I was just watching “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” in HBO and today’s 1st reading suddenly reminded me of Harry Potter. He was so devastated by the fact that a lot of people are sacrificing their lives for his sake and so he thought of leaving to spare them from harm. But his friend Ron stopped him from doing so and told him that if he thought that it was just because of him then he is wrong because it is something bigger than what he thought. Sometimes we succumb to despair whenever we are confronted with very disappointing situations and when we fail to reach the mark we set for ourselves. It may sound confusing that it is stated that God delivered all to disobedience. Could there be some misunderstanding here in St. Paul’s words? The truth is, there isn’t. Just like Harry Potter we must not be too hard on ourselves when we run into trouble. There is a reason for everything. We just have to continue trusting the Lord no matter how inscrutable His judgments and how unsearchable His ways are. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 11:29-36
29 Brothers and sisters: The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32 For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To God be glory forever. Amen.
The will of God will never take us to where the grace of God will not protect us. God knows exactly and with perfection what is being allowed to happen to us in our lives at this precise moment. God's purpose for us is simply perfect. He wants to show us things that only we can understand by living what we are living and by being in the place we are now. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 69:30-31, 33-34, 36-37
R: Lord, in your great love, answer me.
29 [30] But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. 30 [31] I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. (R) 32 [33] “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts be revive! 33 [34] For the LORD hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” (R) 35 [36] For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. They shall dwell in the land and own it, 36 [37] and the descendants of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall inhabit it.
We can never out give God. Today’s gospel teaches us to be generous in the manner that God wants us to be. There are times when we are guilty of being generous and kind to people for the wrong reasons. We must examine our motives and intentions and make sure that God is our first and foremost reason for our actions. We should really live the lesson being taught to us by Jesus in the gospel and not expect anything in return for the good we do, for the Lord Himself will surely reward us at the right moment. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 14:12-14
12 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. 13 Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
A WARNING & REMINDER
In the 1st reading today we can see that it is a criticism addressed to the people to indicate that they are doomed people unless they repent. It reminds us to constantly hear the word of God. This must compel us to really put it in our hearts and minds and drive us to act on it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10
… If you do not listen, 2 and if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse. 8 You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction; you have made void the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts. 9 I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions.
We should always maintain a humble spirit and heart before God. Only God knows what's going on inside our minds and hearts. He will always lift up those who trust in Him. Let us offer to God all our brokenness and downtrodden selves that He will be the one to lift us out of it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 131:1, 2, 3
R: In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
1 O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. (R) 2 Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me. (R) 3 O Israel, hope in the LORD, both now and forever.
God loves everybody but more so those who are being oppressed. Do not despair. If we sometimes feel that life is so unfair and things have become so unfortunate that nothing or no one can help us then still be thankful that we've arrived in this situation for God who sees all things will definitely not allow such injustice and will surely uphold what is right and the truth. Thus on our part, it is not enough that we follow and obey without understanding. There is a need to know our motivations and intentions in doing something. We should live by example. It is not enough that we claim to be good Christians for there is something more to that than just being called one but to live like one is another and most important at that. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13
7 Brothers and sisters: We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. 8 With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us. 9 You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 13 And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.
In the gospel we see Jesus address the scribes and the Pharisees, He compliments but criticizes strongly. The Pharisees represent the lay party and the priesthood the Sadducees. At the time of Jesus during the Roman rule, they figured that the way to peace is through adaptation. The houses of priests are decorated just as the Romans, as in Pompei and very much like it. They have identified themselves with the oppressive dominant culture and though they would keep some Jewish law they deny judgment, heaven, hell, and eternity. On the other hand, the Pharisees or the lay counteract the way priests are living. They had 2 principles, to take the rules of ritual purity so that the laity would be pure as they offer sacrifices like a kingdom of priests as in Exodus 19:6 “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. That is what you must tell the Israelites." The people of Israel is a kingdom of priests and they put a fence around the law so that no one would break the law. An example is “Thou shall not use the Lord’s name in vain” In order to make sure they don’t break the law, no one is allowed to say the Lord’s name. A death penalty is given to those who break it. This is precisely the oral tradition that our Lord is talking about in the gospel. The Pharisees were not helping people live the law because they don’t practice it themselves and made life complicated. In Chorazin, there would be a seat of Moses for the Rabbi, which symbolizes the authority to teach in the synagogue. The Lord says pay attention to what they teach but don’t do what they do. One of the things they are being criticized for is pride and arrogance. Jesus warns us against that vice especially for religious people although not so much for the people outside. Church people like most of us can try to show that we are holy so that people would compliment us and they would think that we’re religious and others are not. This is a constant problem for religious people at all levels, whether laity or the priesthood. The devil will try to tempt us with whatever works, if we’re not religious he can use things of the flesh to tempt us, but if we are religious then he can tempt us with our pride and change it into something spiritual. It is impossible to detect pride in ourselves. People around us will know so it’s important to pay attention to what they say to us so that so we learn from it. It is too difficult to detect a vice on our own because it is easier to detect it in other people or to listen to what other people say. Jesus mentions about those who widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. Jewish men wear a phylactery which is a small leather box that they wear on their forehead and one on their left arm as in Deut 6:8, Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. They took it literally as a part of the way to obey the law. They make it really big so to show people that they are more pious than others and because it is bigger they stand out more than them. The tassel is a sign of royalty in the ancient times. Jewish men wear this to show that they are a kingdom of priests for God. They even tie 613 knots in the tassel which represents one tie for every 613 laws as a sign of obeying the entire commandment. Jesus wears a tassel Himself if we may recall the woman who touched the tassel of Jesus and got healed. He’s not against it, but feeding the pride is the issue. He mentioned not to be called Rabbi or teacher which is important in this context because at that time there were different rabbis that start various sects called a House. They are rival sects of Pharisees and disagree among themselves which can be found in the collection of Rabbinic sayings, the Mishnah. What He is speaking about here is that we may not call anyone a Rabbi for He did not want us to be divided. Oneness is an important virtue that He commends among His disciples. He did not want Christianity to be divided and wanted us to submit to the oneness of the Church. Humility is the antidote to the pride as He said that the least is the greatest. We have to keep in mind the division among the Pharisees is the underlying reason for this restriction of why they should not be called rabbi or father. In Corinthians, Paul insists on being called a Father because he preaches to them. There is nothing wrong with it because he knows that the real work is done by the Holy Spirit and he is part of a community and known as a spiritual father but not in the sense of a father that Christ is speaking of in the gospel like sects which is something that we’re not to do. Christ calls us to respond out of the ordinary and set things right. All of us need to have the sense to rid ourselves of religious pride. The readings call us to humility. It does not mean putting ourselves down but rather saying the truth about ourselves, not more not less. Pride is looking down at other people who are below me. We need to think of it in a way that when we look down on people, Christ hits us at the back of the head. ? We better just look up at people. When we are looking up at the skies, we feel small, so how much more would we feel looking up to God. That’s when we realize what humility is all about. We see our sinfulness and smallness in reference to God, which is the antidote to our pride. If we do, then Christ will save us and bring us to the joys of heaven. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 23:1-12
1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10
… If you do not listen, 2 and if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse. 8 You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction; you have made void the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts. 9 I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions.
We should always maintain a humble spirit and heart before God. Only God knows what's going on inside our minds and hearts. He will always lift up those who trust in Him. Let us offer to God all our brokenness and downtrodden selves that He will be the one to lift us out of it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 131:1, 2, 3
R: In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
1 O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. (R) 2 Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me. (R) 3 O Israel, hope in the LORD, both now and forever.
God loves everybody but more so those who are being oppressed. Do not despair. If we sometimes feel that life is so unfair and things have become so unfortunate that nothing or no one can help us then still be thankful that we've arrived in this situation for God who sees all things will definitely not allow such injustice and will surely uphold what is right and the truth. Thus on our part, it is not enough that we follow and obey without understanding. There is a need to know our motivations and intentions in doing something. We should live by example. It is not enough that we claim to be good Christians for there is something more to that than just being called one but to live like one is another and most important at that. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13
7 Brothers and sisters: We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. 8 With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us. 9 You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 13 And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.
In the gospel we see Jesus address the scribes and the Pharisees, He compliments but criticizes strongly. The Pharisees represent the lay party and the priesthood the Sadducees. At the time of Jesus during the Roman rule, they figured that the way to peace is through adaptation. The houses of priests are decorated just as the Romans, as in Pompei and very much like it. They have identified themselves with the oppressive dominant culture and though they would keep some Jewish law they deny judgment, heaven, hell, and eternity. On the other hand, the Pharisees or the lay counteract the way priests are living. They had 2 principles, to take the rules of ritual purity so that the laity would be pure as they offer sacrifices like a kingdom of priests as in Exodus 19:6 “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. That is what you must tell the Israelites." The people of Israel is a kingdom of priests and they put a fence around the law so that no one would break the law. An example is “Thou shall not use the Lord’s name in vain” In order to make sure they don’t break the law, no one is allowed to say the Lord’s name. A death penalty is given to those who break it. This is precisely the oral tradition that our Lord is talking about in the gospel. The Pharisees were not helping people live the law because they don’t practice it themselves and made life complicated. In Chorazin, there would be a seat of Moses for the Rabbi, which symbolizes the authority to teach in the synagogue. The Lord says pay attention to what they teach but don’t do what they do. One of the things they are being criticized for is pride and arrogance. Jesus warns us against that vice especially for religious people although not so much for the people outside. Church people like most of us can try to show that we are holy so that people would compliment us and they would think that we’re religious and others are not. This is a constant problem for religious people at all levels, whether laity or the priesthood. The devil will try to tempt us with whatever works, if we’re not religious he can use things of the flesh to tempt us, but if we are religious then he can tempt us with our pride and change it into something spiritual. It is impossible to detect pride in ourselves. People around us will know so it’s important to pay attention to what they say to us so that so we learn from it. It is too difficult to detect a vice on our own because it is easier to detect it in other people or to listen to what other people say. Jesus mentions about those who widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. Jewish men wear a phylactery which is a small leather box that they wear on their forehead and one on their left arm as in Deut 6:8, Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. They took it literally as a part of the way to obey the law. They make it really big so to show people that they are more pious than others and because it is bigger they stand out more than them. The tassel is a sign of royalty in the ancient times. Jewish men wear this to show that they are a kingdom of priests for God. They even tie 613 knots in the tassel which represents one tie for every 613 laws as a sign of obeying the entire commandment. Jesus wears a tassel Himself if we may recall the woman who touched the tassel of Jesus and got healed. He’s not against it, but feeding the pride is the issue. He mentioned not to be called Rabbi or teacher which is important in this context because at that time there were different rabbis that start various sects called a House. They are rival sects of Pharisees and disagree among themselves which can be found in the collection of Rabbinic sayings, the Mishnah. What He is speaking about here is that we may not call anyone a Rabbi for He did not want us to be divided. Oneness is an important virtue that He commends among His disciples. He did not want Christianity to be divided and wanted us to submit to the oneness of the Church. Humility is the antidote to the pride as He said that the least is the greatest. We have to keep in mind the division among the Pharisees is the underlying reason for this restriction of why they should not be called rabbi or father. In Corinthians, Paul insists on being called a Father because he preaches to them. There is nothing wrong with it because he knows that the real work is done by the Holy Spirit and he is part of a community and known as a spiritual father but not in the sense of a father that Christ is speaking of in the gospel like sects which is something that we’re not to do. Christ calls us to respond out of the ordinary and set things right. All of us need to have the sense to rid ourselves of religious pride. The readings call us to humility. It does not mean putting ourselves down but rather saying the truth about ourselves, not more not less. Pride is looking down at other people who are below me. We need to think of it in a way that when we look down on people, Christ hits us at the back of the head. ? We better just look up at people. When we are looking up at the skies, we feel small, so how much more would we feel looking up to God. That’s when we realize what humility is all about. We see our sinfulness and smallness in reference to God, which is the antidote to our pride. If we do, then Christ will save us and bring us to the joys of heaven. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 23:1-12
1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Saturday, October 29, 2011
STAND YOUR GROUND
I could never forget this young lady when I was watching this TV game show in the The Filipino Channel (TFC). This very young contestant was barely 18 years old at that time. She was so firm in her convictions that she did not change her mind not even once with the color she had chosen which she was hoping to contain the jackpot prize despite the rising money offers given to her and the probability that what she chose contains nothing at all. She said that every time she's at home and watching the show she already promised herself that she would choose the color blue if she would be given a chance to play as a contestant. She even said that she was not supposed to be in the show, it so happened that somebody backed out that's why she got the reserved slot for that person. So she felt it that it was already a great opportunity that she was able to go there and much more to be the final contestant who got the chance to play and win the jackpot prize. She said that before she went there she had no money in her pocket and got nothing to lose. All these things she figured out and realized, I guess, gave her the confidence to go through it all to the end. She was so brave in declaring that no matter what happens she would not change her choice as if telling everybody that she wouldn't be there for nothing and could really feel it. She did not doubt nor falter for a moment even when her siblings who were called to join her were already doubting and wanted to go for the cash offer rather than risk getting nothing. When the game came to a point when the host was offering her a big amount of money in exchange for the color she had chosen she did not give in and bravely stood her ground. When she was asked for the last time, she remained firm and true to her word. She was right and got the jackpot prize. Sometimes, we too, are confronted with life situations when we are tempted to doubt and falter in our faith in God. Today's 1st reading reminds us that we should not lose sight of the things that God has promised us no matter how uncertain things may be, we should not forget that we are God's people and He would never turn His back on us and we can always count on Him. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 11:1-2a. 11-12. 25-29
...God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew...For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
Just like that young lady who is barely 18 years old we should also find in ourselves the courage and strength to be firm in our convictions and stand our ground. If we truly believe and are confident that we have a loving God who looks after our welfare then we should not have any more room for doubt that we have to choose God above all. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 94:12-13a. 14-15. 17-18
R: The Lord will not abandon his people.
