EVIDENCE, PROOF AND SUPPORT

Are we not yet convinced of God's power and might? What evidence, proof and support are we still looking for? Is there some thing more we need to witness in our midst to be very convinced of this truth that today's 1st reading is telling us? Let us always hold on to these words of God. There are moments in our lives when we don't know where and who to turn to. This bible passage assures us that we need not look or stray any further for the Lord our God is always with us. He is God and in charge. Amen. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25

6 I am the LORD, there is no other; 7 I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe; I, the LORD, do all these things...There is no just and saving God but me. 22 Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other!

What a wonderful world this place that we live in could be if only we listen to the instructions constantly being given to us in the scriptures. We have an awesome God who always speaks to us in a very timely and specific manner. His messages are fitted to the situation we are presently experiencing right now. We should remain confident that God will make a way. There is really nothing more that God can do for us that He has not done. God is never short of blessings to shower on us. He has made it all available to us through His Son. All that is needed is for us to make our move. Let us open ourselves to God's presence in our lives and know that there is never a moment in our life when He is away from us for it is always the other way around. We are the ones turning away from Him and placing blocks and hindrances between us whenever we can't find Him.

We are constantly being faced by challenges to our faith especially at this present time. It is easier to be firm in our faith when times are easy but when tough times come that is when we are put to the test. No matter how difficult things may seem we should never give in to the pressure and remain steadfast. We can always choose to do the right thing if we safeguard in our hearts the truth about God knowing that it is always for the best. We need not be afraid of anything although this is something that we all find very difficult to do. They say faith and reason do not work together just like science and religion. This is not a fact but a fallacy. These things in fact compliment each other because one supports the other. There is no faith without reason and vice versa. We can not just have one and lack the other. This has to be very clear in our heads. We should always try to condition ourselves in the atmosphere of God's presence. We should gear ourselves toward that direction so that we place ourselves within His reach, it's not that God can not reach us but we hinder God from reaching out to us. When we do not respond to His call and shut off our ears although we are within hearing range, we fail to get the message. Which reminds me of Bernadette's ear, when we went to her doctor she underwent a procedure (ear lavage) in order to unclog her left ear but prior to that she was already instilling ear meds for 4 days. The nurse explained to her that it can be painful and can cause her to feel dizzy and asked her if she still wants it done and she agreed. Sometimes we have to resort to very uncomfortable measures in order to be cured in the same way we should maintain such condition spiritually so that we can always keep our ears open to God's word. Wherever God is, there is always peace and prosperity. It is only natural that we have longings and desires because God Himself planted it in our hearts. We all long for the good things in life and God Himself can provide for all these things. It is just sad that we reach out for other things that we thought are good for us. We do not realize that we have to seek first the Kingdom of God and everything else will follow. We fail to follow this sure and no fail formula that is not a secret. In fact it is not hidden in the bible since it is often quoted, sang and regularly assigned in the gospel readings. It is in really living this truth that we can witness for ourselves the glory of God dwelling in our land. Let's just keep our eyes always focused on the Lord no matter how long the road we're travelling is and how heavy the burden we're carrying may seem to be for the Lord is our Good Shepherd. If things about God are very clear in our minds then there is no need to doubt that God is the only authority that is worthy of obeying more than anyone and anything in this whole wide world. If we will just look very closely at what's happening in our lives then we'll see that God has our best interests in mind. We simply have to believe and obey Him with all our hearts. God will never stop in sending out His message to us. All we have to do is be attentive and receptive to what He's telling us. Day in and day out we are bombarded by the realities of life. There are times when we just can't help but be worried and anxious of so many things. It even comes to a point when we feel like giving up but we should always keep in mind that there is hope, for the glory of the Lord will dwell in our land. Only God can give us the peace that the world can not give. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 85:9ab and 10. 11-12. 13-14

R: Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.

8 [9] I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD-for he proclaims peace to his people. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps.

It is understandable that we sometimes have doubts in our faith especially when we like John is going through a severe trial in life, imprisonment for that matter. But we can always go to God in times like these and not hesitate to ask for He will surely assure us and point out to us specifically the things that we should not lose sight of. If we are to focus and look very closely at the things that God has done we can never deny that God is continuously at work in our lives. In today's gospel all doubts and apprehensions were all erased through the honest, sincere and open communication of John and Jesus. It left no room for any negative vibes. It is really helpful if we just lay to God all our cards on the table. Whatever doubts and questions we have in mind should always be brought to Him in order for us to receive enlightenment. No matter how petty or serious it may be, God can always come up with good answers. He will never leave us groping in the dark but instead provide us with evidence, proof and support that we are heading the right direction the way He did for John. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 7:18b-23

18 At that time, John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” 20 When the men came to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’ ” 21 At that time he cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. 22 And he said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 23 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”