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Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - The practice of faith |
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The practice of faith
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
1‘Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 16‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 19‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust* consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust* consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Reflection by Archibald Tubo: Our scripture lesson of today is two-fold. One is about giving, and the other is about fasting. First, alms giving is a way where we Christians are called to serve others. It is generally focused on the physical and material needs, and is based on the criterion for the love of Christ -- seeing Him on the needs of our neighbors. Spiritually, alms giving is about compassion. Recently, our church council met on how to respond to a call for help from a region in the Philippines devastated by an earthquake. Most opted for a calamity fund to be taken from the church monies. What struck me was when a brother asked if this was the way we are moved by compassion. Compassion is supposed to be a spiritual and personal way to show mercy to those in dire need, just as God showed mercy on us. It is a strong reminder that faith is not just about doctrines and beliefs, but rather about acting on such beliefs. And we can be called true Christians only if we practice what we believe. As Paul said, "Doing the truth in love." The second part is about self-sacrifice and self-denial. We fast because of spiritual hunger, which reminds us of our dependence upon God. But in the wider scene, it is more important to view fasting to a greater hunger existing in our planet today. Something that is not self-imposed, but rather inflicted by cruel, greedy and unjust regimes. How moved and compassionate can we be with these harsh realities in our midst? One is to view fasting not just as emptiness to our bellies, but to open our hearts to the truth, which is our responsibility to those who have nothing. As Fr. John O'Donnell said: The only way to overcome hunger of the stomach is through conversion of the heart. Our alms for the starving can be a small part of that conversion process needed to create a more just world. Prayer: Merciful God, draw us nearer to Thee, and make us see the true meaning of compassion in our everyday life. Amen.
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A Blessed Contradiction
Job 19:23-27
“If only my words were written in a book— better yet, chiseled in stone! Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life— and eventually he’ll take his stand on earth. And I’ll see him—even though I get skinned alive!— see God myself, with my very own eyes. Oh, how I long for that day! (The Message)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
The story of Job captured the imagination of those who suffered in life and hailed him as the supreme example of patience under adversity. James writing to the early church said: As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. (5:10-11). Before I read Job myself the stock knowledge that came to mind from children’s Sunday school points me to a man who bravely and silently confronted suffering without complain and without question. So I imagine the fitting slogan for all who suffer – “Remember Job.”
But the whole story is about contradiction and the anomaly of a well-defined, clean and straight cut understanding of God. I am glad that we have it in our Bible because Job becomes a living reminder that our journey of faith is not a black and white proposition. I strongly advise that we read more than once the Book of Job to discover the beauty, the brilliance and the challenge the story creates for all believers of all time and all generation.
It is not true that Job was patient and did not complain. The dialogue between him and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar) began in 3:1 where we read, “After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. Job defiantly said, “I am innocent and God has taken away my right.” (34:5) as quoted by Elihu (the 4th person who spoke). Like Job’s three friends who cared and were so concern about Job’s condition he rightfully assessed the situation by saying: Job, you need to be pushed to the wall and called to account for wickedly talking back to God the way you have. You’ve compounded your original sin by rebelling against God’s discipline, Defiantly shaking your fist at God, piling up indictments against the Almighty One.” (34:36-37)
The book of Job ended with a note that God was angry with his friends, “for (they) have not spoken of me (God) what is right, as my servant Job has.” (42:7) This is one of the contradictions because his friends spoke highly of God. In fact, they were the ones who defended God from Job’s irreverence and accusations.
Even Job’s faith expressed by these words And I’ll see him—even though I get skinned alive!— see God myself, with my very own eyes” runs counter to what his people believe. Expressed clearly in Ex. 33:20 “But, he (God) said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” Uttered as a word of hope and life yet it was also a wish for death.
God restored Job’s fortunes at the end. But the baffling question that the story tried to respond as to why the righteous suffers was not satisfactorily and neatly answered. God answered Job out of the whirlwind and began the litany of God’s power and majesty with the question “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? (38:4). Perhaps it was meant to be that way, for us mortals to embrace the contradictions of life and faith. Prayer: We desire clear answers to our questions, O God. Who would not be? And we keep asking. Direct us to your answer. Amen.
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Monday, February 20, 2012
Moses meets God
Exodus 19:7-25 7 So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8The people all answered as one: ‘Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.’ Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. 9Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak with you and so trust you ever after.’ When Moses had told the words of the people to the Lord, 10the Lord said to Moses: ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11and prepare for the third day, because on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12You shall set limits for the people all around, saying, “Be careful not to go up the mountain or to touch the edge of it. Any who touch the mountain shall be put to death. 13No hand shall touch them, but they shall be stoned or shot with arrows;* whether animal or human being, they shall not live.” When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they may go up on the mountain.’ 14So Moses went down from the mountain to the people. He consecrated the people, and they washed their clothes. 15And he said to the people, ‘Prepare for the third day; do not go near a woman.’ 16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, as well as a thick cloud on the mountain, and a blast of a trumpet so loud that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the Lord had descended upon it in fire; the smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, while the whole mountain shook violently. 19As the blast of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses would speak and God would answer him in thunder. 20When the Lord descended upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain, the Lord summoned Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. 21Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down and warn the people not to break through to the Lord to look; otherwise many of them will perish. 22Even the priests who approach the Lord must consecrate themselves or the Lord will break out against them.’ 23Moses said to the Lord, ‘The people are not permitted to come up to Mount Sinai; for you yourself warned us, saying, “Set limits around the mountain and keep it holy.” ’ 24The Lord said to him, ‘Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you; but do not let either the priests or the people break through to come up to the Lord; otherwise he will break out against them.’ 25So Moses went down to the people and told them.
Reflection by Leda Faye Aldiano:
Reading this text and putting myself in the scene gave me a some sort of scary feeling. I could imagine how tired Moses was going up and down Mount Sinai in his golden age -- preparations that Moses and the people needed to do before meeting God; being put to death if you touch the base of Mount Sinai. These were in preparation before God would reveal his covenant to the Israelites. When God descended, there were smoke, fire, lightning, thunder and earthquake. Think of being in a smoke, fire, lightning, thunder and earthquake, minus God.
I am glad that today, God no longer threatens us with death when we are to come in his holy places. We do not need to go up and down a mountain to meet God. In fact, we can come before God with bold confidence, laying our concerns before Him (Hebrews 4:16). We came to know a God that is not limited to a certain place. By prayer, we could come to His holy place... in our pure hearts and minds.
Prayer: Dear God, we honor your omnipotence and omnipresence. Thank you for revealing yourself to us in so many different ways. Amen.
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Who Is In Or Out?
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had indeed married a Cushite woman) (12:1b) Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
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Monday, February 13, 2012
A sign for Moses
Exodus 4:1-7 4Then Moses answered, ‘But suppose they do not believe me or listen to me, but say, “The Lord did not appear to you.” ’ 2The Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ He said, ‘A staff.’ 3And he said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ So he threw the staff on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses drew back from it. 4Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Reach out your hand, and seize it by the tail’—so he reached out his hand and grasped it, and it became a staff in his hand— 5‘so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.’ 6 Again, the Lord said to him, ‘Put your hand inside your cloak.’ He put his hand into his cloak; and when he took it out, his hand was leprous,* as white as snow. 7Then God said, ‘Put your hand back into your cloak’—so he put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored like the rest of his body—
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
We want to have a concrete sign to help us in our life's journey. It would be easier to traverse such tortuous paths when such path is lighted like the TV commercial on Fidelity and we see our desired goal at the end. But life is not, and one has to rely on God's direction and guidance so that at the end we glorify him.
Such reliance takes full courage and trust that he can change our lives and of others. Most of us can definitely identify with Moses. How often have we muttered excuses that we are short in our vocabulary when we're challenged to lead a prayer, let alone a bible study or (God forbid) give the message on the Sunday? We are stumped with human inadequacies and feelings of insecurity especially in the presence of highly intellectual group. We don't want to be labeled as a fool and a source of gossip, in Bisayan dialect, "patuga-tuga". But then again, we get this feeling only if we don't trust God from the beginning.
When Moses fled from the rod that was made serpent, God instructed him to take the snake from its tail and was converted back to a staff. God challenged us to confront our fears and master it that they will know that God works in our lives. We can be Moses, too. We can be channels to which God reveals his plan to bring Jews out from the land of Egypt or to bring us out of our own modern slavery of sin. Each of us has something that God can strengthen so he will be manifested to others and that we too will grow spiritually in Him.
Prayer: We may not see the sign that you have shown us, Lord, but let the Holy Spirit envelope us with courage and trust that whatever we do we do it for your glory. Amen.
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Jesus shows compassion Matthew 9:27-3627 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ 28When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ 29Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ 30And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, ‘See that no one knows of this.’ 31But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. 32 After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. 33And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.’ 34But the Pharisees said, ‘By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.’* 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
Today's text makes us reflect on the compassionate heart of Jesus, seeing the multitude scattered like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus' compassion makes us recall the teachings in the Bible that God in His goodness has shown us mercy despite our sinful ways. That in the fullness of time, God sent His own son to save us from our shortcomings. "When the goodness and living kindness of God, our Savior appeared to save us, not because of deeds of righteousness, but by virtue of His own mercy". Thus basically the basis of Jesus’ compassion is God's love for us.
The Gospels frequently describe how Jesus is moved by compassion. What message does this send to us? Jesus has set an example on how we should lead our lives -- be compassionate. Just as God was touched by our human misery, so too should we open our hearts to the misery of others. That for us to receive God's mercy, we should take up our responsibility and follow Jesus's ways by showing mercy to those in need -- our neighbors. When we do this, we are practically doing what God did for us. That if we let our hearts be touched by the suffering of others, we too will be shown mercy.
Prayer:
Almighty Father, you have sown us the greatest love of all in Christ Jesus. Enlighten our minds and strengthen our wills, that we too may be able to share this love to one another. Amen.
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Tuesday, February 7, 2012
What a Faith!
Matthew 8:5-17
“When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, “Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.” (v. 10)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
Our text today tells of a story about Jesus encounter with a centurion who pleaded help for the healing of his servant. Much has been said about the power of Jesus to heal. This is the biblical testimony and the continuing testimony of the church as well. But what captured my imagination is the faith of this unnamed centurion.
Centurions were described as the backbone of the Roman Army in charge of commanding 100 soldiers in a legion. A legion consists of 6,000 soldiers therefore there were 60 centurions in 1 legion. Centurions were veteran soldiers who rose from the ranks and known for their loyalty and bravery in battles. It was an honor and a privilege to be chosen as a centurion. Being one implies power and authority.
In the Roman society the power structure was clearly defined. Emperor and subjects, officers and foot soldiers, master and slaves, priests and worshippers among others, each knew the boundaries and the extent of their role and authority. In those days, it would not be unusual for masters to treat their servants and their slaves with indifference or in a cruel manner. After all servants and slaves did not possess rights and privileges as Roman citizens. Servants and slaves can be sold and exchanged just like any other goods or tools.
Who was this servant on whose behalf a master and a person of authority (a centurion) pleaded help from an itinerant preacher named Jesus? It was unusual for a Roman Officer to ask for help. Centurions were used to give orders and demand service from subjects. Whoever this centurion was, he would not be a typical one. No wonder Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such a faith.” It was also remarkable for Jesus, a Jew to commend the faith of a centurion, a Gentile.
For sure, the centurion believes in Jesus power to heal otherwise he would not approach and ask him for help. Jesus and all of us who read the story recognized that as well. But did Jesus saw something beyond what we assume this story was all about. Could it be that Jesus was also pointing to us what faith in action should be? Faith defined not just as strong belief and conviction about God but also faith that shapes how we live our lives. In the case of the centurion a faith that treats his servant with love and compassion. An act that was unusual and unmatched in a world and a culture that use and abuse servants and slaves.
