It doesn't matter much where we are going what matters most is that God is directing us every single step of the way. There is no doubt about the will of God to walk side by side with us but are we willing to walk side by side with Him. God and sin can never be put together. If we truly want to be united with God at all times we have to separate ourselves with sin. It is not so hard to know where God is leading us. We have been given long before we were born the 10 commandments and the teachings of the Church. They have all been planted in our hearts. Let us not stray any longer and truly follow where the Lord leads us. We all have experiences in life that could make us realize that each of us is called by God for a mission and a purpose in life. We could never deny it if we would just be sensitive to the promptings of the Lord. These circumstances can be coupled with several confirmations not only in terms of people and situations we’ve encountered but most especially through the word of God in the scriptures. We could identify somehow with any of these bible characters because the bible is in fact not just the story of God but ourselves, too. If we look back, recall and assess our lives then we would definitely witness successive confirmations from the Lord which would leave us in awe and with no more room to doubt. There are no coincidences with the Lord even though we have been experiencing trials, difficulties and storms in life we must continue to believe that He is God and in control. He is able. There is no reason to be terrified if we have faith in God. God never stops in giving us the inspiration to keep on going and continue the good work He has done for all of us. We just have to follow the example of Abraham in today’s 1st reading who trusted and obeyed whatever God is telling him to do. Amen. Hallelujah!
Genesis 12:1-4
1 The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you...Abram went as the LORD directed him.
Nothing is hidden from God and everything is known to Him. It pays to always consult our plans to God in prayers and everything we intend to do we should lay before Him and seek His approval. He will never deprive us nor withhold from us the answers that we seek. If we sometimes forget these and tend to stray away from the right path then we should always be aware that everything that we say, think and do must always have reference to God our Creator. It may have happened to most of us when we get disappointed at how we still miss something so quickly despite our close watch. We sometimes end up confused and discouraged when things don’t happen the way we expect it despite our accurate and strict monitoring. We even ask ourselves how it could have happened. We may have heard and seen some terrible and frightening things in our life but we should always hold on to the truth that no matter how horrible the things that are happening around us they don't change the fact that our Lord is God and always in charge and in control. It doesn't matter that much how we think and feel but what matters most is how to feel and think just like God. For we can always rely and depend on it, 100%, fail proof and success guaranteed. We should place our trust not in men or in things but in God alone. The Lord did not promise us to be totally problem free but He gave His assurance that He will always be our Savior and Redeemer. God's power is beyond our full comprehension. He is Holy, Mighty, Immortal and Infinitely Great. Did it ever occur to you how all these things that surround us, from the skies, to the mountains, plains, the seas, the wind, all the heavenly bodies above, the things down below, all the creatures of the earth especially us, human beings came to be. Not a single theory about creation could suffice and would ever satisfy the wonders and marvelous things that God has done. Just thinking about all these things should make us always put our hope in Him, feel confident and assured that we are safe under His care, to help us from all our problems and shield us from all harm. It is a consolation to know that we are constantly assured by God especially in today's psalm to never doubt His power and goodness. His loving eyes is always upon us not leaving us for a single moment nor removing his stare even with a wink of an eye. It feels good to know that someone's eyes are upon us and looking after us. When we come to a point of despair and feel like things are not getting better, we ought to remember always that we are God's people and we are His own. We have to realize this one most important truth that we should all subscribe to, which is to constantly align ourselves and conform to the will and plan of God in our lives. Let us ask the Lord to lead us to the right path and decisions that we may work toward the building of God’s kingdom here on earth. We should not give room to any doubt, fear, anxiety, impatience, irritability, hatred, sadness, iniquity, unfaithfulness, disloyalty, pride and loss of self control. Let us not choose to give in to these. They are all characteristics that should not be found in a people the Lord has chosen to be His own. Our present situation may not be a perfect picture yet but we should all rejoice and be glad knowing that God was the one who chose us first and He will carry us through. All we have to do is just trust that the Lord will carry out with perfection all His plans for us no matter what situations or circumstances may arise in our midst. When God created this world and everything in it including us, He did not ask permission from anybody. It means that He has chosen us to be His own and not the other way around. This is the reason why the fallen angels/demons are so jealous of men. We are indeed special in the eyes of God for it is