May 23, 2013

First Reading – Sirach 5:1-8

It reminds me never to rely on earthly strength, intelligence, or talents which all comes from God. God gives, God can take away. Our value is not of this earth. We can not become proud because we are rich and powerful. Instead, we should become a man of value.

This I know how?

1. Mentally strip away all your earthly possessions. Who are you then? Will friends still like you?

2. Mentally strip away all your titles, i.e. Dr. Someone, Pres. Leader, Manager Big Time. Will people still respect you?

3. Mentally strip away all your authoritative positions, i.e. parent, group leader, teacher. Will kids, members, and students still follow you? Will they still love you?

Often times, we taught we are truly loved, followed, and respected. As a parent, we tend to be abusive of our authority. We forced our way to our children. Yes, we ought to be respected and loved. But will we still be loved if we are relieved of our parental duties?

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1: 1-2, 3, 4, 6

Blessed are they who hoped in the Lord.

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Gospel: Mark 5:41-50

think…Let us pray that we will avoid the pitfalls of the world by focusing on the things of true worth that are only found in heaven.

Reflection…This reminds me not to be hypocrite in the eyes of my children. I should not say one thing and do the other. I should be the one who will bring them closer to God. There is so much to say about being a good example to my children but I would rather act on it because often times I failed in my commitment. I struggle with inconsistency.

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God our Father, You know my thoughts even before I speak. Give me strength to love without expectations and be a good role model to my kids. I do not ask to be perfect, in fact, my thoughts, words, and deeds are full of blunders.
I am a mother who wants to patient, gentle, and loving but acts very differently when irritated. I do not ask You to take away my irritability. I just ask You to help me spot the incidents that would present itself as an opportunity to change my ways.