NOBLE TASK

The people who are chosen to lead and play an active role in the several activities and ministries that the Church promotes must really be a good follower of Christ keeping in mind the noble task entrusted in their hands. Today’s 1st reading is a clear guideline as to what kind of person is most worthy to serve the Lord. May we all find ourselves subscribing and obediently following what the Church teaches us. At the time when I was a newly appointed Lector I experienced a dilemma with regards to my commitments that might get in the way of this noble task that I have just taken responsibility of. We all encounter situations when we are having second thoughts on the decision we just made. The best thing we could do is pray to God to bless our decision and if ever it was not the best thing to do then we ask God to show us His ultimate will. God is indeed a God of order that the moment we pray for guidance and direction as to what exactly does God want us to prioritize we would surely receive an answer. Whether it is in the form of a something which is a clear and obvious sign of what He wanted us to do or not we must keep in mind the truth that God answers all our prayers. Although there are instances, too when God seemed to not care we must never let the truth leave our minds. No one else could care and love us more than God could and this we have to truly believe. There is really no need to ask God for a sign since the will of God is wide between good and good, there are also times when we are favored with by God by clear signs and circumstances that will remove all our doubts with regards to a specific decision. We may or may not be immediately greeted by the answers and prayers we've been asking God but we just have to believe that if things are not meant to be then God will surely show us the right path. For as long as we comply to the requirements or criteria of being a good follower of Christ keeping in mind the noble task entrusted in our hands then we can be assured of His loving guidance and direction. Amen. Hallelujah!

 1 Timothy 3:1-13

This saying is trustworthy whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Therefore a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God? He should not be a recent convert so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the devil's punishment. He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the devil's trap. Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them let them serve as deacons. Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

 We should always strive to do our best in making ourselves a pleasing sacrifice before God. Amen. Hallelujah!

P S A L M

Psalm 101:1b-2ab. 2cd-3ab. 5. 6 (or Psalm 31:2-3b. cd-4. 5-6. 15-16. 20)

R: I will walk with a blameless heart.

1 Of mercy and judgment I will sing; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. 2 I will persevere in the way of integrity; when will you come to me? (R) I will walk in the integrity of my heart, within my house; 3 I will not set before my eyes any base thing. (R) 5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I destroy. The man of haughty eyes and puffed-up heart I will not endure. (R) 6 My eyes are upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. He who walks in the way of integrity shall be in my service. (R)

I know that whatever caused some things to happen the way they did, Jesus wants to make it clear that He can bring back to life whatever it is that died whether it be physical, emotional or every aspect of our lives that is subject to death. For nothing is too difficult or impossible for God. In the light of today’s gospel I would also like to share this reflection in Didache which has really touched me entitled, COMING SOON.

The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. – Luke 7:15

Luigi and Mela have been waiting for a child since they got married many years ago. But they wouldn’t get pregnant. They tried everything humanly possible. “Lord, how long do we have to wait? Will this child ever come?” they prayed.

Austin was the blackest of the sheep. Booze? He drank the place dry. Drugs? He didn’t let a chance pass. Women? He had plenty. Monica, his mother, would cry her way to sleep while praying for his conversion. She did this for 39 years.

It’s never over till God says it’s over. It’s time to believe again. God says, “I can still bring that dream to life.” Are you in a major setback? With God you can turn it into a set up for a greater comeback!

Don’t be surprised if you see Luigi and Mela kiss a handsome boy crashing the drums to heavenly music. Their son, Sean, is now in high school! By the way, the agonizing mother Monica has a longer name now: Saint Monica. And her son Austin’s real name is Augustine — Saint Augustine, to be exact, the great theologian and doctor of the church.

Their time has come. And yours is coming!  Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:

You have been confronted by obstacles that have been there year after year. Are you ready to give up?   Keep the faith, friend. You might be quitting one day too soon.

I want to believe again, Lord. Breathe life into my faith that my time is coming.

Luke 7:11-17

...When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother...