GOD’S RESPONSE

We could never go wrong if we carefully adhere to Paul's advice in today's 1st reading. Although it is not an easy thing to do we can always be assured that it is the best thing we can do. It may not be the wisest thing to do based on the world's standard because ridicule, persecution and slander are very hurtful actions that we can't help but respond in the same manner and be offensive ourselves. What made St. Paul react differently lies in the fact that he is doing it all on Christ's account. We don’t have to be too hard on ourselves. No matter how little or insignificant the things we do we must keep in mind that whatever we do on His account will never be lost and wasted. It will surely bring about things we never thought possible. We have a God who can make all things bright and beautiful in His perfect time. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 Corinthians 4:6b-15

...learn from us not to go beyond what is written,... "What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it?"...We are fools on Christ’s account...When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we respond gently.

There is really none like our God. We can have all the things that this world can offer but in the end we will still be wanting and not satisfied if we do not have God in the center of our life. The Lord has always been faithful and not a single moment would He ever not be. We should have the confidence always of a beloved child of God and the honor of being on top of God's creation. The Lord is always ready to extend His help and shower His blessings on us, His people. The question is, are we willing to accept His help and stay within the circle of His blessings? This question is very critical and sometimes left unanswered, neglected and taken for granted. When we choose to continue in the path that does not lead us closer to God the answer is clear, it is a no. When we direct our actions in things that draw us closer to God then it is a yes. If this is so true for us then we ought to do as the psalm reading today tells us. All our thoughts, words and actions should reflect how great our God is. As humans we tend to downplay God's role in our life because we subject our experiences to human terms and conditions. We are still bound by the limitations of this world we are in and we can't help it. We sometimes just go with the flow and get carried away by the pressures imposed to us by our present and existing situations. Our study of World History tells us of the different and various kinds of kingdoms and dynasties which ruled throughout the length of time. None of the most famous and powerful of these kingdoms still stand today and remain as influential to the entire world as it used to be. This tells us one thing that earthly kingdoms will eventually cease to exist. Only God's Kingdom prevails for eternity. Sometimes we might even have to come to a point when we look and sound strange  for others or even suffer the ridicule of not just others but the very people who comprise our circle of close family, relatives and friends. What matters most is that we ought to give God what He rightly deserves, to be extolled and praised forever. Today's psalm tells us that we owe God more than just plain courtesy for His goodness. Whenever we watch box office hit super hero movies, news about it spread like wildfire and the promotion for it is international that almost everybody around the globe gets to know about it and watch it. If only we can devote that same fervor and enthusiasm in spreading word about the greatest Super Hero of all times, Jesus and make a decision to watch His life unfold and be part of our own, then we can someday be a part of God's great Kingdom in Heaven. If we truly desire this then we should always be mindful of the words of God written in the bible since it is indeed what its acronym stands for which is B - basic I-instructions B-before L-leaving E-earth. It is very important that we have read and understood well what is written in the bible before we exit this world. This reminds me of the video games that my sons used to play. When they finish one level they have to enter into the next level which is more difficult and so on and so forth until they reach the ultimate task and win the final battle. It was like they needed to be well prepared and more skillful for each level. This somehow reminds us of how we should approach our final day here on earth. The gate of heaven has been opened and made accessible for us, there is no question about it but the question is, "Are we ready and able to go through it?" As in Eph. 6:13, "Therefore, put on the armor of God,  that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground." Another thing is we have no idea when will that day come because we really do not know the time or the hour. One thing for sure, the only way to go through it is by being well prepared for it. Thus I wanted to share this story which I got from an email.

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.

He loved the 4th wife the most and adored her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.'

Thus, he asked the 4th wife , 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No way!', replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word.

Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No!', replied the 3rd wife. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!'

His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me.

When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the 2nd wife. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'

Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.'

The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the King said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'

In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:

Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21

R: The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

17 The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (R) 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, he hears their cry and saves them. (R) 20 The LORD keeps all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. R. May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD, and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

I could never forget the Annual Convention of SCRC (Southern California Renewal Communities) in 2009 when I was there for the entire duration (3 days) of the said activity. But the past few years I was not able to take part in it. Just look at the irony of things. We sometimes promote the importance of certain activities in the lives of Catholics today but we also end up unable to attend and become part of it. It may appear contradictory when we profess one thing but unable to act on it. Rather than think of it this way it should call our attentions to what is more important and essential. God knows as the gospel today tries to teach us that there are some things that we ought to do but due to a valid and more pressing issue that needs to be addressed immediately we are obliged to respond to that responsibility over the other. In Nursing. we have the so called Triage wherein we prioritize patient care based on the principle of ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) If the patient has an airway problem then he/she in principle gets priority care. But it does not always follow since there is also a need to take into consideration other factors that may not be an A priority  and could be a B or C but is more severe in nature. The same could be true for some instances in our faith. Sabbath Day has always been a much talked about issue because of the so many questions and concerns related to it. There are a lot of differences in opinion when it comes to observing the Sabbath. Jesus and His disciples were questioned by the Pharisees and He explained with a concrete example that love and compassion for our fellow human beings come first. We should not be blinded by certain legalities in the law which were meant first and foremost to serve the interest of man rather than the other way around. Sometimes we come to a point where we are a bit confused of how we are supposed to act in such situations.  This only reminds us to practice triage in our faith which in fact does not lessen the importance of one over the other but rather teaches us to always take into consideration the Spirit of the Law which is love, over the Letter of the Law. The spirit of the law above all is love. God doesn't impose impossibilities on us and maintains His goodness and mercy for He is a God of love and mercy. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 6:1-5

1 While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. 2 Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 3 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? 4 How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions.” 5 Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”