CALLED TO FOLLOW (11-30-12)

Matthew 4:22

He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

Like new Christs, the Twelve and all the followers of Jesus in history reveal something of what it means to be a disciple.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to share the Good News to the gentiles and the Jews.

And their faith and love became the fuel that kept the faith burning in the hearts of men up to now.

Following Jesus is about listening and doing.

It is about putting into practice the things that Jesus taught.

It is about a lifestyle of peace and justice that sets one apart from others. 

He doesn’t need to interview you.

All you have to do is drop everything and follow Him. 

And it would not be a walk in the park with Him.

For true discipleship is found where people are hurting, where people are hungry, where people are oppressed, where people are denied justice, where people are dying. 

Follow Him, He is waiting.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, may our love for You and others be our only concern.  And may that love really push us to follow You and only You.  We should be more concerned about who we follow such as Jesus rather than what the evil one tempts us to follow.  We are Your disciples, forever.  Amen +

The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

REDEMPTION (11-29-12)

Luke 21:28

“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

Life moves on.  Another team, another projects, another challenges.  After all the preparations, executions and sacrifice, a project is completed.  But another would surely come in your way. 

And as preparation is vitally important in everything that we do in life, being prepared is most important as we await the coming of the Lord. 

And today, we enter the season of Advent. 

Advent is a season of preparation.  If the season of Lent prepares us for what happened on Good Friday (execution) and Easter (resurrection), then during Advent, we thank God for Christ's first coming (Christmas), prepare for his final coming at the end of time, and celebrate Christ's presence among us today through the Spirit. 

Let us light up the path today for the Lord and prepare His way as He comes to our hearts. 

Let Him lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces His glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit Who prepares us for His coming. 

Let Him prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which His presence will bestow.

Stand up straight with head raised… for we will be with Him, forever.

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus, excite in us a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours.  Receive our prayers as part of our service to You, our Lord who enlists us in God's own work for justice.  Excite in us a joy responsive to the Father's joy.  We fervently seek His will so we can serve with gladness, singing and love.  Amen +

To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

VIGILANT AT ALL TIMES (11-28-12)

Luke 21:36

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent…

At night, especially when walking in a dimly-lighted streets, we are always on the look-out, always vigilant as danger could just be around the corner.  We would always look for a well-lighted place, fully knowing that we would be safe…

You could be in the dark today, groping around trying to find that way towards the light.  All you have to do is to open your heart to Jesus Christ and let him guide you out of the dark.

For us, as people of faith and hope and love, the Gospel says all we have to do is have courage, hold our heads high, and keep our chins up because Jesus is coming, redemption is at hand, the reign of God is here, and everything is going to be alright.

And in today’s gospel, Luke urges us to spend time in prayer as we remain vigilant at all times…

…for the strength to stand before Christ, to spend time in prayer

…to keep vigil by sitting in the presence of God

And keep talking to God

Keep listening to God’s voice

And be continually in the presence of God.

Be prepared, for the Lord is coming.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You are holy and worthy of all our praise and adoration. You are calling us all to a higher standard of integrity and obedience than ever before. You are warning us to walk our walk as You reveal it to us -- and You are calling us to do what we say -- to be doers and encouragers and not just talkers.  To You be all the honor and glory!  Amen +

“Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord… exalt him above all forever.”

HIS WORDS, FOREVER (12-27-12)

Luke 21:33

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

God is always busy.

He is always busy loving us. 

And yet, we busy ourselves with taking care of earthly things. 

Some things that are not evil in themselves may have an evil influence if they crowd God out of our lives.  Having fun is not evil. But these things may compete with God in our lives if we let them.

Then it becomes evil.

We must make time with the Lord a number one priority.  We must be careful or the "busyness" and simple pleasures of life may crowd out our time with the Lord.  Spend a personal time listening to and reading the words of the Lord.

He is the beginning and He will be the end.

His words and promises will all be fulfilled.

He has been a faithful God and has given us immeasurable blessings.

Live in Him.  Live with Him.

