Category: spiritual warfare

For God upholds the truth

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There are times we do not know the truth anymore.
People now could lie digitally or in the real life.
With social media posts, even facts can be distorted by anyone with the right editing app.
Fake news comes up.
Misinformation can happen thru the internet.
In real life, deceitful people will fake their records, feelings or even friends….

To get the money they want.
From victims they chose to manipulate.
Fooling people displeases God.
Lies hurt people.
Hurt relationships.
Hurt families.
Even hurt the next generation of families for hidden lies once uncovered.

God does not like lies.

God upholds the truth.

Sunday Gospel mentions Jesus encouraging us to be trustworthy with the little we have….
To be entrusted more….
Forgive how God forgave you.
We can not serve money & lies
and God at the same time.

Follow God.

First reading mentions God knows if people trample upon the needy & the poor.
God loves those who are dependent on Him.
Do not bring deceit to God’s loved people.
Be true to God’s people.

Second reading is about St.Paul reminding Ephesians to pray for all men & our leaders to have a peaceful & godly life.
Decisions of our leaders affect us.
St.Paul reminds us that everywhere, there should be people praying.

Praying without argument or quarreling.

St.Paul wants prayer for us.

Not division.

Not fights among ourselves.

Sun sept 22 2019
First Reading AMOS 8:4-7
Hear this, you who trample upon the needy, and bring the poor of the land to an end, saying, “When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great, and deal deceitfully with false balances, that we may buy the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and sell the refuse of the wheat?” The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: “Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.
What do these verses mean to me?
The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.
Who will God never forget the deeds?
Why?
GOD will not forget the unjust & their wrong deeds:
– who trample on needy
– deal deceitfully with false balances
– buy poor & needy for a cheap price.

God will not forget their wrong & deceitful deeds.

We could see that God himself will not forget also..

His loved people.
The needy people.
The poor people.
People poor not just in money.
People weakened by hopelessness, struggles & trials.
He has special attention for people who need Him the most.

God is a God of all.
The just God.
Second Reading 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-8
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

What do these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St.Paul to Timothy & Christians in Ephesus
I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions – St.Paul
● St.Paul tells us to pray for:
– government leaders & government staff
– Catholic Church leaders like the Pope, Archbishop, Bishop, priests & nun
– lay leaders in parishes & other servants in the parishes
– leaders in Catholic communities (Charismatic groups)
– All people

● In St.Paul’s time & even in our time, these leaders are not perfect.

They have flaws.

That’s why we need to pray for them.

Why?
St.Paul says
so we may lead a quiet & peaceable life, godly & respectful in every way.
St.Paul sees effects of leader decisions in government & anyone in authority over us.
If there is anything you do not like about your country, government, church & society….

PRAY for your LEADERS.

Pray for all MEN.

This is good & acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved & come to the knowledge of the truth – St.Paul
● God wants everyone to be saved
For there is 1 God, & there is 1 mediator between God & men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time – St.Paul

● Jesus, our mediator to God the Father
● Jesus paid for our sins thru his death on the cross
●St.Paul was appointed as a preacher & apostle
●St.Paul, a teacher of Gentiles in faith & truth
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling – St.Paul

Do we follow St.Paul about people praying in every
place?

Sad to say, not everyone wants to pray today in our world.

Urge people to pray.

For a future of great life.

When we pray, we should not be angry.

Lift our hands when we pray.

We do not quarrel among ourselves in the Church.

Remove quarreling with each other.

Gospel LUKE 16:1-13
He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a steward, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. And he called him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’ And the steward said to himself, `What shall I do, since my master is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that people may receive me into their houses when I am put out of the stewardship.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, `How much do you owe my master?’ He said, `A hundred measures of oil.’ And he said to him, `Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, `And how much do you owe?’ He said, `A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, `Take your bill, and write eighty.’ The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations. “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

What do these verses mean to me?
● Be faithful with the little
● If God can trust you more when you are trust worthy with the little
● If you want promotion for a bigger authority, be faithful on your small tasks
● Follow God & his commandments
● We can not serve God with other gods
● Do what is right & pleasing to the eyes of God
● If God can forgive you so much, then forgive others as well

What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus wants us to be honest
● Jesus wants usto forgive others the way God forgave us
● Jesus wants us to be trust worthy
What does it relate to the future?
● Be honest
● Be trustworthy
●God knows the truth
● God loves the truth
● God forgives us
● Forgive the way God forgive you

Fight the good fight of the faith – St.Paul

Do you watch boxing?
We Filipinoes watch boxing when a fellow Filipino fights in the ring.
Like Manny Pacquiao.
He had lost fights, some were draws.
Some were winnings with belts for his award.
I have been watching some of his fights even before Barrera, covered by RPN channel 9.
An influence of my cousin.
My cousin was a neighbor of a member of team Pacquio, Buboy Villanueva. And Pacman was practicing in Manila, near his place.
Buboy asks his neighbors to watch Manny fight in the ring.
Manny was not yet famous then.
The rest is history for Manny.
We as Catholic Christians are like Manny Pacquiao.

St.Paul says fight the good fight of the faith in the first reading.
Why fight?

We have to stand firm with what we believe from Jesus & Catholic Church teachings.

The world contradicts the Catholic Church.
St.Paul says pass the teachings of Jesus to others.
Any ideas that contradict the Jesus & Church will divide believers.

St.Paul wants us to be united, supporting the Catholic Faith as believers.

What side are we on?

Current issues Philippine Catholic Church faces: Divorce, Sogie Bill for LGBTQ, abortion, younger catholics engage in premarital sex & live in together without marriage
Praying together of the family for rosary has greatly diminished.
Going to Catholic Church on sunday mass as a family has been infrequent.

The times have really changed for Filipino families.

But we can continue what St.Paul wants.
Study the Jesus & Church teachings & obey.
Change our life & let Jesus enter our families & lifestyle.
Honor God.
Unite with the teachings of God & Jesus.

Stand up for the Catholic Church and its firm stand on issues.

We will be confused when we try to compromise Catholic beliefs with the world.

There is no compromise.

Sept 20, 2019 Friday
First Reading 1 TIMOTHY 6:2-12
Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brethren; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these duties. If any one teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching which accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit, he knows nothing; he has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling among men who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
What does it mean to me?
● A letter of St. Paul to Timothy & Ephesians
● Whatever status in life, serve others & God
● The more you have, the more you have to serve more, since it is the believers & beloved of God who will benefit

St.Paul stresses out “believers
It means we minister differently to non believers.
Accept that not all what the Church says is acceptable to non believers.
We can introduce Jesus first to them.

