I was suddenly reminded of this friend whom I haven’t seen and talked to for a long time. Every time we have a chance to get together we always engage in a lengthy conversation and really enjoy our exchange of ideas. I should say we bond in a special way and agree in a lot of things. I noticed that we both have similar likes when it comes to the type of clothes to wear, the food to eat and the simple and healthy life we both prefer to live. Although there are some personal areas in her life that we haven’t talked about and which I haven’t dared to ask, I have this feeling that if we are to go deeper into our friendship , I would have to inevitably face the challenge that Paul in today’s 1st reading is talking about. I was able to say this because it made me realize the fact that it always seems easy to connect and bond with her. It must say that we can really be very good friends despite the fact that we only had a brief encounter when we first met and we hardly see each other. The things that Paul is telling us are things that could totally offend a person when directly told about it. We are living in a world full of deceptions, pretenses and lies. Sometimes we would be better off if we could just keep our thoughts to ourselves most especially the sensitive and very personal issues about a person. If we have a choice then we would rather not be involved and just keep silent about it. Sometimes not even immediate family members, close relatives and friends dare to do it. Although there are times when we simply could no longer ignore the fact that God wants us to speak out and be bold enough to proclaim the truth. But this we can only do if we truly love and care about these people and be able to show them that it is really Christ that is in us and in all that motivates us to do so. Amen. Hallelujah!
Letter to the Colossians 3:1-11.
… Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. 6 Because of these the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. 7 By these you too once conducted yourselves, when you lived in that way. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths. 9 Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.
I had this opportunity of being with this lady who is sick and I suddenly had this feeling that I should let her read the book entitled,”Companion in Illness” which I borrowed from Bernadeth. At first I was hesitant because I wasn’t sure if she’s Catholic or if she’s even Christian. But I’m so glad I did since she did not put it down until she read the prayer book from cover to cover and told me that she liked it even though the prayer book is Catholic and she’s Methodist. What really stopped me at first was the fact that people here in the US are not as open to the practice of the religious faith as we Filipinos are. I heard that lately there had been talks about the removal of the words “In God we trust” in US dollar bills. Or worst I have heard that they are no longer promoting the expression of the faith in public schools and even eradicated the reciting of prayers inside the classroom. With all these things coming up that seem to discourage people of the faith to come out in the open and proudly declare and proclaim it, there is no wonder why some would even regard such act as queer, strange or out of this world and the more accepted and normal way of acting is to just play safe and be like the others not wanting to disturb or disrupt the so called accepted norms or standard of the world. If we are deviating from it there is a tendency to be ridiculed by the others or worst make us the laughing stock and even insist their crooked principles on us as if they are the ones that are right and we are simply being over righteous. Some would even persuade us to stray away from what is right convincing us that it wouldn’t hurt if it’s just a little bit and God would surely understand. As if saying that it is just alright if we believe in God during weekdays and don’t during weekends. Or worst believe in His teachings and His commandments but will not commit to following it. There has been some kind of misconception here that has been turned into a very convenient and acceptable excuse for us Christians. Whatever has happened to all of us, is slowly turning our faith into a big stage play wherein we only act it out on stage and become totally different after we come off stage. It is very sad if we fail to recognize what really happened to that story of a frog who ended up dead and cooked in boiling water. We should think of ourselves as that frog placed in a big casserole of water that is slowly heating up. Initially the frog wouldn’t jump out of it since it would feel comfortable to swim in it but it would be too late before it finds out that it will be boiled alive in it and escape would be very difficult. We sometimes have this tendency to become masochist that we choose to hurt ourselves or place ourselves in torturous situation when there is really no need for that. What’s worse, when the situation turns awry and bad that is the only time we remember God but the deadly and boiling hot pool of sin we are in has totally possessed us we can no longer master the strength and courage to come out of it. The inviting and slowly heating big casserole of temptations, lies and deception would eventually turn into a steaming hot and boiling pool of sin where escape is almost impossible and death is imminent. So while we still can we must try to get out of it not later but right now. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13
R: The Lord is compassionate toward all his works.