He is our God and His words must not pass away from our hearts.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, help all who pray to be obedient to Your call when they receive it.  Be especially watchful over our church leaders worldwide as their role is key and their obedience vital.  Help all of us to learn from our past mistakes so we will not repeat them.  Amen +

Give glory and eternal praise to him!

DELIVERER AND SAVIOR (11-26-12)

Daniel 6:28

He is a deliverer and savior, working signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…

Savior is defined as someone who rescues another from harm, danger or loss. 

So you may ask, how did Jesus became my Savior?  Am I in any danger; is someone trying to harm me; or what would I lose if I failed to recognize Him as my Lord and Savior?

Good questions… that would merit good answers.  But the answers would only be good, if you would first take away all disbelief from your heart… and start to believe that only Jesus can deliver us from all anxieties, sins, fears and death that this worldly kingdom has to offer.

Yes, we are all in danger of losing a place in heaven.  For the devil is continually trying to get our attention… tempting us, so we would join him in hell and be subjected to anguish and pain… forever.

But even as we sinned against God, He would not allow us to suffer.  And He sent our deliverer and savior, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and pay as ransom for the many sins.

JESUS can be fully trusted and relied upon 100% for our personal salvation.

There is no surer source of truth, for He himself is the truth and only way to God.  He is our Deliverer, our Savior, our King, our Lord and our God.

Let us pray +

Oh Mighty Deliverer, I can never forget that in my neediness and affliction, You came and rescued me. While I was a slave to sin, you died to deliver my soul. I am free Lord, and such joy fills us me as I walk in the light of Your presence.  Deliver me Oh God from the destruction of selfish desires, that I might bind up the broken-hearted in Your name, and set prisoners free for Your glory.  I am full of hope, Jesus, my Deliverer, for you have rescued me.  Amen +

For he is the living God, enduring forever…

VOX DEI (11-25-12)

Solemnity of Christ the King

John 18:37

Jesus answered, “You say I am a king.  For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

Christ the King Sunday, the last holy Sunday in the western liturgical calendar year.  Next week, we start with the new liturgical year, starting with the Advent season as we prepare for Christmas, the birth of our Lord.

Ahh, it’s Sunday again. 

It is the day when we, at least, spend a whole one hour praising Him, singing for Him, hearing His mighty words and receiving the Eucharist - signifying that we accept Him as our Lord, our God, our Master, our Teacher, our Savior, OUR KING!

If in those little, minute things and places, we already find solace and experience paradise, what more if we really experience the true one, the one promised by our Lord.  When we reach that place, we can truly say that “I am now in Paradise, with my Lord and my King!”

You are always inside me…

talking to me…

hearing my thoughts…

understanding the pain I go through…

and loving me, for the real Paradise is in my heart. 

Continue filling-up my soul with Your love, Oh Lord, overflowing, out-pouring, that I may share them with others.

Let us pray +

Oh Lord, continue to console our souls.  Anticipate our desires and make Yourself present to us always, bringing all those graces and remedies to those who are in need.  We speak to You, for we know You are near, willing to listen.  We ask these in Jesus name, our Lord and King forever.  Amen +

The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.

DAY FIVE (11-24-12)

We all went home this morning.  Again, through God's grace and blessings, Tonet was able to conquer sickness.  Thanks to all your prayers.

DAY 4 (11-23-12)

Surgical operation successful.  Tonet is now resting to gain her strength.  She will be discharged by tomorrow.  Thanks for all your prayers.  To God, we bring back all the glory and praise.

DAY 3 (11-22-12)

The hematologist gave the go ahead signal to proceed with the surgical procedure.  Tonet is off to the operating room at 8AM today.  Operation will last about 30 mins to 1 hour and then recovery time of about 2-3 hours.  Thank you for all your continuous prayers.

DAY 2 (11-21-12)

We are just waiting for the advise from the hematologist if Tonet can be operated on.  Her haemoglobin level is low.  Thank you for your continuous prayers

LET US PRAY (11-20-12)

Luke 19:46

“My house shall be a house of prayer…”

I have been praying as long as I can remember. 