Who are the believers? Believers of Jesus

– You could be a baptized catholic, but believing in Jesus who died on the cross is different
– Acknowledge that Jesus died for you so your sins are now paid & forgiven
– You are a believer when you recognize that Jesus has risen for you to have an eternal life in heaven

● St.Paul wants believers to serve fellow Christians
● Teach & urge these duties
● St.Paul urges us to believe what Jesus taught us thru the Mother Church

If any one teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching which accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit

St.Paul does not want us to believe anything that contradicts Jesus’ teachings.
A person teaching what is contradictory to the Mother Catholic Church & Jesus Christ’s teachings is:
– conceited or proud
– knows nothing
– has morbid craving for controversy
– has craving for disputes about words

We see here St.Paul wants unity among fellow believers.

St.Paul does not want division among believers.

Dispute of words produce:
– envy
– dissension or disagreement
-slander
– base suspicions
– wrangling among men who are depraved in mind & bereft of truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain
● Godliness is not a means of personal material gain
● Be content & grateful for your blessings
● There is great gain in godliness with contentment

for we brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world- St.Paul

● We were born without anything in our hand & when we die, we can not bring anything with us

but if we have food & clothing, with these we shall be content – St.Paul

● Desire simple joys, whether you are rich or poor

Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction

● Love God more than money
● Money is God’s blessing
● But do not make money your God

For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs – St.Paul

But as for you, man of God, shun all this, aim at
-righteousness
– godliness
– faith
– love
– steadfastness
– gentleness

Fight the good fight of the faith – St.Paul

● take hold of eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in presence of many witnesses
Gospel LUKE 8:1-3
Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Mag’dalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joan’na, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

What does it mean to me?

● Jesus went through cities & villages, preaching & bringing the good news of the kingdom of God
● Jesus brings good news
● Jesus brings the good news of God’s fulfillment of His promises in Jesus
● Jesus preaches how we should treasure God’s Kingdom
● 12 disciples of Jesus including Judas Escariot followed Jesus in these cities & villages
● All of these 12 apostles have familes, some were even married

● These 12 apostles left their families behind for Jesus
● When they followed Jesus, nothing was certain
● What will they eat? Where will they sleep? What about their fishing livelihood? (Some apostles were fishermen) How about the people they left behind?
The 12 apostles entrusted Jesus their entire life & future.
● Women had their role for Jesus ministry
Some women also followed Jesus who had been healed of evil spirits & infirmities: Mary, called Mag’dalene (seven demons had gone out) & Joan’na, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, & Susanna, and many others, provided for them out of their means

We already know Jesus can multiply bread+fish & walk over water.
Jesus does not need help from any one.
But Jesus accepted the help of women for his ministry of preaching & healing
Why will Jesus allow women to help Him?
Women in Israelite culture in Jesus: inferior to men
– Women submit to their husbands
– Men takes care of women & entire family
– Men work & provide for financial needs
– Roman men citizens vote & pay tax, women can not vote for citizens approval of laws & regulations of the land
What does it relate to Jesus?

● Jesus is a humble man
● Jesus trusted women & men
● Jesus accepted help from all types of people
● Jesus is teaching his apostles who are men to accept help from women (inferior with rights to men in Jesus’ time)
● We should learn to accept help from all kinds of people: richer than us or poorer than us
● We recieve God’s love by receiving help from others
● Be comfortable to recieve help
● People are not insulting you when they help you out
●Trust that people will help you out

What does it relate to the future?
● Learn to trust people when they help you
● Be humble
● Be humble to accept help from people
● Be like Jesus to accept help even when you are capable
● Be grateful when people help you out
● Following Jesus means turning your back from your old life

If your enemy invites you to his house, will you go in?

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Seriously….
When an enemy walks in the room…
What is your facial expression?
How do you treat somebody who hates you?
And if that person invites you to have dinner in their house?

Can you enter the house of your enemy?

All of us will say No.
But Jesus did.

Can you dine with your enemy?

All of us will say No.
Jesus did.

It is easier to be cold with an enemy.
Not talk to them.
Ignore them.

Jesus is teaching us thru today’s gospel how to treat enemies.
Welcome them to your homes.
Or say yes to their invitation to their house.
Love in action.
It is so hard to follow Jesus on this part.
Because it is easy to ignore enemies.
The first reading is about Timothy advised by St.Paul not to neglect his gifts.
Have we developed our gifts?
Thursday Sept 19 2019
First Reading 1 TIMOTHY 4:12-16
Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

What do these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St.Paul to Timothy and the Christians in Ephesus
● Let no one despise your youth (Timothy)
● Set as an example to believers

Timothy will lead believers of Jesus

St. Paul stresses “believers”

Non-believers are outside the Church.
If you are discipling people who are non-believers & you argue
Due to differences of beliefs….

God will understand….
You can pray & love them….
But if you failed to lead them to Jesus because they resist….
It is their choice.
It is not a failed discipleship….

Only Jesus can change their hearts.

● Timothy, a young leader tasked to set as an example of Jesus to Ephesians in speech & conduct, in love, in faith, in purity
● Church leaders are called to set as example of Jesus
● As members, respect our church leaders even if they are young
● Some older people are not humble to follow leaders because they are young

In the absence of St. Paul, Timothy will:
– attend to public reading of scripture
– do preaching
– do teaching
– Practice these duties
– devote yourself to them (Christians) so that all may see your progress
– Take heed to yourself & your teaching
– you will save both yourself & your hearers

Timothy knows his gifts & talents.

Have we discovered our full potential?

● St. Paul advises Timothy that thru his preaching, he will lead them for Jesus’ salvation

Have we lead people to Jesus?
It could be thru:
– actual verbal introduction of Jesus to friends & famiy
– preaching in public for a crowd
– writing about Jesus in a book, magazine or newspaper
– creating an e-book for Jesus

– using social media posts introducing Jesus to others
– Writing a blog for Jesus
The list goes on….
We have many ways to send the world the message of Jesus.
It is up to us to continue what St.Paul, Timothy & apostles started.

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you – St. Paul

Modern Catholics Confirmation : Sacrament of Laying of hands
● Bishop lays his hands on us, traces the sign of the cross in forehead
● Church tradition passed on from St.Paul & apostles
● Opens us for spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit
● We are officially sealed thru the Holy Spirit
● Catholics have continued this church tradition of laying of hands by a religious leader

Have we discovered our gifts?

