Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give… The laborer deserves his keep. – Matthew 10:8,10

       Some people say the Bible is full of contradictions. Take the verses above. Those who claim church servants should serve without pay quickly declare the first line; while those who receive something, like a stipend, allowance or even a salary, confidently cite the second.

       Ahh, but there’s the rub. Without entering into further biblical debates, I believe God’s Word speaks to you where you are. No, it’s not just for your mere convenient interpretation of applying the Word for whatever it suits you. I believe it’s to show you how big God is, and that His Word cannot be contained in one person or group’s exclusive understanding about it.

       Of course, we have the Magisterium where we should abide by the Church’s official teachings. Still, I believe that God’s Word speaks to us in a personal, practical way, as He invites us into a personal relationship with Him. So that if you want to serve the Church for free — Amen! And if you receive something for it — then Amen, too! With constant prayer, a discerning spirit, a loving and honest heart, and a righteous and humble life by God’s grace, read God’s Word and confidently live by what it tells you. Alvin Barcelona (apb_ayo@yahoo.com)

Reflection: Does reading God’s Word inspire you or confuse you more? Be open to how God can speak to you.

Dear God, grant me the grace to read, understand and live by Your Word according to how You want me to live it in my life.

Today we read about the beautiful love language of God. He loves His people the way a mother loves her child. Even though the people have wronged Him, God’s anger abates when He remembers how much He loves them. Let us open our hearts to receive God’s forgiving and transforming love. His love will strengthen and enable us to resist temptation — the temptation to reject His love and turn away from Him.

Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9

1 Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more I called them, the farther they went from me, sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. 3 yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; 4 I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer. 8 My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. 9 I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you.

Psalm 80:2, 3, 15-16

R: Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken. From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. 3 Rouse your power. (R) 15 Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see: Take care of this vine, 16 and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. (R)

Jesus empowers us to proclaim the Gospel to others. He will work miracles through us if we let Him. We must entrust to Jesus this ministry in faith. If we pray for a deep faith, then the world will be transformed.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the Gospel.

Matthew 10:7-15

7 Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. 9 Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; 10 no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. 12 As you enter a house, wish it peace. 13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. 14 Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words — go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. 15 Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

think: God loves His people the way a mother loves her child.

Thank You Lord for: __________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Chronicles 19-20 

BEING SENT

It was a few months after my ordination. We had finally finished the four-year course of theology. What will be next? In a solemn ceremony in the chapel of the seminary, our superior handed to each one of us a cross, the so-called mission cross, and sent us out. What would the future bring, we asked ourselves? Of course, we young priests did not have to face the future like the disciples who were to go and leave all securities behind. But still, even with the securities the congregation offers its members, we felt scared. Where will I share the Word of God? Whom will I meet? Will I be successful? What frustrations and disappointments will come my way?

       We had three choices for our assignment: Argentina, Japan and the Philippines. I chose Argentina because the language was not as difficult as Japanese, and the climate was more pleasant than tropical Philippines. But I was sent to Japan where I stayed for 15 years, then to the Philippines where I stayed so far for 32 years.

       I had asked for pastoral work in a parish but was sent to teach at the SVD Nanzan University in Japan. In Manila, I was assigned first in a parish, but after six years I had to teach again.

       There were so many insecurities, failures and frustrations, as the disciples of Jesus also experienced. But sent by Jesus, all failures and frustrations are turned into success and joy, if one is aware that the Lord who sent us will never abandon His disciples.

       Not only priests, sisters or lay missionaries are sent by Jesus. At the end of every Mass, the priest tells all the faithful present: “Go in peace.” The old Latin form is even clearer: “Ite, missa est!” (Go, you are sent.)

       Nobody can say he was never sent by the Lord. Each and everyone has been given a task to share God’s love, mercy and  compassion in the place where God has placed him or her. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you aware that Jesus has a mission for you? Are you aware that God sends you every day to people whom you are supposed to share the Good News?

Lord, the mission You began when You sent out Your disciples has not ended. Fill me again with Your Holy Spirit so that I will be able to come up to Your expectation. Amen.