Sunday, December 6, 2020

Prepare to be Bold and Proclaim


The WORD today reminds me that my inner preparation for Christmas should also lead me to be bold and proclaim God in and through my life. 

Last week, the first Sunday of Advent, we were reminded to prepare for Christmas. This Sunday, God wants us to take a step further – do so something aside from preparing. We cannot just prepare and prepare. We cannot be stuck in preparation and not actually execute it. This is similar to analysis paralysis. We need to do something concrete.

Our inner preparation should lead into proclamation of God.

The gospel reminds us that we should live it. We are given an example of who to follow. John the Baptist proclaimed God through his life. Before he proclaimed God, he was in the dessert. He was there when he was asked to proclaim God. What was he doing in the dessert? Same as what we are trying to do – to prepare spiritually. John was preparing himself and his spirit to become one with God, to be filled with God. However, he did not end there. When God’s word came to him, his preparation enabled him to have the boldness to proclaim God’s word. He went out and proclaimed the need for repentance in the whole region of Jordan. Same with us, as God asked us to prepare, he is also asking us to proclaim his word. He is asking us to go out to the world and spread his word, his love, and his goodness. 

We should proclaim God through our lives. 

We cannot be preparing forever. Our preparation should make us more intimate with God. And as we become more intimate with God, as we get to know him more, as we feel his love and protection, we should be ready and willing to be bold and go out to the world. As we become one with God, we should be willing to obey him and proclaim him, and share him to others. As we do this, we need not be an expert in faith. We just need to know and have a personal relationship with God. Sometimes, we feel we are inadequate or incomplete. God is faithful, and he will continue to be with us and guide us as we serve Him.

With the pandemic, interaction may be limited. But social media is very much alive. We can proclaim him in other means. By how we live. By how we treat others. By what we post and how we react. Different times call for different ways of proclaiming God. 

Just as we should prepare and proclaim him, so should we repent. It is part of preparation. The gospel still reminds us that we need to repent. Prepare. And proclaim him to others, not just because God tells us to, but because we want others to be prepared, repent, and eventually be saved as well. 

How ready am I for Christmas? How is my preparation for Jesus and for Christmas? How can I prepare myself more for Christ? What is he telling me today? 

May we be ready to go out, be bold, and proclaim God to others.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday, Thank you for knowing me. Thank you for guiding me. Thank you for the reminder, for telling me how you want me to progress. Sorry for the times I stop at preparation. Sorry for not being willing to be bold and proclaim you to others. Lord, help me do my best in preparing for Christmas. And give me your spirit and enable me to be bold and proclaim you. There are a lot of reasons why I do not do it. Sometimes I feel scared, that I am not worthy or I am not the right person to do it. Sometimes I just feel tired to act. Sometimes, I just don’t know how. Lord, guide me. Show me the ways I can be bold and proclaim you through the way I live and treat others. Magnify my actions and my words so that it may glorify you. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,
-g-

December 06, 2020
2nd Sunday of Advent; St. Nicholas
FIRST READING
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.

A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by his strong arm; here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD—for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
SECOND READING
Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.

Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he 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.”
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Saturday, December 5, 2020

Laborers are Few


The WORD today reminds me that God needs me to work for his kingdom. 

In the gospel, we see that Jesus tirelessly worked for God’s kingdom. He proclaimed the gospel and healed the sick everywhere he can. However, he cannot do it alone, not because he is powerless, but because we need human interaction to feel God’s love. God needs us to help him in building his kingdom on earth. God needs warm bodies to reach out to others, to make others feel His love for them. We cannot just think that God is powerful and will send someone to help. Maybe we are that someone God is sending to help others.

God needs workers for his kingdom

As Jesus sent his disciples on a mission, he too is sending us. Life on earth should not just be about us. It should not be just about what we want to do or to happen. We should not forget who gave us life in the first place. We should not forget who loved us first, who saved us, and who continues to bless us

As we are blessed, as we are filled with God’s love, we are also called to pass it to others. We are blessed not for us to keep it, but bless others as well. We experience God not just for us to treasure the moment, but share him with others. We have a relationship with God not just for ourselves, but for others to have the same relationship as well.

It is easy to just focus on oneself, on the people you love, on what you want. But God reminds us that we should also be workers for him. No matter where we are and what we do, we are called to be workers for God’s kingdom, especially during these challenging times. The more challenging and difficult the situation is, the more God needs workers to remind people he is alive and present in this world. 

