Do Not be Stressed

The WORD today reminds me that I should not be stressed as I do God’s work. 

Service is good. It is actually one of the five love languages. Some people express their love by serving others – especially those they love. We also see that God wants us to serve him through others as a means of expressing our love for Him. He said that “faith without woks is dead,” and we see in the first reading how Paul served God as he spread his message to others. Indeed, God values the work we do for him. 

So why is it that in the gospel, Jesus seemed to favour Mary, who was not serving him? why did Jesus tell Martha that Mary, who was listening to Him, chose the better part?

Service should be done with love. 

You should be a happy servant. We should be happy as we serve God, because it is our way of telling him we love him. it is one way of expressing our love to him. as such, it should not be considered a burden, and should not stress us out – which was what happened to Martha. She was so busy doing the work that she forgot to focus on, and even complained to, the one she should serve. 

There is a time for everything. Yes, Jesus needs someone who will attend to their needs, but it is wiser to first focus on Jesus because he will not be around forever. It is wise to focus first on Jesus to out our hearts in the right place as we act and serve him.  service is important, but we should also have time for spiritual nourishment and rest as we serve. This makes our service more empowered and more effective. This will help us serve right and serve happy. 

Do I serve God? In what way? How do I feel when I serve God? Do I feel that it is a burden and stress myself as I serve him, or do I serve with joy, knowing that my service is a way of telling God I love Him? 

May we remember to not be stressed as we work and serve God, and be guided by the psalmist in asking God to guide us. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for continuing to remind me how you want me to live my life. Thank you for reminding me how important and necessary service is, and how I should serve. Lord, sorry for the times I don't serve you. Sorry for being lazy. And sorry for being stressed while I do your work. Sorry for not being a cheerful and happy servant. I ask that you give me a heart of service -  a heart that would always want to serve you through others. A heart that would be happy to serve you through others.  And as I serve, please remind me to take a break to rest and refresh my body and spirit. Like Mary, may I take time to rest and listen to you. may I work to be nourished by you. Help me be a balanced and happy servant of you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

October 06, 2020

Tuesday of Week 27; Blessed Marie Rose Durocher

FIRST READING

Galatians 1:13-24

Brothers and sisters:
You heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it, and progressed in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my race, since I was even more a zealot for my ancestral traditions. But when he, who from my mother’s womb had set me apart and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him to the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me; rather, I went into Arabia and then returned to Damascus.

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas and remained with him for fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the Apostles, only James the brother of the Lord. (As to what I am writing to you, behold, before God, I am not lying.) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was unknown personally to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only kept hearing that “the one who once was persecuting us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” So they glorified God because of me.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15

R. (24b) Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

O LORD, you have probed me and you know me; you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; 
wonderful are your works.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

My soul also you knew full well; nor was my frame unknown to you When I was made in secret, when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

ALLELUIA

Luke 11:28

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Love Hurts

The WORD today reminds me that real love hurts. 

I am fond of biting loved ones. I would bite the arm of some nephews, and I would even do it to my wife. When she complains after I bite her arm, I would jokingly tell her that love hurts! Although that is not really applicable to biting, it is applicable in real life. 

Real Love hurts. 

The gospel shows us one of the most common parable – the good Samaritan. It is interesting that the gospel starts with a question on how to have eternal life. After his answer, Jesus further illustrated through the parable how to have eternal life through the parable of the good samaritan. Yes, we see how difficult and challenging it may be to love. It can sometimes be inconvenient. But that’s love. If it is something fun, not taking a lot of your time, effort and resources, then probably it is not love. Real love hurts. Real love entails effort, commitment, time and resources – as what the Samaritan did in the parable. He did not just give the man something. He did not just leave the man to the innkeeper and left some coins. He took care of the man, took time off to bring him to an inn, gave up resources, and even planned to come back to make sure the man is fine and properly taken care of. Add the fact that they are enemies with each other That’s love!

Jesus expects the same from us.

We may not have the chance to do this to others, but God wants us to be ready to. God wants us to be willing. But more than the desire, God wants us to act now in whatever way we can. It does not matter how simple our act of love may be. It Does not matter to whom. What matters is we start acting, that we start loving our neighbour. In school, in the office, in the community, and in family. God wants us to do even simple acts of love, and as we do so, he will slowly transform us and ready us to do even greater acts of love. As we do little acts of love, we will eventually be ready to love until it hurts...and continue loving. 

