EXPECTANT FAITH

Sometimes we are confronted with situations wherein we need to make some decisions that may entail giving up something that is obviously benefiting us. This is very difficult to do but if we have this expectant faith then we can choose to forgo of it since we are anticipating something better. Abraham demonstrated a great act of faith that is active with works that we should all aim to have. When situations like it arise we are sometimes tempted to decide in favor of what is convenient, comfortable and practical. But we just can not deny the fact that there are times too when the circumstances are pointing toward the other direction and our gut feeling is also whispering in agreement. Somehow this scenario is often encountered in our own lives and we just do not know anymore which way to go. It is in these moments that we must not lose faith and rely on the words and promises of God for they are trustworthy. Everything we lift to God in prayer and in doing so can surely receive guidance and direction. Amen. Hallelujah!

Letter of James 2,14-24.26.
...Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works...

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 which is 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 greatly delights in the Lord’s commands.
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

Think hard, not just once or twice but several times. What are our goals and plans in life, it is surely wise to always look before we leap into something. We might be missing out on the most important thing and working hard for nothing. Let us keep our focus on the most essential things in life that will lead us to the only thing that matters most and that is to offer our lives for God's greater glory and be a living testimony that God is with us and at work in us. Nothing is ever wasted if we always follow, obey and consciously work for the fulfillment of God's plan in our lives. Today’s gospel contains words that the world may consider rubbish but is in truth real treasure beyond compare. If we have truly lived by these principles and found the joy of abiding in it then we are truly blessed. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 8:34-9:1
34 Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. 36 What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? 37 What could one give in exchange for his life? 38 Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”