STAND YOUR GROUND

I could never forget this young lady when I was watching this TV game show in the The Filipino Channel (TFC). This very young contestant was barely 18 years old at that time. She was so firm in her convictions that she did not change her mind not even once with the color she had chosen which she was hoping to contain the jackpot prize despite the rising money offers given to her and the probability that what she chose contains nothing at all. She said that every time she's at home and watching the show she already promised herself that she would choose the color blue if she would be given a chance to play as a contestant. She even said that she was not supposed to be in the show, it so happened that somebody backed out that's why she got the reserved slot for that person. So she felt it that it was already a great opportunity that she was able to go there and much more to be the final contestant who got the chance to play and win the jackpot prize. She said that before she went there she had no money in her pocket and got nothing to lose. All these things she figured out and realized, I guess, gave her the confidence to go through it all to the end. She was so brave in declaring that no matter what happens she would not change her choice as if telling everybody that she wouldn't be there for nothing and could really feel it. She did not doubt nor falter for a moment even when her siblings who were called to join her were already doubting and wanted to go for the cash offer rather than risk getting nothing. When the game came to a point when the host was offering her a big amount of money in exchange for the color she had chosen she did not give in and bravely stood her ground. When she was asked for the last time, she remained firm and true to her word. She was right and got the jackpot prize. Sometimes, we too, are confronted with life situations when we are tempted to doubt and falter in our faith in God. Today's 1st reading reminds us that we should not lose sight of the things that God has promised us no matter how uncertain things may be, we should not forget that we are God's people and He would never turn His back on us and we can always count on Him. Amen. Hallelujah! 

Romans 11:1-2a. 11-12. 25-29

...God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew...For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 

Just like that young lady who is barely 18 years old we should also find in ourselves the courage and strength to be firm in our convictions and stand our ground. If we truly believe and are confident that we have a loving God who looks after our welfare then we should not have any more room for doubt that we have to choose God above all. Even if there are or will be times when we are really driven by our emotions, let's keep it at bay and believe that God knows what we're going through and entrust our anger to Him. If we lack understanding and knowledge of the things we ought to know then we can always ask from God who would never deny any good thing from us. He would surely grant it to us if we truly ask from our hearts. The wisdom of the world is folly to God. No matter how wise and intelligent a person may be if his or her whole being is not surrendered to God then all our efforts are futile or will eventually end up for nothing. God governs all and everything that happens is within His knowledge and will. Amen. Hallelujah!

Amen. Hallelujah! 

P S A L M 

Psalm 94:12-13a. 14-15. 17-18

R: The Lord will not abandon his people.

12 Blessed the man whom you instruct, O LORD, whom by your law you teach, 13 giving him rest from evil days. (R) 14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, nor abandon his inheritance; 

Sometimes no matter what good we do, it remains unnoticed and unappreciated by others. If this happens then we should be thankful for it, because today's gospel tells us that if we remain humble in our dealings with people and do not seek human praise then the good we do will inevitably show and be known. But if there are times when this is still not the case, then all the more should we become joyful for God Almighty knows and sees all. We would definitely enjoy the esteem of God more than any other. We should all be aware of what the gospel teaches us today and its effects on our soul. God never stop giving us pointers and tips on how to combat the enemies of our soul, evade the evil schemes and designs being hurled at us each day and to turn every single thing to our advantage. We can look at it in a literal or figurative way but the essence of it all lies in the truth that we should direct all our actions to loving and serving God with all our heart, body and soul. As in Roman 8:28, "We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." We need to totally trust God in His goodness and know that He has our best interests protected. He will see to it that not just some but all of our needs are met. Take note of this, it is our needs not our wants that God cares for most. We've got to make a distinction of these 2, needs and wants. Although God is capable of taking care of both and sometimes allow it on some occasions, we should learn the lessons that today's gospel is telling us. We just ought to abandon ourselves to the Lord even if it seemed to be the lowliest place we could be and we will surely find ourselves in places we've never ever dreamed of. Amen. Hallelujah! 

Luke 14:1, 7-14

1  One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him.  7  Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,  8  "When you are invited by any one to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him;  9  and he who invited you both will come and say to you, `Give place to this man,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.  10  But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, `Friend, go up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.  11  For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."