12 Blessed the man whom you instruct, O LORD, whom by your law you teach, 13 giving him rest from evil days. (R) 14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, nor abandon his inheritance;
Sometimes no matter what good we do, it remains unnoticed and unappreciated by others. If this happens then we should be thankful for it, because today's gospel tells us that if we remain humble in our dealings with people and do not seek human praise then the good we do will inevitably show and be known. But if there are times when this is still not the case, then all the more should we become joyful for God Almighty knows and sees all. We would definitely enjoy the esteem of God more than any other. We should all be aware of what the gospel teaches us today and its effects on our soul. God never stop giving us pointers and tips on how to combat the enemies of our soul, evade the evil schemes and designs being hurled at us each day and to turn every single thing to our advantage. We can look at it in a literal or figurative way but the essence of it all lies in the truth that we should direct all our actions to loving and serving God with all our heart, body and soul. As in Roman 8:28, "We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." 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 lessons 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, 7-14
1 One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. 7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 "When you are invited by any one to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, `Give place to this man,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, `Friend, go up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Romans 11:1-2a. 11-12. 25-29
...God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew...For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
Just like that young lady who is barely 18 years old we should also find in ourselves the courage and strength to be firm in our convictions and stand our ground. If we truly believe and are confident that we have a loving God who looks after our welfare then we should not have any more room for doubt that we have to choose God above all. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 94:12-13a. 14-15. 17-18
R: The Lord will not abandon his people.
12 Blessed the man whom you instruct, O LORD, whom by your law you teach, 13 giving him rest from evil days. (R) 14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, nor abandon his inheritance;
Sometimes no matter what good we do, it remains unnoticed and unappreciated by others. If this happens then we should be thankful for it, because today's gospel tells us that if we remain humble in our dealings with people and do not seek human praise then the good we do will inevitably show and be known. But if there are times when this is still not the case, then all the more should we become joyful for God Almighty knows and sees all. We would definitely enjoy the esteem of God more than any other. We should all be aware of what the gospel teaches us today and its effects on our soul. God never stop giving us pointers and tips on how to combat the enemies of our soul, evade the evil schemes and designs being hurled at us each day and to turn every single thing to our advantage. We can look at it in a literal or figurative way but the essence of it all lies in the truth that we should direct all our actions to loving and serving God with all our heart, body and soul. As in Roman 8:28, "We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." 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 lessons 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, 7-14
1 One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. 7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 "When you are invited by any one to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, `Give place to this man,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, `Friend, go up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Friday, October 28, 2011
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. It is nice to know that we are part of a family whom we can call our own and get support from. All of us want to belong to a family which can be a source of inspiration, love and strength. Today's 1st reading tells us that we are blessed that aside from the family that we have been born with we also have a holy family in which we become members of the household of God. 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.
There is really no more room for doubt and fear for everywhere I turn I can clearly get the message of God. Just turn on God always and He will never forsake nor abandon.
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. There are certain truths that we sometimes take for granted and even pre-existing conditions that we have become used to that make us immune to God's message to us. We sometimes go astray and tend to be lenient in our principles for the Lord due to the pressures of the modern world we live in. Our values have become loose to the point of succumbing to compromise. We have lost touch of what is truly pleasing before the Lord because of our endless justifications and rationalizations. We come up with all kinds of excuses without realizing that we only fool ourselves. In doing this we can declare ourselves justified through our self righteous acts but never in accordance with God's righteousness. Today's psalm encourages us to truly listen to God's message and never be mistaken. All the things around us echoes God's glory and power which is undeniable and displayed throughout the earth. 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. Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer before making decisions and coming up with choices. Looking back more than 2,000 years ago, what Jesus did was a very important decision. He appointed the leaders of the Church that still stands to this very day. But we also know that among those He had chosen one of them betrayed Him. Despite of this I don’t think Jesus regretted it because He knows that it was part of the Father’s plan. There is really a need to always connect to God in prayer. There are various ways we can pray to God and we are left with less and less excuses not to pray. Aside from the “as is where is’ option in giving praise and glory to God, today's gospel presents to us a different approach which is to go to the mountain to pray. It is also the feast day of Sts. Simon and Jude. A lot of people may not know it but I named my son Jude after this apostle of Jesus. I have encountered several miracles already in my lifetime through the intercession of this great saint. I would like to honor him for the countless times he has extended his assistance to me and my family ever since I had this devotion to St. Jude Thaddeus, With much confidence and trust I say, St. Jude Thaddeus, pray for us. 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.
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.
There is really no more room for doubt and fear for everywhere I turn I can clearly get the message of God. Just turn on God always and He will never forsake nor abandon.
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. There are certain truths that we sometimes take for granted and even pre-existing conditions that we have become used to that make us immune to God's message to us. We sometimes go astray and tend to be lenient in our principles for the Lord due to the pressures of the modern world we live in. Our values have become loose to the point of succumbing to compromise. We have lost touch of what is truly pleasing before the Lord because of our endless justifications and rationalizations. We come up with all kinds of excuses without realizing that we only fool ourselves. In doing this we can declare ourselves justified through our self righteous acts but never in accordance with God's righteousness. Today's psalm encourages us to truly listen to God's message and never be mistaken. All the things around us echoes God's glory and power which is undeniable and displayed throughout the earth. 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. Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer before making decisions and coming up with choices. Looking back more than 2,000 years ago, what Jesus did was a very important decision. He appointed the leaders of the Church that still stands to this very day. But we also know that among those He had chosen one of them betrayed Him. Despite of this I don’t think Jesus regretted it because He knows that it was part of the Father’s plan. There is really a need to always connect to God in prayer. There are various ways we can pray to God and we are left with less and less excuses not to pray. Aside from the “as is where is’ option in giving praise and glory to God, today's gospel presents to us a different approach which is to go to the mountain to pray. It is also the feast day of Sts. Simon and Jude. A lot of people may not know it but I named my son Jude after this apostle of Jesus. I have encountered several miracles already in my lifetime through the intercession of this great saint. I would like to honor him for the countless times he has extended his assistance to me and my family ever since I had this devotion to St. Jude Thaddeus, With much confidence and trust I say, St. Jude Thaddeus, pray for us. 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.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
MOST CHERISHED AND FAVORITE
The 1st reading for today contains one of my most cherished and favorite bible passages. This is also found in the lyrics of a Christian song entitled, "Dios ay Pag-ibig" meaning God is love which is also the favorite song of my nanay (mother). She already passed away and her birthday was last Oct. 21. Every time I encounter this bible passage I am always reminded of how strong the faith of my mother was. It is one of the reasons why I grew up with the same kind of conviction that she has in the kind of love that God has for us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 8:31b-39
...If God is for us, who can be against us?...For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In observance of the upcoming feasts of All Saints and Souls Day, let us not forget in our prayers the souls of those who already left this world ahead of us, not only our loved ones but especially those who have none to pray for them. May God's mercy be upon them. May they find God at their right side ready to rescue their souls. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 109:21-22. 26-27. 30-31
R: Save me, O Lord, in your mercy. ...I will speak my thanks earnestly to the LORD, and in the midst of the throng I will praise him, 31 for he stood at the right hand of the poor man, to save him from those who would condemn his soul. (R)
Today's gospel also contains one of my most cherished and favorite bible passages due to the special memory it holds for me and my son. When Jude and Allan were still small I used to tell them bedtime stories that they love to hear over and over again except for this one. It is about the story of a hen who gathered her brood under her wings in order to protect them from the fire that broke out in the farm. The hen got burned and died but was able to spare the life of her brood which she shielded from the blazing fire with her protective wings. My son Allan, cried when he heard about that story because he had associated me with the mother hen and said that he doesn't want me to grow old and die. Looking back at that incident now that my 2 sons are both grown ups, Jude is 22, Allan is 19, I can narrate a better story about the love of God depicted in a mother hen who protects her brood under her wings but will not end up burned and dead but instead resurrected and living in eternity. We are all God's children that He yearns to gather under His protective wings. May we always recognize the doting love and care of a mother hen to its brood in the Lord and just like Allan, respond with the same kind of affection towards God. If a mother hen can do such a thing, how much more can a perfect God who is Father and Mother and created all of us with great love and care not protect us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 13:31-35
... how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling...
