GOD'S RESPONSE

Whenever things become complicated and difficult with the people around you because of differences in opinion and points of view all we need to do is refer to today's 1st reading. This also reminds me of what my mother used to tell me, "Please all and you please none." We can not go on living our lives seeking to gain the admiration and approval of men. We are just setting ourselves for a big disappointment. We only seek to please God. Thus we can learn from Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. He tells us not to make any judgments because we do not know everything. We just rely on God who knows and sees all. We may be in a difficult situation at present or at one time in our life. During this time we can never deny the fact that God sends us direction and guidance. We will never feel lost for He will surely bring all things to light and manifest it in its appointed time. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Brothers and sisters: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; 4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.


We can get very good advice from today's psalm. Every word of it tells us exactly the right thing to do. It brings forth peace and serenity in us. These come from knowing that we can rely and depend on the words of God to do what it says it would do. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 27-28, 39-40
R: The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
3 Trust in the LORD and do good, that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will grant you your heart’s requests. (R) 5 Commit to the LORD your way; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication. (R) 27 Turn from evil and do good, that you may abide forever; 28 for the LORD loves what is right, and forsakes not his faithful ones. Criminals are destroyed, and the posterity of the wicked is cut off. (R) 39 The salvation of the just is from the LORD; he is their refuge in time of distress. 40 And the LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.


What we encounter everyday is all a part of life. It's in fact very simple if we are to look at it from today's gospel point of view. Whenever we go through life we need to keep this piece of advice in mind. What's done is done. What's past is past. We can't continue bringing up the past and ruin what's in the present. Though, we must not forget the lessons of the past we have to move on and do what is supposed to be done at the moment. Which is to mind the present and look forward to the best future we can work for. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 5:33-39
...“No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak.


September 4, 2010 GOD’S RESPONSE
We could never go wrong if we carefully adhere to Paul's advice in today's 1st reading. Although it is not an easy thing to do we can always be assured that it is the best thing we can do. It may not be the wisest thing to do based on the world's standard because ridicule, persecution and slander are very hurtful actions that we can't help but respond in the same manner and be offensive ourselves. What made St. Paul react differently lies in the fact that he is doing it all on Christ's account. Whatever we do on His account will never be lost and wasted. It will surely bring about things we never thought possible. We have a God who can make all things bright and beautiful in His perfect time. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 Corinthians 4:6b-15
..."What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it?"...We are fools on Christ’s account...When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we respond gently.


If we call on the Lord at all times then we can surely feel His presence near us. Today's psalm reading made me recall this morning's chat I had with my son. I commented how handsome he is in his photo and he replied jokingly as usual that he got it from nobody, just himself. I was quick to answer him with this passage, 1 Cor. 4:7, "What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it?" It was exactly the right and wise thing to say to him at an opportune time since it happens to be in the assigned 1st reading for today which I just read. This happens most of the time whether it's a serious or laughing matter. God supplies us with the smallest to the biggest thing we need to know and say about Him. There is no doubt to what today's psalm is telling us. He is not just near but God makes His presence known and felt to all who call upon Him. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21
R: The Lord is near to all who call upon him.
...to all who call upon him in truth. (R) 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, he hears their cry and saves them. (R) 20 The LORD keeps all who love him,...


Sabbath Day has always been a much talked about issue because of the so many questions and concerns related to it. There are a lot of differences in opinion when it comes to observing the Sabbath. Just like in today's gospel, Jesus and His disciples were questioned by the Pharisees and He explained with a concrete example that love and compassion for our fellow human beings come first. We should not be blinded by certain legalities in the law which were meant first and foremost to serve the interest of man rather than the other way around. Sometimes we come to a point where we are a bit confused of how we are suppose to act in such situations. In times like these we can go back to what is said today's psalm and the accompanying and confirming incident of me and my son. In my reflection in today's psalm I referred back to the 1st reading which I also did for today's gospel when I referred back to my reflection for the psalm reading. I have one more thing to say especially with this pattern I was able to make out for all the readings for today. Isn't it obvious, if we call on the Lord, He will answer. We can expect God's response in concrete, precise and clear ways that we can never doubt it. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 6:1-5
While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. 2 Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 3 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? 4 How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions.” 5 Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”