Do I work to proclaim God’s kingdom? In what way do I make people aware of God’s love and power? What can I do today to remind people that God’s love is alive and real? 

May we be ready and willing to work for God's kingdom and make his love more real and more alive.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to rest this weekend. Thank you for another opportunity to feel your love. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for the reminder of what you want and need me to do. Lord, sorry for the times I am too lazy. Sorry for the times I am not willing to work for you. help me be a willing worker for your kingdom. Help me be like Jesus and the disciples who tirelessly worked for you. May I be willing to step out of my comfort zone and do things for your kingdom. As I do my best, I ask that you bless my actions and bless my efforts so people can get to know you and get to feel you. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
See related reflection:

December 05, 2020
1st Week of Advent - Saturday; St. Sabas
FIRST READING
Thus says the Lord GOD,
the Holy One of Israel:
O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, no more will you weep; He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you. The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: “This is the way; walk in it,” when you would turn to the right or to the left.

He will give rain for the seed that you sow in the ground, And the wheat that the soil produces will be rich and abundant. On that day your flock will be given pasture and the lamb will graze in spacious meadows; The oxen and the asses that till the ground will eat silage tossed to them with shovel and pitchfork. Upon every high mountain and lofty hill there will be streams of running water. On the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall, The light of the moon will be like that of the sun and the light of the sun will be seven times greater like the light of seven days. On the day the LORD binds up the wounds of his people, he will heal the bruises left by his blows.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. (see Isaiah 30:18d) Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.

Praise the LORD, for he is good; sing praise to our God, for he is gracious; it is fitting to praise him. The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem; the dispersed of Israel he gathers.

R. Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He tells the number of the stars; he calls each by name.

R. Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.

Great is our LORD and mighty in power: to his wisdom there is no limit. The LORD sustains the lowly; the wicked he casts to the ground.

R. Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The LORD is our Judge, our Lawgiver, our King; he it is who will save us.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, AThe harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
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Friday, December 4, 2020

According to my Faith


The WORD today reminds me work on my faith and personal relationship with God. 

We Filipinos love basketball. We love to watch games. And when we do, we almost always have something to say, either about the players or coaches. We say that a particular player lack speed, or power, or shooting. Or this and that can be improved. Same with coaches. We have something to say about them. However, that's it. We can give our inputs or comments, but most cannot do what they are able to do. We cannot play or coach at the same level as they do. This should remind us to look up to them and give them the credit due them, because we cannot do these things ourselves. It is similar to what Jesus said in the gospel. 

Your personal faith is important to God. Not that of other people. 

In the gospel, two blind men came to Jesus for healing. And when Jesus asked them if they believed, they said yes. Then Jesus told them that they will be healed according to their faith. Not according to God’s power or according to the faith of others. But according to their faith. To their own personal faith in Jesus and his power. Well, they were healed, so they really had faith in Jesus power. How about us?

If God would ask us if we had faith in him, what would he tell him? If he asked if we really believe that he could do things we pray for, or if he could really answer our prayers, can we honestly say yes? Can we honestly say we believe in him, his love, and his power - despite the situation we are in?

This should encourage us to work on our faith and relationship with God. Only if we have an intimate relationship with God can we build our faith. And we can build our relationship with him by working on it. By getting to know him more. By reading his word, attending mass, and praying. This season, as we prepare for Christmas, is a good time to work on our faith and relationship with him so we can have a more meaningful celebration. 

We may not be in a perfect  situation, but we should still work on our faith. On our relationship with God. We should use this time to build and strengthen our relationship with him as this would help us get through these challenging times. 

How is my faith? How is my relationship with God? Do I have faith that God can answer my prayers? Do I sincerely believe he can and will help me with what I am praying for? How can I improve my faith and relationship with God?

May we do our best to work on our relationship with God so our faith can increase. 

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 lack faith. And sorry for not doing my best to build my relationship with you. Help me do my part. Increase my faith as I do my best to build and strengthen my relationship with you. Help me make my faith greater than my fears and problems. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
See related reflection:

December 04, 2020
1st Week of Advent - Friday; St. John of Damascus
FIRST READING
Thus says the Lord GOD:
But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; All who are alert to do evil will be cut off, those whose mere word condemns a man, Who ensnare his defender at the gate, and leave the just man with an empty claim. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of the house of Jacob, who redeemed Abraham: Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of, nor shall his face grow pale. When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, They shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?

