Author: Roger

Doctor in Development Education ( Dev. Ed. D.), an all time educator as School Head and HEI Instructor.

MATTHEW 12:38-42 Listen To The Voice of Salvation

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW 12:38-42 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (JULY 20, 2020)

Then, some teachers of the law and some Pharisees spoke up, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

Jesus answered them, “ An evil and unfaithful people want a sign; but no sign will be given to them except the sign of the prophet Jonah. In the same way, as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man spend three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. At the judgment, the people of Nineveh will rise with this generation, and condemn it; because they reformed their lives at the preaching of Jonah. At the judgment the queen of the south will stand up and condemn you. She came from the ends of the earth to hear the Wisdom of Solomon; and here, there is greater than Solomon.

POINTS OF REFLECTION

Insecurities envelop many people of today. The presence of COVID 19 has struck all over the world crashing down the world economy forcing the business sector to declare bankruptcy leaving the majority unemployed. Insecurities enslave, leaving almost everyone’s heart in great worries and despair of what the future would bring. This, if not given proper intervention, would likely result in psychological issues, poor mental health, poor physical health and unbearable frustrations leading life in vain.

This complete feeling of hopelessness could only be remedied by turning unto Jesus with full trust and confidence on him alone.

This Bible reading teaches us to have faith in the Lord. It is faith that will make us stronger in times of trials and shortcoming. Faith dwells in us mysteriously. It will allow us to do wonderful things out of our self expectation. Truly faith is a mystery allowing us to forget worries and insecurities. Faith can best be alliterated as follows- Forward All Issues To Heaven. In trouble, lift it up to the Lord for He knows the way out of it.

As the teachers of the Law ask Jesus for miracles for them to believe, we will nurture our faith as small as mustard seed by experiencing God’s presence and listen to the inner voice calling us in our midst with a trusting heart.

While by testimony; many would tend to say that they believe in God, is never enough. Faith really matters for like  people in the Nineveh they will rise in the judgment day because they reformed their lives at the preaching of Jonah. 

Remember, Jesus is more than anyone else including Jonah.  Today, hear His voice and rise together with the people of Nineveh on the judgment day. Amen…

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MATTHEW 13:24-43 The Three Theological Virtues

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW 13:24-43 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (JULY 19, 2020)

Jesus told another parable, “ The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a man, who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the plants sprouted and produced grain, the weeds also appeared.

Then, the servants of the owner came, and said to him, ‘sir was it not a good seed that you sowed in your field?  Where did the weeds come from?’ He answered them, ‘this is the work of the enemy.’ They ask him, ‘ Do you want us to go and pull up the  weeds?’ He told them, ‘No when you fill up the weeds, you might uproot the wheat with them. Let them grow together, until harvest; and, at the harvest time, I will say the workers: Pull up the weeds first, ties them in bundles and burn them; then gather the wheat into my barn.“

Jesus offered them another parable;” The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is smaller than all other seeds. But once it is fully grown, it is bigger than any garden plant; like a tree, the birds come and rest in its branches.”

He told them another parable, “The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast that a woman took, and hid in three measures of flour, until the whole mass of dough began to rise.”

POINTS OF REFLECTION

In this Bible reading, three parables are presented to highlight the three theological virtues which include love, faith and hope.

The first parable signifies God’s greatest love to us all. The presence of the weeds (bad elements in the society) in the field does in any way alter his being God. He allowed the bad and the good to live all together in the same world enjoying the enough amount of oxygen, rain and sunlight. He even denied subjecting bad elements in the society for punishment for the procedure might endanger the good one. Truly his is extremely amazing to each and everyone.

The second parable is about the faith. While living with the bad elements in the society won’t be easy for the good ones to stand on, God has given us the gift of faith as our shield from the disciples of evil while waiting for the judgment day.

And the third parable is about the yeast of the woman, reminded us to live in faith and grow significantly in hope unto Jesus

In conclusion, love, faith and hope are the three non-negotiable theological virtues to keep in mind in our desire to be with the father in heaven.

 

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MATTHEW 12:14-21 God’s Mysterious Love

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW 12:14-21 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (JULY 18, 2020)

Then the Pharisees went out, and made plans to get rid of Jesus. As Jesus was aware of their plans, he left that place. Many people followed him, and cured all who were sick. But He gives them strict orders not to make him known.