As Catholics, St. Paul tells us to discover our gifts, talents & use them for the Church.

Do not neglect your gifts from God.

Gospel LUKE 7:36-50
One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house, and took his place at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “What is it, Teacher?” “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
What do these verses mean to me?
2 characters are mentioned:
1. A Pharisee
2. A woman looked as a sinner

Contrasting yet they are the same:

St.Luke mentions:
Pharisee, a righteous person, follower of God
The woman is a sinner…

Truth is, both of them are sinners.

But people judged the woman more..
Unclean.
Sinner.
Unforgiven.

Simon, the Pharisee & Jesus: unusual to dine together
● he invited Jesus to his house
Pharisees & Jesus at times in conflict
Some Pharisees consider Jesus as an enemy
● Challenge to the Next level: A Pharisee asked Jesus to eat with him
●Simon failed to see humility & sincerity of the woman to Jesus

Jesus entered his house even if He might be in conflict with traditions practiced by the Pharisee

It means…
Jesus stands firm to promote what is right…

To love more versus tradition….

Entering his enemy’s house does not mean Jesus will agree 100%…

We can not 100% agree with our enemy.

But we can be kind to them.

Woman judged as sinner: modern day: gate crasher
● Not invited by Pharisee
● Her belief in Jesus, seen at the start: entering a house who will reject you
● focused on Jesus not with what people say
● Desperate for God’s forgiveness
● Sincere asking for forgiveness: tears
● Recognized Jesus as the Son of God who can forgive her
● Gave her best for Jesus: brought alabaster flask of ointment

● Showed humility by kissing Jesus’ feet, wiping with her hair, anointing
Jesus said to her
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Forgive ourselves as well & be at peace

What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus called Teacher by Simon, pharisee
Parable: A certain creditor had 2 debtors
1. owed five 500 denarii
2. Owed 50 denarii
When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon answered,

“The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more.”

Jesus said: “You have judged rightly.”
● Jesus teaches even those who disagrees with Him..
Jesus mentions Simon not hospitable:
– you gave me no water for my feet
– You gave me no kiss
– You did not anoint my head with oil

Jesus wants us to be welcoming even to our enemy.

I myself NEED to learn that.

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” – Jesus

● Jesus teaches us we will be forgiven if we love more
● Only Jesus can be our judge & forgive us
● We all have the chance to be forgiven
● Still there are those who did not believe in Jesus
● Jesus does not force anyone to believe in Him

I myself need to learn not to force people to believe in what I say.

Just like Jesus.
Jesus just allows people to doubt Him.
“Who is this, who even forgives sins?”
What does it relate to the future?
● Allow people to doubt you if you spread Jesus’ message
● Not everyone is ready to recieve Jesus
● Pray & love for those who reject Jesus
● Be welcoming to your enemy
● Dine with your enemy
● Be humble to admit you are a sinner
● Give your best to God
● Love more to be forgiven more
● Be kind to your enemies
● All have a chance to be forgiven

Faith lets you anticipate only what is good

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What is in your mind?
Is it filled with doubts, worries, disappointments?
Or do fill your mind with dreams, exciting things to do, ideas that boost your confidence & faith in God?
Doubts & faith can not be in your head all at the same time.
They contradict.
You choose 1 & focus on it.

It is like a seed….
You plant in your mind.
Everyday, you cultivate it.
It grows.

Doubts lead to negative thoughts.

Even as far as false accusations.

A negative seed to bear bad fruits.
The gospel today mentions Jesus telling the crowds of their doubts.
Such doubts lead to false accusations to Jesus & John the Baptist.
Jesus wants us to be wise.

Believing in yourself & belief in God will bear positive fruits.
Faith makes you open for what is coming.
Faith lets you anticipate only what is good.
You claim the best is yet to come.
You claim the good things will come to you.
You claim the right people & the right circumstances will work on its right schedule for you.
It will always work for you.
Your focus is only on what is the best.
At the end, the fruit you are expecting will be good.
Good results, great ideas, great people, great circumstances.
Like a magnet…

God will bring it all on the table because you claimed with faith….
Even when you haven’t seen it yet.
You just know.
Pick the seed you allow your mind to believe in.
Current experience:
I am now falsely accused by a dear friend that I mistreat him.
I made him feel his intelligence is inferior than mine.
I never said anything like that within my more than 10 years friendship with this person.
I know what is in my heart.

It is painful to me, because I do not look at him that way.
Now I understand.
He doubts himself.
Now he is falsely accusing me.
When all I think about this person…..
Is all good.
Why will I keep you as my friend if you are pure evil?
I am repelled by negativity.
That is me.
Wednesday Sept 18 2019
FIRST READING 1 Tm 3:14-16
Beloved: I am writing you, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

What do these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St. Paul for Timothy & for his ministry in Ephesus
● St. Paul is calling & treat Christians as beloved
● Let us call & treat fellow Christians as beloved

● St. Paul wants to visit them
But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God – St. Paul
● As a church leader, he was concerned about the character of Timothy & fellow Christians
● St. Paul wants us to behave well in the Church of God & how the Church is oganized

● Jesus with his mystery of devotion, manifested in flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to Gentiles, believed throughout the world, taken up in glory

● Our church is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth

Anything that contradicts Church teachings clearly does not align with the truth.

People are now Confused: Current Issues

We live in a society where some things are legal yet confusing.
Leaving people confused.
Why?

Because as Catholic church goers, we have compromised Church teachings to suit the signs of the times.

It is the modern world.
I could choose what I want to believe in.
And everything will be okay.
I can be catholic yet pro-divorce.
I could be catholic yet pro abortion.
I could be catholic yet pro lgbtq.
Truth is….

We can not be catholic yet refuse to follow what our Mother Church teaches…
No matter what era we live in.

We can be the Jesus to love & pray for people who are gay or pro divorce or pro abortion.

But we can not agree & join their advocacy.
Or join their life choices.
Accept you are on different sides, sad to say.
Always go back to what our Mother Catholic Church teaches us….
To guide us to the truth.

Follow the Mother Catholic Church & its teachings.

Remember: St. Paul never compromised.

He stressed out: know how to behave well in the Church of God

GOSPEL Lk 7:31-35
Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

What do these verses mean to me?
● Jesus said to the crowds:
They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’
● Jesus mentions the unbelief of people
For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’
● John the Baptist performed his roles yet people accused him possessed by demon

● False accusation is not right (Mortal sin, against 8th commandment)

How can we accuse someone who is doing what is right, but make them appear wrong?