The story about the centurion followed after Jesus preached that famous Sermon on the Mount where he reinterpreted the law and the prophets and proclaimed how to live a life anchored in God. At the end of the sermon Jesus said: “And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” (Matt. 7:26) Jesus teachings are not just food for thoughts that remains to be pondered and preached from the pulpits. These teachings should be like fuel that keeps the engine of life running. This is the kind of faith that Jesus commends from all those who want to follow and claim him as Lord and Savior. What a faith!
Prayer: Guide us O God to a faith that goes beyond saying I believe, a faith that can be seen in the way we live. Amen.
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Monday, February 6, 2012
God will give you strength
Isaiah 40:27-31
Reflection by Leda Faye Aldiano:
In today's text, the people are complaining that God has forgotten them and He doesn't care. Isaiah responds by portraying God in all His incomparable magnificence.
There are times in our life that we are tempted to think that God has left us. These are very difficult times that we find ourselves in the middle of a situation where there seems to be no hope at all of whatever darkness or misery we are in. In our minds, we could ask "where is God?' or "why am I having this problem Lord?'
Isaiah reminds us of God's magnificence. God will give us the strength to overcome whatever difficulty we are in, because He does not grow tired and weary. He is our source of power and strength.
I hope and pray that we would not think God has left us or has forsaken us in times of tragedies and disasters. May we think that they are permitted circumstances under God's control. God's thoughts are not our thoughts, His ways are not our ways. Let us hope in the Lord to renew our strength and trust that He is working out His will. Amen.
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Jesus’ authority over evil spirits
Luke 4:31-37
31He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. 32They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. 33In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ 35But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. 36They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ 37And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.
Reflection by Archibald Tubo: Today's text reflects the authority of Jesus as prophet, teacher, exorcist, healer and proclaimer of God's kingdom. As to why He rebuked the man with evil spirits? The question reflects the belief that before the day of the Lord, control over humanity would be taken away from the evil spirits, evil destroyed, and God's authority over man is reestablished. The synoptic gospel tradition, which is the sharing of the views of Jesus Christ's life described in the gospels of Matthew, Luke and Mark, presents Jesus fulfilling this task.
Now, what sense can this message have in our daily pilgrimage of faith? One approach is to keep the faith, pray for grace, to overcome the temptations to sin, and be freed from the wiles of evil. As we live each day, we also struggle to survive, knowing that there are no difficulties in life that we are immune to. And most often, these struggles are what makes faith challenging. That the more we believe, the more we are exposed and tempted to the wicked side. Another approach is to seek God each day for the grace of perseverance. That even though we are challenged every time we try to be good, we always try to stand firm for Jesus, knowing that He can always rebuke evil which confronts us. As a congregation of believers, we only have to focus on the goal set before us by God, and He will always protect us, as we persevere.
PRAYER:
Almighty Father, amid these struggles we encounter in our daily lives, and the challenges we face as we believe, send forth thy Holy Spirit, to preserve us in the graces of faith and hope. Amen.
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Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Too Hot To Handle
Matthew 8:28-34 “Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.“ (34)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
Jesus is too hot to handle whether by the demoniacs or by the whole town of Gadarenes. Today’s text tells of a story in a town where two folks possessed by evil spirit confronted Jesus. Matthew portrayed the fierceness of the two by noting that nobody could pass the tomb where they lived. The demoniacs were too hot to handle by the town. I wonder how could they bury their dead if these two lurk in the area. But on this day, it was their turn to be terrified. Jesus presence was too overwhelming that the demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.”
Something can be said also about the town of Gadarenes. How come people in the area raised swine? It is an animal whose meat Jews were forbidden to eat and even to touch their carcasses (Deut 14:8). But we have a picture not just of one or two but herds of swine. In fact, the herd was taken cared of by more than one person. They were the ones who reported to the town what transpired during the encounter between Jesus and the demoniacs. When they heard about the story, the whole town, not just a few people, came to meet Jesus and begged him to leave. Jesus was also too hot for the town to handle.
The demoniacs and the people of Gadaneres discovered that Jesus’ presence offset the balance and the equilibrium of their lives. There seems to be ‘harmony’ in their lives. People not minding the demoniacs in their abode and nobody also minded if there were swine in their town. Jesus exposed the secrets of Gadaneres and everybody felt that if they let Jesus stay many issues of life and faith will be uncovered. So it was best for them to beg off, to let him go and leave them alone.
Packs of cigarettes sold in the Philippines carry this warning: Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health. This is also true with Jesus. Jesus is dangerous. He offsets the peace and the comfort that we are used to. Jesus is dangerous to established religion, including our own. Anything evil that is associated by death (tomb) is confronted by the power of the resurrection. Any hidden secret (e.g. appearing pious while raising forbidden animals) hidden in the dark will be exposed to light. It is no wonder that even today, people are begging off for Jesus to stay away from their lives, to leave them alone. Jesus is indeed too hot to handle.
How about you, will you also join to beg off Jesus to leave?
Prayer:
You will continue to offset us O God through the claim of Jesus until your rule and reign shall fully come and your will be done here on earth. May we never get tired of the discomfort our faith in Jesus brings by begging him off to leave in our lives. Amen.
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Monday, January 30, 2012
Jesus teaches with authority
Matthew 7:15-29 15 ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus you will know them by their fruits. 21 ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” 23Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.” 24 ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’ 28 Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
Nowadays, we are bombarded with good and bad messages. With the spike of technology one can just press his/her fingertips to the remote and watch Christian leaders preaching or tune in to the radio where you can hear bible passages interpreted by teachers or log in to the internet and read blogs, homilies and sermons. There seems to be no limit when one wants to feed himself/herself spiritually. But how do we know whom to believe?
Matthew 7:20 summarizes the criterion to which one should be aware of: By their fruits you shall know them. And we have witnessed several times wolves brought to justice for deceiving the congregations be it by enriching themselves financially, or in cases of molestations even murder in the name of God. Jesus warned us on these false prophets and not build our spiritual lives in the shifting sands. Sometimes we are swayed by a smooth-talking handsome man who exudes great confidence that whatever he says spells true. Spray in some bible verses with touches of positivism in their tone then we are hooked to more "truths". We fail to examine the half truths that they utter because we are blinded by their physical attributes.
But what Jesus is telling us is said with authority and not like the scribes or secondary person. Jesus claims his lordship when he warns us about the wolves and forming our faith and character on the wrong foundation. At the end, He judges us on how we live our lives according to his will.
Prayer: O, Holy Spirit, guide our souls to Jesus' truths. Amen.
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Wednesday, January 25, 2012
God calls Jeremiah Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-194 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ 6Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.’ 7But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a boy”; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. 8Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.’ 9Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.’ 17But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. 18And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land. 19They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
Today's text tells us about Jeremiah's call by the Almighty. Though only in his youth, he proclaimed a heart-breaking message of doom to the people of Judah, all for their wickedness. Though broken hearted, he faithfully declares, through his sermons and signs, that total surrender to God's will is the only way to escape calamity.
The scripture’s message teaches us on how to live our lives here on Earth. We not only should live it in faith, but also to be an example to others, that they too may be saved. This brings us back to the question on the purpose of our lives in this planet. This question has puzzled many because we typically begin at a wrong starting point -- ourselves. We start by dreaming what we want to be and once achieving it, we forget the real purpose of our lives. We tend to be swallowed into the material world, forgetting that we were made for His purpose and by His purpose.
Our church has experienced this a lot of times in the past. However, in recent years, we noticed a lot of great change. We have seen growth in our membership and programs, aside from the three congregations working perfectly together. This means that if we forget about ourselves and focus on God's purpose for us, life makes sense. "That it is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, purpose and destiny. All else leads to a dead end.
However, there are also those who try to use God for their own personal purpose, to the extent of using the church for their own personal whim and caprice. We should always remember that we were made for God and not otherwise, and life is about letting God use us, and not using Him for our own purposes. "Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end, attention to God leads us out into the open, with a spacious, free life." To succumb, will only embolden the forces that will divide us. Remember, "we were made for God, and until we understand that, life will never make sense."
PRAYER:
Almighty Father, keep our faith strong in our hearts, and endeavor us to focus on Your purpose , all for your Glory. Amen.
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Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Jacob’s Final Conversation with God
Genesis 45:25 - 46:7
“… Joseph’s own hand shall close your eyes.” Gen 46:4b
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño: One of the most intriguing characters in the Old Testament is Jacob. He got his father’s blessing through deception. Isaac was old and blind and was not able to distinguish between the brothers Isau and Jacob. Isaac pronounced the sacred blessing intended for the first born because Jacob misrepresented himself. He tricked and took advantage of Isaac’s failing eyesight. Reading Jacob’s stories in Genesis bring us to a world of deceit and fraud. There were also moments when Jacob himself became a victim of deceit by Laban, his father-in-law and even by his own sons. One of the big deceptions that he had to face was the news that a wild animal devoured his favorite son Joseph. The brothers who sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of silver tricked Jacob’s eyes by presenting to him Joseph’s tattered robe dipped in a goat’s blood. I find it significant that in this final encounter with God the promise of Joseph’s own hand closing his eyes was included among others. It was through a failing eyesight that he got what did not belong to him. Laban’s deception against Jacob and Jacob’s deception against Laban also dealt with eyesight. When they divided between themselves spotted sheep and goats. (Gen. 30:25-36).
God is saying there is no deception this time. You will see Joseph before you die. I read through the end of the book of Genesis until the section that tells about Jacob’s death. True indeed he saw Joseph. At the end, Jacob gathered all his sons in his bedside. When he breathed his last we read in Gen. 50:1 Then Joseph threw himself on his father’s face and wept over him and kissed him. It was Jacob’s swiftness in tricking the eyes that defined his life. Either he did it to others or others did it to him. At the end he found redemption and peace through his eyes.
What is it that defines your life? How will the end game be played out? It was visual for Jacob, his eyesight. He lived his life through deceiving the eyes. He can deceive and he can be deceived but God cannot be deceived by his tricks. At the end, God gifted him with sight to behold. God will not play tricks like him. What he saw was what he got – the sight of a living son whom he was tricked to believe had died long time ago. This is Jacob’s redemption and salvation.
Prayer:
You know how we live our lives O God and you deal with us according to how we define ourselves. Be gracious and be gentle unto us as you are to Jacob. Amen.
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Monday, January 23, 2012
The Call of Abram
Genesis 12:1-9 1Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’* 4So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, 6Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak* of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, ‘To your offspring* I will give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 8From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. 9And Abram journeyed on by stages towards the Negeb.
Reflection by Leda Faye Aldiano:
The first two words that came immediately into my mind while reading this text are trust and obey. When God called Abram, he didn't have second thoughts. He obeyed what God has told him to do, trusting in His promise. I could imagine how difficult it was for Abram to leave the comforts of his house, with his family and belongings in tow and journeyed into the unknown, followed wherever God was leading him to.
One of the pastors in our church before once told me that he would never want to be a church minister just like his parents. He grew up with no permanent house, friends or school because they have to move from place to place wherever his parents would be assigned to. The things inside their house were mostly folding (folding table, folding chair, folding bed), so it would be easier to carry them around wherever, whenever. They were not sure what was in store for them, and what challenges they would encounter in each place they went to. Just trust and obey. He became a pastor because God called him to be. God's call to him as he described it was like cupid's arrow, suddenly... "then it hits you".
Somewhere, somehow, God is calling. It's just up to us to pretend not to hear; or heed on, trust, and obey.
Prayer: Dear God, teach us to listen when you call, and give us the fortitude to trust and obey. Amen.
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Tuesday, January 17, 2012
John’s Confession
John 1:29-34 “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (1:29b)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
We often hear phrases like “you’re a genius” or “you are exceptional” or “you are one of a kind” as description of praise and recognition of a person’s intelligence, wit, talent or gift. Last Sunday evening before our group dispersed we watched a performance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, a young Venezuelan conductor. For us who saw him for the first time, it was electrifying as we looked at him led the orchestra with deep passion and intense energy. Indeed, what a talent, what a gift!
