LOCK IT IN

I was suddenly reminded of Fr. Gerry in his homily just 2 days ago on how he used to celebrate mass 6-7 times each day. But now that he's getting older, he noticed that after 4-5 masses he is dead tired and could not do more. Priests have totally dedicated their lives in the service of God and have given up so much for this. We all know that priesthood is not an easy vocation and not everybody could answer to this call. in fact, there is a shortage of priests all over the world. Let us pray that more men would respond to committing to be a priest. We should all be thankful to God for the gift of priests. It is just right and fitting that we extend whatever support we can give to them and respond to this call in today's 1ts reading. Amen. Hallelujah!

3 John 5-8
...For they have set out for the sake of the Name and are accepting nothing from the pagans. 8 Therefore, we ought to support such persons, so that we may be co-workers in the truth.


As human beings we all long to be loved and be in a relationship especially if we are in that stage of life as in Erikson's stages of psychosocial development which is love. The Intimacy vs. Isolation conflict is emphasized in this stage and around the ages of 20 to 34. It is important that we enter into a relationship forming intimate, reciprocal relationships (e.g. through close friendships or marriage) and willingly make the sacrifices and compromises that such relationships require. Though, we are also aware of rejections such as being turned down or our partners breaking up with us. We are familiar with pain, and to some of us, rejection is painful; our egos cannot bear the pain. We should realize all the more the importance of establishing an intimate relationship for that matter with God always at the center. If we allow God to take an active part in our life especially in our relationships then He will surely do. He will not intrude or trespass but if we will gladly invite and welcome Him then He will surely come to be with us. Just imagine having a good friend at our side ready to support and help us at all times. We will never be disappointed if we stick to God and all the things He stands for. In fact we will find that God can be our constant companion and friend, the greatest one we could ever get. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
...who greatly delights in his commands. 2 His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. (R) 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever. 4 Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. (R) 5 Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; 6 he shall never be moved; the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance


We can be assured that our God is not anything like this dishonest judge from today's gospel. And yet crooked and wicked as he is, he was still able to render a just decision for the widow. Come to think of this bible passage especially the questions that go with it. Several times in our lives we are confronted with so many hard to deal with questions that we simply can't lock it in. It is just like this game show when contestants find it very difficult to answer when the host asks them this question, "Deal or No deal?" They are full of doubt and uncertainty because they can never be sure if they answered right unless the case is opened. But do we doubt God who is all good and perfect not to do more than this judge in the gospel and deal fairly with us? Have we answered the question and are we so sure that we could lock it in? We better be. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 18:1-8
...Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”