R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple.

R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

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. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
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Thursday, December 3, 2020

House on a Rock


The WORD today reminds me that I should anchor my life on God. 

In Tagalog, we have a saying: "Para kang nakasandal sa bato o pader". This means that one usually do not worry of there is someone powerful backing the person up. Someone powerful to rely and lean on, someone you know will have your back. This is very nice to have. And the readings today reminds me that we can have this in God. 

The first reading reminds us that God is powerful. We sometimes forget this, just because he is gentle as well. The gospel compliments this, and says that trusting in him and doing his works is like having a house built on a rock cannot be destroyed by rain, flood, and wind… Having a strong foundation enables us to withstand these challenges that could destroy others - like a house built on sand. 

All of us are in this earth for a brief moment only. This is a temporary stage for us. We are just travelling, But as we travel, we are actually building our house – our permanent home, whether in heaven or not. The things we do in this world, the choices we make in this life, and the actions live our lives by, would determine how we want our eternal home to be. We are building a home. We are building a foundation. We are starting in this life.

As we build our eternal home, it is good to ask who is our foundation? Who is the rock upon we are building our house? The first reading tells us that it is to God that we should build our foundation. The strong and eternal rock, so it is indeed wise to build our foundation on him.  The gospel further says that we should listen AND ACT upon God’s words. It is not enough to recognize God. Satan recognizes God as well – but he does not follow God. We should recognize God and follow His ways. Hindi pwedeng puro realizations. Hindi pwedeng puro lip service. We should act and follow God’s will in our lives.

God has given us a lot of things. Gifts. Time, talent and treasures. We know that we cannot physically bring anything when we die. All of our time, talents, and treasures will be left in this earth. This is why we should use them - not only for ourselves but also for others. This is why we should do our best to share them, so our earthly blessings can be used to build our heavenly home. 

Do do I rely on in life? Do I rely on worldly power and connections, or do I rely on God? What is my foundation in this life? Do I listen to the word of God? Do I act on the word on God? How can I strengthen my foundation in life? Do I live serving and loving God through others?

May we be wise and use this life to work towards building our house on a rock, a solid foundation.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, I thank you for your strong love. Thank you for your power. And I thank you for the opportunity to make the most of this life. Lord, sorry for focusing on other things. Sorry for building my foundation on other things. Help me be a wise builder and build the foundation of my house, of my life, on you. Help me make good choices in life. Help me make the right choices in life. May I always choose you, in the little and big things, Lord. May I use this life wisely to build my eternal home in heaven with you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
See related reflection:

December 03, 2020
1st Week of Advent - Thursday; St. Francis Xavier
FIRST READING
On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah:

“A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.”

Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down; He tumbles it to the ground, levels it with the dust. It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Open to me the gates of justice; I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD. This gate is the LORD’s; the just shall enter it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior.

R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

O LORD, grant salvation! O LORD, grant prosperity! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD; we bless you from the house of the LORD. The LORD is God, and he has given us light.

R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call him while he is near.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Complete Nourishment



The WORD today reminds me that God thinks of our complete nourishment- physical and spiritual.

The gospel tells us one of the more famous gospels – Jesus feeding a lot of people. There are various accounts of this. In today’s gospel, We see Jesus feeding the people not just physically when he multiplied food for them, but first, spiritually which was the primary food he gave them even before the physical food. He taught them and he healed them. Spiritual nourishment. Then when it was late and dark already, Christ gave them physical food for their bodies.

God loves us so much that he gives us not only spiritual nourishment, but also physical nourishment. 

Love is the reason for this season. Love is the reason why we are celebrating Christmas - God sent his only Son to save us from our sins. Love should also be our primary reason for living – to spread God’s love to each other. The first reading reminds us that God saved and provided for us, and a good way to thank him is by passing that saving love to others. And one way of loving one another is to care and share what we have with one another – which what other people said about the gospel, that the miracle is not Jesus multiplying food, but the real miracle is the hearts of the people were changed and the shared food with each other because of love.

We may not have a lot. But for God, what we have is enough. The people only had few food, definitely not enough to feed thousands. But God takes what we offer and magnifies it. No matter what situation we are in, we still have enough to share with others. 