Today, we hear another kind of an astounding claim describing who Jesus is. John who saw him walking and said two times that ‘I myself did not know him’ (v. 31 & 33) yet declared: “Here is the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) who takes away the sins of the world.” This is quite a statement from a Jew describing someone with these words. In their cultic rituals, lambs were used as burnt offerings. The imagery connects well with the story of Abraham offering his only son Isaac in Genesis (22:7). Innocently, Isaac said to his father, ‘fire and wood are ready but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ This bizarre story up to the 11th hour could have ended tragically until God provided the lamb to be sacrificed. Surprisingly we can only read the phrase ‘Lamb of God’ in the gospel of John. For him, Jesus is a like a lamb but not like any other lambs that people brought in the temple – Jesus is the Lamb of God. A lamb God provided like the story of the father Abraham and his son Isaac.
Reading it with the lens using the Abraham and Isaac story, John is saying: Here is God’s Lamb. Here is God’s Son – Jesus! So we now have a reversal of roles. Instead of the people offering and bringing lambs to God for burnt offerings, in this story God is the one who provided the Lamb. In the Old Testament it was Abraham who brought his son to the altar for sacrifice. Now in John’s narrative Jesus took Isaac’s role. He is the son, God’s Son. The son of the God who loves the world and loves us so much as expressed in John 3:16 ‘that he gave his only begotten Son.’ That was what Abraham did to Isaac. This time roles are reversed. John is saying, this is what God is doing to us, now. So he said; ‘I saw and I testify that he (Jesus) is the Son of God.’
John saw God at work in Jesus! Last Sunday, we heard in his narrative the invitation by Philip to Nathaniel, ‘come and see.’ For us who responded to the challenge and came and followed Jesus, what have we seen? John did not keep silent. He spoke, he testified, he confessed. How about you, what is your testimony?
Prayer: Once again you point to us O God that indeed the Word became flesh in Jesus. Open our eyes so that we can see link to what you had been telling us in our sacred texts. Amen.
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Monday, January 16, 2012
Jacob dreams of a ladder
Genesis 28:10-1710Jacob left Beer-sheba and went towards Haran. 11He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. 12And he dreamed that there was a ladder* set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13And the Lord stood beside him* and said, ‘I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; 14and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed* in you and in your offspring. 15Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’ 16Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!’ 17And he was afraid, and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and said, surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.
A lot of us wants to have a special stairway to heaven as the song goes. It would be nice to meet God, hear his own voice lovingly reassuring us of his faithfulness of his promises to us. And this happened to Jacob through a dream, a ladder to heaven.
We remember that Jacob "stole" the birthright from Esau, thus had to leave to get out from Esau's hatred. Jacob reminded us that he was far from being a perfect seed from Abraham yet God spoke to him that it is through Jacob that mankind will spread and that God will be with him all the time.
We too experience those tight spots in our lives and our dreams are way too different from Jacob's. We might not see a ladder to which we hear God's voice but we have our hearts where God can sit directing us, reassuring us that He is there within us. It is through our hearts that God can speak, our bethel. Prayer: Thank you God for giving Jesus in our lives and the Holy Spirit to sit in our hearts. Amen.
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Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Paul describes his baptism
Acts 22:2-16 2 When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew,* they became even more quiet. Then he said: 3 ‘I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just as all of you are today. 4I persecuted this Way up to the point of death by binding both men and women and putting them in prison, 5as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. From them I also received letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I went there in order to bind those who were there and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. 6 ‘While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. 7I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 8I answered, “Who are you, Lord?” Then he said to me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth* whom you are persecuting.” 9Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10I asked, “What am I to do, Lord?” The Lord said to me, “Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do.” 11Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus. 12 ‘A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, 13came to me; and standing beside me, he said, “Brother Saul, regain your sight!” In that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. 14Then he said, “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice; 15for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. 16And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.”
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
This text teaches us about Paul's testimony on the risen Christ. As he stood in the synagogue before the elders on his defense, he bore witness to the voice of the risen Jesus which proved his conversion from persecutor to believer. As fellow believers, how then should we apply Paul's experience to our own lives? How could we be good witnesses of our faith on the risen Christ? Is going to church every Sunday, singing in the choir, tithing, enough to fulfill our responsibilities as Christians?
The opposition between Christ and the world has been a constant theme in history. Those who stood up for social justice, for the rights of the poor, defense of life, often encounter scorn from the rich and powerful. Christ' values are those of poverty, service, and humility. Yet, the world is governed by the forces of wealth, ambition, image and pride. All of these prod us to reflect on our own lives. We can be great witnesses of our own faith of the vivid Lord, every day we live, by sharing the good news of salvation to everyone we meet. We can start at our own work place, on our subway or bus rides, or with our neighbors. In our modern world, where there is much unbelief and indifference, we can in our own small way, be powerful witnesses to faith.
Prayer: Almighty father make us good witnesses of your great love and saving grace each day of our lives. Amen.
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Saul’s Conversion and Baptism
Acts 9:19a “…and after taking some food, he regained his strength.”
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño: Folks who were brought up in Sunday school know the life story of a man named Saul that later became Paul. He was a persecutor of Christians who were then called as followers of the Way. What is new to me as I read the story again was the name of the street in Damascus, Syria where Saul was brought after his blinding encounter with Jesus. I thought the practice of naming streets was new. So the instruction to the priest named Ananias was, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul.” The names are just revealing; the house of Judas on Straight street, look for the persecutor of the followers of the Way – Saul. Saul’s crooked life was indeed straightened as he followed the way of Christ. What happened next after this episode of Saul’s life was monumental. He became the main evangelist that spread the message that Jesus is the messiah to the world outside the borders of Jerusalem.
The conversion experience of Saul was spiritually mystical, physically exhausting and emotionally draining. It was an experience that cannot be simply described with words. There is more to what we read in the story. Divine encounters keep people off-balance. In one such close encounter, Jacob wrestled with God one evening and came out limping as the day breaks. We read in Genesis 32:20, so Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” People in the Bible recognized the danger of divine and human encounter. Saul knew this lesson by heart because he was a Jew.
But what is significant about divine and human encounter is that God always brings us back to our humanity. Though these encounters were spiritually ecstatic while also scary yet they are not meant to be embrace as a permanent fixture in life, however valuable and fulfilling these experiences are. How beautiful it would be to dwell in the presence of God, forever. But we are still on the ‘not yet’ moment. What we have are glimpses of this beauty. In the Biblical narratives, God always brings us back to the here and now because as of the moment this is where the action is. It is in this life here on earth that our faith in God matters. So God leads us back to the physical, to what is earth-bound.
I like the way the story transitioned from the mystical and ecstatic to what is ordinary. The text laid it out plainly, “…and after taking some food, he regained his strength.” Yes, we got to eat some rice and fish and vegetables and bread, and perhaps add a little cup of chocolate or a mug of tea or coffee and regained our strength and do God’s work. So after conversion and baptism, let us eat, drink and do God’s work, Saul did. So do we.
Prayer:
Bring us back O God to where we are right now. Keep us in touch with our humanity after glimpses of awe and joy before your Holy and Mysterious Presence. Amen.
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Monday, January 9, 2012
Jesus is transfigured
Mark 9:2-8 2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one* on earth could bleach them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings,* one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ 6He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved;* listen to him!’ 8Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
Today’s text tells about the Transfiguration, where Jesus appeared with Moses and Elijah and his clothes shining white as snow. Jesus' transfiguration came six days after the first prediction of his passion and death, where he too made instructions to his disciples of the doctrine of the cross. That whosoever loves him should cleanse himself, give up everything, take up his cross and follow him.
The transfiguration counter balances the prediction of the passion by affording certain of the disciples’ insight into the divine glory that Jesus possessed. That his glory will overcome his death and that of his disciples. The heavenly voice prepares the disciples of the divine plan that Jesus must die before his missions glory is made to manifest.
Moses and Elijah represent law and prophecy, respectively, in the Old Testament. They now appear with Jesus as witnesses to the fulfillment of the law and prophecy taking place in the presence of Jesus, as he appears in glory. For us believers, it is a message for us to be prepared, take up our responsibility as Jesus disciples and follow Him.
Prayer: Let your love be made to manifest in our lives as we follow you, that we too may share in your glory. Amen.
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Friday, January 6, 2012
Epiphany
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
Today marks the end of the Christmas season according to the western church calendar. Churches celebrate this day as Epiphany that means manifestation or revelation of Jesus to the world. The story of the wise men from the East asking, ‘where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?’ is highlighted this day.
The Biblical narrative begins with the experience of the Jewish people of God in the ups and downs of their life. Their history was a collage of pain, suffering as well as victory and defeat. Jesus was a Jew and he spoke about salvation and the rule and reign of God in his own Jewish context. It was not until Paul preached to the gentiles that the significance and meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection had been proclaimed to the world outside.
Matthew through the story of the wise men is telling us that Jesus even at his birth attracted the attention of the world outside of Jerusalem. It is an indicator that the life of Jesus would impact not just their own Jewish world but even to the world beyond their borders. The story sets the tone for all of us gentiles to become part of the Jesus’ story.
When the story spins outside of Jerusalem it points to the truth that Jesus is for everybody. It also means none holds the exclusive right to Jesus as if one holds a patent or a copyright to his name and to his being. The wise men from the East called him ‘King of the Jews,’ the title scared King Herod because it sounded very political in nature. There are millions who recognize Jesus in some other ways. Mahatma Gandhi revered and admired his teachings on non-violence and used it to confront the British might in India.
For us who embraced Jesus as Lord and Savior, the challenge is greater. We pay homage to Jesus not just with our lips. The story of the wise men of the East challenged us to look for signs, to travel and move beyond our comfort zones and offer our gifts to Jesus. Claiming Jesus as our own makes us complacent and prevents us from coming closer to him and his ways because we feel we know him that much.
Epiphany is God’s way of telling us that we do not own Jesus. Jesus is for the world, even the world beyond our imaginary Christian borders. There is a way to measure how the truth of the epiphany touches our hearts. Listen to its beating -- do we hear the excitement and the joy of the wise men searching for Jesus or do we feel the fear of Herod, the fear of being dethroned from the sense of control of the Jesus’ story which we claim as our own? Today is epiphany. Listen to your heart.
Prayer: You have spoken O God through the Epiphany story. Keep us still to enable us to listen to our hearts. Amen.
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
God's first born has come
Hebrews 1:1-9 1Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son,* whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains* all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
The opening verse of Hebrews reveals, "…in many and various ways, God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us through a son." In the older days, the mystery of God has been revealed by the prophets, but God's revelation reaches its climax in the coming of his son Jesus - the symbol of God’s unreserved patriarchal love.
Thus the key words in our confession of faith - Christ, son, and God are echoed in the gospel's angelic proclamation to the shepherds at Jesus’ birth; "For to you is born this day, in the city of David, a savior, who is Christ the Lord." This verse contains the core of our Christian faith, as revealed to us by the Father. So, how do we welcome the Godsend - the anointed one? When I was a kid, once a year we would celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, a known celebration in the Catholic liturgy. My grandma would prepare a table with three chairs, for Joseph, Mary and Jesus. The setting is so immaculate with the best draperies, china, silverware, and food. After the feast one would not see those things again, not until the next year. Innocently, I asked her about it, and she just smiled and said, “We should always try to give our best to the master, the anointed one.”
Today, Christmas is viewed with a great paradox. While the season has turned into a billion dollar industry, millions of people lay in poverty with less or nothing to eat. Little do we know that the first Christmas was a picture of poverty, a baby born in a manger, who would be the messenger of hope, peace, joy and love. Yet, on that first Christmas there was peace.
Prayer: Father, open our hearts and instill your purpose in our minds, the wonder of your message of Jesus’ birth -- the message of love -- that we too may be worthy of your promises. Amen.
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Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Birth of Jesus
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Saturday, December 17, 2011
Always be joyful 1 Thessalonians 5:16-1816Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Reflection by Laura Malaki-Lambert:
These three verses are short and simple to understand but not so easy to do. Verse 16 says, rejoice ALWAYS! Is Paul telling us to be happy ALL the time? That does not seem to be normal, does it? Life is not easy and some circumstances can bring us sadness. We do not want to put on a smile and say, “It’s ok.” And God does not want us to be great pretenders either.
