THE BIG DIFFERENCE II

The reflection sharing for today from Didache is an example of one of those scenarios when we are torn between 2 decisions. We are often faced with such dilemmas in life that we have to really come up with a wise and sound decision. Whether it is based on the standard of the world or of the Lord is something that we should set for ourselves. It is funny also how in the story there is a mention of the words big difference which happens to be the title of my reflection yesterday. Here's the story: HER WORD, HER BOND
She was praying for a job. The Lord granted her two options.
After much discernment and waiting, she went with the first offer, the one that replied sooner. She knew the other school would’ve probably given her a higher salary, but she was at peace with this decision. So she signed up with them.
One week later, the other school called her, offering twice the salary she would be getting from the one she had just signed up with. She didn’t expect it to be that big a difference!
She could’ve backed out. It had only been a week and the start of the school year was still far off. No damage would have been done. Except she would’ve gone back on the agreement. Besides, they needed the money. She was starting a family. Others may have encouraged her to take the larger offer.
But she decided to keep her word. She knew it was more important than anything else. Now, she’s happier than ever. Blessed beyond comprehension.
God is faithful to His Word. When we are, too, we open ourselves to His unlimited blessings. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)
REFLECTION:
How much value do I put on keeping my word?
Lord, help me to be reliable as You are.
-end-

Times are hard and we can't blame some people who would make decisions based on the salary but she didn't rely on it but rather relied on the big difference of knowing how to honor one's word. Amen. Hallelujah!

Rv 22:1-7
...“These words are trustworthy and true,...

The truth is that we should never have any doubts about our decisions for as long as we know that it is all for the glory of God first and foremost and everything else will follow. We have this faith and confidence in God as in Philippians 4:6-8, "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, 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." Amen. Hallelujah!

R. (1 Cor 16: 22b, see Rev. 22: 20c) Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
For the LORD is a great God, and a great king above all gods; In his hands are the depths of the earth, and the tops of the mountains are his. His is the sea, for he has made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed.

When we engage ourselves in things that we consider worthy of our time and energy then we should always make a conscious effort to examine it if they will lead us to something that draws us away from God. We can do this by always lifting to God in prayer whatever decision we make whether it is big or small. As we do this more often time will come when we will eventually develop sensitivity and an open mind to the will of God. As the saying goes, "Practice makes perfect." At first it may not seem to be relevant at all because people make wise decisions every day and nothing seems to make any difference at all whether it is offered to God in prayer or not for as long as it is the right thing to do. As rational human beings we are all capable of making a logical decision. The big difference lies in the fact that every time we make decisions and develop a conscious act of placing God in the center we strengthen our bond with God. It is just like when we want to involve someone in our life then we eventually develop a close relationship with the person because of the constant interaction that is being formed which eventually leads to a more meaningful relationship. Today's gospel is a warning to all of us not be too lenient about our faith. An evil force is out to destroy this bond and if we are not going to actively participate in keeping it intact then we may easily fall into the trap. We should take every opportunity that comes our way to exercise our faith. As we grow in strength and work our way to developing a strong and spiritually fit soul we make ourselves ready and able to stand firm on that final day. Amen. Hallelujah!

Lk 21:34-36
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”