DON'T HOLD BACK

If we are to read carefully, word for word and take seriously what is stated in today's 1st reading then we should realize that we are the most priced and valued of all of God's creation. We have been placed on a pedestal, considered beloved and His by the Lord. Nothing else could be worth more than this and this is who we are before the Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!


Wisdom 11:22-12:2
...you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. 25 And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you? 26 But you spare all things, because they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, 12: 1 for your imperishable spirit is in all things! 2 Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little, warn them, and remind them of the sins they are committing, that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O LORD!


We should have the confidence always of a beloved child of God and the honor of being on top of God's creation. The Lord is always ready to extend His help and shower His blessings on us, His people. The question is, are we willing to accept His help and stay within the circle of His blessings? This question is very critical and sometimes left unanswered, neglected and taken for granted. When we choose to continue in the path that does not lead us closer to God the answer is clear, it is a no. When we direct our actions in things that draw us closer to God then it is a Yes. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14
R: I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God
...The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. 9 The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works...The LORD lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

There are so many things that tend to pull us away from the loving presence of God. The good news here is that we have the power to stay in his presence or not. It is just a matter of will. When we allow ourselves to be distracted and shaken out of our minds then we succumb to the trickery and trap of this world and the enemy. We become distracted and out of focus of what should clearly be our main objective. When this happens, our will take us to a different direction instead of head toward where we are supposed to be. If there's a will there's a way. Our will should take us to the right way and we can conquer all through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!


2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2
11 Brothers and sisters: 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, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. 2: 1 We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, 2 not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.


The priest in today’s homily said that we’ve got to take risks for our faith in God. We’ve got to be a risk taker like Zacchaeus. He took a great risk of appearing foolish before other people when he climbed on a tree just to get a glimpse of Jesus and what did he get. He did not just get a glimpse but Jesus went into his home and dined with him. He did not stop there, when Jesus finally went into his home he offered to give up half of his possessions to the poor and repay four times those he had extorted money from. We are headed to a much greater blessing if we will learn to take great risks in the name of our faith in God. We can never outdo or out give God in His generosity. It is time we let go of our narrow mindsets and boxed up notions of what a true blessing is. It is about time we realize that God alone can make us whole. We should not hold back as we open ourselves up to God’s work and saving power as He seeks and restores us to Himself. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 19:1-10
...Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

NEEDS & WANTS

For those who have gone ahead of us, I suppose and hope that they have done their part and are now enjoying the eternal bliss in heaven with God. On the other hand, we who are still in this world are not just on an extended stay for nothing. We are here up to this moment for a reason and we better make good use of this time the way St. Paul did in his letter to the Philippians. Let us not go on living our lives without realizing this very important truth that we all have to respond to achieve our highest potential for our own sake and for the glory of God. Amen. Hallelujah!


Philippians 1:18b-26
...For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. 22 If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. 23 I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary...

According to Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, a Jesuit priest and author of the book, "Holy Longing", man's desire is so intense that he called it a raging inferno. It's unstoppable and powerful that it creates holes in our souls. We can attempt in our human nature to fill in these holes but we still end up with a hollow feeling. These holes come in different shapes. We may be trying to fit in the wrong shape into these holes. These holes can only be filled in by God. Only God our Creator knows best and He is the only one who can determine which will fit into our soul. We all have our desires and longing in life but if we insist on doing it our way and not follow the pattern and shape that God has given us then we will never be truly happy. Just like the deer in today's psalm, only God can quench the thirst in our souls. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 42:2, 3, 5cdef
R: My soul is thirsting for the living God.
1 [2] As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, O God. (R) 2 [3] Athirst is my soul for God, the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?

We need to totally trust God in His goodness and know that He has our best interests protected. He will see to it that not just some but all of our needs are met. Take note of this, it is our needs not our wants that God cares for most. We've got to make a distinction of these 2, needs and wants. Although God is capable of taking care of both and sometimes allow it on some occasions, we should learn the lesson that today's gospel is telling us. We just ought to abandon ourselves to the Lord even if it seemed to be the lowliest place we could be and we will surely find ourselves in places we've never ever dreamed of. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 14:1, 7-11
...For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

SNUGGLE

While we are still alive and breathing, there is hope. It doesn't matter what our situation is, what counts most is the truth that God will not abandon us. We are a work in progress in the hands of our Savior. We can be sure that God will not leave us without carrying out the things that has to be done in us. God is faithful and will fulfill His part of the covenant, without a doubt. God never gives up on His people. It is our part of the covenant that we should answer to in return. Amen. Hallelujah!


Philippians 1:1-11
...I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus...

The other day, I received news from Sis Rose that her dog, Snuggle is lost and it's been almost a day but still no news of him. She said that she has posted flyers already with a picture of Snuggle and her whereabouts just in case anybody would find him. Yesterday as Bernadeth and I were saying our prayers, I got a call from Sis Rose. I assured her before we hang up that we would include Snuggle in our prayers and we did. I found out after, that just as we were finishing our prayers, Sis Rose immediately got a call from someone who found Snuggle. She was told that her dog was on the verge of crossing the very busy street of Amar Blvd. when this lady decided to pick him up and just bring him home. It was for the best since Sis Rose thought that it would be almost impossible or difficult to find him if he had crossed the road. Her dog is now back and very thankful to God for answering our prayers. Amen. Hallelujah!



Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: How great are the works of the Lord!
...He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD. He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. 6 He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations.

This lady who rescued Snuggle could have decided to do otherwise but she did the right thing. She could have just walked away and not mind the dog. Her actions lead to one good thing to another and it goes on and on. Sometimes we are confronted with something that we could not decide what to do or which way to go. Today's gospel challenges us to always place our best foot forward and never hesitate to do good. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 14:1-6
5 Then he said to them, “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” 6 But they were unable to answer his question.

SIGNATURE IN THE SKY

I love this song. "God's got an army. It's marching through this land. Deliverance is their song. There's healing in their hands. There's everlasting joy and gladness in their hearts. And in this army I've got a part!" When I first heard it I felt like I really want to belong. Well, it is our mission and call. We should really belong. Amen. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. 21 Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; 22 in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

It made so much sense to me when I heard somebody said, "Look up in to the heavens and see the sun, moon and sky. Who can ever deny the greatness of such a creation? Every great artist places their signature in their masterpiece, leaves a mark and fashions a style that is uniquely their own. Our God is holy, mighty, immortal and is also the greatest artist ever known. A long time ago, I heard of this information that the astronomers found out about the universe or the milky way in particular. They reported this unprecedented double helix nebula they saw near center of the Milky Way. To be more specific, it was in March 15, 2006, the date is something I should note of since it is exactly the same date when my mother died only a year after and also the same date of my consecration to the Militia Immaculata (March 15, 2008) It makes it all the more significant for me that at the time I found out about this, I was working on my thesis which deals greatly about the DNA. We all know that all living beings have a DNA which is a double helical structure found inside the cell. What these astronomers found out is just another signature of our Master Creator. Can we try erasing or writing over a signature written in the sky? This can never be denied and by all means can not be tampered. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5
R: Their message goes out through all the earth.
1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nora discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.