But if we focus our attention to things that are constant like the spiritual blessings and the promise of future glory, and not on the circumstance, we might experience joy -- which is much deeper than happiness. Joy is more anchored and deep-seated with God.
Pray continually- Paul is encouraging us to be in constant communication with God. We align our mind and heart with God. We are making a connection with Him -- not a discord.
In everything give thanks- Paul is not telling us to be thankful for all circumstances, but to be thankful in all circumstances. Like joy, our gratitude is anchored in God rather than to the circumstances of life. What ever the circumstance is- sad or gay- we can be grateful because
In Christ we are loved and forgiven
God is working in every (good and bad) circumstance
God will supply
We have life after death.
Prayer: God help us to focus our attention where Paul tells us to. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Come to the Light
John 3:19-21 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
Easy access to light is one of the conveniences that come with modernity. With just a flip of a switch we can turn on the light. Life was not this easy for a long period of time. Labor was dependent on the availability of light. Planting and harvesting of crops cannot be done without light. So when the sun sets and the moon not visible, people knew that they cannot do much. Everything stops and had to wait until the sun comes up again. Therefore light was associated with life and darkness with death.
Light as a metaphor may not be as powerful as it used to be given its accessibility today. But occasionally, we experience darkness when a fuse blew in our electrical box. It happened one evening and I had to scramble to find a match and a candle so that I can go to the basement and connect the circuit to restore power. Imagine the condition of those who lost power for several weeks when hurricane Irene swiftly blew over NY and NJ area. Darkness was indeed horrible. It was not possible to move and work without that much needed light.
The gospel according to John was set like the book of Genesis. Both starts with the phrase, ‘in the beginning.’ If we go back to the creation story in Genesis 1, we were told that the earth was ‘formless void and darkness covers the face of the deep…” God’s first action was the creation of light. God said; ‘let there be light,’ so in the midst of void and darkness comes light. John affirmed that ‘light has come into the world.’ The breaking in of light was the beginning of life. But the other side of the story is that ‘people loved darkness rather than light…’ To be in ‘formless void and darkness’ is to refuse and to prevent God’s creative power in forming and molding the world as it should be – good and beautiful with God at the center and with life lived in all its fullness.
We are invited to come to the light and not to remain in the dark, to embrace life not death and become followers of the light. Reading further we hear Jesus saying, “… I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Following Jesus, the light of the world means becoming God’s partner in the continuing the act of recreation and redemption so that this world of ours ‘might be saved through him’ (3:17) – through Jesus way of love and forgiveness. Our testimony of faith is that our world cannot be saved through any other way: be it military, economic, political, cultural or religious might. Our world can only be saved through the way of love and forgiveness, the way of the cross and resurrection as embodied by Jesus. The invitation to come to the light is an invitation to live like Jesus, whom we acknowledge as the Light.
Prayer: Let Jesus’ light and life shine in our lives, O God, we who proclaim to be his followers. Amen.
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Monday, December 12, 2011
Jesus, the light of the world
John 8:12, 9:1-7 12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ 9As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ 3Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4We* must work the works of him who sent me* while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
It has always been an awesome feeling for me to think how the birth of a little baby, born of obscure parents, in a dilapidated place would become the most celebrated scenes in our lifetime. Jesus’ life, time and teachings became a beacon of light to the lost, the sinners and the poor in spirit. Being in darkness leads us down-trodden, leading our lives to despair and resignation, which most often crush the human spirit. Jesus becomes the beacon of hope, opening our faith and giving to us the good news of salvation - one that will drive us from the clouds of obscurity and gloom.
Christmas, in turn, becomes that great invitation to open our hearts to Jesus, who came to end our darkness. He preached that for us to see the light, is to empty our hearts full of ourselves, so we can be open to God - because the way out of our spiritual darkness is to walk the light with Him. And that, "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light... I have come as a light into the world, that whosoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness." John 12:36
PRAYER: Almighty Father, soften our hearts and be the beacon of light to our way, that we may live in darkness no more. Amen.
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Friday, December 9, 2011
The unlimited Patience of Christ
1 Timothy 1:12-17
12I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, 13even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. 16But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. 17To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflection by Rachel Dadap:
This is Paul's testimony of what became of him after his soteriological experience on his way to Damascus. Though this section reads like an autobiography where the author Paul is the center or main character of the story, it is not about him. Paul's focus and point of this testimony is about the unlimited patience of God. By telling his story Paul is illustrating God's mercy to him. The story of the complete conversion of Paul, the persecutor is a fate that is inextricably linked with the story of salvation. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- of whom I am the foremost". He vividly describes his sinfulness: "I formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor and a man of violence" that he "shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insult Him". But he received mercy because "he acted out of ignorance in unbelief".
The sharp contrast between the persecutor and the believer is shown to be an intentional part of God's plan so that Paul might be an example for others. It demonstrates above all the perfect patience of Jesus Christ. Paul's confession and testimony of his sinfulness makes him a prototype believer and recipient of God's grace. Patience or forbearance is a defining characteristic of God. God is described as merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Exodus 34: 6-7). God's attributes have been transferred to Christ, through whom God is working out salvation. Eternal life is in the future. It is a focus for belief grounded in Christ, our hope.
Our Christian lives are reflections of Christ's unlimited patience. We are not different from Paul as a sinner. We sinned in many different ways in our life's journey. It is not uncommon to hear stories of men and women whose lives were drastically changed after accepting Christ's offer of salvation and hope of a new life. It was only last night that I saw on TV the story of a man who is in every way evil in the sight of God and to the community where he belonged. He was a thief, robber, violent, drug addict and pusher, a criminal.A man whose life was spent more inside the jail, a social outcast, a man who gave away his life to hopelessness and despair. But the story's focus was not on the bad side of the man. It was a story of the life of this evil man after Christ came to his life. There was this scene where he was pursued by the police that the man just panic and terribly afraid. In his hiding place he found himself praying to God, crying and pleading to save him, to change him. The story doesn't end there. It goes on to tell that because of his conversion he became a Pastor of the church community where he lived. He became a new creation, he became a living witness to the changing power of God's salvation in Jesus Christ and in Christ's unlimited patience.
Prayer: Just as Paul prayed to you, thanking you for your mercy and unlimited patience, we also thank you God for giving us your unlimited patience over our stubborness to sin in our life's journey. Amen
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Who is God’s Messenger?
Malachi 3:1-4 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. (3:1)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
Watching a movie in a theater in the Philippines is a different experience. One can go inside the theater at any time during the screening. There were times when I went in when the movie was on the final stage. So I saw and knew how the movie ended without understanding how the events unfolded in the beginning. So when the movie started again for another round of screening I lost the thrill and the sense of anticipation of the story, all because I knew already how it ends.
As Christians, reading the advent text in the Hebrew Scripture or the Old Testament as we call it is like watching a movie not from the beginning but starting from its ending. So many of us fail to appreciate the entire movement of the drama of salvation. So I challenge everybody to read the Old Testament texts as it is without first connecting to our own Christian narrative. Then try to capture the advent spirit in these stories first before connecting it to our own Christian lens and interpretation.
So when Malachi declared that the LORD will send a messenger, the Israelites were not imagining John the Baptizer. They were familiar with the scenario that someday a messenger will appear and what they had in mind was Elijah. (Malachi 4:5). At one point, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man Is?” one of the answers given was that some thought that he was Elijah. (Matthew 16:13-16). Jesus as a devout Jew was familiar with the belief in the coming of God’s messenger. In his conversation with the disciples after Transfiguration Story (Mark 9:2-11), his disciples asked, “why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” (9:11). Jesus confirmed their perspective when he said, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things…” (12a) and he also said, “…Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.”
So for the Jews Elijah is yet to come. The coming of Elijah also signals the coming of the LORD. From our lens we say the messenger has come through John the Baptizer and the LORD has come in Jesus whom we confess as the Christ. This is our own statement of faith as followers of Jesus. But not all share this confession. Some people then during the time of Jesus thought that John was not Elijah but the messiah himself. So we read in Luke 3:15, “As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah.”
The sense of expectancy and the questioning heart is essential in our faith journey. We are not quick to notice God’s messenger when we are not expecting one. We are not also keen to listen to the message when we do not even begin to question in our hearts, who he or she is? Have you found out who the messenger is? And the most important question, did you listen and follow the messenger’s message? Prayer:
Let the surprise of your coming compel us to read and to listen again the familiar stories of our faith. Quicken in our hearts and minds that sense of expectancy when your rule and reign O God breaks forth in our midst. Amen.
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Monday, December 5, 2011
The way of the righteous
Isaiah 26:4-9
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
God's righteousness is about God's justice - the saving righteousness. But what does God's justice embody? Obedience is the answer. To follow and commit ourselves to His commandments is the right way to walk before God. We should keep in mind that God made a covenant with us, a covenant of love which we ourselves destroyed by sin. Yet through God’s faithfulness we are restored, in love, through Jesus, that we might know God's saving justice. And the way to receive that saving grace is to walk upright before Him.
However, we often witness the values Christ taught being rejected by the world today. How we turn a blind eye to those in dire need of our love and attention -- our neighbor. That often those who stand up for social justice, help the needy and fight for the defense of life have met objections from the rich and powerful. Isn't it ironic how the wealthy and powerful, who profess to know the very essence of righteousness, are the very ones who betray good conscience under the guise of doing it for public good?
The way of the righteous is Godliness, which is selfless love, loving others as ourselves. Time is fleeting. To live it in sin would lead us no-where. Life is a journey into love, and it would lead us far better - into God's saving grace.
PRAYER:
Almighty Father, let me harbor goodness in my heart, and take my responsibility as a good servant to others, that I may be worthy of thy love and glorify your name. Amen.
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Saturday, December 3, 2011
The Lord’s rule
Psalm 110 1 The Lord says to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’
Reflection by Laura Malaki Lambert:
Verses 1-4 tell us that God and only God can be equally powerful as Him. His enemies are His footstool -- meaning enemies are destroyed and are under His power. God is the ruler of Zion (God’s place). Young and old will help God to fight against evil. Jesus was a priest as Melchizedek was. This name means righteous (zedek) king (mechi). Now the important thing about Melchizedek is this. He was a priest of God before there were any Jews. He was not a Jewish priest. This means that Jesus was not a Jewish priest! He was a priest as Melchizedek was.
In verse 5, "on the right" means the same as in verse 1. It means that the Lord is in a powerful place. So, when he gets angry, he will destroy kings! He will be "the judge of the nations", (verse 6). A judge is a person that says who is right and who is wrong. Nations are countries with governments. The people that are wrong will soon be dead!
In verse 7, "lift up his head" means that he will be powerful. And he will win every fight. Perhaps this will make him feel that he has had a drink of water from the stream at the side of the road! It will make him feel good.
If we are on God’s side, who can destroy us? Who can trample us? These verses give me assurance of victory now and tomorrow. So, does this mean that whatever tribulations, we may encounter today, God is with us? We may suffer now, but we will be triumphant. Young and old, men and women, people of different races fighting for a cause will overcome. This text reminds me of Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech, I Have a Dream..
I am closing my reflection with an excerpt of Dr. King’s speech:
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.
Prayer: Dear God, Lord of Lords, we are awed by your power and You are our ruler. We are not afraid to struggle and fight for what we believe are righteous. Be with us oh, Lord in every strife so that we may resolve them the way You want it to be. Amen.
