People who have grown mature in their relationship with God have become an alien in terms of relating to the world. Sometimes they are being referred to as fools for Christ just like the saints and martyrs who have given up everything for the sake of God's Kingdom. They are better off as aliens in this temporary world rather than in the Kingdom of God where life is eternal. They have found the real treasure as spoken of in the gospel of Mt. 13:44-46, "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it." In order for us to reach this level of spirituality we have to think with the mind of Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Corinthians 2:10b-16
...We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms...we have the mind of Christ.
Sometimes we can't avoid being influenced by this world we are presently in. We tend to live up to its expectation and subscribe to the practical suggestions and recommendations that it offers. When this happens we ought to keep ourselves grounded to this truth in today's psalm which tells us that nothing could be more rewarding than be in union and conformity with the ways of the Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
R: The Lord is just in all his ways.
...The LORD is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works. 14 The LORD lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
It is a shame when we think that it is enough that we just believe in Jesus because even the demons as in today's gospel know who Jesus is. And to think that sometimes we even fall short of that aspect of knowing who Jesus really is. We've got to do better than this demon if we truly claim that we are His followers. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 4:31-37
...In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, 34 “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” 35 Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
TEY FOR TODAY
All the while we thought that we knew everything about Bro. Tey from our Light of Jesus Family (LOJF) but that was only until yesterday before he proclaimed to us his life testimony. We were all amazed and dumbfounded while listening to the revelations that were presented to us during our LOJF Feast and his birthday celebration. It was indeed a demonstration of God's spirit and power as foretold in the 1st book of Corinthians which happens to be today's 1st reading. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, 4 and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Upon reading today's psalm, it made me even more convinced that I should continue to share about Bro Tey. I was again reminded of how we were all awe strucked as we were all listening to Bro Tey's testimony. We all can't deny the fact that God really made a way for him. After all the failures and disappointments he went through to the point of almost giving up, there was one thing that he never surrendered to it, his consistent desire to love and serve God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102
R: Lord, I love your commands.
...Your command has made me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. (R) 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers when your decrees are my meditation. (R) 100 I have more discernment than the elders, because I observe your precepts. (R) 101 From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words. (R) 102 From your ordinances I turn not away, for you have instructed me.
Seven years ago, all that Bro Tey held on to was God's Divine Providence in the midst of the uncertainties he was faced and disappointments that followed. He was about to succumb to the trials and hardships that were coming his way until Mardee came into his life. He said that his wife is an angel sent by God from heaven. They got married, started a family and are blessed with a home. Now they are happily living in their own house with Lian their daughter and another baby blessing still in the womb. Altogether they continue to build dreams and attest to God’s glory especially with dreams they wrote in the Novena to God's Love in 2007 which have been fulfilled. Looking back at all these things and seeing this passage in the gospel, it can no longer be denied that Tey is indeed God's message for today. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 4:16-30
...“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth...
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, 4 and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Upon reading today's psalm, it made me even more convinced that I should continue to share about Bro Tey. I was again reminded of how we were all awe strucked as we were all listening to Bro Tey's testimony. We all can't deny the fact that God really made a way for him. After all the failures and disappointments he went through to the point of almost giving up, there was one thing that he never surrendered to it, his consistent desire to love and serve God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102
R: Lord, I love your commands.
...Your command has made me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. (R) 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers when your decrees are my meditation. (R) 100 I have more discernment than the elders, because I observe your precepts. (R) 101 From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words. (R) 102 From your ordinances I turn not away, for you have instructed me.
Seven years ago, all that Bro Tey held on to was God's Divine Providence in the midst of the uncertainties he was faced and disappointments that followed. He was about to succumb to the trials and hardships that were coming his way until Mardee came into his life. He said that his wife is an angel sent by God from heaven. They got married, started a family and are blessed with a home. Now they are happily living in their own house with Lian their daughter and another baby blessing still in the womb. Altogether they continue to build dreams and attest to God’s glory especially with dreams they wrote in the Novena to God's Love in 2007 which have been fulfilled. Looking back at all these things and seeing this passage in the gospel, it can no longer be denied that Tey is indeed God's message for today. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 4:16-30
...“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth...
Sunday, August 29, 2010
PROPER TIME & SEASON
The word humility is very often misused and misunderstood. It has always been referred to in a very different way that sometimes there is a tendency for people to practice it in an ill mannered way. Instead of attracting or drawing other believers nearer to the faith, they shy away because of this wrong notion about humility. We do not have to undergo the extreme conditions needlessly. It is not the outward situation and circumstance that can attest to our humility but the disposition of our heart and mind while doing an act of humility. This is regardless of the status and influence of a person. We may have associated humility with someone who is materially poor, insignificant and belongs to the lowest in the social ladder. More often than not we seldom associate it with such people. We are greatly misled if we are to limit our definition of humility to just the physical. Today's 1st reading guides and leads us to its proper conduct. Humility should always be practiced in reference to who God is and how great He is. It is in uniting with the Spirit of God who dwells in each one of us first and foremost that we come to attain this. It is not something that will just pop out instantly from out of nowhere. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Just like a tree that bears good fruit in its proper time and season. Amen. Hallelujah!
Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
17 My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. 18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. 20 What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. 28 The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the wise man’s joy. 29 Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.
We can associate today's psalm with the first beatitude which is, "Blessed are they who are poor in spirit theirs is the kingdom of God." We can always find solace and consolation in the words of God but more than these is the truth that His words go beyond these feelings an emotions. Our God is able to bring into reality what He said He would do. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11
R: God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
3 [4] The just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. 4 [5] Sing to God, chant praise to his name, whose name is the LORD. (R) 5 [6] The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. 6 [7] God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. (R) 9 [10] A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; you restored the land when it languished; 10 [11] your flock settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard or mind can imagine what God has ready for those who love Him. At this point in our lives we are still unaffected by these heavenly truths and they seem so far fetched because we are still in this world. It is just faith that can make us hold on to these things that look like fantasy and make believe. As in 2 Cor. 4:16-18, "Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal." and 2 Cor. 5:7, "for we walk by faith, not by sight." Amen. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
...city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering,...
Last night during our prayer meeting at St. Martha's we tackled this part of the gospel and its effects on our soul. God never stop giving us pointers and tips on how to combat the enemies of our soul, evade the evil schemes and designs being hurled at us each day and to turn every single thing to our advantage. We can look at it in a literal or figurative way but the essence of it all lies in the truth that we should direct all our actions to loving and serving God with all our heart, body and soul. As in Roman 8:28, "We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 14:1, 7-14
...when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
17 My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. 18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. 20 What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. 28 The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the wise man’s joy. 29 Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.
We can associate today's psalm with the first beatitude which is, "Blessed are they who are poor in spirit theirs is the kingdom of God." We can always find solace and consolation in the words of God but more than these is the truth that His words go beyond these feelings an emotions. Our God is able to bring into reality what He said He would do. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11
R: God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
3 [4] The just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. 4 [5] Sing to God, chant praise to his name, whose name is the LORD. (R) 5 [6] The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. 6 [7] God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. (R) 9 [10] A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; you restored the land when it languished; 10 [11] your flock settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard or mind can imagine what God has ready for those who love Him. At this point in our lives we are still unaffected by these heavenly truths and they seem so far fetched because we are still in this world. It is just faith that can make us hold on to these things that look like fantasy and make believe. As in 2 Cor. 4:16-18, "Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal." and 2 Cor. 5:7, "for we walk by faith, not by sight." Amen. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
...city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering,...
Last night during our prayer meeting at St. Martha's we tackled this part of the gospel and its effects on our soul. God never stop giving us pointers and tips on how to combat the enemies of our soul, evade the evil schemes and designs being hurled at us each day and to turn every single thing to our advantage. We can look at it in a literal or figurative way but the essence of it all lies in the truth that we should direct all our actions to loving and serving God with all our heart, body and soul. As in Roman 8:28, "We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 14:1, 7-14
...when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Saturday, August 28, 2010
WE'VE GOT TALENT
There are people who do not want to listen at all and would stop anybody talking right then and there even to the point of embarrassing the person. This is the worst case scenario but there are some who would be more polite by making excuses. These happen when we are not interested in what the other person has to say because we've heard it before and it is just an endless repetition of the same old story. Or worst it could just be rumor mongering and the bottom line is just a matter of discrediting the other person for self glorification. Whether we are the one talking and being stopped, the one stopping the person from talking or the one making excuses not to listen is no longer important what matters most is the reason for our action. Today's 1st reading contains the best reason why we should not be stopped or stop another person from doing so. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
...“Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”
It feels good to know that someone's eyes is upon us and looking after us. When we come to a point of despair and feel like things are not getting better, we ought to remember always that we are God's people and we are His own. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21
R: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
..From heaven the LORD looks down; he sees all mankind. (R) 18 But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (R) 20 Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, 21 for in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.
In today's parable we learn that a man went on a journey, called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one — to each according to his ability. After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five and the one who had received two talents also came forward and did the same. They both doubled their talents but the one who received one talent, he just buried it in the ground and gave it back. The master's reaction to the first 2 servants who doubled their talents were expected because he was glad that they were faithful in small matters so he told them that he will entrust them with great responsibilities and invited them to share in his joy. But to the 3rd servant his reaction was quite unexpected because he was addressed with very harsh words such as wicked and lazy which are seldom used in the New Testament. He was called wicked because he did nothing. If we can still recall, Jesus told us the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:19-31. The rich man went to hell not because he did something wrong but because he did nothing to help Lazarus who is right outside his door. Doing nothing is wicked. We can lose so much to the point where we deserve hell. We all have responsibilities in our hands and we have to fulfill them by trusting that God is with us. Hey, we've got talent thus we can do all things through Him. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 25:14-30
...‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? 28 Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’”
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
...“Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”
It feels good to know that someone's eyes is upon us and looking after us. When we come to a point of despair and feel like things are not getting better, we ought to remember always that we are God's people and we are His own. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21
R: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
..From heaven the LORD looks down; he sees all mankind. (R) 18 But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (R) 20 Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, 21 for in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.
