unity – Drink Daily: God`s Word

God’s Kingdom Trend: Lowering yourself like a child

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Millennials are the selfie generation.

Wherever they go & do, it is out in public.

Hiding your achievements is more difficult.

Social media posts express whatever you feel, think, say.

But when you express everything….

Bashers will oppose your social posts.

directly or indirectly…..

What are we going to do when everything is out in the open?

Keep it Low key.

Proclaiming Jesus thru social media is for everyone to see.

But placing spotlight about ourselves…

Is a different.

We need more privacy unlike before.

We do not need to be at the center stage all the time.

Be on the background.

My millennial friend real life experience:

Placed his raw, opinionated ideas for social posts.

Added everyone even if he did not know them well.

Friends reached 1,000.

A social network you barely know.

He told me he did not cared for bashers.

After few months….

He regret his actions.

Realized he was irresponsible for using social media.

Raw posts with people he barely knew.

Gospel for today reflects that need to be on the background.

Not on the center of greatness.

Apostles arguing…..

“who is the greatest in kingdom of God?”

Jesus said: the least

The least person who cared for attention or rank.

Is the greatest.

God’s Kingdom Trend: highest honor for those who lower themselves like a child.

The humble one is the greatest.

They do not want too much attention.

Or superiority over others.

They wait for authority to be given.

Humble people are silent doers.

They do not broadcast everything.

They are comfortable to be on the background.

Comfortable in lowest rank or leader rank.

They instead let others shine.

That is what we need in this internet age.

First reading is about God promising to dwell in Jerusalem.

Zechariah’s prophecy fulfilled through Jesus.

God is a faithful God.

Monday Sept 30 2019

First Reading ZECHARIAH 8:1-8

And the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath. Thus says the LORD: I will return to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand for very age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the LORD of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvelous in my sight, says the LORD of hosts? Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country; and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.

What do these verses mean to me?

● Zechariah is a prophet

Thus says the LORD of hosts:

I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, & I am jealous for her with great wrath.

Jealous x 2.

● God loves Israel.

● God does not want any other god loved by his people.

I will return to Zion, & will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, & Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain – God

● God is promising to dwell in Jerusalem.

Catholic Christian point of view: Jesus is the one to come to dwell in Jerusalem.

● God is faithful with His promises.

Old men & old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand for very age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.

● Blessing of God to Israel from exile:

– people are free

– people will have long life, reaching old age

– next generation promised as having kids

If you live in a foreign land as a slave, you are not sure if you will see your grand children.

Nothing is sure.

God freed them to have the security they need.

Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country; and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.

● God is a God that saves his people

● God wants us to be his people & to make Him our God

● He is a faithful God

We are gentiles.

Thru Jesus, God the Father’s promise passed on to us….

As adopted children of God.

Gospel LUKE 9:46-50

And an argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But when Jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, he took a child and put him by his side, and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” John answered, “Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you.”

What do these verses mean to me?

1.Apostles arguing with each other

● argued among themselves who was the greatest

● They are like you & me, imperfect people

● Looked for power of influence with Jesus & his kingdom

Who is the greatest on the 12 disciples?

Jesus gave apostles a different answer

A humbling answer.

for he who is least among you all is the one who is great – Jesus

2. Humility is what Jesus looks for

The least person is the humble person.

The one who did not ask for power or influence…

who did not dream of power or influence over his fellow apostles.

Someone comfortable being inferior in rank or social status.

The humble person is the greatest of all.

Apostles who wanted to be the greatest now has to stop looking for highest rank.

They realized they need to lower themselves in humility.

The lower you go, the higher you will be in the Kingdom of God.

3. Child set as example of Humility by Jesus

Children in Jesus’ time

– can not vote

– not citizens

– dependent on family’s guidance

– follow elders all the time

– no voice in society

– disregarded in social status

– no political influence or power

Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, & whoever receives me receives him who sent me – Jesus

Jesus wants us to accept children.

And everyone who is like children.

Those who have no political power or influence.

The disregarded in society.

Those who has no voice.

4. John the Beloved did not want other people casting demons out in Jesus name, but Jesus explained

John said

Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.”

Because the person is not a follower of Jesus.

Not part of the 12 apostle team.

Jesus’ answer

Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you.

Even if the person is not part of your church, if they believe in Jesus Christ,

We respect them.

They are not against us.

We are still brothers & sisters in Jesus in different churches.

Though I will never step out from my mother Catholic Church…

It is my duty to treat fellow Christians from other churches with love & respect.

Love is what Jesus wants for us to share.

Not division.

Not superiority.

What does it relate to Jesus?

● Jesus understands us with our imperfections

● Jesus wants us to be great by becoming humble

● He wants us to accept children, unnoticed & disregarded by society

● He does not want division among fellow Jesus’ believers

● Let us be united & not dwell on our differences

● Jesus is not exclusive for a special group of people

● Jesus is for everyone

What does it relate to the future?

● Be humble

● Do not ask for power or influence

● Let God give you the authority

● In God’s Kingdom, lowering yourself is the trend

● Always unite with fellow Catholics & fellow Christians

● Do not dwell on differences among faith with fellow Christians, it is not what Jesus taught

● Choose unity instead of division

Prayer is good with fasting, alms and righteousness – Angel Raphael

We live in a world….

Where people are afraid of people.

We don’t talk to strangers.

How can we help anyone if we are afraid?

We feel alone because we don’t connect.

We are designed to connect with people.

We are designed to love.

To help someone.

Prayer works best when combined with charity.

As mentioned by Angel Raphael.

Even if we pray but we do not share,

Our good intentions are not put into action.

Faith without action is dead.

Sunday first reading tells Amos the prophet reminding Israelites to take care of their brethren.

Failure to do so will lead them exiled.

Such exile really happened as supported by historical facts and the bible.

Sunday Gospel also mentions Jesus telling the story of Lazarus & the rich man.

Jesus frankly says the rich man went to hell.

It is not sinful to be rich.

It is sinful not to share.

Sinful to think about yourself too much.

CCC (Cathecism of the Catholic Church) says:

There is no Evil with Charity.

Charity is the fulfillment of the 10 commandments.

Charity is our social commandment.

Do not turn blind to those in need.

Sunday Sept 29 2019

First Reading AMOS 6:1, 4-7

“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Sama’ria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel come! “Woe to those who lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the midst of the stall; who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and like David invent for themselves instruments of music; who drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!Therefore they shall now be the first of those to go into exile, and the revelry of those who stretch themselves shall pass away.”

What do these verses mean to me?

Israel is now divided politically:

Israel Kingdom: 10 northern tribes, Samaria (capital)

Judah Kingdom:2 tribes of Judah & Benjamin, Jerusalem (capital)

● Amos is a prophet, addressing to Israel (10 tribes)

Amos’ message:

Woe to those

– at ease in Zion

– feel secure on mountain of Sama’ria

– notable men of the first of nations, whom the house of Israel come

– lie upon beds of ivory & stretch upon couches, eat lambs from flock, & calves from midst of stall

– who sing idle songs to & sound of the harp

– like David, invent for themselves instruments of music

– who drink wine in bowls & anoint themselves with finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!

● Amos says these people, the Israelites will go first to exile

“Therefore they shall now be the first of those to go into exile” – Amos

Ruin of Joseph meaning:

– Joseph is a brother of the sons of Jacob

– Amos reminds Israelites to be kind to their brethren, fellow Isrealites

– Some Israelites suffer like Joseph the dreamer did

– Those wealthier Israelites did not care about their less rich brethren

The rich does not care for the poor as a brother should.

After all, they all belong to 1 family of Israel.

Amos urges us to care for each other, as brothers & sisters.

Second Reading 1 TIMOTHY 6:11-16

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. In the presence of God who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; and this will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

What do these verses mean to me?

● St. Paul tells us as a Man of God, we shoud aim at:

– righteousness

– godliness

– faith

– love

– steadfastness

– gentleness

– Fight the good fight of the faith

– take hold of the eternal life

● We are called for eternal life

● God gives life to all things

● St. Paul charges us to keep the commandment unstained & free from reproach until appearing of Jesus Christ

● Appearing of Jesus again will be made manifest at the proper time

Dominion means: the power to rule

Jesus is…

– the King of kings

– Lord of lords

– who alone has immortality

– dwells in unapproachable light whom no man has ever seen or can see

honor & eternal dominion is for Jesus

Gospel LUKE 16:19-31

“There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Laz’arus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz’arus in his bosom. And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz’arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Laz’arus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.

What do these verses mean to me?

● Jesus tells contrasting story of a rich man & Lazarus

The rich man:

– dressed in purple & fine linen emphasized by Jesus for social status

Purple clothes are worn by rich people that time

– feasted sumptuously everyday

– at his gate lay poor man named Lazarus

The rich man did not even bother to share his excess food to Lazarus

The rich man had so much food daily for his daily feasts.

It is not a sin to be rich.

What is sinful…

Is not to share when you have so much to offer.

Lazarus

– full of sores

– desired to be fed with what fell from rich man’s table

– dogs licked his sores

Lazarus humbled himself.

Even crumbs from the table are acceptable as food.

Lazarus will accept anything.

Anything is a blessing from Lazarus.

Are we like the rich man who does not like to share despite the overflowing food?

Or are we like Lazarus, who accepts anything as blessings?

Be humble like Lazarus to appreciate that everything is a blessing.

Both of them died.

These 2 men went to different places after death.

Rich man:

– in Hell

– in torment

Lazarus carried by angels after death to Abraham’s bosom.

Rich man called out

Father Abraham, have mercy upon me & send Laz’arus to dip the end of his finger in water & cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.

Hell is a place filled with fire & torment people.

Abraham said,

Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Laz’arus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.

● God knows if we recieve bad things in life as well as good things

● Heaven & hell is divided

between us & you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, & none may cross from there to us.’

The Rich man said,

Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’

Abraham said

If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.

What does it relate to Jesus?

● Jesus does not allow communication from the dead thru seeing spirits so we will repent

● Repent because you know Jesus’ words are true

● Jesus is a good story teller

● He tells details people can relate with, so listening to Jesus is easier

● Jesus emphasizes gap between rich & poor

● He tells us we all have to face judgement after death whatever social status

Jesus wants us to give what we have.