2 Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. (R) 10 Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. 11 Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might. (R) 12 Making known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations.
Life is never easy most especially if we commit to a life dedicated to follow the example of Jesus Christ. It is always easier said than done but we can always focus on the reward that awaits us just like any victorious battle the champion emerges with the trophy and prize. Today’s gospel challenges us to always dwell on these promises that can never be broken. If a trustworthy and honest person gave his word we are confident that he/she will honor it. All the more should we be confident of God’s word. If God spoke and promised then He will surely grant it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 6:20-26
20 Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. 21 Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. 24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. 26 Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
THE PLAN
St. Paul in today’s 1st reading emphasized the importance of holding on to what we have been taught about Jesus our Savior. There are many things in this world that lure us away from Jesus. We’ve got to always focus and not allow ourselves to be carried away by it. We ought to know by now that only Jesus Christ can make us whole and satisfy our souls. Amen. Hallelujah!
Colossians 2:6-15
6 Brothers and sisters: As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, 7 rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to tradition of men, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ.
The Lord knows what we are going through as the song tells us. “He walked where I walked, He stood where I stand, He felt what I feel, He took my frailty, He understands. God with us, so close to us, Emmanuel.” If only we draw to Him as close as we can get then we would be blessed by the loving touch of God who knows each one of us in a very personal way. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalms 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11
R: The Lord is compassionate toward all his works.
1 I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. 2 Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. (R) 8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. 9 The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. (R) 10 Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. 11 Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might. (R)
Today’s reflection in Didache entitled, “Regret…Not” is very timely and appropriate for a particular concern I needed to point out to my son. I must say that God never really fails to send us answers to the many questions we have in life. We just have to be always open to His inspirations and go to Him in prayer at all times. Here it is for the benefit of all those who continue to believe that we have a God who has a great plan for us. We must never lose sight of it. Amen. Hallelujah!
REGRET ... NOT
Jesus went up a hill to pray and spent the whole night there praying to God. – Luke 6:12
Art is my first love. Before I learned how to read or write, I already knew how to draw. I even had my own comic book characters when I was a kid. But I didn’t pursue a career in the arts. As a teenager, I was led to believe that there was no money in it. Though I was satisfied taking up engineering, I still regret not becoming a graphic artist or an animator.
Why do regrets come only in the end? Why do we feel sorry about the things that happened or didn’t happen in the past? Maybe it’s because we didn’t ask for God’s guidance before we made a decision. Because if we did, then we would have the confidence that whatever has happened was His will and was part of His bigger plan.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus had to spend overnight praying on top of a hill before making a big decision of naming His 12 Apostles. And guess what, one of those He chose would become a traitor. But did Jesus regret it? I don’t think so. For He knew that it was part of the Father’s plan. Edgardo Tulabut (ylnoseye@gmail.com)
REFLECTION:
When was the last time you consulted God for a big decision?
Guide me, Lord, when I make choices in life so I will live according to Your plans.
Luke 6:12-19
12 Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.
Colossians 2:6-15
6 Brothers and sisters: As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, 7 rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to tradition of men, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ.
The Lord knows what we are going through as the song tells us. “He walked where I walked, He stood where I stand, He felt what I feel, He took my frailty, He understands. God with us, so close to us, Emmanuel.” If only we draw to Him as close as we can get then we would be blessed by the loving touch of God who knows each one of us in a very personal way. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalms 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11
R: The Lord is compassionate toward all his works.
1 I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. 2 Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. (R) 8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. 9 The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. (R) 10 Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. 11 Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might. (R)
Today’s reflection in Didache entitled, “Regret…Not” is very timely and appropriate for a particular concern I needed to point out to my son. I must say that God never really fails to send us answers to the many questions we have in life. We just have to be always open to His inspirations and go to Him in prayer at all times. Here it is for the benefit of all those who continue to believe that we have a God who has a great plan for us. We must never lose sight of it. Amen. Hallelujah!