In today's parable we learn that a man went on a journey, called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one — to each according to his ability. After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five and the one who had received two talents also came forward and did the same. They both doubled their talents but the one who received one talent, he just buried it in the ground and gave it back. The master's reaction to the first 2 servants who doubled their talents were expected because he was glad that they were faithful in small matters so he told them that he will entrust them with great responsibilities and invited them to share in his joy. But to the 3rd servant his reaction was quite unexpected because he was addressed with very harsh words such as wicked and lazy which are seldom used in the New Testament. He was called wicked because he did nothing. If we can still recall, Jesus told us the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:19-31. The rich man went to hell not because he did something wrong but because he did nothing to help Lazarus who is right outside his door. Doing nothing is wicked. We can lose so much to the point where we deserve hell. We all have responsibilities in our hands and we have to fulfill them by trusting that God is with us. Hey, we've got talent thus we can do all things through Him. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 25:14-30
...‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? 28 Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’”
Friday, August 27, 2010
TAP INTO IT
We have to thank God for giving us the capacity to think and process information with our minds. It is such a wonderful gift that God has endowed human beings. Aside from this we are also given the human strength to hurdle the trials and difficulties that come our way. We always encounter people in print or in media who become famous and talked about because of the things they were able to do and accomplish that speak well of them. It is commonly attributed to the human spirit which enables us to withstand and overcome the seemingly impossible situations that come our way. Today's 1st reading tells us a vital truth and information that we can all benefit from. If we are able to do things beyond what we expect already with who we are and what we have become then we are set for the biggest and most unbelievable surprise of our lives if we are to tap into the infinite wisdom and strength of God rather than just our own. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Cor 1:17-25
...the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
We have to realize this one most important truth that we should all subscribe to, which is to constantly align ourselves and conform to the will and plan of God in our lives. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ps. 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11
R. (5) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
...The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations.
We went to Costco yesterday and were eating and drinking all kinds of food samples we can avail of including coffee and energy drinks. I don't normally have difficulty in sleeping because I usually wake up very early in the morning which is why when night time comes I just end up dozing off very easily after having a long day but last night was an exception. I felt energized and could still stay up for the rest of the night. This made me realize that those drinks that I had must have caused it. It is so timely that today's gospel speaks of the need to always be alert, awake and prepared in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is not enough, as we can see from the story, to just wait, we've got to be wise and alert because we really never know the day nor the hour when the Second coming of the Lord is. There are certain preparations that we need to make in order for us to make it through the door to God's Kingdom. We can't take any chances here and really be wise and resourceful in employing all means because what's at stake is not simply an entrance to a limited engagement or a lifetime but eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!
Mt 25:1-13
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’
While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.
Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
1 Cor 1:17-25
...the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
We have to realize this one most important truth that we should all subscribe to, which is to constantly align ourselves and conform to the will and plan of God in our lives. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ps. 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11
R. (5) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
...The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations.
We went to Costco yesterday and were eating and drinking all kinds of food samples we can avail of including coffee and energy drinks. I don't normally have difficulty in sleeping because I usually wake up very early in the morning which is why when night time comes I just end up dozing off very easily after having a long day but last night was an exception. I felt energized and could still stay up for the rest of the night. This made me realize that those drinks that I had must have caused it. It is so timely that today's gospel speaks of the need to always be alert, awake and prepared in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is not enough, as we can see from the story, to just wait, we've got to be wise and alert because we really never know the day nor the hour when the Second coming of the Lord is. There are certain preparations that we need to make in order for us to make it through the door to God's Kingdom. We can't take any chances here and really be wise and resourceful in employing all means because what's at stake is not simply an entrance to a limited engagement or a lifetime but eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!
Mt 25:1-13
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’
While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.
Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Thursday, August 26, 2010
NOT LACKING
With all the shortages that affect the whole world and the different crises that we are all facing today we can't help it, if we feel insecure and afraid. Especially in times when we start to run out of resources, this usually happens to most of us these days. We must realize that there is only one thing needed and we have to make it our choice so that it will not be taken away from us. We need not be worried and anxious about a lot of things. As in Lk. 10:41-42, The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." If we choose the right thing then we can claim all other things, as in Mt. 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." To top it all, we assured in today's 1st reading that we are sufficient for God alone provides. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
...you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
No one and nothing in this whole wide world deserves our praise and thanksgiving more than God Himself.
Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R: I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
...Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. (R) 4 Generation after generation praises your works and proclaims your might. 5 They speak of the splendour of your glorious majesty and tell of your wondrous works. (R) 6 They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds and declare your greatness. 7 They publish the fame of your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your justice.
Yesterday we visited the Queen of Heaven Cemetery and said our prayers for Bro Vicente the husband of Sis Mercy. On our way back our conversation shifted to funeral and memorial plans. Sis Mercy said that she is glad that she purchased that lot in Queen of Heaven ahead of time. She said that death is inevitable and is something that we all should be prepared for. I agreed with her and told her that nobody knows the time when will it be, so it pays to be prepared for it. I even said that happy is the servant whom his master will find ready on his arrival. It was a surprise that what we all said contains the same message that can be found in today's gospel. There is really no doubt to the truth that God speaks to us through our daily circumstances and constantly reminds us of the things we have to be mindful of. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 24:42-51
42 Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 43 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. 44 So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. 45 “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. 47 Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
...you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
No one and nothing in this whole wide world deserves our praise and thanksgiving more than God Himself.
Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R: I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
...Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. (R) 4 Generation after generation praises your works and proclaims your might. 5 They speak of the splendour of your glorious majesty and tell of your wondrous works. (R) 6 They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds and declare your greatness. 7 They publish the fame of your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your justice.
Yesterday we visited the Queen of Heaven Cemetery and said our prayers for Bro Vicente the husband of Sis Mercy. On our way back our conversation shifted to funeral and memorial plans. Sis Mercy said that she is glad that she purchased that lot in Queen of Heaven ahead of time. She said that death is inevitable and is something that we all should be prepared for. I agreed with her and told her that nobody knows the time when will it be, so it pays to be prepared for it. I even said that happy is the servant whom his master will find ready on his arrival. It was a surprise that what we all said contains the same message that can be found in today's gospel. There is really no doubt to the truth that God speaks to us through our daily circumstances and constantly reminds us of the things we have to be mindful of. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 24:42-51
42 Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 43 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. 44 So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. 45 “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. 47 Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
SOMEBODY'S WATCHING
We have to set a good example for our brothers and sisters in the community. Paul said to the Thessalonians that there is a need for each one to be self sufficient and not be a burden to the community. It is in living our lives in the proper order that we can reflect the values of God to others. We can never claim to be one thing but conduct ourselves in a different way. We have to be consistent in the way we live our faith in order to be very convincing hat we are indeed believers and followers of the true God and not confuse it with other gods that take hold of our lives. We've got to be clear on this one by looking always at the way our Lord Jesus Christ lived His life. Amen. Hallelujah!
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18
6 We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you.
This fear being spoken of in today's psalm is the holy fear of the Lord and is different from other kinds of fear that we know. It's more of the kind of fear that is coupled with respect. We have to be perfectly aware of this and strive to maintain it within ourselves so as not to lose sight of this aspect of God's Holiness. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5
R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
...For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored...
We’ve got to believe that there is really somebody watching us. Sometimes we forget that God can see through us and knows exactly what's inside our hearts and minds. People may not be able to know it by just looking at us and we can easily get away with our wrong doings which we have kept in secret or hidden in our thoughts and feelings which no human person can see but God does. Let us not wait for the time when we like the scribes and Pharisees will be spoken to by God in this manner. Let us choose to hear words of commendation from the Lord rather than be called a hypocrite. Let us truly be the person that God wants us to be, whether there are people who can see our goodness or not. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 23:27-32
27 Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. 28 Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18
6 We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you.
This fear being spoken of in today's psalm is the holy fear of the Lord and is different from other kinds of fear that we know. It's more of the kind of fear that is coupled with respect. We have to be perfectly aware of this and strive to maintain it within ourselves so as not to lose sight of this aspect of God's Holiness. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5
R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
...For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored...
We’ve got to believe that there is really somebody watching us. Sometimes we forget that God can see through us and knows exactly what's inside our hearts and minds. People may not be able to know it by just looking at us and we can easily get away with our wrong doings which we have kept in secret or hidden in our thoughts and feelings which no human person can see but God does. Let us not wait for the time when we like the scribes and Pharisees will be spoken to by God in this manner. Let us choose to hear words of commendation from the Lord rather than be called a hypocrite. Let us truly be the person that God wants us to be, whether there are people who can see our goodness or not. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 23:27-32
27 Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. 28 Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
RESIST & GO THROUGH IT
Whenever I encounter readings like that of today that speak of the splendor of heaven what quickly comes to mind is the passage from 1 Cor.2:9 But as it is written: "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him," Let us continuously work toward this goal and not lose sight of it. It may not yet be fully seen, heard and known of up to this present time but we hold on to God's word who have spoken and is able to make all things possible. Amen. Hallelujah!
Revelation 21:9b-14
...He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a massive, high wall,...
If we are always mindful of the words of God written in the bible then we can truly say that it is indeed what its acronym stands for which is B - basic I-instructions B-before L-leaving E-earth. It is very important that we have read and understood well what is written in the bible before we exit this world. This reminds me of the video games that my sons used to play. When they finish one level they have to enter into the next level which is more difficult and so on and so forth until they reach the ultimate task and win the final battle. It was like they needed to be well prepared and more skillful for each level. This somehow reminds us of how we should approach our final day here on earth. The gate of heaven has been opened and made accessible for us, there is no question about it but the question is, "Are we ready and able to go through it?" As in Eph. 6:13, "Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground." Another thing is the fact that we have no idea when will that day be because we really never know the time nor the hour. One thing for sure, the only way to go through it is by being well prepared for it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
R: Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
...Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. (R) 17 The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.