It is a sin to ignore your brother or sister’s needs.

Basic Needs:

– food, water

– clothing

Emotional needs:

– love

– forgiveness

– mercy

– understanding

If the person hates you but has emotional needs….

Pray for that person.

May God give that person His Love to heal the wounds.

What does it relate to the future?

● Share God’s blessings

● Share God’s love

● Ignoring your brother’s needs when you have so much more is a sin

● Depriving others is evil

CCC: Cathecism of the Catholic Church

● Charity: virtue of all virtues (CCC)

● Charity: superior form of penance compared to fasting & prayer

God rules over kings

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Leadership has gone across time.

From tribal kings to kings of vast empires.

Kings were written in history.

We are designed to find someone to rule over us.

For important decisions.

But No matter who is the king…..

We have King of Kings.

God rules over kings.

First reading today mentions God inspiring different leaders to set Jews free.

Different foreign kings directed to finish construction of the house of God in Jerusalem.

We can see ….

When God has a plan…

Even kings bow down to that Great Plan of God.

Even kings bown down to the restoration of God’s people.

Do we bow down & allow God to rule over our will?

Like what He did to King Cyrus & King Darius?

We should.

Gospel today tells about Jesus mentioning those who follows God are his brothers & sisters.

For Catholics, it is not just a Church.

We belong to this big spiritual family.

In Jesus’ eyes, we are family.

It is up to us to say yes to be part of this heavenly family.

Tuesday Sept 24 2019

First Reading EZRA 6:7-8, 12, 14-20

let the work on this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God; the cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people that shall put forth a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God which is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.” And the elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechari’ah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by command of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Ar-ta-xerx’es king of Persia; and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel twelve he-goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. And they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God at Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. On the fourteenth day of the first month the returned exiles kept the passover. For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were clean. So they killed the passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves;

Situation in the story: Jew Exiles in Babylon to be freed from slavery & return to Judah.

A new king oversees God’s house.

For years, exiles are not sure if they will be able to come back to Jerusalem.

Now excited to come back & worship God in Judah.

What do these verses mean to me?

● New leader continued previous work of King Cyrus

● Different leaders yet similar goals: finish God’s house construction

● All foreigners but recognize God & his house

God inspires kings to fulfill His plans.

God fulfilled his promises to Judah spoken by prophets.

God is a faithful God.

King Darius, a new leader decreed:

– let work on this house of God alone

– let governor of Jews & elders of Jews rebuild this house of God on its site

I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of Jews for rebuilding this house of God: the cost is to be paid to these men in full & without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River – King Darius

● King Darius, a foreigner fully paid God’s house construction

● Jews did not have to pay for their temple

● God can work in his mysterious ways for His house & His people

God can restore anything.

For a slave, this is freedom.

For a believer of God, this is a clear sign of restoration

Freedom+temple built = freedom to worship God in your place

May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people that shall put forth a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God which is in Jerusalem. – King Darius

● Even a king recognizes God’s name dwells in Jerusalem

● King Darius says: king will be overthrown if he destroys the house of God

● King Darius respects God & his Jerusalem temple

let it be done with all diligence – King Darius

● Give our best to God

● elders of Jews built & prospered, through prophesying of Haggai the prophet & Zechari’ah the son of Iddo.

They finished building by command of:

– the God of Israel

– decree of Cyrus

– decree of Darius

– decree of Ar-ta-xerx’es king of Persia

● God’s house finished on 3rd day of Adar month, 6th year reign of King Darius

●People of Israel, priests, Levites, & the rest of returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of house of God with joy

● They offered at dedication:

– 100 bulls

– 200 rams

– 400 lambs

sin offering for all Israel: 12 he-goats, according to number of Israel tribes

● Set priests in their divisions & Levites in their courses, for service of God at Jerusalem, written in book of Moses

● On 14th day of 1st month, returned exiles kept passover

● Priests & Levites purified themselves together

● all of them were clean

● They killed passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, & for themselves

Gospel LUKE 8:19-21

Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him for the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

What do these verses mean to me?

● Mother Mary & apostles are looking for Jesus

● These people love Jesus

● Jesus loves his mother & apostles but wants more room for new followers of God

What does it relate to Jesus?

● Jesus wants to extend his family

Who are the new members of Jesus’ family?

– People who hear the word of God

– People who follow God’s commandments

● The word of God in Jesus time is thru preaching & hearing

● there is no published written book called new testament yet in Jesus’ time

● We can not follow God until we learn to listen first

● Be a listener of God’s word first

● Jesus teaches us family is not just thru blood lines

It is not about who is your father & mother

It is about following your God the Father in heaven

Jesus point of view:

– You can modify family members

– It is our choice to be part of God’s family by following God

– Jesus looks at us as family, not just believers of God

– As family, Jesus takes care of us

– Jesus takes care of those who follow God’s commandments

What does it relate to the future?

● Follow God’s commandments

● Be part of God’s family

● Choose to be Jesus’ family

● We are all part of this big spiritual family

● We are family in Jesus’ eyes

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