It should always bring us great joy and pleasure to look back and recall how things happen in our life and how they all connect and make more sense. This is what happens when we pray at all times even without completely getting the whole picture. Time will come when things will take its perfect form and be more clearly presented to us. In today's gospel, Jesus went up to the mountain to pray and spent the night in prayer to God before He chose the Twelve. Looking back at all those years, what Jesus did was a very important decision. He appointed the leaders of the Church that still stands to this very day. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 6:12-16
12 Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

THE MYSTERY

I don't know exactly what happened but I received the same readings as yesterday in the email from Kerygma today. When I checked and referred to the USCCB webpage I found out that yesterday's readings were supposed to be different. Since I've done my reflections for today's readings yesterday, I decided to do yesterday's for today. Sounds pretty confusing but that's how it is sometimes. I did not bother to find out any further why, because anything could just be the reason. It is a mystery. We get mixed up with a lot of things and just have to make things right. When we commit blunders whether it is our own doing or not we just ought to strive to make things work with everybody's best interest in mind but always in reference to Christ and the Church and exactly what is said in the assigned readings not just once but twice. Amen. Hallelujah!

Eph 5:21-33 or Eph 5:2a, 25-32
...This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.

I like the writing on the shirts of my son, Jude and these young people who attended the most recent YFC (Youth for Christ) Youth Camp. It says, "It's not about me, it's all about God." Well, yes it's right on target and what's it all about. For in the end and to top it all, it will all come down to us as a blessing and favor from God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Responsorial Psalm
R. (1a) Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
...For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.


We all come to think of life as a mystery. We can't get all the answers that we want all at once but we can somehow work our way to it. As in the tiniest seed which eventually grew gigantically. Let us be assured that we will all get there sooner or later as we plant, cultivate and nurture the Kingdom of God as a seed planted in the rich soil of our heart. Amen. Hallelujah!


Lk 13:18-21
Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” ...

STRONG ENOUGH

Today’s 1st reading is kind of special because it is one of the things that I first learned when I became a charismatic and it has never left my memory. It is something that I always remember especially when I encounter people who have lived very long. It’s funny how I always ask old people if they have honored their parents well. This promise does not just say long life but it may also go well. If we sometimes get disappointed with the promises that people make, we can always count on the promises of God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 6:1-9
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise, 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth.”

The Lord has always been faithful and not a single moment would He ever not be. If this is so true for us then we ought to do as the psalm reading today tells us. All our thoughts, words and actions should reflect how great our God is. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
R: The Lord is faithful in all his words.
10 Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. 11 Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might. (R) 12 Making known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. (R) 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.

I just met this old lady several months ago and she will be celebrating her birthday in 3 weeks. She will turn 89 on her birthday. Her loved ones are going to throw a party for her and she was told that she needs to be strong enough by that time so that she can enjoy it. She said that it was not easy for her to do her daily walking exercises most especially after she had fallen. She has become so unstable every time she stands up to walk but she painstakingly works on it despite the difficulty it is causing her. This bible passage from today's gospel somehow reminded me of it. I can't help but think of her the moment I read it. I could remember very well the words, strong enough was specifically spoken to her. She knows what is required of her to achieve this as advised by her Physical Therapist (PT), to keep on walking as much as she can. We can see from the reading that Jesus advised the man to strive to enter through the narrow gate. It is not like anybody can just enter the narrow gate since it is stated that not all will be strong enough to do so. Just like this old lady who commits to her physical regimen despite her discomfort in order to achieve her goal, we too should devise a plan on how to be strong enough on that final day. It is never easy for an old lady who just suffered a fall and is afflicted with other illnesses to do such a thing. I have heard a lot of amusing statements on growing old like, “It isn’t any fun getting old, growing old ain’t for sissys, stay young and never grow old.” I guess being old in itself is already a narrow door that we have to face with God’s grace if ever we will be given the chance. We all have our discomforts and difficulties that we have to tackle in life. Let us keep our eyes focused on our goals which will not just benefit us in this lifetime but for eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrowgate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

It is funny how this bible passage from today's 1st reading specifically commands the husband to love the wife while the wife was told to respect the husband. If we are to look very closely then we'll find that it is very characteristic of a man and a woman. I guess, we can say basing from this statement that respect is primary for a husband and love for a wife in order for a marriage to really work. Basically speaking it is just as it says so and as simple as that. Let us not make things complicated, take it one at a time and get down on it. Amen. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 5:21-33
...In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.

We really have to always start with the basics, keep it simple and really get down with the real stuff. We've got to take things one step at a time. We know for a fact that we humans have a tendency to make things complicated. We know exactly why. It is because we want to make excuses, create our own rules and get away with it. God tries to make it as simple as possible for us but we just don't want it His way because we've got to have it our own way. That's when the problem starts. It is always easier said than done but we've got to take God's word for it. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
...who walk in his ways! 2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored...may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

It took some time before the small mustard seed became fully grown into a large bush and so is the wheat flour mixed with yeast. Both of them did not instantly grow big. With regards to the mustard seed it was first planted in the garden and for it to grow must surely be cultivated and nourished. The same is true with the Kingdom of God, we have to take good care of the seed planted in our hearts. There are so many things that could hamper its growth or even cut it dead. Or we can't rush things, hasten the process and by pass the necessary stages of growth. We've got to take things one step at a time. We ought to take responsibility of making sure that this seed will reach its full maturity and be a pleasing testimony of God's kingdom. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 13:18-21
18 Jesus said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and ‘the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.’ ” 20 Again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

GOD'S FAVORITES

Sometimes we encounter disappointments in life in the form of favoritisms when we turn out to be the person who is not the favorite. It is so disheartening for all of us especially if it is very obvious and puts us in a humiliating way that hurts our ego. It is already a big deal in itself but to love and care for a person who does not reciprocate our feelings and disregards it in favor of another person is much worse. We can't help but feel bad about it. We know that feeling this way does not make things better nor would it change how others should feel about us in a genuine kind of way. This should not put us down. God knows our heartaches and longings. By knowing that He knows no favorites because we are all God’s favorites should make all the difference and what matter most. Amen. Hallelujah!


Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
12 The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. 13 Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. 14 The LORD is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint; 16 The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. 17 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, 18 nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.


We should not care so much about gaining the approval and admiration of men rather than God. Our focus first and foremost should be to please God and everything else will follow. Even if it sometimes do not work the way we expected and planned things to be. We can be assured that the Lord heard, hears and will hear all our prayers and surely has the best answer at hand in His most perfect time. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 (7a)
R: The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
1 [2] I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3] Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad.The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 17 [18] When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. (R) 18 [19] The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 22 [23] But the LORD redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.

