They are a like tree planted near streams of water that yields its fruit in season; its leaves never wither.... – Psalm 1:3

Sowing the seeds of good, hard work for a company reaps rewards. My brother had worked for a Taiwanese company for more than 20 years. He earned the respect of his boss because he excelled at his job.

       My brother was already working for another company when he and his family went to Taipei for a vacation. He wondered if his former company was still around so he searched the Internet and found a number which he used to get in touch with his old boss. When he learned that my brother was in town, he treated his whole family as if they were royalty.

       He sent a chaffeur-driven luxury van to tour them around the interesting sights of the city and brought them to Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world. They were fed like kings and queens. The chauffeur was with them until late that evening. After that, his former boss even gave him money to spend during their stay in Taipei.

       It’s like working in God’s vineyard. When we sow goodness, we reap our rewards in heaven from our Heavenly Boss. Donna España (donna@homeliving.com.ph)

Reflection: To the faithful, God is faithful. To the loyal, God is loyal.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to us. We believe that rewards beyond our expectation await us who work in Your vineyard.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, religious, pray for us.

Today is the feast day of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, the queen who used her power and wealth in extraordinary ways to help those least able to care for themselves, by building hospitals and schools. Her example is one that all wealthy people should emulate.

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show his servants what must happen soon. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who gives witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ by reporting what he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near. 4 John, to the seven churches in Asia: grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne. 2: 1 I heard the Lord saying to me: “To the angel of the Church in Ephesus, write this: ‘The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this: 2 “I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves Apostles but are not, and discovered that they are impostors. 3 Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. 5 Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

R: Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.

1 Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, 2 but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. (R) 3 He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. (R) 4 Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes. (R)

The blind man knew Jesus had the power to heal him and so would not let Him pass by without trying to attract His attention. The same should be true for each one of us. We all have our disabilities. They may not be physical but spiritual and, thus, we need the healing power of God. Let us take every opportunity to call upon His name so that God can make us whole in both body and spirit, remembering of course that the greatest healing we can receive is remission of our sins.

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

35 As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, 36 and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 39 The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” 40 Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” 42 Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” 43 He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

think:  The greatest healing we can receive is remission of our sins.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Jeremiah 31-34

PRAYER OF FAITH

Beggars and vendors at times can be annoying, I must confess. Let me explain before you judge and condemn me. They are annoying, not because they are beggars or are ambulant vendors. They can be obnoxious when they demand, when they call your attention by holding your hand, tugging your shirt, or tapping your shoulder, following you wherever you go, and badgering you until you capitulate. Ambulant vendors could also make you feel sorry for yourself, especially when they shove their wares almost at the tip of your nose, forcing you to buy something you don’t want or need.

       Time and again, however, I run into well-mannered kids who move me into buying their goods even if I have no need for them. And I meet up with vendors who almost make me feel guilty for not even noticing them.

       Why is this, you might ask? One simple reason: They have enough self-respect and dignity to treat their potential buyers with the same respect they have for themselves. They know how to treat people with respect, and that attitude simply shows in their overall behavior. They do not refer to you perfunctorily as Mister, Missus, Ma’am, Sir, Kuya or Ate, all uttered with hardly a tone of deference, but done as part of their daily routine.

       Today’s beggar must have caught the attention of the Lord precisely because he was not the typical beggar who would almost twist your arm to get what he wants. His plea was not just a selfish demand. His petition was really, first and foremost, a prayer of faith. He called the Lord by His name and acknowledged Him for who He was, the promised “Son of David.”

       The people, whom the blind man asked upon hearing the commotion of the crowds, were not as personal. The best answer they could come up with was “Jesus of Nazareth.” There was nothing warm and intimate between Jesus of Nazareth and the crowds who probably followed Him only out of curiosity.

       The blind man, however, showed more than just human warmth and esteem for the Lord. His was a prayer of faith, no less! Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you have a tendency to twist the arm of God when you pray for something you desire badly?

May I learn to trust that You only want what’s best for me, Lord, every time I pray to You.