Right Reasons

The WORD today reminds me that I should have the right reasons in looking for God. 

There are a lot of church groups nowadays, which is very good. These groups and organizations help us know God more. They help us learn more about our faith and how we could live them. However, not all have the right reasons when attending these gatherings or joining these groups. some people join and attend gatherings not because they are looking for God and want to improve their faith, but because they are looking for new friends, especially from the opposite sex who they can go on a date with. Some are looking to expand their network. This is probably the same as Herod’s reasons in the gospel.

Herod kept trying to see Jesus. 

Why? Because he probably wanted to know who Jesus was, and what the fuss was all about. He probably wanted to know if what the people were saying are true. There could be many reasons why Herod was looking for Jesus. However, what’s more important is our reasons for looking for Jesus – if we are looking for Him in the first place.

Why should we look for Jesus? Jesus is anything and everything we need. He is the Son of God. He is able. He loves us. We just need to seek him and humbly come to him, surrendering ourselves to him. IF we seek him, we will find him, if we seek him with all of our heart (Jeremiah 29:13)

Finding Jesus is not enough. After finding Jesus, we should spread him to others

All of us have gifts, talents and skills given by God to be used for His purpose, to further his kingdom. Time spent in the internet, browsing social media sites and watching videos can be used to instead pray, read the bible, and strengthen our relationship with God. Skills used for work and business may also be used in medical missions, outreach, or fundraising activities to build God's kingdom. Connections in government and society may be used not just for our own benefit, but to benefit others who need to feel and be reminded of God's love on earth. 

How do I use my skills, talents and resources? Do I use them to spread God’s kingdom? Do I look for God? Do iI consider him in my decisions? 

May we do our part and look for Jesus, and when we find him, may we be generous enough to share him with others. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for your reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I don't look for you. Sorry for the times I have the wrong reasons for searching for you. Help me look for your with all of my heart, Lord. May I take the time off to really look hard for you and search for you. and I know if I look for you with all of my heart, I will find you. As I find you and experience you, may I share you to others. Help me use my skills and talents for your kingdom. Help me be more aware and help me use them for your purpose and your glory. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

September 24, 2020

Thursday of Week 25; St. Thecla

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FIRST READING

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! What profit has man from all the labor which he toils at under the sun? One generation passes and another comes, but the world forever stays. The sun rises and the sun goes down; then it presses on to the place where it rises. Blowing now toward the south, then toward the north, the wind turns again and again, resuming its rounds. All rivers go to the sea, yet never does the sea become full. To the place where they go, the rivers keep on going. All speech is labored; there is nothing one can say. The eye is not satisfied with seeing nor is the ear satisfied with hearing.

What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done. Nothing is new under the sun. Even the thing of which we say, “See, this is new!” has already existed in the ages that preceded us. There is no remembrance of the men of old; nor of those to come will there be any remembrance among those who come after them.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17bc

R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. Prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

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ALLELUIA

John 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

---

GOSPEL

Luke 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

He Provides

The WORD today reminds me that God always provides. 

As a man, I want to be able to provide well for my family. However, there will always be challenges along the way. There will always be reasons and situations that can stress you. And it is fitting that the gospel today reminded me that God will provide. We should just continue to remain dependent on him as we do our part.

He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,

neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,

and let no one take a second tunic

It must have been weird for the disciples when they were told to do these. Proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick, but we are not supposed to bring anything for themselves? Nothing. Not even the basics. Jesus wanted total dependence on the part of his disciples. They were probably thinking, how about us? how about our concerns and needs? Probably these were some things they had on their mind. However, these did not keep them from following Jesus and doing their part. 

They obeyed Jesus. They worked. And they trusted in God. 

And God took care of them.

In our lives, we too are facing such concerns. There are a lot of things bothering us. A lot of problems weighing us down. However, Jesus is reminding us to just do what we are supposed to do. To just do our part, do our best, and leave the rest to Him. We do not have to understand everything. We do not have to see and plan everything, until the very end. But we should do our best, work, and trust in God... and he will provide. 