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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Be ready for that day
Matthew 24:15-31
15‘So when you see the desolating sacrilege standing in the holy place, as was spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), 16then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; 17someone on the housetop must not go down to take what is in the house; 18someone in the field must not turn back to get a coat. 19Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! 20Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. 21For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23Then if anyone says to you, “Look! Here is the Messiah!”* or “There he is!”—do not believe it. 24For false messiahs* and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25Take note, I have told you beforehand. 26So, if they say to you, “Look! He is in the wilderness”, do not go out. If they say, “Look! He is in the inner rooms”, do not believe it. 27For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. 29‘Immediately after the suffering of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. 30Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see “the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven” with power and great glory. 31And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
Judgment day has always been a key concept in the Bible. And for us Christians we look forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ, whom God has given an important role in the final judgment. This is one of the basic and fundamental dimensions of our faith – that Christ will come again.
It should be noted that the proclamation of Christ’s second coming is a word of great hope -- it is a message of comfort and encouragement and not of fear. However, another dimension of judgment is one that will not find great relief for some, and that is the possibility of being condemned by Christ himself. The classical parable of the last judgment where Christ divides the community into sheep and goats on the last day is a scene which identifies the goats who failed to see Christ in the least of his brethren. This parable is indeed a stern warning to Christians, which exhorts us both to conversion and full practice of the Christian life.
Thus the second coming of Christ is first, an announcement of a great hope; and secondly, a call to action about the seriousness of life, that our faith must consist not only in words but also in deeds.
Now, are we prepared to meet the Lord and Savior?
PRAYER: Draw me closer to you Lord, and fill my heart with your love; that though I may not know the time and day of your coming I know my heart and soul will be secured in your realm.
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Waiting
I Corinthians 1:1-9
“ …so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (7b-8)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
The candle of hope lighted on the First Sunday of Advent reminds us of our deepest longing and desire – the coming of our Lord Jesus the Christ. The early church captured this yearning in one word, maranatha that means “Come, O Lord” or “Our Lord has come.” Advent embraces both meaning. Paul in his letter to the church in Corinth used the phrase ‘wait for the revealing.’ Revealing (Gk. apukalupsis) means uncovering or the act of being revealed.
I preached last Sunday on 3rd Isaiah’s (64:1-9) lament ‘you have hidden your face from us.’ Advent for the Israelites then was the act of waiting and pleading that ‘God’s face will shine upon them.’ As they articulate in their blessing: “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you.” But at that very moment the face of God was hidden. They knew what it means ‘to wait for the revealing’ of God’s face. They knew by heart the meaning of advent. This is the spirit that we desire as we enter into this season.
Our Christian narrative is that God is revealed in Jesus the Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of God. Through Jesus we had seen God’s face. But the world rejected Jesus. The world nailed Jesus to the cross. Jesus came to bridge the gap that separates us from God. But the world does not desire God’s face to shine. The world crucified Jesus, buried him on a deep and dark tomb sealed with a stone so big to prevent anyone from seeing him again. Our testimony of faith is that not a mighty stone or even the darkness of death itself can prevent God from raising Jesus to life again. Now Jesus continues to labor even at this very moment so that God’s kingdom come and God’s will is done, here on earth as it is already done in heaven.’ Advent is ‘waiting for the revealing’ at the very end of time, Jesus’ presence and power working in reconciling the world to God.
The stubborn hope of Christians is the faith that Jesus has already overcome the world. As we look around, the powers that oppose Jesus' way of life seem to be in the upper hand but for us who follow him we already know that even if the world will crucify us, we will rise again with Jesus. So we pray with Paul that God will strengthen us so that when the day of revelation comes, we would be blameless. The Message translation renders v. 8 in this way … God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. Being on track, on the path of faithfulness until the end. But the end is yet to come, so we pray maranatha!
So we keep alert and will not sleep. We follow Jesus all the way through, in life and in death. We keep the light of hope shinning even though how dark the night would be because we know morning is coming when God will make all things new.
Prayer: (A Franciscan Benediction we used last Sunday)
May God bless you with DISCOMFORT ... At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with ANGER ... At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with TEARS ... To shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war. So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them And to turn their pain into JOY.
And may God bless you with enough FOOLISHNESS... To believe that you can make a difference in this world, So that you can DO what others claim cannot be done.
Amen.
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Saturday, November 26, 2011
We are filled with good thingsPsalm 95
Reflection by Laura Lambert:
The author of Psalm 95 is asking people to join him in praising the Lord. Only people who promised to love and obey can use the word LORD because this word is a special name for God. If they promise to love and obey God, God will make them safe. He rules everything on earth. We kneel when we worship Him and tell Him that He is great and we love Him.
We are His sheep and He takes care of His sheep by feeding us and keeping us safe just like a shepherd does to his flock. Once we hear His voice, we follow just like the flock following their shepherd. We must not test God’s greatness but to follow and listen to Him.
Sometimes we doubt if God really cares and unknowingly do things that test His love and eventually jeopardizes us. And I think that if we constantly praise, trust, obey and thank God for everything, and stay humble (not testing and doubting), God might continually bless and keep us safe.
Prayer: Almighty and loving God, forgive us if we do things that keep us off track from your faithfulness and love. Continually guide us so that our faith is constantly anchored in Your love.Amen.
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Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The fruit of the righteous Proverbs 11:16-30
Reflection by Archibald Tubo: The context of this passage is based on a question most believers have been asking: How can I enter the kingdom of God? Definitely, the answer lies on moral rectitude. This would mean loving God with all our minds, hearts and strength, loving our neighbors as ourselves, not swearing falsely, not taking another’s life, nor steal. In short, keeping God's commandents. This was also reiterated by Jesus in His preachings, where integrity of life is a condition for entering into God's reign. That to be in the kingdom of His father, and see God face to face, one has to live a righteous life.
However, in an ever growing sophistication in the world we live in, it is easy to be righteous at one point, and be a hypocrite in another. So Jesus stresses out the necessity of correct actions as well as the source of our actions, by placing emphasis on the heart. That unless our hearts are pure and righteous, we won't be able to produce upright actions. "What goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, but what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart and this defiles the man."
So, let this be a reminder, that to have purity in heart and spirit, we must endeavor to live righteous lives, for the fruit of the righteous is the tree of life.
PRAYER:
Search me O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24Amen.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Feed Your Enemy
Romans 12:14-21
“…if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (20b-21)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
We begin the week with the gospel reading from Matthew (25:31-46) reminding us to care for the ‘least’ for in this manner we are doing care to Christ himself. Today, Paul in his letter to the Romans reminds us to include in our care our enemies. This is consistent with what we know of Jesus’ teaching as he preached, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). In the Jewish text (Proverbs 25:21), we read, “If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink.” To hear this teaching echoed by Jesus and Paul is not a surprise considering that they were both nurtured as devout Jews.
A lot of us Christians thought that this teaching is distinctively Christian. But surprisingly the same teaching can be found in the texts of other religions. Here is a sampler of what we can find:
Hinduism. Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda 115 A superior being does not render evil for evil; this is a maxim one should observe; the ornament of virtuous persons is their conduct. One should never harm the wicked or the good or even criminals meriting death. A noble soul will ever exercise compassion even towards those who enjoy injuring others or those of cruel deeds when they are actually committing them--for who is without fault?
Confucianism. Analects 14.36 Someone said, "What do you say concerning the principle that injury should be recompensed with kindness?" The Master said, "With what will you then recompense kindness? Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness."
Islam. Qur'an 41.34-35 The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better, then lo!, he between whom and you there was enmity shall become as though he were a bosom friend. But none is granted it save those who are steadfast, and none is granted it save a person of great good fortune.
Buddhism. Dhammapada 223 Conquer anger by love. Conquer evil by good. Conquer the stingy by giving. Conquer the liar by truth.
I have not fully read the context of these texts but what I can sense is that deep spiritual longing within humanity. There is that profound hunger and desire for a life lived in peace and harmony, a life where enmity is conquered by love and compassion. I am excited because there is a door of possibility opened for all of us. We all have a common ground, a talking point to start with. We do not start from zero. We can start from our own traditions and live out the teaching.
Mark Twain said: “It is not those parts of the Bible that I do not understand that bother me. It is the parts of the Bible that I do understand that bother me the most.” The call to love and care even for enemies is plain and simple but it also bothers and challenges us. This is what makes our text sacred and holy, when it shakes and speaks to us. Blessed are we when we are disturbed by this demand for the moment our text lost the capacity to wake us up, then we also lost the ability what it means to be present and be aware of God’s Holy Presence. Prayer:
You call us to love and care and not just us, Christians but others as well. Echoes of your small and still voice can be heard in other traditions. Let the response to this call begins with us, now. Amen.
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Saturday, November 19, 2011
The faithfulness of God
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Friday, November 18, 2011
Be faithful unto death
Rev 2:10-9
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you and you will suffer persecutions for ten days. Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Reflection by Rachel Dadap:
Near the end of the first century, Ceasar worship became a major component of Roman civil religion. Christians, refusing to adulterate their convictions that Jesus is Lord were persecuted. John, the apostle, was a victim of this oppression. Revelation was written in periods of stress and fierce persecution of the Christians in the hands of the Roman emperors. It was written to encourage the readers to persevere in faith and good works and warn that further tribulation is yet to come. Through bizarre images, vivid pictures of death, supernatural creatures and cryptic language, the writer expressed his hope for a day when judgment would be rendered against all evil powers and peace would be ushered in. In using this style of writing, Revelation anchors its hope in Jesus' authority as king of kings.
John's letter to the Christian community of Smyrna, shows the Christian community living in various degrees of conflict and compromise with Roman power, the Roman political religion, and the Roman business and social life were all inextricably associated with idolatry in the form of Emperor worship. John writes to the Christian community in Smyrna to live an uncompromising Christian witness to the true God who despite earthly sufferings and persecution, God is sovereign. By seeing the world differently Christians are enabled to live and to die differently as followers of Jesus' way of faithful witness to God even to the point of death. They are empowered to live to a different way of being in the world, the kingdom of God. They are to live in hope in the coming of God's kingdom as the ultimate truth of the world. This truth must prevail over all that opposes God's rule. Revelations purpose is to enable its readers to continue to pray and to live Jesus' prayer: Your kingdom come." Prayer: Empower us by your Spirit to live as faithful witness to God even to the point of death. Amen.
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Wednesday, November 16, 2011
God is faithful to the faithful
2 Samuel 22:1-4, 14-27 1David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2He said: The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, 3my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my saviour; you save me from violence. 4I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
This text illustrates a prayer of thanksgiving where King David gives thanks to the Lord for saving him and Israel from the hands of its enemies. David further extols God's faithfulness to him by describing God as the rock of salvation. The message here is about faith which is an act of trust, in which we hand over our lives to God. It is an act of total surrender. God has always been the core of our faith. It is quite fascinating why in our life's journey, we trust our lives and even our future to a God we cannot even see, touch, nor even know exists. Yet, as we come with our burning desires and questions on the meaning of life, the more we come empty. That's when faith comes into play, which helps us understand more fully, the God to whom we surrender our being.
The people of Israel placed God's faithfulness to the limit in times of great infidelity that they even came close to believing God would abandon them, yet God remained faithful, the ultimate being in Jesus Christ. This is eloquently said in Psalm, "For His great love is without end."
The message here is clear, that as we are pressed down with our life's struggles, we can only look to God for our ultimate support. We build our lives on God's fidelity. In 2Timothy: "If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful - for He cannot deny Himself."
PRAYER:
Almighty Father, let me give thanks to you for your great mercy and love, and a grace that endures forever; on whom I surrender my very being. Amen.
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Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Which God?
Joshua 24:1, 14-27
“You cannot serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins.” Joshua 24:19b
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
The solemn covenant ceremony in Shechem featured in Joshua 24 presents to us that very powerful line many love to use when calling for a commitment – “choose this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.” (v.15). After Joshua narrated their long and colorful history with God at the very center who would in his right mind reject serving the Lord? If we would be asked the same question, I am sure all of us would join in that revered refrain, ‘we will serve the Lord.”
In reading the narrative, I am struck by Joshua’s theology. His description of God whom he asked the people to serve. Verse 24, keeps coming back to me, ”he (God) will not forgive your transgressions or your sins.” It’s good that Joshua asked the people to choose but I wonder if they really fathomed the implications of their choice. Serving an unforgiving God carries with it no room for errors whatsoever. Given this knowledge of an unforgiving God, I wonder how many of us would commit to serve.