If we are clueless about a lot of things including when our last day here on earth will be then we can be assured that there is someone who knows all of these things. Today's gospel gives us a glimpse of Jesus' true divinity. He is God and Immortal, nothing is hidden from Him and everything is known to Him. It gives us confidence knowing that we have a God who is able to carry us through. We can learn from Nathaniel or St. Bartholomew as we celebrate his feast day today as we profess with confidence the very words that he said to Jesus and really believe in words, thoughts and deeds. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 1:45-51
...Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Revelation 21:9b-14
...He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a massive, high wall,...
If we are always mindful of the words of God written in the bible then we can truly say that it is indeed what its acronym stands for which is B - basic I-instructions B-before L-leaving E-earth. It is very important that we have read and understood well what is written in the bible before we exit this world. This reminds me of the video games that my sons used to play. When they finish one level they have to enter into the next level which is more difficult and so on and so forth until they reach the ultimate task and win the final battle. It was like they needed to be well prepared and more skillful for each level. This somehow reminds us of how we should approach our final day here on earth. The gate of heaven has been opened and made accessible for us, there is no question about it but the question is, "Are we ready and able to go through it?" As in Eph. 6:13, "Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground." Another thing is the fact that we have no idea when will that day be because we really never know the time nor the hour. One thing for sure, the only way to go through it is by being well prepared for it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
R: Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
...Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. (R) 17 The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.
If we are clueless about a lot of things including when our last day here on earth will be then we can be assured that there is someone who knows all of these things. Today's gospel gives us a glimpse of Jesus' true divinity. He is God and Immortal, nothing is hidden from Him and everything is known to Him. It gives us confidence knowing that we have a God who is able to carry us through. We can learn from Nathaniel or St. Bartholomew as we celebrate his feast day today as we profess with confidence the very words that he said to Jesus and really believe in words, thoughts and deeds. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 1:45-51
...Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Monday, August 23, 2010
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
It is undeniable that each one of us is created by God. We are all unique and God has called us for a reason and a purpose. Today's 1st reading encourages us to live consciously this truth in our lives. We have to stop living as if life just come and go without realizing that we have to exert effort in giving glory to God through a purpose driven life. Amen. Hallelujah!
2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12
...We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him...
It is only right and fitting that we give glory to God who is above all. Let us always be grounded on this truth and make it clear for us so as not to fall into the trap and deception of the gods of the nations which are things of nought. Let us truly be faithful to the one and true God who made the heavens. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5
R: Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
...For great is the LORD and highly to be praised; awesome is he, beyond all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are things of nought, but the LORD made the heavens.
If there are things that come to my mind upon reading today's gospel then these are the unpleasant things and disappointments we encounter in life. We can never get away from these things since there will always come a time when we are confronted with situations in our lives when we just can't tolerate things anymore. Or we encounter people who just do not get it or refuse to get it. Jesus called them the hypocrites, the blind guides and fools. Whew! Even Jesus came to a point when he has to label them as such just to get His point or message across to us. It is very tiring when we are around these kind of people because they simply do not want to listen and insist on the wrong they are doing. We too are no different from these scribes and Pharisees if we are not open to the instructions of God to us and continue to follow our own way. Misunderstandings and misconceptions can be corrected and reformed through proper information and counseling but the outright disregard and disobedience on our part is another thing. This is what Jesus is emphasizing here in the gospel. Let us not be stubborn anymore and be mindful of what God is telling us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 23:13-22
13 Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites...blind guides...Blind fools...You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?...
2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12
...We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him...
It is only right and fitting that we give glory to God who is above all. Let us always be grounded on this truth and make it clear for us so as not to fall into the trap and deception of the gods of the nations which are things of nought. Let us truly be faithful to the one and true God who made the heavens. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5
R: Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
...For great is the LORD and highly to be praised; awesome is he, beyond all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are things of nought, but the LORD made the heavens.
If there are things that come to my mind upon reading today's gospel then these are the unpleasant things and disappointments we encounter in life. We can never get away from these things since there will always come a time when we are confronted with situations in our lives when we just can't tolerate things anymore. Or we encounter people who just do not get it or refuse to get it. Jesus called them the hypocrites, the blind guides and fools. Whew! Even Jesus came to a point when he has to label them as such just to get His point or message across to us. It is very tiring when we are around these kind of people because they simply do not want to listen and insist on the wrong they are doing. We too are no different from these scribes and Pharisees if we are not open to the instructions of God to us and continue to follow our own way. Misunderstandings and misconceptions can be corrected and reformed through proper information and counseling but the outright disregard and disobedience on our part is another thing. This is what Jesus is emphasizing here in the gospel. Let us not be stubborn anymore and be mindful of what God is telling us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 23:13-22
13 Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites...blind guides...Blind fools...You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?...
Sunday, August 22, 2010
ALLAN'S PHYSICAL REGIMEN
Yesterday we attended the funeral of Sis Zeny Reynante and it became an occasion to see friends from different parishes aside from St. Martha since she also became part of St. Christopher and St. Joseph. Everybody was excited and happy to be with each other and talk about the things we've all been through as a community of God. It is sad that it will be the last time we will see Sis Zeny here on earth but it can not be denied that as believers we all have this hope that she is now in a much better place. Thus it became a venue of happy faces reflecting this faith, praising and proclaiming God's glory. Amen. Hallelujah!
Isaiah 66:18-21
...they shall proclaim my glory among the nations.
I had the chance of talking to a devotee of the Divine Mercy and Rosary in St. Christopher and our conversation led from one sharing to another about God's miracles in our lives. Before we knew it was already time to go and somebody had to cut short our talk. It was like we can't put a stop to it so I told her that it is only right and fitting that we spread the good news of our salvation since we are all called to this task. Today's psalm is a confirmation because it tells us to go out to all the world and tell the Good News. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 117:1, 2
R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) 2 For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
Just this morning I was talking to Allan with regards to the slight misunderstanding he had with his father. He is very strict and a disciplinarian that's why there are times when my 2 sons find it hard to understand him. Today's 2nd reading is very timely indeed. It contains the right and perfect words that I should say to him. This made me remember what Sis Ester said in the prayer meeting of God's Children last night. She said do not worry about the things to say because God Himself is the one who will put words into our mouths. Amen. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
...“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; 6 for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.” 7 Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? 11 At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it...
The readings for today are very consistent in conveying its message. If the first and the psalm readings were perfectly matched with the occasion I attended yesterday the 2nd reading and the gospel were pointing to the events and circumstances surrounding my son, Allan. This passage I have quoted from today's gospel when emphasized by Fr. Rolly in his homily suddenly struck me with a thought that concerns Allan. He had been training really hard to the point of having to wake up as early as 4am daily to swim at least 20 laps before going to school. On top of this is the need for him to comply with all the demands of his academic subjects. He had always been very positive with a lot of things and full of confidence with the rate he is going with his physical stamina. He trains rigorously and regularly. He is very committed to his goal and does everything that is needed in order for him to improve and excel. He has gone a long way already from that overweight kid in LSM (Lourdes School of Mandaluyong) Grade School to a varsity swimmer now in DLSU (De La Salle University). As far as his physical state is concerned, he has achieved his tip top shape and yet it still came to a point when he almost gave up which I never expected from him. For several days he had been bothered by the fact that he still doesn't know whether he will qualify for the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) or not. His discouragement was erased when I told him not to lose hope because the Divine Mercy and Rosary Group in St. Martha's Church is regularly praying for him. When Fr. Rolly said we have to be strong enough to enter the narrow gate, I am sure the strength being spoken of here is not the physical strength that we can build up through training and workout but the strength of our souls. If we can gain insight from this it is the fact that just like Allan's physical regimen, we need strength training, workout and dedication too for our souls to last through eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 13:22-30
...“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.
Isaiah 66:18-21
...they shall proclaim my glory among the nations.
I had the chance of talking to a devotee of the Divine Mercy and Rosary in St. Christopher and our conversation led from one sharing to another about God's miracles in our lives. Before we knew it was already time to go and somebody had to cut short our talk. It was like we can't put a stop to it so I told her that it is only right and fitting that we spread the good news of our salvation since we are all called to this task. Today's psalm is a confirmation because it tells us to go out to all the world and tell the Good News. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 117:1, 2
R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) 2 For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
Just this morning I was talking to Allan with regards to the slight misunderstanding he had with his father. He is very strict and a disciplinarian that's why there are times when my 2 sons find it hard to understand him. Today's 2nd reading is very timely indeed. It contains the right and perfect words that I should say to him. This made me remember what Sis Ester said in the prayer meeting of God's Children last night. She said do not worry about the things to say because God Himself is the one who will put words into our mouths. Amen. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
...“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; 6 for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.” 7 Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? 11 At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it...
