Sign

The WORD today reminds me how important it is to know and recognize signs and reminders from God. 

Road signs are very important and helpful, especially if one is not familiar with the road. Before waze came into being, and when I was new in driving, I was heavily dependent on road signs. They tell motorists where to go, how to go there, what the rules are, etc. They help keep people safe. However, signs would only be able to do that if motorists know what the signs mean, and if these signs are followed properly.

Sometimes, or a lot of times, we want that kind of tangible sign from God too.

Why not?

Who would not want affirmation or assurance of what God wants us to do in a specific situation? Who would not want what God wants us to choose, or where he wants us to go? Even people in the bible asked for signs from God.

However, it can also be taken out of bounds.

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.”

In the gospel we see Jesus warning the people about asking for signs. While it is normal to ask for signs, it becomes bad if the heart is closed to God’s signs. It is bad if the heart wants God to conform to what we want, not for us to be open to what God wants. 

The people of Nineveh were living in sin, and did not ask for a sign. But when God sent Jonah to warn them, they repented. However, the people already have Jesus with them to warn them and preach to them, but their hearts were closed. They did not want him, they wanted a sign based on their own expectations and standards. They wanted God to conform to what they want, that’s why Jesus said no sign will be given to them.

Signs will only be useful if recognized and followed.

Aside from being open to what the signs tell us, we should also know how to recognize signs. Drivers are supposed to take examinations to familiarize themselves with road signs. Research should be done. In the same way, we should also exert time and effort to know God more, so we can recognize his answers and his signs for us, and not just be closed to our idea of sings.

How about us? Do we ask for signs or do what we can – reading the bible, praying, receiving the sacraments, to know what God wants us to do and how God wants us to live our lives? If we ask for signs, are we open and sensitive to get and recognize signs not just based on what we want, but what God wants? Or do we want God to conform to what sign we want from Him?

May we work on our relationship with God and pray that we may be able to know and recognize signs and reminders from Him. 

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 recognize your signs and reminders. Sorry for being closed to what you want and just wanting you to conform to me. Sorry for not following you. Lord, I pray that you always make you presence alive in my life. Help me do my part so I will always be sensitive to you. May I work and do my part to build a strong and personal relationship with you, so that I would know you more and recognize you, instead of just asking for signs. Help me act and be better. Help me be more like you. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

October 12, 2020

Monday of Week 28; St. Seraphim of Montegranaro

FIRST READING

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1

Brothers and sisters:
It is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman. The son of the slave woman was born naturally, the son of the freeborn through a promise. Now this is an allegory. These women represent two covenants. One was from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar. But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother. For it is written:
Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children; break forth and shout, you who were not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the deserted one than of her who has a husband.
Therefore, brothers and sisters,
we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman.

For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a and 6-7

R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forever.

R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the LORD to be praised. High above all nations is the LORD; above the heavens is his glory.

R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Who is like the LORD, our God, who looks upon the heavens and the earth below? He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor.

R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

ALLELUIA

Psalm 95:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 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.”

Prepared and Dressed

The WORD today reminds me that God wants me to prepare and be dressed for heaven. 

Not being dressed for the occasion is a very awkward feeling. It goes both ways – be it being overdressed or underdressed. It is important that one dress appropriately for the specific occasion. It is a sign of respect and of being ready, both of which we should be.

The gospel tells us of a story – a king calling a wedding feast. The original invitees did not attend, so the invite was opened to all. However, the king saw someone not dressed with a wedding garment, and it enraged the king.

OA naman ni king?! Di lang naka damit ng maganda, galit na? E pano kung walang damit, diba?? 

They say that the clothes were not a problem that time. When the king invited people, it was believed that he also prepared the clothes for them to wear to the feast. How cool is that? Libre na ang pagkain, libre ka pa sa damit! That’s how festive and how well taken care of the guests were. That is why they were chosen. We could just imagine how the king felt when the chosen people ignored him. Therefore we can understand that during the feast, the king expected and demanded that the guests be in the proper attire.

What is the significance of this in our lives? This does not happen anymore anyway. Right?

We know that God, our king, invites us to the feast – heaven. It is now up to us if we will heed his call, if we will respond to the invitation. However, it does not end there. We cannot just say we want to go to heaven, and show up there. We need to be dressed appropriately. We need to prepare and do our part. As the king gave clothes, God also gave us this life to wear properly. He gives us opportunities to shine for Him ,to do good in this life, and to prepare for us attending the banquet. Then when he sees us, we will know if we prepared enough – if he will be happy to see us in the feast, appropriately dressed, or if he will get mad at us attending not being properly dressed, and send us away.

Do I want to go to the feast that is heaven? Am I preparing for it right now? What am I doing to prepare myself for heaven? What else can I do? What is preventing me from fully preparing for heaven? 