It shouldn't be just Paul who could utter these very words in today's 2nd reading. We should also be able to say it ourselves. Our fight of faith is something like choosing to be in the right frame of our life and not turn back. We may have come to a point in our life when things are harder than ever but as long as we are in the right frame we should not be moved. God permitted such situations in our life. It is only in going through some things that we gain understanding of how things work and acquire knowledge that can only be learned most effectively in actually experiencing it for ourselves. There are some things we would not have known about and discovered if not for the experiences we've gone through. As in James 2:17, "So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead." We've got to have something to conquer before we can be a conqueror, something to overcome before we can be an overcomer and a test to have a testimony. Amen. Hallelujah!


2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
...I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance...


Sometimes we are so preoccupied with how we are faring in the eyes of men without realizing that God's point of view and criteria should come first. We've got to discover the secret hidden in today's gospel and genuinely live it. Without truly understanding the real meaning of being humbled before the Lord then we can never apply what today’s gospel is telling us. It is important to know how we picture God in our life. It will automatically create a series of reactions in us. When we go to God in prayer we must keep in mind that God is the source of all good things and without Him we are nothing. When we get the real picture of our relationship with God we become better and better. We need not say or do anything to exalt ourselves because our efforts are merely nothing as compared to God’s. All we have to do is trust that God who sees and knows all will put everything in our life in its perfect order. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 18:9-14
...everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

RESERVED SEAT

We've got to grow in our faith in God. Just as we are born infants when we came to this world but eventually grew into adults so must our spiritual body. We can not remain as baby Christians. We must develop into the full stature of Christ. Just think of a young child left all alone to take care of himself. It is not possible. There should be at least someone who could look after his needs, whereas a grown up man can live independently. We can not remain like the babies who would always be in need of someone all the time. We've got to achieve the full potential of who we are, a child of God who has fully grown up. Amen. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 4:7-16
until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming.


Today's psalm reminds me of this popular game called, "Trip to Jerusalem" I guess, everybody's familiar with it. We may all have played this game when we were young or even when we're older. It's like the fastest, quickest and most alert person who gets the last seat wins. If we are not paying attention or are too slow then we are bound to lose. We have to put up a good fight in this game in order to win because the chairs are always lacking so every round there is always one person who doesn't get a seat and gets eliminated. It is just a game but people have a lot of fun doing their best so as not to be eliminated and win. People who engage themselves in this kind of game and want to win exert a lot of effort. It is so tiring and can exhaust one's energy in the game. And to think that after all our efforts only one person gets to win. Isn't it a relief that we can go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. We need not worry that all our best efforts would just be wasted because God has reserved a seat for each one of us. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
...And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. (R) 3 Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. 4 To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD. (R) According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. 5 In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.


We all have a reservation in heaven but just like any reservation, it has a validity period and can be forfeited. We don't want that happening to us. We would surely want to avail of it when the appointed time comes. There is a need to fulfill certain requirements in order to fully enjoy it. It is a consolation to know that the hardest part of the requirement has been fulfilled by our Lord Jesus. All that is left for us to do is to respond to it the way the fig tree in the gospel is supposed to do after it has been cultivated and fertilized, bear much fruit. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 13:1-9
...And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, 7 he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ 8 He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; 9 it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’ ”

ONE OR MULTIPLE

I have always watched the Dragon Ball Z Cartoon series before because it used to be my 2 sons favorite when they were still kids. Somehow I have come to like it in a way maybe due to my constant exposure and especially because I get to relate with my kids better and have a share of their world. Recently I had the chance of watching in HBO the Dragon Ball Revolution movie. It was at that time when I found out about the origin of the Dragon Ball hero. I didn't realize that Gokou, the protagonist and the one portraying the good guy and hero image is an alien monster who originated from outer space. He ended up on earth and was cared for by good people without knowing that at the age of 18 he would be transformed into who he really is, a monster. At that moment he did transform into a hideous monster but was able to fight the evil lurking inside of him. It was because he remembered the words of this person who reared him, "Do not forget who you are." I was suddenly reminded of it because today's 1st reading is almost like a plea from Paul to live in accordance to our call. Let us not forget who we are called to be no matter how difficult it may be. Of all the fruits of the Holy Spirit, these 3 things mentioned by Paul from the reading which are, humility, gentleness and patience are so hard to achieve. We've got to fight the emotions that overwhelm us and strive to conduct ourselves in a very Christian way. It would even come to a point when we could justify and rationalize our actions but it boils down to only one thing. Our actions are never a reflection of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. As the reflection for this reading in Companion tells us, we ought to be one, one, one we can't be schizophrenics or multiple personality Christians … unity is a key to understanding the nature and work of God. The trouble is that we human beings are very good at splintering things and dividing them up. When it comes to our lives of faith we will have to overcome this tendency and learn to work together for the good of all. We need each other’s help if we are going to be faithful to the call God has given us as individuals and as a community of faith. Amen. Hallelujah!


Ephesians 4:1-6
1 Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, 3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.


We can't claim to be this kind of person, a Christian but conduct ourselves in a very unlikely way. We've got to be consistent to the kind of people who longs to see God's face. We have to be firm, resilient and faithful people of God. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
...Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior.


We ought to be wise and sensible Christians. If we are so good in managing our earthly affairs all the more should we be good in conducting our spiritual affairs which last not just here on earth but to eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 12:54-59
54 Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain — and so it does; 55 and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot — and so it is. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 57 “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. 59 I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

BEYOND MEASURE

We know that words are not enough to describe how great the love of God is but Paul gave it his best shot. Today's 1st reading is filled with inspiring, poetic and heartfelt words in his letter to the Ephesians. It can never capture the fullness of its meaning but we can always strive to show a tiny portion of it. As in a loving parent to a child is something we can all relate to since we are all children of our parents and could be parents too ourselves. Looking back at all those years when we were still very young and considering that today is my mother’s birthday, I would like to honor her for the great sacrifice she made for us, her children. She was the only one left to our care because my father passed away at a very young age. My brothers and I were all witnesses to the great love and care she showered on us. I should say we could very much relate to that kind of love. But to suffer an only Begotten Son for the sake of another is an angle that we may never come to fully understand for its breadth, length, height and depth is too much for us to bear. It is beyond measure. Who could have done such a great sacrifice but only God our Savior who loves us to the end. Amen. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 3:14-21
...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us...

Let us never lose sight of this wonderful plan that God has for all of us. We may not be seeing it right now, having doubts about it, not paying attention to it or unable to commit to it. Whatever it may be, these are all hindrances that prevent us from gaining access to the goodness of the Lord. Never allow ourselves to miss out on this privilege that is accorded to all of us as the children of God. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
R: The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
...the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations...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.