But there are other voices within the Bible that speak of another image of God, a forgiving One. A popular verse in the OT that was turned into an anthem declared, “…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14). The writer of the book of Psalms said: The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. (103:8-10). If God is unforgiving then there is no sense praying and asking for forgiveness. Jesus taught us to forgive others reflecting the way God forgives each of us.
Maybe the choice is not just about serving God, the question should also include which God?
Prayer:
We do not claim to fully grasp your nature, O God. People of faith constantly seek to understand who you are. Help us to choose wisely our language in describing you, humbly accepting that even our best description always fall short of the mystery of your fullness. Amen.
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Monday, November 14, 2011
Parable of the servants
Luke 12:42-48 42And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? 43Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. 44Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. 45But if that slave says to himself, “My master is delayed in coming”, and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces,* and put him with the unfaithful. 47That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. 48But one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
"........ For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."
One of the strategies to live in a multimillion-dollar houses without paying rent is for them to take care of this property meticulously. The realtors believe that houses have to be lived, to have a "soul" rather than leaving it empty. And the possible buyers feel it, the house feeling cold rather than being lived.
But people who live in these houses are special kind of people. They, too, are not that ordinary people. They are the ones used to living in these high end places. They do have high end tastes too and get to enjoy whatever amenities those houses have, be it the indoor/outdoor pool, the theater room, whatever. But being there have high stakes.
First, they should be flexible. They should vacate the property as soon as it sells, they have to and I think, the crucial one, make sure that the place is speck and span for those very rich people who come in to look at the place at any time in any day or night. And since the buyers don’t have the time to look around, first impression is the key.
The text tells me about the responsibility of the church as a body of Christ in the world we are living in. God has given us multiple blessings in our lives. We get to enjoy his creation and feel his loving presence in us. But we do have a spiritual obligation to spread the good news to our neighbors. We should not be lax but feel such urgency to fulfill God's mission on earth. As members of the church where the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is given, why not share?
Prayer: We feel the burden to spread the good news to the world, Lord. Give us the courage to do so. Amen.
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Saturday, November 12, 2011
Looking to the Lord
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Friday, November 11, 2011
Watch out
2 John: 7-11
7) Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.8) WATCH OUT that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rwarded fully. 9) Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teachings of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11) Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.
Reflection by Rachel Dadap:
"Watch Out." John gives this language with a sense of extreme urgency combined with a warning and harsh directives. The warning is against any who presumably claim to be Christians but "do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh." The spread of Christianity during John's time depends on the itinerant missionaries. They were the means by which Christianity spread throughout the empire. They looked to local churches to aid them in their mission by the church hospitality because the Roman inns were notorious for being dirty and flea-infested. The problem was that some of the people seeking room and board were false teachers. They expound erroneous doctrines. Others were phonies, pretending to be true prophets in order to get free hospitality. These religious charlatans live in the generosity of the church simply as a way of avoiding work. In 2 John he warns the church to beware of those who teach false doctrine. "Do not welcome such." "Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for."
The false teachers John was concerned about were those who taught and preached the false doctrine of Jesus’ humanity; who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, any such person is the deceiver and the anti-Christ.
My reflection in this particular letter of 2 John is: given the historical background I can understand John's warning to the early Christians to watch out for false missionaries who abuse church hospitality... to have free food and lodging. However, it appears to me that John leaves no room for the early Christians to think (theologically). The warning "watch out" also brings an element of fear and prejudice. In our time, we too can encounter false preachers or missionaries... those religion scammers. John's letter to the early Christians is practical and likewise relevant in our time... therefore let's WATCH OUT'.
Prayer: Lord, send us the Spirit to know what is true and false around us. Help us to seek God that we see in the human form of Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen.
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Thursday, November 10, 2011
Be always on the watch
Excerpts from Luke 21:29-36: Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these tings that will take place and to stand before the Son of Man.
Reflection by Edgardo Olvina:
There had been many predictions of the end times and the coming of God’s kingdom, but all of them missed the mark. Although Luke mentioned that there will be signs showing when this will occur, no one has the wisdom to see it happening.
The emphasis here is on being steadfast in serving God and not to be distracted by our worldly desires.
By focusing our energy in God’s service, it will make us ready at all times and will free us from worrying when it will happen since it will inevitably come. Whether it will come today or many years from now doesn’t really matter if you’re ready.
Prayer: Help us O God to be steadfast in our service to you as we prepare for the coming of your kingdom. Amen.
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Watching in hope for the Lord
Micah 7:1-7 7Woe is me! For I have become like one who,
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
Judgment is an idea that has always been mentioned in the Bible. It should be noted that our God is a God of love who freely entered into a covenant with His people; so much so that since He has always been faithful to His covenant of love, He too expects faithfulness from His people. And this is the promise of salvation for those who wait on the Lord.
While man continues to sin, God doesn't seem to send His wrath, but rather sent Jesus to save His people. Jesus’ coming did not only send a message of divine amnesty, but turned out to be a day of mercy. The warnings told by Jesus in His parables did not only involve stern warnings about the end times, but also exhorted about the message of love as a prerequisite to salvation. It identifies the goats as those who failed to put into practice Christ’s teachings, by seeing God in one’s neighbors. And the foolish virgins who failed to take more oil for their vessels, teaches us a lesson that in order to enter into God's realm, we should keep our hearts burning brightly with love; the oil here signifying charity.
"So with great confidence in the love of Christ, who died for us, we continue to took for Him in trust hoping He will bring us to final redemption. The scale of justice has been tipped in our favor. Meanwhile, we try to put His love into action in our everyday lives, seeing Christ into those the Lord puts in our path, especially in the least of his brethren."
PRAYER:
Almighty Father keep my heart burning with love which I could show and share with my neighbors, that I could be a recipient of your grace and love in your kingdom. Amen.
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Watch Yourself Carefully
Deuteronomy 4:5-20 Since you saw no form when the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire, take care and watch yourselves closely, so that you do not act corruptly by making an idol for yourselves, in the form of any figure… (Deut 4:15-16a)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
What is there to watch? Moses laid it out in this phrase, “that you do not act corruptly by making an idol for yourselves, in the form of any figure…” That was tough for a people surrounded and integrated in a culture where gods have names and forms. Moses was calling for a new paradigm, a new way of thinking and doing theology, a theology that worships a nameless and formless God. Moses had a taste of this God when he had an encounter with the Divine through the burning bush. When he was given the task to lead his people into freedom, the first thing he asked was God’s name. But God said, “I AM WHO I AM” it can also be translated, “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” God has no name, this narrative contains the other side of that reminder – God has no form.
It was hard for the Israelites to shift into this new way of thinking and doing theology. In their journey to freedom we found them worshipping and bowing to a golden calf. Old habits, old ways, old paradigms did not just go away easily. It takes conscious effort and mindful resistance to change. To change and to shift was a choice they had to make. God will not do it for them. Behind these restrictions of naming and forming was the issue of control. In the Biblical framework ‘knowing’ the other was taking control of that person. We can understand this concept by equating it with what most of us fear, identity theft. The consequence of our identity being known to others has serious and devastating implications. So it is with form, if you can shape God in an image you control how God looks and behaves, even where God resides. This is how it was. When the Israelites look around, people had gods crafted and resided in temples built by human hands, a god whom tribes and nations owned and possessed. So we share the Biblical affirmation that we are God’s creatures, we are made according to God’s image. We cannot make an image of God. We cannot possess God. We are God’s possession.
Today, we do not make idols made by hands like they did. Not one of us would worship and bow to a golden calf. But the idea behind idolatry in form and name, the concept of controlling God manifests in different deceptive and appealing forms. When we feel so secure in our knowledge that we ‘know’ everything about God. When we believe that there is nothing more to learn and there is no need for us to change. Then we close ourselves to God’s invitation to walk further into an adventure of transforming faith. Even the Bible itself can become an idol. We call this act, bibliolatry. God is ‘larger’ than the texts we hold in our hands. I love that phrase in the hymn Break Thou the Bread of Life that says, “beyond the sacred page I seek you, Lord, my spirit longs for you, O living Word.” The same warning holds for us today as it was for the Israelites then, watch yourself carefully. Watch that we will not make an idol representing God in whatever form and this includes our bibles and our theologies whatever versions and names we call it. Let God be God for God is God, period.
Prayer: Save us O God from the desire to control you, You who is nameless and formless, You who spoke to Moses and the Israelites, You who speaks through Jesus, You who still speaks to us today, Amen.
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Monday, November 7, 2011
Keep watch
Matthew 24:36-44 36 ‘But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son,* but only the Father. 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. 42Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day* your Lord is coming. 43But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
I'm still keeping tab whatever happened to brother Harold Camping after a botched prediction of the last judgment on October 2011. His warning of the rupture last May of this year hit me hard spiritually because I was not sure if I was ready to meet my Lord, let alone fall on the other side of eternity. And I don't think I was alone at this state of fear. The massive coverage in media and billboards of the impending day caught the attention of the nation where Christianity is the main religion. Family radio may have negatively impacted themselves but there were a lot of Americans who got shaken with their message.
Have we really put on the whole armor of God to withstand the evil as in Ephesians 6: 10-17? And have we also learned from Jesus' multiple parables how to be a true disciple of Christ, how to be a real Christian? Did we really place Christ first in our lives? And treated/loved other people as ourselves?
We are in constant journey in our spiritual lives and ask God to keep our faith strong in Him and to be gracious in His mercy to us.
Prayer: Give us strength to withstand the evil that surrounds us, O God, that when the day comes when we get face to face by your grace you will say well done, thou good and faithful servant. Amen.
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Friday, November 4, 2011
God gives grace to the humble
1st Peter 5: 5-6
And all of you must clothe yourself with humility in your dealings with one another for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God so that he may exalt you in due time'
Reflection by Rachel Dadap:
In the book "The Lessons of St. Francis" the author John Francis Talbot opens the chapter on the humility of St Frances with an analogy to the moon. "Lifeless and waterless, the moon is a pale reflection of the solar system's brightly shining attraction. But the moon has never objected to its supporting role in the cosmos. Instead the floating rock and minerals seems quite content to brilliantly illumine the darkened sky by reflecting the hidden light of the sun." We can learn a valuable lesson from the moon. Like her, says the author we are not the focus of the universe. Amid the immensity and grandeur of the cosmos, we are small and dependent beings whose chief glory is to reflect God's brilliance.
We are supposed to reflect God's brilliance in our lives. But our pride gets in the way, causing needless pain and sorrow for ourselves and for others. Pride prevents us from being what God intended. St. Francis had a keen understanding of the power and danger of human pride. He condemned it as spiritual enemy #1. Like the saints before him, he knew the only way to disarm the vice of pride was through the ceaseless practice of the virtue of humility
Pride inflates our egos and desires, making us insist on getting what we want in the world instead of trying to live out the message of the Lord's prayer: "your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" If left unchecked, pride is a cancer that takes our souls. Pride is the cause of all evil and disobedience. Humility is the antidote of pride. One of the best tests of a person’s humility is to see how we treat others. In his book "The Spiritual Life" John Westerhoff says, “The test of the character and quality of our relationship with God is measured by the quality and character of all other relationships. It would simply be false to say that our relationship with God is going well while we are exhibiting prejudiced behavior, nursing anger or allowing estrangement.”
The opportunities to learn humility are all around us. Here's what John Talbot says; 1) When you are around other people do you insist on promoting your opinions, driving home your points or are content to let others have their say without any commentary or criticism from you? 2) How do you feel the driver who cuts you off on the freeway, the handicapped who forces you to walk more slowly?....etc. How we treat others particularly others who we view as somehow less important than ourselves is a crucial test of our humility. One of the first steps in St. Francis life was to kiss a leper. Who are the lepers in our lives and how can we kiss them?
