Let this be written for the next generation, for a people not yet born, that they may praise the Lord. – Psalm 102:19

       I was reading my husband’s Purpose-Driven Life Journal years ago when I first came across this Bible verse. I felt my heart leap as I read the verse. I felt God stir my soul to help me discover a new purpose for writing.

       I have always loved to write about my experiences, especially about the many wonderful things that the Lord has done in my life. I write to express my love for God. I write to express my joy and gratitude for the blessings I have received. I write to connect and share a piece of my heart, mind and soul with the people I love. Eventually, I learned to share what I write even with strangers after discovering that my reflections help bring others closer to God.

       That night, when God led me to meditate on this verse, He gave me an additional reason to write. Thus, from that time on, leaving something behind for my children and grandchildren to read — something that would recount to our family’s next generations of how blessed we have been because of our God — has become one of my motivations to write. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag

Reflection: Do you take time to write about God’s blessings and reflections? How can you make time for this?

Lord, may Your Name be glorified as I write and share about what You have done in my life.

St. Francis Solano, pray for us.

The people know they have sinned and are suffering the consequences of their choices. God does not punish the sinner — the sin and its effects are enough punishment. However, God can and does use the effects of sin to motivate us to be more faithful in the future. We should always be attentive to any lessons we can learn as a result of our sins.

7 The way of the just is smooth; the path of the just you make level. 8 Yes, for your way and your judgments, O Lord, we look to you; your name and your title are the desire of our souls. 9 My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you; when your judgment dawns upon the earth, the world’s inhabitants learn justice. 12 O Lord, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done. 16 O Lord, oppressed by your punishment, we cried out in anguish under your chastising. 17 As a woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pains, so were we in your presence, O Lord. 18 We conceived and writhed in pain, giving birth to wind; salvation we have not achieved for the earth, the inhabitants of the world cannot bring it forth. 19 But your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise; awake and sing, you who lie in the dust. For your dew is a dew of light, and the land of shades gives birth.

R: From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.

12 [13] You, O Lord, abide forever, and your name through all generations. 13 [14] You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to pity her. 14 [15] For her stones are dear to your servants, and her dust moves them to pity. (R) 15 [16] The nations shall revere your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory, 16 [17] when the Lord has rebuilt Zion and appeared in his glory; 17 [18] when he has regarded the prayer of the destitute, and not despised their prayer. (R) 18 [19] Let this be written for the generation to come, and let his future creatures praise the Lord: 19 [20] “The Lord looked down from his holy height, from heaven he beheld the earth, 20 [21] To hear the groaning of the prisoners, to release those doomed to die.” (R)

Jesus wants to be with us when we rejoice; He wants to share our burdens when we are in trial. We should never be afraid to go to Jesus with our problems. There is no magic fix to any of them but at the very least we will have someone to share the load with us.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

28 Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

think:  Jesus wants to be with us when we rejoice; He wants to share our burdens when we are in trial.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Nehemiah 1-5

A SMOOTH RIDE WITH THE LORD

Today’s First Reading from the prophet Isaiah opens with the words, “The way of the just is smooth; the path of the just you make level.” The Gospel has a similar thought, even if it uses a different imagery, when it concludes with Jesus’ words, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

       Whether one speaks of smoothness or lightness, or of ease and gentleness, this is assured by Jesus to the just man. It is His declaration that His teachings and demands are not easy, in the sense that it is disposable and automatic, and its fulfillment is unexacting and effortless. Rather, it is easy in the sense that it is manageable for the one who disposes himself in humility and docility before God. It is, in fact, still a burden; but far from weighing us down, it is actually what gives life its true meaning and fulfillment.

       And so, let us cheer up! If our faith and spiritual life only makes us sourfaced, apathetic and grumpy, there’s something wrong. Or, more probably, we have got it all wrong. Most likely, we haven’t grasped yet the Good News of our Lord Jesus.

       Remember: it’s Good News — and it’s supposed to make our paths smooth and level. Even if the ride will have to be bumpy at times, Jesus, our Friend and Brother, is just there on our side. He accompanies us in our journey and, together with Him, there’s nothing that is unbearable. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

REFLECTION QUESTION: What fears do you have in following the Lord?

Lord Jesus, I believe in Your promise — that You will always be with me. Help me to hang on to that promise always, especially in difficult times.