He rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. – Matthew 18:13

       It looks like a harmless and stylish wristwatch, but it’s actually a device that tracks steps, distance and calories burned. My husband and I immediately wore it and started a bond that’s extremely difficult to break without feeling a sense of defeat. With the use of LED lights, it shows us how we stack up vis-a-vis a daily goal — steps, calories or distance. It automatically syncs the data to my laptop and smartphone, giving real-time access to our stats, 24/7. Knowing how close I am to reaching my goals gives me the motivation to reach for them and aim higher.

       If this is the kind of commitment that I am willing to make to my health, how much more can be expected of me as a follower of Jesus? On my own, it’s difficult. But by God’s grace, I have committed myself to be counted as one of the 99 who chose not to wander off. Faith lights up like the scoreboard on my wrist, challenging me to be more committed day after day. Mari Sison-Garcia (mari_sison_garcia@yahoo.com)

Reflection: What can you do on a daily basis to deepen your commitment as a follower of Jesus?

Lord, give us the grace to get closer to our goal of attaining eternal life with You.

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.

God commands Ezekiel to obey. Some of Ezekiel’s prophecies are that of action. His actions are a sign of the Lord’s word for His people. Today Ezekiel eats the scroll that tastes like honey. The Word of God is always good for us. It should be like honey on our lips even when it challenges us to repent. We deepen our relationship with the Lord whenever we obey Him.

Ezekiel 2:8-3:4

8 The Lord God said to me: As for you, son of man, obey me when I speak to you: be not rebellious like this house of rebellion, but open your mouth and eat what I shall give you. 9 It was then I saw a hand stretched out to me, in which was a written scroll 10 which he unrolled before me. It was covered with writing front and back, and written on it was: Lamentation and wailing and woe! 3:1 He said to me: Son of man, eat what is before you; eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel. 2 So I opened my mouth and he gave me the scroll to eat. 3 Son of man, he then said to me, feed your belly and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you. I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. He said: 4 Son of man, go now to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them.

Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131

R: How sweet to my taste is your promise!

14 In the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches. (R) 24 Yes, your decrees are my delight; they are my  counselors. (R) 72 The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (R) 103 How sweet to my palate are your promises, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (R) 111 Your decrees are my inheritance forever; the joy of my heart they are. (R) 131 I gasp with open mouth in my yearning for your commands. (R)

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was a philosopher and a non-practicing Jewish convert to the Catholic faith. She conversed with many of the great thinkers of early twentieth century and contributed many insights about spiritual life. Let us ask her to pray for peace among the religions of the world and for the grace to focus on the things that unite us rather than those that divide us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

1 The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst, 3 and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. 10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. 12 What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? 13 And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. 14 In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

think: The Word of God is always good for us. It should be like honey on our lips even when it challenges us to repent.

Thank You Lord for: __________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Maccabees 1-2 

REDEFINING OURSELVES

We level up in every game. We sometimes compare our level with others and make sure we are at the top. As we rise from stage to stage, we become confident with what we are doing. The highest is the greatest and the lowest is the weakest. We tend to make ourselves the measure of greatness.

      The call to become like children invites us to recover the strengths that we may have lost in the pursuit of exaggerated independence. The modern world would say that to depend on others is a weakness and a source of shame. But most of us have a need for the other in our journey, to have someone to depend on. We may have taken this for granted. Our imperfection makes us realize that we need one another. It takes a strong will and humility to admit that we need each other.

       To trust others, we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable to them. To accept your love, I must be strong enough to admit that I need you. The child’s ability to depend is transformed as a strength.

       All our lives, we remain children of God — dependent on His love. As His children, we face our true identity. We are not defined by what we do, by what we have, and by what we can achieve. It takes a humble heart to have courage to face the truth about ourselves. Because we are defined by God’s goodness, our life is totally dependent on Him. If we are proud of our achievements and even with our spiritual life, and set ourselves above others, we have not yet come face to face with the truth about ourselves. Many people cling fast to their own image, habits, possessions, professions and success.

       Jesus is inviting us to redefine ourselves, to return to our true identity as children of God. The call to become like little children opens the way to a deeper recognition of our God who is a loving Father. Fr. Alex Balatbat

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Get in touch with your spirit. With all your heart, accept your identity as a child of God.

Jesus, grant us the wisdom to understand ourselves as children of God. Show us the way to see ourselves as we truly are. Amen.