Prayer: Make us, help us through your Spirit's guidance to experience the joy that comes from putting our lives in Gods hands and being humble servants. Make us reflect your glory in the way we treat others in love as we love ourselves in Jesus Christ. Amen
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Wednesday, November 2, 2011
King Josiah humbles himself
2 Chronicles 34:14-28 14 While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the Lord, the priest Hilkiah found the book of the law of the Lord given through Moses. 15Hilkiah said to the secretary Shaphan, ‘I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord’; and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan. 16Shaphan brought the book to the king, and further reported to the king, ‘All that was committed to your servants they are doing. 17They have emptied out the money that was found in the house of the Lord and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers and the workers.’ 18The secretary Shaphan informed the king, ‘The priest Hilkiah has given me a book.’ Shaphan then read it aloud to the king. 19 When the king heard the words of the law he tore his clothes. 20Then the king commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, the secretary Shaphan, and the king’s servant Asaiah: 21‘Go, inquire of the Lord for me and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been found; for the wrath of the Lord that is poured out on us is great, because our ancestors did not keep the word of the Lord, to act in accordance with all that is written in this book.’ 22 So Hilkiah and those whom the king had sent went to the prophet Huldah, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe (who lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter) and spoke to her to that effect. 23She declared to them, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Tell the man who sent you to me, 24Thus says the Lord: I will indeed bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book that was read before the king of Judah. 25Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, so that they have provoked me to anger with all the works of their hands, my wrath will be poured out on this place and will not be quenched. 26But as to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, 27because your heart was penitent and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me, and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, says the Lord. 28I will gather you to your ancestors and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring on this place and its inhabitants.’ They took the message back to the king.
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
It was a time when Israel was in turmoil, and the kingdom and its inhabitants forgot about God and His laws, to the extent that they even worshipped idols. Here, the priest of the temple discovered the laws written by Moses and which he sent to the King. Realizing the sins they have committed against God, he tore his clothes and humbled to God.
"Whoever humbles himself, the Holy One, blessed is He, raises him up." It should be noted that meekness is the essence for one who bows and humbles before the Lord. Without poverty in spirit, we cannot accept the Good News, because poverty is a symbol of the heart that is empty of self, and thus open to God. Poverty does not just mean needy of many things, but rather nothing before God. Which also means that before Him, each of us is poor and that we have to acknowledge that and humble ourselves before God, in order to receive His gift. God cannot give himself to us unless our hands are empty to receive Him. More so, to receive His love means a naked, defenseless surrender to God.
On this, we rely on Jesus as the embodiment of humility, for though He was in the form of God, yet did not find equality with God, rather emptied Himself, taking the form of servant. And even as He humbled Himself. He was obedient even unto death, in obedience to the Father. "Thus, whoever humbles himself, shall be exalted." Matt. 23:2.
PRAYER:
Father, instill humility into our hearts that it will always be open to your love and grace. Amen.
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Tuesday, November 1, 2011
King Ahab humbles himself
I Kings 21:1-28
When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth over his bare flesh; he fasted, lay in the sackcloth, and went about dejectedly. Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster on his house.” (I Kings 21:27-28)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
This week’s daily readings are centered on humility as a theme. It spins off from Sunday’s gospel reading where Jesus reminded the crowds and his disciples “those who are humble will be exalted.” I don’t know how these texts were chosen but I have a hard time figuring out how to write this devotion using our text today. For sure, the one who complied the readings noted the significance of verses 27-28 and cited Ahab for his humility before God. I am wrestling with great disturbance to pinpoint where is God’s word for me in this story.
Maybe I can be helped if I can name and identify where my resistance rests. First, I am familiar with the story but I always read this story with eyes focused on Naboth, the victim of Ahab and his wife Jezebel’s scheming and cruelty. To me this is Naboth's story not Ahab’s. It should be told to highlight Naboth’s plight. But this time, it calls for me to take a look at Ahab’s humility. The writer of the Book of Kings described Ahab with these words: Indeed, there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD, urged on by his wife Jezebel. (25) To give Ahab a second look after reading what he and Jezebel did to Naboth is tough. Second, I am bothered with the idea that the punishment will be inflicted on his sons rather than on Ahab himself, although Ahab later died in a battle. According to account dogs, like what happened to Naboth and according to what Elijah had told, licked his blood. There are many challenging theological questions that confront us when we read Old Testament narratives and trying to bridge them with our understanding of God as revealed in Jesus calls for our never ending task of reflection and reshaping of our theological landscape.
I remember our Sunday School lesson the other Sunday about that section on Experiencing God in the Bible, one of the speakers said, “I wasn’t reading this book (Bible). This book was reading me.” This line just came back to me as I sort out my feelings and thoughts about this story. Yes the story talks about Ahab, Jazebel, Naboth, Elijah and all the unmanned people involved in the scheme to grab that piece of land. But I am also ‘read’ by the Book, by the same story. It exposes my perspective, my bias, my own idea about God. This time, God is not so concerned about Ahab’s humility but my own humility – to be willing to read the story from another perspective, to be challenged even in my understanding of God and how God acts.
Ahab humbled himself and I resent it. I want punishment. God spoke to Elijah, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled before me?” God is also saying to all of us who are angry and moved and touched by the naked injustice and the cruel oppression in this story, “I have seen Ahab humbled himself, how about you?”
Prayer: Humility is difficult O God when it challenged what we hold on as the ‘correct’ way of reading your story. Help us, O God. Amen.
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Saturday, October 29, 2011
The path of the righteous
Psalm 15A Psalm of David.
Reflection by Laura Malaki-Lambert:
Psalm 15 tells us that fellowship with God is conditional and it emphasizes obedience to God. Being obedient means one should have a complete moral of conduct in how we live—do not gossip or talk in a tactless way. One should not value materials too much, should not bribe nor accept bribes, and not practice usury.
Forgiving God, I pray that You always remind me and guide me to behave the way You want me to be. Make me a blessing today. Amen.
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Friday, October 28, 2011
Love one another
1 John 3:16-19
16We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? 18Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him
Reflection by Rachel Dadap:
"Love one another" is John's practical exposition to the community of believers who experience schism that threatens the promise of salvation at the heart of Johannine Christianity. Hence the Gospel highlights the unity of believers with Jesus and through him with God. The primary thrust is to explain and reinforce the community's love for one another. The love of a brother is now replaced with love of one another. This is the only certain evidence of love for God is the more visible love for a fellow believer.
The book "Spiritual Life" (the foundation for preaching and teaching) John Westerhoff says of Andrew Louth's book "Discerning the Mystery" Louth contends: "to be Christian is not simply to believe something, to have heard or learned something, but to be someone who participates in a community where the mystery of faith is experienced. The Christian tradition is not an abstract message but a practice, not a body of doctrine that can be preached about or taught about but a way of life"
What Louth is saying about our Christian faith lived day to day, as a way of life among our brothers/sisters in our community makes faith dynamic, real and alive. I see this within our church community. I feel and see the bond of Christian love in our fellowship, in our concern for each others welfare and health… together in our community's joy and grief. It is evident in our thoughts and actions the bond of love that exists among us by the grace of God's love in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: For the deeper meaning of our faith, worship, for bringing us into a closer and meaningful relationship with you, we thank you our God in Jesus Christ, who taught us to love one another. Amen
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Doing right
James 2:8-19
8You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 9But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
14What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? 15If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? 17So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith. 19You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.
Reflection by Maria Teresa P. Rivera:
The commandments dealing with man's relationship with man: "You shall not commit adultery", "you shall not covet", "you shall not commit murder", and all the other commandments are summed up in this one rule: Love you neighbor as yourself. James calls this the 'royal' law because it requires noble behavior fit for kings, with an end reward of a place in the kingdom of heaven.
James also states that showing favoritism is breaking the law, therefore a sin. Let us be reminded that in the parable of the Good Samaritan our neighbors are not just those whom we like, or the ones who live nearby, or are they limited to the same race or even religion. Our neighbors are everyone and they are everywhere.
There are no 'small' sins. "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it". James is reminding us that God's law is a unified whole, "pure and perfect in its entirety". It is like a choir or a musical harmony, spoiled if there is one strident note. God requires perfect, not partial obedience.
"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law". We are tempted to sin because we know that we have already been forgiven. "Don't worry, go ahead, sin. God will forgive you anyway." Remember the old adage: actions speak louder than words, or practice what you preach. In today's slang it is translated into: if you're going to talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk. We not only speak but we must also act with Godly actions that reflect our faith.
Verses 14-19 is about true faith. Is it possible to say "I believe" and not see any evidence of it in one's life? Does your life reflect your faith? "If one says to the other Go in peace, keep warm and well fed but does nothing about the other person's physical need, what good is it?" The absence of action proves the emptiness of the words. In the same way faith by itself, without action is dead. The absence of works proves the emptiness of the faith. Prayer: We praise you God for your mercy, for sending your Son to die for our sins. Help us to appreciate you great mercy so that we too can show mercy to others, that we too can love our neighbors as you have loved us without any hint of favoritism. Strengthen our faith and guide us to put our faith into action. All these we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Love your neighbor as yourself
Romans 13:8-14
8Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.
11Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
The greatest commandments God gave to Moses can be summed-up in two, namely: To love God with all our hearts, minds and strength; and our neighbor as ourselves. This shows an embodiment of God's love for us, that He broke down the most important commandments to just about love. Just as God is moved by our human misery, so too, we should open ourselves to the needs of others - our neighbor. Often the gospels state that Jesus is moved to compassion. Little do we know that Jesus was always showing us the way to live our lives, that the commandments, fully understood, embody the essence of our Christian faith. In another way, the commandments were not mere ways to avoid sin, but fully understood, they are also ways to grow in faith and love for God - which we should explicitly express in our fellow human beings. When we practice mercy for others, we are doing what God himself did for us. And He promised that if we let our hearts be touched by the sufferings of others, we too will receive His mercy. And our confidence in our future in God's realm is based on our response to our neighbor’s needs - one that is happening, now.
PRAYER:
Almighty Father, open my heart to the needs of my neighbor, so that I may be drawn nearer to your love. Amen.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Who Is My Neighbor?
Luke 10: 25-37 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (10:29)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño:
I profoundly miss the experience of having a neighborhood where every family knew each other. I remember those moments when as children we went out on the streets during full moon and played so many games, among them ‘patentiro’ ‘bato-lata’ and ‘tago-tago’ (hide and seek). The joy and laughter, as I now recall, is just priceless. I remember the times when we received a bowl of ‘inun-on’ or ‘tinuno-an’ from a neighbor who cooked more so that they can share to us what was on their table. We also did the same thing, intentionally picked more ‘kalamunggay’ so that we can also share. Neighbors were our extended families, children grew up and walked together to the school and community events. If you ask me then who is my neighbor, I can name names: Marlon, Roy, Wiwing, Tito, Doris, Abac, Leilo, among the many in my immediate community.
People of the Bible also thought of neighbors this way, people who were like them, members of the same race or tribe. Neighbors were defined in terms of proximity of the houses that were clustered in a particular area. So it was a no brainer to ask ‘who is my neighbor?’ But this question was part of a conversation that was supposed to be a test from a lawyer. This was a follow up question after Jesus cited loving God and loving neighbors in response to a query about how to inherit eternal life. It could have been end of the story if the lawyer just stopped after Jesus instructed him, ‘do this and you will live.’
Now with Jesus responding to this question, the definition of neighbor becomes complicated. What followed was a story, a parable of the Samaritan, who at that time were considered by the mainstream Jewish society as sinners and unworthy of dignity and respect due to their tainted blood. Jesus threw back the same question to the lawyer, who was a neighbor to the victim of robbery? He answered, ‘the one who showed him mercy.’
That was a tough pill to swallow not only for the lawyer but also for a typical Jew at that time. How can those outside the parameter of race or tribe become a neighbor? Jesus is saying a neighbor is anybody who has the capacity to show mercy. Being a neighbor is beyond knowing the names of people. Neighbors are those who live a life of mercy, compassion and love without regard for rewards. Being neighbor then becomes an act rather than a designation or a label. Jesus did not say it explicitly but he also had a follow up question for the lawyer and each of us reading this text – can you be a neighbor?