REGRET ... NOT
Jesus went up a hill to pray and spent the whole night there praying to God. – Luke 6:12
Art is my first love. Before I learned how to read or write, I already knew how to draw. I even had my own comic book characters when I was a kid. But I didn’t pursue a career in the arts. As a teenager, I was led to believe that there was no money in it. Though I was satisfied taking up engineering, I still regret not becoming a graphic artist or an animator.
Why do regrets come only in the end? Why do we feel sorry about the things that happened or didn’t happen in the past? Maybe it’s because we didn’t ask for God’s guidance before we made a decision. Because if we did, then we would have the confidence that whatever has happened was His will and was part of His bigger plan.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus had to spend overnight praying on top of a hill before making a big decision of naming His 12 Apostles. And guess what, one of those He chose would become a traitor. But did Jesus regret it? I don’t think so. For He knew that it was part of the Father’s plan. Edgardo Tulabut (ylnoseye@gmail.com)
REFLECTION:
When was the last time you consulted God for a big decision?
Guide me, Lord, when I make choices in life so I will live according to Your plans.
Luke 6:12-19
12 Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.
Monday, September 5, 2011
FAITH MUSCLES
Paul in today's 1st reading teaches us to strive very hard in making ourselves a living example of God's goodness reflecting the values of Jesus Christ in our very lives. Sometimes we are driven to despair whenever we are confronted with a lot of trials and difficulties in life, this is because we fail to recognize the presence of God's power within us. This made me think of the need to work out and exercise in order to build up our faith in the same way it does to our physical bodies. In doing so we need to recognize that our bodies are designed by God in such a way that it is capable of responding to several stimuli. If we exercise and discipline ourselves then we can see results in accordance to our expectation. We are not new to certain instances when people were able to transform themselves and came out as an entirely new person. If we examine ourselves closely then we can find out what areas we need to improve on and develop faith muscles. We can always go from good to better and best. In the same way that if we are aware that there is a power dwelling in us waiting to be unleashed and once discovered can open up endless and amazing possibilities that can be compared to finding the greatest treasure ever known to man. Amen. Hallelujah!
Colossians 1:24–2:3
....For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me. For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
If we are secured in the love of God then there's nothing we should be afraid of. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M Psalm 62:6-7. 9
R: In God is my safety and my glory.
5 [6] Only in God be at rest, my soul, for from him comes my hope. 6 [7] He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. (R) 8 [9] Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him; God is our refuge!
Jesus in today's gospel made a clear statement regarding good and evil knowing that there will be times in our life when we might encounter similar situations with difficult people like the scribes and Pharisees in our Christian walk of faith. And in times like these do we need to be even bolder in standing up for what is right and the truth. On the other hand, when some things are not yet very clear to us we tend to act in a manner that we complicate things when we choose to decide on the thing which is most fitted to our own personal agenda. The key is to be consistent in our stand as faithful followers of Jesus Christ by knowing God better in each passing day. We need to acknowledge that God is God in our life in the way that He wants us not in the way that we dictate God to be. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 6:6-11
... Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” 10 Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. 11 But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
Colossians 1:24–2:3
....For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me. For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
If we are secured in the love of God then there's nothing we should be afraid of. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M Psalm 62:6-7. 9
R: In God is my safety and my glory.
5 [6] Only in God be at rest, my soul, for from him comes my hope. 6 [7] He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. (R) 8 [9] Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him; God is our refuge!