May we be sensitive and recognize what we should do with and in this life, and do our part to live wise, preparing ourselves for God's banquet. 

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for another Sunday to love and experience your love. Lord, thank you for inviting me to the feast. And thank you for all the opportunities you give me to prepare myself for it. Sorry for the times I ignore you and choose to do other things. Sorry for not preparing for it. You know I want to be there, Lord, so I ask that you help me live my life preparing for it. Help me live right and pleasing to you. May you be delighted to see me appropriately dressed for your banquet. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

October 11, 2020

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Kenneth

FIRST READING

Isaiah 25:6–10a

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. On that day it will be said: “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 23:1–3a, 3b–4, 5, 6 (6cd)

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

SECOND READING

Philippians 4:12–14, 19–20

Brothers and sisters:
I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.

ALLELUIA

see Ephesians 1:17–18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

May the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, so that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Longer Form Matthew 22:1–14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

or: 

Shorter Form Matthew 22:1–10

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.”

Why Blessed?

The WORD today reminds me why it is a blessing to hear and act on God’s Word. 

We know what will make God happy – if we love him above all and love others as ourselves. We know that if we hear God’s word and act on it, God will be happy. We know that we should listen to and obey God’s word, because it will make him happy, and as grateful children, we want to make our Father happy. But why will we be blessed?

I used to attend basketball clinics when I was a kid. Kids usually go there to learn the scientific method of playing basketball. Of course, each kid would want to play actual five on five, whole court basketball. However, when you go there, you won’t immediately get what you expect. You won't even be able to hold a basketball, not until you are ready. You will be taught the proper way of doing other things, jogging, defense, etc, before you even hold a basketball. Those things prepare you for the actual game, which usually comes towards the end of the clinic program.

I believe this is why we are blessed if we hear and do God’s word. God cannot readily give us his blessings if we are not ready. God cannot take us where we are meant to go if we are not yet ready, if our vision is limited to this world, if our concerns are all of this world. That is why we are blessed if we hear and act. Hearing God’s word, and acting upon it, slowly prepares us. It slowly readies us, slowly transforms us. Once we consistently allow God to do so, we will be transformed and there will come a time we will be ready – ready to receive his blessings, ready to achieve and actualize God’s great plans for us, ready to meet him face to face. That’s why we are blessed.

Do I know God’s word? Do I read the bible? Do I take time to know God more? What do I do with it? Do I live the gospel values? Do I live right? Do I act upon God’s word? 

May we be inspired to hear God’s word and act on it, not because doing so makes God happy, but because doing so makes us blessed.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for opportunities to live my faith. Thank you for the blessings you constantly give me and my family. Lord, sorry for the times I do not give importance to your word. Sorry for the times I ignore you and focus on worldly things. Sorry for not acting upon your word. Sorry for not living my faith. I pray that today and everyday, I may thirst for your word. May I hear you word and act on it, and allow you to slowly transform me and ready me to receive all you want to give me. As you do, use me for your kingdom and your glory. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

October 10, 2020

Saturday of Week 27; St. Francis Borgia

FIRST READING

Galatians 3:22-29

Brothers and sisters:
Scripture confined all things under the power of sin, that through faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.

Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian. For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.


You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

ALLELUIA

Luke 11:28

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 11:27-28

While Jesus was speaking,
a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Stay Clean

The WORD today reminds me that I should stay clean in life, and always be grounded on God. 

There is an important principle in work that also applies in life. “You are only as good as your last achievement.” Makes sense, right? This should always keep us in our toes, always sharp and ready to accomplish things. We should not sit on yesterday’s achievements and not be complacent and overconfident with what we are doing.

In our spiritual life, this is true as well. We should not be overconfident of our change of lifestyle or our state of being free from evil in our lives. We should constantly strive to live good lives all the time.

After we change, God does not want us to get back into our old sins and habits, and go back worse than what we were before. In the gospel, Jesus said that an unclean spirit who has gone out of the man can return, bringing with it more spirits. So the last condition could be worse than the first. If that happens. If the evil spirit can return. And the evil spirit can return only if the man will not fill his life with God. The evil spirit can return only if there is sin in the man's life again. 

When we sin, we choose the devil over God. Sin opens the door to destruction.

We hurt God when we sin, not because what we do affects him, but because when we sin, it is like choosing the devil over Him. When we sin, we choose to love ourselves more than we love God. When we sin, we tell God something or someone is more important than him. That’s why it hurts Him. That’s why sin opens the door to destruction – because when someone or something takes God’s place in our lives, it is very easy for the devil to take his place in our lives.

