FAITHFUL AND VICTORIOUS

In today's 1st reading Ahab took possession of the vineyard that did not belong to him in a very sinister way. This should make us aware that gradually we're starting to get accustomed to seeing corruption in our daily encounter with what's happening around the world. Let us also admit that we sometimes fall prey to our own selfishness and greed. Let us keep watch of this tendency lurking in the dark sides of ourselves. Especially at times when evil plans and schemes seemed to have succeeded and defeated goodness just like what happened in today's 1st reading when Jezebel carried out her plot to kill Naboth. We are sometimes faced with the grim reality that evil and terror reigns everywhere. Let us not be deceived because this is true only up to a certain point and extent because the God of goodness never rests and continues the work He began because He is faithful and victorious. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 Kings 21:1-16

...This is what she wrote in the letters “Proclaim a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. 10 Next, get two scoundrels to face him and accuse him of having cursed God and king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” 11 His fellow citizens — the elders and the nobles who dwelt in his city — did as Jezebel had ordered them in writing, through the letters she had sent them. 12 They proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth at the head of the people. 13 Two scoundrels came in and confronted him with the accusation, “Naboth has cursed God and king.” And they led him out of the city and stoned him to death. 14 Then they sent the information to Jezebel that Naboth had been stoned to death. 15 When Jezebel learned that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Go on, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite which he refused to sell you, because Naboth is not alive, but dead.” 16 On hearing that Naboth was dead, Ahab started off on his way down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

We look to God in all the things that come our way and offer it in prayers. We should not take matters into our hands but rather entrust it to God who leads us in His justice. We should always be vigilant and be aware of how we conduct ourselves before God. Get rid of hindrances and disturbances that get in the way for us to receive all signals coming from the Lord, so that we can get His message loud and clear. Let us always work toward the goal of becoming a pleasing sacrifice before God because He is faithful so we should be faithful and remain steadfast too. When things do not go the way we wanted and expected it, we must never lose hope and continue to focus on the truth of God's goodness and mercy. No matter how dark and menacing the clouds in the sky may seem it doesn't change the fact that behind it the sun continues to shine and never dim for a moment. If we call on to the Lord in our distress He will surely hear and answer us. This we should know and believe for sure because God can not be any other but goodness, mercy and compassion. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7

R: Lord, listen to my groaning.

1 [2] Hearken to my words, O LORD, attend to my sighing. 2 [3] Heed my call for help, my king and my God! (R) 3 [4] At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you. 4 [5] For you, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with you; 5 [6] the arrogant may not stand in your sight. (R) You hate all evildoers. 6 [7] You destroy all who speak falsehood; the bloodthirsty and the deceitful the LORD abhors.

All the readings for today are beautifully linked. It conveys the message about loving our fellowmen, enemies included and forgiving them. The idea of forgiveness does not tell us justify, overlook, excuse and not to hold a person accountable for any wrong doing. In fact, legitimate self defense is not considered bad. We have to love our enemy, our neighbor and everyone without exception. We have to rule over our feelings. We may not feel like doing good but we must not equate forgiveness with the feelings but with right thing to do. We need to go the extra mile. We are called to action, to love even the most unlovable. It may seem exaggerated and unnatural but we have to put goodness into the society rather than respond and react in an unchristian way. As the gospel tells us today, the sun rises on everyone and His love and mercy is for all.  It is just natural that our love is proportional to what we get in return. We must remember that God Himself as written in Romans 5:7-8, Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.  We have to love and radiate this grace and forgiveness that we’ve been given. Even while we were enemies of God, He sent His son to offer us His forgiveness. Thus, we are called to supernatural love through God’s grace. This is given to us in the sacraments during mass when Jesus offers Himself to us. We all have opportunities to live this great call of charity.  In prayer we call upon that grace to love and see what it does.  This is the perfection that the gospel calls us today. It is a challenge to true faith come together with true reason and somehow reinforces the faith against reason mentality. I firmly believe that goodness and evil once it is started can go a long way and the start of an endless cycle. If you decide for evil then be ready for the things that will follow.  It is better to suffer once and for all than to retaliate and resist and regret its consequences for the rest of our lives throughout eternity. Let us always be wise and decide for God in all our actions than to be easily dissuaded and get carried away by the "spur of the moment" and the tempting lure of this world which can lead to eternal damnation. My mother always says that love begets love and you sow what you reap. Anger, hatred and vengeance should find no room in our hearts. These are things that do not reflect the holiness and perfection of God. We might think that it is an impossibility to exist in this world without ever having to succumb to these things but as God our Father in heaven is perfect and holy so must we strive to be like Him. Sometimes we gather all our strength and abilities to do something very difficult but in the end our best intentions and efforts aren't just enough. Everything will amount to nothing in the end even if we seem to be succeeding at first because we will eventually run dry, become empty and totally out if we fail to draw strength, fortitude and courage from the ever flowing and unending well of God's Grace. We must remember that it is not through our own power that we can do it but through Jesus Christ our Lord who strengthens us. Nothing is hidden from God and everything we do if offered to God as a form of sacrifice will always work out for good. (Rom 8:28)Although it may not be instant and will take time we should always keep in mind that if we do everything in Jesus name and for His greater glory then when we are sure to be rewarded according to God's promises, riches and glory. Let us always be an ever ready servant of the Lord who will not refuse an opportunity to shine for the Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!

Matthew 5:38-42

38 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. 40 If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. 41 Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”