BE RADIANT

Moses as we all know based on the previous readings we've had is considered a friend of God and was able to talk to God face to face. These should further inspire not only me but the rest of us in maintaining and constantly conversing with God to improve our relationship with God in each passing day. We often get disappointed when we look at the rate we are going and find ourselves still lacking. But what's most important and of great consolation is the fact that God never gives up on us. Despite our shortcomings He continues to stir us to our eternal goals in every possible way especially through the people whom we meet. Today’s 1st reading brought back memories of Sister Carmen Julia and Monica and our very interesting and grace filled conversation that centers most on vocations. When Sis Marcy asked Sister Carmen Julia what made her decide to enter the convent and become a nun, she simply answered that she felt it all along in her heart even when she was still very young. She said that the feeling just never left her and was there all the time. She felt restless until she finally succumbed to it. But she also said that nothing is 100% sure until the day we die. Only when that time comes we'll we be sure. Maybe what she was trying to say is that when we come face to face with God on that final day then only will there be full understanding and perfect knowledge of everything. In the mean time all we have to do for now is try to give our best and 100% efforts out of our imperfect natures and uncertain offerings. What’s very interesting here is the fact that the kind words of Sister Carmen Julia regarding her impression that I look so full of God would always hold a special meaning for me in relation to this bible passage which is about Moses who had become radiant while he conversed with God. This should inspire us all to always look our best, be full of God and radiate it to others that it can not be denied. Amen. Hallelujah!


Exodus 34:29-35
29 As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the LORD...


Sis Carmen Julia also cited the story of Samuel the prophet to further elaborate about her religious vocation. Sister Carmen Julia's explanation with regards to her call is much like that of Samuel’s. When the Lord called Samuel by his name several times it means He wanted to emphasize the mission that needs to be fulfilled. There is really a need for us to respond to God's call and fulfill the mission He is entrusting to us. Amen. Hallelujah!


P S A L M

Psalm 99:5. 6. 7. 9
R: Holy is the Lord our God.
5 Extol the LORD, our God, and worship at his footstool; holy is he! (R) 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, and Samuel, among those who called upon his name;...

I believe in the saying, "Where your heart is, there your treasure is." Each person is unique. We all have our own peculiarities and that's how we are able to express ourselves as a human being. Each person has his or her own qualities and characteristics that separate us from the rest. For some it could be a certain quality like cooking, athletics, writing, dancing, singing, speaking, painting, sketching, or the present work we do and all other talents we could think about. Whatever it is that we are good in doing or we have dedicated and engaged ourselves in, we should always put God in the center of whatever we have chosen to do. We need to find out what our core gift is and develop it. There should not be a trace of holding back or hesitation on our part but rather invest everything in it and give it our all to bring out the best in us and reflect the glory of God. Once we've realized and lived this truth in the gospel then we can consider ourselves as the wealthiest man on earth. There is no other treasure and fine pearl more precious than God who is with and in us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Matthew 13:44-46
44 Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”