2020

First Reading
Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19
The way of the just is smooth;
the path of the just you make level.
Yes, for your way and your judgments, O LORD,
we look to you;
Your name and your title
are the desire of our souls.
My soul yearns for you in the night,
yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you;
When your judgment dawns upon the earth,
the world’s inhabitants learn justice.
O LORD, you mete out peace to us,
for it is you who have accomplished all we have done.

O LORD, oppressed by your punishment,
we cried out in anguish under your chastising.
As a woman about to give birth
writhes and cries out in her pains,
so were we in your presence, O LORD.
We conceived and writhed in pain,
giving birth to wind;
Salvation we have not achieved for the earth,
the inhabitants of the world cannot bring it forth.
But your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise;
awake and sing, you who lie in the dust.
For your dew is a dew of light,
and the land of shades gives birth.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 102:13-14AB AND 15, 16-18, 19-21
R. (20b) From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.
You, O LORD, abide forever,
and your name through all generations.
You will arise and have mercy on Zion,
for it is time to pity her.
For her stones are dear to your servants,
and her dust moves them to pity.
R. From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.
The nations shall revere your name, O LORD,
and all the kings of the earth your glory,
When the LORD has rebuilt Zion
and appeared in his glory;
When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute,
and not despised their prayer.
R. From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.
Let this be written for the generation to come,
and let his future creatures praise the LORD:
“The LORD looked down from his holy height,
from heaven he beheld the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoners,
to release those doomed to die.”
R. From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.

Gospel
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

---

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

REFLECTION
I am pretty sure that everyone would agree with me when I say that this year (or at least the beginning of this year up to this point), has been quite a wild ride.

With so much things going on, one happening after another, it puts quite the pressure and weight on all of us. This year has been a mental and spiritual test for each individual, and for some it has already taken its toll. As someone with a mental illness, going through each day really gets tiring, burdensome, and some days even feel pointless. Opening social media apps just gets me down and gets me at a constant battle with myself on whether or not I should keep doing so, for I know it is one of the major sources of news for me. To be able to be updated with the current affairs is the least one could do, especially in times like these. 

During these times, I know one of the only ways to keep sane is to pray. Talking to God and unloading the burdens and stress has kept me going. Just as what was written in today’s Gospel, Jesus has offered rest for those tired and weary. Prayer is just one way to receive this rest.

Prayer
Father God, with all that has happened this year, I only pray that you continue to keep us strong. Help us carry the weights we have on our shoulders and to get through each day. Things haven’t been so easy for all of us, but still I would like to give thanks for the way I feel I am able to carry on and begin again each time I pray to You. Amen.

Author

Click on the bubble to find out more about Andrea!

Photo by: Ben White (@benwhitephotography at unsplash.com)

The Small Things

First Reading
Hosea 11:1-4, 8E-9
Thus says the LORD:
When Israel was a child I loved him,
out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them,
the farther they went from me,
Sacrificing to the Baals
and burning incense to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
I drew them with human cords,
with bands of love;
I fostered them like one
who raises an infant to his cheeks;
Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,
they did not know that I was their healer.

My heart is overwhelmed,
my pity is stirred.
I will not give vent to my blazing anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again;
For I am God and not man,
the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 80:2AC and 3B, 15-16
R. (4b) Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken.
From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power.
R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see:
Take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted,
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

Gospel
Matthew 10:7-15
Jesus said to his Apostles:
“As you go, make this proclamation:
‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Cure the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;
no sack for the journey, or a second tunic,
or sandals, or walking stick.
The laborer deserves his keep.
Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it,
and stay there until you leave.
As you enter a house, wish it peace.
If the house is worthy,
let your peace come upon it;
if not, let your peace return to you.
Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words–
go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.
Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable
for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment
than for that town.”

---

“Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer.” (Hosea 11:4)

REFLECTION
In this world today, with globalization and advanced technology, I feel that we are experiencing an information overload. There are a lot of things I want and want to achieve. I say things like “I should have landed an internship by now or be building up my portfolio.” The standards have never been higher and comparing myself to my peers only adds on to the pressure. 