We all have a mission in life that we have to fulfill when we were born here on earth. The Baltimore Catechism explains it to us in simple terms. God made us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness in heaven. To gain the happiness of heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this world. We learn to know, love, and serve God from Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who teaches us through the Catholic Church. In today's gospel, Jesus is full of zeal to accomplish what God has sent Him to do without regard for the manner it is to be carried out. He is detached from the things of this world and is on fire with passion to fulfill God's mission. Sometimes we, too become so restless when we know that there things we ought to do but haven't done them. Somehow we know this feeling and could very well relate to it. The only difference lies in this question, what are the things we want to accomplish. It would help to consider this powerful statement from Companion which says, THINK: The best way to honor the Lord is by living according to His plan and promoting the Gospel in all that we say and do. In addition to this is the reflection question from Sabbath. Do you get going even when the going gets rough? Do you find company in the Lord during these times? Do you accept challenges as opportunities to prove your faith in God? By Your grace, Lord, let me not compromise my faith when life gets tough. You are my strength and my shield. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 12:49-53
...“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!50 There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!

MYSTERY PLAN

For thousands of generations past, God has been attempting to reveal Himself to mankind and trying to establish a relationship with us. From the time of Adam & Eve and Noah and dates way back to 1800 BC during the time of Abraham, Moses (1200), David (means the favored one,1000), Exodus (600) to the birth of our Lord Jesus. From this time line, significant events happened from the time of Creation when God created man who fell into sin and became unfaithful and how God continuously called us back to Him by showing us who He really is throughout the length of time. Dramatic events like the entrance of the Israelites to the promised land and the pockets of rebellion as they took over the 12 tribes. The sequence of events when they settled into a life of monarchy (kings) from their 1st king (Saul) to King David and King Solomon. The time of David as the greatest time of the people of God when the kingdom grew bigger while the time of Solomon as the time when the temple is at its best owing to the "wisdom of Solomon which was manifested in the 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs he wrote. But it was also marked by an event when the kingdom was divided due to Solomon's involvement to 1005 wives. It was a very difficult time marked by political upheaval, assassinations and adultery in the manner of the people's worship to Yahweh mixed with the pagan god, Baal. They all symbolize the covenant of God's love and relationship to man. The untiring and immense love of God for us revealed in the fullness of time through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 3:2-12
...bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known...

Every time I encounter this psalm reading, I am always reminded of this wonderful prayer that I got from the e mail. Here it is. "None goes to the river early in the morning and brings dirty water. As you are up this morning may your life be clean, calm and clear like the early morning water. May the grace of the Almighty support, sustain and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Amen." Hallelujah!


P S A L M
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
R: You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
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.

God is fair and just in all His ways. We can rely on Him to carry out everything perfectly. We should be relieved in the fact that everything will come to pass in His perfect time in accordance to God's standard and not ours. In the meantime, we should always be prepared. If we don't know what to expect then we are at a loss. Jesus in today's gospel tells us that sooner or later we will all come face to face with God on our last day here on earth. No one can deny the fact that we will all die and it is something that we must not be afraid of. Instead we should all be ready for it when it comes and while we still have time. There is always hope as long as we live. Those who have prepared and acted in vigilance will never be caught unaware. Nothing beats those who are always ready and prepared. We have a responsibility in our hands and we are accountable to it. Let us do all in our power to measure up and give it our best. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 12:39-48
...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.”

NCPs

It can be told, we are God's dwelling place. Thus we ought to do everything in our power to make ourselves pleasing and holy before the Lord. When we speak of physically constructing something like a temple we've got to have all the necessary funds and materials to build it. It really costs a lot to build especially at this time when there is economic distress all over the world. Spiritually, it is not like we are lacking in resources of any kind to fulfill this. The Holy Spirit has the gifts, well equipped and will never run low to carry out this task of building us into a temple of God. Isn't it a relief, all we have to do is desire and ask for it with a pure and sincere heart. Amen. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 2:12-22
...Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; 22 in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

They say faith and reason do not work together just like science and religion. This is not a fact but a fallacy. These things in fact compliment each other because one supports the other. There is no faith without reason and vice versa. We can not just have one and lack the other. This has to be very clear in our heads. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14
R: The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

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.


During my nursing student days we used to make a lot of NCPs (Nursing Care Plan) especially in our clinical rotations in different hospitals. These NCPs based on our instructor's format are composed of 5 columns namely, ADPIE which stands for A- Assessment, D- Diagnosis, P-Planning, I-Implementation and E - Evaluation. We are able to carry out our duties well and give the optimum care to patients if we can come up with priority NCPs. It's just as the name itself says, nursing care plan with its important components (ADPIE). We all need to have a good NCP not just in the hospital setting but in our daily lives. In doing so we are well prepared and ready for anything that might or is bound to come up. If we are always on the look out and well equipped then we can picture ourselves just like those servants in today's gospel, truly blessed. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 12:35-38
35 Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps 36 and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 38 And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”

TAKE THE CHALLENGE

In our journey of faith as a Christian many people would say and agree that it is like a bed of roses but not without the thorns. Ouch! We get a lot of that as we travel through life most especially if we have committed ourselves to serve God through spreading the Good News. I like this saying, "Life is God's gift to us and what we make of our life is our gift to God." We have to strive living our life as in this song, "Lord I offer my life to you, everything I've been through use it for your glory. Lord I offer my days to you, lifting my praise to you as a pleasing sacrifice, Lord I offer you my life. All that I am, all that I have, I lay them down before you Oh Lord, all my regrets, all my acclaims, the joy and the pain, I'm making them yours. Things in the past, things yet unseen, wishes and dreams that are yet to come true, all of my heart, all of my praise, my heart and my hands are lifted to you. What can we give that you have not given. And what do we have that is not already yours? All we possess. All these lives we're living, that's what we give to you, Lord." Not everybody would be as receptive and pleasant as we wanted them to be. Just like Paul in today's 1st reading who was greeted with a lot of setbacks and difficulties, we have to continue and not be discouraged. Nor should we take it personally against the people who have harmed us. It's kind of easy to say but hard to do. This is the challenge that Paul leaves us with and not everyone is brave enough to take and truly commit to it. Let us be aware that this task that the Lord our God is entrusting to us is offered to all without exception. Amen. Hallelujah!

2 Timothy 4:10-17b
...Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 You too be on guard against him, for he has strongly resisted our preaching. 16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.


If we have finally considered ourselves as a friend of God then we ought to really be one in the truest sense of the word and do as the psalm tells us today. Take the challenge and be blessed. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
R: Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
...let your faithful ones bless you. 11 Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might. (R) 12 Making known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your kingdom...