Stop accusing anyone without evidence.

Stop looking for wrong acts from kind people.

You are looking for something that isn’t there.

What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man
● Even after Jesus has cured sick people & rose people from the dead, they still do not believe He is the messiah
The Son of Man came eating & drinking & you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton & a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors & sinners.’
Vindicated: means confirmed
● But wisdom is vindicated by all her children
● Jesus wants people to be wise to see the truth behind false accusations about Him & John the Baptist
● Jesus wants us wise to look for what is good

Why are we painting a bad picture for good deeds?
Always look for what is good.
That is being wise.

Doubts or unbelief leads to false accusations.
Look at what you place & grow in your mind.
What ideas do you believe in?
Do you allow doubts to grow in your mind?
Or….
Do you grow your faith?

What does it relate to the future?
● Jesus wants us to be wise people
● It is wise to see only the good in people
● Stop false accusations
● Stop criticising & nitpicking people
● When you doubt people, it could lead to false accusations
● Stop using your eyes to fill your mind with negative thoughts
● Life is beautiful & people are great
● Great people deserved to be appreciated, not falsely accused

Still afraid of the Unknown?

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What are you afraid of?
Heights?
Public Speaking?
Commit mistakes in public?

Public shaming thru bashing?
These are real causes of fear.
Such fears can be conquered.
But most of us…
We have this fear of the unknown…
When we know something is new to our life…

We overthink…
Especially milennials.
We are so afraid
Of ” what if I fail?” Scene.
When what we think of is not yet happening.
As adults, we became fearful about what is new.

I stressed out the adults word.

Kids are not afraid of what is new.
Children are excited for everything is new to them.
Example:

What is scary?
Falling in love again after failed previous relationships.
What are the chances of meeting the right one for me in this big world?
Starting over after you lost your job because you lost your financial stability.
Making the career shift you always wanted.
Some people stayed in their jobs out of financial security.
Investing in a new business because you might lose the capital where you started
Not Finding your purpose in life that leads to unhappiness.

Starting all over became filled with fear for adults.
When we were kids…
We love to start over….
Starting over when our video game says “game over”
Starting over & change the story plot when we play with robots & barbie dolls
Starting over when we play on the streets of hide & seek?
As kids, starting over is natural.

As adults, we have forgotten….
Starting over is okay.
Embracing the new is okay.
Find again that our child-like trait….
Be excited to what is new.

The gospel mentions Jesus telling Pharisees thru parables that there is something new that is coming.
The new covenant thru Jesus is beyond the fasting Pharisees focused on.
Jesus ushers the new things for God’s people.
And we must accept that the new things God brings to our life….
Is for our good.
Not to be in fear.
Not to overthink.
Let go of the old.
To have a space in your life for what is new.

First reading is about Jesus having authority over everything in our life.
He has authority over everything in the entire universe.
He goes before us.
Jesus is supreme over everything.
Friday Sept 6, 2017
First Reading COLOSSIANS 1:15-20
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent. For in him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell,and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

What do these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St. Paul to the Colossae Christians
ST. Paul describes Jesus as:
– the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation
● First born of Hebrew family: someone with authority among siblings
● First born of all creation for Hebrews means Jesus has all authority over all creation
● Jesus has authority over your family, job, career path, neighborhood, country, money & possessions, pets, your boss, the earth, the universe & your entire life

– in Jesus all things were created
in heaven & on earth, visible & invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities —
– all things were created through him & for him
– He is before all things
● Jesus goes before you, before your problems & trials
● Jesus has seen you triumph over your struggles
– in Jesus, all things hold together
– Jesus is the head of the body, the church
– he is the beginning
– the first-born from the dead
● Jesus has authority over the dead
Preeminent: means supreme
– that in everything he might be pre-eminent
● Jesus is our supreme leader
● in Jesus all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell
● through Jesus to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross
Gospel 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.” And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” 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. 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. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, `The old is good.'”
What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus is not after what is “righteous” practice but faith simply pleasing to God
● With Jesus, it is not about being “correct” thru tradition
● But believe & make way for the Messiah & God’s faithfulness thru promise fulfillment
● Jesus is the fulfillment yet Pharisees are too blind to see Jesus as the messiah
Are we like the Pharisees who was blind to see the faithfulness of God thru Jesus?
Do we look on other people how they violated our Catholic Church tradition yet failed to understand their short comings?
● Jesus emphasizes to embrace the new
● The new covenant under Jesus’ authority
● The old covenant will not entirely be exactly as the new covenant
● Make space for what is new
● Jesus wants us to give way for new things He give us
Jesus said to them,
“Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?
● Jesus is speaking figuratively
Jesus compares himself as
– the bridegroom
– wedding guests: apostles
● Jesus tells what will happen to Him
The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. – Jesus
● Jesus mentions his followers to fast someday
What do these verses mean to me?
● Pharisees are comparing the fasting practices of Jesus’ disciples to John’s
● Pharisees said to him,
“The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, & so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.”
● John’s disciples fast often, more righteous like Pharisees
● Fasting according to Jesus has a proper timing
Jesus tells 2 parables:
● old garment not mixed with new one,
● the new one will not match with the old
● new wine is not placed with old wineskins
● will burst the skins and it will be destroyed
● new wine must be put into fresh wineskins

What does it relate to the future?
● Embrace the New
● Do not be afraid of what is new
● All that is new is coming from God
● Fasting is done not because we want to be righteous, but we want to follow God
● Letting go of what you want because you love God more
What part of your life that Jesus is telling you to back from the start?
Are you excited with the beginnings in your life?
Do we fear the new & unknown?

Darkness expelled by the Shining Light of God

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This blog post is not for the fainted heart.
I have to mention the darkness.
And my experience with it.
And How the Light of God can save us from darkness.
Even St. Paul mentions it.
The first reading by St.Paul mentioning we are not of the darkness.
We have to declare for ourselves we are the children of the light.
There is no gray area in spiritual realm.
You either belong to the light…
As we really are…
Or choose to go for the darkness….
People & books say there is a grey area.

Truth is….

There is none.

No gray areas.

It is our free will to choose love & God…

Or….
live outside God’s love…
Outside God’s commandments…
Outside God’s control in your life…
Obey what you want…
And choose to disobey God through our life choices.
Choices are important in spiritual realm.