The readings for today are very consistent in conveying its message. If the first and the psalm readings were perfectly matched with the occasion I attended yesterday the 2nd reading and the gospel were pointing to the events and circumstances surrounding my son, Allan. This passage I have quoted from today's gospel when emphasized by Fr. Rolly in his homily suddenly struck me with a thought that concerns Allan. He had been training really hard to the point of having to wake up as early as 4am daily to swim at least 20 laps before going to school. On top of this is the need for him to comply with all the demands of his academic subjects. He had always been very positive with a lot of things and full of confidence with the rate he is going with his physical stamina. He trains rigorously and regularly. He is very committed to his goal and does everything that is needed in order for him to improve and excel. He has gone a long way already from that overweight kid in LSM (Lourdes School of Mandaluyong) Grade School to a varsity swimmer now in DLSU (De La Salle University). As far as his physical state is concerned, he has achieved his tip top shape and yet it still came to a point when he almost gave up which I never expected from him. For several days he had been bothered by the fact that he still doesn't know whether he will qualify for the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) or not. His discouragement was erased when I told him not to lose hope because the Divine Mercy and Rosary Group in St. Martha's Church is regularly praying for him. When Fr. Rolly said we have to be strong enough to enter the narrow gate, I am sure the strength being spoken of here is not the physical strength that we can build up through training and workout but the strength of our souls. If we can gain insight from this it is the fact that just like Allan's physical regimen, we need strength training, workout and dedication too for our souls to last through eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 13:22-30
...“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
FATHER'S HOUSE
Whenever we go to the Church we have to realize that we are surrounded by God's glory. It is God's dwelling place and we ought to take every opportunity to be in our Father’s house. Our attitude and disposition about going to Church should always be in line with what is said in today's 1st reading. We should keep this in mind at all times. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 43:1-7ab
...I saw that the temple was filled with the glory of the LORD. 6 Then I heard someone speaking to me from the temple, while the man stood beside me. 7 The voice said to me: Son of man, this is where my throne shall be, this is where I will set the soles of my feet; here I will dwell among the children of Israel forever.
Wherever God is, there is always peace and prosperity. It is only natural that we have longings and desires because God Himself planted it in our hearts. We all long for the good things in life and God Himself can provide for all these things. It is just sad that we reach out for other things that we thought are good for us. We do not realize that we have to seek first the Kingdom of God and everything else will follow. We fail to follow this sure and no fail formula that is not a secret. In fact it is not hidden in the bible since it is often quoted, sang and regularly assigned in the gospel readings. It is in really living this truth that we can witness for ourselves the glory of God dwelling in our land. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 85:9ab, 10, 11-12, 13-14
R: The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD-for he proclaims peace. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps.
Last night we went to the viewing of Sis Zeny Reynante a fellow Divine Mercy and Rosary devotee in St. Martha's Church and today is her funeral. I have been sharing with friends how I felt that Sis Zeny's soul interceded in my behalf. Last Monday when I found out about the schedule for her viewing and funeral I immediately prayed and asked her to excuse me if I will not be able to make it on those days because it is in conflict with my schedule. I was so surprised that day when later in the afternoon I received a call postponing my schedule for next week. It was very unexpected because I have always had that schedule and it was even set ahead of time. I was suddenly rid of my excuse and could already make myself available for it. Another pleasant confirmation is the generosity of Sis Rose to offer her van to bring people to the said services for Sis Zeny. This is why when Sis Rose said that she feels very insignificant because she is not doing anything for the Lord everybody reminded her that she has already done a great service for the Lord by making herself available for people who do not have a ride especially the senior citizens. The fact that she is also a senior citizen herself and is not always feeling very well at times due to some health concerns makes all these errands very tedious on her part but she still manages to do them. It is very timely that today's gospel speaks of the humility of Sis Rose that deserves to be exalted. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 23:1-12
...The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Ezekiel 43:1-7ab
...I saw that the temple was filled with the glory of the LORD. 6 Then I heard someone speaking to me from the temple, while the man stood beside me. 7 The voice said to me: Son of man, this is where my throne shall be, this is where I will set the soles of my feet; here I will dwell among the children of Israel forever.
Wherever God is, there is always peace and prosperity. It is only natural that we have longings and desires because God Himself planted it in our hearts. We all long for the good things in life and God Himself can provide for all these things. It is just sad that we reach out for other things that we thought are good for us. We do not realize that we have to seek first the Kingdom of God and everything else will follow. We fail to follow this sure and no fail formula that is not a secret. In fact it is not hidden in the bible since it is often quoted, sang and regularly assigned in the gospel readings. It is in really living this truth that we can witness for ourselves the glory of God dwelling in our land. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 85:9ab, 10, 11-12, 13-14
R: The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD-for he proclaims peace. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps.
Last night we went to the viewing of Sis Zeny Reynante a fellow Divine Mercy and Rosary devotee in St. Martha's Church and today is her funeral. I have been sharing with friends how I felt that Sis Zeny's soul interceded in my behalf. Last Monday when I found out about the schedule for her viewing and funeral I immediately prayed and asked her to excuse me if I will not be able to make it on those days because it is in conflict with my schedule. I was so surprised that day when later in the afternoon I received a call postponing my schedule for next week. It was very unexpected because I have always had that schedule and it was even set ahead of time. I was suddenly rid of my excuse and could already make myself available for it. Another pleasant confirmation is the generosity of Sis Rose to offer her van to bring people to the said services for Sis Zeny. This is why when Sis Rose said that she feels very insignificant because she is not doing anything for the Lord everybody reminded her that she has already done a great service for the Lord by making herself available for people who do not have a ride especially the senior citizens. The fact that she is also a senior citizen herself and is not always feeling very well at times due to some health concerns makes all these errands very tedious on her part but she still manages to do them. It is very timely that today's gospel speaks of the humility of Sis Rose that deserves to be exalted. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 23:1-12
...The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Friday, August 20, 2010
HAPPY AND FREE
We may all be going through some kind of difficulty in our lives and things look like they will not get any better. When we come to this point and feel like the world is crumbling right before our eyes then we can always remember these powerful words in today's 1st reading. Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones and saw before his very eyes the rattling bones that came together. Bone joining bone, sinews and the flesh came upon them, the skin covered them, the spirit came into them; they came alive and stood upright, a vast army. These may all sound too impossible and hard to imagine but we must always be reminded of how great and awesome is God. It is also our hope that someday we will all rise up in God's power and glory. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 37:1-14
...“Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, and we are cut off.” ...Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people! 14 I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the LORD. I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.
We can never deny the hand of God guiding us through every chapter of our lives. We may also come to a point when we ask ourselves how all the things ever came to be. Behind all the ups and downs, we always find the Lord working through and make everything turn out for the good. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R: Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.
...They cried to the LORD in their distress; from their straits he rescued them. 7 And he led them by a direct way to reach an inhabited city...he satisfied the longing soul and filled the hungry soul with good things.
Jesus never stops teaching, coaching and giving examples on how we should go about with our lives. He is after our welfare and the fulfillment of our desires in order for all of us to lead a wonderful life. We can trust Him to carry out whatever is needed for us to attain it provided we follow and obey His commandments that in truth is the way to be truly happy and set us free. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 22:34-40
...“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. 39 The second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. 40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Ezekiel 37:1-14
...“Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, and we are cut off.” ...Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people! 14 I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the LORD. I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.
We can never deny the hand of God guiding us through every chapter of our lives. We may also come to a point when we ask ourselves how all the things ever came to be. Behind all the ups and downs, we always find the Lord working through and make everything turn out for the good. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R: Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.
...They cried to the LORD in their distress; from their straits he rescued them. 7 And he led them by a direct way to reach an inhabited city...he satisfied the longing soul and filled the hungry soul with good things.
Jesus never stops teaching, coaching and giving examples on how we should go about with our lives. He is after our welfare and the fulfillment of our desires in order for all of us to lead a wonderful life. We can trust Him to carry out whatever is needed for us to attain it provided we follow and obey His commandments that in truth is the way to be truly happy and set us free. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 22:34-40
...“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. 39 The second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. 40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Thursday, August 19, 2010
THE INVITED AND CHOSEN (JUDE'S BIRTHDAY BASH)
I was just reading this advisory from my son's friend regarding the birthday party they are planning to have since his birthday will be on the 31st. I commented for them to enjoy but there was this nagging feeling in me to add more to that "Enjoy guys" comment I wrote. With what we are presently witnessing nowadays, we can't help but think that the young people are getting themselves involved in so many inappropriate activities. We need to pray for our youth that they be guided well in the choices they make and be the light and hope for the future generation. Let us offer them up to the Lord and claim that this blessing in today's 1st reading be upon them all. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 36:23-28
...I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts...
Jude will soon turn 21 in several days. This age is considered a turning point for a man and considered the age of maturity. I am hoping and praying that he will be the person that God has meant him to be. I am claiming for him these words in today's psalm that it will also be his prayer and wish as he enter into this new chapter of his life. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
R: I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.
10 [12] A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 11 [13] Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
Just a few minutes ago, Felix has been coordinating people for Jude and Jam's birthday shizz as he calls it. It is quite a surprise that today's gospel speaks of the parable of the king inviting guests for his son's wedding feast. I have always been blessed with pleasant and confirming circumstances that relate to the readings and this is just one of them. It is special since it's my son's birthday that he is announcing and coordinating for. Not everybody can make themselves available at the appointed time. It is in their firm resolve to arrange and make their schedules fit that would make this event a possibility and success. Just like in today's gospel, the feast is ready but those who were invited refused to come. God is constantly inviting us but we always have excuses and other things to do. We are distracted and take for granted what clearly should take first place and priority in our lives. Time will come when the time for the invitation will cease and if ever we decide to come it is already too late. Our souls need to be properly dressed for that final and main event. Let's not delay any longer before we find ourselves no longer welcome in God's presence. Let us be counted among the invited and chosen. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 22:1-14
...He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. 13 Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ 14 Many are invited, but few are chosen.”...
Ezekiel 36:23-28
...I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts...
Jude will soon turn 21 in several days. This age is considered a turning point for a man and considered the age of maturity. I am hoping and praying that he will be the person that God has meant him to be. I am claiming for him these words in today's psalm that it will also be his prayer and wish as he enter into this new chapter of his life. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
R: I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.