Have we noticed that as we get anxious and worried about some things the more they get worse. It doesn't really help to be uptight and all stressed out. We can not always expect things to go our way and sometimes we do have to get ourselves ready for the disappointments coming to us. We may have the best intentions and motives but we can not always expect other people and the circumstances around us to go along with our plans. We just have to do what we have to do. As in today's gospel, Jesus warned His disciples what may come upon them and what to expect so as to get them ready for what awaits them as they take on the task to spread the word of God. At the end of the day, when we know we've done what is required of us and did it with the best of our abilities then we should just have to let go and let God. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 10:1-9
...Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. 4 Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. 5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ 6 If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. 8 Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, 9 cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”

TEAMWORK

Even during the time of Moses, teamwork was already being practiced by believers and they benefitted a lot from it. It is surely better to work together as family of God by supporting rather than pulling each other down. When we engage ourselves into something it is always a good question to ask this. Do we pull someone down or do we lift them up? Today's 1st reading shows us how the support they gave to each other made them win the fight. Amen. Hallelujah!

Exodus 17:8-13
...As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. 12 Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Even if we run out of people who are willing to help us or the situation we are in doesn't look good, today's psalm tell us not to despair for we can be assured that help is on the way. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
R: Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
1 I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me? 2 My help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (R) 3 May he not suffer your foot to slip; may he slumber not who guards you: 4 Indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps, the guardian of Israel. (R) 5 The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade; he is beside you at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. (R) 7 The LORD will guard you from all evil; he will guard your life. 8 The LORD will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever.


We can always rely on the scripture to guide and enlighten us always. It is like an instruction manual that goes with a product. In order for it to operate well there is a need to follow instructions with regards to its use. When God created us He gave us His words in scripture to keep us going the right way. Amen. Hallelujah!


2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
...All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 4: 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: 2 proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

We have probably heard the story in today’s gospel for quite a number of times already. It usually leaves us with the wrong impression that we have to be very persistent in our prayers in the wrong sense. There is this tendency to think that God is like this judge in the gospel whom we can gain approval through constant persistence and prodding. As if we can delude and sway God over to our whims and caprices. God does not change, we change. As the song goes, “His works are perfect and all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, good and upright is He.” For a change why don’t we think of the judge as ourselves and the widow as God since He has been persistently following us and never stopped getting our attention. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 18:1-8
...Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

TOP OF THE LINE

We have to be constantly aware of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. It is like we need to nurture and cherish this truth so that our inclinations and tendencies will be greatly influenced by it. When we get into something without really knowing where we are headed then we become susceptible to dread and fear. Today's 1st reading tells us the importance of having the gift of discernment. Let us pray to God and constantly desire that the Holy Spirit will endow us with this gift. For it is written in Mt. 7:7-11, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him." Amen. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 1:15-23
...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. 18 May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might,...


The tricky question which I guess no one can give a straight answer is, "Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?" Furthermore, if we are to look at creation and all the things that surround us, as in the heavens, the moon and the stars then we will just be filled with awe and wonder at the greatness of God's work. It is a masterpiece of the Greatest Artist. What's most overwhelming is the fact that we have been given the honor of being the highlight of His work and the top of the line. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 8:2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7
R: You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
...When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — 4 [5] what is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? (R) 5 [6] You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 [7] You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet.


We are God's most precious ones and our worth never diminishes nor do we lose our value. No matter what this imperfect world that we are in at the moment throw in front of us, we shall not be moved. We are worth more than anything in this world. There is no reason to fear or be afraid for we are the sons and daughters of the Most High God and the Holy Spirit is with us. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 12:8-12
...When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”

NOT JUST ANY PERSON

We can be assured in the midst of all the commotion going on around us where we are no longer sure who can be trusted or not that Jesus Christ is on our side. Today's 1st reading tells us that He accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will. It is a relief and consolation that it is not our will or someone else but God's perfect will. Thus we always pray, Thy will be done. We can completely trust His perfect will to work for our good. Amen. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 1:11-14
...In Christ we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.

We should not give room to any doubt, fear, anxiety, impatience, irritability, hatred, sadness, iniquity, unfaithfulness, disloyalty, pride and loss of self control. Let us not choose to give in to these. They are all characteristics that should not be found in a people the Lord has chosen to be His own. Amen. Hallelujah!



Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13
R: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
...For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.


It is always a good feeling to hear someone say assuring words of sincere and genuine love and care especially if we are that person being spoken to. Today’s gospel is exactly that and Jesus is not just any person, He is God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 12:1-7
...Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. 7 Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

WITHOUT RESERVATION

What Jesus did for us is unsurpassed and unequalled. No one could ever love us more than He could. He has done everything for our sake and has not left anything unfulfilled. We could either respond in accordance to what He has done for us or not. It is just one or the other. God did not love us reservedly but went out all the way when He gave His only Son, Jesus for our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins. It is only right and fitting that we do the same without reservation. Amen. Hallelujah!


Ephesians 1:1-10
...In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.

We will just run out of excuses and alibis if we will get into the bottom of all things. There is really nowhere to go but to God and that we would have to realize not sooner or later but right now and act on it. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
R: The Lord has made known his salvation.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

Sometimes we complain that life is not fair when things happen to us without doing anything that deserves what we're getting. It is just not fair at times and we would just have to trust that God will always make things right for us. There are times too when we don't realize that we could have known that some things are bound to come to us. It could or could not be of our own doing or of others. Whatever it may be we have to be aware of the responsibility in our hands. We can not always evade the real issue and try to hide the real picture. If we are confronted or got caught in a really messy situation, it is irrelevant to keep on looking for somebody to blame and do something foolish. Just like the scribes and Pharisees in today's gospel. Being the learned and respected group of people they could have acted positively when they were corrected and reprimanded. Instead of wallowing up in their pride and exacting revenge they could have been receptive and considered it as a jolt or eye opener to change for the better rather than act in hostility. Sometimes it is our initial reaction or natural instinct to fight back or retaliate against someone who places us in an embarrassing situation. It is clear that in today's gospel the scribes and Pharisees need to be corrected but whether we deserve something like it or not is always good to respond positively. Sometimes we get a share of nasty comments that are sometimes out of line but we can always respond and act in all calmness rather than with hostility. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 11:47-54
...Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! 52 Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” 53 When he left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, 54 for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.

LIVING IN THE LIGHT

If there are bible passages that should be known by heart and mind by a Christian then one of them is from today's 1st reading. It is about the fruits of the Holy Spirit. During my first Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) that I attended this bible passage was one of the things discussed intensively in the LSS. It was something that never left me and always served as a reminder and guideline. I am very grateful for that and feel that it should always be included in similar activities like the upcoming Living in the Light Seminar (LLS) on October 30, 2010. In this way we could always refer to it like a checklist so that we can immediately dismiss or exchange whatever it is we bear in our hearts, mind and soul that is not a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Hallelujah!