What is the state of my heart and my life? Am I filled with God or with sin? What do I do to keep myself filled with God? Do I choose God over myself and my desires? How can I improve my relationship with Him?

May we be encouraged to live straight and clean, and choose God every time.

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 reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I sin. Sorry for the times I choose to love myself more than I love you. Sorry for the times I put other people and other things ahead of you. Sorry for the times I do not make you first in my life. Help me live right, Lord. Help me life for you. Help me honor and glorify you. May my life be a testament of my love for you. Help me fill my life with you and your love, so that there will be no space for the evil one. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

October 09, 2020

Friday of Week 27; St. John Leonardi

FIRST READING

Galatians 3:7-14

Brothers and sisters:
Realize that it is those who have faith who are children of Abraham. Scripture, which saw in advance that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, foretold the good news to Abraham, saying, Through you shall all the nations be blessed. Consequently, those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham who had faith. For all who depend on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, Cursed be everyone who does not persevere in doing all the things written in the book of the law. And that no one is justified before God by the law is clear, for the one who is righteous by faith will live. But the law does not depend on faith; rather, the one who does these things will live by them. Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree, that the blessing of Abraham might be extended to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

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.

Majesty and glory are his work, and his justice endures forever. He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. He has made known to his people the power of his works, 
giving them the inheritance of the nations.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

ALLELUIA

John 12:31b-32

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 11:15-26

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said:
“By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits 
more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”

Persistent in Prayer

The WORD today reminds me how powerful and important it is to be persistent in prayer. 

One of my roles in my previous work is to manage and take care of technical support for users of the systems we implemented. Usually, we follow the first come first served policy – we address the concerns based on the time it was reported. In cases wherein there are a lot of concerns, we base it on the importance or criticality of the situation. However there is always an exception – the persistent users. Yung Makukulit. Sometimes, since we know they wont stop, we prioritize them just so they would stop bugging us and following up. This is how we should be in praying. 

Persistent prayer is powerful.

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples to be persistent in prayer. Like the man who initially did not want to get up to help his friend in need but eventually did because of his friend's persistence. Persistent, even if initial reaction is no. Persistent, even if he did not get what he wanted the first time he asked. This is how God wants us to pray. This is the attitude Jesus wants us to have on prayer.

Okay lang maging makulit sa pagdadasal. 

We see the importance of a persistent faith and persistence in prayer. God always answers our prayers, and as Jesus said in the gospel, he always has the best intentions for us, so we just have to trust in Him. While we do so, we should be persistent in prayer – even if we think or we feel that God is silent and not answering. We should remind God how badly we want our intentions. And we should have faith that as we pray, God can do anything. He has the power. He can help us. Being persistent in prayer shows we trust him, and we have hope in him. Which means we are living what the psalmist reminds and exhorts us to do - to hope in the Lord. 

We may have tough or challenging prayer intentions. Minsan parang impossible na. Minsan parang wala nang magagawa ang Diyos. But just as Jesus taught in the gospel, we may just get what we ask for. If we just pray. And pray. And pray. Kulitin kang ang Diyos sa pagdadasal. At baka pagbigyan ka rin, kung naaayon sa kagustuhan Niya ang pinagdadasal natin. As he continued to say, ask and you shall receive, but always according to his will and purpose.

We are still in a pandemic. We have been praying since march, or probably even earlier. But still, seems that nothing is changing. No improvements. Rampant corruption and greed by government officials. However, God reminds us today that we should continue to pray. We should continue to have faith. We just need to trust in Him and pray no matter what the situation may be. 

What are my concerns right now? What do I pray for? Do I have faith in what I ask of God? Do I know and believe that he is all powerful and all loving? How is God responding to my prayers? How do I react when he does not seem to respond in the way I hope? Do ai get disappointed and stop praying? Do I lose faith in his love and power? Or do ai continue to pray, knowing how powerful and how loving he is?

May God’s silence to our prayers not cause our faith to wave, but may our persistence strengthen our faith in Him. May we learn to be humble to his will, but persistent and unwavering in faith and prayer. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for loving me and for being patient with me. Sorry for the times I am not persistent in prayer. Sorry for stopping or for getting hurt when I don't get what I ask for. Sorry for losing faith in you when you don't immediately answer my prayers. Lord, I ask that you fill me and strengthen my love and my faith to you. I know there are a lot of times my prayers seem to go unanswered, but I ask that you help me remember that I should be open to your answer, that you always answer my prayers, it’s just that sometimes, your answers are different from what I want. As I wait for your answers, may my faith be unwavering and may I always have that persistent faith in you. Mangungulit ako sayo Lord, but I will always submit to your will. I have faith in you. I trust you.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

October 08, 2020

Thursday of Week 27; St. Simeon

FIRST READING

Galatians 3:1-5

O stupid Galatians!
Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? I want to learn only this from you: did you receive the Spirit from works of the law, or from faith in what you heard? Are you so stupid? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? Did you experience so many things in vain?– if indeed it was in vain. Does, then, the one who supplies the Spirit to you and works mighty deeds among you do so from works of the law or from faith in what you heard?

