THE MANUAL

The bible has been described as something like a manual that teaches us, Christians to go about with our lives. Just like any new equipment that comes with a manual in order to operate it properly so are God's words to us. When God created us He intended for us to be guided and directed in accordance to His will and that's what the word of God does for us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 4:12-16
12 The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

When things get out of hand we have no one to blame but ourselves for God is surely not lacking in everything that He has given us for our own welfare. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
R: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
7 [8] The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

Today's gospel assures us that God is willing and able to cure all our ills and sicknesses. The problem lies not in God's ability to heal us but in our acceptance of the fact that we are sick and need healing. It may be easier for a severely ill person to recognize one's sickness because it is very obvious and undeniable than for someone whose illness and symptoms are just mild and unnoticeable. It is more dangerous in a way because the illness just creeps up very slowly and discreetly. It’s completely widespread and terminal just like some cancers even before we know it. We need to be aware of how we are doing ourselves. This does not apply to just our physical state but most importantly our spiritual. Let us not neglect nor overlook this seemingly fine condition we thought we are in and be caught unaware when everything becomes too late. Fr. Joel Jason wrote this paragraph below in his article in Sabbath.

Psychology journals now even speak of a so-called “mild addiction.” I have a friend with a drinking problem who calls it his “daily fix.” Included in this mild addictions are gluttony, chain smoking and heavy drinking. But whether it is light or heavy, it is still an addiction. It’s a form of sickness. Treating them lightly only gives a false sense that we are doing OK when in fact we’re getting sicker by the day.
Today in the Gospel, Jesus reminds us, “People who are healthy do not need a doctor; sick people do.” It was a subtle but stinging remark directed to those religious leaders of His time who choose to be blind to their own moral sickness. Today we have the same problem. We don’t even know that we are sick because we invent names like “mild addiction” or “daily fix” to avoid calling ourselves to task. Companies who make contraceptives even market a pill with anti-pimple ingredient, taking advantage of the insecurities of the youth. What’s next? A pill fortified with beta-carotene? We are becoming sick and we do not even know it. Jesus, remind my heart.Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
When you see grossly overweight children, do you find it cute? Do you justify your disordered desires by calling them “mild addictions”?

Lord Jesus, more than the physical, I need spiritual healing in my heart, in my desires, in my will. O Hesus, hilumin mo, aking sugatang puso. Amen.


Mark 2:13-17
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”