Romans 8:31b-39
...If God is for us, who can be against us?...For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In observance of the upcoming feasts of All Saints and Souls Day, let us not forget in our prayers the souls of those who already left this world ahead of us, not only our loved ones but especially those who have none to pray for them. May God's mercy be upon them. May they find God at their right side ready to rescue their souls. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 109:21-22. 26-27. 30-31
R: Save me, O Lord, in your mercy. ...I will speak my thanks earnestly to the LORD, and in the midst of the throng I will praise him, 31 for he stood at the right hand of the poor man, to save him from those who would condemn his soul. (R)
Today's gospel also contains one of my most cherished and favorite bible passages due to the special memory it holds for me and my son. When Jude and Allan were still small I used to tell them bedtime stories that they love to hear over and over again except for this one. It is about the story of a hen who gathered her brood under her wings in order to protect them from the fire that broke out in the farm. The hen got burned and died but was able to spare the life of her brood which she shielded from the blazing fire with her protective wings. My son Allan, cried when he heard about that story because he had associated me with the mother hen and said that he doesn't want me to grow old and die. Looking back at that incident now that my 2 sons are both grown ups, Jude is 22, Allan is 19, I can narrate a better story about the love of God depicted in a mother hen who protects her brood under her wings but will not end up burned and dead but instead resurrected and living in eternity. We are all God's children that He yearns to gather under His protective wings. May we always recognize the doting love and care of a mother hen to its brood in the Lord and just like Allan, respond with the same kind of affection towards God. If a mother hen can do such a thing, how much more can a perfect God who is Father and Mother and created all of us with great love and care not protect us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 13:31-35
... how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling...
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
THE NARROW GATE
God's daily assurance to us is written in the 1st reading today. We should be thankful to God that with each passing day He never fail to remind us of His love and mercy that no matter what happens we should continue to be hopeful in the promises of God our Savior. Amen. Hallelujah!
Letter to the Romans 8,26-30.
"....We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose...."
If we continue to be faithful to God he will give us joy in our hearts, not just joy in good times but also a heart that overflows with gladness in all kinds of situation, a heart that beats for the Lord and will always find rest and satisfaction in Him. To belong in the flock of the Lord under the Good Shepherd's care makes us want for nothing more.Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 13:4-5, 6
R: My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy.
3 [4] Look, answer me, O LORD, my God! Give light to my eyes that I may not sleep in death 4 [5] lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him”; lest my foes rejoice at my downfall. (R) 5 [6] Though I trusted in your mercy. Let my heart rejoice in your salvation; let me sing of the LORD, “He has been good to me.” (R)
Allan had been training really hard to the point of having to wake up as early as 4am daily to swim at least 20 laps before going to school. On top of this is the need for him to comply with all the demands of his academic subjects. He had always been very positive with a lot of things and full of confidence with the rate he is going with his physical stamina. He trains rigorously and regularly. He is very committed to his goal and does everything that is needed in order for him to improve and excel. He has gone a long way already from that overweight kid in LSM (Lourdes School of Mandaluyong) Grade School to a varsity swimmer now in DLSU (De La Salle University). As far as his physical state is concerned, he has achieved his tip top shape. The gospel today mentions about the need to be strong enough to enter the narrow gate, I am sure that the strength being spoken of here is not the physical strength that we can build up through training and workout but the strength of our souls. If we can gain insight from this it is the fact that just like Allan's physical regimen, we need strength training, workout and dedication too for our souls to last through eternity. Perseverance is the key! Not everybody we expect to be first always turns out to be first. The present time is what counts and let us always choose the "narrow gate" that leads to God. May we always nourish our soul that we will cultivate a strong faith in God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 13:22-30
22 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 narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. 25 After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ 27 Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
Letter to the Romans 8,26-30.
"....We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose...."
If we continue to be faithful to God he will give us joy in our hearts, not just joy in good times but also a heart that overflows with gladness in all kinds of situation, a heart that beats for the Lord and will always find rest and satisfaction in Him. To belong in the flock of the Lord under the Good Shepherd's care makes us want for nothing more.Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 13:4-5, 6
R: My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy.
3 [4] Look, answer me, O LORD, my God! Give light to my eyes that I may not sleep in death 4 [5] lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him”; lest my foes rejoice at my downfall. (R) 5 [6] Though I trusted in your mercy. Let my heart rejoice in your salvation; let me sing of the LORD, “He has been good to me.” (R)
Allan had been training really hard to the point of having to wake up as early as 4am daily to swim at least 20 laps before going to school. On top of this is the need for him to comply with all the demands of his academic subjects. He had always been very positive with a lot of things and full of confidence with the rate he is going with his physical stamina. He trains rigorously and regularly. He is very committed to his goal and does everything that is needed in order for him to improve and excel. He has gone a long way already from that overweight kid in LSM (Lourdes School of Mandaluyong) Grade School to a varsity swimmer now in DLSU (De La Salle University). As far as his physical state is concerned, he has achieved his tip top shape. The gospel today mentions about the need to be strong enough to enter the narrow gate, I am sure that the strength being spoken of here is not the physical strength that we can build up through training and workout but the strength of our souls. If we can gain insight from this it is the fact that just like Allan's physical regimen, we need strength training, workout and dedication too for our souls to last through eternity. Perseverance is the key! Not everybody we expect to be first always turns out to be first. The present time is what counts and let us always choose the "narrow gate" that leads to God. May we always nourish our soul that we will cultivate a strong faith in God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 13:22-30
22 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 narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. 25 After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ 27 Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Well, I guess everybody is guilty of this. We really tend to doubt and lose heart whenever the things that we want are not within our reach and sight. We really have to strengthen our faith and hope for something we do not see and wait with endurance. Just like what the 1st reading is telling us today. There are so many unforeseen events at hand but we should remain firm in our faith, patiently wait and hope that the Lord will be gracious and reveal His glory. We may be going through a lot of trials and uncertainties in life that we sometimes feel like things are not going to get better. Or worse we may be experiencing it for quite some time and starting to become impatient of our situation and start to think of resorting to ways and means that this world offers rather than continue to trust in God’s steadfast love that never ceases. Today's 1st reading reminds us to not lose sight of what is truly important and of greatest value. Let us not be lured by the false, empty and senseless promises, satisfaction and delight that it offers for nothing compares to the glory of God to be revealed for us. For no eye has seen, no ear has heard nor anyone has imagined what is in store for us in the Kingdom of God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Rom 8:18-25
Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us...Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
It is undeniable that if we will just look very closely at our lives we'll see and find out that the Lord has indeed done marvels for us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R. (3a) The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing...
We have encountered the words of "Kingdom of God" several times already in the bible especially the gospels. In today's gospel from Luke a reflection of St. Maximus Turin is referring to Jesus as the mustard seed planted in the garden. He wrote, "... a man named Joseph, a member of the council, from Arimathea»... He went to Pilate. He asked permission to take down the Lord's body and bury it. When permission was granted he placed it in the tomb he had prepared in his garden (cf. Lk 23,50-53). That is why Scripture says: «A man took it and buried it in his garden». In Joseph's garden there mingled the scent of many different flowers but such a seed as this had never yet been placed there. The spiritual garden of his soul was embalmed with the scent of his virtue but Christ's embalmed body had not yet occupied its place. When he buried the Savior in the memorial place of his garden, he received him even more deeply into the crevice of his heart." Once again we are being called to elevate, deepen and widen our knowledge of the Lord. Our faith also has the capacity to be just like this mustard seed, it will not only grow but will shelter others, too. God invites us to touch other people's lives by our example of faith shown and reflected in our lives. 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. 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!
Gospel
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.”
Rom 8:18-25
Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us...Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
It is undeniable that if we will just look very closely at our lives we'll see and find out that the Lord has indeed done marvels for us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R. (3a) The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing...
We have encountered the words of "Kingdom of God" several times already in the bible especially the gospels. In today's gospel from Luke a reflection of St. Maximus Turin is referring to Jesus as the mustard seed planted in the garden. He wrote, "... a man named Joseph, a member of the council, from Arimathea»... He went to Pilate. He asked permission to take down the Lord's body and bury it. When permission was granted he placed it in the tomb he had prepared in his garden (cf. Lk 23,50-53). That is why Scripture says: «A man took it and buried it in his garden». In Joseph's garden there mingled the scent of many different flowers but such a seed as this had never yet been placed there. The spiritual garden of his soul was embalmed with the scent of his virtue but Christ's embalmed body had not yet occupied its place. When he buried the Savior in the memorial place of his garden, he received him even more deeply into the crevice of his heart." Once again we are being called to elevate, deepen and widen our knowledge of the Lord. Our faith also has the capacity to be just like this mustard seed, it will not only grow but will shelter others, too. God invites us to touch other people's lives by our example of faith shown and reflected in our lives. 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. 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!
Gospel
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.”
Monday, October 24, 2011
Nothing can come between us
The 1st reading for today clearly speaks of God's tremendous power manifested in the Spirit that dwells in us. Wow, we are heirs of God, it makes me think of rich families who leave vast properties to their heirs and people will always say how fortunate those people are being left with such an inheritance. In the same way we should realize the inheritance being handed over to us by God our Father. Every inheritance has its conditions and with God's we are all invited to live a life worthy of this inheritance. Amen. Hallelujah!
Letter to the Romans 8,12-17.
".....For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, "Abba, Father!" The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him....."
Once again the widows and orphans are mentioned in the psalm emphasizing God's special care to them. This should remind us especially the widows and orphans why we must always be hopeful in His divine providence. Aren't we all blessed to have a God and Father who is our Savior and Redeemer. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 68:2 and 4. 6-7ab. 20-21
R: Our God is the God of salvation.
1 [2] God arises; his enemies are scattered, and those who hate him flee before him...Blessed day by day be the Lord, who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation. 20 [21] God is a saving God for us; ... Father of the fatherless, defender of widows-- this is the God whose abode is holy, Who gives a home to the forsaken, who leads prisoners out to prosperity, while rebels live in the desert...Our God is a God who saves; escape from death is in the LORD God's hands...."
God displayed His awesome power that He just laid his hand over the crippled/bent woman and she was instantly healed. But some people remain blind of His great power that sometimes we have a tendency to dwell on the negative aspect of things rather than the obvious and better side of things. The leader of the synagogue did not see the healing but instead focused on the sabbath day when according to the law prohibits work on this day. We tend to maximize the little non essential things and forget the whole point for which the law was made. The law is meant to protect people but sometimes we forget why it's made and use it for our personal agenda. May we always be open to God's healing in our lives and never miss the essence which is God's mercy and love for us. Jesus healed a woman of her infirmity on a sabbath despite the restrictions being imposed by the culture and tradition during that time. Nothing can ever come between God's goodness, love, healing and us. Hey, fellow Christians, we are indeed set free from all our infirmities, we should stand up straight and give glory to God now and forever .Amen. Hallelujah!
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 13,10-17.
...When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” 13 He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.”
Letter to the Romans 8,12-17.
".....For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, "Abba, Father!" The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him....."
Once again the widows and orphans are mentioned in the psalm emphasizing God's special care to them. This should remind us especially the widows and orphans why we must always be hopeful in His divine providence. Aren't we all blessed to have a God and Father who is our Savior and Redeemer. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 68:2 and 4. 6-7ab. 20-21
R: Our God is the God of salvation.
1 [2] God arises; his enemies are scattered, and those who hate him flee before him...Blessed day by day be the Lord, who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation. 20 [21] God is a saving God for us; ... Father of the fatherless, defender of widows-- this is the God whose abode is holy, Who gives a home to the forsaken, who leads prisoners out to prosperity, while rebels live in the desert...Our God is a God who saves; escape from death is in the LORD God's hands...."