Galatians 5:18-25
...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.


Right this very moment miners are being rescued in Chile. There's one thing that caught my attention to it as I was reading today's psalm. Nobody would ever want to be trapped in a dark mine that is 2000 feet below. Although some of them have been rescued and brought up to the light they were still prevented from exposing their eyes to the light and were given dark shades to wear to protect them. This is what happens when we dare to step into the darkness and stay there too long we adapt to it and wanting to go back to the light instantly could be harmful. Let us not be led into the dark and imbibe it for too long that we find it difficult to adapt to light. Today's psalm tells us that if we follow the Lord we will not be in darkness and will have the light of life. God is true to His word and we can always hold on to it more than we can hold to our life. Let us choose to live in the light rather than stay in the dark. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6
R: Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
...Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, 2 but delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night. (R) 3 He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers.


It is not easy to do what is right and stay in the light but it is never easier to do the wrong thing and be in the dark. Whether we know about this already or we would still have to find out sooner or later is not as important as the warning that Jesus tells us in today's gospel. The Pharisees and Scholars in the time of Jesus are the most respected and looked up to as the righteous people. We may be able to justify ourselves and fool the people around us but we can never camouflage the wrong that we do from the Lord. If we choose to do what is right all the way through as in the most genuine sense of it then we need not be bothered at all. It is like being under the guiding light of the Lord and bathing in the endless shower of His graces. God will surely endow us with true blessings rather than woe. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 11:42-46
42 The LORD said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others.
L

LITERAL & FIGURATIVE

Sometimes we just miss the point and fail to see things in the proper perspective. When we do something and engage ourselves in activities that we consider as our offering to the Lord we immediately think that we have already been made righteous and holy. We can never fool God by masking our wrong doings through these things. If we think that we can deceive God and go along with our show then we are wrong in the same way that Paul puts it in today’s 1st reading. It is not that God is very difficult to please but more of our hearts, who alone God can see, that has the wrong motives. We have to get rid of all malice, pretense and ill feelings that do not conform to the Holy Spirit of God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Galatians 5:1-6
...Once again I declare to every man who has himself circumcised that he is bound to observe the entire law...For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

The truth is that we ought to realize by now that only God can deliver us from all evil and there is no one else to whom we can go but to Him. The Lord has promised and He will fulfill. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48
R: Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
...your salvation according to your promise...

What comes to mind the moment I read today’s gospel is a dead rat. It stinks very badly and unless we get rid of it then it is there to stay. No matter how much we clean our house if we can not locate where the dead rat is then we remain stinky. We have to search every crack, crevice and the most hidden places in our home and locate where it is in order to get rid of it. It’s just like when we do something wrong we don’t want people to know about it and try our best to hide it. Or worse we have become calloused of our sins that we don’t care anymore by justifying and making all kinds of excuses. There is not much difference between the two because both are means of covering up. The first one is the literal cover up and the other one is the figurative. As the word itself suggests, we cover up our sins literally by not letting other people know and figuratively when we expose ourselves to others but instead of owning the wrong we have done we make excuses and justifications, point a finger or divert the blame to others and not confront the real issue. We are all guilty of it one way or another and no different from the Pharisees. We have to realize it literally and figuratively and be wise rather than fools. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 11:37-41
... The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools!

TRASH IN A GIFT BOX

We have a tendency to mistake freedom as free will and use it interchangeably. These are 2 different things. Free will is our ability to do anything that we please and it is unlimited while freedom is limited. When we exercise our free will we have to keep in mind that our freedom could be jeopardized by it. We are free to do anything we want but we are not free of the consequences. When we give in to sin then we become a slave of it. We have to stand firm and not be lured or deceived by the false propaganda it is constantly waging on us. Let us not settle for not even less but in reality is just trash wrapped in an attractive gift box. Let us not throw away or exchange it with the most wonderful gift that has been given to us and God alone can give. Amen. Hallelujah!


Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1
...For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.


God gave His only son as ransom for our sins to save us. Is there anything else He could have done that He has not done for our sake and best interest? God alone is worthy of our praise and worship. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a, 6-7
R: Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.

...From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the LORD to be praised. 4 High above all nations is the LORD; above the heavens is his glory. (R) 5 Who is like the LORD, our God, 6 who looks upon the heavens and the earth below?...


Sometimes we rely on our feelings, intuition, prevailing situation, by trend and popular choice. Sometimes too there is nothing wrong with it because these are all part of our human nature. God in His Infinite goodness and intelligence wanted to communicate His love and mercy to us but we are limited in our capacities to understand everything that there are times when these creative means as in signs help us when we make decisions. God never stopped showing us in a variety of means His great love and mercy for us throughout the generations. It is very sad that in spite of it all we sometimes just don't get it. How many more signs are we waiting for to come to us before we do what we have to do? In the fullness of time God has already sent the most perfect sign of all. Let us no longer be like this evil generation who continue to be blind of it. Let us not look any further. Jesus is the sign. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 11:29-32
...“This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,

GRATITUDE

Gratitude is a memory of the heart. When we are grateful and thankful for something that has been done to us then it is an act of giving our heart. Today's 1st reading tells us of Naaman who was full of gratitude for being cured of leprosy. He made a radical decision of turning away from his previous gods and just offer praise to the one true God alone.

2 Kings 5:14-17
...“Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel...I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD


We are all called to respond with gratitude to the Lord who has revealed His saving power to us. There is no doubt that the God of the house of Israel is still the same one true God of today. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
R: The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
...He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.


I was just talking to a friend this morning and was telling her that we have a God who is trustworthy and reliable. A God whom we can rely, depend on and will never forsake nor abandon. If there are moments in our life when we are faced with trials and persecutions we can be assured of the fact that God never leaves His gaze on us. He knows exactly what is going on with our life and will always be a loving, merciful and powerful God who is able to see us through whatever we are going through. Amen. Hallelujah!


2 Timothy 2:8-13
...But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; 12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.


Can we expect to hear the same words of Jesus spoken to the cleansed leper to be spoken to us? Are we the grateful Samaritan or one of the other 9 who did not return to give thanks. Giving thanks come in so many ways and Jesus tells us the importance of it not for His own sake but for ours. Our thanks to God will not add anything to the greatness of God. God is great and mighty with or without our thanks. It is us who needs it. The more thankful we are the more we acknowledge God's goodness and become more open to His graces. Giving thanks to God works for our own good and to our advantage more than anyone and anything else. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 17:11-19
...Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? 18 Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” 19 Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

LISTEN & OBEY

Being a member of the one big family of God is a great honor and privilege that we sometimes are not aware of. When we were baptized we all became God's children and that is one truth that we should all be aware of and consciously live up to. Let us no longer be deceived, indifferent, unaffected or despondent or whatever word we can think of that lessens its impact and efficacy or make us totally oblivious of this truth. Amen. Hallulujah!