Do not continue to read this blog post…

If you are afraid to imagine the darkness..

But for those who battle the darkness….
The battle is the Lord’s.
The light of Jesus dispels darkness.
The gospel tells the story of Jesus expelling an unclean demon.

Spiritual warfare.
How Jesus expelled unclean demons with authority.
The enemies of God are afraid at the sight of Jesus.
Evil Spirits know they are to be destroyed by Him.
Tuesday Sept 3 2019
First Reading 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-6, 9-11
But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we wake or sleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

What does these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St. Paul, Silas & Timothy to Thessalonians
●The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night
● Nobody knows when is the second coming
●You are not in darkness brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief
● We should not be surprised about Jesus’ second coming
●For you are all sons of light & sons of the day
● We are not of the night or of darkness

Even if you sin, do not think you belong to darkness…

Because God’s love is greater than your most shameful sin.

● Be awake & sober
● there will be no escape
● For God has not destined us for wrath, but obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ
● Jesus saved us on the cross
● Jesus died for us so whether we wake or sleep we might live with him
● Encourage one another & build one another up
● Thessalonians were already building up each other

You never belonged to darkness.

Believe me, you will not like darkness if you see & feel it.

Those who say they belong to darkness have no idea what they are saying….

Who belongs to darkness?

Catholic point of view:
(Fr. Syquia’s books, the Exorcist of Manila)
Darkness: In the spiritual realm, Satan & his fallen angels exist as darkness, as cast outs from heaven.
These fallen angels hate the light.
They could exist as a black vapor form.
Preternatural world: World where darkness & fallen angels or demons also resides
Hell: Area of darkness for final judgement of the rebellious fallen angels with Satan

My Scary Personal Experience:

In darkness, not a drop of love is found.

I have seen & felt the darkness from the preternatural world.
It is scary.
I was scared because there is no love.
Catholic Church teachings is the truth.
There is no love outside God.
Thank God it never happen to me again.
My occult third eye was open & inherited.
It operated naturally & I had no control.
No tools or even rituals.
Automatic.

Those who have occult third eye openings might have glimpse of the preternatural world.Not heaven.Not hell.

Not angels. Not God.

I felt the Pure hate.
Deep hatred in the most concentrated form.

No human is capable of that feeling.

The hatred of existing of everyting in this world.

Saw the fallen angel from the sky as pure darkness in vapor, darker than the night.

Darker than black.

Note: This vapor is beautiful because of colors.Make the vapor darker than the black background.

That is what I saw.

The ability will grow more…
Unless spiritual healing thru closing the third eye under the Catholic Church intervention took place.

I ran to God & our mother Catholic Church.
I ran to go to the light.
Where love lasts forever.
I decided I want to go where love is.
There is no other way.
I wanted to be normal & not see the preternatural world.

With the grace of God, I can no longer see the preternatural world.
Thru Minor deliverance prayers for closing it thru priest, great relationship with God, daily mass & renouncement of occult.
Forgiveness of my ancestor’s deep involvement with occult.
It is not meant for men to see it.
Like the forbidden fruit to know the good & evil..
When God says ” No”
” No to occult”
“You are not allowed to see this world”
He wants to protect you from evil.
The preternatural world can decieve us as a “higher universe or higher realm” of consciousness to those who tap into it.
Truth:
Pure lies.
Pure darkness.
Pure anger.
Pure evil.
No love.
Just like what the Catholic Church said.
As it was.
And as what it shall be.
Gospel LUKE 4:31-37
And he went down to Caper’na-um, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the sabbath; and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice, “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.” 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. 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.” And reports of him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

What does these verses mean to me?

Current Capernaum Synagogue where Jesus taught
● Jesus went down to Caper’na-um, a city of Galilee
● Jesus was teaching them on the sabbath
● They were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority

● In synagogue, a man who had spirit of an unclean demon & cried out with a loud voice
“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.”
● Evil spirits fear Jesus’ presence
● Evil Spirits can not match against Jesus
● Live a life with Jesus in your actions & the enemies of God will flee
● Jesus rebuked him, saying,

“Be silent, and come out of him!”

● the demon came out of him, having done him no harm
● all were amazed and said
“What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus has the power over unclean spirits
● Jesus has authority to teach
● Jesus speaks with authority
● Jesus leads

● Evil spirits know Jesus & know his hometown
● We as followers of Jesus are known to evil spirits as enemies
● They know information like our hometown
● Evil Spirits know they are to be destroyed by Jesus

● These enemies of God know Jesus is the Holy One
● Even Evil spirits obey Jesus
● Reports of Jesus went into every place in surrounding region because of spiritual healing

Jesus does not want the early revelation as the Holy One

Why?

So the people will believe Jesus is the messiah they are waiting for.
Based on Jesus’ works & teachings.
Not because of the revelation of the evil spirit.

Jesus wants you to believe in Him first.

Before He reveals Himself to you…

His plans for you…

What does it relate to the future?

● Believe in Jesus
● Evil spirits can not win over Jesus
● Jesus has the power over all in this world
● Spiritual warfare is all about authority
● Jesus defeated the enemies of God
● Enemies of God know their fate – to be destroyed by the Holy One
● Claim that you are a child of God
● Enemies of God that oppress you are powerless over Jesus
● We are victorious through Jesus
● Spiritual warfare is real
● To combat the enemy is to be on God’s side & follow His commandments
● The Light of Jesus dispels the darkness

Humility is godly

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Ready your party hats.
There is a party for you.
In heaven, there is a party for us…
With angels & God.
The happiest place in the entire universe.
But how can we go to heaven?
Follow Jesus.
Walk the path of the humble.
Humility is godly.
Treat others more important than yourself.
The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself, so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.
Second reading mentions St.Paul informing us of the new Jerusalem, the new city of God in heaven.
St.Paul tells us there is a party in heaven with many angels, Jesus & God.
Who says being religious means boring?
God is not a boring God.
He wants us to be happy with everyone in heaven.

The first reading & the gospel mentions humility.
Jesus is teaching us how to be humble.
Do not draw attention to yourself.
You are not the center of the universe.
Mingle like everyone else.
Do not ask for special treatment all the time.
It is God who deserves honor & glory.
It is God who will exault you because you are low.
Jesus tells us to throw a party for people who can not repay us.
Open our hearts & house to those in need.