God displayed His awesome power that He just laid his hand over the crippled/bent woman and she was instantly healed. But some people remain blind of His great power that sometimes we have a tendency to dwell on the negative aspect of things rather than the obvious and better side of things. The leader of the synagogue did not see the healing but instead focused on the sabbath day when according to the law prohibits work on this day. We tend to maximize the little non essential things and forget the whole point for which the law was made. The law is meant to protect people but sometimes we forget why it's made and use it for our personal agenda. May we always be open to God's healing in our lives and never miss the essence which is God's mercy and love for us. Jesus healed a woman of her infirmity on a sabbath despite the restrictions being imposed by the culture and tradition during that time. Nothing can ever come between God's goodness, love, healing and us. Hey, fellow Christians, we are indeed set free from all our infirmities, we should stand up straight and give glory to God now and forever .Amen. Hallelujah!
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 13,10-17.
...When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” 13 He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.”
Sunday, October 23, 2011
NEVER LET YOU DOWN
Every time I come across a bible verse which speaks of widows and orphans I can't help but remember my nanay who already passed away. These past few days she has been constantly in my mind since her birthday was 2 days ago. She always say that she is very special to God because she is a widow. I've always felt her confidence whenever she said that. Now that I, myself is already an orphan, because both of my parents are already with the Lord, I can already relate to that feeling of confidence that my nanay used to have. Her faith had a great impact on me and I will always cherish it for the rest of my life. Amen. Hallelujah!
Exodus 22: 20-26
...21 You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. 22 If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry... for I am compassionate.
It is from our love for God that we should gather our strength. We should focus on that alone and everything will follow. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 18: 2-3, 3-4, 47, 51(2 )
R: I love you, Lord, my strength.
...I exclaim, and I am safe from my enemies. ..50 [51] You who gave great victories to your king and showed kindness to your anointed.
This thought of being transformed brings back memories of my thesis experiment in Japan about transformation of this microorganism I worked on. It was very difficult in itself to transform it but it was even more difficult to maintain it. It is much more difficult to make it functional since there is really a need to nurture it for growth in appropriate and optimum conditions. It took me almost a year to establish the right medium that will be most favorable for its growth and there is no room for neglect, it should always be kept that way. In the end, all of the sacrifices really paid off. I was able to finish my thesis, successfully defend it and obtain my Master's degree. The price that God paid for our sins is really great, the death of His only begotten Son, Jesus. Let us not waste this priceless gift and reap the entire benefits by maintaining the gift in us and render it functional in our lives. The benefit of this is far greater than any reward that one could ever imagine. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Thessalonians 1: 5c-10
...receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the holy Spirit, 7 so that you became a model for all the believers...to serve the living and true God 10 and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.
I guess it is easier to follow what the gospel is telling us to do whenever we are experiencing the good times but when the going gets tough and the tough really gets going then the scenario changes. The words: with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind are all extremes or superlatives and requires us to do exactly what it is asking us to do and obey at all times and not be half hearted Christians. Jesus never stops teaching, coaching and giving examples on how we should go about with our lives. He is after our welfare and the fulfillment of our desires in order for all of us to lead a wonderful life. We can trust Him to carry out whatever is needed for us to attain it provided we follow and obey His commandments, which is in truth the way to be truly happy. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 22:34-40
...“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. 39 The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself...
Exodus 22: 20-26
...21 You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. 22 If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry... for I am compassionate.
It is from our love for God that we should gather our strength. We should focus on that alone and everything will follow. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 18: 2-3, 3-4, 47, 51(2 )
R: I love you, Lord, my strength.
...I exclaim, and I am safe from my enemies. ..50 [51] You who gave great victories to your king and showed kindness to your anointed.
This thought of being transformed brings back memories of my thesis experiment in Japan about transformation of this microorganism I worked on. It was very difficult in itself to transform it but it was even more difficult to maintain it. It is much more difficult to make it functional since there is really a need to nurture it for growth in appropriate and optimum conditions. It took me almost a year to establish the right medium that will be most favorable for its growth and there is no room for neglect, it should always be kept that way. In the end, all of the sacrifices really paid off. I was able to finish my thesis, successfully defend it and obtain my Master's degree. The price that God paid for our sins is really great, the death of His only begotten Son, Jesus. Let us not waste this priceless gift and reap the entire benefits by maintaining the gift in us and render it functional in our lives. The benefit of this is far greater than any reward that one could ever imagine. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Thessalonians 1: 5c-10
...receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the holy Spirit, 7 so that you became a model for all the believers...to serve the living and true God 10 and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.
I guess it is easier to follow what the gospel is telling us to do whenever we are experiencing the good times but when the going gets tough and the tough really gets going then the scenario changes. The words: with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind are all extremes or superlatives and requires us to do exactly what it is asking us to do and obey at all times and not be half hearted Christians. Jesus never stops teaching, coaching and giving examples on how we should go about with our lives. He is after our welfare and the fulfillment of our desires in order for all of us to lead a wonderful life. We can trust Him to carry out whatever is needed for us to attain it provided we follow and obey His commandments, which is in truth the way to be truly happy. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 22:34-40
...“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. 39 The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself...
Saturday, October 22, 2011
DWELLING PLACE
We associate a lot of things to places where we live. How about associating things to ourselves by examining closely who lives in us. We are without a trace of any doubt as proclaimed in today's 1st reading a dwelling place of God. Just like any other places where we can live, if the conditions are no longer favorable, or we are forced to relocate due to work reasons, buy a new house and move to a place where we can call our own and other reasons we can all think about when transferring to a new place to live. Sometimes we can use this analogy to ourselves as God's dwelling place. Are we trying our best to make feel God at home in our lives or are we driving Him away from us? For God is always the perfect gentleman and would never force Himself if we do not welcome Him the way we should. Let us be careful just as what sometimes happen when we may not be aware of it but we are already kicking Jesus out of our lives. He patiently waits for us to open the doors of our hearts. We prevent God's miracles in our lives when we suppress it by our wrongdoings. Why not allow the Spirit of the Lord that dwells in us triumph, unchain the spirit and unleash its power to work in us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 8:1-11
...If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you.
This is the covenant: we belong to the Lord and He belongs to us for we are His people and He is our God. I heard a story about God's radiating and blinding light that when we stand before Him nothing is hidden from Him, He will never turn away from us but if we ourselves are tainted with the guilt of our sins then we can not withstand His presence and will definitely hide and ran away from Him, far from His ever blinding Light that penetrates us. Let us all hope that when that day comes we can stand in His Holy Presence and claim with confidence our rightful place in His Kingdom. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 24:1b-2. 3-4ab. 5-6
R: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
1 The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it... Who may go up the mountain of the LORD? Who can stand in his holy place? "The clean of hand and pure of heart, who are not devoted to idols, who have not sworn falsely. They will receive blessings from the LORD, and justice from their saving God.
This covenant with God if we read today's gospel reminds us that just like any other agreement there is specified period which only lasts until we are still alive once we die, the contract is considered fully paid by Jesus but there are some conditions that apply. Let us examine our part of the deal and make sure that we don't end up like this fig tree in the parable it might finally be cut down unless we take action, allow ourselves to be cultivated, respond positively and bear fruit. The figure of speech used in the passages sounds scary. They were meant to give emphasis on the need to bear fruit as heirs of the kingdom of God, endowed with a gift, we should not waste our inheritance and be aware that although we have a merciful and loving God, He too is a God of justice and order. He has to be consistent to His nature. God is always patient with us but He must also discipline us, if at the appointed time we haven't responded yet after so many pleadings from the Lord then it is not Him who turned away from us, it is by our own decisions that we strayed far away from God, though, He is God, He can easily snatch us from the enemy lines where we have lead ourselves, He can not force us to be in a situation because He loves us so, He has given us the freedom to choose. Although, we know that we should choose the path to God, the distance and hindrances, represented by our sinfulness, have become so great that it will be more difficult for us to find the right path. An example of this is when we decide to go on a trip away from home the longer the distance traveled the longer the time needed, we sometimes grow weary and tired that in our stubborn ways we just opt to stay behind and lose our way. If we haven't prepared ourselves for this trip then we fail to reach our final destination and get lost. I pray that we will prepare wisely for our journey in this present life that we may find ourselves in the loving embrace of the Lord. We must praise and thank God for the patience, opportunity, time and attention He has been giving us in order for us to grow and prosper most especially in the aspects of our life where we really need to improve. God does not give up on us. 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.’ ”
Romans 8:1-11
...If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you.
This is the covenant: we belong to the Lord and He belongs to us for we are His people and He is our God. I heard a story about God's radiating and blinding light that when we stand before Him nothing is hidden from Him, He will never turn away from us but if we ourselves are tainted with the guilt of our sins then we can not withstand His presence and will definitely hide and ran away from Him, far from His ever blinding Light that penetrates us. Let us all hope that when that day comes we can stand in His Holy Presence and claim with confidence our rightful place in His Kingdom. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 24:1b-2. 3-4ab. 5-6
R: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
1 The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it... Who may go up the mountain of the LORD? Who can stand in his holy place? "The clean of hand and pure of heart, who are not devoted to idols, who have not sworn falsely. They will receive blessings from the LORD, and justice from their saving God.
This covenant with God if we read today's gospel reminds us that just like any other agreement there is specified period which only lasts until we are still alive once we die, the contract is considered fully paid by Jesus but there are some conditions that apply. Let us examine our part of the deal and make sure that we don't end up like this fig tree in the parable it might finally be cut down unless we take action, allow ourselves to be cultivated, respond positively and bear fruit. The figure of speech used in the passages sounds scary. They were meant to give emphasis on the need to bear fruit as heirs of the kingdom of God, endowed with a gift, we should not waste our inheritance and be aware that although we have a merciful and loving God, He too is a God of justice and order. He has to be consistent to His nature. God is always patient with us but He must also discipline us, if at the appointed time we haven't responded yet after so many pleadings from the Lord then it is not Him who turned away from us, it is by our own decisions that we strayed far away from God, though, He is God, He can easily snatch us from the enemy lines where we have lead ourselves, He can not force us to be in a situation because He loves us so, He has given us the freedom to choose. Although, we know that we should choose the path to God, the distance and hindrances, represented by our sinfulness, have become so great that it will be more difficult for us to find the right path. An example of this is when we decide to go on a trip away from home the longer the distance traveled the longer the time needed, we sometimes grow weary and tired that in our stubborn ways we just opt to stay behind and lose our way. If we haven't prepared ourselves for this trip then we fail to reach our final destination and get lost. I pray that we will prepare wisely for our journey in this present life that we may find ourselves in the loving embrace of the Lord. We must praise and thank God for the patience, opportunity, time and attention He has been giving us in order for us to grow and prosper most especially in the aspects of our life where we really need to improve. God does not give up on us. 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.’ ”
Friday, October 21, 2011
GOD'S WAYS
We all have our own struggles in life. This is something we are confronted with every day of our lives. Sometimes it reaches to a point where we feel so helpless and miserable. The truth is we really don't have to since God created man to be on top of all His creation. The bible tells us that even the finest robe of King Solomon can not compare with the lilies in the valley that neither toil nor sow but bloom and clothed everyday only to dry up the next day and thrown away. Also with the sparrows in the field that never worry what to eat. We are worth more than the lilies and the sparrows. Even the stars do not struggle to shine and rivers do not struggle to flow then we will never struggle to excel and be the best since God will deliver us from all of these things through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 7:18-25a 18
Brothers and sisters: I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand...Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
There is only one thing needed and we have to choose the best part. We have to do things according to God's statutes and precepts which is the only sure way to live a happy and abundant life first here on earth and then for eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 119:66. 68. 76. 77. 93. 94
R: Lord, teach me your statutes. ...Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. (R) 77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. (R) 93 Never will I forget your precepts, for through them you give me life. (R) 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
God has given us everything we need. He will never be lacking in anything at all. In fact all the signs and wonders around us that we often leave unnoticed and take for granted all point to God. It is a pity that we still go astray from the right path when we already know it and confuse ourselves when there is really nothing confusing about it. It all boils down to the fact that we have our own free will and we can define and decide for ourselves what's right and true. This happens when our circumstances don't fit or conform to our expectations we immediately dismiss it and resort to our own ways without realizing that if we really believe that we have an Almighty and All Knowing God then nothing ever happens outside His will. It may not be favorable according to our own standards but God's ways is not like man's ways. This we simply have to be open to God's truth by trusting that God will always make things right for us. 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. God left us in today’s gospel with a challenge to gain knowledge, be wise, think right with the beautiful mind of God. 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?
