INVISIBLE FORCE

 During our lifetime we encounter people, situations and circumstances that one way or another influence, impact and sometimes unavoidably leave a mark in our life. It's a good thing if they benefit us in a positive way but sometimes there are some that create a negative impact on us and become prisoners of these things or worse disabled and left crippled with it for life. Today's 1st reading tells us that the Lord has removed the judgment against us and we have no more misfortune to fear. Let us claim this for ourselves no matter what we've been through and really feel the Lord's presence in our life by making Him King. Therefore if the Lord said so then we can definitely rely on His word. Whenever we see spectacular movies about the supernatural powers we can always expect scenes that are breathtaking and full of suspense. It showcases things like when all else failed after everything the characters have done and death or defeat is imminent then all of a sudden the powerful forces took their side and saved them from the claws of their enemies. It always turn out as a blockbuster movie that we find very entertaining and amusing without realizing that just like these movie characters, we as God's people can rely on His Almighty Power to win all our battles. Let us learn from the example of Mary. She kept everything in her heart. From the time of the Annunciation in the Joyful Mysteries, to the time of the Passion and Death of Jesus in the Sorrowful Mysteries, to the time of illumination in the Luminous Mysteries up to the Resurrection in the Glorious Mysteries. Praying the rosary with sincere meditation is the key. Amen. Hallelujah!

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

14 Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. 16 On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! 17 The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, 18 as one sings at festivals.

Today’s psalm reminded me of my experience at the Yosemite Waterfalls Park. Being there is like being in touch with God in an awesome and inspiring way. On our way going there we were already excited to take pictures of the vast mountains and waterfalls that we saw. And when we finally got there we were able to take a closer and longer look at the surrounding view and the waterfalls.  The tall trees that lined the road are all towering above us. I almost got stiffed neck due to several twists and turns I did as I grew excited looking at what was before me not wanting to miss a single thing. The big rocks made us look like ants. When we finally reached the foot of the gigantic waterfalls that almost got us all wet due to the deafening and strong impact of the water that fell on the ground that was when I really got amazed at this marvelous creation of God. It is considered as the tallest waterfalls in the US and ranks 5th in the whole world.  Whew! As I watched the water crash down hard on the ground coming all the way down from up on the mountain a thought came into my mind. If we truly believe that God is our Savior then we should have no more room for fear and doubt. Our weaknesses are born from it and rather than give in to it we must cultivate in ourselves the strength and courage coming from the Lord. We have a Great and Holy God which is enough reason to cry out with joy and gladness.  We have already been given access to the fountain of life, let us choose to approach it and draw water from it with joy and live. A prayer that I got from an e mail really caught my attention. It has personally touched my heart when I came upon this prayer and decided to write it down in a notebook so that it can always come in handy whenever I need an inspiration. This is the prayer: "None goes to the river early in the morning and brings dirty water. As you are up this morning may your life be clean, calm and clear like the early morning water. May the grace of the Almighty support, sustain and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Amen."  The psalm reading today also reminded me of it because it somehow speaks of the same message conveyed in the prayer. Just like the Blessed Mother Mary, who is Queen of heaven and earth, we too are destined for victory and royalty. If only we live out the example of her obedient life and carry Jesus in our hearts the way she does. Mother Mary serves as a special channel that God has given to humanity to receive His graces. It does not obscure or diminishes the one and only Mediator, Jesus Christ, rather she shows God's power even more. Jesus, the Son loves His mother and gives her the greatest grocery of graces in heaven. Mary totally depends on her Son as in the wedding feast in Cana by saying, "Do whatever He tells you." Mary knows that her Son is the ultimate source that's why she leads us to Him, the true Mediator. God Himself ordained that His only Begotten Son be born of a human mother through Mary's obedience and perfect surrender. When the angel appeared to Mary, he wasn't speaking his own thoughts and words. He was sent by God to speak God's words. In Greek, the Hail Mary is translated as Hail most highly graced one, meaning so completely graced. Mary truly is filled with God's grace. When God conceived Mary she was free from the stain of original sin. He is getting ready the 1st tabernacle of His Son here on earth. She is made holy, unstained and created in the fullness of grace. God has placed in Mary the fullness of grace. Mary conceived by her virginity and humility. It should be in our hearts to honor Mother Mary because the Son is within her body. The Father is in the Son. It is by grace that we are saved. Through Jesus and Mary all things are restored. Everything is possible with God. Who are we to defy the manner that God Himself has chosen for His Son to come to this world. I remember this friend who kept on saying that she enjoyed every single thing she did   that day. She went to a children's party and enjoyed everything about it from the company of friends who were with her, the delicious food that she ate and the activities and games that brought so much fun to everyone. It didn't stop there because after the party she proceeded to attend mass and was surprised with a Christmas party for all in the Church. She kept on saying and repeating these words to me, "ang saya saya" in English "it was so much fun" This is why I am reminded of her upon reading today's psalm. We should realize that our situations no matter what it is should always create in us an atmosphere of "ang saya saya" You know why? It's not because we are out of our minds, it is because we have a Great and Holy God which is enough reason to cry out with joy and gladness. Amen. Hallelujah!

P S A L M

Isaiah 12:2-3. 4. 5-6 (6)

R: Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. (R) 4 Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. (R) 5 Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth...

Isn't it great that even today's 2nd reading tells us the same thing in relation to the "ang saya saya" mood of my friend. It has become very obvious that today God is encouraging us to always rejoice and have no anxiety at all because He is always looking after our welfare. It's plain and simple, just make the right choice and live in the peace and comfort of God's love. Amen. Hallelujah!

Philippians 4:4-7

4 Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! 5 Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. 6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. 7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

If we have been baptized in Christ then we should have all the confidence not only in this world but most especially in heaven that we are blessed and considered as God's beloved children. This we should always remember and be reminded of. A lot of people looked up to John as if he were the Messiah because of all the wonderful things he did. He got them convinced that he is a righteous and holy man as shown by his actions and the witness of his life. Despite the honor and glory that the people accorded to him he remained on his feet still planted on the ground. All of us when we are accorded with honor and praise should follow the example of John who recognized his nothingness and attributed everything to Jesus who is the source of all good things. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 3:10-18

...Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” ...