There are so many things that affect our decisions and actions in life. It is sometimes so difficult to reconcile these things that we ought to do with the things we are actually doing. There is a need for us to make a conscious and determined effort to always remain in the Lord. The 1st reading for today sounds so simple and easy to understand and yet we still end up at times unable to keep the Lord’s commandments. We have to utilize all means in order to carry out the task and mission of one who truly belongs to God. I could never forget when Sister Ester entrusted to me 2 envelopes containing money and checks for donation to the Immaculate Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (IMQHM) It so happened that I was in a hurry that I did not notice these envelopes fell from my bag. We already went home, took a bath, got ready to go to church and were on our way to Sister Marcy's place to hand her over these envelopes when I found out that the envelopes were gone. I couldn't find them in my bag. I was relieved to find one envelope on the floor of the car but the other one was really nowhere to be found. That was then when I realized that I could have dropped it, as to where, that I still had to figure out. The first thing we did was rush back home and retraced my steps from the parking to my room but still it could not be found. My last resort was to go back to the bank but it's been almost 11/2 hours since I've been there and chances were that if I really dropped it there somebody could have picked it up already since it is a very busy street where people frequently walk to and from the bank since it is just across the parking lot. Another thing is that, the envelope can really attract people since it is color red, with chinese characters and the name of the bank on it, and is obviously a money envelope since it is the one that is being used by people during the holiday seasons to place gifts in the form of money. Anyway, we just prayed and called on the help and assistance of God through His mighty choir of angels and saints for we know that only a miracle can help us. Indeed, God is faithful for the moment we drove in front of the bank and looked at the spot where I got off, there it was lying on the road, still sealed and intact, of course with the money still safely secured. Amen. Hallelujah!
First Letter of John 3,22-24.4,1-6.
Beloved: We receive from him whatever we ask, because we
keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we
should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just
as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in
them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit whom he gave
us. Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they
belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This
is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus
Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, and every spirit that does not
acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist who,
as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. You belong to
God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is
greater than the one who is in the world. They belong to the world; accordingly,
their teaching belongs to the world,
and the world listens to them. We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us, while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.
We have a God and Father who loves us so much. We need not always seek for
answers and expect things to go our way. All we have to do is to keep on
trusting God's goodness and mercy because there are really no answers to most
of life's questions. These words in today's Psalm reading are the ones quoted
by John in the 1st reading that we belong to God, we are begotten by Him. I
have always believed in the power of the word of God. There is a need for us to
study and know the scriptures for our own welfare. God in His ultimate wisdom
and love gave us access to the Holy Scriptures in the bible. We are so blessed
that we are living in a time and place where we have the freedom to take part
in studying the Word of God and freely express it. Nothing could be more
valuable than this. If we are totally convinced that we are God’s children then
we ought to rejoice and be glad. The Lord has spoken and promised in today’s
psalm and so shall it be. Remove all traces of fear and doubt for our God is
able. This reality should not leave our consciousness every waking moment of
our lives. There was one time during our bible study although it happened a
long time ago I could never forget it when I was particularly touched by the
closing prayer by Sis Lucille because she specifically cited that particular
verse in Habakkuk 2:3-4 "Then the Lord answered me and said,"Write
down the vision clearly upon the tablets so that one can read it readily, for
the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not
disappoint, if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be
late." It has given me renewed strength and courage having to be reminded
again of that promise and the assurance of God that He will bring to
fulfillment all His promises and felt that it was another boost and assurance
for me especially at that time when I sometimes succumb to despair and
hopelessness. Since it was the book of Habakkuk we were discussing at that
time, Sis Millie was also shared of his brother who had a problem and was just
holding on to the word of God particularly the one from Habakkuk which also
holds a special meaning in his life and even shared about it. It was very
inspiring and had my spirits lifted up. God is good. He'll never leave nor
abandon us. We are all special to Him. God never really disappoints even though
we are already on the verge of failing and falling, He will always be there to
make a way. Amen. Hallelujah!and the world listens to them. We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us, while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.
Psalm 2:7-8, 10-11
R: I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.
7 The Lord said to me, “You are my son; this day I have begotten you. 8
Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of
the earth for your possession.” (R) 10 And now, O kings, give heed; take
warning, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice
before him; with trembling rejoice. (R)
Maintaining a physically fit and healthy body is not an easy
task. We may have seen athletes train really hard in most days of the week or
even everyday just to achieve their goals. Sometimes when we do make a decision
to embark on an exercise program there are times when we feel so sluggish and
feels like we just want to sit back and relax. We know for a fact that if we
want to see results we have to commit to a fitness regimen and follow it
strictly. Although there are some issues with regards to some really obese
people who were thought to have the fat genes and are more predisposed to being
fat which I guess would make things more difficult for some people to really
stay in tip top shape, physically speaking. But we have also seen extremely
obese people who were able to win the battle of the bulge. Their determination
and dedication really paid well. Although for some there are those who yo-yo
back to their old shape so it is not just about committing to it for a certain
period of time but for life. It just dawned on me that aiming for a spiritually
fit and healthy body works in a similar way. In today's gospel God is urging us
to rise up from darkness and respond to His call and follow Him. Although we
have already been endowed by God with the gift of eternal life the battle for
our souls does not stop. Though, we have
been purchased for a price by God’s own Son who gave His life and shed His
blood on the cross. The enemy who has been defeated just doesn’t want to give
up. We can only marvel at its persistence in getting a hold of our souls. We
just have to always be in touch with the truth and never let it slip our minds.
We are destined for the Kingdom
of God
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
…the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” 17 From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” …From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”…
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