Romans 7:18-25a 18
Brothers and sisters: I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand...Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
There is only one thing needed and we have to choose the best part. We have to do things according to God's statutes and precepts which is the only sure way to live a happy and abundant life first here on earth and then for eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 119:66. 68. 76. 77. 93. 94
R: Lord, teach me your statutes. ...Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. (R) 77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. (R) 93 Never will I forget your precepts, for through them you give me life. (R) 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
God has given us everything we need. He will never be lacking in anything at all. In fact all the signs and wonders around us that we often leave unnoticed and take for granted all point to God. It is a pity that we still go astray from the right path when we already know it and confuse ourselves when there is really nothing confusing about it. It all boils down to the fact that we have our own free will and we can define and decide for ourselves what's right and true. This happens when our circumstances don't fit or conform to our expectations we immediately dismiss it and resort to our own ways without realizing that if we really believe that we have an Almighty and All Knowing God then nothing ever happens outside His will. It may not be favorable according to our own standards but God's ways is not like man's ways. This we simply have to be open to God's truth by trusting that God will always make things right for us. 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. God left us in today’s gospel with a challenge to gain knowledge, be wise, think right with the beautiful mind of God. 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?
Thursday, October 20, 2011
UNDERLYING REASONS
One of the things that I find strange in people like us most especially here in the US is the fact that we have this tendency to work endless hours to the point of exhaustion to earn a living but end up tired and sick. We sometimes lose sight of what life is really all about. When we work we have to make sure that our goals are clear to us and we get what it is worth. When we work we hope to get something in return for the time, talent and effort we invested in it. Today's 1st reading tells us that death is something we work for and earn every time we offend God since it is the wage of sin. Funny how the word wages is used in this bible passage to emphasize the fact that death is the corresponding wage of something that we work for. Come to think of it, why in the world would we work for something like death? Sometimes we take things for granted, but if we come to think of it we'll find out that it is exactly what we're doing whenever we sin. Why labor for something like death when it is clear that there is something that we don't even have to work for but given to us as a gift. Let us not exchange our eternal life for death and consciously and actively accept the gift. Like any other gift that is being given to us if just left unopened and kept in the closet without finding out what good the gift can do to us then it becomes a useless gift. We've got to be fully aware of this wonderful gift which is already in our hands and just waiting to be opened, used and benefit from. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 6:19-23
... For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. God's instructions are all made very clear for us from the very beginning. Let us no longer stray away from this path and be firm in sticking to it for life. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 1:1-2. 3. 4 and 6
R: Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
1 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.
Today's gospel seems to contradict what Jesus came here for when He denies to have come to bring peace, where He announces division and fire. There is really a need for us to not just reflect on the words of God but know the underlying reasons for such statements. This is one of the reasons why I really value my attendance to our San Lorenzo Bible Study every Thursday. It is through it that we learn a lot of things that we just don't get from reading the bible. I have always appreciated the generosity of our teachers to impart and share to us their knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus and more. The more here stands for a lot of things like the in between the lines and behind the scenes scenarios that I would have never known but have come to learn about it, that I will forever be grateful of. No matter what situation there is around us, there is only one thing required of us. That is to fully decide for and stand by what God wants us to do. It may be difficult and not in accordance to this world's standard causing you to look queer and different but if it's God's will then it must be the best. God is good and God really provides. I would also like to quote what is written in the Kerygma reflection. "Let us seek to imitate this all-or-nothing attitude of Jesus in the way we follow Him as His disciples. Let us live for excellence in obedience to God’s will and never be willing to settle for second best!" 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 are 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
49 Jesus said to his disciples: “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! 51 Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
Romans 6:19-23
... For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. God's instructions are all made very clear for us from the very beginning. Let us no longer stray away from this path and be firm in sticking to it for life. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 1:1-2. 3. 4 and 6
R: Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
1 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.
Today's gospel seems to contradict what Jesus came here for when He denies to have come to bring peace, where He announces division and fire. There is really a need for us to not just reflect on the words of God but know the underlying reasons for such statements. This is one of the reasons why I really value my attendance to our San Lorenzo Bible Study every Thursday. It is through it that we learn a lot of things that we just don't get from reading the bible. I have always appreciated the generosity of our teachers to impart and share to us their knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus and more. The more here stands for a lot of things like the in between the lines and behind the scenes scenarios that I would have never known but have come to learn about it, that I will forever be grateful of. No matter what situation there is around us, there is only one thing required of us. That is to fully decide for and stand by what God wants us to do. It may be difficult and not in accordance to this world's standard causing you to look queer and different but if it's God's will then it must be the best. God is good and God really provides. I would also like to quote what is written in the Kerygma reflection. "Let us seek to imitate this all-or-nothing attitude of Jesus in the way we follow Him as His disciples. Let us live for excellence in obedience to God’s will and never be willing to settle for second best!" 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 are 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
49 Jesus said to his disciples: “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! 51 Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
WE HAVE A CHOICE
We sometimes hear people say, "I don't have a choice." The truth is that we always have a choice, it's just a matter of deciding what choices we make. It's time we realize this and not take for granted the fact that we are always confronted with choices and we have to own every single decision we make, be responsible for it and be ready for whatever it brings about. This is definitely the case for all of us and there is no exception to this. Today's 1st reading tells us exactly just that. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 6:12-18
...Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Today's psalm reading reminds me of several occasions in my life when I almost got bitten by a dog. So I know exactly how it feels to be in that situation when you are face to face with some kind of danger and don't know what to do but just wait for that impending doom. And I am also aware of the unexplainable feeling of joy and relief when you are spared from it. It is of greatest consolation knowing that we have a God who is always ready to rescue us in times like these. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 124:1b-3. 4-6. 7-8
R: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
...Blessed be the LORD, who did not leave us a prey to their teeth. (R) 7 We were rescued like a bird from the fowlers’ snare; broken was the snare, and we were freed...
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 for it. Let us do all in our power to measure up and give it our best. We sometimes get shocked at how this modern world of ours have drifted further down the pit of moral decay and got into the lure of what seemed to be the accepted and existing norms of our society. It is so difficult most especially for us trying to live the call of Jesus in our lives. It looks like wherever we go we are faced by these challenges. Sometimes we feel like people have no more room for godly talk. Just when I thought that we're running out of godly resources in our environment today's gospel suddenly reminded me of the movie, "Spiderman". I can consider the following words of Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility" a modern version of this bible passage that I have quoted below. Although we are sometimes overwhelmed by the discouraging reality of the kind of world we live in, God never runs out of occasions and circumstances to always reinforce His words which serve as guiding principles in life that can always keep us attuned and conformed to Him rather than to this present world. 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.”
Romans 6:12-18
...Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Today's psalm reading reminds me of several occasions in my life when I almost got bitten by a dog. So I know exactly how it feels to be in that situation when you are face to face with some kind of danger and don't know what to do but just wait for that impending doom. And I am also aware of the unexplainable feeling of joy and relief when you are spared from it. It is of greatest consolation knowing that we have a God who is always ready to rescue us in times like these. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 124:1b-3. 4-6. 7-8
R: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
...Blessed be the LORD, who did not leave us a prey to their teeth. (R) 7 We were rescued like a bird from the fowlers’ snare; broken was the snare, and we were freed...
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 for it. Let us do all in our power to measure up and give it our best. We sometimes get shocked at how this modern world of ours have drifted further down the pit of moral decay and got into the lure of what seemed to be the accepted and existing norms of our society. It is so difficult most especially for us trying to live the call of Jesus in our lives. It looks like wherever we go we are faced by these challenges. Sometimes we feel like people have no more room for godly talk. Just when I thought that we're running out of godly resources in our environment today's gospel suddenly reminded me of the movie, "Spiderman". I can consider the following words of Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility" a modern version of this bible passage that I have quoted below. Although we are sometimes overwhelmed by the discouraging reality of the kind of world we live in, God never runs out of occasions and circumstances to always reinforce His words which serve as guiding principles in life that can always keep us attuned and conformed to Him rather than to this present world. 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.”
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
3 Cs
Don't worry, the Lord will understand you if you do it. Have you heard this famous and overused line before? Sometimes we Christians are like that. We tend to rationalize and justify every action that we do. Although, it is already obvious that among all the choices that we have in life we can always decide for the ultimate good we still settle for something less or worst choose what is bad. Have you been into a situation wherein nobody seems to understand or agree with your decision? There is no reason to fret for we have a God who knows exactly what we're going through, He is always with us to love and support us. Somehow, this also reflects the message of Bro. Bo Sanchez last night in the Light of Jesus Family (LOJF-CA) 5th anniversary last night. He said that there are 3 Cs that we obtain when we go through trials and sufferings. The first C is comfort. As the bible tells us, blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Come to think of it but this is in fact very true. Looking back at those times when we are in sorrow and pain there will always be something or someone that comforts us and I, myself could attest to this personally. The 2nd C is character, we develop it whenever we are put through difficulties. The 3rd C is compassion. We become better person as we emerge from one trial after another. The analogy presented to us is in the form of a person who heard God’s voice telling him to push on a big boulder. Every single day he would push on it but he would not see it budge even a bit. Until finally after a month he said to God that he is not doing it anymore for nothing seems to happen. The Lord answered him and said that something happened for he developed muscles. This is when Bro. Bo mentioned about our hope in God especially at times when we feel like nothing good is happening to us. Our hope has something to do with our perception and position. He said that when he was still in his 20s and heard someone say that he is 40 he thought that the person is old but now that he is in his mid 40s he thinks that the person is young. The same is true when we are presently experiencing a trial and in deep pain and agony but after going through it we look at things differently. This should be our position with God although we may be in a difficult situation we should always have that attitude and perception of hope which is to position ourselves as if we’ve already gone through the pain for we have a God who will surely see us through it. Amen. Hallelujah!
2Timothy 4: 10-17
...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,...
Never ever doubt God's goodness in all things, the only thing we need to do is always call upon Him in truth. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 145(144),10-11.12-13.17-18.