It’s easy to get lost in those ambitions. And when it doesn’t work out, the loss only weighs heavier on my shoulders. It made me question my abilities, if ever I was good enough.

At the beginning of the year, a friend suggested I take up a gratitude journal. I would need to list at least 3 things that I was grateful for each day. Right now, that little notebook is almost filled up. I’ve slowly learned to open myself up to the opportunities that each bad day has to offer. Because while I was focusing on the goals I wanted to achieve, I forgot all the things God has provided for me. I never noticed that with every failure, He was working through me and helping me grow. 

Now, I try to look for a blessing in everything, even in failures. Wherever I may be or wherever I may go, I know that I’ll be ok. I’ve got Him looking out for me. 

Prayer
Almighty Father, I just want to thank You for all the blessings you have given me. Thank You for the gift of life and for my loved ones. Most of all, I want to thank You for being with me through everything, even when I forgot Your presence. As I go through the struggles of the world, may I never forget it’s beauty and wonder as well. Amen.

Author

Click on the bubble to find out more about Jem!

Photo by: Gabrielle Henderson (@gabriellehenderson at unsplash.com)

Heart to Heart

First Reading
Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14B-16A
Moses said to the people:
“Remember how for forty years now the LORD, your God,
has directed all your journeying in the desert,
so as to test you by affliction
and find out whether or not it was your intention
to keep his commandments.
He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger,
and then fed you with manna,
a food unknown to you and your fathers,
in order to show you that not by bread alone does one live,
but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD.

“Do not forget the LORD, your God,
who brought you out of the land of Egypt,
that place of slavery;
who guided you through the vast and terrible desert
with its saraph serpents and scorpions,
its parched and waterless ground;
who brought forth water for you from the flinty rock
and fed you in the desert with manna,
a food unknown to your fathers.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
R.  (12) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R.  Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R.  Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R.  Alleluia.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R.  Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R.  Alleluia.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R.  Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R.  Alleluia.

Second Reading
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Brothers and sisters:
The cup of blessing that we bless,
is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?
The bread that we break,
is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
Because the loaf of bread is one,
we, though many, are one body,
for we all partake of the one loaf.

Gospel
John 6:51-58
Jesus said to the Jewish crowds:
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give
is my flesh for the life of the world.”

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,
“How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
Jesus said to them,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you do not have life within you.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
has eternal life,
and I will raise him on the last day.
For my flesh is true food,
and my blood is true drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.
Just as the living Father sent me
and I have life because of the Father,
so also the one who feeds on me
will have life because of me.
This is the bread that came down from heaven.
Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,
whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

---

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.” (John 6:54)

REFLECTION
What are the things you miss doing before the quarantine?

One of the things I missed the most is going to my friends’ houses or inviting them over to mine. There is something about being welcomed to someone else’s home or welcoming someone to our home that makes us feel like we belong.

Last January, I was lucky enough to have invited some of my long-time friends from my community, Bukas Loob sa Diyos, into my home. We just played games, ate, and talked until morning. But beyond the games, the best part for me was having company with people I love and trust. We have these moments wherein we are just talking heart to heart. All the stress worries or masks just fades away. During these moments, it is not only a weight of my shoulders to share to them my problems but also hearing their problems and sharing’s make me feel that we are all fighting our own struggles together.

In our situation today, we are not allowed to easily go out and hang out with friends unlike before. But this Sunday, Jesus invites us with his own hospitality. Like going to our friend’s houses, He offers us food and drink. Beyond the body and blood of Jesus, He also offers a heart to heart with us anytime of the day, open all year. Just like with our friends, He wants us to unload all our burdens upon Him as He unloads all His blessings upon us. Believe it or not, He is also fighting our struggles with us and He will give us the ultimate form of comfort. All we must do, is say yes to His hospitality.

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for always inviting me to talk to You. Sometimes I do but I admit that most of the time, I am too busy or ashamed to speak to You. I take this moment to bask in Your presence and allow all my burdens to fade away and all your blessings to come in. All this I pray in Your most Holy Name. Amen.

Author

Click on the bubble to find out more about Justin!