Jesus raised the bar.
Jesus dined with his enemies, the pharisees.
Can we even want to spend a minute with people who hate us?
Jesus can.
Jesus did.
I myself need to learn more & practice more about humility.
Sunday Sept 1 2019
First Reading SIRACH 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts. The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble. The affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him. The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable, and an attentive ear is the wise man’s desire
What does these verses mean to me?
Meekness: means in patience
● Perform your tasks in meekness then you will be loved by those whom God accepts
● For single people: Now you know

If you are still single, perform tasks in meekness

Be meek in your church service, work, career, business, family tasks, house tasks, money….

And you will be loved by those whom God accepts…

● The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself, so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord

● For great is the might of the Lord
● He is glorified by the humble
● If we want to be humble, we always give the glory back to God
● Less of me, more of God
● I am not the center of the universe
● Affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him
● Let us not be proud
● Mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable
● An attentive ear is the wise man’s desire

● Be a listener
● It is something I want to learn more: listening
Second Reading
HEBREWS 12:18-19, 22-24
For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers entreat that no further messages be spoken to them. But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge who is God of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks more graciously than the blood of Abel
What does these verses mean to me?
● A letter for Hebrews by St.Paul
● This is for the Converted Christian Jews in Jerusalem
● St. Paul tells them as new Christians they will go to a mountain, Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, city of the living God

● St. Paul tells them to find in the heavenly Jerusalem:
– innumerable angels in festal gathering
– assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven

– a judge who is God of all
– spirits of just men made perfect
– Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant
– sprinkled blood that speaks more graciously than blood of Abel
● In heaven, there is party all the time with angels (festal gathering)
Gospel LUKE 14:1, 7-14
One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by any one to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him; and he who invited you both will come and say to you, `Give place to this man,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, `Friend, go up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
What does these verses mean to me?

For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, & he who humbles himself will be exalted.

● One sabbath Jesus went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees
● Pharisees were watching Jesus
● Seating arrangement in a banquet is a custom in Jesus time
● Even in Jesus time, weddings have “special seating arrangements”
● Jesus parable mentioned a wedding feast
● Totally different in our time with usual parties
● I observe “special seating arrangement in wedding” nowadays
● Sponsors of wedding have a special seats, with the bride & groom as hosts
● I am seated with other guests

What does it relate to Jesus?
● Why did Jesus go to a Pharisee?
● Pharisees look at Jesus as an enemy
● It means Jesus welcomed the invitation
● Jesus is dining with enemies

Can you dine with your enemy in a calm way?

● Jesus is observant
● Jesus marked how Pharisees chose the places of honor

Jesus wants us to open our doors & hearts for those who are in need

● Jesus prefers to throw a party who can not repay your generosity
● Jesus wants us to have humility in parties or even outside parties
● Sit anywhere, do not draw attention

We do not need special treatment from anyone all the time.

Who should we invite?
Maimed: means injured severly

– poor
– maimed
– lame
– blind

you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you – Jesus

You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.

According to Jesus in a wedding:
– do not sit down in place of honor
– taking someone else’ special seat: you will begin with shame to take the lowest place
– go & sit in the lowest place, so your host comes & say to you, `Friend, go up higher’
– you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you
What does it relate to the future?
● If you want to go higher, humble yourself
● God will exault you if you humble yourself
● Be generous to those who can not repay you
● Open yourself to those in need
● Do not draw attention to yourself at all times
● Others are more important
● Humility is when we place others as more important
● It is easy to go up when you are low
● Humility is godly

The gospel is in word, in power & in the Holy Spirit

Do you want power?
Search no more.
They are not found in super heroes from movies.
They are found in the gospel.

Who says the gospel are just letters?
The Gospel of God is not just words.
There is power in it.
The Holy Spirit is in it.
The first reading mentions the power of the Gospel.
The next time you read the word of God.
Memorize it.
Proclaim it.
Believe in it.
Claim the power God has placed on it.
We became cowards because we did not know how empowered Jesus made us.
We did not know what we have.
We have the Holy Spirit.
We just need to tap the power of God in our lives.
The gospel mentions Jesus being frank.
Jesus wants us not to be blind.

We become blind fools when we put money above God.
We are blind when all we see is money.
Money can not be more powerful than God.
Put God first.
Above anything else.
First Reading 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5, 8-10
Paul, Silva’nus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalo’nians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for you all, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brethren beloved by God, that he has chosen you; for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.8For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedo’nia and Acha’ia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us what a welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
What does it mean to me?
A letter to the people of Thessalonica, now part of the modern day Greece.

● Silas or Silvanus: accompanied Paul on his missionaries
● Paul, Silvanus & Timothy: authors of 2 of letters of Thessalonians
● Letters to fellow Christians place first “in God the Father & Lord Jesus Christ”
● Modern Catholic Christian Tradition: In prayer, we first use the sign of the cross ” In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy”
● The 3 authors greeted Thessalonian Christians with peace
● Let us greet fellow Christians with peace
● The 3 authors mention to God Thessalonians thru prayers& thanksgiving
● Pray for fellow Christians
Remembering before our God your work of faith, labor of love & steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
● Thessalonians as early Christian church had work of faith
● The 3 authors call them brethren or brothers, loved by God
● Fellow Christians are our brothers & sisters
●Let fellow Catholics know they are loved by God
● God has chosen you

for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power & in the Holy Spirit with full conviction

● We read the gospel, think it is the word written in Bible

The gospel is in word, in power & in Holy Spirit

● The Gospel of God has power
● Gospel has power beyond superpowers we see in movies of super heroes
● Gospel power is real
● Thessalonians had proclaimed the gospel reaching Macedo’nia & Acha’ia, but their faith in God has gone forth everywhere

● Thessalonians welcomed the 3 authors, turned to God from idols, (greek & roman gods), served the living & true God & wait for Jesus from heaven,
Gospel MATTHEW 23:13-22
“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither enter yourselves, nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you traverse sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, `If any one swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?And you say, `If any one swears by the altar, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it; and he who swears by the temple, swears by it and by him who dwells in it; and he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
Woe: means great feelings of sadness or grief
Proselyte: new convert
What does it mean to me?
● We will not enter heaven if we stop people to follow God’s commandments
● We are superior to others with holiness even if you learned more about God
● Scribes & pharisees have proselytes but guides them incorrectly
● They are blind guides
● Blind fools for placing money more important than God

● Altar makes sacred
● When we swear by heaven,we swear by the throne of God and Jesus who sits upon it.
● When we swear by heaven, we should mean it to God
What does it relate to Jesus?
● I like that Jesus is frank
● Jesus correctly directly religious leaders in his time

● Jesus is brave
● Religious leaders have learned so much yet failed to be true guide of faith for Israelites in the story
● Scribes & Pharisees were hypocrites
because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men
● These religious people think they are the only ones for heaven
● Jesus wants us to put value to God beyond gold
If any one swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’
● Jesus does not agree swearing by gold/money/gift in the temple is more important than temple/altar itself
● You are a blind & a fool when money or gift is more important to you than God
What does it relate to the future?