Jesus in today's gospel made a clear statement regarding good and evil knowing that there will be times in our life when we might encounter similar situations with difficult people like the scribes and Pharisees in our Christian walk of faith. And in times like these do we need to be even bolder in standing up for what is right and the truth. On the other hand, when some things are not yet very clear to us we tend to act in a manner that we complicate things when we choose to decide on the thing which is most fitted to our own personal agenda. The key is to be consistent in our stand as faithful followers of Jesus Christ by knowing God better in each passing day. We need to acknowledge that God is God in our life in the way that He wants us not in the way that we dictate God to be. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 6:6-11
... Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” 10 Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. 11 But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
GOD OF SURPRISES
Yesterday we had this very blessed Growth in the Spirit Seminar (GSS) at St. Martha. Everything turned out to be a surprise for me. All the while I thought that it would be just like any other Spirit Seminars I have attended. I was wrong and even one of the organizers, Brod Pete, did not expect that a priest could come and minister to us the entire duration of the seminar. This activity is on the same day that the SCRC is currently being conducted so to be honest enough I must say that I wouldn’t had been there if I had the opportunity to be at the SCRC but I am glad I was there. We indeed have a God of surprises. Fr. Bernie Taylor gave us 2 talks and prayed over us during the in filling of the Holy Spirit. The 1st reading for today speaks of a watchman and this priest that God sent our way in an extraordinary way became for us the mouthpiece of God who filled us with God’s wisdom and love. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 33:7-9
7 You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me.
Surely there were times when we heard and experienced the voice of God giving us “out of this world” instructions and we responded nonchalantly as if we never heard anything, refused outright and rejected it. If before we just choose to do it whichever way we wanted it without much thought from now on let us respond to God in the best way we can with hearts full of love and obedience. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
R: (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
...Oh, that today you would hear his voice, 8 “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, 9 where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works.”
Even the 2nd reading is a confirmation because the sum total of all the teachings for the GSS boils down to the message it tells us today. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 13:8-108
Brothers and sisters: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Another important thing that I have been reminded once again is the truth that to be a part of a community of believers is really valuable. The gospel today affirms and confirms it because Jesus Himself advises us to have someone whom we can pray with. Surely what He tells us is something that we can hold on and take to heart seriously. My experience yesterday, I must say is another one of the surprising ways of God to let us know more and more that His great and steadfast love for us is new every morning. The GSS which I attended yesterday is a resounding evidence of this truth. It was a day full of affirmations, confirmations and most of all felt the new anointing of the Holy Spirit falling afresh on all of us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Holy gospel from Matthew 18:15-20
...19 Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Ezekiel 33:7-9
7 You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me.
Surely there were times when we heard and experienced the voice of God giving us “out of this world” instructions and we responded nonchalantly as if we never heard anything, refused outright and rejected it. If before we just choose to do it whichever way we wanted it without much thought from now on let us respond to God in the best way we can with hearts full of love and obedience. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
R: (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
...Oh, that today you would hear his voice, 8 “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, 9 where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works.”
Even the 2nd reading is a confirmation because the sum total of all the teachings for the GSS boils down to the message it tells us today. Amen. Hallelujah!
Romans 13:8-108
Brothers and sisters: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Another important thing that I have been reminded once again is the truth that to be a part of a community of believers is really valuable. The gospel today affirms and confirms it because Jesus Himself advises us to have someone whom we can pray with. Surely what He tells us is something that we can hold on and take to heart seriously. My experience yesterday, I must say is another one of the surprising ways of God to let us know more and more that His great and steadfast love for us is new every morning. The GSS which I attended yesterday is a resounding evidence of this truth. It was a day full of affirmations, confirmations and most of all felt the new anointing of the Holy Spirit falling afresh on all of us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Holy gospel from Matthew 18:15-20
...19 Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Saturday, September 3, 2011
CHARISMATIC
Today’s 1st reading reminded me in a very special way of my 1st Charismatic experience. I should say that all my decisions and course of action would have been a lot different today if I wasn’t a Renewed Catholic Charismatic yet. If I were to recall the life I used to have before I became renewed I must say that this personal relationship and commitment to God that I have right now I owe a lot to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement that was introduced to me more than 20 years ago at a time when I was experiencing one of the most challenging events in my life. It so happened that this weekend the Southern California Renewal Communities more popularly known as SCRC is celebrating its Annual Convention at Anaheim as if emphasizing to me even more the great impact and role of renewal communities in the life of Catholics nowadays. I have a high regard for it that I make it a point to always engage myself as much as possible in any charismatic activity. This is why every Catholic Charismatic here in California, I suppose is aware of this big event being celebrated every Labor weekend in Anaheim, California. Although we are not promised an easy life after the renewal we can always hold on to God for strength and support. With what had happened and is presently happening in my life I can proudly say that it has definitely helped me persevere in the faith, become firmly grounded, stable and always being assured by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!