10 [12] A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 11 [13] Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
Just a few minutes ago, Felix has been coordinating people for Jude and Jam's birthday shizz as he calls it. It is quite a surprise that today's gospel speaks of the parable of the king inviting guests for his son's wedding feast. I have always been blessed with pleasant and confirming circumstances that relate to the readings and this is just one of them. It is special since it's my son's birthday that he is announcing and coordinating for. Not everybody can make themselves available at the appointed time. It is in their firm resolve to arrange and make their schedules fit that would make this event a possibility and success. Just like in today's gospel, the feast is ready but those who were invited refused to come. God is constantly inviting us but we always have excuses and other things to do. We are distracted and take for granted what clearly should take first place and priority in our lives. Time will come when the time for the invitation will cease and if ever we decide to come it is already too late. Our souls need to be properly dressed for that final and main event. Let's not delay any longer before we find ourselves no longer welcome in God's presence. Let us be counted among the invited and chosen. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 22:1-14
...He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. 13 Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ 14 Many are invited, but few are chosen.”...
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
THE FIRST AND THE LAST
How very reassuring are the words of God in today's 1st reading. When things are not going well with us and we seem to be going astray it is important to always remember these words of God. There are times when we are very unsure of where we are going, how things will turn out and what is in store for us. In times when we are confronted with things we are not familiar of, we can always draw inspiration in this truth that God looks after us the way a Good Shepherd does to His sheep. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 34:1-11
...For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.
If we are just to read and understand very well every word said in today's psalm then we ought to find ourselves the most contented and secured person in the whole wide world. There should be no more room for fear, doubt and anxiety. We've got to develop the confidence and faith of a person who have truly believed that the Lord is my shepherd. Amen. Hallelujah!
R: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
...In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 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) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 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.
We can never really tell what's going to be until the last hour. All of us are saved by Jesus when He died on the Cross in Calvary more than 2000 years ago but continuously in the process of being saved every day. We've got to persevere in our faith and not be discouraged or dissuaded, distracted and tempted by the other side. We have all been forgiven through Jesus Christ but it is our response to this grace that matters most. It differs from person to person according to the capacity we have all developed. We can not be indifferent, neutral, take for granted or neglect this tremendous grace that is offered to us. We've got to take an active part in receiving this grace in order for us to gain the ultimate and total experience of God's gift to us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 20:1-16
...Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Ezekiel 34:1-11
...For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.
If we are just to read and understand very well every word said in today's psalm then we ought to find ourselves the most contented and secured person in the whole wide world. There should be no more room for fear, doubt and anxiety. We've got to develop the confidence and faith of a person who have truly believed that the Lord is my shepherd. Amen. Hallelujah!
R: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
...In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 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) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 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.
We can never really tell what's going to be until the last hour. All of us are saved by Jesus when He died on the Cross in Calvary more than 2000 years ago but continuously in the process of being saved every day. We've got to persevere in our faith and not be discouraged or dissuaded, distracted and tempted by the other side. We have all been forgiven through Jesus Christ but it is our response to this grace that matters most. It differs from person to person according to the capacity we have all developed. We can not be indifferent, neutral, take for granted or neglect this tremendous grace that is offered to us. We've got to take an active part in receiving this grace in order for us to gain the ultimate and total experience of God's gift to us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 20:1-16
...Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
THE BIG PICTURE
We have to acknowledge and thank God at all times, in all circumstances and situations for all the things that came to be. We have to look at everything as part of one whole and big picture of God's plan. We should act in accordance to this and not get lost in the biggest deception ever known and has fooled us many times. This happens when we are at the top of everything we do and gets carried away by the several successes and conquests that we've gathered in our hands then there is a danger of thinking of ourselves almost like a god. We may not be exactly like the prince of Tyre in today's 1st reading but we are not far from meeting the same fate as his if we slowly, without realizing it become oblivious of the fact that we are not invincible and we only draw everything that we have from God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 28:1-10
...say to the prince of Tyre: Thus says the Lord GOD: Because you are haughty of heart, you say, “A god am I! I occupy a godly throne in the heart of the sea!” — And yet you are a man, and not a god, however you may think yourself like a god...Will you then say, “I am a god!” when you face your murderers? No, you are a man, not a god, handed over to those who will slay you. 10 You shall die the death of the uncircumcised at the hands of foreigners, for I have spoken, says the Lord GOD.
If we are to look very closely at every single turn in our lives then we can surely see how God is working His wonders in it, without a trace of doubt. Let us pray to God that He will grant us the reason and understanding needed to really open up our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to the Lord. Sometimes we fail to do this and become just like these people spoken of in today's psalm. We ought to keep our minds straight and alert that we may not neglect who God really is, in our lives. Amen. Hallelujah!
Deuteronomy 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab
R: It is I who deal death and give life.
...For they are a people devoid of reason, having no understanding. (R) 30 “How could one man rout a thousand, or two men put ten thousand to flight, Unless it was because their Rock sold them and the LORD delivered them up?”
In our journey here on earth we encounter so many things in our lives that sometimes push us to the wall and feel like giving up. When we are confronted with such situations we sometimes succumb to the remedies and recommendations that are popularly subscribed to, in this world we are in. It is never easy to live consistently the reality in today's gospel. We doubt, question and resort to the seemingly wise, practical and handy solutions being presented and offered to us in an enticing way. We end up taking for granted what should always be embedded in our hearts, minds and souls. We forget the benefit of knowing that God can do the ultimate good to us than follow the wisdom of men and this world. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 19:23-30
...“For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”...And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life...
Ezekiel 28:1-10
...say to the prince of Tyre: Thus says the Lord GOD: Because you are haughty of heart, you say, “A god am I! I occupy a godly throne in the heart of the sea!” — And yet you are a man, and not a god, however you may think yourself like a god...Will you then say, “I am a god!” when you face your murderers? No, you are a man, not a god, handed over to those who will slay you. 10 You shall die the death of the uncircumcised at the hands of foreigners, for I have spoken, says the Lord GOD.
If we are to look very closely at every single turn in our lives then we can surely see how God is working His wonders in it, without a trace of doubt. Let us pray to God that He will grant us the reason and understanding needed to really open up our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to the Lord. Sometimes we fail to do this and become just like these people spoken of in today's psalm. We ought to keep our minds straight and alert that we may not neglect who God really is, in our lives. Amen. Hallelujah!
Deuteronomy 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab
R: It is I who deal death and give life.
...For they are a people devoid of reason, having no understanding. (R) 30 “How could one man rout a thousand, or two men put ten thousand to flight, Unless it was because their Rock sold them and the LORD delivered them up?”
In our journey here on earth we encounter so many things in our lives that sometimes push us to the wall and feel like giving up. When we are confronted with such situations we sometimes succumb to the remedies and recommendations that are popularly subscribed to, in this world we are in. It is never easy to live consistently the reality in today's gospel. We doubt, question and resort to the seemingly wise, practical and handy solutions being presented and offered to us in an enticing way. We end up taking for granted what should always be embedded in our hearts, minds and souls. We forget the benefit of knowing that God can do the ultimate good to us than follow the wisdom of men and this world. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 19:23-30
...“For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”...And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life...
Monday, August 16, 2010
ROT AWAY
It is frightening to see something rotting because it could be associated to dying too. I always shiver whenever I see a dead animal on the street that is starting to decay and smell. I am sure nobody wants to go near it and be contaminated of the stench and germs that it carries. We might not realize it but today's 1st reading tells us indirectly that whenever we sin we expose ourselves to the process of rotting and death eventually if we fail to remedy our situation. In fact it was said in Kerygma that sin accompanies death. We may not see it with our visible eyes but every time we sin our soul starts to deteriorate and become susceptible to the destructive elements of sin. We must not allow this to happen to us and avoid sin in order for our souls to remain intact and not rot away. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 24:15-23
...You shall not mourn or weep, but you shall rot away because of your sins and groan one to another.
Today's psalm reading is taken from Deuteronomy and could have been written thousand of years ago even before the time of Jesus Christ. But its message still resounds to this very day. People nowadays are acting as if there is no God with the way they go about with their lives. It is sad to see how they put their loyalty in fame, honor, power and riches without realizing that everything comes from God and He should be first. Amen. Hallelujah!
Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21
R: You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
...What a fickle race they are, sons with no loyalty in them!” (R) 21 “Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.”
Detachment is a word that is not easy to practice especially with not just things but people too. Today's gospel asks us to do just that in order to be perfect. Whew! We must admit that all of us have certain attachments in this world that we could not just let go of. It's not only with material possessions that today's gospel is talking about but also with people that we find hard to detach ourselves from. We should only cling to God alone. Although God being loving and perfect in everything that He is, surely does not want us to turn our backs from these attachments we have in this world in the literal sense of the word but it is in finding ourselves still with peace and joy despite the absence of them. It is because of the knowledge that God alone suffice. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 19:16-22
...What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Ezekiel 24:15-23
...You shall not mourn or weep, but you shall rot away because of your sins and groan one to another.
Today's psalm reading is taken from Deuteronomy and could have been written thousand of years ago even before the time of Jesus Christ. But its message still resounds to this very day. People nowadays are acting as if there is no God with the way they go about with their lives. It is sad to see how they put their loyalty in fame, honor, power and riches without realizing that everything comes from God and He should be first. Amen. Hallelujah!
Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21
R: You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
...What a fickle race they are, sons with no loyalty in them!” (R) 21 “Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.”
Detachment is a word that is not easy to practice especially with not just things but people too. Today's gospel asks us to do just that in order to be perfect. Whew! We must admit that all of us have certain attachments in this world that we could not just let go of. It's not only with material possessions that today's gospel is talking about but also with people that we find hard to detach ourselves from. We should only cling to God alone. Although God being loving and perfect in everything that He is, surely does not want us to turn our backs from these attachments we have in this world in the literal sense of the word but it is in finding ourselves still with peace and joy despite the absence of them. It is because of the knowledge that God alone suffice. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 19:16-22
...What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
CLOSE ENOUGH TO WHISPER
In Fr. Tony's homily he asked the congregation who the Ark of the Covenant is. As Catholics, we refer to Mother Mary as such because she became the bearer of Jesus, the one who brought Him to this world. She was given the singular grace of forming Jesus with her very own flesh inside her body. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes ways the sin of the world, the Covenant of God's love to His people. Today's reading tells us that victory has already been won and Mary cooperated with God in our salvation when she said yes to God's plan and surrendered to God's will. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a teaching of the Catholic Church that we should all believe in. It is only right and fitting that the Mother of God be given the special privilege of not undergoing corruption of her human body which became the very flesh that formed our Savior Jesus Christ and be assumed into heaven body and soul. Amen. Hallelujah!
Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple. 12: 1 A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars...Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed One."
Mary is our queen who deserves everything that God has blessed her with. She is indeed an inspiration and model for us to follow. Where she is right now we also hope to be some day as we strive to become bearers of Jesus and formers of the image of God in our own way. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
R: The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.
...They are borne in with gladness and joy; they enter the palace of the king.
We are victorious and reigning with Jesus. We are seated in heavenly places with Him. For God has the power, we should know no defeat only victory. Amen. Hallelujah!
Mary is also our mother because Jesus has given her to us at the foot of the cross on that day He saved the world. We should not neglect this important truth that all of us are called to bless ourselves with. Having a loving and caring mother is one of the things every human being should be thankful to God for but more than this is the fact that we have a heavenly mother standing before God and pleading for all her children at all times. She is now in heaven with God and that gives her a place that is close enough to God to whisper in His ears whatever she asks for the sake of her children. If there's one thing we should not be forgetful of and always think about then this is it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:39-56
...Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 46 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior...
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
...“he subjected everything under his feet.”...
Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple. 12: 1 A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars...Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed One."
Mary is our queen who deserves everything that God has blessed her with. She is indeed an inspiration and model for us to follow. Where she is right now we also hope to be some day as we strive to become bearers of Jesus and formers of the image of God in our own way. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
R: The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.
...They are borne in with gladness and joy; they enter the palace of the king.
We are victorious and reigning with Jesus. We are seated in heavenly places with Him. For God has the power, we should know no defeat only victory. Amen. Hallelujah!
Mary is also our mother because Jesus has given her to us at the foot of the cross on that day He saved the world. We should not neglect this important truth that all of us are called to bless ourselves with. Having a loving and caring mother is one of the things every human being should be thankful to God for but more than this is the fact that we have a heavenly mother standing before God and pleading for all her children at all times. She is now in heaven with God and that gives her a place that is close enough to God to whisper in His ears whatever she asks for the sake of her children. If there's one thing we should not be forgetful of and always think about then this is it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:39-56
...Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 46 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior...
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
...“he subjected everything under his feet.”...
Saturday, August 14, 2010
CLEAN HEART
If we really want to live in the real sense of the word then we should think very carefully what these words in today's 1st reading are telling us. It is in discovering the truth in these words from today's 1st reading that we will surely live. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32
...all lives are mine...only the one who sins shall die. 5 If a man is virtuous– if he does what is right and just,...that man is virtuous he shall surely live, says the Lord GOD.
There is no other way to maintain the Holy Spirit dwelling in us but to let it reside in a clean heart. We drive away God's Spirit in us if we don't strive to let our hearts remain clean. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
R: Create a clean heart in me, O God.
...and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 11 [13] Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. (R) 12 [14] Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me.
We ought to be like the little children who possess a clean and totally surrendered heart to the Lord in order to belong to the kingdom of heaven. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 19:13-15
13 Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 After he placed his hands on them, he went away.
Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32
...all lives are mine...only the one who sins shall die. 5 If a man is virtuous– if he does what is right and just,...that man is virtuous he shall surely live, says the Lord GOD.
There is no other way to maintain the Holy Spirit dwelling in us but to let it reside in a clean heart. We drive away God's Spirit in us if we don't strive to let our hearts remain clean. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
R: Create a clean heart in me, O God.
...and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 11 [13] Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. (R) 12 [14] Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me.
We ought to be like the little children who possess a clean and totally surrendered heart to the Lord in order to belong to the kingdom of heaven. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 19:13-15
13 Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 After he placed his hands on them, he went away.
Friday, August 13, 2010
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE
I am sure that we can not deny the truth that there is at least one time in our life when we felt like we went beyond our limits and almost felt like God can no longer forgive us or we've done a grave sin that we feel so unworthy. There is no sin that God can not forgive for as long as we ask for it. No matter how unforgiveable it may seem to the point of confusion and shame as Ezekiel is telling us in today's 1st reading we must never yield to it and just be amazed at how unbelievably great the love our God has for all of us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63
...That you may remember and be covered with confusion, and that you may be utterly silenced for shame when I pardon you for all you have done, says the Lord GOD.
If we truly believe that God is our Savior then we should have no more room for fear and doubt. Our weaknesses are born from it and rather than give in to it we must cultivate in ourselves the strength and courage coming from the Lord. We have already been given access to the fountain of life, let us choose to approach it and draw water from it with joy and live. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
R: You have turned from your anger.
2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.
People nowadays no longer subscribe to what the Church teaches about the indissolubility of marriage. We can see it from the numerous cases of divorce and broken marriages all around us. It is so disheartening that married couples no longer consider the truth that it isn't just a union between man and woman but most importantly with God. Let us always think of marriage as not just a two way relationship but a triangle with God in the center. If we start to neglect or forget about this vital element then surely the marriage is bound to break once incompatible factors between 2 different individuals like man and woman set in. This is one of the reasons why everything should be directed to God in prayers. Although there may be other things to consider here, everything just fades in comparison to the truth that God is able to hold everything together like marriage for example if He is in the center. It may not be easy to accept these things if we ourselves are not completely convinced especially with the present situation that is going on all over the world with regards to marriage. Despite of it all and more than anything else, we ought to hold on to God's word and allow it to be fulfilled in our lives. Let us commit to this very important reality and advice in today's gospel which is just right and fitting as we ought to do in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 19:3-12
...Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” ...“Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted...Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”
Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63
...That you may remember and be covered with confusion, and that you may be utterly silenced for shame when I pardon you for all you have done, says the Lord GOD.
If we truly believe that God is our Savior then we should have no more room for fear and doubt. Our weaknesses are born from it and rather than give in to it we must cultivate in ourselves the strength and courage coming from the Lord. We have already been given access to the fountain of life, let us choose to approach it and draw water from it with joy and live. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
R: You have turned from your anger.
2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.
People nowadays no longer subscribe to what the Church teaches about the indissolubility of marriage. We can see it from the numerous cases of divorce and broken marriages all around us. It is so disheartening that married couples no longer consider the truth that it isn't just a union between man and woman but most importantly with God. Let us always think of marriage as not just a two way relationship but a triangle with God in the center. If we start to neglect or forget about this vital element then surely the marriage is bound to break once incompatible factors between 2 different individuals like man and woman set in. This is one of the reasons why everything should be directed to God in prayers. Although there may be other things to consider here, everything just fades in comparison to the truth that God is able to hold everything together like marriage for example if He is in the center. It may not be easy to accept these things if we ourselves are not completely convinced especially with the present situation that is going on all over the world with regards to marriage. Despite of it all and more than anything else, we ought to hold on to God's word and allow it to be fulfilled in our lives. Let us commit to this very important reality and advice in today's gospel which is just right and fitting as we ought to do in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 19:3-12
...Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” ...“Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted...Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”
Thursday, August 12, 2010
DEMONSTRATION
If we are to analyze very closely the things that Ezekiel did in today's 1st reading then we would probably think that he went nuts. Just imagine his strange and unusual manner of proclaiming God's word to the house of Israel. It isn't easy to go out in the streets and proclaim God's word by shouting out loud at the top of your lungs but to actually demonstrate and act it out is another thing. At that time, when he heard the word of the Lord he followed and not just acted on it but demonstrated it as well. Nowadays, we are richly blessed with a vast resource of God's word that is all within our reach. We owe the glorious background of our faith to these people who contributed to it and did as they were told. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 12:1-12
...I did as I was told. During the day I brought out my baggage as though it were that of an exile, and at evening I dug a hole through the wall with my hand and, while they looked on, set out in the darkness, shouldering my burden. 8 Then, in the morning, the word of the LORD came to me 9 Son of man, did not the house of Israel, that rebellious house, ask you what you were doing? 10 Tell them: Thus says the Lord GOD: This oracle concerns Jerusalem and the whole house of Israel within it. 11 I am a sign for you as I have done, so shall it be done to them;
Today's psalm teaches a very important lesson and guideline that we should always live by. If we want to maintain our strength and not be susceptible to captivity in the hands of the enemy then we should always remember and not forget the wonderful things that God has done to us. This makes sense because God's works are holy and perfect we can surely rely on it for everything. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ps 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62
Responsorial Psalm
R. (see 7b) Do not forget the works of the Lord!
And he surrendered his strength into captivity, his glory in the hands of the foe. He abandoned his people to the sword and was enraged against his inheritance.
Today's gospel is one of the memorable parables for me because of the lessons and explanations it offers and learned from it about our Catholic faith concerning purgatory. Our God is consistent to all His attributes which includes not just merciful but just. We ought to realize that God treated us with ultimate love and mercy and it is only right and fitting that we fulfill all righteousness for the glory of God. Purgatory is an expression of this great love and mercy of God for us. He gives us all the chances we can get in order for us to square our accounts with God. We ought to realize that our entry to the kingdom of heaven can be withheld or worst be denied access to it. Let us not place the eternal inheritance that is already being handed to us in grave danger. It tells us to be wise and diligent in handling our affairs well while we are still here on earth so as not to regret later the consequences of our actions. It is a consolation that the key lies in today's gospel. Amen. Hallelujah!