written in Gen 1:26, "Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion..." We are not just chosen by God to be His own even before everything came to be but we are on top of His creation. Let us never lose sight of this wonderful plan that God has for all of us. We may not be seeing it right now, having doubts about it, not paying attention to it or unable to commit to it. Whatever it may be, these are all hindrances that prevent us from gaining access to the goodness of the Lord. Never allow ourselves to miss out on this privilege that is accorded to all of us as the children of God. God chose us first and it is only right and fitting that we choose Him too. If we always focus on the Lord and put His words in our presence at all times then we can be assured that we have a lamp unto our feet that is lighting our path. We have to entrust all our cares and worries to the Lord for He can do better things for our lives than all our works combined. No matter how hard we try to succeed in what we do if it's not in accordance to God's plan then nothing will ever come out of it. We may succeed in one aspect but we will never be totally at peace for in the end it will always be the will and plan of God that will prevail. We just have to acknowledge that we are sparing ourselves of all the trouble and heartaches if we will just be obedient and completely trust in the Lord's plan. Let us truly be wise in the real sense of the word rather than of the world and not forfeit all our benefits from the Lord. We all have our personal plans and designs and we may not be able to fully understand what is going on at the present time. It is not easy for the wisdom in the eyes of God is foolishness to the world but what's most important is that we should always consult everything to God first, just believe and surrender everything to Him for He knows best. We have to realize this one most important truth that we should all subscribe to, which is to constantly align ourselves and conform to the will and plan of God in our lives. The power of God knows no limits and we can always rely on Him for anything that we are in need. Let us rely on God's power and completely trust Him to bring to fulfillment everything that He has promised. 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. Let us not lose hope and have faith in the Master Plan and Grand Design that God has for all of us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
R: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
4 Upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. The LORD loves justice and right and fills the earth with goodness. But the LORD'S eyes are upon the reverent, upon those who hope for his gracious help, Delivering them from death, keeping them alive in times of famine. (R) Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. 22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you.
What is true in the name of the athletes who work so hard to win is also true for us. Just as St. Paul said in today’s 2nd reading, we have to do a little bit more beyond pushing ourselves until we acquire a new level of endurance and strength. We have to do some sacrifices in order to strengthen our will. As the saying goes, no pain, no gain. Lent is about giving up something as a form of sacrifice in union with Jesus’ own sacrifice. In the situation of the world today we have to bear our share of hardship for we are called for a holy life. We have to be determined to do this in proportion to the life we live. We all have our own hardships and we can overcome through God’s strength. May we always be open to His design in our lives and surrender in obedience to the gospel. Amen. Hallelujah!
2 Timothy 1:8-10
8 Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. 9 He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus...
Jesus' transfiguration in Mount Tabor Grand Canyon . Such experiences, I believe can bring us to our own transfigurations as we too, become witnesses of God’s beauty which is forever changing from glory to glory. In times like these whether it’s special or not, happy or sad, we ought to just always remember and bring everything to God in prayer. Just as He spoke of His exodus (Passion and Death) in Jerusalem during His Transfiguration so is He definitely conveying to us the complete and entire story which includes His Glory and Resurrection. Six days before His passion, Jesus showed to His the apostles His transfiguration to give them strength and courage in bearing witness to the gospel. We, too in our lives have our moments of transfiguration but we can’t always hold on to that in the same way that Peter intended it to be. We have to go down from the mountain and face the passion ourselves. Although this may sound so disheartening we know the end of the story, we know the reward that awaits those who will persevere. It is not easy but we go to the Lord for strength in our life so we can have peace in this valley of tears. As we go on from one event in our life to another we are being transfigured by the Holy Spirit. God transforms us to be in the glory and be stouthearted as we carry our crosses. We keep in mind that the glory prepared for us is far greater. St John Mary Vianney said that our soul know if it receives Holy Communion well if it is mortified, gentle, at peace with everyone and is capable of every sacrifice and go to Jesus with love and confidence. Let us not always think that we have to much to do, rather think of His words, come to me all who are burdened for my yoke is easy and light, can we resist such an invitation so full of love? Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him...behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
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