ROCK FORMATION

The words firm and rock connotes strength and endurance. These words have always been used extensively in the bible and today's readings should encourage us to be firm in this truth that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In the Philippines there is an expression that goes like this, "Para kang nakasandal sa pader" which means "You are leaning on a sturdy wall" This is commonly used when we see someone who is undisturbed or unaffected despite the many problems that beset that person. Or it could be attributed to someone who gets away with anything without any struggle because someone is behind to back up. It's like nobody would dare mess with someone who is well covered. This should make us realize that if we can put so much faith and confidence in a person who have the ability to give protection, watch our backs and got it covered all the more should we feel this way for a God who is an Eternal Rock. Amen. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 26:1-6
“A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. 2 Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. 3 A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.” 4 Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock.

There are times when we don’t feel like saying our prayers. Whenever we feel this way but still managed to gather all our strength to still commit to our prayers then we will surely find ourselves with renewed strength to start our day right. When we master the art of praying and always drawing near to God then we become "Untouchables". This is due to the fact that no one is like God. There is none like Him, for no one else can do as much as the Lord God Almighty and All Powerful can. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a
R: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes...I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior. (R) 25 O LORD, grant salvation! O LORD, grant prosperity! ...The LORD is God, and he has given us light.

There are a lot of things going on around and within us and it seems like there is no stopping to the trials and sufferings that come to us if we are to closely scrutinize every single detail of our lives. But there is always hope in the truth that if we anchor ourselves to the "Rock" and never let go then we can surely withstand all the storms that come our way for God is our refuge, rock and deliverer, we can stand firm. We've got to take every word of God like a treasure of great worth. It has a value that is beyond measure because it is capable of bringing us to heights and depths of faith that can not be moved. Today's gospel speaks of faith that is as solid as rock. Rock formation is a result of weathering and erosion. It is not an easy process in fact it can take years and years before it can be formed. Somehow it tells us that it is not a pleasant one too, if we apply it to our own lives. Just imagine ourselves being subjected to all kinds of weather in life and going through subsequent erosions as we strip ourselves of the things that hinder our growth. Just like a rock formation, it is a process and not something instant. As we go through life and endure all kinds of weather and be rid of all kinds of baggage that we needlessly carry and be burdened of then we are set on a path to a faith set solidly on rock. This we should continue to do in order to enrich our faith continuously to this point for as long as we live. Amen. Hallelujah!

Matthew 7:21, 24-27
...“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock....