Being people of the Gospel might cause some embarrassment. Not surrendering to negativity or paralysis, because of our not being perfect, and not letting what others think of us, just might be the call to the new honor and bring a smile to God’s face.
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 50:5-9a
Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
James 2:14-18
Mark 8:27-35 And Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesare'a Philip'pi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" 28 And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Eli'jah; and others one of the prophets." 29 And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." 30 And he charged them to tell no one about him. 31 And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men."
Meditation by Larry Gillick, S.J.
Deglman Center for Ignatian Spirituality
PRE-PRAYERING
Aggravate does not mean to injure or start something hurtful, but rather to re-injure or pick at something already hurtful. To say that a person aggravates us means that there is already an existing ouchy.
In truth, life has supplied us all with scars, bumps and bruises about which we can lose contact until just that one word is spoken or one thing hurts our sense of self and we experience aggravation big time. Others might not know our history of hurts and so are surprised at our reactions; maybe we are as well.
As we walk toward our next Eucharistic gathering, we might pray with such physical and emotional reactions. We can pray with what scabs are being scraped, what memories are being tormented. From our earliest days our egos and our knees have been bloodied and when they are brought up again, we can pray for the healing which comes from and through a faith that leads through and, past the past. We come to the Eucharist with all that we are, some of which is not so pretty.
REFLECTION
In the Book of Isaiah there are four poems or songs about a special “servant” of the Lord. In our First Reading for this liturgy we hear the Servant speaking about himself. He has been given a life’s mission of speaking as well as suffering. For both he is given the assurance that God will accompany him through it all.
After describing all the physical harm that will come to him, because of his being faithful to his call, he celebrates, boasts, of the fidelity of the calling God. At the end of the reading, there is a strong invitation to any who would be against him to come to court for resolution. God is faithful and the servant is prepared to trust him through it all.
Peter really gets into the action in our Gospel reading. He answers the “big question” on behalf of the other disciples. “You, Jesus, are the Christ.” When the disciples and especially Peter hears that Jesus is telling them about His future sufferings and death, Peter again speaks up. “No way” Peter says as he takes Jesus aside. Peter has an idea of how the Jesus experience is to be played out and suffering and death are not in the script.
When Jesus speaks to the disciples after putting Peter in his place, Jesus is using the “shame and honor” system of His times. Peter’s plan is about the honor of Jesus’ victory over the Romans whose domination is so shameful to the Jews. The “cross” is a perfect symbol of shame and yet Jesus invites His followers to embrace the “cross” and become losers for the sake of the gospel. Honor was both a personal goal and a collective necessity. Jesus is speaking to each of His followers and to the early Church as a group. Shame needed to be avoided both personally and culticly. Peter “rebuked” Jesus in terms of honor; Jesus spoke to Peter giving a new sense or definition of honor which still seems strange to us as it did to Peter and the disciples.
This is all more of the “upside-downedness” of Jesus’ ways. Honor was everything for the religious Jew; even more than it is for us today. We would love others to like us, but if they don’t, well that’s their problem. In Jesus’ time, to be looked down upon by others for your behavior or that of your family members or friends would be shameful. Lost honor would take lots of time to redress, but it would definitely have to be redeemed, often through violence. It is almost shameful to be human. We have some of this in our cultural and religious experience today.
The “cross” Jesus invites us to pick up and carry just might be the times of super-ego shame. Hearing aids are to be hidden, because perhaps they are a shameful sign of growing older. Teeth have to be straightened very early in a child’s life, because of the importance of “the smile”. This afternoon I went to the dentist for a root canal! Before the friendly and smiling torture-master drilled away a large part of my tooth, he and his assistant matched the color of the original surface with various shades of white. For your information, I am a C-2. My new tooth will be the exact same color as the others, because “the smile” is honorable and crooked or off-color would be a shame. How human it is and when there is discoloration or crookedness in our humanity, Jesus’ embrace of us and what can seem shameful, is allowing the cross to redeem our shame.
We don’t like to lose. Players hang their heads, some refuse to shake hands with their opponents, because losing is a negative description of the self. Jesus is telling His followers that He will look like a loser and so will they, but being faithful through it all will result in winning or “saving” their new kind of lives. Being people of the Gospel might cause some embarrassment. Not surrendering to negativity or paralysis, because of our not being perfect, and not letting what others think of us, just might be the call to the new honor and bring a smile to God’s face.
“O God, how much we value Your mercy! All mankind can gather under Your protection” Ps. 36, 8
Supplementary Reading
Trust the Mighty Hand of God by Robert H. Schuller
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." – Psalm 139:9-10
As I watched, I noticed that some daring swimmers were trying to see if they could "ride the waves," the huge mountainous waves that came crashing in on the beaches. Several of these would-be surfers got into the water and stumbled through the foamy shallows, but they were too slow. They were overtaken, upset, flattened and sent sputtering into the surf by the liquid mountain.
Further out in the deep, I saw a skillful rider of the surf as he carefully watched the wave as it was building, swelling and rising. Instead of running from the wave, he rode the graceful curve of the growing mountain of water. Instead of being flattened, he was lifted! Instead of being made low, he rose high and was carried far!
Every trouble has vast built-in opportunities in which to grow, to learn, to serve, or to be cleansed. Imagination can turn your bed of trouble into fruitful pastures. Your time of lying low can become your morning of spiritual refreshment. Wait patiently for the Lord. He will not mock your waiting. God will not laugh at your praying. Suddenly, you will feel the mighty hand of God underneath you and all around you, as he lifts you and guides you into your future!
* * *
What "trouble" in life are you currently facing? Let the mysterious, calm, quiet, tranquil assurance of God rise deep within your being as you trust his mighty hand to carry you into your future.
* * *
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Monday, September 07, 2009
Sep 12, 2009 - Saturday Meditation (The Power of God's Word)
We should do the same with each other. We should not give up on a friend or relative, a co-worker or a neighbor, a politician or a business partner, who seems to only “bear rotten fruit” and “out of a store of evil produces evil.” We should not give up on them but be patient with them, and patiently present them with God’s Word, hoping and praying that it will transform them and their actions.
Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Timothy 1:15-17
Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5 and 6-7
Luke 6:43-49 "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 "Why do you call me `Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? 47 Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
Meditation by Alex Rödlach
Two years ago, when I moved into my house in Omaha, I planted a couple of trees in the backyard to provide fruits for birds, such as a crab apple tree, and for me, such as a pear tree. On one side of the yard, I planted a raspberry hedge. This year, I prepared a small vegetable bed in the backyard and planted tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, herbs and so on. The raspberries are plentiful and we enjoy every day delicious tomatoes. Other plants too grew well, though we had to share them with the rabbits, which have a feast in the garden. Again others did not really grow well or did not bear anything.
This came to my mind when I read today’s readings. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus uses images from nature to talk about how our actions reflect who and what we are. He says that “every tree is known by its own fruit.” Jesus encourages us to look at what is in our mind and heart and then compare it with our actions. Actions are the fruits of our thoughts and desires, motivations and interests, joys, pains, and hurts. But Jesus goes further. He also challenges us to compare what is in our mind and in our heart with his Word. He invites us to listen to him and allow his word to transform our hearts and minds. In other words, he outlines a strategy for us: (1) to listen to his Word, (2) to be transformed by it, and (3) to act in accordance with it. When we follow this strategy then we can be sure that our lives will bear plentiful fruit that can be enjoyed by everyone who is in touch with us!
Well, we all know that in reality it is not so easy and straightforward. There are many distractions in our lives that make it difficult to listen to the Word of God. Often, we face many issues that hinder or slow down being transformed by his Word. Every day we encounter much that prevents us from acting upon God’s Good News. We are like the plants in my backyard. Sometimes we bear good fruits, like the tomatoes and raspberries that are abundant in my garden. Sometimes we do not bear fruit at all, like the broccoli that did not grow at all. Further, all of us bear different fruits, in different quantities, with varying qualities, and at different times. The goal of all of us should be to bear some fruit, but when we bear fruit and what fruits we bear differs from person to person and from time to time.
Another example from my backyard came to my mind when pondering about the readings. I planted the pear tree about two years ago. It never really established itself and appeared to be sickly. I was thinking of removing it and planting a new one, but did not do so out of lack of time. Well, this year, the tree was bearing fruit for the first time and I was happy that I did not get rid of the tree. This reminded me on what Paul writes in the first reading of today. He says that Christ came to save sinners, including Paul. In him “Christ Jesus might display all his patience.” Paul says that Christ is patient with him and with us. Christ does not expect us to be perfect, to bear fruit at all times. When we bear rotten fruit or no fruit at all, when we are sinners, then he will forgive us. We should do the same with each other. We should not give up on a friend or relative, a co-worker or a neighbor, a politician or a business partner, who seems to only “bear rotten fruit” and “out of a store of evil produces evil.” We should not give up on them but be patient with them, and patiently present them with God’s Word, hoping and praying that it will transform them and their actions.
Supplementary Reading
oN GoD’S SIDE
Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings, but for God everything is possible.” – Matthew 19:26
In 2002, the servant leaders of a parish in Muntinlupa felt God’s calling to reach out to more people in their area. With this desire in mind, they created the Servants of Jesus Community Foundation, Inc. (SOJCFI). They wanted to start a children’s scholarship program to sponsor kids who want to pursue their education but are financially challenged. But many obstacles stood in the way of setting up the foundation. The PHP 100,000 bond money registration requirement. The need for an office. The problem of generating funds for their operations and programs. Conflicts among the leaders which resulted to some members eventually leaving the community. Personal struggles of the members which affected their role in the foundation.
But with God nothing is impossible. SOJCFI started with three scholars last 2004 but has increased to 11 kids after two years. They are looking to continually increase the number of scholars and are also looking for programs to help the parents of these kids generate their own livelihood. Their story proves that things will always work out if you have God at your side.Alvin fabella
REFLECTION:
With God on your side, how can you go wrong?
Lord, thank You for making the impossible possible in our lives.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Timothy 1:15-17
Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5 and 6-7
Luke 6:43-49 "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 "Why do you call me `Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? 47 Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
Meditation by Alex Rödlach
Two years ago, when I moved into my house in Omaha, I planted a couple of trees in the backyard to provide fruits for birds, such as a crab apple tree, and for me, such as a pear tree. On one side of the yard, I planted a raspberry hedge. This year, I prepared a small vegetable bed in the backyard and planted tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, herbs and so on. The raspberries are plentiful and we enjoy every day delicious tomatoes. Other plants too grew well, though we had to share them with the rabbits, which have a feast in the garden. Again others did not really grow well or did not bear anything.
This came to my mind when I read today’s readings. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus uses images from nature to talk about how our actions reflect who and what we are. He says that “every tree is known by its own fruit.” Jesus encourages us to look at what is in our mind and heart and then compare it with our actions. Actions are the fruits of our thoughts and desires, motivations and interests, joys, pains, and hurts. But Jesus goes further. He also challenges us to compare what is in our mind and in our heart with his Word. He invites us to listen to him and allow his word to transform our hearts and minds. In other words, he outlines a strategy for us: (1) to listen to his Word, (2) to be transformed by it, and (3) to act in accordance with it. When we follow this strategy then we can be sure that our lives will bear plentiful fruit that can be enjoyed by everyone who is in touch with us!
Well, we all know that in reality it is not so easy and straightforward. There are many distractions in our lives that make it difficult to listen to the Word of God. Often, we face many issues that hinder or slow down being transformed by his Word. Every day we encounter much that prevents us from acting upon God’s Good News. We are like the plants in my backyard. Sometimes we bear good fruits, like the tomatoes and raspberries that are abundant in my garden. Sometimes we do not bear fruit at all, like the broccoli that did not grow at all. Further, all of us bear different fruits, in different quantities, with varying qualities, and at different times. The goal of all of us should be to bear some fruit, but when we bear fruit and what fruits we bear differs from person to person and from time to time.
Another example from my backyard came to my mind when pondering about the readings. I planted the pear tree about two years ago. It never really established itself and appeared to be sickly. I was thinking of removing it and planting a new one, but did not do so out of lack of time. Well, this year, the tree was bearing fruit for the first time and I was happy that I did not get rid of the tree. This reminded me on what Paul writes in the first reading of today. He says that Christ came to save sinners, including Paul. In him “Christ Jesus might display all his patience.” Paul says that Christ is patient with him and with us. Christ does not expect us to be perfect, to bear fruit at all times. When we bear rotten fruit or no fruit at all, when we are sinners, then he will forgive us. We should do the same with each other. We should not give up on a friend or relative, a co-worker or a neighbor, a politician or a business partner, who seems to only “bear rotten fruit” and “out of a store of evil produces evil.” We should not give up on them but be patient with them, and patiently present them with God’s Word, hoping and praying that it will transform them and their actions.
Supplementary Reading
oN GoD’S SIDE
Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings, but for God everything is possible.” – Matthew 19:26
In 2002, the servant leaders of a parish in Muntinlupa felt God’s calling to reach out to more people in their area. With this desire in mind, they created the Servants of Jesus Community Foundation, Inc. (SOJCFI). They wanted to start a children’s scholarship program to sponsor kids who want to pursue their education but are financially challenged. But many obstacles stood in the way of setting up the foundation. The PHP 100,000 bond money registration requirement. The need for an office. The problem of generating funds for their operations and programs. Conflicts among the leaders which resulted to some members eventually leaving the community. Personal struggles of the members which affected their role in the foundation.
But with God nothing is impossible. SOJCFI started with three scholars last 2004 but has increased to 11 kids after two years. They are looking to continually increase the number of scholars and are also looking for programs to help the parents of these kids generate their own livelihood. Their story proves that things will always work out if you have God at your side.Alvin fabella
REFLECTION:
With God on your side, how can you go wrong?
Lord, thank You for making the impossible possible in our lives.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Sep 11, 2009 - Friday Meditation (Thinking The Best for Others)
"Thinking the best of other people" is necessary if we wish to grow in love.
How easy it is to misjudge and how difficult it is to be impartial in judgment. Our judgment of others is usually "off the mark" because we can't see inside the person, or we don't have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning reactions to people. It is easier to find fault in others than in oneself.
Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14
Psalm 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11
Luke 6:39-42 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
Meditation by Don Schwager
Are you clear-sighted, especially in your perception of sin and the need for God’s grace? Jesus' two parables about "poor vision" allude to the proverb: Without vision the people perish! (Proverbs 29:18) What does the illustration of a blind guide and a bad eye (the log in the eye) say to us? A bad eye left untreated and a blind guide can cause a lot of trouble that will only end in sure disaster! We can only teach others what we have been taught ourselves. And how can we help others overcome their faults if we are blinded by our own faults? We are all in need of a physician who can give us the kind of vision and clarity for overcoming the blindspots in our lives.
A true disciple of Christ is one who listens to the voice of their Master and who submits to the skillful help of the Divine Physician for treating and removing the cancer of sin in our lives. If we are to be guides and teachers for others, then we need clear vision, both spiritual and moral vision, and a map that shows us the right destination for our life's journey. If our ultimate destination is heaven, then there is only one way to get there and that way is through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the cross of Christ sin is pardoned and the sinner is made whole, darkness and corruption give way to light and truth, death is defeated and new life restored. The cross of Christ frees us from condemnation and guilt and shows us the way of perfect love.
Why is judgmentalism and a critical spirit so rampant today, even among Christians? "Thinking the best of other people" is necessary if we wish to grow in love. And kindliness in judgment is nothing less that a sacred duty. The Rabbis warned people: "He who judges his neighbor favorably will be judged favorably by God." How easy it is to misjudge and how difficult it is to be impartial in judgment. Our judgment of others is usually "off the mark" because we can't see inside the person, or we don't have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning reactions to people. It is easier to find fault in others than in oneself. Jesus states a heavenly principle we can stake our lives on: what you give to others (and how you treat others) will return to you. The Lord knows our faults and he sees all, even the imperfections and sins of the heart which we cannot recognize in ourselves. Like a gentle father and a skillful doctor he patiently draws us to his seat of mercy and removes the cancer of sin which inhabits our hearts. Do you trust in God's mercy and grace? Ask the Lord to flood your heart with his loving-kindness and mercy that you may only have room for charity and forbearance towards your neighbor.
"O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy name's sake. (Prayer of William Barclay, 20th century)
Supplementary Reading
A HouSE foR A HouSE
Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. – 2 Corinthians 9:6
I looked at the floor plan that the architect had drawn for us. I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. This was going to be our house. It was hard to imagine how the rooms would look based on the two-dimensional drawing I was looking at, but for me, the house was as good as standing.
As I silently thanked the Lord for His mammoth blessing, I was reminded of a promise He made to me many, many years ago…I was praying in a tiny chapel at our community center when the Lord brought my attention to the tabernacle behind the altar. It was a simple but elegant receptacle that our Bible sharing group had donated when the chapel was being built. We were still young then, and hardly earning, so some of us probably gave our lifetime savings to purchase it. Then I felt the Lord speak to my heart, “You have provided a home for me; I will provide a home for you.”
Today, our house is on its way to completion. And so is God’s promise to me. He has returned to me a thousand-fold of what I had sacrificially offered to Him years ago. He never forgets His promise. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng
REFLECTION:
Don’t expect to reap where you have not sown. What kinds of seeds have you planted?
Jesus, You cannot be outdone in Your generosity. Teach me to be as generous as You.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
How easy it is to misjudge and how difficult it is to be impartial in judgment. Our judgment of others is usually "off the mark" because we can't see inside the person, or we don't have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning reactions to people. It is easier to find fault in others than in oneself.
Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14
Psalm 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11
Luke 6:39-42 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
Meditation by Don Schwager
Are you clear-sighted, especially in your perception of sin and the need for God’s grace? Jesus' two parables about "poor vision" allude to the proverb: Without vision the people perish! (Proverbs 29:18) What does the illustration of a blind guide and a bad eye (the log in the eye) say to us? A bad eye left untreated and a blind guide can cause a lot of trouble that will only end in sure disaster! We can only teach others what we have been taught ourselves. And how can we help others overcome their faults if we are blinded by our own faults? We are all in need of a physician who can give us the kind of vision and clarity for overcoming the blindspots in our lives.
A true disciple of Christ is one who listens to the voice of their Master and who submits to the skillful help of the Divine Physician for treating and removing the cancer of sin in our lives. If we are to be guides and teachers for others, then we need clear vision, both spiritual and moral vision, and a map that shows us the right destination for our life's journey. If our ultimate destination is heaven, then there is only one way to get there and that way is through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the cross of Christ sin is pardoned and the sinner is made whole, darkness and corruption give way to light and truth, death is defeated and new life restored. The cross of Christ frees us from condemnation and guilt and shows us the way of perfect love.
Why is judgmentalism and a critical spirit so rampant today, even among Christians? "Thinking the best of other people" is necessary if we wish to grow in love. And kindliness in judgment is nothing less that a sacred duty. The Rabbis warned people: "He who judges his neighbor favorably will be judged favorably by God." How easy it is to misjudge and how difficult it is to be impartial in judgment. Our judgment of others is usually "off the mark" because we can't see inside the person, or we don't have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning reactions to people. It is easier to find fault in others than in oneself. Jesus states a heavenly principle we can stake our lives on: what you give to others (and how you treat others) will return to you. The Lord knows our faults and he sees all, even the imperfections and sins of the heart which we cannot recognize in ourselves. Like a gentle father and a skillful doctor he patiently draws us to his seat of mercy and removes the cancer of sin which inhabits our hearts. Do you trust in God's mercy and grace? Ask the Lord to flood your heart with his loving-kindness and mercy that you may only have room for charity and forbearance towards your neighbor.
"O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy name's sake. (Prayer of William Barclay, 20th century)
Supplementary Reading
A HouSE foR A HouSE
Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. – 2 Corinthians 9:6
I looked at the floor plan that the architect had drawn for us. I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. This was going to be our house. It was hard to imagine how the rooms would look based on the two-dimensional drawing I was looking at, but for me, the house was as good as standing.
As I silently thanked the Lord for His mammoth blessing, I was reminded of a promise He made to me many, many years ago…I was praying in a tiny chapel at our community center when the Lord brought my attention to the tabernacle behind the altar. It was a simple but elegant receptacle that our Bible sharing group had donated when the chapel was being built. We were still young then, and hardly earning, so some of us probably gave our lifetime savings to purchase it. Then I felt the Lord speak to my heart, “You have provided a home for me; I will provide a home for you.”
Today, our house is on its way to completion. And so is God’s promise to me. He has returned to me a thousand-fold of what I had sacrificially offered to Him years ago. He never forgets His promise. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng
REFLECTION:
Don’t expect to reap where you have not sown. What kinds of seeds have you planted?
Jesus, You cannot be outdone in Your generosity. Teach me to be as generous as You.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Sep 10, 2009 - Thursday Meditation (Jesus' Love Conquers All)
He gives power and grace to those who believe in and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good.
Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 3:12-17
Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6
Luke 6:27-38 "But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. 31 And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
Meditation by Don Schwager
What makes Christians different and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness and mercy. God is good to the unjust as well as the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return.
Augustine of Hippo describes Jesus double precept to give and forgive as two essential wings of prayer:
"Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given you. These are the two wings of prayer on which it flies to God. Pardon the offender what has been committed, and give to the person in need." [Sermon 205.3]
"Let us graciously and fervently perform these two types of almsgiving, that is, giving and forgiving, for we in turn pray the Lord to give us things and not to repay our evil deeds." [Sermon 206.2]
Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil. How can we possibly love those who cause us harm or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who believe in and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ's redeeming love and mercy?
"Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart free with your merciful love that nothing may make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter towards anyone."
Supplementary Reading
BITTERSWEET
All bitterness… must be removed from you. Be…forgiving! – Ephesians 4:31, 32
“Lord, I forgive this man.” I uttered this prayer in my heart as I received another unwarranted bullying from my boss. It was truly a humiliating experience. He was the most difficult, stone-hearted fellow in the management team.
I was assigned under him upon my arrival in my overseas job. His treatment towards me paralyzed me to the point that I could no longer think. He went so far as to criticize the words “God bless!” that I include in my emails.
Because I wanted to witness for the Lord in my workplace, I just smiled through the persecution. I learned to live out Colossians 3:12, to put on kindness, humility and patience. In the days that followed, the harshness and the provoking words continued to fly.
It was no longer productive. It was bitter. But I decided to forgive.
One day, about three weeks after I started at my new job, the chief executive officer circulated a memo that I, as division manager, would no longer report to my boss directly. Oh, how sweet this news was to my ears!
The Word of God is indeed true. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).Danny Tariman
REFLECTION:
Do you feel like retaliating when someone insults you?
Lord, teach me to be humble and forgiving.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 3:12-17
Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6
Luke 6:27-38 "But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. 31 And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
Meditation by Don Schwager
What makes Christians different and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness and mercy. God is good to the unjust as well as the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return.
Augustine of Hippo describes Jesus double precept to give and forgive as two essential wings of prayer:
"Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given you. These are the two wings of prayer on which it flies to God. Pardon the offender what has been committed, and give to the person in need." [Sermon 205.3]
"Let us graciously and fervently perform these two types of almsgiving, that is, giving and forgiving, for we in turn pray the Lord to give us things and not to repay our evil deeds." [Sermon 206.2]
Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil. How can we possibly love those who cause us harm or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who believe in and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ's redeeming love and mercy?
"Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart free with your merciful love that nothing may make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter towards anyone."
Supplementary Reading
BITTERSWEET
All bitterness… must be removed from you. Be…forgiving! – Ephesians 4:31, 32
“Lord, I forgive this man.” I uttered this prayer in my heart as I received another unwarranted bullying from my boss. It was truly a humiliating experience. He was the most difficult, stone-hearted fellow in the management team.
I was assigned under him upon my arrival in my overseas job. His treatment towards me paralyzed me to the point that I could no longer think. He went so far as to criticize the words “God bless!” that I include in my emails.
Because I wanted to witness for the Lord in my workplace, I just smiled through the persecution. I learned to live out Colossians 3:12, to put on kindness, humility and patience. In the days that followed, the harshness and the provoking words continued to fly.
It was no longer productive. It was bitter. But I decided to forgive.
One day, about three weeks after I started at my new job, the chief executive officer circulated a memo that I, as division manager, would no longer report to my boss directly. Oh, how sweet this news was to my ears!
The Word of God is indeed true. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).Danny Tariman
REFLECTION:
Do you feel like retaliating when someone insults you?
Lord, teach me to be humble and forgiving.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Sep 9, 2009 - Wednesday Meditation (More Love - More of You in My Life)
Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit.
Thomas Aquinas said: "No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures”
Memorial of St. Peter Claver, S.J. (U.S.)
Colossians 3:1-11
Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab
Luke 6:20-26 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. 24 "But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
Meditation by Don Schwager
When you encounter misfortune, grief, or tragic loss, how do you respond? With fear or faith? With passive resignation or with patient hope and trust in God? We know from experience that no one can escape all of the inevitable trials of life – pain, suffering, sickness, and death. When Jesus began to teach his disciples he gave them a "way of happiness" that transcends every difficulty and trouble that can weigh us down with grief and despair. Jesus began his sermon on the mount by addressing the issue of where true happiness can be found. The word beatitude literally means happiness or blessedness. Jesus' way of happiness, however, demands a transformation from within – a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit.
How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: "No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures." Do you know the joy and happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?
"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will."
Supplementary Reading
IN GooD TImES AND IN BAD
“Lord, have pity on my son.” – Matthew 17:15
The parents took Lance to several doctors, yet the baby was often sick. He got worse and was confined to the hospital. It took several days before the correct diagnosis was finally found. The parents could only watch helplessly as their child suffered and cried from the needles and tests.
It was during that time that my friend, Lance’s father, turned to God and surrendered the situation. Surprisingly, he admitted that it was the highest point of his relationship with God. He was crying out for his son and could only place his faith in the Divine Healer. God heeded his petition and healed Lance. Should we wait for a great problem to come to experience powerful and deep conversations with God? Can’t we reach greater heights in our faith without going through a crisis?
Our journey to holiness need not be riddled with life and death situations in order to know God in a personal way. Whatever season we are in, we should strive to get closer to God, to increase our faith and love Him more through our neighbor. Jun Asis
REFLECTION:
Do I call on the Lord only in times of trouble? Have I acknowledged God during the happy times?
May I come to You at all times, Lord, not only when I think I have no options left.
For complete text of today's meditation/readings, please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Thomas Aquinas said: "No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures”
Memorial of St. Peter Claver, S.J. (U.S.)
Colossians 3:1-11
Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab
Luke 6:20-26 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. 24 "But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
Meditation by Don Schwager
When you encounter misfortune, grief, or tragic loss, how do you respond? With fear or faith? With passive resignation or with patient hope and trust in God? We know from experience that no one can escape all of the inevitable trials of life – pain, suffering, sickness, and death. When Jesus began to teach his disciples he gave them a "way of happiness" that transcends every difficulty and trouble that can weigh us down with grief and despair. Jesus began his sermon on the mount by addressing the issue of where true happiness can be found. The word beatitude literally means happiness or blessedness. Jesus' way of happiness, however, demands a transformation from within – a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit.
How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: "No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures." Do you know the joy and happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?
"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will."
Supplementary Reading
IN GooD TImES AND IN BAD
“Lord, have pity on my son.” – Matthew 17:15
The parents took Lance to several doctors, yet the baby was often sick. He got worse and was confined to the hospital. It took several days before the correct diagnosis was finally found. The parents could only watch helplessly as their child suffered and cried from the needles and tests.
It was during that time that my friend, Lance’s father, turned to God and surrendered the situation. Surprisingly, he admitted that it was the highest point of his relationship with God. He was crying out for his son and could only place his faith in the Divine Healer. God heeded his petition and healed Lance. Should we wait for a great problem to come to experience powerful and deep conversations with God? Can’t we reach greater heights in our faith without going through a crisis?
Our journey to holiness need not be riddled with life and death situations in order to know God in a personal way. Whatever season we are in, we should strive to get closer to God, to increase our faith and love Him more through our neighbor. Jun Asis
REFLECTION:
Do I call on the Lord only in times of trouble? Have I acknowledged God during the happy times?
May I come to You at all times, Lord, not only when I think I have no options left.
For complete text of today's meditation/readings, please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Sep 8, 2009 - Tuesday Meditation (Happy Birthday Mama Mary)
Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!!!
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30
Psalm 13:6ab, 6c
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 (alternate reading: Luke 6:12-19) The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Ammin'adab, and Ammin'adab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Bo'az by Rahab, and Bo'az the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uri'ah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehobo'am, and Rehobo'am the father of Abi'jah, and Abi'jah the father of Asa, 8 and Asa the father of Jehosh'aphat, and Jehosh'aphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzzi'ah, 9 and Uzzi'ah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezeki'ah, 10 and Hezeki'ah the father of Manas'seh, and Manas'seh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josi'ah, 11 and Josi'ah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoni'ah was the father of She-al'ti-el, and She-al'ti-el the father of Zerub'babel, 13 and Zerub'babel the father of Abi'ud, and Abi'ud the father of Eli'akim, and Eli'akim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eli'ud, 15 and Eli'ud the father of Elea'zar, and Elea'zar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; 19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; 21 she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).
Meditation by Andy Alexander, S.J.
It is delightful, Dear Mary, to reflect upon your birth. We are so very accustomed to wishing people "Happy Birthday," but I don't think I've really taken the time to acknowledge your birthday in a personal way. I don't think I've stopped to thank God for the day you were born.
The Birth of Mary by Esteban Murillo - Louvre, ParisIt must have been an amazing day in the history of creation. I'm sure it was an ordinary day in Nazareth. Of course, your parents were excited, as were neighbors and friends. None of them could have known about the rejoicing in heaven on that day. It was the plan of the Trinity to send the Second Person to become one of us, to save this human race from its mad free fall into sin and death. That plan was about to come to pass.
Your conception opened the door to salvation for us all. By God's grace, the saving grace your Son would win for us, which would liberate all of us from sin and death's power, touched you there and then. You would be free. You would be born, "full of grace."
On the human level, I have many questions. I wonder if the sun was shining all day that day. Did the birds sing more joyfully that morning? Did a very young boy, named Joseph, hear about your birth, perhaps just a few homes down the street from his?
I thank you, Mary, for your life. I thank you for your openness and for your "yes." I thank you for how you raised Jesus to be so full of compassion and to be a friend of sinners and the poor. I thank you for being such a strong and comforting presence to the Apostles in those early days of waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Most of all I personally thank you for your role in my life. As you know, I didn't really have any personal devotion or anything one might call a "friendship" with you before I made the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. It was there, following his life story, and asking you over and over again to help me, that I came to know you and appreciate your care and availability in our lives.
So, today, Mary, on your birthday, I want to simply and sincerely ask you the prayer Ignatius would pray to you: Dear Mary, place me with your Son. Let me know him, love him and serve him more closely. Stand guard over my heart and let his gift of peace remain there, when the everyday disturbances of life threaten to take it away. And, finally, holy Mary, Mother of my God, pray for this sinner, now and at the hour of my death.
Supplementary Reading
A PooR mAID’S SToRy
“You are respected everywhere except in your own hometown and family...” – Matthew 13:57
She was a poor lady, the daughter of a laundrywoman, who worked as a maid in my grandmother’s house back in the ‘60s. She eventually got married to my uncle. Do I see some eyebrows rising?
Sounds like a typical movie plot: Poor girl marrying a rich guy. Simply put, everybody was against the union. But against all odds, my uncle and aunt bravely sailed on and traveled together through the many journeys of life despite the rejections and insults hurled at them by family members and neighbors.
Today, after 40 years of marriage, they own hectares of lands, a chain of condos and tall commercial buildings, to name a few of their business empires. They have become the richest among our relatives who used to berate my aunt because she was just a poor maid’s daughter.
As Christians, we shouldn’t look down on people because of the social class they belong to, who they are or where they come from. Because in the eyes of God, we are all His children.
And who knows? Down the road, we might just find that the years have reversed our fortunes. Henry yu
REFLECTION:
“Beware so long as you live, of judging men by their outward appearance.” (Jean de la Fontaine)
Lord, help me to accept people for who they are and not for what I want them to be.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30
Psalm 13:6ab, 6c
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 (alternate reading: Luke 6:12-19) The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Ammin'adab, and Ammin'adab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Bo'az by Rahab, and Bo'az the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uri'ah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehobo'am, and Rehobo'am the father of Abi'jah, and Abi'jah the father of Asa, 8 and Asa the father of Jehosh'aphat, and Jehosh'aphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzzi'ah, 9 and Uzzi'ah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezeki'ah, 10 and Hezeki'ah the father of Manas'seh, and Manas'seh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josi'ah, 11 and Josi'ah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoni'ah was the father of She-al'ti-el, and She-al'ti-el the father of Zerub'babel, 13 and Zerub'babel the father of Abi'ud, and Abi'ud the father of Eli'akim, and Eli'akim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eli'ud, 15 and Eli'ud the father of Elea'zar, and Elea'zar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; 19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; 21 she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).
Meditation by Andy Alexander, S.J.
It is delightful, Dear Mary, to reflect upon your birth. We are so very accustomed to wishing people "Happy Birthday," but I don't think I've really taken the time to acknowledge your birthday in a personal way. I don't think I've stopped to thank God for the day you were born.
The Birth of Mary by Esteban Murillo - Louvre, ParisIt must have been an amazing day in the history of creation. I'm sure it was an ordinary day in Nazareth. Of course, your parents were excited, as were neighbors and friends. None of them could have known about the rejoicing in heaven on that day. It was the plan of the Trinity to send the Second Person to become one of us, to save this human race from its mad free fall into sin and death. That plan was about to come to pass.
Your conception opened the door to salvation for us all. By God's grace, the saving grace your Son would win for us, which would liberate all of us from sin and death's power, touched you there and then. You would be free. You would be born, "full of grace."
On the human level, I have many questions. I wonder if the sun was shining all day that day. Did the birds sing more joyfully that morning? Did a very young boy, named Joseph, hear about your birth, perhaps just a few homes down the street from his?
I thank you, Mary, for your life. I thank you for your openness and for your "yes." I thank you for how you raised Jesus to be so full of compassion and to be a friend of sinners and the poor. I thank you for being such a strong and comforting presence to the Apostles in those early days of waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Most of all I personally thank you for your role in my life. As you know, I didn't really have any personal devotion or anything one might call a "friendship" with you before I made the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. It was there, following his life story, and asking you over and over again to help me, that I came to know you and appreciate your care and availability in our lives.
So, today, Mary, on your birthday, I want to simply and sincerely ask you the prayer Ignatius would pray to you: Dear Mary, place me with your Son. Let me know him, love him and serve him more closely. Stand guard over my heart and let his gift of peace remain there, when the everyday disturbances of life threaten to take it away. And, finally, holy Mary, Mother of my God, pray for this sinner, now and at the hour of my death.
Supplementary Reading
A PooR mAID’S SToRy
“You are respected everywhere except in your own hometown and family...” – Matthew 13:57
She was a poor lady, the daughter of a laundrywoman, who worked as a maid in my grandmother’s house back in the ‘60s. She eventually got married to my uncle. Do I see some eyebrows rising?
Sounds like a typical movie plot: Poor girl marrying a rich guy. Simply put, everybody was against the union. But against all odds, my uncle and aunt bravely sailed on and traveled together through the many journeys of life despite the rejections and insults hurled at them by family members and neighbors.
Today, after 40 years of marriage, they own hectares of lands, a chain of condos and tall commercial buildings, to name a few of their business empires. They have become the richest among our relatives who used to berate my aunt because she was just a poor maid’s daughter.
As Christians, we shouldn’t look down on people because of the social class they belong to, who they are or where they come from. Because in the eyes of God, we are all His children.
And who knows? Down the road, we might just find that the years have reversed our fortunes. Henry yu
REFLECTION:
“Beware so long as you live, of judging men by their outward appearance.” (Jean de la Fontaine)
Lord, help me to accept people for who they are and not for what I want them to be.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Friday, September 04, 2009
Sep 7, 2009 - Monday Meditation (Serve Jesus in our Brethren)
Taking "our sabbath rest" is a way of expressing honor to God for all that he has done for us. Such "rest" however does not exempt us from our love for our neighbor. If we truly love the Lord above all else, then the love of God will overflow to love of neighbor as well.
Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 1:24–2:3
Psalm 62:6-7, 9
Luke 6:6-11 On another Sabbath, when he entered the synagogue and taught, a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come and stand here." And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?" 10 And he looked around on them all, and said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Meditation by Don Schwager
What is God's intention for the commandment, keep holy the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8; Deut. 5:12)? The scribes and Pharisees wanted to catch Jesus in the act of breaking the Sabbath ritual so they might accuse him of breaking God's law. In a few penetrating words Luke records that Jesus knew their thoughts. They were filled with fury and contempt for Jesus because they put their own thoughts of right and wrong above God. They were ensnared in their own legalism because they did not understand or see the purpose of God. Jesus shows their fallacy by pointing to God's intention for the Sabbath: to do good and to save life rather than to do evil or to destroy life.
What is the significance of Jesus' healing the man with the withered hand? Ambrose, the 4th century bishop of Milan who was instrumental in bringing Augustine of Hippo to the Christian faith, comments on this miracle: "Then you heard the words of the Lord, saying, “Stretch forth your hand.” That is the common and universal remedy. You who think that you have a healthy hand beware lest it is withered by greed or by sacrilege. Hold it out often. Hold it out to the poor person who begs you. Hold it out to help your neighbor, to give protection to a widow, to snatch from harm one whom you see subjected to unjust insult. Hold it out to God for your sins. The hand is stretched forth; then it is healed. Jeroboam’s hand withered when he sacrificed to idols; then it stretched out when he entreated God."
Why do Christians celebrate Sunday as the Lord's Day? Most importantly, we celebrate it to commemorate God's work of redemption in Jesus Christ and the new work of creation accomplished through Christ's death and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17). God's action is a model for us. If God "rested and was refreshed" on the seventh day, we, too, ought to "rest" and let others, especially the poor, "be refreshed" (see Exodus 31:17; 23:12). Taking "our sabbath rest" is a way of expressing honor to God for all that he has done for us. Such "rest" however does not exempt us from our love for our neighbor. If we truly love the Lord above all else, then the love of God will overflow to love of neighbor as well. Saint Augustine of Hippo said: "The charity of truth seeks holy leisure; the necessity of charity accepts just work." How can we make Sunday a day holy to the Lord? First, by refraining from unnecessary work and from activities that hinder the worship we owe to God. We can also perform works of mercy, such as humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. And we ought to seek appropriate relaxation of mind and body as well. The joy of the Lord's Day is a great gift to refresh and strengthen us in our love of God and of neighbor (Nehemiah 8:10). Do you know the joy of the Lord and do you find rest and refreshment in celebrating the Lord's Day?
"Lord Jesus, in your victory over sin and death on the cross and in your resurrection you give us the assurance of sharing in the eternal rest of heaven. Transform my heart with your love that I may freely serve my neighbor for his good and find joy and refreshment in the celebration of Sunday as the Lord's Day."
Supplementary Reading
BEWARE of SATAN AlWAyS
“… and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown… ” – Matthew 13:19b
Fr. Hubert Decena shared in our Bible class an experience he had when he was asked to bless a ship. After he read all the prayers at the dock, he then proceeded inside the ship to sprinkle it with holy water. As he was walking through the deck and rooms, he noticed bloodstains on the floor. He found out they were from a chicken that was killed and its blood sprinkled to drive away evil spirits. It’s an old superstitious belief.
He said to himself, “Satan came ahead of me.” So, instead of just blessing the ship, he prayed prayers of exorcism as well. We must not underestimate the enemy. Satan knew they were calling a priest to bless the ship and he made his ground by inspiring someone in the group to perform this cultic ritual prior to the blessing to “position” his evil spirits there before it’s too late.
Often, people think that nothing will be lost if they cover themselves from all angles by practicing both superstitious and Christian beliefs. That’s not true. The Bible says that the devil is like a lion always on the prowl looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). So, Christians, be on guard. Cristy Galang
REFLECTION:
Do I still have superstitious beliefs? Do I read the horoscope and let it influence me?
Protect me, Lord, from the cunning enemy. Hold me tight at all times and do not give the enemy a chance to take me from You. Amen.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 1:24–2:3
Psalm 62:6-7, 9
Luke 6:6-11 On another Sabbath, when he entered the synagogue and taught, a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come and stand here." And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?" 10 And he looked around on them all, and said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Meditation by Don Schwager
What is God's intention for the commandment, keep holy the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8; Deut. 5:12)? The scribes and Pharisees wanted to catch Jesus in the act of breaking the Sabbath ritual so they might accuse him of breaking God's law. In a few penetrating words Luke records that Jesus knew their thoughts. They were filled with fury and contempt for Jesus because they put their own thoughts of right and wrong above God. They were ensnared in their own legalism because they did not understand or see the purpose of God. Jesus shows their fallacy by pointing to God's intention for the Sabbath: to do good and to save life rather than to do evil or to destroy life.
What is the significance of Jesus' healing the man with the withered hand? Ambrose, the 4th century bishop of Milan who was instrumental in bringing Augustine of Hippo to the Christian faith, comments on this miracle: "Then you heard the words of the Lord, saying, “Stretch forth your hand.” That is the common and universal remedy. You who think that you have a healthy hand beware lest it is withered by greed or by sacrilege. Hold it out often. Hold it out to the poor person who begs you. Hold it out to help your neighbor, to give protection to a widow, to snatch from harm one whom you see subjected to unjust insult. Hold it out to God for your sins. The hand is stretched forth; then it is healed. Jeroboam’s hand withered when he sacrificed to idols; then it stretched out when he entreated God."
Why do Christians celebrate Sunday as the Lord's Day? Most importantly, we celebrate it to commemorate God's work of redemption in Jesus Christ and the new work of creation accomplished through Christ's death and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17). God's action is a model for us. If God "rested and was refreshed" on the seventh day, we, too, ought to "rest" and let others, especially the poor, "be refreshed" (see Exodus 31:17; 23:12). Taking "our sabbath rest" is a way of expressing honor to God for all that he has done for us. Such "rest" however does not exempt us from our love for our neighbor. If we truly love the Lord above all else, then the love of God will overflow to love of neighbor as well. Saint Augustine of Hippo said: "The charity of truth seeks holy leisure; the necessity of charity accepts just work." How can we make Sunday a day holy to the Lord? First, by refraining from unnecessary work and from activities that hinder the worship we owe to God. We can also perform works of mercy, such as humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. And we ought to seek appropriate relaxation of mind and body as well. The joy of the Lord's Day is a great gift to refresh and strengthen us in our love of God and of neighbor (Nehemiah 8:10). Do you know the joy of the Lord and do you find rest and refreshment in celebrating the Lord's Day?
"Lord Jesus, in your victory over sin and death on the cross and in your resurrection you give us the assurance of sharing in the eternal rest of heaven. Transform my heart with your love that I may freely serve my neighbor for his good and find joy and refreshment in the celebration of Sunday as the Lord's Day."
Supplementary Reading
BEWARE of SATAN AlWAyS
“… and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown… ” – Matthew 13:19b
Fr. Hubert Decena shared in our Bible class an experience he had when he was asked to bless a ship. After he read all the prayers at the dock, he then proceeded inside the ship to sprinkle it with holy water. As he was walking through the deck and rooms, he noticed bloodstains on the floor. He found out they were from a chicken that was killed and its blood sprinkled to drive away evil spirits. It’s an old superstitious belief.
He said to himself, “Satan came ahead of me.” So, instead of just blessing the ship, he prayed prayers of exorcism as well. We must not underestimate the enemy. Satan knew they were calling a priest to bless the ship and he made his ground by inspiring someone in the group to perform this cultic ritual prior to the blessing to “position” his evil spirits there before it’s too late.
Often, people think that nothing will be lost if they cover themselves from all angles by practicing both superstitious and Christian beliefs. That’s not true. The Bible says that the devil is like a lion always on the prowl looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). So, Christians, be on guard. Cristy Galang
REFLECTION:
Do I still have superstitious beliefs? Do I read the horoscope and let it influence me?
Protect me, Lord, from the cunning enemy. Hold me tight at all times and do not give the enemy a chance to take me from You. Amen.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Sep 6, 2009 - Sunday Meditation (Proclaim What JESUS Has Done!)
Why are we not more forthright in proclaiming what God has done for us? Perhaps it is because we can that we don't. But sometimes we can be disobedient to Jesus such that when he says don't, we can. And we should.
Twenty-Third Sunday of the Year
Isaiah 35:4-7
James 2:1-5
Mark 7:31-37 Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decap'olis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. 33 And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; 34 and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be opened." 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."
Meditation by Mark Edney O.P
This week I am in Rome for a conference on interreligious dialogue. The lay and religious participants have come from all over the world, but especially from non-Christian majority nations, to share their experiences and to enter into a little dialogue of their own. I've been doing some translating (badly) and intermittently thinking about this Sunday's Gospel text. T.S. Eliot's words keep swirling in my mind:
Since our concern was speech and speech impelled us
to purify the dialect of the tribe
And urge the mind to aftersight and foresight…
The concern at the conference is speech - when to speak, how to speak, what to say to others in pluralist religious contexts. The Gospel's concern is also speech, the capacity to speak and the imperative to speak against (strangely!) a command not to speak.
At first glance, this is just another one of those patterned healing stories that fill the early chapters of Mark's Gospel. A suffering person is brought to Jesus by loving friends who ask for a healing. Jesus heals and then tells the person and the friends not to tell anyone about it. But they do exactly that, unwilling to keep quiet.
Two aspects draw our attention in this story. The first is that this man's encounter with Jesus results in a new capacity for speech. By touching his ears and his mouth, Jesus has given the man a voice for the first time. And did Jesus really expect the man not to exercise it? This leads to a second aspect which is the comment made by the Gospel writer: 'The more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it.'
They don't take Jesus's order to keep silent seriously. I suspect Jesus himself doesn't take it seriously. After all, the Gospel shows his mind to be always urged 'to aftersight and foresight'. He knows beforehand that they are not going to keep quiet about the miracles he works. Jesus is a good pedagogue: he understands that sometimes the best way to get children to do something is to tell them not to do it. We can be disobedient to Jesus, it seems, when it's a matter of proclaiming his mighty deeds of salvation!
The Church seems to think so too. For this same story forms the background to one element of the baptismal rite, called the Ephphatha:
The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
In baptism we are healed so that we may hear God's word and thus proclaim God's deeds. We have been given, as for the first time, a voice, which we are to raise to the praise and glory of God the Father.
The only question is how we use this new capacity to hear and speak that Jesus gives us. Of course it takes time to mature, to grow out of the infancy of faith, but the sad thing is that too many of the baptised seem to have taken seriously Jesus's command not to proclaim it. Too many seem to spend their Christian lives as if they would remain voluntarily deaf and dumb.
Not so the people at this conference. Many spoke of the obstacles they faced in some countries to living their Christianity freely. In such places, an unwanted silence is imposed by discrimination and persecution against Christians. Others, from other countries, spoke not so much of the danger of speaking of God but rather of the need first to 'purify the dialect of the tribe', to ensure that what we say in different religious and culture contexts will not raise fear and misunderstanding.
What most struck me in all this, however, was that everyone showed a profound wish to make use of that baptismal voice Jesus has given them to give praise and glory to God the Father. Though not all here were Dominicans, all had heard St Dominic's counsel to be always talking about or to God.
It made me wonder why we, who live in a country where the right to worship freely and speak freely has been so long established, do not exercise that voice. Why are we not more forthright in proclaiming what God has done for us? Perhaps it is because we can that we don't. But sometimes we can be disobedient to Jesus such that when he says don't, we can. And we should.
Supplemental Reading
Be the Bearer of Mercy by Robert H. Schuller
"I will be your God throughout your lifetime….I made you, and I will care for you…." – Isaiah 46:4
The hand of the Almighty is never far away. No wonder you can trust the future! And when you cannot see any good, only stark, naked, cruel, brutal tragedy in a catastrophic situation, then you can expect God to come and show mercy!
As an unexpected gust of wind comes under the weary wings of a storm-drenched bird to lift the pitiful creature to higher altitudes where it can soar in new strength, so God comes with his unannounced invasion of mercy.
Often, God uses people as his messengers of mercy. I am certain that you can recall times when God sent someone to you at just the right moment with words of encouragement. Perhaps God wants to use you in that way today.
Stop and relax. Enter into two-way prayer with God. Ask him if there is someone he would like you to visit, or call, or send a note of encouragement to. Let God bring that person's name to mind, then do what God wants you to do for that person.
* * *
Ask God to use you today as the bearer of mercy to someone who is hurting.
* * *
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Twenty-Third Sunday of the Year
Isaiah 35:4-7
James 2:1-5
Mark 7:31-37 Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decap'olis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. 33 And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; 34 and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be opened." 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."
Meditation by Mark Edney O.P
This week I am in Rome for a conference on interreligious dialogue. The lay and religious participants have come from all over the world, but especially from non-Christian majority nations, to share their experiences and to enter into a little dialogue of their own. I've been doing some translating (badly) and intermittently thinking about this Sunday's Gospel text. T.S. Eliot's words keep swirling in my mind:
Since our concern was speech and speech impelled us
to purify the dialect of the tribe
And urge the mind to aftersight and foresight…
The concern at the conference is speech - when to speak, how to speak, what to say to others in pluralist religious contexts. The Gospel's concern is also speech, the capacity to speak and the imperative to speak against (strangely!) a command not to speak.
At first glance, this is just another one of those patterned healing stories that fill the early chapters of Mark's Gospel. A suffering person is brought to Jesus by loving friends who ask for a healing. Jesus heals and then tells the person and the friends not to tell anyone about it. But they do exactly that, unwilling to keep quiet.
Two aspects draw our attention in this story. The first is that this man's encounter with Jesus results in a new capacity for speech. By touching his ears and his mouth, Jesus has given the man a voice for the first time. And did Jesus really expect the man not to exercise it? This leads to a second aspect which is the comment made by the Gospel writer: 'The more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it.'
They don't take Jesus's order to keep silent seriously. I suspect Jesus himself doesn't take it seriously. After all, the Gospel shows his mind to be always urged 'to aftersight and foresight'. He knows beforehand that they are not going to keep quiet about the miracles he works. Jesus is a good pedagogue: he understands that sometimes the best way to get children to do something is to tell them not to do it. We can be disobedient to Jesus, it seems, when it's a matter of proclaiming his mighty deeds of salvation!
The Church seems to think so too. For this same story forms the background to one element of the baptismal rite, called the Ephphatha:
The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
In baptism we are healed so that we may hear God's word and thus proclaim God's deeds. We have been given, as for the first time, a voice, which we are to raise to the praise and glory of God the Father.
The only question is how we use this new capacity to hear and speak that Jesus gives us. Of course it takes time to mature, to grow out of the infancy of faith, but the sad thing is that too many of the baptised seem to have taken seriously Jesus's command not to proclaim it. Too many seem to spend their Christian lives as if they would remain voluntarily deaf and dumb.
Not so the people at this conference. Many spoke of the obstacles they faced in some countries to living their Christianity freely. In such places, an unwanted silence is imposed by discrimination and persecution against Christians. Others, from other countries, spoke not so much of the danger of speaking of God but rather of the need first to 'purify the dialect of the tribe', to ensure that what we say in different religious and culture contexts will not raise fear and misunderstanding.
What most struck me in all this, however, was that everyone showed a profound wish to make use of that baptismal voice Jesus has given them to give praise and glory to God the Father. Though not all here were Dominicans, all had heard St Dominic's counsel to be always talking about or to God.
It made me wonder why we, who live in a country where the right to worship freely and speak freely has been so long established, do not exercise that voice. Why are we not more forthright in proclaiming what God has done for us? Perhaps it is because we can that we don't. But sometimes we can be disobedient to Jesus such that when he says don't, we can. And we should.
Supplemental Reading
Be the Bearer of Mercy by Robert H. Schuller
"I will be your God throughout your lifetime….I made you, and I will care for you…." – Isaiah 46:4
The hand of the Almighty is never far away. No wonder you can trust the future! And when you cannot see any good, only stark, naked, cruel, brutal tragedy in a catastrophic situation, then you can expect God to come and show mercy!
As an unexpected gust of wind comes under the weary wings of a storm-drenched bird to lift the pitiful creature to higher altitudes where it can soar in new strength, so God comes with his unannounced invasion of mercy.
Often, God uses people as his messengers of mercy. I am certain that you can recall times when God sent someone to you at just the right moment with words of encouragement. Perhaps God wants to use you in that way today.
Stop and relax. Enter into two-way prayer with God. Ask him if there is someone he would like you to visit, or call, or send a note of encouragement to. Let God bring that person's name to mind, then do what God wants you to do for that person.
* * *
Ask God to use you today as the bearer of mercy to someone who is hurting.
* * *
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Sep 5, 2009 - Saturday Meditation (Find Rest in Jesus)
Jesus, the Son of David, and the Son of Man, a title for the Messiah, declares that he is "Lord of the Sabbath." Jesus healed on the Sabbath and he showed mercy to those in need. All who are burdened can find true rest and refreshment in him. Do you seek rest and refreshment in the Lord and in the celebration of the Lord's Day?
Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 1:21-23
Psalm 54:3-4, 6 and 8
Luke 6:1-5 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?" 3 And Jesus answered, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?" 5 And he said to them, "The Son of man is lord of the Sabbath."
Meditation by Don Schwager
What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom. In their hunger, David and his men ate of the holy bread offered in the Temple (1 Samuel 21:2-7). On every Sabbath morning twelves loaves were laid before God on a golden table in the Holy Place. Each loaf represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. No one was allowed to eat this bread except the priests because it represented the very presence of God. David understood that human need took precedence over rules and ritual regulations.
Why didn't the Pharisees recognize the claims of mercy over rules and regulations? Their zeal for ritual observance blinded them from the demands of charity. Jesus' reference to the bread of the Presence alludes to the true bread from heaven which he offers to all who believe in him. Jesus, the Son of David, and the Son of Man, a title for the Messiah, declares that he is "Lord of the Sabbath." Jesus healed on the Sabbath and he showed mercy to those in need. All who are burdened can find true rest and refreshment in him. Do you seek rest and refreshment in the Lord and in the celebration of the Lord's Day?
"Lord Jesus, you refresh us with your presence and you sustain us with your life-giving word. Show me how to lift the burden of others, especially those who lack the basic necessities of life, and to refresh them with humble care and service."
Supplementary Reading
NoT A DRoP
“… the Lord swept the sea with a strong east wind throughout the night and so turned it into dry land…” – Exodus 14:21
It was the culminating activity of a Life in the Spirit Seminar for the youth of Mayapa, Laguna. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was held at the football field. We were all prepared for the event. What we didn’t prepare for was to see one of the grandest miracles of our lives.
Fr. Beng, our co-team leader, had just finished saying prayers when we heard a booming sound coming from a distance. The team looked around confused. The thunderous roar kept growing louder until we realized it was the sound of approaching rain.
Suddenly, we panicked. A hundred plus participants deep in the Lord’s presence were seconds away from being drenched. What were we to do? By divine inspiration, a pair of arms raised towards the direction of the rain, as if to prevent the downpour from coming our way. One after another, we raised our hands and claimed in faith that the rain would stop.
Then right before our eyes, the approaching rain literally parted, going to the left and right sides of the field. There was heavy downpour everywhere except where we were. And not one drop of rain landed on that field during the baptism that day. What wonders the Lord has done! Lallaine Gogna
REFLECTION:
Are my eyes open to God’s big and small miracles every day?
Let me see how You wonderfully move in all the areas of my life, Lord. You are the God of wonder!
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 1:21-23
Psalm 54:3-4, 6 and 8
Luke 6:1-5 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?" 3 And Jesus answered, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?" 5 And he said to them, "The Son of man is lord of the Sabbath."
Meditation by Don Schwager
What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom. In their hunger, David and his men ate of the holy bread offered in the Temple (1 Samuel 21:2-7). On every Sabbath morning twelves loaves were laid before God on a golden table in the Holy Place. Each loaf represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. No one was allowed to eat this bread except the priests because it represented the very presence of God. David understood that human need took precedence over rules and ritual regulations.
Why didn't the Pharisees recognize the claims of mercy over rules and regulations? Their zeal for ritual observance blinded them from the demands of charity. Jesus' reference to the bread of the Presence alludes to the true bread from heaven which he offers to all who believe in him. Jesus, the Son of David, and the Son of Man, a title for the Messiah, declares that he is "Lord of the Sabbath." Jesus healed on the Sabbath and he showed mercy to those in need. All who are burdened can find true rest and refreshment in him. Do you seek rest and refreshment in the Lord and in the celebration of the Lord's Day?
"Lord Jesus, you refresh us with your presence and you sustain us with your life-giving word. Show me how to lift the burden of others, especially those who lack the basic necessities of life, and to refresh them with humble care and service."
Supplementary Reading
NoT A DRoP
“… the Lord swept the sea with a strong east wind throughout the night and so turned it into dry land…” – Exodus 14:21
It was the culminating activity of a Life in the Spirit Seminar for the youth of Mayapa, Laguna. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was held at the football field. We were all prepared for the event. What we didn’t prepare for was to see one of the grandest miracles of our lives.
Fr. Beng, our co-team leader, had just finished saying prayers when we heard a booming sound coming from a distance. The team looked around confused. The thunderous roar kept growing louder until we realized it was the sound of approaching rain.
Suddenly, we panicked. A hundred plus participants deep in the Lord’s presence were seconds away from being drenched. What were we to do? By divine inspiration, a pair of arms raised towards the direction of the rain, as if to prevent the downpour from coming our way. One after another, we raised our hands and claimed in faith that the rain would stop.
Then right before our eyes, the approaching rain literally parted, going to the left and right sides of the field. There was heavy downpour everywhere except where we were. And not one drop of rain landed on that field during the baptism that day. What wonders the Lord has done! Lallaine Gogna
REFLECTION:
Are my eyes open to God’s big and small miracles every day?
Let me see how You wonderfully move in all the areas of my life, Lord. You are the God of wonder!
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Sep 4, 2009 - Friday Meditation (Life is God)
Some duties of faith are harder and more difficult than others, like new cloth and new wine, we are not all called to the same experiences of inviting in strangers. Some of the old is good, just like the license plate, life is good….and we can live that call. It is a lifetime process transforming our old wineskins into new ones.
Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 1:15-20
Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
Luke 5:33-39 And they said to him, "The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink." 34 And Jesus said to them, "Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." 36 He told them a parable also: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, `The old is good.'"
Meditation by Janine ter Kuile
As I was driving down the road today, Sunday, it was a sunny peaceful day, as all days of rest should be, and I was following a convertible with a license plate that read “LF IS GD”. As I pulled up to the car at the stoplight, I looked at the driver and his companion carefully. They were the epitomy of life as a retired couple, in their early seventies, and the convertible symbolized freedom, a life worked and a life ready to be enjoyed. The license plate could have also read…Life is God…
I have been reading a book called “This Flowing Toward Me’ by Marilyn Lacey, RSM who has spent years working with refugees around the world. In it she talks about her work with them and how they are strangers in our country. I too, have worked with refugees for some years and I can relate. The first reading talks about an invisible God. Marilyn claims God is not recognizable by theologians who seek an ‘All-Powerful Being’, as this is a God who lives in ‘hiddenness’, seeking the lowest place. For her and for me, meeting these aliens represented a newfound intimacy of being drawn into ‘God’s strange and extravagant way of being’. People ask her (and I also ask myself) how can you continue to work with them year after year and not grow discouraged…we both answer, ‘how could encountering God face-to-face be disheartening’? !!
The gospel today talks about new wine not being appropriate for old wine skins. Some duties of faith are harder and more difficult than others, like new cloth and new wine, we are not all called to the same experiences of inviting in strangers. Some of the old is good, just like the license plate, life is good….and we can live that call. It is a lifetime process transforming our old wineskins into new ones. For some of us, life is God…we are called to open our tents like Abraham, who ran after the three angels to invite them into his tent, which was ‘open on all four sides’, a gracious image. Tent in Latin means ‘holy dwelling place of God on earth’ or tabernacle.
God is a blessing in strangers. He desires our hearts, fiercely, but wants us to connect with the whole human family, especially the poor and the outcast.. Whether you are called to Omaha or Africa, welcome a stranger into your tent, it may become a tabernacle.
Supplementary Reading
HoW GRoSS NAmAN youR HEART!
“Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears...” – Matthew 13:15
Have you ever counseled anyone who asked your help but wasn’t ready to hear the truth? They come to you, so broken up and humbly asking for your advice. When you start speaking, it’s as if the Holy Spirit is speaking through you that you yourself are amazed. You thank God for using you as His mouthpiece to speak faith-filled words that will surely help that person. The next day, that person is back with the same sad tale. It’s as though he didn’t hear any of the wise words you said.
Did you ever think that that’s how we are to God every time we go to Him with our problems? “Father God, please transform my philandering boyfriend into a God-fearing man!” Then you hear this quiet voice within you that says, “Leave him. I have someone better for you.” Then you continue praying, “Please, can I talk to Mama Mary?”
If we really desire the best for our life, then it’s time we put hearing aids in our hearts so we can really hear God speaking to us. It’s time we let go of all our self-willed desires and allow Him to fill it with His desires. There is nothing more annoying to the devil than a heart that’s tuned to the Father’s voice. Ronna ledesma
REFLECTION:
Can you sincerely pray every day, “Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening”?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU..
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 1:15-20
Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
Luke 5:33-39 And they said to him, "The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink." 34 And Jesus said to them, "Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." 36 He told them a parable also: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, `The old is good.'"
Meditation by Janine ter Kuile
As I was driving down the road today, Sunday, it was a sunny peaceful day, as all days of rest should be, and I was following a convertible with a license plate that read “LF IS GD”. As I pulled up to the car at the stoplight, I looked at the driver and his companion carefully. They were the epitomy of life as a retired couple, in their early seventies, and the convertible symbolized freedom, a life worked and a life ready to be enjoyed. The license plate could have also read…Life is God…
I have been reading a book called “This Flowing Toward Me’ by Marilyn Lacey, RSM who has spent years working with refugees around the world. In it she talks about her work with them and how they are strangers in our country. I too, have worked with refugees for some years and I can relate. The first reading talks about an invisible God. Marilyn claims God is not recognizable by theologians who seek an ‘All-Powerful Being’, as this is a God who lives in ‘hiddenness’, seeking the lowest place. For her and for me, meeting these aliens represented a newfound intimacy of being drawn into ‘God’s strange and extravagant way of being’. People ask her (and I also ask myself) how can you continue to work with them year after year and not grow discouraged…we both answer, ‘how could encountering God face-to-face be disheartening’? !!
The gospel today talks about new wine not being appropriate for old wine skins. Some duties of faith are harder and more difficult than others, like new cloth and new wine, we are not all called to the same experiences of inviting in strangers. Some of the old is good, just like the license plate, life is good….and we can live that call. It is a lifetime process transforming our old wineskins into new ones. For some of us, life is God…we are called to open our tents like Abraham, who ran after the three angels to invite them into his tent, which was ‘open on all four sides’, a gracious image. Tent in Latin means ‘holy dwelling place of God on earth’ or tabernacle.
God is a blessing in strangers. He desires our hearts, fiercely, but wants us to connect with the whole human family, especially the poor and the outcast.. Whether you are called to Omaha or Africa, welcome a stranger into your tent, it may become a tabernacle.
Supplementary Reading
HoW GRoSS NAmAN youR HEART!
“Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears...” – Matthew 13:15
Have you ever counseled anyone who asked your help but wasn’t ready to hear the truth? They come to you, so broken up and humbly asking for your advice. When you start speaking, it’s as if the Holy Spirit is speaking through you that you yourself are amazed. You thank God for using you as His mouthpiece to speak faith-filled words that will surely help that person. The next day, that person is back with the same sad tale. It’s as though he didn’t hear any of the wise words you said.
