It was kind of you to share in my distress. – Philippians 4:14

       Kaye was a fresh grad who joined our team at work. At the time, I was her trainer so we often spent time together and grew close. She was a hardworking kid, intelligent and jolly. Her laugh was contagious.

       One morning, I noticed that she wasn’t her usual self. She went straight to her seat and started work, instead of the usual morning pleasantries.

         I asked her how she was doing. She stood, tears flowing, and said, “I need a hug.” Immediately, I embraced her. She just learned that her dad was having an affair. Her mom didn’t know.

       They say a 20-second hug provides comfort. I think we did longer than that. Other colleagues took notice, obviously intrigued. But I ignored them. Here was a distressed spirit in need of comfort.

         In life, we all have crosses to carry, and it can be easy to focus only on ourselves. But God calls us to help one another and share in each other’s sufferings. When we do, we’ll realize that our personal burdens become lighter. Osy Erica (osy.erica@gmail.com)

Reflection: Do you know someone who needs your help? Don’t hesitate to offer a hand, an embrace, a prayer.

Father, You have sacrificed Your Son for us. Teach us to follow Your example as we sacrifice for others and share in their sufferings. Amen.

Good things await those who trust in the Lord and follow His ways. However, the blessings may not be in this life. We may have to wait for eternal life to receive the fullness of our reward. Sometimes the blessings can begin in this life, but we should not count on this happening. Some of us will be called to suffer for the sake of others; some to intercession, penance and fasting. Let us surrender our lives to God’s will and trust that He knows what is best for us.

6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. 7 On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; 8 he will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the Lord has spoken. 9 On that day it will be said: “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the Lord for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” 10 For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.

R: I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (R) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. (R)

Paul knows the truth of God’s blessings. He also knows the path of suffering. Let us not try to manipulate the will of God one way or another, but trust that He knows what is best for us, do our best to accept His will, and live it as best as we can. This is what God asks of us. St. Teresa of Avila, whose feast we celebrate today, used to say that it is our desire — to know God and be with Him — that is the most important aspect of the Christian life.

12 Brothers and sisters: I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 14 Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. 19 My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.

When God calls, we know it must be important and we should not delay in following His will. He always wants the best for us, so we should never be afraid to heed His call. Yet so many people struggle with the idea of doing God’s will above their own.

May the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, so that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.

1 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. 3 He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. 4 A second time he sent other servants, saying, “Tell those invited: ‘Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.’ ” 5 Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. 6 The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. 9 Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ 10 The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. 11 But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. 12 The King said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. 13 Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ 14 Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

think: What is God’s call to you at this stage of your life?

Read the Bible in one year Sirach 11-15

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

thank You, Lord, for: ______________________________________________________

THE COURTEOUS HOUND OF HEAVEN

Today’s parable is a potent reminder of God’s relentless pursuit of humanity.

       A king prepared a banquet for the wedding of his son. Take note: It was the king who invited. When he invites, you are mandated to go. People were invited but they refused. Almost begging, the king sent another invitation and each had their own petty excuses.

       Religion, they say, is man’s search for God. But the biblical God is different. He searches for man. He longs for him and He initiates. One of the very first words God said to man in the Scriptures are: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). Those are not words looking for location and direction, but words of a Lover luring His unfaithful beloved back into the right relationship.

       When the English poet Francis Thompson described God as the “Hound of Heaven” (a hound is a dog breed with a strong sense of smell, relentless in pursuing subjects), many were scandalized. But he was right. God is a Divine hound whose search for beloved humanity is relentless and constant.

       If the image of God as a hound in pursuit is scandalous, what more is God’s courtesy in His pursuit? He is God. He doesn’t need to ask. Instead, He invites, asks and proposes. God risks the embarrassment of rejection. If you were in God’s place, I’m sure you will not take that risk.

       I once saw a Korean guy who went to the flight attendants, asked for the microphone and publicly proposed marriage to his girlfriend in the plane. The guy said, “I have something to ask you and you’re free to choose from the four possible answers. You can either say ‘Yes,’ ‘Of course,’ ‘Why not,’ and ‘Absolutely.’” So much for freedom, huh? The choices left no room for the possibility of rejection.

       God took the risk of rejection because that is the way of genuine love. If we were created in a way that we cannot say “no” to God, then our “yes” to Him is of no value. God longs for our free and genuine “yes.” For that, He is willing to suffer the embarrassment of an ignorant “no” from a worthless yet arrogant humanity. Fr. Joel Jason

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

How long are you going to make God wait? Notice that the parable ends with the King exacting justice, a gentle reminder that in the end, God is not to be mocked.

I hear Your voice, O Lord, may I never delay. Amen.