What is love for me? Is it something fun and happy, or do I understand that loving is a decision that would almost always entail pain and sacrifices? Who do I love in life? Do I love only my friends and family, those who I know will love me back, or do I also love those who I know cannot love me back? How can I make God’s love more alive in the world?

May we heed God’s call to do good to others, to spread God’s love to our neighbors.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I do not love like this. Sorry for the times I am not willing to go the extra mile for others. Sorry for not being willing to be hurt as I love. Sorry for being scared to love until it hurts. Lord, As I start the week, help me start acting this love. May I love others even in small ways, simple ways. As I do so, I know that you will slowly transform me, and love me as I love you through others. As I start small, I know you will eventually help me love until it hurts, just like you did. Help me and use me to make your love more real n this world. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

October 05, 2020

Monday of Week 27; St. Maria Faustina Kowalska

FIRST READING

Galatians 1:6-12

Brothers and sisters:
I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel (not that there is another). But there are some who are disturbing you and wish to pervert the Gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone preaches to you a gospel other than the one that you received, let that one be accursed!

Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the Gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 111:1b-2, 7-8, 9 and 10c

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

The works of his hands are faithful and just; sure are all his precepts, 
Reliable forever and ever, wrought in truth and equity.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. His praise endures forever.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

John 13:34

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 10:25-37

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Not Forever

The WORD today reminds me that God will not tolerate wickedness forever. 

Nice people are usually quiet. They are patient and tolerate others. However, as they say, silent waters run deep. Even though they're understanding and supportive, when they're had enough, they snap and do things you wouldn't think they're capable of. This is probably how God is.

God is good. He is patient with us. He understands us. He gives us second chances. But we should not abuse him. We should not be too complacent just because of his goodness. Because he will not tolerate us forever.

God is good, but he will not tolerate sinful people forever. 

We see this in the first reading and gospel. In the first reading, the Lord said he will not take care of the vineyard if it will not bear the expected fruit. The gospel shows us a nicer story. The master was patient and gave the tenants multiple opportunities to do good. He gave them the benefit of the doubt. He even sent his only Son, thinking they would respect him. He chose to see the goodness in them, and not their sins and wickedness. However, that would not last forever. He knew when it is too much, and he gave then what is due them. 

God is like this as well. He gives us opportunities to repent and do good. He gives us the benefit of the doubt. He chooses to see the goodness in us, or even our potential to do good, and not our sins and wickedness. However, God knows what we want. He will not force us to do good. He will not force us to welcome him. And as we repeatedly ignore and hurt him, we are telling him we do not want him in our lives. And as such, when the time comes, we will forever be away with him and spend eternity in hell.

In as much as this is a reminder for us, this is also an encouragement as we go through this pandemic. A lot is frustrated and feel helpless with what is happening, especially with how the government is responding. National government and other politicians focus more on their own agenda and greed instead of helping the people and getting us out of this pandemic. They are powerful and nothing can stop them. But God can. And he eventually will. He will not tolerate evil and wickedness forever. 

How is my relationship with God? Am I in a good place with God?  Do I live according to his ways? Are there aspects of my lives or decisions I have been making, that tell God I don’t want him in my life? What is he telling me today? What will I do about it? 

May we come to our senses and not abuse God's goodness, for he will not tolerate our sinfulness forever.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I abuse you. Sorry for the times I delay doing good or serving you, thinking that you would understand anyway. Awaken me Lord. Make me come to my senses before its too late. Help me come to you and surrender to you as I prepare for eternity. Help me as I live. May my actions, may my life tell you how much i love you. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

October 04, 2020

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Francis of Assisi

FIRST READING

Isaiah 5:1–7

Let me now sing of my friend, my friend’s song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; he spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes.

Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard: What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? Now, I will let you know what I mean to do with my vineyard: take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled! Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it. The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his cherished plant; he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry!

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 80:9, 12, 13–14, 15–16, 19–20 (Isaiah 5:7a)

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

A vine from Egypt you transplanted; you drove away the nations and planted it. It put forth its foliage to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Why have you broken down its walls, so that every passer-by plucks its fruit, the boar from the forest lays it waste, and the beasts of the field feed upon it?

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted, the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. O LORD, God of hosts, restore us; if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved.

