THE 5 SENSES & THE FAITH

There are so many things that affect our decisions and actions in life. It is sometimes so difficult to reconcile these things that we ought to do with the things we are actually doing. There is a need for us to make a conscious and determined effort to always remain in the Lord. The 1^st reading for today sounds so simple and easy to understand and yet we still end up at times unable to keep the Lord’s commandments. We have to utilize all means in order to carry out the task and mission of one who truly belongs to God. I could never forget when Sister Ester entrusted to me 2 envelopes containing money and checks for donation to the Immaculate Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (IMQHM) It so happened that I was in a hurry that I did not notice these envelopes fell from my bag. We already went home,  took a bath, got ready to go to church and were on our way to Sister Marcy's place to hand her over these envelopes when I found out that the envelopes were gone. I couldn't find them in my bag. I was relieved to find one envelope on the floor of the car but the other one was really nowhere to be found. That was then when I realized that I could have dropped it, as to where, that I still had to figure out. The first thing we did was rush back home and retraced my steps from the parking to my room but still it could not be found. My last resort was to go back to the bank but it had been almost 11/2 hours since I had been there and chances were that if I really dropped it there somebody could have picked it up already since it was a very busy street where people frequently walk to and from the bank since it was just across the parking lot. Another thing was that, the envelope can really attract people since it is color red, with chinese characters and the name of the bank on it, and is obviously a money envelope since it is usually used by people during the holiday seasons to place gifts in the form of money. Anyway, we just prayed and called on the help and assistance of God through His mighty choir of angels and saints for we know that only a miracle can help us.  Indeed, God is faithful for the moment we drove in front of the bank and looked at the spot where I got off, there it was lying on the road, still sealed and intact, of course with the money still safely secured. Amen. Hallelujah!

First Letter of John 3,22-24.4,1-6.

Beloved: We receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit whom he gave us. Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist who, as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They belong to the world; accordingly, their teaching belongs to the world,
and the world listens to them. We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us, while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.

We have a God and Father who loves us so much. We need not always seek for answers and expect things to go our way. All we have to do is to keep on trusting God's goodness and mercy because there are really no answers to most of life's questions. These words in today's Psalm reading are the ones quoted by John in the 1st reading that we belong to God, we are begotten by Him. I have always believed in the power of the word of God. There is a need for us to study and know the scriptures for our own welfare. God in His ultimate wisdom and love gave us access to the Holy Scriptures in the bible. We are so blessed that we are living in a time and place where we have the freedom to take part in studying the Word of God and freely express it. Nothing could be more valuable than this. If we are totally convinced that we are God’s children then we ought to rejoice and be glad. The Lord has spoken and promised in today’s psalm and so shall it be. Remove all traces of fear and doubt for our God is able. This reality should not leave our consciousness every waking moment of our lives. There was one time during our bible study although it happened a long time ago I could never forget it when I was particularly touched by the closing prayer by Sis Lucille because she specifically cited that particular verse in Habakkuk 2:3-4 "Then the Lord answered me and said,"Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets so that one can read it readily, for the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint, if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late." It had given me renewed strength and courage having to be reminded again of that promise and the assurance of God that He will bring to fulfillment all His promises and felt that it was another boost and assurance for me especially at that time when I sometimes succumb to despair and hopelessness. Since it was the book of Habakkuk we were discussing at that time, Sis Millie also shared of his brother who had a problem and was just holding on to the word of God particularly the one from Habakkuk which also holds a special meaning in his life and even shared about it. It was very inspiring and had my spirits lifted up. God is good. He'll never leave nor abandon us. We are all special to Him. God never really disappoints even though we are already on the verge of failing and falling, He will always be there to make a way. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 2:7-8, 10-11

R: I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

7 The Lord said to me, “You are my son; this day I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.” (R) 10 And now, O kings, give heed; take warning, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before him; with trembling rejoice. (R)

Maintaining a physically fit and healthy body is not an easy task. We may have seen athletes train really hard in most days of the week or even everyday just to achieve their goals. Sometimes when we do make a decision to embark on an exercise program there are times when we feel so sluggish and feels like we just want to sit back and relax. We know for a fact that if we want to see results we have to commit to a fitness regimen and follow it strictly. Although there are some issues with regards to some really obese people who were thought to have the fat genes and are more predisposed to being fat which I guess would make things more difficult for some people to really stay in tip top shape, physically speaking. But we have also seen extremely obese people who were able to win the battle of the bulge. Their determination and dedication really paid well. Although for some there are those who yo-yo back to their old shape so it is not just about committing to it for a certain period of time but for life. It just dawned on me that aiming for a spiritually fit and healthy body works in a similar way. In today's gospel God is urging us to rise up from darkness and respond to His call and follow Him. Although we have already been endowed by God with the gift of eternal life the battle for our souls does not stop.  Though, we have been purchased for a price by God’s own Son who gave His life and shed His blood on the cross. The enemy who has been defeated just doesn’t want to give up. We can only marvel at its persistence in getting a hold of our souls. We just have to always be in touch with the truth and never let it slip our minds. We are destined for the Kingdom of God right now and that is to come I used to watch a lot the EWTN Channel and the homilies of the priests in the TV masses inspired me to a great extent. I was able to get some very inspiring words of wisdom from Fr. Wades Meneses that would make us really think. Some of these were, “If you’re back is against the wall, His was on the cross.” Instead of pointing a finger, lend a hand.” “Anger is just one letter away from danger.” “7days w/o prayer makes us weak.”  “If you kneel before God then you can stand before anyone.”  “Give satan an inch and he will become your ruler.” “Satan subtracts and divides, Jesus adds and multiplies.”  Words are important. Today’s words of Jesus from the gospel are just plain and simple and also the very first words before He started His Public Ministry. “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.  There’s nothing more to it than what it says. For it is exactly what we’re supposed to do whoever we are, whatever we do and wherever we are right now. Just like the 3 magi whose feast we celebrated yesterday, we should also faithfully follow the star that leads to Jesus and bring with us the best offering that is fitting for a King. And we must keep in mind that as we travel through life we ought to be always sensitive and wise enough to know the messages that God is sending our way whether in a form of a confirmation or a warning so as to be well guided in our journey. Amen. Hallelujah!

Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
…the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” 17 From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”