Prayer:
O God, help me to ask not just who my neighbor is but to ask as well how can I be a neighbor. Let me be a neighbor in every act that I do today and every tomorrow. Amen.
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Monday, October 24, 2011
Love the Lord your God
Deuteronomy 6:1-9 6Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the ordinances—that the Lord your God charged me to teach you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy, 2so that you and your children and your children’s children may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life, and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long. 3Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.* 5You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. 7Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. 8Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem* on your forehead, 9and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
Pastor Bong in his sermon last Sunday hammered down the bottom line of our worship found in verse 5 of Deuteronomy chapter 6, that is to love the Lord thy God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your might, Jesus adding loving our neighbors as ourselves and changing mind from might. These commandments summarize what it is to be a Christian especially nowadays. The reading also that pose a challenge for us to make sure our love to God and to others are taught to our children as in verse 7.
When Dominc Grassi, author of the book, “Bumping into God,” was asked why he wanted to be a priest and when he considered it, he recounts a story of how a particular priest made a profound impact on his young life. Actually two priests, the other one who gave a positive example of caring to people by accepting them for what they are and most importantly taught him about having integrity and the another priest who treated him and others poorly. The experience made him look at himself to be the best priest he could be, in a way, God is touching his life not only the happy moments but lessons learned from the difficult ones. Sure, Dominic's "idol" is a priest not the common/ordinary/layman person like us but he mentioned another priest who affected him negatively. The law of God holds true to everyone, the common "tao" and wherever you are in the society.
Verse 5 instructs us to love God with all our being and to teach our children to do the same. We should set our lives then as an example to others especially to our kids that they may too know God personally in their lives.
Prayer: In life's chaotic ways O Lord, remind us that You alone is our God and no other. Make us a stepping stone for others to see You. Amen.
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Friday, October 21, 2011
Doing what is good
Titus 3: 3-8
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a worthy saying, and I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable to everyone. (NIV Serendipity Bible)
Reflection by Rachel Dadap:
Paul expressed his concern in this pastoral epistle to Titus about sound doctrine and good behavior. He shared his ideas on how virtuous life should be lived, reminding them to be "subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good". His concern is based on the fact that "malice, envy, hatred and slavery to all kinds of passions and pleasures are in us, our human nature. And yet we cannot do anything good until the kindness and love of God saved us because of His mercy through rebirth and renewal by the holy spirit through Jesus Christ, our Savior.Vv5-6)
What were we like before we came to know God's saving grace? Looking back, we see a contrast of a life lived without the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ and life lived in the mercy of Gods saving grace in Jesus Christ. Paul made it clear the meaning of salvation to "those who have trusted in God". He made it clear that there is rebirth and renewal" in a person's life "when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared"
Salvation is a state of being free from the burden of living a life full of "malice, envy, hatred, deceit, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures". It is the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit in our thoughts, emotions, in our speech and actions. It is then that we can live "peaceably, considerately, and show true humility toward all men.
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
Daniel in the King’s Court Daniel 1:3-211Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, 4young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5The king assigned them a daily portion of the royal rations of food and wine. They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king’s court. 6Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah. 7The palace master gave them other names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. 8But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. 9Now God allowed Daniel to receive favour and compassion from the palace master. 10The palace master said to Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king; he has appointed your food and your drink. If he should see you in poorer condition than the other young men of your own age, you would endanger my head with the king.’ 11Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 12‘Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe.’ 14So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. 15At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations. 16So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams. 18At the end of the time that the king had set for them to be brought in, the palace master brought them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar, 19and the king spoke with them. And among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were stationed in the king’s court. 20In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. 21And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus.
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
This text tells about the period of captivity when Jerusalem was ruled by the King of Babylon. It was of great interest then to the captors also to gather the wise men and the prized youths and train them in their ways, where one day they would sit as advisers in the kings chamber. Since they were great believers in God, the heathen changed their names to those full of idolatry, so as to let them forget the God of their fathers. Daniel was one of them. He was learned, but firm on his belief. Isn't it dismaying to see how public education corrupts the morals and principles?
We witness this happening today. We see basic subjects on morals and beliefs taught in schools being taken away on the concept that it defies separation of church and state. We see the effects of technology corrupt the minds of the youth, that they are more focused on iPad, than go to Sunday school.
We should look to Daniel's example, that whatever favor was offered to him never corrupted his mind. He held firm to his beliefs and held fast to his spirit as a believer in God. So, let us think quickly in this fast and ever changing world, that whatever interest we think, we make for ourselves. It is a gift from God, let us hold on to that, lest we succumb to the temptations this world is beset with which in turn will only lead us to the dark side.
PRAYER:
Almighty Father, we leave behind everything that belongs to this world, so keep in my heart a clean spirit and belief, that I might see your glory one day. Amen.
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Advice to the Exiles Jeremiah 29:7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño: The word exile is defined in two ways: “the state of being barred from one’s native country, typically for political or punitive reasons or a situation where a person lives away from their native country, either from choice or compulsion.” The Israelites who were recipient of the letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah knew by heart what it means to be an exile after all they were forcibly taken from Jerusalem to Babylon by their captors. The great ancestors of African-American who were kidnapped and forcibly loaded into ships and sold as slaves here in America can identify this experience. In our congregation none of us were forced to leave our native land but we can say we are exiles by choice. We know what it means to be living away from the land where our roots were planted. Like Jeremiah, many of us are also asking how do we live our lives as exiles. Jeremiah had this advice, “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile.” It was an advice that runs counter to what ought to be done in a land ruled by the oppressor. Jeremiah asserted; “in its welfare you will find your welfare.” The advice could also be repeated for us today, our welfare rests in the welfare of this nation. So we contribute whatever we can in making this land true to its foundation, “a land of the free and the home of the brave.” Today, the very foundation of this nation is threatened. The influence of corporate money has eroded the democratic ideals where the collective voice of the people are heard and given importance. Thus we have seen protest like what we have right now in Wall Street. The welcoming and compassionate spirit of America has been pushed to the sidelines as voices of fear and bigotry blasts its trumpet. We should seek the welfare of our cities, the welfare of this nation. We can add our voice to those who clamor for justice and peace and compassion. To remind everybody that America is a land of the exiles and the aliens. Except for the Native Americans, all who are now occupying this land can trace their roots from Europe, Africa, Asia and The Pacific. In our family stories a chapter can be told about how our forefathers and mothers were also uprooted from the land of their birth. After the exodus when the Israelites settled in the land of promise, they were reminded through the Book of Leviticus how to treat aliens (the exiles). The writer said: When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. (19:33-34) Let us contribute to build the strength of America not through raw power and might but through moral, ethical and spiritual foundations. For if the heart of America is not right, it will fall like any other empires of the past. Let us work hard in strengthening America’s internal foundations for as Jeremiah proclaimed, ‘in its welfare you will find your welfare.’ Prayer:
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Friday, October 14, 2011
The Lord is my Shepherd Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. Reflection by Rachel Dadap: Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and popular psalms in the Bible. It's been recited in memory, set to music and used in many occasions. One most important thing I use in this psalm is when I am afraid, and I am afraid of many things. I remember the years of childhood and youth in my hometown, Hinunangan, Leyte. This is a rustic place where friends and I find adventures in the sea to swim, jungles of grass to explore for birds egg, guava trees to climb and games to play on moonlight nights. In these adventures we were exposed and vulnerable to the dangers of drowning in the sea or lethal snake bites in the jungle. Psalm 23.."the Lord is my shepherd" has been my companion and protector in all occasions..
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Lord will prepare a feast Isaiah 25:1-81O Lord, you are my God;
Reflection by Archibald Tubo:
The Lord has proclaimed in Isaiah of His special love for the poor, the underprivileged and the defenseless. But why the poor? This is because, with nothing to rely on and no one to attend to their needs, the poor can only turn, in faith, to God as their only hope. "Without poverty, we cannot accept the Good News of Jesus, because poverty is a symbol of the heart that is empty of self and thus open to God. Riches, on the other hand, choke the human heart." Meaning, if our minds and hearts are full of what the world can offer, we can never be focused on God.
Fr. John O'Donnell aptly said it: “I believe that we can sum up the entire spiritual life in the word poverty. Before God, each of us is poor and we have to acknowledge ourselves as needy before God to receive God's gift. We each have talents and gifts, but we also have weaknesses. Yet we are not called to glory in our weaknesses, but rather our weaknesses can be great occasions of grace that reveal to us our need of God.” As such, the Lord has promised a great feast; a blessing to the faithful.
PRAYER:
Father, nurture my poor heart and feeble mind, that I may receive your gift in a feast you prepared for those who hunger for your grace.Amen.
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Tuesday, October 11, 2011
A Banquet and a Request
Esther 5:1-8, 7:1-10 “If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me—that is my petition—and the lives of my people—that is my request.” (7:3)
Reflection by Rev. Reuben Cediño: Last March 19 (sunset) to March 20 (nightfall), the Jews celebrated the Feast of Purim. The meaning of the word pur was explained in 9:24, “Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur—that is “the lot”—to crush and destroy them.” The whole book of Esther revolves around this story of the treacherous intent to crush and destroy and the intricate plan to impede evil schemes. The Jews remember and re-lived the whole story through the celebration of the Feast of Purim.
In the story, the death sentence and the permission to plunder the goods of the Jews had been signed in the name of the King and the message was already sent to all provinces for the order to take effect on the 13th day of the 12th month. As the clock ticks, the window of opportunity became smaller. But before it finally closed, Esther, who concealed her identity as a Jew and who was chosen as Queen from among the King’s harem, took a daring move. Mordecai, her uncle and adopted father reminded her (4:13), “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. ” Esther had to choose between saving her life, at least for a moment, and allowed the decree to follow its natural course or she could make a bold, courageous but also a calculated stand to save her people. For as Modecai suggested, Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this. And Esther had chosen the path of deliberate resistance.
It was through a banquet that she hosted where she made a request to save herself and her people and the rest was history. The day, which was supposed to be a day of death and destruction, becomes a day of salvation and celebration. All because Esther took the risk and choose to use her power and influence to preserve and protect the life of her people who were doomed to be totally destroyed. When Esther took that daring move there was no guarantee that it will succeed. But she took the risk mindful of the words of Mordecai that perhaps the royal favor she found could be used for God’s desire and plan of salvation. It happened because Esther dared to believe and took the corresponding risks to act accordingly. Esther then became God’s active partner in making the miracle of salvation happened in spite of all the odds.
Prayer:
Give us the courage, O God to be bold and brave like Esther. May we be your partner in the way we use whatever power and influence we have to save and preserve life. Amen.
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Monday, October 10, 2011 The Parable of the Great Banquet
Luke 14:15-24 15 One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, ‘Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!’ 16Then Jesus* said to him, ‘Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. 17At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, “Come; for everything is ready now.” 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, “I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my apologies.” 19Another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my apologies.” 20Another said, “I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.” 21So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, “Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” 22And the slave said, “Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.” 23Then the master said to the slave, “Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. 24For I tell you,* none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.” ’
Reflection by Geneva Tubo:
This parable presents a free gift of grace and mercy from God through Christ. The food for the soul is offered to those who hear it, and so were thus invited to the great banquet. Yet, those who thought they had everything in life, and everything the world could offer, found a lot of pretence to justify their non-attendance. So as the case, God's grace was offered to the have-nots and the Gentiles, who were then considered outcasts to society.
We see this everywhere today, the rich and powerful neglecting the responsibility to share their wealth with the needy, with no gratitude for what they have, and a contempt of Christ offer. Because of this, the gospel turns to the poor, who have no choice but to cling to God's promise to uplift them of their plight. So much so that, "it is easy for a poor man to enter the kingdom of God than for a camel to pass the eye of a needle."
PRAYER:
Father, let me seek you first everyday of my life, that I may be invited to your great banquet someday. Amen.
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