God in Others

The WORD today reminds me that I should live my love for God through others. 

Saying and doing are two different things. Words and actions are two different things. Saying we love God is different from actually living like we do. Saying we love God is different from actually loving God.

In the gospel, we see the two greatest commandments. Pretty simple, but tough. First is of course, love God with all that we have. God deserves our best. God deserves our all. He gave us everything, and we should give him back everything. We should love him with everything we have, with everything we can. He deserves nothing less. 

The Second is to love others.  Jesus did not stop at the first. he did not say that we should just love God, and we’re all set. Love for God should be greater than lip service. Love for God should be more concrete than words. Love for God should be real and alive. 

Love for God should be lived through others.

The application of God’s love is us loving other people. In the first reading, we see that we are told to love and respect others.  This is what God wants from us. This is what he asks from us. We cannot say we love God and hate other people. We cannot say we love God but not care about the situation of other people in the world. God is alive in each person, and our love for God should be lived as we treat and relate to others – especially those who we feel are unlovable. 

Today, it is necessary to do this. We should love one another. We should love God through others. A lot of people need help during this pandemic. We are blessed so we can share our blessings to others as well. We should be God’s hands and feet to our brothers and sisters during this difficult time. 

Do I love God? How do I prove that love? Do I love him with my life, or is it just lip service? Do I do good to other people? How do I treat other people? How can I tell God I love him by the way I live? What concrete thing can I do to tell God I really love him? 

May we be encouraged to love God beyond words, and live that love by the way we treat others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another day to love you and experience your love. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I do not live my love for you. Sorry for just saying it. Help me be real. you know that I love you. and I ask that you help me live that love for you through others. May I treat others the way I would treat you. may I help others like it was you I was helping. May I love others as I love you. help me make you more alive in this world by seeing you in others and loving you through others. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/06/god-first.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/06/with-everything-we-have.html

October 25, 2020

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Richard Gwyn

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FIRST READING

Exodus 22:20–26

Thus says the LORD:
“You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry. My wrath will flare up, and I will kill you with the sword; then your own wives will be widows, and your children orphans.

“If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people, you shall not act like an extortioner toward him by demanding interest from him. If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, you shall return it to him before sunset; for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body. What else has he to sleep in? If he cries out to me, I will hear him; for I am compassionate.”

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 18:2–3, 3–4, 47, 51 (2)

R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

I love you, O LORD, my strength, O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.

R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold! Praised be the LORD, I exclaim, and I am safe from my enemies.

R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

The LORD lives and blessed be my rock! Extolled be God my savior. You who gave great victories to your king and showed kindness to your anointed.

R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

---

SECOND READING

1 Thessalonians 1:5c–10

Brothers and sisters:
You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit, so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth not only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves openly declare about us what sort of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.

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ALLELUIA

John 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

---

GOSPEL

Matthew 22:34–40

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

One More Try

The WORD today reminds me that God gives us opportunities to repent.

The first time to do something is always challenging. Back in 2016 when it was our first time to work on an ISO certification for Business Continuity, it was very challenging, especially when creating templates and other documents. We were not sure if we were doing it right. We did not know what to expect from the external audit. We did not know a lot of things. That is why we feel better and more comfortable the second time we do things. This is what God gives us. 

Jesus gives us second chances to do things right

In the gospel, we see Jesus as the gardener who asks the owner, God, for a second chance for us, the tree not bearing fruit, before cutting it down. What's interesting to note is that it was not a spur of the moment decision for the owner. The owner waited for three years for the tree to bear fruit. He was patient. And when he was about to have it cut, the gardener asked him for another chance for the tree. 

It was said that fig trees at that time grew on the wild. On the streets. They did not get special treatment. So for the fig tree to be planted in the vineyard with a gardener is a very special thing. Also, The gardener will not just ask for another chance and then do nothing, expecting the tree to bear fruit on its own. He will do his part. He will give his best effort. He will do more. He will do whatever he can, fertilize the soil, water the tree, etc, to make a better environment for the tree. He will do everything in his capacity to help the tree. The only thing he cannot do is bear fruit for the tree. That’s the part of the tree already.

This is also how God deals with us. 

God gives us opportunities to bear fruit and do things right. He gives us opportunities to grow in Him. He gives us people to guide and inspire us. He gave us the Church and the sacraments to help us grow in our faith.  He gives us all that we need to grow in him and bear good fruit. He gives us basically what we need. But ultimately, it is our choice if we will allow Him to get through us. It is our choice to bear fruit for God and make the most out of the opportunities and second chances he gives us.

God continuous to give us opportunities to serve him during this pandemic. We may not have answered yes during the start, but he calls us again. It’s not yet too late to serve him. 