Did you ever think that that’s how we are to God every time we go to Him with our problems? “Father God, please transform my philandering boyfriend into a God-fearing man!” Then you hear this quiet voice within you that says, “Leave him. I have someone better for you.” Then you continue praying, “Please, can I talk to Mama Mary?”
If we really desire the best for our life, then it’s time we put hearing aids in our hearts so we can really hear God speaking to us. It’s time we let go of all our self-willed desires and allow Him to fill it with His desires. There is nothing more annoying to the devil than a heart that’s tuned to the Father’s voice. Ronna ledesma
REFLECTION:
Can you sincerely pray every day, “Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening”?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU..
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Flag this message Sep 3, 2009 - Thursday Meditation (Unexpected Opportunities)
Many experiences in life do not turn out as we would prefer. We know that sometimes our best efforts will lead to disappointment. But sometimes God also intervenes in a way that causes us to look with wonder at his work in our lives. When our boats are loaded unexpectedly, we then see the goodness of God; we also see our own shortcomings and lack of trust in God’s goodness.
Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great
Colossians 1:9-14
Psalm 98:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
Luke 5:1-11 While the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennes'aret. 2 And he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5 And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, 7 they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zeb'edee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
Meditation by Edward Morse
Last month my family spent time backpacking in the mountains. We had high hopes of enjoying freshly caught trout, and we dutifully packed along much equipment for this fishing expedition. We gave it our best effort, enduring rain, hail, and cold, and yet we were utterly disappointed. On our last evening in the mountains, I hoped earnestly that my children would have the privilege of catching a fish – a first-time experience for some of them. But it was not to be. We had to be content eating the dried food we packed along. Though we still enjoyed our trip, it was a small source of disappointment. We tried so hard and yet our efforts did not yield fulfillment – at least in the form of a fish to eat.
Many experiences in life do not turn out as we would prefer. We know that sometimes our best efforts will lead to disappointment. But sometimes God also intervenes in a way that causes us to look with wonder at his work in our lives. When a contract comes through at the last minute, we land a job we needed, or we experience the grace of healing for a loved one, we experience tears of relief and joy at such times. When our boats are loaded unexpectedly, we then see the goodness of God; we also see our own shortcomings and lack of trust in God’s goodness. Like Peter, who initially responded to Jesus as “Master”, perhaps out of courtesy or a sense of social obligation, we respond to God differently after he fills our boat. We see in a new way; our eyes are opened to the work of God and to our need to grow in it.
Paul’s letter to the Colossians also reminds us that we need the perspective of community and prayer to avoid being trapped by disappointments. Having “the spiritual wisdom and understanding to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” is not something we acquire or retain very well on our own. I need that unceasing prayer about which Paul writes! Peter could not have understood his night of fruitless labor fully until his boat was filled that next day. Perhaps our efforts that don’t pay off immediately are also shaping our lives in a way that is not yet apparent to us. We need the encouragement of friends during such times.
Moreover, we need to be reminded of an abiding and important truth: God “has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1: 12b-14). These are not just empty words. We are being equipped to live with God and the saints forever. Let us pray for one another and share a kind word with a friend today who may need encouragement to press on in the midst of a difficult time.
Supplementary Reading
Unexpected Opportunities
"Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path." – Proverbs 23:19
The Quakers were taught to pray each night before they went to sleep. And they were also taught to pray on awakening each morning to seek divine wisdom by coming up with a fresh list of what they could do that day. The new day might be a virtual repeat of the day before, but not necessarily!
The morning news comes on. An unexpected phone call interrupts. A conversation takes place that results in a new idea—and your priorities bend to accommodate it.
Providence has a way of challenging our carefully planned day with uninvited and unexpected fresh possibilities. So make a new priority list every morning. You'll be surprised at how frequently your priorities can and should be urgently, wisely, and even compassionately revised.
* * *
Choose to accept today's uninvited interruptions and unexpected opportunities as a bouquet of fresh possibilities.
Share your thoughts...
* * *
This excerpt was taken from the "Power for Life Daily Devotional" _ Robert H. Schuller
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great
Colossians 1:9-14
Psalm 98:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
Luke 5:1-11 While the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennes'aret. 2 And he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5 And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, 7 they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zeb'edee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
Meditation by Edward Morse
Last month my family spent time backpacking in the mountains. We had high hopes of enjoying freshly caught trout, and we dutifully packed along much equipment for this fishing expedition. We gave it our best effort, enduring rain, hail, and cold, and yet we were utterly disappointed. On our last evening in the mountains, I hoped earnestly that my children would have the privilege of catching a fish – a first-time experience for some of them. But it was not to be. We had to be content eating the dried food we packed along. Though we still enjoyed our trip, it was a small source of disappointment. We tried so hard and yet our efforts did not yield fulfillment – at least in the form of a fish to eat.
Many experiences in life do not turn out as we would prefer. We know that sometimes our best efforts will lead to disappointment. But sometimes God also intervenes in a way that causes us to look with wonder at his work in our lives. When a contract comes through at the last minute, we land a job we needed, or we experience the grace of healing for a loved one, we experience tears of relief and joy at such times. When our boats are loaded unexpectedly, we then see the goodness of God; we also see our own shortcomings and lack of trust in God’s goodness. Like Peter, who initially responded to Jesus as “Master”, perhaps out of courtesy or a sense of social obligation, we respond to God differently after he fills our boat. We see in a new way; our eyes are opened to the work of God and to our need to grow in it.
Paul’s letter to the Colossians also reminds us that we need the perspective of community and prayer to avoid being trapped by disappointments. Having “the spiritual wisdom and understanding to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” is not something we acquire or retain very well on our own. I need that unceasing prayer about which Paul writes! Peter could not have understood his night of fruitless labor fully until his boat was filled that next day. Perhaps our efforts that don’t pay off immediately are also shaping our lives in a way that is not yet apparent to us. We need the encouragement of friends during such times.
Moreover, we need to be reminded of an abiding and important truth: God “has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1: 12b-14). These are not just empty words. We are being equipped to live with God and the saints forever. Let us pray for one another and share a kind word with a friend today who may need encouragement to press on in the midst of a difficult time.
Supplementary Reading
Unexpected Opportunities
"Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path." – Proverbs 23:19
The Quakers were taught to pray each night before they went to sleep. And they were also taught to pray on awakening each morning to seek divine wisdom by coming up with a fresh list of what they could do that day. The new day might be a virtual repeat of the day before, but not necessarily!
The morning news comes on. An unexpected phone call interrupts. A conversation takes place that results in a new idea—and your priorities bend to accommodate it.
Providence has a way of challenging our carefully planned day with uninvited and unexpected fresh possibilities. So make a new priority list every morning. You'll be surprised at how frequently your priorities can and should be urgently, wisely, and even compassionately revised.
* * *
Choose to accept today's uninvited interruptions and unexpected opportunities as a bouquet of fresh possibilities.
Share your thoughts...
* * *
This excerpt was taken from the "Power for Life Daily Devotional" _ Robert H. Schuller
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Flag this message Sep 2, 2009 - Wednesday Meditation (God's Office - 24/7 Open)
We can never intrude upon God nor exhaust his generosity and kindness. He is ever ready to give to those who earnestly seek him out. Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and Healer in your personal life, family, and community?
Wednesday in the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 1:1-8
Psalm 52:10, 11
Luke 4:38-44 And he arose and left the synagogue, and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they besought him for her. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she rose and served them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them, and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. 42 And when it was day he departed and went into a lonely place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them; 43 but he said to them, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose." 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Meditation by Don Schwager
Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus' disciples freely brought their troubles to him because they found him ready and able to deal with any difficulty, affliction, or sickness which they encountered. When Simon Peter brought Jesus to his home for the Sabbath meal (right after Jesus preached in the synagogue in Capernaum), his mother-in-law was instantly healed because Jesus heard Simon's prayer. Jesus could not avoid drawing a crowd wherever he went. No one who asked Jesus for help was left disappointed. Jesus' numerous healings and exorcisims demonstrated the power and authority of his word, the "good news of the kingdom of God." When he rebuked the fever, it immediately left. When he rebuked the demons, they left as well. Why did the demons shudder at Jesus' presence? They recognized that he was the Christ, the Son of God and that he had power to destroy their kingdom by releasing those bound by it. Jesus came to set us free from bondage to sin and evil. Do you seek freedom in Christ and trust in his power to set you free?
When Jesus and the disciples sought a lonely place to regroup and rest, they found instead a crowd waiting for them! Did they resent this intrusion on their hard-earned need for privacy and refreshment? Jesus certainly didn't but welcomed them with open-arms. Jesus put human need ahead of everything else. His compassion showed the depths of God's love and concern for all who are truly needy. Jesus gave the people the word of God and he healed them physically as well as spiritually. We can never intrude upon God nor exhaust his generosity and kindness. He is ever ready to give to those who earnestly seek him out. Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and Healer in your personal life, family, and community? Approach him with expectant faith. God's healing power restores us not only to health but to active service and care of others. There is no trouble he does not want to help us with and there is no bondage he can't set us free from. Do you take your troubles to him with expectant faith that he will help you?
"Lord Jesus Christ, you have all power to heal and to deliver. There is no trouble nor bondage you cannot overcome. Set me free to serve you joyfully and to love and serve others generously. May nothing hinder me from giving myself wholly to you and to your service."
Supplementary Reading
A SlAVE of EGyPT
“Leave us alone, let us serve the Egyptians…” – Exodus 14:12
When you see the word Egypt, what comes to mind? A pyramid, right?
Did you know that it is believed that the chosen people of God were among the slaves who built the pyramids?
So why is it that after being freed by God, they still wanted to return and serve the Egyptians?
This is because the Jews found their identity in Egypt. They had been used to living as slaves. When they say their names, “a slave of Egypt” follows as their title.
Each of us also have our own “Egypt.” The Egypt in us is a sin that keeps us from freeing our spirits to receive God’s promises.
We like going back to this Egypt.
Even if we know that we have been freed from sin, we still do it.
Even if we know there is a Promised Land waiting for us, we continue to serve that Egypt.
Maybe when we know who we really are, we will be free from the Egypt that enslaves us. Arun Gogna
REFLECTION:
What is your Egypt?
Father, set me free from my mistaken identity by revealing to me who I really am — Your child.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Wednesday in the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 1:1-8
Psalm 52:10, 11
Luke 4:38-44 And he arose and left the synagogue, and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they besought him for her. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she rose and served them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them, and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. 42 And when it was day he departed and went into a lonely place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them; 43 but he said to them, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose." 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Meditation by Don Schwager
Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus' disciples freely brought their troubles to him because they found him ready and able to deal with any difficulty, affliction, or sickness which they encountered. When Simon Peter brought Jesus to his home for the Sabbath meal (right after Jesus preached in the synagogue in Capernaum), his mother-in-law was instantly healed because Jesus heard Simon's prayer. Jesus could not avoid drawing a crowd wherever he went. No one who asked Jesus for help was left disappointed. Jesus' numerous healings and exorcisims demonstrated the power and authority of his word, the "good news of the kingdom of God." When he rebuked the fever, it immediately left. When he rebuked the demons, they left as well. Why did the demons shudder at Jesus' presence? They recognized that he was the Christ, the Son of God and that he had power to destroy their kingdom by releasing those bound by it. Jesus came to set us free from bondage to sin and evil. Do you seek freedom in Christ and trust in his power to set you free?