The same way God nourishes us, so we should do our part to nourish others. We can be a blessing to others in a lot of ways, especially during this pandemic and after the typhoons and floods. Doesn't need to be big ways, as with the story, God can magnify whatever we give for him. We just need to act and trust him. 

Do I come to God for nourishment of not only my body, but more importantly, my soul? How can I nourish more my soul as I prepare for Christmas? Do I graciously share my blessings to others, especially this season? How can I give more to others? 

May we be inspired to not only nourish our bodies, but more importantly, our spirit. May we allow God to transform us and expand our hearts so we can share more and love more – to make him more alive here.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder that you nourish not only our body but our spirit as well. Lord, I ask that you be with me in a special way today. Help me always be reminded to nourish not only my body, but more importantly, my spirit. Lord, it is easy to know and be reminded when my body is weak, when I am hungry, but not as easy to detect spiritual hunger…so I ask you Lord that you disturb me, wake me up and give me warnings when my spirit is running low, when I am spiritually hungry. And Lord, may I be sensitive and respond to it. In the same way, give me the heart that would be ready and willing to share what I have to help and nourish others as well. Amen

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-


December 02, 2020
1st Week of Advent - Wednesday; St. Bibiana
FIRST READING
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 all faces; 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
R. (6cd) 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.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
At that time:
Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Childlike


The WORD today reminds me that God wants me to have childlike faith in Him. 

Young children usually obey their parents. When they are asked to be quiet, to do or not to do something, they don't usually ask why. Sometimes they do, but even if they don't fully understand the explanation of their parents, they still obey. They still follow. They respect their parents. Hindi sila pasaway na gagawin ang gusto nila. This attitude is what God wants us to have. This is what God wants us to be - childlike. 

In the gospel, Jesus said that God did not reveal things to the wise and learned of the world. Instead, he revealed them to the childlike.

What is being childlike? A childlike attitude puts full faith and trust in the parents  

Kapag bata, walang choice eh. The child needs to rely on the parents to walk, stand up, eat, etc. Ganun nalang yung dependency nya sa magulang. Ganun nalang yung tiwala nya sa magulang. Complete faith.

A childish attitude is the opposite. 

It is when a person wants to have things their way. Kapag hindi nakuha ang gusto, magdadabog o magagalit. Gusto laging masunod. The focus is on the self.

This is why God blessed the childlike. He blessed those who relied on Him, instead of relying on their own personal achievements. He blessed those who know that they are nothing and everything that they have is from God, not those who think highly of themselves because of their accomplishments and credentials. And in the gospel, Jesus said that God revealed himself to the childlike and not to the learned. Because the childlike have open hearts ready to welcome Him and will not argue with him or push him away.

God wants us to have that childlike faith – faith that will humble ourselves and totally rely on and trust in Him, knowing that He is the only one who loves us enough to die for us and save us from our sin, and that everything happening will lead to a full life in Him.

Now, more than ever, it is important to be childlike. We have concerns on this pandemic and the disasters. We have problems. However,  we are still asked to be calm and have faith in God. We are still asked to help out others. So we need to have childlike faith, even if things doesn’t make sense or we don’t see how things will get better. God knows and we just have to trust in Him. 

Are you childlike or childish? Are you proud of your own accomplishments and credentials that you forget the source of all those? Do you get mad at God when things don’t go your way, or when you don’t understand everything that is happening? Do you have full faith in God, confidently walking with him even if you can only see until the next step, knowing that He will be there every step of the way? Do you believe the psalmist when he says that God will not abandon his people, including you?

May we be sensitive to how we react to God, and work on having and pray for a childlike faith and attitude towards God.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live and to experience your love. Thank you for reminding me the importance of being childlike and not childish. Lord, sorry for the many times I act childish. Sorry for getting mad at you when things do not go my way. Sorry for wanting things my way. Sorry for not having faith in you. Increase my faith. May I always trust in you, especially when things are challenging. A lot of times, I do not understand what is happening and how all these could turn into something great. But Lord, i have faith that you can see, and that as long as I cooperate in your plan, things will turn out great. May I develop that childlike faith as I live my life in service of you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,
-g-

December 01, 2020
1st Week of Advent - Tuesday; St. Edmund Campion
FIRST READING
On that day, A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea.

On that day, The root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, The Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. (see 7) Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment.

R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

He shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.

R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.

R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Jesus 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.”

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