READINGS for 2008-04-16
REWARD OF FAITHFULNESS
When we were purchasing materials for the construction of our house, we had budget considerations. One major item was our windows and doors. We liked a particular material but it was way out of our budget. Nonetheless, we proceeded to negotiate for a big discount in the hope that we could make it fit our budget. The supplier told us that the only way we could do that was to carry out the deal without receipts. This meant compromising on paying the right taxes.
We told the supplier that we wanted to do the right thing by paying the proper taxes. But the window of our choice was the best one for our house so we claimed it in faith, believing that God would faithfully provide it to us who chose to be faithful.
A few days later, the supplier called apologizing for readily assuming that we would bend our principles just to be able to get a big discount. He divulged that he too was a Christian and gave us the large discount we asked for because he was ministered to by our uncompromising act. We believed and God made a way! Rolly España
REFLECTION:
Do we willingly compromise our faith for the sake of money?
Lord Jesus, You are the source of all blessings and no other! Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me.” – John 12:44
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1st READING
Paul and Barnabas are set aside for a particular work God has in mind for them. We ought to believe that God will still be setting aside men and women for particular works today. God still desires that all be saved. There is much work to be done. There are still millions of people who have never heard the Gospel properly. It is our duty and privilege to be able to proclaim it to others and model it for them with our lives.
Acts 12: 24-13:5a
24 The word of God continued to spread and grow. 25 After Barnabas and Saul completed their relief mission, they returned to Jerusalem, taking with them John, who is called Mark. 13: 1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off. 4 So they, sent forth by the holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.
P S A L M
Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6 and 8
R: O God, let all the nations praise you!
1 [2] May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. 2 [3] So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. (R) 4 [5] May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. (R) 5 [6] May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! 7 [8] May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! (R)
G O S P E L
The Word of God will be our judge on the Last Day. This is the truth that is presented to us in today’s Gospel. It is not an easy thing for us to grasp as the idea can seem a little abstract and lacking in conviction. Still, it is critical that we understand it. In doing so, we will be more inspired to follow the leading of the Spirit and be obedient to God’s Word.
John 12:44-50
44 Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, 45 and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. 46 I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. 48 Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, 49 because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”
my reflections
think:Am I obedient to God’s Word?
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God’s special verse/thought for me today________________ _________________________________________________________
T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Numbers 4-6
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PREACH JESUS
I am a priest. I preach every day. I am always aware that when I preach, I should not only speak. I should speak only what God wants me to say. At the end of the day, part of my examination of conscience is asking myself honestly: “Did I preach about God or did I preach about myself today?”
Jesus tells us, “What the Father has told me is what I speak.” Jesus is God’s most faithful preacher. He Himself is the Father’s Word to us. We preach whether we are priests or lay persons. But what should we preach about? We must preach about Jesus, not about ourselves. And if we are to preach about ourselves, it should only be because we are like Jesus Himself. Just as Jesus is the Father’s Word to us, so should we be Jesus’ word to the world. Jesus makes our life stories worth listening to. Jesus makesour life lessons worth learning. Fr. Bobby Titco
Reflection Question:
It is said that St. Francis used to send his brother friars on mission with these words: “Go and preach the Gospel. Talk if necessary.”
Dear Jesus, may my words and deeds preach about You, only You, always You. May I be Your homily to the world. Amen.
St. Benedict Joseph Labré, mendicant, pray for us.
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