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

SECOND READING

Philippians 4:6–9

Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

ALLELUIA

see John 15:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, to go and bear fruit that will remain.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 21:33–43

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”

Greater Gift

The WORD today reminds me that God usually has a greater gift for us, much greater than the one he allowed to be taken away. 

There is a picture that stuck to me when I saw it, an image of Jesus asking for a little girl's toy, while holding a huge and better toy behind him - ready to give it to the little girl as a replacement of her current one. It stuck to me because it is true almost all of the time. The old adage that when God closes a door, he opens a window. Or sometimes, the roof! 

When God takes something away, he almost always has something better to replace it with. 

In the first reading, we see the final chapter of the book of Job. How inspiring. As Job remained faithful to God, he rewarded Job with more than what he initially had. God allowed the devil to test and take away everything from Job, except his life. But as Job remained faithful to God, everything was given back... everything and more.

God is generous. He cannot be out given. 

In the gospel, we see Jesus' disciples returning to him happy because of a successful mission. However, more than God being there to help them and enabling them to do great things in his name, Jesus reminds them that the real reason they should be happy is that their names are written in heaven. That is more than what the disciples wanted and expected.

As long as we do what God asks us to do, as long as we remain faithful to Him, we will experience immense blessings, more than we can imagine. Why, is it God's reward for his good children? I believe it's more than that. It is more than a reward.  God only wants the best for us. He will not give us what we cannot handle - both with problems and with blessings. God gives these things to those who are ready to accept them, and following God and staying faithful to Him shows that we love him more than we love this world, and that we are ready to receive properly these blessings, for God is first in our lives.

How do I feel when God takes something that I love away from me? What is my reaction? Do I get mad at and blame God for it? Do I feel entitled and demand he give it back? Or do I humbly submit, have faith, and continue to do my best to live right, and hope for the best? 

Despite all the problems and challenges in life, may we remember that God's love and blessings is always more than what we need, and that he will always give us more than what he allows to be taken away from us. 

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 another weekend. Lord, thank you for Job. Thank you for reminding me it is possible to remain faithful to you, despite being human, despite all the emotions and all the sadness we may have in our hearts. Sorry for the times I do not act like him. Sorry for being proud. Sorry for not being humble and for jot accepting your will. Sorry for being mad at you when you take something away from me. Help me be faithful like him, and be ready workers like your disciples. Increase my faith. I know that as I live my life for you, you will take care of everything. Use me for your glory. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

October 03, 2020

Saturday of Week 26; Blessed Bartolo Longo

FIRST READING

Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17

Job answered the LORD and said:

I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered. I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know. I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you. Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes.

Thus the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his earlier ones. For he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses. And he had seven sons and three daughters, of whom he called the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Kerenhappuch. In all the land no other women were as beautiful as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; and he saw his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren. Then Job died, old and full of years.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130

R. (135) Lord, let your face shine on me.

Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in your commands I trust.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just, and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

According to your ordinances they still stand firm: all things serve you.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

I am your servant; give me discernment that I may know your decrees.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

ALLELUIA

See Matthew 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 10:17-24

The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

Greatest

The WORD today reminds me who the greatest in God’s eyes is. 

A few years back, there was a movie about the life of Muhammad Ali, whom many considered one of if not the world’s greatest boxer, although today Floyd Mayweather insists he is the greatest. The theme song of the Ali movie  had the title. “The World’s Greatest”. He won many fights, he was a well-respected boxer in the ring, and his skills are superior… that’s why he is a great fighter.

God’s standards are usually opposite as those of the world’s. The greatest in God’s eyes are not the strong and mighty, but the dependent and childlike.

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples that a child is great in God’s eyes, and they should welcome and be like children. That they should humble themselves like the children. Back then, children together with women were the least in the society, so women and of course children are naturally humble because of their situation. 

Why is a child great? Because of his humility and nothingness. He knows he cannot do anything on his own, so he is fully dependent on his parents. Children does not only rely, but also obey their parents – even when they do not understand what the parents are asking them to do. The same way, God wants us to be like that, to know and remember that we really cannot do anything on our own… that we should be fully dependent and obedient on God, our father. This is something difficult, especially for successful and independent people who think they can do anything and can exist on their own.