● Heaven is not an exclusive place for religious leaders alone
● Heaven is for all the people of the world
● Imitate Jesus for being brave to say the truth
● Be sincere with your promises to God
● We become blinded if we see money more than God
● Put God first above money
● Money is not our God
● We have a real God who loves us

Save lives by caring in action

Can you say the truth, if it will scare more people?
A lot of us will just be quiet.
It will disturb my life.
Not Jeremiah.
The first reading is about Jeremiah persecuted because he is telling the truth.

The upcoming exile if they do not change their ways.
Royal family members want Jeremiah to tone down the news.
Make the truth agreeable to the public.
Jeremiah held on to his mission.
Just tell the truth even if it will cost my life.
After all, God gave me this mission.
And He assured me of His protection.
True enough, Jeremiah was saved.
Saved because a foreigner was concerned about Jeremiah’s situation.
Caring in action.
Do we really care?
If we really care, we should exert effort..
By telling the truth.
Who knows how many lives will be saved.
When we tell the awful truth
and not the news sugar coated for public.
Second reading is about Jesus who perfected faith. Jesus is someone we imitate when we face trials & tears in loving people.
Jesus never gave up.
The Gospel is about Jesus giving us a warning that even those close to us might come against us.
Because we follow Jesus.
Because we believe in Jesus.
It is painful when people close to you disagree or even skeptic at what you believe in.
Yet Jesus will help you out when you face those divisions.
Because all that is good comes from God.
SUNDAY AUG 18 2019
First Reading JEREMIAH 38:4-6, 8-10
Then the princes said to the king, “Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm.” King Zedeki’ah said, “Behold, he is in your hands; for the king can do nothing against you.” So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchi’ah, the king’s son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mire, and Jeremiah sank in the mire. E’bed-mel’ech went from the king’s house and said to the king, “My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they did to Jeremiah the prophet by casting him into the cistern; and he will die there of hunger, for there is no bread left in the city.” Then the king commanded E’bed-mel’ech, the Ethiopian, “Take three men with you from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.”
Why is Jeremiah suffering?

● Jeremiah, a prophet is disliked by the royal family by telling the truth
● Jeremiah relayed the message of God, God’s dislike with idolatry of Israelites worshipping other gods & the upcoming Exile waiting for Israelites
● Royal family members do not want to hear the truth
Have you experienced persecution by telling the truth like Jeremiah?
What does these verses mean to me?
● Jeremiah is accused & put to death
Princes said to king: Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening hands of the soldiers left in this city & hands of all people, by speaking to them
Accusation to Jeremiah: For this man is not seeking welfare of this people, but their harm
● King’s decision is not based on what is right but pressure from his family members
● King Zedekiah: “Behold, he is in your hands; for the king can do nothing against you.”
● Jeremiah placed on cistern of Malchiah, king’s son, in court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes

Mire: defined as deep mud
● no water in cistern but only mire, & Jeremiah sank in mire or mud
● Jeremiah’s life at stake, sinking into the deep mud

If you are Jeremiah, your life is at stake because God wants you to tell the truth, will you regret your mission?

● Jeremiah held on with his faith to God when sinking in middle of the mud
●Ebedmelech, Ethopian reported to the King Zedekiah Jeremiah’s situation.
●Ebedmelech reported Jeremiah will die of hunger, there is no bread left in the city
● Ebedmelech was brave to tell the truth with the king,even if he will be against other royal family members
● The King commanded Ebedmelech to take 3 men with him from here, lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies
● The King saved Jeremiah in the end
●Jeremiah was saved because a kind person like Ebedmelech, a foreigner cared for Jeremiah’s life
● We save lives when we say the truth
● We save lives when we care in action
Second Reading HEBREWS 12:1-4
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
A letter of St.Paul to the Hebrews, Early Christians converts from Judaism in Jerusalem
What does these verses mean to me?
● Let us lay aside every weight & sin which clings so closely – St. Paul
● What is the weight mentioned? Anything that is heavy and pulls you back from following God
● Examples of weight: guilt, unforgiveness to forgive oneself, unforgiveness to others, doubts, fear, bitterness, hate, sadness, skepticism with God’s capacity, pessimism
● Best to fill our heart with positive feelings: forgiveness, trust in God, happiness, courage, fortitude, hope in God
● Remove sin in our life
● Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us
● We are like runners in the race of life
● Run & go on with like a champion even in the midst of trials & tears
● Look to Jesus pioneer & perfecter of our faith

● Jesus perfected faith in God the Father, a model for all of us when in doubt
Despise: regard as worthless
● Jesus endured the cross, despising shame or regarding the shame not important in his mission
● Jesus accepted shame was part of the mission
● Jesus is seated at the right hand of throne of God
● Consider what Jesus had done
● Consider Jesus endured from sinners hostility against himself
● To prevent being weary or fainthearted, consider Jesus enduring hostility
● If Jesus endured, we can too
● In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood
● Jesus struggled to death so our sins have forgiven
What are your biggest struggles when you choose to love when these people are difficult to love?
your family,relatives friends, boss, coworkers, neighnors housemates, church mates, even enemies…
There are times they are difficult to love…
We feel the pain of loving them, understand them, taking the fall for them, forgiving them…
We complain to God…
I can’t do this anymore…
Yet Jesus reached death to love us…
Even at times we want to give up loving people…
We look at Jesus.
He never gave up.
He chose to love in the end.
Gospel LUKE 12:49-53
“I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
What does these verses mean to me?
● When you believe in Jesus, others might not be convinced about your belief
● You create enemies when you follow God & do what is right
● Be on Jesus’ side no matter what your family might say
● It is painful when your family members might disagree on you because of your belief in Jesus
● But if you hold on to Jesus, the division will melt at the right time