What things should I stop doing? What things should I start doing? How is God getting through to me? What opportunities and people does he use to remind me and give me opportunities to repent and change my ways? How am I responding to Him?

May we be sensitive to God's call and opportunities, and cooperate with and submit to him so he can transform us to bear fruit. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for this weekend. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your great love for me. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore you and your messages and reminders. Sorry for doing things my way. I ask that you help me be sensitive to your calls and opportunities you give me to change my ways and repent. Help me have the will to do it. Help me choose you over all the pleasures of this life. As I do so, I have faith that you would transform me and enable me to bear fruits for you. May my life show you how much I love you. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/03/one-more-chance_1835.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/second-chances.html

 October 24, 2020

Saturday of Week 29; St. Anthony Mary Claret 

FIRST READING

Ephesians 4:7-16

Brothers and sisters:
Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it says:

He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men.

What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

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, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

R. (1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD.” And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.


Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

ALLELUIA

Ezekiel 33:11

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. He said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”

And he told them this parable:
“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, 
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

Change Early

The WORD today reminds me that we should change our ways on the early stages, while it is still possible.

In software development, managers, programmers and analysts want corrections to be done in the earlier phases of the project. It is easier to correct and will cost less, as compared to having all the corrections and changes done when a system or a product is already almost finished. Worse, if a product or software is already released and in production, and errors are discovered, it will be most costly, not to mention the negative image the group will have on the users. This is similar to what God wants us to do in the gospel.

It is easier to repent early, than wait for the final judgment and suffer the consequences

In the gospel, Jesus tells the people to make amends and settle things on the way to the magistrate. Otherwise, if no amends were made before the decision is finalized, they will have to suffer the full consequences of their actions. Jesus wants us to prepare and change our ways early on, when it is still easier, and when we still can. Otherwise, if we don’t make amends and settle, God will eventually come and judge us, and we will be made accountable for all the sins we have committed. We will bear eternal punishment

Sometimes, we don’t feel like making amends. Sometimes we don’t feel like repenting or changing our ways. We think judgment day is far off, and that we will have time when we are old or before we die. Sometimes we totally forget about it when we get caught up in the busyness of life. Today, we are reminded of what we should do and how we should act.

What aspects of my life should I change? What bad habits and attitudes should I let go? What am I waiting for before I change my ways?

May we heed His call and act early, repent, and prepare for eternity.

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.  I thank you for knowing me and knowing how to get through me. Sometimes life gets very busy that I forget these things. Sometimes I just push it off.  Lord, sorry for the times I ignore you. Sorry for not preparing for eternity. Sorry for being complacent. Help me to make the resolve. Help me to repent and live right, so that I won’t have to face you on judgment day unprepared. Help me prove by my life that I want to spend eternity with you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

https://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2016/10/change-while-possible.html

October 23, 2020

Friday of Week 29; St. John of Capistrano

FIRST READING

Ephesians 4:1-6

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.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain.

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior. Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

ALLELUIA

See Matthew 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 12:54-59

Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Divided

The WORD today reminds me that God will divide those who believe in him from those who do not.

In our society, affiliations are powerful. We see entitled people get their way just because of their or their family's money, power and connections. Even if one is personally not powerful, being a spouse, children, or even relative of a powerful and influential person can make a big difference in society. It may work in the world, but not with God. 

Each of us has to choose if we are for or against God. Individually. 

Jesus is the prince of peace, but the gospel seems to contradict that at first glance. However, looking at it closely, we will see that it is not an intentional division. Jesus reminds us that he comes to divide those who are following him from those who are not. And we have to choose individually. Our family cannot choose for us. 

Choosing him is a personal decision. And it is not a one time decision. If we constantly sin, we are telling God we want death over life with him. This is why God wants to separate us, his followers, from those who do not follow him. This is why he brings division - even from our families. 

Family is very important, especially to us Filipinos. Through thick and thin, family stays together. A family should be one, with no issues and division. However, we are reminded in today’s gospel that nothing should come in between us and God. Nothing and no one. A division may occur among friends, among those we love, and even among family members, as we try to follow God.  However, we are reminded that we should not let attachment come in between our faith, and nothing should separate us from God.

How is my relationship with God? Do I choose him and make him first always, or is there something or someone who gets in the way? Does my family bring me closer to God?

God’s ways are not always easy, but it always worth it. May we be encouraged to stand firm, and avoid division by doing our best to bring our loved ones to Christ as well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another opportunity to experience you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I do not choose you. Sorry for not always standing up for you. Sorry for not bringing others to you. Lord, I pray for strength to stand firm, to stand for you no matter what happens. Help me be brave and live and defend my faith and love for you. I ask that you help me to also spread your love to others. May I also bring others, especially those whom I love, closer to you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

October 22, 2020

Thursday of Week 29; Blessed Timothy Giaccardo

FIRST READING

Ephesians 3:14-21

Brothers and sisters:
I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

R. (5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten‑stringed lyre chant his praises.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, 
upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

ALLELUIA

Philippians 3:8-9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Live Wisely

The WORD today reminds me that I should live wisely. 