Colossians 1:21-23
21 Brothers and sisters: You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds; 22 God has now reconciled in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, 23 provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, am a minister.
There is no doubt that only with God’s help can we make things right. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalms 54:3-4, 6, 8
R: God himself is my help.
1 [3] O God, by your name save me, and by your might defend my cause. 2 [4] O God, hear my prayer; hearken to the words of my mouth. (R) 4 [6] Behold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life. 6 [8] Freely will I offer you sacrifice; I will praise your name, O LORD, for its goodness. (R)
Just look at the irony of things. I am promoting the importance of SCRC and the like in the lives of Catholics today but I am unable to attend and become part of it unlike before when I was there for the entire duration of the Convention. I am not contradicting what I said by not acting on it but rather I am calling our attentions to what is more important and essential. God knows how much I would have wanted to be there but as the gospel today tries to teach us that there are some things that we ought to do but due to a valid and more pressing issue that needs to be addressed immediately we are obliged to respond to that responsibility over the other. In Nursing. we have the so called Triage wherein we prioritize patient care based on the principle of ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) If the patient has an airway problem then he/she in principle gets priority care. But it does not always follow since there is also a need to take into consideration other factors that may not be an A priority and could be a B or C but is more severe in nature. The same could be true for some instances in our faith. Sabbath Day has always been a much talked about issue because of the so many questions and concerns related to it. There are a lot of differences in opinion when it comes to observing the Sabbath. Jesus and His disciples were questioned by the Pharisees and He explained with a concrete example that love and compassion for our fellow human beings come first. We should not be blinded by certain legalities in the law which were meant first and foremost to serve the interest of man rather than the other way around. Sometimes we come to a point where we are a bit confused of how we are supposed to act in such situations. This only reminds us to practice triage in our faith which in fact does not lessen the importance of one over the other but rather teaches us to always take into consideration the Spirit of the Law which is love, over the Letter of the Law. The spirit of the law above all is love. God doesn't impose impossibilities on us and maintains His goodness and mercy for He is a God of love and mercy. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 6:1-5
1 While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. 2 Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 3 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? 4 How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions.” 5 Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
Colossians 1:21-23
21 Brothers and sisters: You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds; 22 God has now reconciled in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, 23 provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, am a minister.
There is no doubt that only with God’s help can we make things right. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalms 54:3-4, 6, 8
R: God himself is my help.
