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THE KNOWLEDGE WE SHOULD ALL SEEK

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   The message has been very consistent since yesterday through the 1st reading also taken from the Book of James. We have often heard people say, "If it's nice and beautiful then it must be good." We have to make a clear distinction of this because it's like we're in a masquerade ball. We're in for a lot of excitement because everyone is all dressed up in a costume and mask. Let us not be carried away and stick to the perfect rather than the imperfect gift in disguise. The reality of temptation is something we all experience. Its sources are the world, the flesh and the devil. We should be aware of it and not take for granted. It is so powerful that if it goes unchecked could lead us to sin. Sometimes we are fooled into believing that God causes all the things that happen in our lives even the bad ones. We are being corrected by James from this wrong mindset and made to realize that we have a loving God who wills all good things for us. We have our free will ...

NOTHING COMPARES

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   We all have the capacity to know what is right and wrong so it is up to us to take our pick. God never imposes for He is a Perfect Gentleman. He allows us to decide for ourselves despite the heartache it causes Him to see us not choose life over death. It is God's greatest desire to see us all live and be saved but as today's 1st reading tells us whichever we choose shall be given to us. Amen. Hallelujah! Sirach 15:15-20 15 If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you; if you trust in God, you too shall live; 16 he has set before you fire and water; to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand. 17 Before man are life and death, whichever he chooses shall be given him. “ Don't trust too much, don't love too much, don't care too much because that "too much" wiil hurt you so much...” This is a quotation I came across on Facebook. It somehow  answers the part where we have to hurt so much. We use our mind to sort out what is true. God...

OUR STORY

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   King Solomon blew it and so did Jeroboam. We, too one time or another had our chances or golden moments. These are the times when God puts us on the line and we should not forfeit this golden moment to prove ourselves worthy. Jeroboam after being entrusted with wealth, power and glory could have promoted praise and worship to the one true God but he didn't. He was consumed by his greed for power that he failed to get a hold of himself. These worldly things can sometimes or most of the time the source of our distractions and if not properly checked and balanced might lead us to the way of perdition. We should not be sidetracked and lose focus because of the lure of wealth and power. Let us not be fooled by it and remain loyal to the true riches and glory that only God can offer. Amen. Hallelujah! 1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34 ...This was a sin on the part of the house of Jeroboam for which it was to be cut off and destroyed from the earth... We should always keep in mind that i...

PRESS CLOSER

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   We could very well understand why people let go of a gasp, a sigh in disbelief or even exclaim and react strongly whenever we hear of stories which started out well but ended up in disappointment. A good storyline, is something that builds its peak as it goes along and sustains it as it reaches the climax in the end. Today's 1st reading as far as this principle is concerned is a flop based on how King Solomon's life started as a well celebrated and famous king of Israel whose wisdom was well known for all time but ended up in failure because he did not sustain and live up to the great inheritance and legacy that was handed down to him by his father, King David. Though, we could all learn a lesson from his story and pick up the good example from his life. We can all identify with King Solomon because we also have all been handed down an inheritance, legacy and royalty much greater than any wealth and power known to this world that is the love of God which crucified our ...

TRUE FAITH

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    We should be very careful of the kind of company that we keep. In today's 1st reading we are told of the fate of King Solomon because of his intermarriages with women from other faith. We may not be practicing polygamy the way King Solomon did but we could be married in a sense to a person or thing if we have become joined in such a way as in blended flavors, which the dictionary uses as an example to further elaborate on the word, marry. In fact, I have often heard this joke in the  Philippines  when someone likes a person and they are always together, are very good friends although not romantically linked, they would say, " E di pakasalan mo" In English, marry him, her, or it because it could pertain to a person, place or thing.  Now it makes better sense if I would hear somebody throw a similar joke. To marry is a very strong word that it requires loyalty and total devotion. No wonder, the Catholic Church maintains its position regarding marriage and divo...

THE GRAVITY OF SIN

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    We are all prompted to pray, be vigilant and wise at all times. Today's 1st reading tells us of Queen  Sheba  who went out of her way to find out for herself the truth about King Solomon. We, too are encouraged to be pro-active and take part in the activities of our community so that people will know that we have a God who blesses us tremendously each day. Amen. Hallelujah!  1 Kings 10:1-10 ...“The report I heard in my country about your deeds and your wisdom is true,” she told the king. 7 “Though I did not believe the report until I came and saw with my own eyes, I have discovered that they were not telling me the half. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report I heard. 8 Blessed are your men, blessed these servants of yours, who stand before you always and listen to your wisdom. 9 Blessed be the LORD, your God, whom it has pleased to place you on the throne of  Israel . In his enduring love for  Israel , the LORD has made you king to carry ou...

GO BACK TO THE SOURCE

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   I remember there were times at St. Martha when  they got so busy during homeless sheltering and feeding. This kind of activity is a picture of love and compassion for our needy brothers and sisters in Christ. People who are able to serve them in such an activity have always the same thing to say which is it gives them a sense of fulfillment to be part of it. It gives a feeling that God is so pleased with such activities. On top of these civic works that we do for our less fortunate brothers and sisters it is also imperative that we pray for them hoping that someday they would be able to rise up from their present situation. It is not just a prayer for them but for each one of us to strive to not just become a better person for the Lord but the best. Amen. Hallelujah! 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 ...Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O LORD, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant, utter before you this day... Have you ever fel...