The word I could think of upon
reflection of today's 1st reading is unstoppable. It looked like the apostles
and followers of Jesus were all filled with boldness and courage to spread the
Good News. They did not get intimidated nor threatened to the point of giving
up their mission. They persisted, persevered and brought to this very day the
legacy of this priceless faith. You can never put a good man down.
Nothing can stop the the followers of Jesus from proclaiming the Word of God.
You know why? Once you've known Jesus you are compelled to do so for your
experience and encounter with Him can not be contained and will inevitably
overflow. It was handed down to us from generation to
generation and for thousands of years has found its way to us against all odds.
Through God's grace adorned with the sweat and blood of our forefathers who
laid down this strong and firm foundation, we are now blessed with the Catholic
Church that Jesus Himself built. Amen. Hallelujah!
Acts 8:1b-8
...Saul, meanwhile, was trying to
destroy the church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women,
he handed them over for imprisonment. 4 Now those who had been scattered went
about preaching the word. 5 Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the
Messiah to them. 6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said
by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean
spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and
many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. 8 There was great joy in that
city.
Looking back all these years at
the glorious background of our faith that has been handed to us, we can say
that we are so blessed among all of God's creation. We have been endowed with
such a great blessing beyond our comprehension. Just imagine ourselves
meeting someone who is very admirable and impressive, we can't help but be
proud and share with others our wonderful experience. That's how it is with the
apostles and even more once we've come to know God. We have to be strong and of
good courage. Each and every moment is a clear manifestation of God's
tremendous love. No words can ever be enough to describe it. Blessed is Mother
Mary for believing that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.
We can also come to a point when we can also sing our own
"Magnificat" and raise our hands to God in prayer and thanksgiving
for every gift He has given to us. Even those gifts of sorrow. God is in charge
and He will make all things work for the good. We have a God who is fighting
our battles for us. God is in control. Although God will not stop every
adversity but if we stay in faith, He will see us through. He did not promise
life to be smooth sailing all the time but He definitely assured us of a safe
landing. God has already lined up the right people, right places at the right
time. He has prepared for our victory and so we should be ready for God's
favor. I remember when we went to San
Francisco we joined the bay cruise, were able to come up
very close to the Golden Gate
Bridge
Psalm 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a
R: Let all the earth cry out to
God with joy.
...Come and see the works of God,
his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. (R) 6 He has changed the sea
into dry land; through the river they passed on foot; therefore let us rejoice
in him. 7 He rules by his might forever.
Rejection is something that no one would like to experience.
We sometimes hesitate to approach a certain person because of fear of
rejection. We should no longer delay but make a decision to come to Jesus
instead for we are assured of His acceptance.
Today's gospel says it all, we'll
just have to take God's word for it. It's an all or nothing situation. There is
no in between when it comes to believing Jesus. If we really believe in Him
then it has to be all the way, no ifs and buts. We've got to give our all and
best shot for what's at stake here is definitely big time and would last for a
lifetime and eternity. This is our best bet and must not hold back because
nothing else could be worth more than this. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 6:35-40
...Everything that the Father
gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, 38 because I came down from heaven not to do my
own will but the will of the one who sent me. 39 And this is the will of the
one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I
should raise it on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that
everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I
shall raise him on the last day.”
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