Mt 18:21–19:1
...His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”...
Ezekiel 12:1-12
...I did as I was told. During the day I brought out my baggage as though it were that of an exile, and at evening I dug a hole through the wall with my hand and, while they looked on, set out in the darkness, shouldering my burden. 8 Then, in the morning, the word of the LORD came to me 9 Son of man, did not the house of Israel, that rebellious house, ask you what you were doing? 10 Tell them: Thus says the Lord GOD: This oracle concerns Jerusalem and the whole house of Israel within it. 11 I am a sign for you as I have done, so shall it be done to them;
Today's psalm teaches a very important lesson and guideline that we should always live by. If we want to maintain our strength and not be susceptible to captivity in the hands of the enemy then we should always remember and not forget the wonderful things that God has done to us. This makes sense because God's works are holy and perfect we can surely rely on it for everything. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ps 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62
Responsorial Psalm
R. (see 7b) Do not forget the works of the Lord!
And he surrendered his strength into captivity, his glory in the hands of the foe. He abandoned his people to the sword and was enraged against his inheritance.
Today's gospel is one of the memorable parables for me because of the lessons and explanations it offers and learned from it about our Catholic faith concerning purgatory. Our God is consistent to all His attributes which includes not just merciful but just. We ought to realize that God treated us with ultimate love and mercy and it is only right and fitting that we fulfill all righteousness for the glory of God. Purgatory is an expression of this great love and mercy of God for us. He gives us all the chances we can get in order for us to square our accounts with God. We ought to realize that our entry to the kingdom of heaven can be withheld or worst be denied access to it. Let us not place the eternal inheritance that is already being handed to us in grave danger. It tells us to be wise and diligent in handling our affairs well while we are still here on earth so as not to regret later the consequences of our actions. It is a consolation that the key lies in today's gospel. Amen. Hallelujah!
Mt 18:21–19:1
...His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
CONNECT THE DOTS
There a lot of things in this world that constantly draw our attention. It's like we are always confronted with various things of all sorts. We can say that there is an ongoing competition that clamors for our support and loyalty. There is indeed a daily battle that rages on and we have to be aware of it. This is the battle between good and evil. We've got to take our side and courageously fight for it. There is no reason to fear. It's just a matter of consistently being aware of the fact that the battle has already been won by God. It is the battle with ourselves and of our wills that we need to take a hold of. Let us not be deceived by the enemy's tactics and really focus on the truth. If we are to closely monitor the things that are happening to us every day then we will be amazed at the many times God wanted to convey a special message of love and concern to us. I suddenly remember what this person said about throwing several uncapped pens in a clean sheet of canvas and being able to make something out of the dots and marks that came out of it. He said that only the person who did it can connect the dots. It's just the same with our own lives in the sense that whatever we make of it we should be able to see God working in our lives in a way that is personally meant for each one. As Catholics we are made to believe that each of us has an angel in charge over us. We ought to realize that God has indeed summoned His angels to be about us. In fact these past few days I've been mentioning about it to people I've talked to. Just yesterday I was researching about the Archangels and the ones specifically assigned for my family. It's definitely Divine Providence that of the many scriptural passages that can be assigned for today, one that speaks of cherubim is today's 1st reading. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22
...the glory of the LORD left the threshold of the temple and rested upon the cherubim...These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar, whom I now recognized to be cherubim.
Nothing is indeed by accident everything is under the will of God. We just need to always trust God in all circumstances that whatever happens, God will always make a way. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.
...Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
We can no longer deny the truth that the hand of God is always reaching out to us. Whether we reach out to Him too is all up to us. There is this song that I really like which has the words, "If you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you, to get a touch from the Lord is so real." We could really feel God touching our lives every single day if we only draw near to Him instead of shutting God out of our life. We may or may not be aware of it but we are definitely capable of doing this. It may sound petty for some but not a single day passes without God drawing near to us in different ways. Sometimes we just fail to see it anymore when our actions bring us farther away from God. If all our words, thoughts and deeds are always focused on God then everything else will follow. Surely what today's gospel tells us is something that we ought to take to heart seriously. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 18:15-20
...Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22
...the glory of the LORD left the threshold of the temple and rested upon the cherubim...These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar, whom I now recognized to be cherubim.
Nothing is indeed by accident everything is under the will of God. We just need to always trust God in all circumstances that whatever happens, God will always make a way. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.
...Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
We can no longer deny the truth that the hand of God is always reaching out to us. Whether we reach out to Him too is all up to us. There is this song that I really like which has the words, "If you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you, to get a touch from the Lord is so real." We could really feel God touching our lives every single day if we only draw near to Him instead of shutting God out of our life. We may or may not be aware of it but we are definitely capable of doing this. It may sound petty for some but not a single day passes without God drawing near to us in different ways. Sometimes we just fail to see it anymore when our actions bring us farther away from God. If all our words, thoughts and deeds are always focused on God then everything else will follow. Surely what today's gospel tells us is something that we ought to take to heart seriously. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 18:15-20
...Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
SOLID ROCK
We need not fear nor doubt that God is able to supply all our needs. When we encounter situations that make us lose our confidence and wear us down we should focus on what today's 1st reading is telling us. It is also important that we faithfully adhere to the last word of the bible passage I have quoted below. When we toil and earn a living, our harvest should be a product of righteousness. Amen. Hallelujah!
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
...The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
Today's psalm really made me remember that frightening day when I quivered with fear and was appeased by the reassuring words of my son. I can never forget the time when my e mail got hacked and was in a panic because of some very confidential information that was accessed and altered due to that sinister act. I was just so distraught and was already talking so fast with my son and they could no longer understand what I was saying. Usually when things like these happen to other people, I am always ready and armed with the Word of God giving assurances and comfort to them in order to pacify and settle them in peace. But when this thing happened to me, I was in a total mess like nothing could quiet me down since I was insistent on what I was head bent for them to do at a very inappropriate time. Suddenly the words of my son jolted me back to my senses. He said very briefly to me to trust as if I was hearing the very word I used to say to him and which I have almost completely forgotten at that trying moment. It was my son who pacified me and told me not to be moved by such evil. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
R: Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
...conducts his affairs with justice; 6 he shall never be moved; the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance. (R) 7 An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is steadfast;...
Let us not lose heart and always stand firm in our faith in God as in solid rock. It is not an easy task but a very difficult one in this world we live but let us hold on to God's words in today's gospel and not be moved. We should always follow and do what God wills for us. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 12:24-26
...where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
...The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
Today's psalm really made me remember that frightening day when I quivered with fear and was appeased by the reassuring words of my son. I can never forget the time when my e mail got hacked and was in a panic because of some very confidential information that was accessed and altered due to that sinister act. I was just so distraught and was already talking so fast with my son and they could no longer understand what I was saying. Usually when things like these happen to other people, I am always ready and armed with the Word of God giving assurances and comfort to them in order to pacify and settle them in peace. But when this thing happened to me, I was in a total mess like nothing could quiet me down since I was insistent on what I was head bent for them to do at a very inappropriate time. Suddenly the words of my son jolted me back to my senses. He said very briefly to me to trust as if I was hearing the very word I used to say to him and which I have almost completely forgotten at that trying moment. It was my son who pacified me and told me not to be moved by such evil. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
R: Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
...conducts his affairs with justice; 6 he shall never be moved; the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance. (R) 7 An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is steadfast;...
Let us not lose heart and always stand firm in our faith in God as in solid rock. It is not an easy task but a very difficult one in this world we live but let us hold on to God's words in today's gospel and not be moved. We should always follow and do what God wills for us. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 12:24-26
...where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Monday, August 9, 2010
END OF THE RAINBOW
There are only few occasions when I get to see a rainbow in the sky. I have always loved and been amazed whenever I see one. It makes us think of a lot of wonderful things like the famous story of the Irish leprechaun. It was believed to be the secret hiding place for his pot of gold and is usually said to be at the end of the rainbow. This place is impossible to reach. We might have not noticed this, when walking towards the end of a rainbow, it will appear to "move" further away because two people who simultaneously observe a rainbow at different locations will disagree about where a rainbow is. Today's 1st reading describes God in a vision as such. We all have differences in our perception and understanding of a lot of things. Just as a rainbow is said to be an optical effect which depends on the location of the viewer so is our perception of the glory of God. Where we are at right now with regards to our relationship with God makes all the difference. We need to be in the optimum location in order to gain access to the best view of God's splendor and majesty. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c
...he was surrounded with splendor. 28 Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day was the splendor that surrounded him. Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.
When we meet people that we like we long to be in their company and start to develop a bond with them. The more we know them and spend time with them the better our relationship becomes. Today's psalm reveals to us the perfect location where we should be at in order to attain to such a relationship. Nowhere else but close to God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
R: Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
...And he has lifted up the horn of his people. Be this his praise from all his faithful ones, from the children of Israel, the people close to him. Alleluia.
People we like and admire are a delight to be with. There are certain qualities that make us feel this way for some people. This is because we want to be close to them who are good company. This does not come as a surprise because it is only natural for us to be attracted to pleasant people. Today's gospel shows us a lot of things about Jesus. Not just pleasant ones but divine revelations. This is not just attractive but amazingly unbelievable. Can we imagine someone telling us exactly what is about to happen and it did happen. This what Jesus id just did in the 1st part of the gospel. He revealed to His disciples about His passion, death and resurrection. In the latter part, Jesus even asked Peter about the tax even before he had time to speak and gave him specific instructions as to where to find the money to pay the tax. These are all extraordinary and supernatural events that only point to one thing, He is God, All Powerful and worthy to be praised and adored. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 17:22-27 (or Luke 12:22-46)
22 As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief. 24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” 25 “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” 26 When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. 27 But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”
Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c
...he was surrounded with splendor. 28 Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day was the splendor that surrounded him. Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.