1 [3] O God, by your name save me, and by your might defend my cause. 2 [4] O God, hear my prayer; hearken to the words of my mouth. (R) 4 [6] Behold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life. 6 [8] Freely will I offer you sacrifice; I will praise your name, O LORD, for its goodness. (R)
Just look at the irony of things. I am promoting the importance of SCRC and the like in the lives of Catholics today but I am unable to attend and become part of it unlike before when I was there for the entire duration of the Convention. I am not contradicting what I said by not acting on it but rather I am calling our attentions to what is more important and essential. God knows how much I would have wanted to be there but as the gospel today tries to teach us that there are some things that we ought to do but due to a valid and more pressing issue that needs to be addressed immediately we are obliged to respond to that responsibility over the other. In Nursing. we have the so called Triage wherein we prioritize patient care based on the principle of ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) If the patient has an airway problem then he/she in principle gets priority care. But it does not always follow since there is also a need to take into consideration other factors that may not be an A priority and could be a B or C but is more severe in nature. The same could be true for some instances in our faith. Sabbath Day has always been a much talked about issue because of the so many questions and concerns related to it. There are a lot of differences in opinion when it comes to observing the Sabbath. Jesus and His disciples were questioned by the Pharisees and He explained with a concrete example that love and compassion for our fellow human beings come first. We should not be blinded by certain legalities in the law which were meant first and foremost to serve the interest of man rather than the other way around. Sometimes we come to a point where we are a bit confused of how we are supposed to act in such situations. This only reminds us to practice triage in our faith which in fact does not lessen the importance of one over the other but rather teaches us to always take into consideration the Spirit of the Law which is love, over the Letter of the Law. The spirit of the law above all is love. God doesn't impose impossibilities on us and maintains His goodness and mercy for He is a God of love and mercy. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 6:1-5
1 While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. 2 Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 3 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? 4 How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions.” 5 Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
Friday, September 2, 2011
GIVE IT YOUR ALL
Aren't we amazed at the love story telenovelas (soap operas) that we usually see on TV especially in the Filipino Channel (TFC). Sometimes we find it hard to believe that people in love could do things out of bounds. And all for the sake of the person he/she loves. But we can not deny the fact that we sometimes also see it happening around us. This kind of love that drives people crazy and make them do things that are farfetched means that we are capable of giving our all to someone we are in a relationship with. Just consider this even for a moment, if this kind of love is possible then we should realize that if there's someone whom we should engage in a relationship with first and foremost then that is no other than Jesus our God and all other relationships will surely work out for good. He deserves all the love, praise and adoration that any human being could possibly give. Amen. Hallelujah!
Colossians 1:15-20
15 Brothers and sisters, Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent...
Whenever we are in a relationship with someone and give our 100% into it then we can not help but expect it to work. But there are times too, when we have given our all and yet it doesn't seem to be enough. We sometimes are bound for disappointments. When these things happen then there is really no reason to be sad for we can always go to God for consolation whose love for us endures forever. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M Psalm 100:1b-2. 3. 4. 5
R: Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
...Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends...For he is good the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.
What we encounter everyday is all a part of life. It's in fact very simple if we are to look at it from today's gospel point of view. Whenever we go through life we need to keep this piece of advice in mind. What's done is done. What's past is past. We can't continue bringing up the past and ruin what's in the present. Though, we must not forget the lessons of the past we have to move on and do what is supposed to be done at the moment, which is to mind the present and look forward to the best future we can work for. Another thing we are sometimes guilty of is, judging people based only on what we see from the outside. We tend to make our own judgments and label people although not always openly, in accordance to our own personal standards. This should not be the case rather we should always follow the example of Jesus as in today's gospel when He tried to point out the importance or precedence of one thing over the other in certain situations but at the same time did not disregard outright the importance of the other. We sometimes make decisions and do things at one particular point in our life that may seem hard to explain and understand for some people. In the same way that the scribes and Pharisees failed to grasp or maybe deliberately ignored just to brag about their being right about fasting and prayer and find a loophole in Jesus. We are sometimes guilty of this when we tend to always look at the negative rather than choose to build up what is right, fitting and most essential thing to do that is being called for at the specific moment. We sometimes have to be very discreet and always consult God in every single thing that we do. If we always draw near to God then He will surely draw near to us and we will find it easier to follow His voice and directions without being dissuaded and influenced by the so called scribes and Pharisees in our own lives that aim to sometimes confuse and mislead us or our own tendency to be like them. In all things let the fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, meekness/ humility, self control and faithfulness) guide and direct us when we encounter such situations. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 5:33-39
33 The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” 36 And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. 37 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. 38 Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’ ”
Colossians 1:15-20
15 Brothers and sisters, Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent...
Whenever we are in a relationship with someone and give our 100% into it then we can not help but expect it to work. But there are times too, when we have given our all and yet it doesn't seem to be enough. We sometimes are bound for disappointments. When these things happen then there is really no reason to be sad for we can always go to God for consolation whose love for us endures forever. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M Psalm 100:1b-2. 3. 4. 5
R: Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
...Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends...For he is good the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.