R: Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
17 The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.
Doing the will of God and responding to God's call is not an easy task. Jesus warns us that times could be rough and we can expect difficulties to come our way. Things may not always go our way and get the popular choice. The message of God run contrary to the world’s message and so is the spirit of the world contrary to the spirit of God. In fact in today's gospel Jesus sent His disciples like lambs among wolves. We have to remind ourselves also that in Matthew 10:16 it tells us, "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves." At the time of Jesus, we can already imagine how difficult it is to live physically in the world they live back then but nowadays we are so blessed to be able to exercise our faith freely without fear of losing our lives. The wolves in our midst may not be in the form of barriers to faith like in the time of Jesus and could very well be our very own self that has ascribed to the world's values. It could help to consider what the Companion Journal tells us to think: Today’s martyrdom is not so much a physical death but one of self-denial. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 10:1-9 (or Mark 4:1-20)
...Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
2Timothy 4: 10-17
...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,...
Never ever doubt God's goodness in all things, the only thing we need to do is always call upon Him in truth. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 145(144),10-11.12-13.17-18.
R: Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
17 The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.
Doing the will of God and responding to God's call is not an easy task. Jesus warns us that times could be rough and we can expect difficulties to come our way. Things may not always go our way and get the popular choice. The message of God run contrary to the world’s message and so is the spirit of the world contrary to the spirit of God. In fact in today's gospel Jesus sent His disciples like lambs among wolves. We have to remind ourselves also that in Matthew 10:16 it tells us, "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves." At the time of Jesus, we can already imagine how difficult it is to live physically in the world they live back then but nowadays we are so blessed to be able to exercise our faith freely without fear of losing our lives. The wolves in our midst may not be in the form of barriers to faith like in the time of Jesus and could very well be our very own self that has ascribed to the world's values. It could help to consider what the Companion Journal tells us to think: Today’s martyrdom is not so much a physical death but one of self-denial. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 10:1-9 (or Mark 4:1-20)
...Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Monday, October 17, 2011
TREASURES IN HEAVEN
In today's 1st reading, it is emphasized that apart from God’s ability to fulfill His promise we are also expected to not doubt in unbelief. This is very timely because last night this is exactly what Sis Amy and I were talking about. Isn’t it amazing? This is what people commonly refer to as coincidence but in truth is just undeniable proof that we have a God of perfect timing and precision. Amen. Hallelujah!
Letter to the Romans 4,20-25.
.....He did not doubt God's promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to do.....
Although there are times when we are having cold feet we should continue to hope that God will always be consistent and will never fail or falter, Alleluia! No matter what our situations are we must not lose sight of the fact that we have a loving God who will never miss a single day in reminding us that He is God and in control. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:68-69, 70-72, 73-75
R: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.
..... salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,
...... rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.....
God is indeed a God who will always assure us and will never leave us feeling at a loss. There are so many conflicts going on around us and sometimes we get too carried away by the concerns of this world we sometimes overlook what's most important and essential. Although we are part of this world we should not forget that at the end of it all, the only thing that will matter is our stored up treasure that matters to God. Today’s gospel is another assurance from the Lord that He will never forsake nor leave us and will always uphold our cause. It is only right and fitting that we continue to give honor and praise to Him by reflecting God in our lives. We have to be rich in the eyes of God and not in the eyes of men. God's impression of us is what matters most and everything else will follow. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 12:13-21
...“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”...and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ 21 Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God
Letter to the Romans 4,20-25.
.....He did not doubt God's promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to do.....
Although there are times when we are having cold feet we should continue to hope that God will always be consistent and will never fail or falter, Alleluia! No matter what our situations are we must not lose sight of the fact that we have a loving God who will never miss a single day in reminding us that He is God and in control. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:68-69, 70-72, 73-75
R: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.
..... salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,
...... rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.....
God is indeed a God who will always assure us and will never leave us feeling at a loss. There are so many conflicts going on around us and sometimes we get too carried away by the concerns of this world we sometimes overlook what's most important and essential. Although we are part of this world we should not forget that at the end of it all, the only thing that will matter is our stored up treasure that matters to God. Today’s gospel is another assurance from the Lord that He will never forsake nor leave us and will always uphold our cause. It is only right and fitting that we continue to give honor and praise to Him by reflecting God in our lives. We have to be rich in the eyes of God and not in the eyes of men. God's impression of us is what matters most and everything else will follow. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 12:13-21
...“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”...and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ 21 Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God
Sunday, October 16, 2011
CALLED BY NAME
Today’s 1st reading tells us that we have been called by name. God knows each one of us by name. This is why in the midst of our highs and lows, ups and downs in life, and the rising and setting of our hopes we should never fear for the Lord relates with us personally and knows exactly what we are going through. There is really no other like our God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6
...I have called you by your name,...It is I who arm you,...toward the rising and the setting of the sun men may know that there is none besides me. I am the LORD, there is no other.
This world of ours is amazingly designed by God. The DNA a double helical structure, which is found in every living creature, which includes us, humans, is also existent in the solar system. Scientists found out that the pattern in which the planets rotate around the sun is also in a double helical conformation. Wow, isn't it amazing. It is undeniable evidence by the signature of God scattered all over the planet and extends to the entire universe that not even the most intelligent and brilliant astrologers could explain. We are indeed blessed and endowed with a wealth of endless benefits and cures just lying around us and within our reach. It confirms too the message in today's psalm that we give glory and honor to Almighty God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 96: 1, 2, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10
R: (7b) Give the Lord glory and honor.
4 For great is the LORD and highly to be praised; awesome is he, beyond all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are things of nought, but the LORD made the heavens.
Today’s 2nd reading should make us realize that there is a need to listen to what God is telling us in our every day life. We need to take proper action in response to God’s call. It should cultivate in us a new found and renewed conviction in fulfilling God's word in our lives. Amen. Hallelujah!
Thessalonians 1: 1-5b
... 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.
We just can’t go on with life not putting things in proper order. We have to know our responsibilities and fulfill it well. We can not be just guessing and leaving things up to chance. There are things that God made very clear for us to follow and that we should be able to do without further rationalizations, excuses and justifications. No matter how hard things may be we just have to entrust and offer to God everything that we do. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 22:15-21
...“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6
...I have called you by your name,...It is I who arm you,...toward the rising and the setting of the sun men may know that there is none besides me. I am the LORD, there is no other.
This world of ours is amazingly designed by God. The DNA a double helical structure, which is found in every living creature, which includes us, humans, is also existent in the solar system. Scientists found out that the pattern in which the planets rotate around the sun is also in a double helical conformation. Wow, isn't it amazing. It is undeniable evidence by the signature of God scattered all over the planet and extends to the entire universe that not even the most intelligent and brilliant astrologers could explain. We are indeed blessed and endowed with a wealth of endless benefits and cures just lying around us and within our reach. It confirms too the message in today's psalm that we give glory and honor to Almighty God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 96: 1, 2, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10
R: (7b) Give the Lord glory and honor.
4 For great is the LORD and highly to be praised; awesome is he, beyond all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are things of nought, but the LORD made the heavens.
Today’s 2nd reading should make us realize that there is a need to listen to what God is telling us in our every day life. We need to take proper action in response to God’s call. It should cultivate in us a new found and renewed conviction in fulfilling God's word in our lives. Amen. Hallelujah!
Thessalonians 1: 1-5b
... 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.
We just can’t go on with life not putting things in proper order. We have to know our responsibilities and fulfill it well. We can not be just guessing and leaving things up to chance. There are things that God made very clear for us to follow and that we should be able to do without further rationalizations, excuses and justifications. No matter how hard things may be we just have to entrust and offer to God everything that we do. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 22:15-21
...“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
Saturday, October 15, 2011
ACKNOWLEDGE OR DENY?
Believe and have faith, push aside all doubts that god is able to fulfill all his promises. Be proud and shout to the whole world of his goodness. Today's 1st reading should make us realize that we have a God who guarantees to fulfill all His promises for as long as we have faith in Him. We should believe what has been promised to us and it shall be done. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 4:13. 16-18
...For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us,...He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “Thus shall your descendants be.”
Have you ever experienced a situation in your life when you encountered a lot of trials and difficulties in your life? Just when you're about to give up and lose hope, suddenly you came across a particular incident or inspiration that perfectly fits or matches your specific problem which gave you this hope and feeling that God knows exactly what you're going through and promises to see you through it. The Lord is telling us is in today's psalm and assures us that He remembers what He has promised and will surely bring about what He said to us that He would do. If God remembers, so must we. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 105:6-7. 8-9. 42-43
R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.
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. (R) 8 He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations
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. Another thing that was impressed to me and reminded of is Josie. I could still remember when she sort of got very amused of me and smiled from ear to ear when I shared to her things about the Lord Jesus. I could tell by the way she looked then that she found it strange that I am openly and boldly declaring my faith to our Lord although she did not say anything. I could never forget the words that I quoted to her during our conversation because they are the very words found in the first sentence in today’s gospel. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 12:8-12
8 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. 9 But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God... 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.”
Romans 4:13. 16-18
...For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us,...He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “Thus shall your descendants be.”
Have you ever experienced a situation in your life when you encountered a lot of trials and difficulties in your life? Just when you're about to give up and lose hope, suddenly you came across a particular incident or inspiration that perfectly fits or matches your specific problem which gave you this hope and feeling that God knows exactly what you're going through and promises to see you through it. The Lord is telling us is in today's psalm and assures us that He remembers what He has promised and will surely bring about what He said to us that He would do. If God remembers, so must we. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 105:6-7. 8-9. 42-43
R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.
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. (R) 8 He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations
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. Another thing that was impressed to me and reminded of is Josie. I could still remember when she sort of got very amused of me and smiled from ear to ear when I shared to her things about the Lord Jesus. I could tell by the way she looked then that she found it strange that I am openly and boldly declaring my faith to our Lord although she did not say anything. I could never forget the words that I quoted to her during our conversation because they are the very words found in the first sentence in today’s gospel. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 12:8-12
8 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. 9 But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God... 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.”
Friday, October 14, 2011
THE ARCH
Today’s readings reminded me about the architectural structure of Mark's gospel which I learned from our bible study. This structure would reveal to us the intended level which is one of the 4 pillars of Mark's gospel (1.Literal (Peschat) 2.Intended (Derush) 3.Personal (Remaz) 4.Communal (Sod)). The intended level is the hardest part and where exegesis is done. Mark's reputation as a gospel writer is not as impeccable as that of the other gospel writers like Matthew, Luke, John and Paul when it comes to educational background and attainment since they are all well educated and learned in the study of the scriptures. Although this is true, there is something about the gospel of Mark that is distinctly his. Exploring the nature of Mark as a gospel writer revealed to us the exciting way in which Mark presents Jesus to us. This is known as Kai parataxis or the rapid movement and change of scenes. Rapid succession of event joined simply by "and" and constant use of "immediately" Examples of this can be found in the ff:
Mk 1:30,Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her.
Mk1:42,(The leper) The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Mk 5:29,(Hemorrhaging woman) Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Mk 5:42, The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. (At that) they were utterly astounded.
Mk 10:52 (Bartimaeus, the blind man) Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Mk 7:35 And (immediately) the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.
Mark's low Christology which means that Jesus is depicted to us in the view of the Evangelist Mark as human as possible and Jesus as a man in a hurry. Mark is written for people who already believe in Christ. Its main task is not to convert but to reinforce Christian faith since most if not all first wave Disciples of Christ are gone. Mark assures us that as long as we gain understanding of the Kingship of Jesus in our lives then there is no need to worry even if they are now all gone. God's generosity knows no boundaries. Today's 1st reading tells us exactly just that. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 4:1-8
...“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due. 5 But when one does not work, yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 So also David declares the blessedness of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.”
Jesus is fully human and fully divine. These are the 2 opposite parts that make up the arch of Mark's gospel and joined in the fulcrum or apex of its architectural structure.
The first half of the gospel represents the Jesus as the Son of God and image of power and might and can be found in Chapter1-8:26, Jesus who is in charge, giving orders, an exorcist, and walks on water. Jesus is in control and source of strength, drive and power. The Son of God focused on His mission who engages into rapid phase of exorcisms and healing. He is truly the Son of God. Second half of the gospel (Ch. 11:1-15:47), Jesus as the Son of Man and image of weakness and suffering. No longer in charge and the one receiving orders, suffered greatly which is the prelude to the Paschal Mystery, the suffering, dying and rising of Jesus from the dead. We can often encounter in Mark's gospel, Jesus ordering them not to tell anyone about the miracles He had done. It's because they won't understand until Jesus is nailed on the cross. This is core purpose of Jesus' becoming man to save mankind. The fulcrum or apex of the arch is found in the middle of the gospel, Jesus as Savior which is the central theme of Mark's gospel where Jesus' divinity meets His humanity in the cross as the perfect victim (sacrificial lamb/scapegoat) of man's salvation. Mark is telling us and intended for us to discover the arch in ourselves that will bring us closer to the center/apex/fulcrum of our lives who is Jesus. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 32:1b-2. 5. 11
R: I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,” and you took away the guilt of my sin.
In several passages in Mark, Jesus' human nature was shown in Mk 8:1-3 (felt pity) "In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, he summoned the disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance."
In Mark 6:34: When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Mark 6:6:(amazement) He was amazed at their lack of faith. He went around to the villages in the vicinity teaching.
Mark 11:12-14:(cursed the fig tree) The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, "May no one ever eat of your fruit again!" And his disciples heard it.
Mark 14:32-34 Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray. "He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be troubled and distressed. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch." This scene in the garden of Gethsemane showed Jesus' feelings of pain, fear, abandonment. This was even aggravated by the fact that during His time this garden was situated in an incline in the hill top below the highest part of that hill where there was a slaughter house. During that time of the Passion and Death of Jesus it was also the time when they slaughter goats for the Passover and Jesus can see the blood from the slaughter house draining from on top of the garden. He saw Himself ending up with the same fate as the goats. Though he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will.", His great love for us and His complete surrender to God's will prevailed. We are afraid of a lot of things that are happening right now in the whole world. I believe that if we will just focus on God's tremendous love for us then there is really nothing to fear. If we know that we are destined to be safe secure in the arms of our Creator then nothing can bother us anymore.
As in today's gospel, God everlasting love for us is once again declared by reminding us of who we are for God. 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.”
Mk 1:30,Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her.
Mk1:42,(The leper) The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Mk 5:29,(Hemorrhaging woman) Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Mk 5:42, The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. (At that) they were utterly astounded.
Mk 10:52 (Bartimaeus, the blind man) Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Mk 7:35 And (immediately) the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.
Mark's low Christology which means that Jesus is depicted to us in the view of the Evangelist Mark as human as possible and Jesus as a man in a hurry. Mark is written for people who already believe in Christ. Its main task is not to convert but to reinforce Christian faith since most if not all first wave Disciples of Christ are gone. Mark assures us that as long as we gain understanding of the Kingship of Jesus in our lives then there is no need to worry even if they are now all gone. God's generosity knows no boundaries. Today's 1st reading tells us exactly just that. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 4:1-8
...“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due. 5 But when one does not work, yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 So also David declares the blessedness of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.”
Jesus is fully human and fully divine. These are the 2 opposite parts that make up the arch of Mark's gospel and joined in the fulcrum or apex of its architectural structure.
The first half of the gospel represents the Jesus as the Son of God and image of power and might and can be found in Chapter1-8:26, Jesus who is in charge, giving orders, an exorcist, and walks on water. Jesus is in control and source of strength, drive and power. The Son of God focused on His mission who engages into rapid phase of exorcisms and healing. He is truly the Son of God. Second half of the gospel (Ch. 11:1-15:47), Jesus as the Son of Man and image of weakness and suffering. No longer in charge and the one receiving orders, suffered greatly which is the prelude to the Paschal Mystery, the suffering, dying and rising of Jesus from the dead. We can often encounter in Mark's gospel, Jesus ordering them not to tell anyone about the miracles He had done. It's because they won't understand until Jesus is nailed on the cross. This is core purpose of Jesus' becoming man to save mankind. The fulcrum or apex of the arch is found in the middle of the gospel, Jesus as Savior which is the central theme of Mark's gospel where Jesus' divinity meets His humanity in the cross as the perfect victim (sacrificial lamb/scapegoat) of man's salvation. Mark is telling us and intended for us to discover the arch in ourselves that will bring us closer to the center/apex/fulcrum of our lives who is Jesus. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 32:1b-2. 5. 11
R: I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,” and you took away the guilt of my sin.
In several passages in Mark, Jesus' human nature was shown in Mk 8:1-3 (felt pity) "In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, he summoned the disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance."
In Mark 6:34: When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Mark 6:6:(amazement) He was amazed at their lack of faith. He went around to the villages in the vicinity teaching.
Mark 11:12-14:(cursed the fig tree) The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, "May no one ever eat of your fruit again!" And his disciples heard it.
Mark 14:32-34 Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray. "He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be troubled and distressed. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch." This scene in the garden of Gethsemane showed Jesus' feelings of pain, fear, abandonment. This was even aggravated by the fact that during His time this garden was situated in an incline in the hill top below the highest part of that hill where there was a slaughter house. During that time of the Passion and Death of Jesus it was also the time when they slaughter goats for the Passover and Jesus can see the blood from the slaughter house draining from on top of the garden. He saw Himself ending up with the same fate as the goats. Though he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will.", His great love for us and His complete surrender to God's will prevailed. We are afraid of a lot of things that are happening right now in the whole world. I believe that if we will just focus on God's tremendous love for us then there is really nothing to fear. If we know that we are destined to be safe secure in the arms of our Creator then nothing can bother us anymore.
As in today's gospel, God everlasting love for us is once again declared by reminding us of who we are for God. 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.”
Thursday, October 13, 2011
SOLA FIDE?
Today's 1st reading reminds me of a teaching in our Catholicism class entitled, "Rebutting the Principle of Protestantism: Faith Alone (Sola Fide)" There is no doubt to the truth that man needs to be saved because of his "fallen nature" Faith alone doctrine states that justification simply means being "declared righteous" We can not just be declared righteous but we have to be made righteous by not continuing to sin. Amen. Hallelujah!
Roman 7:21-24:
So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body?
It is stated in the Catechism of the Catholic church (CCC) 1949:
Called to beatitude but wounded by sin, man stands in need of salvation from God. Divine help comes to him in Christ through the law that guides him and the grace that sustains him: Philippians 2:12-13:Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The devil has acquired a certain domination in man. Man is dominated by greed, pride and lust.
CCC 407:
The doctrine of original sin, closely connected with that of redemption by Christ, provides lucid discernment of man's situation and activity in the world. By our first parents' sin, the devil has acquired a certain domination over man, even though man remains free. Original sin entails "captivity under the power of him who thenceforth had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Hebrews 2:14)
Ignorance of the fact that man has a wounded nature inclined to evil gives rise to serious errors in the areas of education, politics, social action, and morals.
1 John 5:19
We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one.
Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
We are engaged in a battle that has been won but does not stop there since we have to always put on our guard for the enemy does not rest. He called the whole process of being saved as "justification" .
"Man is saved by God's grace alone based on CCC 1996. Our justification comes from the grace of God. Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life. (Jn 1:12-18; 17:3; Rom 8:14-17; 2 Pet 1:3-4.)
-The question is how does the grace of God become an active part of our life or "by what are we justified?" The example he gave here was a newborn baby who is baptized. A baby has not merited anything yet but is saved by the mere act of being baptized. He mentioned about Martin Luther's despair about his salvation which led him to formulate the doctrine of justification by "Faith alone" He misunderstood the Bible passage Rom 3:28 which mentioned faith alone apart from works of the law. Paul in this letter to the Romans was pertaining to the Jewish Law which is being practiced during their time like circumcision, washing of the hands and the like which are practices that can not really justify a person.
Romans 3:21-30
...For there is no distinction; 23 all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God...
Justification actually means being "made righteous" i.e. it entails the sanctification of his whole being (CCC 1989, 1990, &1995) We are justified not by faith alone nor by works alone. Justification has its stages i.e. initial and progressive. Initial justification takes place at our baptism. We still have a tendency to backslide and during the hour of death is the period of intense spiritual battle over our soul. That is why we need to mature in our faith.
Certainty of Salvation "Once saved, always saved?" If we believe in this it tends to put off our guard. (1 Jn 5:13-14) We should say instead "I know I am saved, still being saved and will continue to be saved." Justification is a life long process as stated by Paul in 1 Cor. 4:3-5, 9:27.
In Phil 2:12 Paul also encouraged us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. For the enemy is waging war on us and we need to be very aware of this and claim God's protection over us at all times. (Eph.6:11-12)
Epistles against works? I guess there have been some misunderstanding here of the following bible verses: Rom. 3:28 (Obedience of faith) We should be aware of the truth that we know we are saved, still being saved and will continue to be saved as stated by Paul in 1 Cor. 4:3-5, 9:27. In Phil 2:12 Paul also encouraged us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. For the enemy is waging war on us and we need to be very aware of this and claim God's protection over us at all times. (Eph.6:11-12)
Martin Luther based his belief on faith alone on this specific verse he failed to see that Paul in addition to what I've mentioned earlier was attacking the Jews with regards to their ceremonial laws and that it is not enough to just hear the law but to observe it. (Rom 4:5 Total adherence) An example he gave was attending the mass not just as an obligation but with the heart. Consider it a privilege and do it for the love of God. He said we are saved by grace not by works but we obtain the grace of God by good works and the motive is mercy (Eph. 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5) as in today's psalm. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 130:1b-2. 3-4. 5-6ab
R: With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. ... If you, O LORD, mark iniquities, LORD, who can stand? 4 But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered...
Here are several bible passages cited to us by Atty Moya that support the need for us to cooperate and work with God. James 2: 14-22 & 24 say that faith without action is dead. From the gospel of Matthew: What must I do to be saved? (Mt. 19:16-21) When the rich man asked this question he was told to keep the commandments and he said he already did so Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor for he is very attached to his possessions that he has to let go of all attachments. We are also called to keep our fire burning for the Lord so that we don't end up like the 5 virgins in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Mt 25:1-13. The same principle applies with the Parable of the Talents or Silver pieces that we have to cultivate the goodness in ourselves and let it grow. It is also very clear from Mt. 25 31-46 which mentions about the last judgment that we can not just accept the Grace of salvation but needs to do our part, too since it specifically stated here that whatever we have failed to do will go to eternal punishment. Also it is stated in Mt 7:21-27 that we need to live His words because not everybody who says "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven for there is a need to turn away from our wrongdoings. He said that there is no dichotomy between Christ and His doctrine. If we really believe in God then we also need to do what He teaches. We have to do the Works of Mercy (CCC 2447) The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. (Isa 58:6-7; Heb 13:3.) Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.(Mt 25:31-46.) Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God:(Tob 4:5-11; Sir 17:22; Mt 6:2-4) He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food must do likewise.(Lk 3:11.) But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.(Lk 11:41) If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?(Jas 2:15-16; 1 Jn 3:17)
Galatians 5:6:For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. 1 Cor. 13:1-3 If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. In conclusion: We are saved by God's "Grace Alone" through Faith that works in Love which is also the message in today's gospel. Let us not be deceived by the thought that we already know everything there is to know about God. We have an infinite God, endless in love, mercy and all the good things we can ever think about. Let us always be open and docile so that our knowledge of God will grow more and more in each passing day.
