Whenever we make plans we try to make it brief and simple to
make it work and ensure success. This is due to the fact that we only have
limited capacities and capabilities to carry it out. When we know that we've
done everything we can then we just have to entrust it to God. We could plan
all we want but the truth remains that our plans are simply no match with that
of God's. It is a consolation to know that He is the Master Planner. He is
Superior and Perfect in every way. We can count on Him at all times in every
period, era or generation. Whatever major decisions we come up with are not
just on our own but we should have the conviction that they are a reflection of
our confidence and assurance that we get from the word of our God making us
stand firm and not doubt. This bible passage from today's 1st reading amazes me.
It shows how the scriptures written at the time of Isaiah connect to the New
Testament and how things have fallen perfectly into place as announced by John
the Baptist and fulfilled in Jesus. We can only gasp in awe at how God can
wield His power throughout time and make everything fit and work out in
accordance to His Master Plan. There is always a season for everything and God
is the reason. When we are beset with negative news we must continue to hope in
the one thing that stands forever. We should always depend and rely on the word
of God. Some people take very good care of their pet animals. It is very
amazing how someone could really show such affection to an animal. If humans,
imperfect as we are, can do it to animals how much more can God care for all of
us. It gives me greater confidence knowing that we have a God who can show much
greater love and affection for us. Only to God should we place our trust. He is
a God who will never forsake nor abandon and will do for us much more than we
can ever know. Oh God! Nothing compares to You, You are incomparable! Amen.
Hallelujah!
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
...Prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for
our God! 4 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be
made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad
valley. 5 Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all mankind shall
see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken...Like a shepherd he
feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom,
and leading the ewes with care.
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
Psalms 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
R: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
...9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear
him, glory dwelling in our land...The LORD himself will give his benefits; our
land shall yield its increase.
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.
We may be in a situation where we have been waiting for the
answer to our prayers and it's been taking some time already. Our waiting
period may have been going on for a long time already and some people may have
regarded it negatively and in a very unpleasant way. Despite of this we must
continue to hold on to the promise of God. Amen. Hallelujah!
2 Peter 3:8-14
...The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard
“delay,”...since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or
blemish before him, at peace.
While we wait on the Lord we must try our very best to
always be a good example of what a Christian should be. It is not easy since
the Lord Himself told us in the scriptures, (Mt. 10:16) Behold, I am sending
you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as
doves. Not just once but twice since it
is also in Luke 10:3, “Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs
among wolves.” Our resolve to truly reflect the values of Christ may reach to
the point of being mocked, ridiculed and laughed at. A lot of people may not
understand our conviction and firm stand on the decisions we make with regards
to our faith in God. We can rest assured that what the prophets, of the Old and
New Testament, have said especially about Jesus is all true and reliable and we
can depend our lives on it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Mark 1:1-8
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