Dec 16, 2008 - Simula ng Simbang Gabi. Malamig ang hangin. Today, we finally enter the last period of preparation for Christmas. Especially on this first day of Simbang Gabi, our churches are crowded. The "Simbang Gabi" is actually a Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church wants to accompany Mary during her last days before giving birth, and honor and praise her for being so faithful to God’s plans. Let's internalize the gospel for these next nine days. - Nancy
"The tax collectors and prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you"
Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32
28 "What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, `Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29 And he answered, `I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. 30 And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, `I go, sir,' but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him.
Meditation:
There were two key points of the gospel that Father Ogie, our parish priest here in Manggahan, Gen Tri, Cavite, noted last night. One was; Because of our imperfections, our sins, especially of the past, we tend to seek for what is right and doing what ought to be done. When we look back, we should let the things of the past inspire us to look forward and make the best of what God expects of us. You know why? "Dahil hindi daw natatapos ang gawain at kapangyarihan ng Diyos sa mga nagawa na". What is important is that in the end, we do what was told us. This is the point Jesus makes in the parable of the two sons. Ultimately, it is obedience and not words that count for everything in our lives of faith. It is easy to say that we will do something. It means everything to actually go ahead and do it! Actions will always speak louder than words because it is in our actions that we actually commit ourselves to a particular cause or movement.
Secondly, Ang taong malayo sa Diyos, ang kinahahantungan ay kapahamakan o kasalanan. Marami daw ngayon mga taong naglalakad ng gising (or tulog ba :o) ), I guess he refers to people who are lost and are just existing, but not really "living" as what God expects them to be. Jesus tells us today that we are real disciples when we do the will of His Father, when we do what He has commanded us.
And here is one reflection I found on the net;
What kind of future are you preparing for? Jesus encourages us to think -- to think about the consequences of our choices, especially the choices and decisions that will count not just for now but for eternity as well. The choices we make now will affect and shape our future, both our future on earth as well as in the life of the age to come.
Jesus tells a simple story of two imperfect sons to illustrate the way of God's kingdom.
The father amply provided for his sons food, lodging, and everything they needed. Everything the father had belonged to them as well. The father also rewarded his sons with excellent work in his own vineyard. He expected them to show him gratitude, loyalty, and honor by doing their fair share of the daily work.
The "rebellious" son told his father to his face that he would not work for him. But afterwards he changed his mind and did what the father commanded him. The "good" son said he would work for his father, but didn't carry through. He did his own pleasure contrary to his father's will. Now who was really the good son?
Both sons disobeyed their father; but one repented and then did what the father told him.
Jesus makes his point clear: Good intentions are not enough. And promises don't count unless they are performed. God wants to change our hearts so that we will show by our speech and by our actions that we respect his will and do it. God offers each of us the greatest treasure possible– unending peace, joy, happiness, and life with him in his kingdom. We can lose that treasure if we refuse the grace God offers us to follow in his way of truth and righteousness. Do you respect the will of your Father in heaven?
"Lord Jesus, change my heart that I may only desire that which is pleasing to you. Help me to respect your will and give me the strength, joy and perseverance to carry it out wholeheartedly."
-- rc.net (Schwager), Nancy
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