NEVER QUESTION

We are a people of different colors, shapes and sizes. Each person is unique but we all have something in common that we can share. Today's 1st reading tells us of the story of St. Paul imprisoned in Rome. Paul left us a wonderful example of following Jesus even in the midst of persecution and trials. He was very focused on just one thing, to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ. It would require a whole lot of conviction and determination to carry on as he did considering the kind of situation and circumstance he is in at that time. If we are to look very closely we would just marvel at how he was able to do everything. We could only be sure of one thing, that where the Spirit of God dwells and prevails there we find abounding signs, wonders and miracles beyond our imagination. Despite his situation it did not stop him from fulfilling his mission. He continued to persevere to the end because of the hope he had for God. We too, are called to share and rely on this hope in God and carry on with our tasks against all odds. We have to extensively study, always read about the word of God and share it to others and discover the circumstances that have opened doors to being part of the lives of other people who are sent by God to us and vice versa, we are sent by God to them. When we encounter something wonderful and beyond our normal expectations the tendency is to rave about it. Let us hope and pray that we get to experience the wonders offered by the kingdom of God that no one can stop us from proclaiming it. Amen. Hallelujah!

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

...This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.”

It is funny how sometimes we fail to see the things that are right before our very eyes. We overlook, neglect and take for granted what obviously should be our main concern and focus. Why is this so? We have to realize that when we are presented with a variety of good things all around us unless we know our criteria, take time to look very closely and inspect what we are getting then we might end up picking up the wrong choices. We should not allow any distractions to shift our gaze and remain focused on the Lord at all times. We should have this confidence that everything that happens does not escape the searching glance of God. He knows the past, present and the future and things surely happen for a reason and whatever it may be, it will always work for the best. We may have encountered various trials and difficulties but we have to keep this in mind, it pays to be tested for in the end we would find  ourselves like the board exam takers passers.

 Let us not forget to always work for justice and goodness in the name of Jesus and we can be assured of not only always being in God's presence but really gaze on His Holy face. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 11:4, 5, 7

R: The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his searching glance is on mankind. (R) 5 The LORD searches the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. 7 For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face.

According to Frances Hogan, it was John the youngest of all the apostles who really wrote the gospel. The person behind the gospel have seen and heard Jesus first hand. He came to Jesus as a teenager and seems to know the heart of Jesus instinctively. It was to John that Jesus gave His mother on the cross. John was taught by God's beloved mother, Mary. He has this special relationship with Jesus and referred to in the scriptures as the apostle that Jesus loved or the beloved. In fact only John among all the apostles was not martyred and just died a natural death. We can read in today's gospel that Peter was asking about him. Sometimes we are too preoccupied with other people's lives that we fail to attend to what should be our main concern, our very own lives. When we do this without attending to ourselves first we end up with nothing to give and worse may mess up other people's lives too. We have to look at our lives first and strive to mend our ways first before we can reach out to others. In today's gospel, Jesus did not answer Peter's question but responded with another question. The bottom line is that we ought not to concern ourselves too much of other people's businesses but should see to it first if we ourselves are on the right track and follow Jesus through and through. There is really no need to question God about what is happening in our lives. It should not be a cause for anxiety on our part what matters most is that we follow no matter what the cost. For only Him can answer all our concerns and anxieties. We have an indescribable God, awesome! His greatness encompasses all knowledge and understanding that no author can contain it. What we do for His glory is a mere speck of the honor and praise that God rightfully deserves. Amen. Hallelujah!

John 21:20-25

...When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” ...