Galatians 3:22-29
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.


We can't help it at times when we have a tendency to forget or become out of focus. We are surrounded in this world we are in by elements most especially the physical ones that make us more inclined to pursue worldly things. We become sidetracked or worse completely off track of the path where God is leading us. Let us live every single day of our life conscious of the wonderful truth that we are God's people and He has made a covenant with us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R: The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
...Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered. (R) 6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.


Mary's privilege and honor as the Mother of God is no doubt a singular grace given to her alone. She has been greatly blessed by God for being chosen to carry Jesus in her womb and nurse her. It has been written and foretold from generations past. There is no question about this as it is written in Luke 1:48, "For he has looked upon his lowly servant; from this day all generation will call me blessed." Though, Jesus in today's gospel tells us that we are not far from attaining it. Predestination is one thing but to hear the word of God and observe it is another thing. We have all been given this option of being blessed as Mary is. All we have to do is to listen and obey. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 11:27-28
27 While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” 28 He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

ROARING LION

What Jesus did to save us was the ultimate sacrifice. He took the curse upon Himself and died on the cross. Have you known of anybody who has done the same thing or even close to it to another person? Come to think of it, what else could Jesus have done for us that He has not done? As the scriptures say, "By His wounds we are healed, He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities and the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him." Is there any other love and sacrifice greater than this? There is no other like it for there is none like Jesus our God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Galatians 3:7-14
...Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree,” 14 that the blessing of Abraham might be extended to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We have been declared as God's own for He has made a covenant with us, the work of His hands. Let us not set this aside or neglect and put ourselves in our rightful place as His people. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
...He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them
the inheritance of the nations.

We are God's temple and we have to make sure that we are well protected or else someone is going to take over us. 1 Peter 5:8, Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour. If we are not careful with the way we live our life before we know it we have already been conquered and defeated. We have a very cunning and deceitful adversary who is always on the lookout for an opportunity to attack us in the most discreet and unsuspecting way. If our enemy is this determined then we too have to get our acts together. We've got to be very clear on which side we are. Are we for or against God, there is no in between. Our action will speak for itself. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 11:15-26
...When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. 22 But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

TAKE IT PERSONALLY

I bet all of us would like the idea of having to make the right decisions in life. Sometimes we are confronted with so many confusing things that we are no longer sure of what to do. These can be avoided if we are always consulting God in prayer which endows divine assistance. It comes in the form of signal graces which are signs sent by God to help us in our life making decisions. It is not just signs but also divine assistance with all aspects of our life. Today we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. In view of this I would like to share the 15 promises of Mary to Christians who recite the Rosary. (Given to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan de la Roche) Our favorite promise is #1 on the list - Signal Graces!

1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal graces.
2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.
3. The Rosary will be a powerful armor against hell. It will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies.
4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
5. Those who recommend themselves to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.
6. Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.
7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church.
8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death, the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise.
9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.
10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven.
11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.
12. All those who propagate the holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.
13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.
14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only son, Jesus Christ.
15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.

This can also be found in the Pieta Prayer Book with an Imprimatur: Patrick J. Hayes, D.D., Archbishop of New York

If everyone knew about these promises, more people would be praying the rosary. Just like in today's 1st reading when they prayed altogether with Mary, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Amen. Hallelujah!


Acts 1:12-14 (or Galatians 3:1-5)
...All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Today's readings are in no doubt pointing to Mary and her role in our relation to God. She has been given the singular grace to be the Mother of God. God in His generosity shared His mother to us thus we are all blessed to have by our side a loving mother who looks after her children. Amen. Hallelujah!




P S A L M
Luke 1:46-47, 48-49 50-51, 52-53, 54-55 (or Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75)
R: The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

46 “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. (R) 48 For he has looked upon his lowly servant; from this day all generation will call me blessed.

There are famous stories that are very wonderful to tell that it continue to be spoken of throughout the length of time. It has been passed on from generation to generation and never lose the awe, wonder and mystery it holds for those who come to know it. There are some that never leave our memory and continue to inspire and give us hope. It serves as a driving force that keeps us going and lifts us up when we are down and out. These stories are a source of strength and courage at times when we feel like giving up. Today's gospel is about the story of how God came to save us. This is one story that we should take personally. It should never leave our hearts, minds and memories every waking moment of our lives. It is the greatest story, living and true, ever told. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 1:26-38 (or Luke 11:5-13)
26 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

THE KEY

Sometimes we would rather keep silent than speak up for fear of making things worse than it was. This is true and acceptable at times. We should know when and when not to speak. Today's 1st reading tells us how Paul openly questioned Kephas who is in fact Peter and the appointed leader and head of the Church. It is a very difficult situation when one is compelled to do something like what Paul did. It is brotherly correction and no matter how we sometimes avoid and refuse to put ourselves in such a situation there are moments when we really have to, especially when the truth of the gospel is at stake. Amen. Hallelujah!


Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14
...But when I saw that they were not on the right road in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Kephas in front of all, “If you, though a Jew, are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

There is indeed a need to speak up, be bold and courageous. We have all been commissioned to go out to all the world and tell the Good News. No matter who you are, what you are, where you're from and where you are. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 117:1bc, 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.

Today's gospel teaches us one of the most important tool to always be attuned to God. We all have to pray. Padre Pio said that prayer is the key that opens the heart of God. When we have access to the heart of God then we can hear the beating of His heart and synchronize our own hearts to His and make beautiful rhythm together. It is when we follow where God leads us that we create a harmonious relationship with God. When the heart of God speaks and we listen then we will never go astray. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 11:1-4
1 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread 4 and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

CAN YOU ANALYZE IT, ENGR. JUDE?

Nothing or no one can deny the transforming power of God. Paul's life is a testimony of this. No matter how hopeless, impossible or desperate things may seem to be never ever doubt that something great can still come out of it. Sometimes God calls or makes use of the unlikely people and situations for a greater purpose than what we have in mind. He allows these things to happen for a reason. As we may all know Paul's life is the so called gold standard of conversion because the end point is all for the glory of God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Galatians 1:13-24
...“the one who once was persecuting us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 So they glorified God because of me.

Technology has become so advanced nowadays that nothing remains unknown for long. With the latest in probes, sensors and the like in just one click of the computer everything is laid before us. Sometimes it just go too far and out of bounds and we fail to conform and align all these innovations to the Author and Inventor of all these things. Let us not forget, He is the source of everything there was, is and will be. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15
R: Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
1 O LORD, you have probed me and you know me; 2 you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. 3 My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar.