I think the famous line from spider man, with great power comes great responsibility, is similar to the last verse from today's gospel. An uncle of mine always mentions this bible verse to us, as a reminder of our responsibility not only to our family, but more so to others who do not have the capacity to pay us back for helping them out. To whom much is given, much is required. Also, a very dear lasallian brother told us before his take on it. To whom much is given, much is expected. This us true not only with our financial blessings, but also on how we live our life and take care of our souls. 

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,

and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

God expects more from us as more things are revealed to us. Scary? More like challenging. God expects more from us as we know him more, because that's what the natural reaction should be. The more we know God, the more we feel his love, the more we experience his gentleness and forgiveness, the more we should want to stay away from sin - from hurting him. The more we know him, the more we realize his love for us, the more we should love him back and live pleasing to Him. Consistently as well, for we do not know when God will come again. We need to be ready and prepared when he comes.  

On the other hand, If after knowing and experiencing these things from God and we don't change and don't improve, then something's wrong. If after feeling his love and knowing how much he loves us, and still we choose to ignore him, we choose to sin, then we are telling him that we do not love him. We are telling him that we do not want to be with him. Thus, someone fully aware of God's love and his will, yet choose to live away from him will eventually be punished more than someone who is ignorant of these. 

How do I live? Do I live following God’s ways or doing my way? How do I prepare for eternity? Do I tell God I love him and want to be with him, or do I tell him I want to be away from him? What should I do to prepare?

May we first allow God to love us, allow God to make us feel and experience his love, gentleness, power and forgiveness in our lives - and may it move us to change our lives to please him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for continuously revealing yourself to me. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I don't do what is pleasing to you. Sorry for my sins that tell you I love myself more than I love you. Help me live right. Lord, I allow you to love me. May I experience your love in a deep, personal and intimate way. And as i do so, I pray that you give me the heart that would always want to love you, serve you, please you and continuously change for the better. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

October 21, 2020

Wednesday of Week 29; St. Hilarion

FIRST READING

Ephesians 3:2-12

Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier. When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power. To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the Church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 

R. (see 3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

ALLELUIA

Matthew 24:42a, 44

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 12:39-48

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will 
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

Iron Man

WORD today reminds me how important and powerful it is to have Jesus in the center of my life. 

Iron man is one of the more famous superheroes. He is powerful and intelligent, both as Tony Stark and as Iron Man. As iron man, he is a very strong superhero, having great powers in his armour. However, what really powers him during the start is the small arc reactor in his chest. This arc reactor enables him to do great things and gives him superhuman abilities. Without this reactor, it will be very difficult for him to do what he does, even with his armor. 

What is the relationship between iron man and me? Just as the Arc Reactor is the center of and power's Iron Man, Jesus Christ should be the center of my life so he can empower me. 

and members of the household of God,

built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

In the first reading, We are reminded to make Christ the capstone, the center, the foundation of our lives. Like iron man and his reactor, we can only do great things if Jesus is in the center of our lives. We can only achieve real greatness if he is in our hearts, and if we allow Him to control our lives. On our own, our abilities are very limited, but with God’s power, we can achieve great things with whatever we have. As we put Jesus in the center of our lives and allow Him to control us, he will take what we have, and magnify it for his purpose, for his glory.

Is Jesus in the center of my life? Do I allow him to control my life? What prevents me from making him the center and from giving him total control of my life? Do I realize that I can start with prayer and building a relationship with him, and from there, he can and will slowly consume me, if I let him?

May we be move to make Jesus Christ the center of our lives, and allow him to take control, to empower, and to use us mightily for his purpose and his glory. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for your love. Lord, sorry for the times I do not make you the center of my life. Sorry for focusing on other things. Sorry for not giving you full control of my life. Lord, I ask that you help me surrender to you. help me give my life to you and make you the center of my life. I know that it is only through this that I can do great things for you. I know that without you, I can do nothing, so help me stay in you and I have faith that you will slowly consume me, empower me, and use me mightily. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2019/10/ready.html

October 20, 2020

Tuesday of Week 29; Blessed John XXIII

FIRST READING

Ephesians 2:12-22

Brothers and sisters:
You were at that time without Christ, alienated from the community of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the Blood of Christ.

For he is our peace, he made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one Body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it. He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14

R. (see 9) The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

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

R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

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. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

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

R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

ALLELUIA

Luke 21:36

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 12:35-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”