During this pandemic, a lot of us are worried. A lot of companies have closed down. Jobs have been cut. Those who still have jobs are uncertain. However, we are reminded today that God provides. He has been providing. And he will continue to do so. We just need to trust in him. And we just need to do our part and live right. He will continue to provide and take care of us. 

What are my concerns right now? What are bothering me? What prevents me from fully following God? How do I react to these concerns? Do I let them stress me, or do I have faith in God’s goodness and generosity? What is God telling me today? 

May we always be reminded of the goodness and the provision of God, and may this move us to do our best and just trust in Him on things we have no control of.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience your love and provision. Thank you for your word that reminds me how much you love me and that you will always take care of me. Lord, sorry for the times I do not trust in you. Sorry for doubting you. Sorry for worrying too much. help me to let go and just trust on you. May I just do my best, while having full faith that as I go along, you will continue to provide for what I need. I know you love me so much and you will always be there.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

September 23, 2020

Wednesday of Week 25; St. Pio of Pietrelcina 

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FIRST READING

Proverbs 30:5-9

Every word of God is tested;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Add nothing to his words, lest he reprove you, and you will be exposed as a deceiver.

Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; Lest, being full, I deny you, saying, “Who is the LORD?” Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163

R. (105) Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law.

R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

Your word, O LORD, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens.

R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words.

R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

Through your precepts I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way.

R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

Falsehood I hate and abhor; your law I love.

R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

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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 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

Act on Instruction

The WORD today reminds me that I should act upon the instructions of God. 

Saying is different from doing. There are people who say good things, who are very amiable when you talk to them, but their actions are not consistent with what they say. Sa salita lang magaling. This irritates people. However, those who are consistent with what they say and do, and who do what you agree upon. Madaling kausap. This is what God wants from us. 

Jesus values obedience, for it is rooted in humility. 

In the gospel, we see how Jesus values obedience. He treats as family not just his blood relatives, but those around him who listen to God's word and act on it. Hindi pwedeng puro realizations. Hindi pwede puro pakikinig lang. Dapat may gawa. Actions should accompany God's followers. Actions rooted in obedience to Him, is an indication of humility. An indication of us submitting to His will, not ours. 

We see in the first reading some of the things God wants. Some are easy to do, some are not. Some make sense in this world, some probably do not. However, this is where obedience and humility comes in. This is where we die of ourselves and submit to his will. This is why God values obedience rooted in faith. 

We may have different concerns in this world. However, God invites us to be part of his family. We can if we want to. We just need to submit ourselves to him. We just need to he humble and follow him. 

What are my concerns right now? What worries me? Do I realize God’s love and power? Do I know that God is able to help me with anything if I just come to him? Am I willing to follow him and be part of his family? 

May we take time to not only know and understand God's words, but act on them as well. Like the psalmist, may we humble ourselves and ask God to guide us and direct our steps in life. 

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 do not act on your word. Sorry for the times I get contented with just knowing you and what you want, without actually living it. Help me live my faith. Help me be humble, submit, and obey you. Use me and make your love more alive through me and my actions. May you be glorified always. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2019/09/children-of-god.html

September 22, 2020

Tuesday of Week 25; St. Thomas of Villanova

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FIRST READING

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13

Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the LORD; wherever it pleases him, he directs it.

All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves hearts.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Haughty eyes and a proud heart– the tillage of the wicked is sin.

The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.

Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.

The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.

When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.

He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44

R. (35) Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD.

R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.

R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me.

R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart.

R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight.

R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever.

R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

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ALLELUIA

Luke 11:28

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 8:19-21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Respond to the Call

The WORD today reminds me that I should respond positively to God’s call. 

Not a lot of people would volunteer to something. I am one of them. I will not usually volunteer to do a task or participate in an activity. However, when someone calls me and invites me, I usually follow. Good thing God does not always expect us to volunteer and initiate things. He calls us. 

