FAITH MUSCLES

 If we think of God’s Perfection and Glory then none of us could really measure up and always fall short. It is a consolation to know that God knew this all along even before He created us. He sent His only Begotten Son Jesus in the fullness of time in order for us to attain it. This was previously unavailable due to our sins but was made possible for us when Jesus redeemed us. We have always looked forward to certain dates in the calendar when we can avail of big discounts during certain times of the year. It could be Thanksgiving, Post Christmas sale, Independence & Memorial Day and the like. These are dates that people really prepare for to the point of having to wake up early just to be first in the line. Come to think of it, if we are willing to go through all this trouble just to avail of these good bargains all the more should we not neglect nor forfeit the greatest benefit we ought to always wait for and run after that is, the gift of eternal life that God has given us. Paul in today's 1st reading teaches us to strive very hard in making ourselves a living example of God's goodness reflecting the values of Jesus Christ in our very lives. Sometimes we are driven to despair whenever we are confronted with a lot of trials and difficulties in life, this is because we fail to recognize the presence of God's power within us. This made me think of the need to work out and exercise in order to build up our faith in the same way it does to our physical bodies. In doing so we need to recognize that our bodies are designed by God in such a way that it is capable of responding to several stimuli. If we exercise and discipline ourselves then we can see results in accordance to our expectation. We are not new to certain instances when people were able to transform themselves and came out as an entirely new person. If we examine ourselves closely then we can find out what areas we need to improve on and develop faith muscles. We can always go from good to better and best. In the same way that if we are aware that there is a power dwelling in us waiting to be unleashed and once discovered can open up endless and amazing possibilities that can be compared to finding the greatest treasure ever known to man. Amen. Hallelujah.

Colossians 1:24–2:3

Brothers and sisters: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me. For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

We should not be influenced or governed by the manipulations of this world which are the easy come and quick fix deals that most people of our time subscribe to. The psalm reading is very clear in what it is telling us today. Let us choose to do things according to God’s way for, He indeed gives back to everyone according to his works. What a consolation it is to know that we have a God whom we can rest our souls. There is no need to fret or worry for God is our safety, the rock of our strength. If we are secured in the love of God then there's nothing we should be afraid of. Amen. Hallelujah!

P S A L M Psalm 62:6-7. 9

R: In God is my safety and my glory.

5 [6] Only in God be at rest, my soul, for from him comes my hope. 6 [7] He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. (R) 8 [9] Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him; God is our refuge!

Sometimes we are focused and obsessed about one thing that we completely forget what it’s all about and meant for. We always have to be grounded on the principle of love and mercy. Today’s gospel is once again about the Sabbath and Jesus is reminding us not  to be carried away or motivated by  the letter of the law but rather by the spirit of the law. Jesus made a clear statement regarding good and evil knowing that there will be times in our life when we might encounter similar situations with difficult people like the scribes and Pharisees in our Christian walk of faith. And in times like these do we need to be even bolder in standing up for what is right and the truth. On the other hand, when some things are not yet very clear to us we tend to act in a manner that we complicate things when we choose to decide on the thing which is most fitted to our own personal agenda. The key is to be consistent in our stand as faithful followers of Jesus Christ by knowing God better in each passing day. We need to acknowledge that God is God in our life in the way that He wants us not in the way that we dictate God to be. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 6:6-11

 ... Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” 10 Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. 11 But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.