God reigns over all.

 



Monday of week 18 in Ordinary Time 


Jeremiah 28:1-17

Ps118(119):29,43,79-80,95,102

Matthew 14:22-36



In today’s first reading, Jeremiah delivered a decisive blow: “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord did not send you, and you’ve been giving the people a false sense of security. Because of this, the Lord says, I will remove you from the face of the earth.” Hananiah, who had predicted freedom in just two years, died within two months of his false prophecy.



In today’s Gospel, Jesus walks on water, and the courageous Peter requests the opportunity to do the same. However, his wavering faith causes him to sink into the stormy sea. Many of us may see ourselves reflected in the other disciples. At times, we might wonder why some individuals seem to enjoy greater success or luck. We may also contemplate why Peter appears to be so exceptional. It appears to be human nature to desire what others possess, even as we recognize that God has blessed us in unique ways. We might overlook the blessings received by others from God. Like Peter, we sometimes seek tangible proof that God is who He claims to be. We desire the privileges and skills of the Master. The readings invite us to consider that God has the sovereign right to bestow favors on specific individuals. Our response should not be envy, which can be destructive, but gratitude for the talents and gifts God has granted others. We are encouraged to strengthen our faith, trusting that Jesus will support us with what we need to navigate the challenges of life. Reflecting on our attitude when others receive recognition we believe we deserve, and examining how we cope with feelings of jealousy, is important. Do we sincerely thank God for the skills, talents, gifts, privileges, and positions of authority granted to others? May God's grace enable us to continue offering Him praise and thanksgiving for all His blessings and gifts. Amen. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GET READY AT ALL TIMES !

Image
  Wednesday of week 29 in Ordinary Time  Romans 6:12-18 Psalm 123(124) Luke 12:39-48 Today's Gospel this week continues the powerful theme of being prepared. Jesus uses the vivid imagery of a master returning and faithful servants awaiting their lord to drive home a crucial message. Those who stay vigilant and true when the master arrives will rejoice and be rewarded with eternal life. But beware—those who live wickedly and fail to repent risk missing out on the kingdom altogether! The question is: how are YOU preparing for the Lord's return? Are you fulfilling your duties with devotion and passion? Remember, to whom much is given, much is expected! As privileged Christians, we're entrusted with God's Word, His grace, and His love—gifts to be treasured and shared. The time to stand ready is NOW because only God knows the moment of His coming. Let's strive to root out any darkness within us that could lead to perdition. Stay alert, remain faithful, and let’s embrace ...
Read more
Image
  REPORTING LIVE FROM ROME GOOD SHEPHERD, I AM BLESSED AND SO THANKFUL!! (BEARING WITNESS TO A RARE OCCASION) 4th Sunday of Easter  Acts 13:14,​43-52 Psalm 99(100):1-3,5 Apocalypse 7:9,​14-17 John 10:27-30 May 8! What an unforgettable day! I had just wrapped up the final lecture of the day at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome with my thesis moderator, Professor Lewis Ayres. This is the same prestigious university that counts St. Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Francis Prevost among its illustrious alumni!  On my way home, I called my mom to wish her a Happy Birthday, reminding her of my dad’s passing on the same day over a decade ago. We had a good laugh about a seagull perched near the chimney of the Sistine Chapel when, out of nowhere, the news broke—“Habemus papam!” The Cardinal Deacon proclaimed it loud and clear! There was huge traffic and everyone started running to the square.  Just an hour later, the new pope, Leo XIV, emerged onto the gr...
Read more
Image
  Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)   Jer 20.10-13;   Ps 68;   Rom 5.12-15;   Mt 10.26-33 Do not be afraid. The fear of the Lord guides us into the realm of wisdom. The presence of God should inspire awe, wonder, and a profound sense of reverence. Here, 'fear' does not refer to shock, horror, or terror, but to the deep respect one feels in the presence of a being that transcends our senses and the material universe—a recognition of the divine beyond external appearances. This reverence should motivate us to act according to God's will. To fear the Lord means to obey Him, which in turn grants us the wisdom of the heart and enlightens our minds. Consider the fears prevalent in today’s world. We face significant threats: tyranny, deception, violence, and unrest that continuously threaten societal stability. The magnitude of twentieth-century warfare—resulting in more casualties than all previous history—underscores this danger. The increasing number of marty...
Read more