All through my life, I have experienced the power of prayer – in times of family trouble, marital trouble, financial trouble and personal difficulties. 

How do you pray?  What do you pray?  How sincere are your prayers?

God invites all of us to come to Him.  He wants us to bring to Him all our life’s burdens through prayer.  And when they do, they will find acceptance, comfort and help from Him. 

Let us ask that His kingdom come, His will be done in our lives, our church, our city and our country.  We need to demonstrate our trust in Him to fulfill the vision He has given us and seek the Lord together in prayer. 

The power of prayer resides in the Lord.  Put all your confidence in Him, asking anything according to His Words.  And knowing that He hears us, we know that He will provide whatever we asked for, in His time.

With God’s help let us make His house, a house of prayer for all the people – holy, obedient, trusting and one in Christ.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, I pray for the goodness of everyone.  May we constantly seek You and continuously praise Your mighty name.  Be merciful to us and be forgiving.  We are all sinners, so I am not really better than others.  And there is no more comforting truth in this world than this: Christ Jesus came into the world to forgive sinners.  And for that, I humbly and silently pray with all my heart and thank You.  Amen +

We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

DAYS ARE COMING (11-19-12)

Luke 19:43

For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you…

The devil would continue to haunt us.  He doesn’t want us to be serving the Lord our God.  They will continue to pounce on us, in different forms, in different times, at different opportunities.

So, are you ready?  Is the armor of God protecting you?  Is the sword of the Lord ready and sharpened?

We are always in constant attack from the principalities that rule this world. 

But we should not back down.

We should all hold our ground. 

We need to continue to be the loving, compassionate, and peacemaking children of God we have been called to be.

We may have hated someone in our life, but always remember to hate the actions done and not the person.  We must continue to show love to that person so that same love may change him and change us.  Loving others is taking out the enemy within.

So, in the end, we are both changed… taking out the true enemy from our hearts and worshipping only the true, One God.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, anger destroys the peace of our own soul, but being a loving and compassionate peacemaker brings peace to our soul.  Teach us to love those who brings injustice to our lives.  Teach us to love our enemies.  Teach us to trust in You, knowing that this is how we have been called to be.

Amen +

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

CONTENTED IN HIS PRESENCE (11-18-12)

Psalms 17:15

But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking, I shall be content in your presence.

Upon waking up in the morning, you would go straight to your normal morning ritual – fixing the bed, going to the bathroom, eating breakfast, taking a bath, dressing up and off to work.  Where is the car key?  Where is my lunch box?  Where are the kids?  An hour into the morning, and you are already dishelved, frustrated and a mess.

Most of the time, we always take common things for granted.  That the sun will rise in the morning, that you will hear the chirping of the birds tomorrow, that you would be alive the next day.  And still, we would blame God for every bad things that would happen to us.  Isn’t that unfair?

Live a life of contentment in His presence.  Not a contentment that comes from possessions, activities, or other people, for these can be changed or taken away.  But a life of contentment that comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ.  There is absolutely nothing that can take that away.

Contentment frees you to enjoy every good thing God has given you. Contentment demonstrates your belief that God loves you and has your best interest in mind.

Wake up in His presence… thanking Him for another day and start your day contented and full of peace.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, blessed are we, because we have known You!  Blessed are we, because we have believed in You!  Blessed are we, because we bear Your wounds and the sign of Your Blood on our countenances!  Blessed are we, because You are our great hope!  Blessed are we, because You are our God forever!

Amen +

The Lord will not abandon his people.

SALVATION HAS COME (11-17-12)

Luke 19:9-10

“Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost”.

Tax collectors during the time of Jesus, like Zacchaeus, are very wealthy people… but they are also greatly hated by the people.  They cheat people and whatever he collected over the amount required would be for him to keep.  But Jesus has other plans.  Instead of hating Zacchaeus, Jesus called on him so He can stay for dinner at his house.

Zacchaeus is overjoyed.  Here he was, a social outcast being offered the opportunity to host one of the most famous men in the country.  He scrambles down the tree and welcomes Jesus.  At the end of the day, another soul was saved, as what Jesus has come to accomplish.