If we know and accept our nothingness, and fully depend on God, then we are great. For it is when we humbly ask for His grace and guidance that we can be filled with everything God wants to give us. And when we are filled with God, then we are certainly great, for God is in us.

How do I see greatness? What is my perspective on greatness? Do I realize that God’s hand was upon me all my life? Do I humble myself before him? 

May we be reminded of what it takes to be great in God’s eyes, and do our best to be one.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Thank you for loving me and for blessing me. Lord, this gospel has been repeating a number of times these past few weeks, and I believe that you just want me to remember how important this is to you. Thank you for sending people in my life who remind me how much you love me and how special I am to you. Lord, I am sorry for the times I put you out of the picture, when I just rely on myself and do things on my own. Sorry for the times I focus too much on myself, how I can be great in the eyes of the world. Help me have the childlike attitude and faith that will always rely on you as I live. Help me live like your child so I can be great in your eyes. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

October 02, 2020

The Guardian Angels

FIRST READING

Exodus 23:20-23

Thus says the LORD:
“See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority resides in him. If you heed his voice and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

“My angel will go before you and bring you to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites; and I will wipe them out.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 91:1-2, 3-4ab, 4c-6, 10-11

R. The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, Say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

R. The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.

For he will rescue you from the snare of the fowler, from the destroying pestilence. With his pinions he will cover you, and under his wings you shall take refuge.

R. The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.

His faithfulness is a buckler and a shield. You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day; Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the devastating plague at noon.

R. The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.

No evil shall befall you, nor shall affliction come near your tent, For to his angels he has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways.

R. The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.

ALLELUIA

Psalm 103:21

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Bless the LORD, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Persevere with Purpose

The WORD today reminds me that I should persevere amidst the challenges, because God always has a purpose for everything.

In the first reading, we still see the story of Job. Not only did he lose almost everything, but people were also ridiculing him and blaming him for what was happening. Talk about adding insult to injury. Not helping at all. His situation was really challenging. Challenging but very inspiring. He struggled but continued to trust in God. He continued to hope in God. He continued to focus on God. 

God has a purpose for everything, so we should always persevere in faith. 

There are times we are faced with a lot of problems and challenges. We may feel like Job. Pushed against the wall. Cannot do anything anymore. Almost at the point of breaking down snd surrender. But Job persevered. Job remained faithful to God. It may not have been all smooth sailing, but Job's faith in and love for God persisted. He did not blame God and was just trusting in God. 

We should persevere like Job. 

There may be easy ways out. There may be worldly ways of getting out of the problems and tough situations. We may have temptations that would require us to lose our values and turn our backs on our faith. But we should persevere and stick with God. We should trust in God. Just as he always watched over Job, just as he was protecting Job, he too is doing that to us. He will not give us what we cannot handle. He will not give us too much. We just need to have faith in Him and expect blessings as we remain loyal to Him. 

We may feel as Job felt right now during this pandemic. And we are reminded to persevere like Job. God allowed it to happen. We may never understand his wisdom and his will. But we can be sure that he is not taking his eyes off us. He is always watching over us. We just need to trust in him and do what we can to still live right and pleasing to him. 

What do I do when I feel that my back is against the wall? Do I blame God? Or do I continue to trust God, persevere in faith, and hope in him? What does God do in these situations? Does he let go of me, or does he continue to take care of me no matter what the situation may be?

May we be inspired to persevere in faith, to walk in faith despite all the pain and challenges around us. 

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 the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I give up on my faith. Sorry for the times I turn my back on you. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Help me be like Job. Help me have faith in you. Help me persevere and remain in you. I know that you are kind, compassionate and merciful, and you will always be there to watch over me as I do my best to prepare myself for your great plans. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2019/10/go-by-pairs.html

October 01, 2020

Thursday of Week 26; St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

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FIRST READING

Job 19:21-27

Job said:

Pity me, pity me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has struck me! Why do you hound me as though you were divine, and insatiably prey upon me?

Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever! But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust; Whom I myself shall see: my own eyes, not another’s, shall behold him, And from my flesh I shall see God; my inmost being is consumed with longing.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 27:7-8a, 8b-9abc, 13-14

R. (13) I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me. Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.

R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

Your presence, O LORD, I seek. Hide not your face from me; do not in anger repel your servant. You are my helper: cast me not off.

R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.

R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

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ALLELUIA

Mark 1:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 10:1-12

Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”