2018!

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010118.cfm) reminds me that this is going to be a great year in the Lord. 

It’s a new day! It's a mew week! It’s a new year! And as we start this year, we are reminded that it is going to be another great year of the Lord! The first reading and psalm gives us a very beautiful blessing and prayer. And I believe that just as God asked Moses to bless the Israelites with this, he is also reminding us that this blessing is for us as well. As we start the year, it is good to be reminded of this blessing from God:

The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon

you, and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly and

give you peace!

God has concretized this blessing in the second reading. The reason for this season. God sent his only Son to save us from our sins, because he loves us. Because of this, we too can call God our loving and almighty father.

God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,

crying out, “Abba, Father!”

So you are no longer a slave but a son,

and if a son then also an heir, through God

Just as we start the year, we also celebrate the Solemnity of Mama Mary, Mother of God. This is one of the three Holy Days of Obligation in our country (Aside from Dec 8 Immaculate Conception and Dec 25 Christmas). It is fitting that as we start the year, we remember Mama Mary, a loyal and humble servant of God. We again see a glimpse of her in the gospel. After saying Yes to God, she bore a Son and named him Jesus. At this point, she did not understand yet God’s plans as she kept all things in her heart, but still she continued to be faithful to God and did her part as the earthly mother of Christ. It is a good reminder for us, that as we start the year, even if we do not know and understand yet God’s plans, we just have to be like Mary and submit to God and do what he asks us to do. God has great plans for us, and we should just wait and cooperate, even if we do not understand and things are looking different from what we expected. (See related story)

What is God telling me today as I start the year? What are my fears and worries as I enter another year? Financial concerns? Health issues? Family matters? What can I learn from Mama Mary?

May we always remember that God will always bless us, and may this lead us to be like Mama Mary, who trusts and surrenders to God, despite not knowing his plans for us yet.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live! Thank you for another week! Thank you for another year! Thank you for all the great blessings of 2017! Thank you for all the challenges of 2017! Thank you for everything. As I start the year, I look forward to receiving more love, blessings, and challenges from you. Lord, I do not know what this year would bring, but I do hope that it would bring me closer to you. I do not know what will happen, but you do. And I trust in you. May the challenges and hardships, as well as the blessings and triumphs this year bring me to loving you more and may they strengthen my faith in you. I ask Lord that you hold my hand every step of the way. Never let go of me, and make me more and more like you. As you do, may I radiate you to others I encounter. Amen.

Blessed week and Blessed Year!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

This story reminds me that even if God’s ways are not our ways, it is still the best, it is still better than what we have imagined, better than what we want for ourselves.

The Parable of the Three Trees

Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and  dreamed of what they wanted to become when they  grew up.
The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: "I  want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold  and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most  beautiful treasure chest in the world!" 

The second little tree looked out at the small stream  trickling by on it's way to the ocean. "I want to be  traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings.  I'll be the strongest ship in the world!" 

The third little tree looked down into the valley below  where busy men and women worked in a busy town.  "I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to  grow so tall that when people stop to look at me,  they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I  will be the tallest tree in the world." 

Years passed. The rain came, the sun shone, and the  little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters  climbed the mountain. 

The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and said,  "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a  swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell. "Now I  shall be made into a beautiful chest, I shall hold  wonderful treasure!" The first tree said.

The second woodcutter looked at the second tree  and said, "This tree is strong. It is perfect for me."  With a swoop of his shining axe, the second tree fell.  "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second  tree. "I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!"

The third tree felt her heart sink when the last  woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and  tall and pointed bravely to heaven.  But the woodcutter never even looked up. "Any kind  of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop  of his shining axe, the third tree fell. 

The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought  her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned  the tree into a feedbox for animals. 

The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold,  nor with treasure. She was coated with saw dust and  filled with hay for hungry farm animals.

The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took  her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made  that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and  too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river; instead  she was taken to a little lake.

The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut  her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard.  "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. "All  I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point  to God..." 

Many many days and night passed. The three trees  nearly forgot their dreams. 

But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree  as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the  feedbox. 

"I wish I could make a cradle for him." her husband  whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled  as the starlight shone on the smooth and the sturdy  wood. "This manger is beautiful" she said. 

And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the  greatest treasure in the world. 

One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded  into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as  the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon  a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree  shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to  carry so many passengers safely through with the wind  and the rain. 

The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out  his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as  quickly as it had begun.  And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the  king of heaven and earth. 

One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her  beam were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She  flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering  crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hands  to her.  She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. 

But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the  earth tremble with joy beneath her, the third tree knew  that God's love had changed everything.  It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God.  That was better than being the tallest tree in the world. 

So next time you feel down because you didn't get what   you want, just sit tight and be happy because God is   thinking of something better to give you

 ........... Author Unkown

January 1, 2018

The Octave Day of Christmas

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Lectionary: 18

Reading 1 Nm 6:22-2

The LORD said to Moses:
"Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,
and I will bless them."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8.

R. (2a) May God bless us in his mercy.
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. May God bless us in his mercy.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. May God bless us in his mercy.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. May God bless us in his mercy.

Reading 2 Gal 4:4-7

Brothers and sisters:
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under the law,
to ransom those under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as sons.
As proof that you are sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying out, "Abba, Father!"
So you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son then also an heir, through God.

Alleluia Heb 1:1-2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.