We are called to a dinner with the Lord.

We are called to eat with Him.

He is inviting us to dinner, because He wants us to eat a piece of Himself. 

He knows our longing for Him and our faith in Him. 

Jesus’ invitation is for providing salvation and forgiveness and He is waiting for our repentance.  Jesus takes our shame upon himself willingly, waiting, hoping that we will understand and repent.  

What grace!

What mercy!

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”.

That means, you and me.

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus, as I read about Zacchaeus, I think of my own selfishness.  Help me to see you at work in people around me.  Help me to be willing to risk whatever reputation I have to join you.  I long to see your salvation shine more brightly through me.  In your holy name, I pray.  Amen +

The Lord upholds me.

HAVE SIGHT (11-16-12)

Luke 18:42-43

“Have sight; your faith has saved you”.  He immediately received his sight and followed Him, giving glory to God.

The cry echoes clearly two-thousand years ago as it is today, “Jesus, have pity on me!”  But most of the time, once we received what we need, we again go back to our previous wrongdoings, totally forgetting God, until that next disaster.

Jesus taking out afflictions not because He wants to, but because that person believes and have faith in Him.  The blind man's persistence and his urgent calls for help were rewarded as others before had been rewarded for their persistence.

Let us be rewarded because of our faith.  Ask for pity in all humility as we are absolutely dependent upon Him, Who is our only hope. 

And it should not stop there…

We should invite Him in out hearts, seeing with the eyes of faith.  Perhaps dimly at first and in need of correction, but nevertheless focused on the source of life and light that the Lord is offering to all of us.

And we continue to see the light with and for Him…

Make sure we never go blind again and continue to see.  These drastic changes in our lives should also be permanent and plain for all to see.  May others see all the good and right things in us so they may know that the Lord our God is really a merciful and loving God.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, forgive me for my unbelief. Renew my faith with the unstoppable faith that Bartimaeus possessed.  Let me be quick to praise God and to follow you in the Way.  In Jesus' name, I pray.  Amen +

Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.

YOUR WORDS, OUR LIFE (11-15-12)

Mark 13:31

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Words spoken 2,000 years ago, still they are as true and as relevant in our lives today.  So it really is amazing that the words of Jesus Christ continue to set the bar that no one can reach.

However, some of us would twist these words to suit our lives, so we can continue to live in our lies.  “An eye for an eye”, “divorce as promulgated by Moses”, “animal sacrifices” – these are old thinking that was already renewed through Christ.

“Love your enemy”.

“Love your wife; listen to your husband.”

“I am the way, the truth and the life”.

Jesus claim is so revolutionary that it was considered insane by some rational person. Yet, somehow, I know deep in my heart (as I am sure you also believe and know), that he spoke the plain truth.

And while I, as a sinner, might have problem reconciling His words with what I really want to do in my life, I cannot deny that He spoke with the authority and wisdom that can only come from a loving, omniscient God.

May God give us the strength to follow the words and actions of Jesus Christ and not be swayed by the tides of a changing world.

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus Christ, may we forever live and believe in your very Words.  No one can twist them, for they are Words of Life.  May we follow Your example forever, only believing in You and Your mighty words and deeds.

Amen +

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices…

SUDDEN COMING (11-14-12)

Luke 17:26

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man…

The year is again nearing its end.  Would the end of the world not be far?  Don’t ask me, for I don’t really know.  Only God the Father knows when it will be – even Jesus doesn't even know as He told His disciples:  “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”. 

But what I know is this.

We all need to be prepared. 

      We must all be ready and watchful,

           For “the day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare”. 

As St. Peter has all warned us, and so we must be prepared – 

“You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.  That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:11-13).

Are you ready for the last day?

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, help us to be ready for Jesus' sudden coming.  Shake us awake.  Help us not to be lulled to sleep by the unbelief Teach me the true value of material things so that I do not cling to them.  Help my eyes to be ever looking for His appearing.  In the holy name of Jesus, I pray.

Amen +

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

CALL OUT TO HIM (11-13-12)

Luke 18:7

Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to Him day and night?

