CHAMPION

I was able to see a portion of the movie Gideon 300 and could still remember how my cousin was so impressed by those men in that movie. He said that before they started shooting the movie the characters needed to go on a rigid fitness program in order to develop a great physique and the so called 6 pack abs that most athletes and exercise buffs develop through the years of training, dedication and hard work by performing and sticking to a comprehensive exercise program. Although I did not watch the entire film I have gathered from what I've seen that the fact that Gideon is a powerful champion really has to be established not just based on the story but on how he will appear on screen. He must really give justice to the role he portrayed as Gideon being a very popular bible personality known for his bravery and courage which brought about his victorious conquests. Before it all came to be, Gideon was full of doubt and did not have the confidence to carry it out as stated in the reading today but he became a champion for the Lord gave His power and might in him. Amen. Hallelujah!

Judges 6:11-24a
...While his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to save it from the Midianites, 12 the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “The LORD is with you, O champion!” ...But he answered him, “Please, my lord, how can I save Israel? My family is the meanest in Manasseh, and I am the most insignificant in my father’s house.” 16 “I shall be with you,” the LORD said to him, “and you will cut down Midian to the last man.” ...

Only God can give us the peace that world can not give. Amen. Hallelujah!

P S A L M
Psalm 85:9. 11-12. 13-14
R: The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
...Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps.

A task like preparing for death may sound unthinkable for some or even morbid and scary. I say it should not be the case, you know why? If you are aware of a Kingdom of endless glory that awaits us, a 100x more profit and eternal life then we will all be waiting in line so to speak just to invest everything we have for it. It gives us a feeling of consolation too knowing that it doesn't work quite like the way the world thinks. It is not a matter of who was first but who perseveres and not let go of God's promises until the like a champion. In our journey here on earth we encounter so many things in our lives that sometimes push us to the wall and feel like giving up. When we are confronted with such situations we sometimes succumb to the remedies and recommendations that are popularly subscribed to, in this world we are in. It is never easy to live consistently the reality in today's gospel. We doubt, question and resort to the seemingly wise, practical and handy solutions being presented and offered to us in an enticing way. We end up taking for granted what should always be embedded in our hearts, minds and souls. We forget the benefit of knowing that God can do the ultimate good to us than follow the wisdom of men and this world. Amen. Hallelujah!

Matthew 19:23-30
26 Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”