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75 

R. (68) Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.

R. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.

R. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.

R. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

R. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

ALLELUIA

See Acts 16:14b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 11:5-13

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; 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. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, 
know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Lord’s Prayer

The WORD today reminds me how important it is to pray and have our hearts aligned with God. 

In the gospel, we saw how Jesus wanted us to pray. The Lord's prayer is a very beautiful and powerful prayer because as we see in the gospel, it was Jesus himself who taught us this. It is a simple prayer, one of the first prayers we usually memorize. Unfortunately, because we have known this prayer since we were kids, we sometimes fail to see the beauty and depth of this prayer. 

Sharing with you a way I learned on how to see this prayer in a different way – with a foundation verse and some things to ponder upon as we pray each part of it.

Our Father who art in heaven, hollowed by thy name

So the LORD passed before him and proclaimed: The LORD, the LORD, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity, continuing his love for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but bringing punishment for their parents’ wickedness on children and children’s children to the third and fourth generation! (Exodus 34: 6-7 -http://www.usccb.org/bible/exodus/34)

--- We remember our God. We remember what our God is like. We remember what God has done for us. We remember how blessed we are having such a great God. We are blessed that we can call him our God, our Father. We should be thankful and be full of awe as we pray, as we worship our God.

thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides (Matthew 6:33 -http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6)

-- Out of love for him, we pray that we would have the heart to seek and obey God’s will in our lives. We pray for faith, knowing that as we seek His will, he will bless us and give us the things that we need in this world, as we serve and glorify him with our lives. We also pray for others, that they also seek and obey God's will in their lives.

Give us this day our daily bread

so you might know that it is not by bread alone* that people live, but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:3b –http://www.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/8)

--- We pray to God daily to sustain us, not just physically, but more importantly, spiritually. We remember that in this life, we need more than just physical food. Yes, man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. We ask for spiritual nourishment as well. We need his word, we need to get to know him more, so we would be able to truly live, to truly serve and glorify Him. 

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. (1 John 1:9 -http://www.usccb.org/bible/1john/1)

--- The gospel says we should forgive so we would be forgiven. We also pray for humility that we would recognize our sins. We are far from perfect, and we ask God for forgiveness. We humbly come to him for forgiveness. We have faith that as we do, God forgives us and cleanses us. We also pray that we would feel God’s love and be moved to forgive others who have wronged us. We also pray for those who have sinned against us, that as we forgive them and as God changes us, they also welcome God and allow Him to change their lives.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 -http://www.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/10)

--- In faith, we call on Him to save and protect us. We have faith that he will not give us what we can’t bear. We have faith that God will be with us as we fight our battles, as we win over the enemy. We also pray for others who are undergoing challenges, that they may remain faithful to God, and realize that God will always be with us as we become victorious in Him.

Am I taking enough time for prayer? Do I know how important prayer is? What is God telling me today about my prayer life? Do I realize that prayer changes me and makes me more like God? 

May we see the Lord’s prayer in a new perspective, the way Jesus sees it. And may we make it our own, personal prayer.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience your love. Thank you for reminding me how important and powerful prayer is. Thank you for the Lord’s prayer that is a simple, yet complete prayer. Sorry for the times I overlook this. Sorry for the times forget how beautiful this prayer is. May I look past the normalcy of this prayer and see the beauty and completeness of this, and may I make this my own personal prayer to tell you how much I love you, how much I am sorry for my sins, how I long for you, how I praise you, and how I surrender my life to you. As I pray, make me more and more like you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

October 07, 2020

Wednesday of Week 27; Our Lady of the Rosary

FIRST READING

Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14

Brothers and sisters:
After fourteen years I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. I went up in accord with a revelation, and I presented to them the Gospel that I preach to the Gentiles– but privately to those of repute– so that I might not be running, or have run, in vain. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter to the circumcised, for the one who worked in Peter for an apostolate to the circumcised worked also in me for the Gentiles, and when they recognized the grace bestowed upon me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas their right hands in partnership, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, we were to be mindful of the poor, which is the very thing I was eager to do.

And when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong. For, until some people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to draw back and separated himself, because he was afraid of the circumcised. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not on the right road in line with the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in front of all, “If you, though a Jew, are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 117:1bc, 2

R. Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

Praise the LORD, all you nations, glorify him, all you peoples!

R. Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.

R. Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

ALLELUIA

Romans 8:15bc

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 11:1-4

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”