In this way, Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled: Here is my servant, whom I have chosen; the one I love, and with whom I am pleased. I will put my spirit upon him; and he will announce my judgment to the nations. He will not argue or shout, nor will his voice be heard in the streets. The bruised reed he will not crush, nor snuff out the smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory, and in him, all the nations will put their hope. 

POINTS OF REFLECTION

Life is like a stage play. Acts continue until conflict arrives into a resolution or destruction. Conflict usually starts from within an envious heart that is not willing to give way to others to be recognized.

The Pharisees, who were considered as written law experts, have these insecurity feelings unto Jesus because of the way Jesus conducted His teaching duly supported by unimaginable healing miracles to those who believe in him and unto the Father. And as Jesus became aware of their plot for destruction, He chose not to have any undesirable gesture over the pursuer but instead distanced himself and made his way out from the Pharisees making no delay in responding to the needs of others.

In our time, many of the people plunging around are considered “Plastic.” They wear smiles potentially dangerous when not in sight. They are like snakes waiting for the right timing to attack unwise prey. In return, people now –a-days would likely challenge, just to prove their stance and principles which became the bonfire of a high tension life to bear on.  

In this Bible reading, Jesus illustrated to us how He works his ways out of potentially dangerous and evil minded persons.  And continue doing the works of mercy to those who believe in Him.  While keeping no hatred to those whom he has avoided but wanted to circle his arm on them  making them feel how He really loves them.

In totality, God’s mysterious love is not about being closer but about the disposition of the heart and the language of one’s emotion.

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MATTHEW 12:1-8 “Laws That Does Not Conform To The Mother Laws” (July 17, 2020)

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW 12:1-8 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION ( JULY 17, 2020)

It happened that Jesus was walking through the wheat fields on s Sabbath. His disciples were hungry; and they began to pick some heads of wheat,, to crush and to eat the grain. When the Pharisees noticed this, they said to Jesus, “Look at your disciples! They are doing what is prohibited on the Sabbath!”

Jesus answered, “Have you not read what David did, when he and his men were hungry? He went into the house of God, and they ate the bread offered to God, though neither he nor his men had the right to eat it, but only the priests. And have you not read in the law, how, on the Sabbath, the priest in the Temple desecrated the Sabbath, yet they are not guilty? I tell you, there is greater than the temple here. If you really knew the meaning of the words; it is mercy I want, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent. Besides, the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

POINTS OF REFLECTION

Many of us would likely jump into partial judgment pointing to violations of the rules which serve the best interest of the group, community or a society as a whole. Specific laws must conform to the bigger laws, if not; a mere violation of these laws cannot be considered as violation. In other words, there are times that we need to ask the outlaws before subjecting them into our impartialities. It is  even better to  know  their lives and if possible enter into their shoes to fully grasp their points and be able to re-evaluate our stance, who knows while there seems a violation of smaller laws appears to be,  a disguise of their obedience to the Bigger laws. A vendor for example, may violate city ordinance but opted to earn  for food to feed their hungry stomach. Looking deeper, there is indeed a sense of inconsistencies between the technical understanding and practical understanding in the application of laws most especially in the hands of the implementers. 

In this Bible reading, the Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples of picking wheat grain as a remedy of their hunger. While it is true that doing some work on the Sabbath day is a violation, what the disciples were doing was in compliance with the law which states that at all times “There is a need to feed the hungry.” It is very clear that simple violation of the Sabbath law was in turn an  obedience to the bigger law which by common sense and practical understanding cannot be considered a violation.

In totality, this Bible reading reminded us that man’s rights emanating from the universal laws should dwell on practical understanding rather than on technically absurd understanding for the interest of the few.

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MATTHEW 11:28-30 “MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN IN LIGHT” (JULY 16, 2020)

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW 11:28-30 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (JULY 16, 2020)

”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of the heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

POINTS OF RELFLCETION

The Holy Bible is divided into two parts; the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains the laws which were interpreted by the few wise men or person in authority. Their interpretation was overly technical that ordinary person felt overburdened which resulted in a broken spirit. To the simple people, it was going to be impossible for them to achieve freedom from sins because of the many laws which from time to time drag them into the occasion of sins. Hence, causes them to be overburdened.

