THE PRAYER

The power of prayer can not be denied and even if we don't see the same manifestations as in the 1st reading today we should still continue to pray. Even if it seems like nothing is happening with our prayers then we shouldn't lose hope and keep on praying. We should always gather all our strength to rise up to pray. We should be encouraged by this bible passage and decide that if there's one thing we should always do and never abandon that is prayer. Peter and John in their prayer did not just utter words but they quoted the Scriptures as foretold by the prophet David. There is indeed power in the words of God which we sometimes fail to fully recognize and give credit to. If we only know of the fullness of this truth then we can always be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit just like the apostles in Jesus' time whenever we pray. Amen. Hallelujah!

Acts 4:23-31

23 After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. 24 And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, 25 you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant: ‘Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed.’ 27 Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place. 29 And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

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 Luke in the 1st reading from Acts 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 both the Old and New Testament have already been written. We have the privilege to access them, 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 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!

Psalm 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9

R: Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.

1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples utter folly? 2 The kings of the earth rise up, and the princes conspire together against the LORD and against his anointed: 3 “Let us break their fetters and cast their bonds from us!” ... 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 9 You shall rule them with an iron rod; you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.” (R)

How can you explain the tragic events that are taking place all around us? There isn't any good explanation for all of these especially with the kind of news we see daily on television like the death of a very young man. I don't know much about the life of this person and even if I do, I don't think I could still offer a sensible one. What's most important is the truth that we have a God who oversees all these things and is surely capable of making all things work for good. Life is indeed a mystery. We can attain peace and contentment in the midst of all the turmoil and chaos around us only with the knowledge that we have a God who is able to make all things work for good. Sometimes we go through life thinking that we need to look for something without realizing that it is right before us. Today's gospel reminded me of a movie I watched entitled, "The Seeker" which is a story of a young boy who is the 7th son of a 7th son. He was foretold to save the world from darkness if he can find the 6 signs that will make him powerful. He knew of the 5 signs he needed to gather but the 6th sign was not revealed. As the movie unfolds, the adventure builds up as he battled his way out in his quest for the 6 signs. As the movie comes to an end it also started to reach the climax when the boy was able to get all the 5 signs which made him strong but not strong enough to defeat his enemy. It was at that moment on the verge of death that he suddenly recalled the words to him by his guardian about the 6th sign. He saw his reflection and when he looked into his eyes that was when he realized what the 6th sign is. It was not revealed because it was not hidden since he is the 6th sign. It was at this moment when he realized this that he became aware of his full power and defeated his enemy. Only when the tough gets really going do we realize some things that are just within our reach. Or we start to notice the things that don't seem to matter to us. Today's gospel speaks of Nicodemus who despite of being a Pharisee, a position and title which expects him to stay away from Jesus did not do so. He recognized what was not hidden to all, but many refused to acknowledge and live by. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Only Him can give us all the satisfaction we need and are searching for. Amen. Hallelujah!  

John 3:1-8

1 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” ...The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes;...