Every day of our lives we are confronted with choices and decisions that we have to make. Whether it is big or small, major or minor and high or low impact it is in our disposition in relation to it that makes all the difference. If we have made a choice or a decision then we have to stand by it and be at peace with it. Most especially if we know that we have consulted to God all our plans and humbly obeyed then nothing should ever bother us. Let us be reminded through the gospel today that worry and anxiety is not a composition of a decision or choice made within the presence and will of God. Just like Mary we should also find ourselves beside the Lord at His feet listening to Him speak. It is with genuine peace, calm and serenity that we should conduct our affairs. In doing so we acknowledge that God has always been guiding and directing us every single step of the way. One more thing I realized, my reflection today is almost like chemistry? This is because in the 1st reading I mentioned about the gold standard and end point, and now its composition. Can you analyze it, Engr. Jude? Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 10:38-42
...“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. 42 There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

OUT OF EXCUSES

We are all preachers in our own right. The way we live our life is our preaching to others. Sometimes we wonder why certain things happen to us as if we have nothing to do with it. Again sometimes, we easily forget what we've done and act as if it's somebody else's fault but ours. Let us not put a curse upon ourselves by living in a way other than what the gospel of Christ teaches. It is very critical that we fulfill what is written. We have to abide not just in the letter but in the spirit. Amen. Hallelujah!

Galatians 1:6-12
6 Brother and sisters: I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel 7 (not that there is another). But there are some who are disturbing you and wish to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed!

Last night we were watching a movie about Moses and it struck me how many times in the movie he kept on reminding the people of God's covenant. Every time God shows His signs, wonders and miracles the people are filled with faith but it doesn't last for each time they will easily forget and not remember. Let us always remind ourselves of these signs, wonders and miracles that happened a long time ago even up to the present time for it remains true forever and ever. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 111:1b-2, 7-8, 9, 10c
R: The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
1 I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. 2 Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights. (R) 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; sure are all his precepts, 8 reliable forever and ever, wrought in truth and equity. (R) 9 He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. 10 His praise endures forever.

No one could ever refute this bible passage in today's gospel. It contains everything we have to know and understand in order to inherit eternal life. It is just the part on who is our neighbor that is in question. Jesus answered well when he gave this example that even the person whom you consider your greatest enemy as in the case of a Jew and a Samaritan is still our neighbor. We run out of excuses that we just have to obey and follow. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 10:25-37
...“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” ...

THROUGH THICK & THIN

We really never know what's exactly in store for us. We would just have to trust and hold on to God who knows and sees all. It makes all the difference in the world and what matters most. Amen. Hallelujah!

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
2 How long, O LORD? I cry for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not intervene. 3 Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord. 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. 4 The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live.


God is never short of anything. God is God and He will always be. Let us no longer confuse ourselves with the inaccuracies and discrepancies of our human hearts and minds. Let us keep it focused on Him who is Holy and Perfect so that when we hear His voice we will not harden our hearts. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (8)
R: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
...Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us. 7 For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides...


Just in case we lose sight of who we really are before the Lord, Paul in today's 2nd reading reminds us of the gift that God gave us which is the Holy Spirit who dwells in each one of us. Sometimes we forget, neglect, take for granted or worse are not aware or deny this wonderful reality that God is with us. We ought to exercise our minds to always think of this and be conscious that we have the power. Amen. Halleujah!


2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
6 Beloved: I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. 13 Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.


In all the readings for today there is one thing that God wants to teach us. He wants us to increase our faith and move on from our baby faith to a grown up one. If before we are used to just crying out loud and getting our way just like when we were babies it is time to grow up and mature in our faith. God tells us that following Him is not always easy but if we persist and persevere then we can get there. Jesus wants us to realize that we can not always expect things to happen the way we want it. We are supposed to do the good that we have to do regardless of our situation. We have to stick with Him through thick and thin. It is in doing so that we grow and have faith that can move mountains. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 17:5-10
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? 8 Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’ ”

SEAL & SIGNATURE OF AN ANGEL

Today we celebrate the Feast of Guardian Angels, and this day will forever be special for me because of a number of events that happened to me which all point to the work of a guardian angel. I have shared about this just recently during the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel (Sept 29) and several times in the past. It all began in this same month, October in 2007 when I was faced with a life changing decision. The night before Oct. 7, 2007, was very emotional because this person who played a special role in one of the major decisions I have made in my entire life is leaving. All of these things were happening at the same time. In the midst of all the turmoil it could not be denied that an invisible hand is at work and made all things happen in a very special way. It was on this same day in 2007 when I almost lost my purse but recovered it miraculously. It was in Oct 7, 2007 when I received the message from Habukkuk which continuously built the confidence in the decision I've made. It says, “Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. 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.” This bible passage will once again be the 1st reading this coming Sunday. The confirmations continued when I was able to purchase a laptop within the same period (Oct 2007) made possible by a gift card I won. This reminds me of Hendrie whom I was able to connect with just recently. He has been instrumental to the good maintenance of this computer and knows how important this laptop is to my ministry. In fact, I even called him Mattathias because he was the one who eliminated the threats and viruses in my computer which I consider my key to heaven because this is what I use to spread the word of God. Oct 21, 2007 is the day of my mother’s birthday and when I got from a healing service this petal with a cherubim on it. It was a fresh petal placed on my chest which was imprinted with my own sweat because it was very warm that day. To top it all and make it official, considering that prior to this was a number of wonders and miracles that can be associated to it, I should say that this petal is the seal and signature of my guardian angel. Amen. Hallelujah!
Exodus 23:20-23 (or Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17)
20 Thus says the LORD: “See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Be attentive to him and heed his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority resides in him. 22 If you heed his voice and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes. 23 “My angel will go before you...

Today's psalm emphasizes even more the endless connections and confirmations of the events which took place in Oct 2007. I must say, it is just a prelude to the significant and unforgettable turn of events before the year 2007 ends. Technically speaking, it was culminated on the very last day of the year, Dec. 31, 2007. On this very day, I was introduced to Psalm 91. Reading the prayer for the very first time made me shed tears. It felt like it almost summarized the protection and guidance that the Lord has been showing me since that memorable month of October 2007. It was all new to me then since I never knew a single line of it until that day when I met Tita Piling and Tita Tess and the rest is history. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 91:1-2, 3-4ab, 4c-6, 10-11 (or Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130)

R: The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
1 You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 Say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (R) 3 For he will rescue you from the snare of the fowler, from the destroying pestilence. 4 With his pinions he will cover you, and under his wings you shall take refuge. (R) His faithfulness is a buckler and a shield. 5 You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day; 6 not the pestilence that roams in darkness nor the devastating plague at noon. (R) 10 No evil shall befall you, nor shall affliction come near your tent, 11 for to his angels he has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways.

If we are just going to look back and recall all the things that have happened in our life then we can never deny the presence of guardian angels as spoken of in today's gospel. Amen. Hallelujah!

Matthew 18:1-5, 10 (or Luke 10:17-24)
...“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”