You asked for something

You did not received what you asked for

So, you gave up… thinking that you are not loved, and so you rebelled.

But have you thought of asking again…

And again… and again?

God is more than a father, He is more than a judge.  He is our Lord, our God – worthy of our unceasing praise and prayers. 

If faith is the furnace of our lives, then His grace is its fuel. 

And the divinely appointed shovel for feeding the burner is prayer. 

If I lose heart and lay down the shovel, the fire will go out.  I would eventually grow cold and hard. 

Focus on our heart attitude. 

“Rejoice always” is an attitude of joyfulness. 

How do we rejoice and give thanks? Through prayer! 

It expresses itself throughout the day with silent prayers of vital communication with the LORD.  We can't always stop asking, our heart’s attitude should always be of  “praying without ceasing”.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, I pray to you without ceasing.  I bring back to You my life of prayer without losing heart.  And when Jesus comes, I hope that He would see the faith in me, and be worthy to join Him in Heaven.

Amen +

Remember the marvels the Lord has done!

KINGDOM IN OUR HEARTS (11-12-12)

Luke 17:20-21

“The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed… For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

I already have a concept of our dream house.  But it is still a concept – kept in my and my wife’s mind.  We are still paying for the lot so we cannot build it yet.  And until it is completely built, it would remain a dream – soon to be realized.  Until we see it, feel it and live in it, we would only be living in our dreams.  That is the reality of living in this earthly world.

Jesus is offering us more than this earthly world.  He is offering us more than just a dream. 

Yes, He promised us heaven and the Kingdom of God. 

Yes, He promised us eternal life and His second coming. 

Jesus did not want us to expect an immediate kingdom, but now that promise is not just a dream for it lives in our every hearts.  All we need is to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 

The Kingdom of God is not a visible territory with borders.  It is not a capitol building with beautiful architecture.  Instead, his Kingdom, God's Kingdom, has already begun to make its appearance as people bow their hearts to the King and offer themselves in service to His rule. 

Have you truly yielded your heart, soul, mind, and strength to do the Lord's will?  Is His Kingdom now rightfully placed in your heart?

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, I praise You for Your power and glory.  I praise You for Your work of deliverance and salvation in our lives.  I praise You for Your promise of a home and a great future with us.  Now I ask that Your will be done in my life as I offer myself to serve and honor You as the only true and living God, in Jesus' name.

Amen +

Your word is for ever, O Lord.

PITY US, LEPERS (11-11-12)

Luke 17:12-13

They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master!  Have pity on us!”

Leprosy… a type of sickness that cannot be easily healed.  Slowly, the body is being consumed, little by little, until we cannot bear the pain and suffering anymore.  And the part has to be amputated or disfigured permanently.

Sin… spiritual weakness that cannot be easily cured.  Slowly, the body is being consumed, little by little, until we cannot bear the pain and suffering anymore.  And our lives are forever amputated from the body of Christ, wallowing forever in sinful extravagance, our soul disfigured permanently.

We are all lepers – spiritual lepers, that is.  What is worse, this disease affected our hearts, totally ignoring God up to a point of doing those that are exactly the opposite of His will.

And worst of all, some of us do not believe that they ever can be healed! 

Yet, there is hope.  There is hope when Jesus sends His gospel to us, and bids us to repent. "I believe in the forgiveness of sins":  this is a sweet sentence of a true creed. 

Believe in the renewal of our hearts; for the Lord can give new hearts and right spirits even to the evil and unthankful; cleansing our heart, our soul, our spirit – giving us salvation!

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus, I am unclean as a leper shouting to You for forgiveness from afar, for I cannot approach You and unworthy of even Your gaze.  But You did differently.  You are the One who even approached me and healed me of my spiritual illnesses.  And You even gave up Your life to ensure ever-lasting comfort, joy and peace with the Father.  I shall always go back to give You thanks and praise.  Amen +

Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.

UNPROFITABLE SERVANT (11-10-12)

Luke 17:10

When you have done all you have been commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do”.