Photo by: Randy Fath (@randyfath at unsplash.com)

#AmbassadorSearch

First Reading
Acts 11:21B-26; 13:1-3
In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem,
and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.
And a large number of people was added to the Lord.
Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the Church
and taught a large number of people,
and it was in Antioch that the disciples
were first called Christians.

Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger,
Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul
for the work to which I have called them.”
Then, completing their fasting and prayer,
they laid hands on them and sent them off.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6
R.    (see 2b)  The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R.    The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R.    The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R.    The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R.    The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Gospel
Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

---

“When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart.” (Acts 11:23)

REFLECTION
After months of being quarantined at home, we start to engage in different things that would keep us sane in this time of pandemic. Some people started to learn how to work in the kitchen. Some started a good diet and a workout routine. Others invested in starting and creating a small business (#SupportSmallBusiness), while others waited for sales and hot deals online. Some raised funds and offered help to those in need, while some just used this time to disconnect and reconnect to the things that have been too hard for them.

A new trend has begun and this is what they call the “#AmbassadorSearch” wherein the aspirants would have to meet such requirements for them to be acknowledged as an ambassador of a certain brand of their choice. In the business world, an ambassador is someone who can promote the products and influence the consumers by doing different strategies. In return, they’ll be able to receive special packages.

In today’s readings, the Lord continues to educate and show His works of love and mercy for us to know how to be God-like in our everyday lives. God calls us to be the ambassadors of His good news without having a lot of things to prove. In this case, an ambassador is someone who can manifest and not contradict the vision and mission of the Lord.

Being an ambassador of the Lord doesn’t guarantee that we will have a perfect life. This will surely give a lot of trials and challenges, but we must not forget His promise of salvation. The only requirement is for us to always have a faithful and a firm heart.

Prayer
Father God, may You continue to touch every single heart in this world that they may be inspired to be an ambassador of Your Word and Your promise of salvation especially now in this time of pandemic. We also pray for the safety and the healing of this world. All this we ask in Your name. Amen.

Author

Click on the bubble to find out more about Kyla!

The Power of Patience

First Reading
2 Peter 3:12-15A, 17-18
Beloved:
Wait for and hasten the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames
and the elements melted by fire.
But according to his promise
we await new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you await these things,
be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.
And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned,
be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled
and to fall from your own stability.
But grow in grace
and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14 AND 16
R.    (1)  In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Before the mountains were begotten
and the earth and the world were brought forth,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
R.    In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.
R.    In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Seventy is the sum of our years,
or eighty, if we are strong,
And most of them are fruitless toil,
for they pass quickly and we drift away.
R.    In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
Let your work be seen by your servants
and your glory by their children.
R.    In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Gospel
Mark 12:13-17
Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent
to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech.
They came and said to him,
“Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man
and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion.
You do not regard a person’s status
but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?
Should we pay or should we not pay?”
Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them,
“Why are you testing me?
Bring me a denarius to look at.”
They brought one to him and he said to them,
“Whose image and inscription is this?”
They replied to him, “Caesar’s.”
So Jesus said to them,
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
and to God what belongs to God.”
They were utterly amazed at him.

---

“Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.” (2 Peter 3:14-15)

REFLECTION
What is your favorite holiday? I bet all of us would answer Christmas! It is the time of the year where houses are fully decorated and you can hear Christmas songs playing at the malls starting November. This season is always full of warmth, joy, and love which makes me look forward to it every year.

As a kid, I would always count down on how many days are left. My parents would ask me and my siblings what we want as gifts and they would buy it ahead of time. No matter how exciting it is to open these, it has been a tradition for us to wait until the 25th. Because of this, I learned that there is joy in waiting. It made me understand the value of patience and how to savor moments.

Just like in the readings, Jesus is inviting us to be patient. During this time, it may seem difficult to do but He is reminding us that waiting is a form of trusting. He is also reassuring us today that He is in control and is a God of promises. It may seem forever to wait but His plans are never delayed. Keep in mind that for Jesus, anything worth having is worth waiting for.

Reflection Song

In God We Trust by Hillsong Worship

Author

Click on the bubble to find out more about Val!

Photo by: Thought Catalog (@thoughtcatalog at unsplash.com)

Second Chances

First Reading
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself,
with the soldier who was guarding him.

Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews.
When they had gathered he said to them, “My brothers,
although I had done nothing against our people
or our ancestral customs,
I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.
After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me,
because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty.
But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar,
even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.
This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you
and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel
that I wear these chains.”

He remained for two full years in his lodgings.
He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance
and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 11:4, 5 AND 7
R.    (see 7b)  The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD’s throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold,
his searching glance is on mankind.
R.    The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
The LORD searches the just and the wicked;
the lover of violence he hates.
For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face.
R.    The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.

Gospel
John 21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?”
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me.”
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.
But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?”

It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books
that would be written.

---

REFLECTION
Today’s gospel made me remember one of the biggest lessons I have learned in my life so far, which is that everyone deserves a chance. I’m not sure, but while I was reading the gospel over and over again that is what popped up first in my mind—that even there is someone who may betray Him, He still chose to give him a chance.

I remember all the times I gave chances to people, not just second chances, but third and sometimes even more. It is hard for most to give chances to people especially when they get hurt so badly, but for me? I choose to give them the chance they deserve because we are all human beings and we all make mistakes. I do my best to always see the best in people even if it may seem hard. I will always do my best to do so just like how He does.

Jesus chose to give the disciple a chance. He decided to keep leading all His disciples to the right path with someone who may betray Him. He decided to tell the others that he will not die. He told them “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” This only shows that “he may be a speedbump for me, but it doesn’t mean the same for you.” It shows that there is hope for everyone, just like Paul.

Reflection Song

With Everything by Hillsong UNITED

Author

Click on the bubble to find out more about Martie!

Photo by: Iva Rajovic (@eklektikum at unsplash.com)

Finders Keepers

First Reading
Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Wishing to determine the truth
about why Paul was being accused by the Jews,
the commander freed him
and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene.
Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.

Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees,
so he called out before the Sanhedrin,
“My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees;
I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.”
When he said this,
a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees,
and the group became divided.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection
or angels or spirits,
while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.
A great uproar occurred,
and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party
stood up and sharply argued,
“We find nothing wrong with this man.
Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”
The dispute was so serious that the commander,
afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them,
ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst
and take him into the compound.
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage.
For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,
so you must also bear witness in Rome.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 16:1-2A AND 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
R.    (1)  Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R.    Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R.    Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R.    Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R.    Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R.    Alleluia.

Gospel
John 17:20-26
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.”

---

“I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.” (John 17:26)

REFLECTION
I didn’t exactly have the best childhood. There was a lot of fighting between my sister and I. The arguments would be very one-sided, and she would get away with hurting me more often than not.

This ran for most of my life. The cycle created the darkest version of myself, an Anti-Giosue if you will. Anti-Giosue would talk to me and tell me how sorry of a person I was. He would tell me how worthless I was and how I wasn’t good enough for anything. And I believed him. For years, my actions aligned with what he was saying. I hurt people without realizing it. I lost myself. God in His all knowingness saw this happening to me, and He acted swiftly.

He first led me to BLD Youth. He taught me how He loved and gave me a path to get to know His love through the Youth Life in the Spirit Seminar, a seminar in which teens like me get to feel and be blessed by the Holy Spirit. I learned how He used all this hurt in my heart to mold me into becoming a stronger person and a firm believer in His plan. He then taught me my purpose through the Youth Encounter, a retreat for teens which introduces the intricacies of Christian life and God. He showed me that I was very skilled at showing my love to others, even if it wasn’t shown back.

See, God taught me that loving people won’t always go both ways. God has given, is giving, and will give us everything He has. We sometimes take this for granted. I know I did. I shunned His help because of Anti-Giosue. But He still loved me enough to take me back with open arms. Through the ups and downs, God showed me glimpses of who I truly am. I am caring. I am empathetic. I am a fun-loving guy. More importantly, I am a child of God. Although Anti-Giosue shows up sometimes and taunts me, I know in my heart I have received the love I needed. I just have to look at where He is.

Reflection Song

Touch of Heaven by Hillsong Worship

Author

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Photo by: Samuel Martins (@samuelmartins7 at unsplash.com)