What we encounter everyday is all a part of life. It's in fact very simple if we are to look at it from today's gospel point of view. Whenever we go through life we need to keep this piece of advice in mind. What's done is done. What's past is past. We can't continue bringing up the past and ruin what's in the present. Though, we must not forget the lessons of the past we have to move on and do what is supposed to be done at the moment, which is to mind the present and look forward to the best future we can work for. Another thing we are sometimes guilty of is, judging people based only on what we see from the outside. We tend to make our own judgments and label people although not always openly, in accordance to our own personal standards. This should not be the case rather we should always follow the example of Jesus as in today's gospel when He tried to point out the importance or precedence of one thing over the other in certain situations but at the same time did not disregard outright the importance of the other. We sometimes make decisions and do things at one particular point in our life that may seem hard to explain and understand for some people. In the same way that the scribes and Pharisees failed to grasp or maybe deliberately ignored just to brag about their being right about fasting and prayer and find a loophole in Jesus. We are sometimes guilty of this when we tend to always look at the negative rather than choose to build up what is right, fitting and most essential thing to do that is being called for at the specific moment. We sometimes have to be very discreet and always consult God in every single thing that we do. If we always draw near to God then He will surely draw near to us and we will find it easier to follow His voice and directions without being dissuaded and influenced by the so called scribes and Pharisees in our own lives that aim to sometimes confuse and mislead us or our own tendency to be like them. In all things let the fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, meekness/ humility, self control and faithfulness) guide and direct us when we encounter such situations. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 5:33-39
33 The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” 36 And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. 37 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. 38 Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’ ”
Thursday, September 1, 2011
INTO DEEP WATER
The good news of our salvation which was obtained for us more than 2000 years ago by Jesus Christ on the cross is still being proclaimed to this very day. There is no way we can deny the truth for heaven and earth will fade but God's words will remain. We have to trust, hope and rely on God rather than our own power. Let's face it we sometimes rely too much on ourselves and too little on God. We are troubled about a lot of things when sometimes there's really no cause for it. There are levels of anxiety. Exaggerated anxiety and discouragement are one of the greatest obstacles to holiness. There is a level of anxiety that we just have to trust in God's Grace and Goodness. We should not disturb our inner peace not even momentarily. Life on earth is a great struggle indeed for God's Kingdom. A lot of things can bother and bring us down but we do not have to stay that way. We have to exercise our minds and wills to put our confidence in God. He is the one whom we can totally trust and depend on to save us. God's faithfulness and steadfast love know no boundaries. Amen. Hallelujah!
Colossians 1:9-14.
Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
No one should ever claim that they haven't heard or known about God since it is our prime duty to spread and make it known throughout the whole world. There is no denying to the truth that all of us are given the chance to know who our God is and it is also our duty and responsibility to take part in this mission of spreading the good news and make known to everyone to the best of our ability the saving power of God. We should consider each day as an opportunity to know and learn more about our God. Whether it be an ordinary or special day in our life nothing should be amiss and should be spent in giving glory to God our Savior and Master. We can never ever deny the greatness of our God even just by looking at the simplest part of God’s creation like the tiniest grain of sand to the largest ocean in the world. As in Jeremiah 5:22, “Will you not tremble before me who set the sand as limit to the sea, as an everlasting barrier it can not pass? Its waves may toss but not prevail, they may roar but can not pass beyond.” We ask ourselves how in the world can a tiny grain of sand hold the vastness of the ocean in the same way we know that we have a God whose saving power is known throughout the earth. It is our duty to us to aim for the ultimate good which is the will of God in our lives. This is not something that we still have to search and look for. It is already programmed in us and made known to us by the Lord. If by any chance this is not the case especially for those people who have not heard or known about our Lord Jesus since birth then the Lord Himself knows how to deal with them in accordance to His Divine Wisdom and Mercy. For us who have been blessed and endowed with the privilege of hearing and knowing about Jesus, this is coupled with a responsibility. The principle that to those who have been given much, much is also expected definitely applies to it. We have a responsibility in our hands to make known to everyone we meet about this vital truth that could spell the difference between life and death. Nothing else matters than the truth that we are all loved by God and given the privilege of taking part in His great kingdom in heaven. No one can deny the fact that to all God has been gracious and loving with no exception at all. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The LORD has made his salvation known in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.