Today, we celebrate the feast of St Matthew, an apostle and evangelist, and one of the writers of the gospels. In the gospel we see how Matthew started in his ministry. He was a sinner, a tax collector. However, when Jesus passed by and called him, Matthew not only followed Jesus but welcomed him to his home – where other sinners came as well. I believe this signifies Matthew was just looking for an opportunity to repent and do good, from being a sinner, a tax collector, he wanted to change. He wanted a new start. And him inviting Jesus to his home and preparing his home to host lunch for Jesus, is a symbol of he preparing and accepting Jesus into his life.

God tirelessly calls us in different ways. 

Jesus just passed by and called Matthew, and it started the change in him. In the same way, I believe God calls us in different ways, most of which are seemingly normal and accidental. He continues to use other people to reach out to us, to invite us to come to him, change our ways, and love and serve him. He calls us by situations, wherein we are reminded that only God can help us out. He calls us by the poor people around us, reminding us we need to help others and be Jesus to others. He calls us through heartaches and pain, reminding us that it is only he who could heal and make us whole.

When God calls us, all he needs is for us to say yes - no matter what state we are in. Matthew was a sinner, a tax collector, yet he was used mightily by God. And he was just doing his usual ways when he was called. God does not need preachers and talented people to serve Him. He will provide for the means and ways we can serve him for who we are. The first reading says that we are all different, we have different talents and purposes, but the important thing is we serve God, that we use whatever we have for God’s purpose and God’s kingdom

How is my relationship with God? Do I wait for him to call me? In what ways does he call me? What circumstances does he use to call me? Who are the people he uses to get my attention? Do I recognize when he calls me? How do I respond to his calls?

We may not experience Jesus passing by and calling us personally like Matthew, but he calls us everyday using different yet personalized ways. May we be inspired by Mathew to let him come in, not only to our homes, but our lives as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. thank you for the beautiful reminder and the challenge. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore your call. Sorry for the times I don’t recognize your call. Sorry for the times I focus on other things that I miss you calling me. Lord, help me be like Matthew. Like him, I am sinful. Like him, I am just waiting for an opportunity to come back to you, to do things right. Give me a humble and contrite heart that would readily say yes to your call, and will welcome you in my life and in my heart. And as I do my best to respond to your call and serve you, use me like Matthew to bring people to you and glorify you. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

September 21, 2020

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist - Feast

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FIRST READING

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Brothers and sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ. 

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge.

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; Through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

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ALLELUIA
See Te Deum

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

God’s Ways

The WORD today reminds me that God's ways are very different from ours. 

The first reading clearly says that God's ways are different from ours. 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.

As high as the heavens are above the earth,

so high are my ways above your ways

and my thoughts above your thoughts.

There may be time, a lot of them, that our plans do not seem to coincide God's plans for us. There are times when What we want to happen is different from what God wants to happen. On our perspective, our plans are better than God's. We plan things. We want things to happen. We work for things. And when things do not go out way, we just have to trust in God that his plans and his ways are way better than ours.

God is wiser than us. He sees what we cannot. 

In the gospel, we see an example of this. God's ways are definitely not like ours. His is way better. He is more generous and loving. Probably, others would think that it is unfair to those who worked longer. but God does not think so. He is very generous and we should be thankful, not envious. We will only feel envious if we focus too much on ourselves, if we give ourselves too much credit, and if we want ourselves to be rewarded more than what we actually deserve.

Are there times my plans and my wants do not seem to be the same with God’s? How do I feel about it? Do I realize that he is all powerful and all loving? Do I realize his plans are perfect? What is he reminding me today? 

God's ways are always better than ours. May this keep us in the right perspective, especially when his plans and ours do not coincide.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for another chance to rest and spend quality time with you. Sorry for the times I am impatient to wait for your plans. Sorry for the times I am proud to submit to your will. Help me be better. Help me trust in you more. Remind me of your love. Today, May I spend quality time with you, not just in mass, but may I take time to pray, read the bible, and just bask in your presence. As I do so, I know that I will be more submissive and receptive of your ways and your plans, for I will realize how wise, powerful and loving you are. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/09/gods-ways.html

September 20, 2020

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Andrew Kim Daegeon and St. Paul Cho˘ng Hasang

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FIRST READING

Isaiah 55:6–9

Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 145:2–3, 8–9, 17–18 (18a)

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

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SECOND READING

Philippians 1:20c–24, 27a

Brothers and sisters:
Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit.

Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.

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ALLELUIA

see Acts 16:14b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Matthew 20:1–16a

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ “When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ “Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Ready to Bear Fruit

The WORD today reminds me that I should work and prepare my life so I would be ready to bear fruit for God. 

My wife took subjects on agriculture before we got married, back when we was still based in the province. One interesting fact she shared was that there are different kinds of soil. Not all will be conducive for plants and fruits. I thought any soil can be used to grow trees and flowers. Hindi pala.  It depends on the kind of soil if the seeds will bear fruit. In the gospel today, Jesus uses this in the context of spiritual growth and maturity.

The sower went out to sow. He put out the same seeds to the different soil. It was the same sower, and the same kind of seed. What was different was the kind and state of the soil that received the seeds. It had a huge impact on what happened to the seeds. 

The readiness and receptiveness of the soil determines what will happen to the seeds.

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower.

We all have the same bible. We all have the same God. We all experience the great, unconditional and forgiving love of God through Jesus. However, we receive it differently. Some chose to prioritize worldly riches over spiritual ones, some allow stress and problems overwhelm us and take the focus away from God, some allow the devil to take away what God gave us. But the good ones keep everything in their hearts and lives and allow God’s seeds of love to bear fruit in their lives.

However, I believe there is a little difference with us. The kind of soil was permanent. Nothing could be dome to change it. But not with us. We may be kind of rocky or shallow right now, but we don't need to be there forever. We can change our kind of soil. We can improve. We can make the decision to be better, to exert more effort, to be more ready and receptive. However, it works both ways. Even if we may produce good fruit now, we should not be complacent. We should make the continuous effort and decision to be fruitful.

Another important thing is we should be like the seeds who died to bear fruit. In the first reading, we are reminded that what was sown will not bear fruit until it dies. We too should be ready to receive God and die of ourselves to bear good fruit. We need to die if ourselves, our wants, our dreams, and allow God to live in us. To have his way in us. 

During this time of pandemic, there are a lot of ways to bear fruit. A lot are suffering. A lot need help – not just financially, but prayers and support as well. This is a time to bear good fruit for God, so spread his love to people. 

How do I receive God and his word in my life? How do I prepare myself to receive him? Do I give him due importance or do I prioritize other things over him? How can improve my life as I receive Him?

May we be challenged and inspired by the fact that God gave us all his love, his word, his blessings and protection. May we prepare our hearts to receive him and allow him to bear fruit through us. May we constantly do our best to be productive and always bear good fruit for God, especially during this time of pandemic. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for all the blessings you have been continuously giving me. Thank you for the reminder and the challenge. Lord, sorry for the times I just go with the flow. Sorry for not taking steps to improve my faith and relationship with you that affect the fruits I produce. Likewise, Sorry for the times I get overconfident and lose the effort to improve my relationship with you. Help me prepare my heart to receive you all the time.  Help me die of myself and allow you to live in me. Help me to always be a good soil, that your word in my life may take effect. May I be able to absorb it, give it its due importance, and allow you to bear fruit through me. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

September 19, 2020

Saturday of Week 24; St. Januarius

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FIRST READING

1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49

Brothers and sisters:
Someone may say, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come back?”

You fool!
What you sow is not brought to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body that is to be but a bare kernel of wheat, perhaps, or of some other kind.

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible. It is sown dishonorable; it is raised glorious. It is sown weak; it is raised powerful. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one.

So, too, it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living being,” the last Adam a life-giving spirit. But the spiritual was not first; rather the natural and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, earthly; the second man, from heaven. As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly, and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 56:10c-12, 13-14

R. (14) I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living.

Now I know that God is with me. In God, in whose promise I glory, in God I trust without fear; what can flesh do against me?

R. I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living.

I am bound, O God, by vows to you; your thank offerings I will fulfill. For you have rescued me from death, my feet, too, from stumbling; that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

R. I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living.

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ALLELUIA

See Luke 8:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 8:4-15

When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. He answered, “Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand.

“This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation. As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.”