What does it relate to Jesus?
●I came to cast fire upon earth – Jesus
● Fire: Holy Spirit
● Jesus is frank
● Jesus tells us division might come because of him
● Jesus does not sugar coat
● Division among family members
Why division?
Some are believers of Jesus & are not.
People even within the family might not all believe with Jesus.
People might disagree with each other because of God.
What does it relate to the future?
● When you do not sugar coat, you create enemies like Jesus
● Be prepared to be disagreed even by some of your close family & friends because of Jesus
● Focus on Jesus when people disagree with you on doing what is right
● Though painful, hold on to Jesus in the middle of your persecution
● Know that Jesus will help you out when there is a division in the family
● Jesus will unite your family & relationships

Our Hands are Full in Covenant with God

Do you want to own land properties?
Do you want to be rich?
Go to God.
Renew your relationship with Him.
Our first reading today mentions Israelites renewing covenant with God & inheriting lands allotted.
God did not allow Israelites to be just in a relationship with Him.
God made sure of their future.
The inherited land.
God made sure they will harvest fruits.
They have something to eat & prosper.
They are not empty handed.
Their hands will be full with blessings.
People will say God & riches are not connected.
Or contrary.
It means we really have to study God’s word.
Your future is sure with God.
God does not want you to love money above Him.
Money is a blessing.
Land properties are blessings.
All that is good comes only from God.
God provides all the blessings you need daily.
Money.Car.New House.New Business Investment.Food on the Plate.Great Health.
All of it comes from God.
Nothing is wrong with money or properties as they are all blessings from God.
God will not withold anything good if you follow Him.
But do not love these blessings more than your family, friends, & others.
Love God first.Love your neighbor.
Then be thankful for the blessings.
All blessings acknowledge to glorify God.
When you follow God with His covenant, you are opening yourself…
To the biggest door of blessings.
As God is the most generous of All.
Your hands are blessings filled.
The holy gospel for today is about Jesus who loves children. Even if his disciples made a mistake of hindering children, Jesus corrected the situation in a subtle way.
Forgive the church leaders for their mistakes & corrections can be made like Jesus did, in a subtle way.
What BLOCKS God ‘s blessings?
When we do not TRUST GOD.
When we turn to other gods.
Other form of beliefs.
Good luck & superstitious practices.
When we fill our life with other concerns & not God.
Let us check our lifestyle & practices.

Occult, cultural superstitions & idolatry:

● I live in the Philippines
● We have local superstitions contrary to Catholic Church teachings, believing that God’s blessings is a matter or luck
● Catholic point of view: God will bless you everyday, no need to buy good luck charms
● No such thing as good luck
● Because God is greater than luck
Modern day version of idolatry or other gods: Believing that blessings are recieved when we follow instructions not from God, bible & the church
Remove these modern version of idolatry:
●Charms For good luck, ward off bad luck
●physical healing just go to a local folk healer called albularyo (friends with local spirits of nature)
● Other practices: Chinese astrology of the year of the….
●Astrology with the astrological signs
● Good luck charms or even buddha statues in businesses & at home
● Tarot card, quija board/spirit of the glass on teen
● Witchcraft or kulam

● Asking fortune tellers your future (God secures your future, not them)
● pa tawas or drowsing
● Pa dugo or killing a white feathered chicken to ward off evil spirits in a house (offering to spirits of nature/other gods)
God does not want you to be friends with other spirits but Him.
Other forms of idolatry: addictions to extreme, when we spend more time to our addictions than God/prayer time
● Too much alcohol
●excessive smoking

● gambling
● too much web internet browsing
● too much TV
● too much working in the office on sundays & no time to go to church & family on sunday
● Drugs

● Love & greed for money, not giving those who need it most
Aug 19 2019 Saturday
First Reading JOSHUA 24:14-29
“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if you be unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, and who did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land; therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.” But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the LORD; for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm, and consume you, after having done you good.” And the people said to Joshua, “Nay; but we will serve the LORD.” Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” He said, “Then put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.” And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.” So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem. And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak in the sanctuary of the LORD. And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us; for it has heard all the words of the LORD which he spoke to us; therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance. After these things Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being a hundred and ten years old.
Joshua, son of Nun, an Ephraimite, descendant of Joseph the dreamer died later at 110 yrs old.

What does it mean to me?
● fear the Lord – Joshua
● serve God in sincerity & in faithfulness
● Be sincere with God
● put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the LORD
● No other god in our life
● God is the priority in our life
● choose this day whom you will serve

but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD – Joshua

● Joshua wants Israelites to choose who is the God in their life
● We choose who is the God we serve & prioritize as No.1 in our life
● May it be far from us to forsake God to serve other gods
● Joshua reminded Israelites what God has freed them from slavery of Egypt
● the LORD drove out before us all the peoples
● The LORD our God we will serve & his voice we will obey – Israelites
● You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him – Joshua
● put away foreign gods among you & incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.
● The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey – Israelites
● Joshua made a covenant, statues & ordinances with God & Israelites at Shechem
● Joshua wrote the words in the book of the law of God
● Joshua took a great stone, set it up under the oak in sanctuary of the LORD
●” Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us; for it has heard all the words of the LORD which he spoke to us, lest you deal falsely with your God.” – Joshua
● Joshua sent people away, every man to his inheritance

No one is empty handed when you have a covenant with God

● Each man as an allotted land/territory in the land of Israel
● God is a generous God

God is…

● a holy God
● a jealous God
● he will not forgive your transgressions or sins
●If you forsake the LORD & serve foreign gods, he will turn, do you harm, & consume you, after having done you good
Gospel MATTHEW 19:13-15
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people; but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away
What does it mean to me?
● Apostles are like you & me
● Apostles commit mistakes like you & me
● Apostles committed a mistake by becoming unwelcoming to children
● Forgive church leaders if they are at fault
● The Kingdom of heaven belongs to children
● If we want to go to heaven, be childlike
What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus loves children
● Let the children come to me – Jesus
● He prays for Children
● Jesus: Laying of Hands on children
What does it relate to the future?
● Love children
● Treat children well
● Pray for the children
● Be childlike
● Introduce Jesus to children
● Teach children to have faith in God
● Do not hinder children to get to know Jesus
● Jesus is for you & children
● Anyone could go to God even children
● We are all invited even as a child to have a relationship with Jesus
● Submit ourselves to the authority of Jesus in our life as Jesus lays His Hands to us
● Forgive the Catholic Church leaders when they are at fault
● Correction inside the Catholic Church happens but should be addressed properly (talk to the priest in question personally, then to the parish priest or his bishop if it is needed)