We are all called by the Lord for a mission and we ought to follow no matter how daunting the task may seem to be. We must not be dissuaded, discouraged or deluded by our situation. If things do not look very encouraging and convincing just like the way it was when Jesus summoned Simon Peter to "put out into deep water" then all the more should we "press on". We are not to rely on outward appearances and other factors. The circumstances surrounding Peter at that time in today's gospel point to a logical response which is not to follow. He and his companions according to him had been working hard all night and caught nothing. This passage is not only a matter of logic and reasoning but a case of who commanded it. God gave us the 10 commandments and there are instances when we come up with various excuses and justifications just to get away with what we've done. If we are truly aware of who Jesus really is then we've got to have the conviction in ourselves that what the Lord commands is the most logical thing to do. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 5:1-11
...“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing.
Colossians 1:9-14.
Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
No one should ever claim that they haven't heard or known about God since it is our prime duty to spread and make it known throughout the whole world. There is no denying to the truth that all of us are given the chance to know who our God is and it is also our duty and responsibility to take part in this mission of spreading the good news and make known to everyone to the best of our ability the saving power of God. We should consider each day as an opportunity to know and learn more about our God. Whether it be an ordinary or special day in our life nothing should be amiss and should be spent in giving glory to God our Savior and Master. We can never ever deny the greatness of our God even just by looking at the simplest part of God’s creation like the tiniest grain of sand to the largest ocean in the world. As in Jeremiah 5:22, “Will you not tremble before me who set the sand as limit to the sea, as an everlasting barrier it can not pass? Its waves may toss but not prevail, they may roar but can not pass beyond.” We ask ourselves how in the world can a tiny grain of sand hold the vastness of the ocean in the same way we know that we have a God whose saving power is known throughout the earth. It is our duty to us to aim for the ultimate good which is the will of God in our lives. This is not something that we still have to search and look for. It is already programmed in us and made known to us by the Lord. If by any chance this is not the case especially for those people who have not heard or known about our Lord Jesus since birth then the Lord Himself knows how to deal with them in accordance to His Divine Wisdom and Mercy. For us who have been blessed and endowed with the privilege of hearing and knowing about Jesus, this is coupled with a responsibility. The principle that to those who have been given much, much is also expected definitely applies to it. We have a responsibility in our hands to make known to everyone we meet about this vital truth that could spell the difference between life and death. Nothing else matters than the truth that we are all loved by God and given the privilege of taking part in His great kingdom in heaven. No one can deny the fact that to all God has been gracious and loving with no exception at all. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The LORD has made his salvation known in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.
We are all called by the Lord for a mission and we ought to follow no matter how daunting the task may seem to be. We must not be dissuaded, discouraged or deluded by our situation. If things do not look very encouraging and convincing just like the way it was when Jesus summoned Simon Peter to "put out into deep water" then all the more should we "press on". We are not to rely on outward appearances and other factors. The circumstances surrounding Peter at that time in today's gospel point to a logical response which is not to follow. He and his companions according to him had been working hard all night and caught nothing. This passage is not only a matter of logic and reasoning but a case of who commanded it. God gave us the 10 commandments and there are instances when we come up with various excuses and justifications just to get away with what we've done. If we are truly aware of who Jesus really is then we've got to have the conviction in ourselves that what the Lord commands is the most logical thing to do. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 5:1-11
...“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing.
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