In fact, it is for this reason that God opted to be with us to clarify all issues of divine law technicalities to save people from the occasion of sins.

Jesus simplifies those laws as loving the Father and thy neighbor so that simple people would understand and take themselves back to the Father in the spirit of love alone.  And with love, all in life comes easy and satisfying.

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MATTHEW 11:25-27 COME TO ME OVER BURDENED AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW 11:25-27 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION ( JULY 15, 2020)

On the occasion, Jesus said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I praise you; because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to simple people. Yes, Father, this was your gracious will. 

Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father. No one knows the son except the Father; and no one knows the Father except the  Son , and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 

POINTS OF REFLECTION 

The Holy Bible is divided into books clustered in noticeable periods such as the books in the Old Testament and the books in the New Testament. The first six books of the Old Testament contain numerous laws that come to be of so much burden to the early believers. The pursuit of godliness was almost impossible so that many of them ended up on the wrong ways of living rather than on the ways of God.

There were more or less 613 laws to be followed plus thousands of Oral traditions handed down from generation to generation. With all these, believers found this difficult and frustrating to follow in a lifetime.

The coming of Jesus was the pivotal point with due regard to the bigger picture of pursuing God’s kingdom in the simplest way. The number of laws was significantly reduced into two of the greatest commandments with emphasis on loving God and thy neighbor. Thus, Jesus had said “take my yoke for it is easy so your burden is light.”

God promises to be with us all the time as it was written in the “Footprints in the Sand.” In our troubles, trials and problems, many are the times God opted to carry us for He will never leave us alone.

Hard times are opportunities for us to reunite God over and over again in this deceiving world till the last breath.

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LISTEN AND RESPOND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WITHSTAND JUDGEMENT DAY

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW  11: 20-24  GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION ( JULY 14, 2020)

Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which he had performed most of his miracles, because the people there did not change their ways. “Alas for you Chorazin and Bethzaida!  If the miracles worked in you had taken the palace in Tyre and Sidon, the  people there would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I assure you, for Tyre and Sidon; it will  be more bearable to Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? You will be thrown down to the place of the dead! For if the miracles which were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would still be there today! But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you. 

 

POINTS OF REFLECTION

Men can be best compared to many siblings. No matter how parents are doing their best to guide them not to go wayward, many of them lost the right track not because of parent’s fault but because of their dullness and unwillingness of the heart. Sometimes parents would ask these questions, what more can I do? Did I not give them enough for this life? Confusion may even come, when several management, strategies and trials don’t work. And worse may lead to self doubt and frustrations.

Jesus had felt the same among the people of the three cities of Chorazin, Bethzaida and Capernaum. He poured out much of His time, energy and even performed lots of miracles but still couldn’t see the change of its people. In fact, with this consideration these cities were called “the evangelical triangle”. Jesus’ preaching and ministries have failed to make any difference to them. Jesus even hangs on to the question “What more I can do?”  And later realized that there is no amount of effort to fill up the bottomless pits in their hearts so that Jesus put the cities in curse.  

As Jesus said  “it will  be more bearable to Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you” reminds us to always listen and respond to the dictates of the Holy Spirit in lieu of Jesus for us to withstand on the judgment day. 

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IMPORTANCE OF MAN’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE FATHER (MATTHEW 10: 34-11: 1, JULY 13, 2020)

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW 10: 34-11: 1 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (JULY 13, 2020)

Do not think that I have come to establish peace on earth. I have not come  to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set man against his Father, and a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in – law. Each one will have as enemies, those of one’s own family.

Whoever loves more than Father and mother more than me, is not worthy of me. And whoever loves son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take up is cross and follow me, is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life, for my sake, will find it. 

Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes who sent me. The one who welcomes a prophet, as a prophet,  will receive the reward of a prophet; the one who welcomes a just man,because he is just man, will receive a reward of  just man. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to the one of these little ones, because he is my disciple, I assure you, he will not go unrewarded,” When Jesus had finish giving His twelve disciples these instructions, he went on from there, to teach and to proclaim his message in their towns. 

POINTS OF REFLECTION

Life is really a set of complicated things that oftentimes lead us into the wrong priorities.  Perhaps  life could be ordered in these priorities; God, self and family (closest neighbor), community. 