When Jesus and the disciples sought a lonely place to regroup and rest, they found instead a crowd waiting for them! Did they resent this intrusion on their hard-earned need for privacy and refreshment? Jesus certainly didn't but welcomed them with open-arms. Jesus put human need ahead of everything else. His compassion showed the depths of God's love and concern for all who are truly needy. Jesus gave the people the word of God and he healed them physically as well as spiritually. We can never intrude upon God nor exhaust his generosity and kindness. He is ever ready to give to those who earnestly seek him out. Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and Healer in your personal life, family, and community? Approach him with expectant faith. God's healing power restores us not only to health but to active service and care of others. There is no trouble he does not want to help us with and there is no bondage he can't set us free from. Do you take your troubles to him with expectant faith that he will help you?
"Lord Jesus Christ, you have all power to heal and to deliver. There is no trouble nor bondage you cannot overcome. Set me free to serve you joyfully and to love and serve others generously. May nothing hinder me from giving myself wholly to you and to your service."
Supplementary Reading
A SlAVE of EGyPT
“Leave us alone, let us serve the Egyptians…” – Exodus 14:12
When you see the word Egypt, what comes to mind? A pyramid, right?
Did you know that it is believed that the chosen people of God were among the slaves who built the pyramids?
So why is it that after being freed by God, they still wanted to return and serve the Egyptians?
This is because the Jews found their identity in Egypt. They had been used to living as slaves. When they say their names, “a slave of Egypt” follows as their title.
Each of us also have our own “Egypt.” The Egypt in us is a sin that keeps us from freeing our spirits to receive God’s promises.
We like going back to this Egypt.
Even if we know that we have been freed from sin, we still do it.
Even if we know there is a Promised Land waiting for us, we continue to serve that Egypt.
Maybe when we know who we really are, we will be free from the Egypt that enslaves us. Arun Gogna
REFLECTION:
What is your Egypt?
Father, set me free from my mistaken identity by revealing to me who I really am — Your child.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Sep 1, 2009 - Tuesday Meditation (Will You Allow Jesus to Speak to You Today?)
His call to change and to put aside pre-conceptions made them uncomfortable in their desire to have certainty.
Tuesday in the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Thessalonian 5:1-6, 9-11
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Luke 4:31-37 And he went down to Caper'na-um, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath; 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 "Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." 37 And reports of him went out into every place in the surrounding region.
Meditation by Tom Purcell
As happens many times when I contemplate the readings before I write these short reflections, something from everyday life inextricably meshes in my mind with the words of scripture. So too with these passages for today. I have been following the pending legislative initiatives for U.S. health care reform, and some of the “dialogue” has both amazed and frightened me. And when I place that context against today’s readings, I am more troubled because many of the participants in the process profess to follow the teachings of Christ!
Paul reminds us that we get lulled by complacency until a sudden disaster comes upon us, and we find it difficult to escape. But if we are living together with Christ, if we are alert and sober, IF WE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD ONE ANOTHER UP, then we do not need to fear.
The listeners in the synagogue were in awe of the healing and restorative power of Jesus when they asked if He had come to destroy them. Their discomfort was because they believed that Jesus spoke with authority, and what He said (and did) caused them to rethink centuries of culture and tradition, established patterns that provided the rhythm to their lives. His call to change and to put aside pre-conceptions made them uncomfortable in their desire to have certainty.
The psalmist offers a hopeful, positive message. Trust in the Lord, that you will see the good things of the Lord in this land of the living. Hopeful, but hard. How can we see the glass as half full when so many call us to look at the empty part? Have you seen the “good things of the Lord” in this, our land of the living? Have you looked – really looked, with the right attitude, with open eyes and hearts?
So why do these passages resonate for me in the current political climate? I believe we are called to share what we have; to work tirelessly until those least among us have raised themselves, or they have been raised as high as possible with our help; that every human being has certain rights as a member of society regardless of their means or abilities. So it troubles me that significant numbers of people in the U.S., and even more in many other countries and lands in the world, are without basic health care choices. I don’t care why they don’t have the options, only that they don’t. I don’t recall Jesus saying feed the hungry unless they are deadbeats and should be out working, or care for the sick unless the care they need reduces what I think I deserve (which is really the basis of the fussing about rationing). I don’t think Paul would recognize encouragement in statements made (about provisions of pending bills) that are patently and outrageously false, nor would he see it as building one another up when people attend open forums and shout down the speaker solely so they can make their points or get favorable media coverage. And I suspect the psalmist would be mystified that we in the U.S. who have so much would be unable to see the goodness of the Lord that has blessed us, and perhaps be dismayed that we squander our inheritance in selfishness.
Are all people entitled to health care? Am I called to care for my sister? Who among us would not reduce some of our own personal consumption to make sure our child was able to acquire needed medicine or health care? If I am asked by my government to pay a little more tax so a person without health options can be given some basic care, am I not caring for my brother as I would care for myself? Would Jesus be shouting at a public forum, or at a television screen, or in a gathering of friends, that we can’t afford to provide real health choices to all who are in need?
And so my prayer today is for the grace to encourage and build up, to look with fresh eyes at this land in which I am living so I can see and appreciate the good things of the Lord, and to continue to contemplate the authentic message that is from Jesus my Savior.
Supplementary Reading
START OF SOmETHING GOOD
Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. – Acts 8:4
When Margaret first came to the U. S., she didn’t speak English well. She needed money so she went out looking for a job. She lied about her age so she could be hired as a waitress. After going through several jobs, she became the head waitress at a vegetarian hotel in New York.
She took up law and after graduating in 1976, she found it difficult to find a good job. She was Asian and there were very few Asian women practicing law. She got fired several times but each time she learned something. Now, she is a successful immigration lawyer and has her own law firm.
In today’s first reading, a severe persecution of the church broke out in Jerusalem. The Christians were scattered “throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.” But their sufferings brought about the spreading of the Gospel.
We may not understand why things happen. They may appear to be tragedies or misfortunes but God can bring good out of it in order to fulfill His purposes. We just have to trust His heart for He knows what’s best. Judith Concepcion
REFLECTION:
Are you suffering right now? Maybe God is working something in you. He will bring great results out of your suffering.
Lord, help me to trust in You even if I do not see what lies ahead.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
Tuesday in the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Thessalonian 5:1-6, 9-11
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Luke 4:31-37 And he went down to Caper'na-um, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath; 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 "Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." 37 And reports of him went out into every place in the surrounding region.
Meditation by Tom Purcell
As happens many times when I contemplate the readings before I write these short reflections, something from everyday life inextricably meshes in my mind with the words of scripture. So too with these passages for today. I have been following the pending legislative initiatives for U.S. health care reform, and some of the “dialogue” has both amazed and frightened me. And when I place that context against today’s readings, I am more troubled because many of the participants in the process profess to follow the teachings of Christ!
Paul reminds us that we get lulled by complacency until a sudden disaster comes upon us, and we find it difficult to escape. But if we are living together with Christ, if we are alert and sober, IF WE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD ONE ANOTHER UP, then we do not need to fear.
The listeners in the synagogue were in awe of the healing and restorative power of Jesus when they asked if He had come to destroy them. Their discomfort was because they believed that Jesus spoke with authority, and what He said (and did) caused them to rethink centuries of culture and tradition, established patterns that provided the rhythm to their lives. His call to change and to put aside pre-conceptions made them uncomfortable in their desire to have certainty.
The psalmist offers a hopeful, positive message. Trust in the Lord, that you will see the good things of the Lord in this land of the living. Hopeful, but hard. How can we see the glass as half full when so many call us to look at the empty part? Have you seen the “good things of the Lord” in this, our land of the living? Have you looked – really looked, with the right attitude, with open eyes and hearts?
So why do these passages resonate for me in the current political climate? I believe we are called to share what we have; to work tirelessly until those least among us have raised themselves, or they have been raised as high as possible with our help; that every human being has certain rights as a member of society regardless of their means or abilities. So it troubles me that significant numbers of people in the U.S., and even more in many other countries and lands in the world, are without basic health care choices. I don’t care why they don’t have the options, only that they don’t. I don’t recall Jesus saying feed the hungry unless they are deadbeats and should be out working, or care for the sick unless the care they need reduces what I think I deserve (which is really the basis of the fussing about rationing). I don’t think Paul would recognize encouragement in statements made (about provisions of pending bills) that are patently and outrageously false, nor would he see it as building one another up when people attend open forums and shout down the speaker solely so they can make their points or get favorable media coverage. And I suspect the psalmist would be mystified that we in the U.S. who have so much would be unable to see the goodness of the Lord that has blessed us, and perhaps be dismayed that we squander our inheritance in selfishness.
Are all people entitled to health care? Am I called to care for my sister? Who among us would not reduce some of our own personal consumption to make sure our child was able to acquire needed medicine or health care? If I am asked by my government to pay a little more tax so a person without health options can be given some basic care, am I not caring for my brother as I would care for myself? Would Jesus be shouting at a public forum, or at a television screen, or in a gathering of friends, that we can’t afford to provide real health choices to all who are in need?
And so my prayer today is for the grace to encourage and build up, to look with fresh eyes at this land in which I am living so I can see and appreciate the good things of the Lord, and to continue to contemplate the authentic message that is from Jesus my Savior.
Supplementary Reading
START OF SOmETHING GOOD
Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. – Acts 8:4
When Margaret first came to the U. S., she didn’t speak English well. She needed money so she went out looking for a job. She lied about her age so she could be hired as a waitress. After going through several jobs, she became the head waitress at a vegetarian hotel in New York.
She took up law and after graduating in 1976, she found it difficult to find a good job. She was Asian and there were very few Asian women practicing law. She got fired several times but each time she learned something. Now, she is a successful immigration lawyer and has her own law firm.
In today’s first reading, a severe persecution of the church broke out in Jerusalem. The Christians were scattered “throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.” But their sufferings brought about the spreading of the Gospel.
We may not understand why things happen. They may appear to be tragedies or misfortunes but God can bring good out of it in order to fulfill His purposes. We just have to trust His heart for He knows what’s best. Judith Concepcion
REFLECTION:
Are you suffering right now? Maybe God is working something in you. He will bring great results out of your suffering.
Lord, help me to trust in You even if I do not see what lies ahead.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
Daily Mass and Gospel Meditation Broadcast (Tagalog) thru DWXI (5am Phil Time), pls click this link: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=62
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