There are times when we have planned something very meticulously and expected it to be carried out the way we wanted but we all know that things do not always happen the way it should be. No matter what our situations may be at the moment we can always trust that God would carry out the best plan He had in mind for us. As in Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts." Things may not totally look very bright and promising right now and things seem to still be very far fetched but we can always count on God who had already obtained for us the best plan we would ever come to know. Amen. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 8:6-13
6 Brothers and sisters: Now our high priest has obtained so much more excellent a ministry as he is mediator of a better covenant, enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, no place would have been sought for a second one. 8 But he finds fault with them and says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will conclude a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah .
What a wonderful world this place that we live in could be if only we listen to the instructions constantly being given to us in the scriptures. We have an awesome God who always speaks to us in a very timely and specific manner. His messages are fitted to the situation we are presently experiencing right now. We should remain confident that God will make a way. There is really nothing more that God can do for us that He has not done. God is never short of blessings to shower on us. He has made it all available to us through His Son. All that is needed is for us to make our move. Let us open ourselves to God's presence in our lives and know that there is never a moment in our life when He is away from us for it is always the other way around. We are the ones turning away from Him and placing blocks and hindrances between us whenever we can't find Him.
We are constantly being faced by challenges to our faith especially at this present time. It is easier to be firm in our faith when times are easy but when tough times come that is when we are put to the test. No matter how difficult things may seem we should never give in to the pressure and remain steadfast. We can always choose to do the right thing if we safeguard in our hearts the truth about God knowing that it is always for the best. We need not be afraid of anything although this is something that we all find very difficult to do. They say faith and reason do not work together just like science and religion. This is not a fact but a fallacy. These things in fact compliment each other because one supports the other. There is no faith without reason and vice versa. We can not just have one and lack the other. This has to be very clear in our heads. We should always try to condition ourselves in the atmosphere of God's presence. We should gear ourselves toward that direction so that we place ourselves within His reach, it's not that God can not reach us but we hinder God from reaching out to us. When we do not respond to His call and shut off our ears although we are within hearing range, we fail to get the message. Which reminds me of Bernadette's ear, when we went to her doctor she underwent a procedure (ear lavage) in order to unclog her left ear but prior to that she was already instilling ear meds for 4 days. The nurse explained to her that it can be painful and can cause her to feel dizzy and asked her if she still wants it done and she agreed. Sometimes we have to resort to very uncomfortable measures in order to be cured in the same way we should maintain such condition spiritually so that we can always keep our ears open to God's word. Wherever God is, there is always peace and prosperity. It is only natural that we have longings and desires because God Himself planted it in our hearts. We all long for the good things in life and God Himself can provide for all these things. It is just sad that we reach out for other things that we thought are good for us. We do not realize that we have to seek first the Kingdom of God
Psalm 85:8, 10, 11-12, 13-14
R: Kindness and truth shall meet.
7 [8] Show us, O LORD, your mercy, and grant us your salvation. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps.
Padre Pio said that prayer is the key that opens the heart of God. If this is so then we should maintain a good prayer life. It is not enough that we pray daily but it would help if we become more creative with our prayer life and discover new ways and means to enhance this very vital communication tool with our Creator. To whom can we pattern our prayer life after other than Jesus Himself. In today's gospel before He made a very important decision He went up to the mountain. A lot of people go on retreats and prayer seminars on a mountain. Why is this so? I have learned that places like mountains are very appropriate for prayer and meditation. Being on a mountain can be one of the most exhilarating and yet peaceful experiences in the world. There are so many things that account to it, especially being on top of it looking out over the world and the stillness below. The journey itself leading to exploration of new trails and new routes gives us a better perspective in life. It all comes together to make a wonderful experience. It is definitely a place where we can find peace and quiet. Even Moses during his time would go up to the mountain to pray and communicate with God. It is important that we focus our senses to God and be totally rid of the noise and distraction that the world brings. Our prayers are all heard by God there is no doubt but do we hear God's answer to our prayers very clearly. There are times when we have to go to a special place like a mountain or could be any place where we can openly receive from God and really be in touch with Him. Bottom line or tip of the mountain top is the importance of prayer. Today's gospel is also about the call of the first apostles which entails their primary mission to spread the word of God. We are all called to share in this mission of the 1st apostles and go forth to spread the good news to all. Amen. Hallelujah!
Mark 3:13-19
Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve whom he also named apostles that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons: 16 He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; 17 James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, 19 and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
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