What is really ironic in this order of priorities is the twist that could happen anytime in the circumstance of life. Let’s say, an important gathering in the Christian community which runs counter to the birthday celebration of your father, mother or any member of the family  which opted you to choose in between the works of God and the family affairs. When you decide according to the herein stated priorities then, you will not be attending the family celebration instead proclaim the gospel of God in the community gathering. Though you pick a good choice, you could not deny the tendencies of indifference from your family. Grudges may craft up  and relationships at home may not be as good as it was. That is why Jesus said“I have not come  to bring peace, but a sword.” We know that the ways of God are not the same as the ways of man. Meaning giving in always to the demands of our family seeking favor against the works of evangelization would somehow make us unworthy unto Jesus. 

On the other side, this does not mean leaving our family unattended but encouraging them to join religious activities by accepting Jesus as our leading figure to attain the kingdom of God on the final day. In fact Jesus said “ pick up your cross and follow me.” Knowing one’s cross is important to follow God’s ways. Who knows, your  own family might be the cross for you to carry. 

Finally let us acknowledge that our relationship to God is very important and worth more than anything in this world. And remember that in  the process of fixing this relationship unto Him we need to carry our cross as Jesus carried his to save us all.

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Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23, JULY 12, 2020)

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW 13: 1-23 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (JULY 12, 2020)

That same day, Jesus left the house and sat down by the lade-side. Many people gathered around him. So he got into the boat, and sat down, while the crowds stood on the shore; and he spoke to them in parables and about many things. Jesus said, “The sower went out to sow; and, as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path; and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil, and the seeds sprouted quickly, because the soil was not deep. But as soon as the sun rose, the plants were scorched; and withered, because they had no roots. Again, other seeds fell among thistles; and the thistles grew and choked the plants. Still, other seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop: some a hundredfold, others sixty, and others thirty. If you have ears, then hear!”

Then the disciples came to him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” Jesus answered, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of heaven, but not to these people. For the one who has will be given more; and he will have in abundance. But the one who does not have will be deprived of even what he has. That is why! Speak to them in parables; because they look and do not see; they are hear, you do not understand. In them, the words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled: However much you see, you do not perceive. For the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears hardly hear and their eyes dare not see. If they were to see with their eyes, hear with their ears and understand with their heart, they would turn back, and I will heal them. But bless are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because the hear. For I tell you, many prophets and righteous people have longed to see the things you see, but they did not see them; and to hear the things you hear, but they did not hear them.

Now listen to the parable of the sower. When a person hears the message of the kingdom, but does not take it seriously, the devil comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed that fell along the footpath. The seed that fell on the rocky ground stands for the one who hears the word, and accepts it at once with joy. But such a person has no roots, and endures only for a while. No sooner is he harassed or persecuted because of the word, that he gives up. The seed that fell among the thistles is the one who hears the word; but then, the worries of this life and the love of money choke the word; and it does not bear fruit. As for the seed that fell on good soil, it is the one who hears the word and understands it; this seed bears fruit and produces a hundred, or sixty, or thirty times more.”

POINTS OF REFLECTION

The love and goodness of God is extremely wonderful and amazing. He has showered us all of His abundance without due regard to our sinfulness as He let rain fall and the sun shines  to all regardless of who we are.

The seeds in this Bible reading are the words of God about His kingdom in heaven. The different soil condition from which these seeds are to be sown represents the human heart which could be doubting (soil along the footpath), uncommitted (rocky ground),  worrying  (ground full of thistles) and committed (good soil) heart.

With no exemption, everyone’s heart could  be one of those mentioned above. If you possess a doubting heart, there exist greater tendencies that you be easily deceived by the works of evil thereby forgetting the good things received from the Father. If you possess an uncommitted heart you manifest quick tendencies to respond to God’s word but eventually lose faith appetite for some reason hard to understand which makes one complacent in his Christian living. If you possess a worrying heart your tendencies are too much attachment to the material world, love of money and fame. If you possess a committed  heart your tendencies are to listen to God’s word, understand it and be able to grow in faith significantly by committing oneself unto Jesus and to the Father.

Regardless of who we really are : doubting heart, uncommitted heart, worrying heart and committed heart, His love  and goodness to us will forever be non selective. He will always send down rains to all and let the sun shine to all  until the judgment day.

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