I remember the song that I learned a long time ago when I was just new in the charismatic renewal which goes this way, "Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, His banner over me is love." Have we ever examined our life and found out that each time we disconnect ourselves from God we end up in failure. No matter how hard we try to work things out, it will just end up in waste or worse we can never find true satisfaction, peace and joy in everything we do. Only Jesus can satisfy our souls and apart from God we can do nothing. Amen. Hallelujah!
Isaiah 5:1-7
...My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; 2 he spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes. 3 Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah , judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes?
As we continue to be confronted with the mystery of our everyday living, may it gives us a better view and understanding of what life should be all about here on earth. May our perspective about our existence here on earth continually grow and prosper in the knowledge of our Infinite God. In times of trouble and doubt we should realize that God is always with us. If we truly believe in this, then nothing should stop us from conquering all our fears. Let us never grow weary of the things that life brings to us but rather look to God always. We must not let ourselves be defeated by the things that we encounter in life knowing that we are being sustained and strengthened by an Almighty and Immortal God for to Him alone do we come for help. Let us make a stand for God. Nothing is hidden from the Lord. Everything that happens is known and seen by God even the unpleasant ones. We simply have to continue trusting in the Lord. He is always in control of things and He is in charge even of the most trivial and irrelevant matters. If we are sometimes or most of the time disappointed of how things turn out in our life, we should never lose hope because God can always turn everything into a blessing. This is one of the most important things we have to realize especially in times of trial. There is really nowhere else to go but to God. He is our best option there is and if we choose to be wise and smart then we will discover that nothing or no one is the best choice but only God. Once we've made our choice then we've got to live by it to the end. For He is ultimate choice as the saying goes, "the cream of the crop," and the choicest cutting edge above the rest! Today's readings should really remind us of those times when we were able to conquer our fears. We should reminisce these occasions and inspire us to do greater things in the future. God will always be an endless flowing river that refreshes us continuously. I heard a story a long time ago, that God is very holy and no one can withstand His presence much more look at Him if we have the slightest trace of sin in ourselves after we die. We all hope to stand face to face with God someday that is why we are praying for God's grace and power to overcome the snares of the devil and be able to stand firm on that day. Let us not hold back and know that if we decide to do things for the glory of God and the sake of His name then we will surely see His face and be saved. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 80:9 and 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19- 20
R: The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel .
A vine from Egypt you transplanted; you drove away the nations and planted it. It put forth its foliage to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River. R/ Why have you broken down its walls, so that every passer-by plucks its fruit, The boar from the forest lays it waste,
and the beasts of the field feed upon it? R/ Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong. R/ Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. O LORD, God of hosts, restore us; if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved.
Isn't it great that today's 2nd reading tells us not to worry and be happy. This reminds me of the "ang saya saya" (very happy) mood of my friend at that time I encountered this reading. This is why it has become very obvious that God is encouraging us to always rejoice and have no anxiety at all because He is always looking after our welfare. It's plain and simple, just make the right choice and live in the peace and comfort of God's love. Amen. Hallelujah!
Philippians 4:6-9
6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. 7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus....whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
If we feel that we've been going through tough times, feeling rejected and we are already down on our knees then we need not despair for Jesus Himself stated in one part of the Gospels: “When the world hates you, realize that it hated me before you.” Let us persevere and not lose hope and be the people of God that can lay claim on His legacy and inheritance. If we continue to live our lives without much care and attention to the building up of God's kingdom here on earth then we might end up forfeiting the benefits that is rightfully ours. We may not be fully aware of it but what we are doing right now may be rejecting God in our lives since we can easily be distracted and fooled by the false values and practicalities of this world. An example that came to my mind was during the grand draw of winners for a raffle in my previous place of work. Whenever a winner's name is called and the person was not present to claim the price then he/she lost the chance of claiming the prize. Lord, we pray that we may be always guided and led to bearing the fruits of your Holy Spirit and not lose the gift of God's Kingdom. May we always respond and be ever present to answer God's call. Let us not forfeit what is rightfully ours and end up empty handed. May we seize the opportunity right now and right here which is right before us in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 21:33-43...Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes’? Therefore, I say to you, the
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