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.
Roman 7:21-24:
So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body?
It is stated in the Catechism of the Catholic church (CCC) 1949:
Called to beatitude but wounded by sin, man stands in need of salvation from God. Divine help comes to him in Christ through the law that guides him and the grace that sustains him: Philippians 2:12-13:Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The devil has acquired a certain domination in man. Man is dominated by greed, pride and lust.
CCC 407:
The doctrine of original sin, closely connected with that of redemption by Christ, provides lucid discernment of man's situation and activity in the world. By our first parents' sin, the devil has acquired a certain domination over man, even though man remains free. Original sin entails "captivity under the power of him who thenceforth had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Hebrews 2:14)
Ignorance of the fact that man has a wounded nature inclined to evil gives rise to serious errors in the areas of education, politics, social action, and morals.
1 John 5:19
We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one.
Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
We are engaged in a battle that has been won but does not stop there since we have to always put on our guard for the enemy does not rest. He called the whole process of being saved as "justification" .
"Man is saved by God's grace alone based on CCC 1996. Our justification comes from the grace of God. Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life. (Jn 1:12-18; 17:3; Rom 8:14-17; 2 Pet 1:3-4.)
-The question is how does the grace of God become an active part of our life or "by what are we justified?" The example he gave here was a newborn baby who is baptized. A baby has not merited anything yet but is saved by the mere act of being baptized. He mentioned about Martin Luther's despair about his salvation which led him to formulate the doctrine of justification by "Faith alone" He misunderstood the Bible passage Rom 3:28 which mentioned faith alone apart from works of the law. Paul in this letter to the Romans was pertaining to the Jewish Law which is being practiced during their time like circumcision, washing of the hands and the like which are practices that can not really justify a person.
Romans 3:21-30
...For there is no distinction; 23 all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God...
Justification actually means being "made righteous" i.e. it entails the sanctification of his whole being (CCC 1989, 1990, &1995) We are justified not by faith alone nor by works alone. Justification has its stages i.e. initial and progressive. Initial justification takes place at our baptism. We still have a tendency to backslide and during the hour of death is the period of intense spiritual battle over our soul. That is why we need to mature in our faith.
Certainty of Salvation "Once saved, always saved?" If we believe in this it tends to put off our guard. (1 Jn 5:13-14) We should say instead "I know I am saved, still being saved and will continue to be saved." Justification is a life long process as stated by Paul in 1 Cor. 4:3-5, 9:27.
In Phil 2:12 Paul also encouraged us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. For the enemy is waging war on us and we need to be very aware of this and claim God's protection over us at all times. (Eph.6:11-12)
Epistles against works? I guess there have been some misunderstanding here of the following bible verses: Rom. 3:28 (Obedience of faith) We should be aware of the truth that we know we are saved, still being saved and will continue to be saved as stated by Paul in 1 Cor. 4:3-5, 9:27. In Phil 2:12 Paul also encouraged us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. For the enemy is waging war on us and we need to be very aware of this and claim God's protection over us at all times. (Eph.6:11-12)
Martin Luther based his belief on faith alone on this specific verse he failed to see that Paul in addition to what I've mentioned earlier was attacking the Jews with regards to their ceremonial laws and that it is not enough to just hear the law but to observe it. (Rom 4:5 Total adherence) An example he gave was attending the mass not just as an obligation but with the heart. Consider it a privilege and do it for the love of God. He said we are saved by grace not by works but we obtain the grace of God by good works and the motive is mercy (Eph. 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5) as in today's psalm. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 130:1b-2. 3-4. 5-6ab
R: With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. ... If you, O LORD, mark iniquities, LORD, who can stand? 4 But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered...
Here are several bible passages cited to us by Atty Moya that support the need for us to cooperate and work with God. James 2: 14-22 & 24 say that faith without action is dead. From the gospel of Matthew: What must I do to be saved? (Mt. 19:16-21) When the rich man asked this question he was told to keep the commandments and he said he already did so Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor for he is very attached to his possessions that he has to let go of all attachments. We are also called to keep our fire burning for the Lord so that we don't end up like the 5 virgins in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Mt 25:1-13. The same principle applies with the Parable of the Talents or Silver pieces that we have to cultivate the goodness in ourselves and let it grow. It is also very clear from Mt. 25 31-46 which mentions about the last judgment that we can not just accept the Grace of salvation but needs to do our part, too since it specifically stated here that whatever we have failed to do will go to eternal punishment. Also it is stated in Mt 7:21-27 that we need to live His words because not everybody who says "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven for there is a need to turn away from our wrongdoings. He said that there is no dichotomy between Christ and His doctrine. If we really believe in God then we also need to do what He teaches. We have to do the Works of Mercy (CCC 2447) The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. (Isa 58:6-7; Heb 13:3.) Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.(Mt 25:31-46.) Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God:(Tob 4:5-11; Sir 17:22; Mt 6:2-4) He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food must do likewise.(Lk 3:11.) But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.(Lk 11:41) If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?(Jas 2:15-16; 1 Jn 3:17)
Galatians 5:6:For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. 1 Cor. 13:1-3 If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. In conclusion: We are saved by God's "Grace Alone" through Faith that works in Love which is also the message in today's gospel. Let us not be deceived by the thought that we already know everything there is to know about God. We have an infinite God, endless in love, mercy and all the good things we can ever think about. Let us always be open and docile so that our knowledge of God will grow more and more in each passing day.
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.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
VICTORY SIGN OFFICIALLY DECLARED!
I could never forget the reflection I wrote entitled “Victory sign officially declared!” on October 13, 2009 which also happens to be the day we commemorate the last apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. It is about the court case of Sis Joy Manipis which was adjudicated in her favor. There is no doubt that it was accompanied by signs, wonders and miracles wrought by God’s mighty hand. But prior to the official declaration of victory I had also witnessed that the laws and technicalities being followed can become twisted or crooked at times. In fact, 3 lawyers had declined in handling her case before she was finally able to get the lawyer who handled her case. They thought they would just lose based on the police report and witness statement which was filed. There is a tendency for people to put their faith and confidence in the wise tactics and strategies that this world offers rather than banking on the truth and what is pleasing before God. We sometimes lose sight of what is truly important and vital. Let us not be carried away or influenced by this wrong motivation in carrying out the rules and regulations that we follow. May we truly appreciate the law of God in the light of God's goodness, mercy and love for all of us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 2:1-11
...But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. 11 There is no partiality with God...
We should not be influenced or governed by the manipulations of this world which are the easy come and quick fix deals that most people of our time subscribe to. The psalm reading is very clear in what it is telling us today. Let us choose to do things according to God’s way for, He indeed gives back to everyone according to his works. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9
R: Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
...He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. (R) 8 [9] Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him; God is our refuge!
God wants us first and foremost to put into practice and good use the things that we've known and learned about God. 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
...And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”
Romans 2:1-11
...But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. 11 There is no partiality with God...
We should not be influenced or governed by the manipulations of this world which are the easy come and quick fix deals that most people of our time subscribe to. The psalm reading is very clear in what it is telling us today. Let us choose to do things according to God’s way for, He indeed gives back to everyone according to his works. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9
R: Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
...He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. (R) 8 [9] Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him; God is our refuge!
God wants us first and foremost to put into practice and good use the things that we've known and learned about God. 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
...And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
THE HEART OF GOODNESS
Today's 1st reading reminded me of this very popular expression in the Philippines which is, "Obvious ba?" or "Isn't it obvious?" in English. I often hear it being said by people who are annoyed at somebody who seems to be inattentive, unable to get the message right away, pretending not to know or simply doesn't care. It has become so common that anybody would just throw it to someone who doesn't seem to be paying attention. I guess, God for so many times already, would have said the same thing to us whenever we doubt God's abilities to carry out what He's capable of doing. I must say we are all guilty of this inattentiveness or a passing moment of doubt from time to time. There are countless reminders that are being sent our way. If we are to look at creation then all the answers will be right before us. Even the several experiences we’ve had in our lifetime serve as lessons that we can learn from, though we still do not conduct our affairs in the manner that we should. Let us not forget and always remember that nothing can ever come between us and God for as long as we truly desire to know more about Him. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 1:16-25
...For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. 20 Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made...
There is no denying to the glory, power and might of God that is displayed throughout the earth. We simply become immune to the wonderful things that God has given us. It made me think about the importance of the air we breathe that we often take for granted and do not realize most of the time. The ABC of Nursing Care stands for Airway, Breathing and Circulation. It has always been said and emphasized that airway is considered the topmost priority of care. The principle is that if the airway is blocked or compromised then this immediately becomes a priority care that needs to be addressed. It follows that the air we breathe is something we owe our life to. Every single thing that surrounds us if we will just take a close look at it is a testimony of God's glorious creation. How it all came to be remains a mystery no matter how hard they try to figure out how the world we live in evolved. Our God is an awesome God. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 19:2-3. 4-5
R: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
...Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.
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. We have to realize it literally and figuratively and be wise rather than fools. In the midst of a chaotic world, we should always find an inner peace within ourselves. It is always what's inside and deep within us, that is most important. Sometimes we get caught in the prevailing and acceptable standards of this world we tend to be mechanical in the things we do and find our motivations empty and meaningless. When we are driven to action and our purpose is superficial and is just meant to create an impressive image and show off for others to see, then we become no better than the Pharisees in today's gospel. Jesus encourages us to be wise and not fools by going beyond the superficial and go deeper into the heart of goodness which in turn will gain for us everything. 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! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
Romans 1:16-25
...For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. 20 Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made...
There is no denying to the glory, power and might of God that is displayed throughout the earth. We simply become immune to the wonderful things that God has given us. It made me think about the importance of the air we breathe that we often take for granted and do not realize most of the time. The ABC of Nursing Care stands for Airway, Breathing and Circulation. It has always been said and emphasized that airway is considered the topmost priority of care. The principle is that if the airway is blocked or compromised then this immediately becomes a priority care that needs to be addressed. It follows that the air we breathe is something we owe our life to. Every single thing that surrounds us if we will just take a close look at it is a testimony of God's glorious creation. How it all came to be remains a mystery no matter how hard they try to figure out how the world we live in evolved. Our God is an awesome God. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 19:2-3. 4-5
R: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
...Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.
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. We have to realize it literally and figuratively and be wise rather than fools. In the midst of a chaotic world, we should always find an inner peace within ourselves. It is always what's inside and deep within us, that is most important. Sometimes we get caught in the prevailing and acceptable standards of this world we tend to be mechanical in the things we do and find our motivations empty and meaningless. When we are driven to action and our purpose is superficial and is just meant to create an impressive image and show off for others to see, then we become no better than the Pharisees in today's gospel. Jesus encourages us to be wise and not fools by going beyond the superficial and go deeper into the heart of goodness which in turn will gain for us everything. 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! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
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