When we meet people that we like we long to be in their company and start to develop a bond with them. The more we know them and spend time with them the better our relationship becomes. Today's psalm reveals to us the perfect location where we should be at in order to attain to such a relationship. Nowhere else but close to God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
R: Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
...And he has lifted up the horn of his people. Be this his praise from all his faithful ones, from the children of Israel, the people close to him. Alleluia.
People we like and admire are a delight to be with. There are certain qualities that make us feel this way for some people. This is because we want to be close to them who are good company. This does not come as a surprise because it is only natural for us to be attracted to pleasant people. Today's gospel shows us a lot of things about Jesus. Not just pleasant ones but divine revelations. This is not just attractive but amazingly unbelievable. Can we imagine someone telling us exactly what is about to happen and it did happen. This what Jesus id just did in the 1st part of the gospel. He revealed to His disciples about His passion, death and resurrection. In the latter part, Jesus even asked Peter about the tax even before he had time to speak and gave him specific instructions as to where to find the money to pay the tax. These are all extraordinary and supernatural events that only point to one thing, He is God, All Powerful and worthy to be praised and adored. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 17:22-27 (or Luke 12:22-46)
22 As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief. 24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” 25 “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” 26 When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. 27 But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”
Sunday, August 8, 2010
INTUITION OR ESP
Even before things happen to us we already knew. In women, they call it intuition when even before finding out or seeing it with our very own eyes we already had a hunch or clue that it is going to happen. In people who are consistently loyal to God, it may not be called intuition but it is definitely something greater that this or the so called ESP (extra sensory power). Some people may doubt or question the credibility or authenticity of some things, circumstances and events following, surrounding or accompanying our faith in God. We can just let them be and continue on just like our fathers in today's 1st reading when they knew beforehand, not perhaps or maybe but with sure knowledge. Amen. Hallelujah!
Wisdom 18:6-9
6 The night of the passover was known beforehand to our fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage. 7 Your people awaited the salvation of the just...
Last night I never stopped looking back while I was crossing the pedestrian lane to see if the bus was coming. I never saw it not until I was about to cross another pedestrian lane or the street right before the bus stop and the bus just went and left me. If I only saw it coming earlier, I could have walked faster or even ran and got there on time. I guess, this has happened to most of us when we are just surprised at how we still miss something so quickly despite our close watch. We sometimes end up confused and disappointed when things like that happen despite our accurate and strict monitoring. We even ask ourselves how it could have happened. It is a consolation to know that we are constantly assured by God in today's psalm to never doubt His power and goodness. His loving eyes is always upon us not leaving us for a single moment nor removing his stare even with a wink of an eye. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20, 22 (12b)
R: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
...See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (R) 20 Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. 22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you.
Father Abraham has indeed set a good example of faith for us all to follow. It was evidenced by his willingness to go forth even without knowing where he was to go, remaining faithful in a God who is trustworthy and being rewarded with Isaac as a symbol. Amen. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
1 Brothers and sisters: Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen...By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place...he went out, not knowing where he was to go...By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age — and Sarah herself was sterile — for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy...By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,...He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
There is really much and still more to learn from today's gospel. Jesus has left us with a vast resource of learning to attain to the kingdom of God. We could no longer make excuses for everything else has been provided for us by the Lord. If we will only take to heart and act with diligence all these wonderful advice or words of wisdom that Jesus has given us then we can definitely reach our God given destiny without fail. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 12:32-48
...Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. 34 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be...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. 40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” ...Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Wisdom 18:6-9
6 The night of the passover was known beforehand to our fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage. 7 Your people awaited the salvation of the just...
Last night I never stopped looking back while I was crossing the pedestrian lane to see if the bus was coming. I never saw it not until I was about to cross another pedestrian lane or the street right before the bus stop and the bus just went and left me. If I only saw it coming earlier, I could have walked faster or even ran and got there on time. I guess, this has happened to most of us when we are just surprised at how we still miss something so quickly despite our close watch. We sometimes end up confused and disappointed when things like that happen despite our accurate and strict monitoring. We even ask ourselves how it could have happened. It is a consolation to know that we are constantly assured by God in today's psalm to never doubt His power and goodness. His loving eyes is always upon us not leaving us for a single moment nor removing his stare even with a wink of an eye. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20, 22 (12b)
R: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
...See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (R) 20 Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. 22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you.
Father Abraham has indeed set a good example of faith for us all to follow. It was evidenced by his willingness to go forth even without knowing where he was to go, remaining faithful in a God who is trustworthy and being rewarded with Isaac as a symbol. Amen. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
1 Brothers and sisters: Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen...By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place...he went out, not knowing where he was to go...By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age — and Sarah herself was sterile — for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy...By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,...He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
There is really much and still more to learn from today's gospel. Jesus has left us with a vast resource of learning to attain to the kingdom of God. We could no longer make excuses for everything else has been provided for us by the Lord. If we will only take to heart and act with diligence all these wonderful advice or words of wisdom that Jesus has given us then we can definitely reach our God given destiny without fail. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 12:32-48
...Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. 34 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be...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. 40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” ...Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Saturday, August 7, 2010
TRUE CONNECTION
It’s been almost 3 years ago when I first encountered this bible passage from today’s 1st reading on Oct. 7, 2007 (10-07-07). From that time, I’ve started writing down daily reflections based on the assigned bible readings up to this very day. It was exactly the day before that (Oct.6, 2007), when my friend who brought me here to the US left. This bible passage was also one of the reasons why I decided to stay in the US despite of it all. It’s funny how today’s date which is August 7, 2010 is also linked with it in a way since it is 08—7-10. Aside from the fact that today is the 7th of the month which happens to be also the same day of the month of October in 2007 when I received this message, the numbers 8 and 10 are also very significant to me. There were also several events that I can associate with the numbers 8 and 10 which led me to this path where I am right now. When I was still in the Philippines, I called the US Embassy to get a schedule for an interview. I was scheduled on Feb. 8, 2007 Thursday. At that time, I have been getting a lot of confirmations with the # 8 and the day Thursday that’s why they meant a lot to me. It was like getting a positive sign from the Lord already and was confirmed when I was granted a visa. Another incident was when I took the NCLEX-RN exam in Pasadena, on that day when we got to the testing center I got the surprise of my life when I saw the # 8 hanging in a stand. Although that # was not assigned to me and got the # 11, I secretly wished that I should have gotten the # 10 instead because it's my husband's favorite # and it’s considered as a perfect number too. And guess what, wish granted when the test administrator accidentally switched the # and I got the # 10 instead. I personally think it is God's way of building up my confidence which I considered a good sign since I passed the test. It was also on the 8th of Nov. 2007 which happened to be a Thursday, too when I finally decided to stay in the US after receiving word from a USCIS personnel regarding my immigrant petition. What’s interesting here is the fact that her name is Maria the same as the Blessed Mother. Just look at how things are connected in a way. Significant events in Mama Mary's life is dated with #8. Her birthday on Sept. 8 and the Immaculate Conception on Dec.8. To make it connect even more is the fact that today’s 1st reading is taken from Habakkuk which has 8 letters in it and the letter H represents the #8 in the alphabet. I feel that God has always been sending us positive signs although not directly implied God is giving us an opportunity to hold on to Him at all times no matter how unsure some things may be. There is more to it than I could ever realize, figure and write about. No matter how perfectly or slightly matched these numbers, endless connections and significant events are, the fact that God is always true to His words and promise thereby making all things possible is the only true connection that really matters. Amen. Hallelujah!
Habakkuk 1:12 – 2:4
…2 Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. 3 For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late…
If we continue to hold on to God and seek Him at all times in all things then we will never be disappointed. We will surely find Him and not be led astray for everything is under God’s control and power. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 9:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
R: You forsake not those who seek you, O Lord.
… The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of distress. 10 [11] They trust in you who cherish your name, for you forsake not those who seek you, O LORD.
We can not let unbelief nor the slightest trace of doubt set in. We should always acknowledge the fact there is a continuous tug of war between good and evil. Whatever actions we engage in, will result to the advantage of one pulling end over the other. This is critical since we will contribute to the proliferation and taking root in us of one power over the other. It’s like hearing the words of a lawyer telling us, whatever you say and do can be used against you. Or the other way around, since it could also be to our advantage. It is definitely in our hands, we’ve got to nurture the seed of faith that God has planted in us. We’ve got to take an active part in it and be perfectly aware of the truth that we are the variable factor. God is the constant factor. There is no question about God’s power and might that’s why we are able to move mountains because God said so. We need to let our faith grow from little to great just as God our Father whom we rely on, is able to do the impossible. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 17:14-20
…17 Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. 19 Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Habakkuk 1:12 – 2:4
…2 Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. 3 For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late…
If we continue to hold on to God and seek Him at all times in all things then we will never be disappointed. We will surely find Him and not be led astray for everything is under God’s control and power. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 9:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
R: You forsake not those who seek you, O Lord.
… The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of distress. 10 [11] They trust in you who cherish your name, for you forsake not those who seek you, O LORD.
We can not let unbelief nor the slightest trace of doubt set in. We should always acknowledge the fact there is a continuous tug of war between good and evil. Whatever actions we engage in, will result to the advantage of one pulling end over the other. This is critical since we will contribute to the proliferation and taking root in us of one power over the other. It’s like hearing the words of a lawyer telling us, whatever you say and do can be used against you. Or the other way around, since it could also be to our advantage. It is definitely in our hands, we’ve got to nurture the seed of faith that God has planted in us. We’ve got to take an active part in it and be perfectly aware of the truth that we are the variable factor. God is the constant factor. There is no question about God’s power and might that’s why we are able to move mountains because God said so. We need to let our faith grow from little to great just as God our Father whom we rely on, is able to do the impossible. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 17:14-20
…17 Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. 19 Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
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