Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power. – Ephesians 3:7

      I am one of the most impatient people I know. Although to my assessment, I have already completed 10,000 hours of waiting for other people for meetings, dates and events, my patience runs thin when it comes to myself. I get so frustrated whenever I fail to execute my plans, lose discipline and start doubting my capabilities.

       Sometimes frustration gets the better of me that I am tempted to question why God has called me to serve Him in the first place. That’s why before, during and after carrying out every ministry task given to me, I am always left amazed at how I was able to do it.

         But then again, it’s not my work. It’s all God’s doing. His grace can never be earned — He generously bestows it to strengthen His children. Knowing every bit of myself, flaws and weaknesses included, I have no right to boast of who I am. I can only testify that regardless of how I see myself, God finds a way to maximize me as He wills.

Father, let Your grace and love overflow in me, such that everything I do may reflect You today, Amen.

St. Isaac Jogues and Companions, pray for us.

2 Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, 3 namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier. 4 When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit, 6 that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. 7 Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power. 8 To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the Church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him.

R: You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. (R) 4 Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. 6 Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! (R)

We have responsibilities in life, whether we are single or married, lay or cleric. How faithful are we in fulfilling our duties? It only takes one wrong move to damage a relationship — relationships that would have been preserved if only those involved had been more attentive to each other’s needs.

Stay Awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

39 Jesus said to his disciples: “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 41 Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” 42 And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 45But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. 47 That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; 48 and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

think: Are you a good steward of the graces God has given you? Are you using them to serve the Church?

Thank You Lord for: __________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR  Zechariah 1-4

BEING TRUSTWORTHY

Whenever the President of the Republic of the Philippines delivers his State of the Nation Address, the administration’s major accomplishments are aired, piece by piece. Plans and promises for the Filipino people were viewed with either anticipation or cynicism.

       Philippine politics allows us to see a mixture of new and familiar faces. New faces represent hope while familiar ones represent the possibility that they will improve their performance in serving their constituents than in the previous term.

       Elected officials are stewards. Their constituents voted for them because the former found them worthy of their trust. However, while some deliver what is expected of them, many do not. There will always be some who would abuse the people’s trust. Abuse starts with being lazy towards a responsibility. From being lazy to being tardy to being depraved, such negligent behavior unnoticeably worsens. The difficult part is when one hits rock bottom but is unable to recognize the fact. When caught red-handed, one readily pleads ignorance as if it erases all wrongs.

       God wants us to live our lives to the fullest. Whatever choice we make, we should be accountable for its consequences, mindful that the Son of Man will come at an hour we least expect.

        Whether in government or private institution, whether at home or with friends, whatever we’re doing, why not do things the right way so that we may have peace of mind and a healthy soul? Fr. Sonny Cotiamco

REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you value someone’s trust?

May I be Your trustworthy servant at all times, Lord. Amen.