Would you see your house helper, remote control in hand, sitting in your sala and watching TV?  Or, sleeping in the master’s bedroom?  Of course , not.  As servant, they have a place in the house, and they should follow that rule or their service will be terminated.

You may say that is not fair.  But fair or not, the servant was expected to work in the house or the field and prepare the food afterwards for his master.  That is his duty.  The master wasn't there to serve the servant, but the servant is expected to serve the master.

And in our relationship with the Lord, we always think that we are the master and God is our slave. 

Our prayers tend to be "give me" prayers – “Please help my business succeed”, “Heal my mother's cancer”, “Provide food to those experiencing a famine”, “Work in my boss's heart to give me a raise”.  Is this any way to address God to whom we owe our allegiance, life and salvation?

We are His servant, not the other way around!  We are His servants, His slaves first.  We are to serve him dutifully without any expectation of reward.

Our prayer should be of servant’s prayer:  “Father, what do you want me to do today?”, “How can I help my friend learn to be brave in face of sufferings?, “Give me strength and boldness to witness for you so others may know You.”

And after we have learned that lesson of obedience, hear His voice as He call us His "friends."

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, give me a servant’s heart.  Help me to better understand my appropriate role as your slave, so when you graciously grant me your friendship I might truly appreciate your love.  Amen +

I will bless the Lord at all times.

TAKE THEM OUT (11-09-12)

John 2:16

“Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”

Jesus, with a whip… driving vendors out of the temple.

Jesus, anger in His face, overturning tables of the money changers. 

“Take these out of here”, he would tell everyone for they are making His Father’s house a marketplace.

These people are making easy money by cheating the people.  They would sell the birds and the oxen for sacrifice, and would sell them at a higher price.  They would change money at higher rate, because only certain type of money can be donated to the temple.

We always see Jesus portrayed as either serene parable teller or the suffering Jesus, carrying the cross, being mocked by the crowd, being crucified.  Or the triumphant Jesus having defeated death in His resurrection, with His face in glorious light and pompous serenity.  Very seldom, if not, do we see Him with a whip in one of his hands.

And yet, this is the way Jesus is portrayed in today’s scripture. He is a man on a mission, and he will not stand for his Father’s temple to be desecrated.

Jesus cleansed the temple.  And He did it again on the cross. 

Ask Him to come in our lives and whip us out of sin and overturn our tables, not out of anger but to make our lives into what He has created us to be.  Perhaps the fierce Jesus is needed.  Perhaps Jesus needs to come in with a whip to cleanse us out.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, clean out my heart.  Come into my life with your whip and cleanse me out.  Take those parts of my life that take me away from you and get rid of them.  Fill me with your Spirit. Lord, you have the power to forgive and you have the power to change me.  All of this in Jesus’ name.  Amen +

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.

GIVE IT WHOLE (11-08-12)

Luke 21:3-4

“…this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for… she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood”.

What!  I only have enough money, and yet you still want to get it from me.  How can I eat tonight?  How can I go to work tomorrow?  How can I buy my favorite beer after work?  How can I give some tip to my favorite dancer in the club?  Go somewhere else… I have to work.

Where is the trust?  Where is the heart to help?  No wonder Jesus would put the poor widow in today’s gospel above all the rest.

Her act was motivated by the knowledge, by the spiritual thrill of heart, that she belonged to God.  She had received freely, and her gratitude to God revealed itself in contentment, a total confidence that the Lord was able to supply her daily need.  She lived in total dependence upon God.

Total trust… true love.

How about you?  How about me?  Have we given God your all, whether large or small?  Do we have the heart of trusting God for the next step, the next meal, the next project?  Know the reward of loving God with a joy and purity that reward you with His glorious presence.   Give with all your heart and trust to the Lord.

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus, I am more and more aware that those whom You will reward with the greatest crowns are not as likely to be the well-known Christian leaders, but the faithful men and women who regularly lay their whole life on the line for you. I pray that I might someday you might count me worthy to stand among these ordinary Christian heroes.

In your Holy Name, I pray.  Amen +

Praise the Lord, my soul!