The story is told about a young woman who impatiently honked her horn at an old man who was taking long in making his order at the first window of a fast food drive-thru. At the second window, the old man paid for his order, and for the order of the agitated young woman as well. At the third window, the old man picked up his order and that of the young woman too, who had to go back to the start of the line again.
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In today’s Gospel (Matthew 16:21-27), Jesus tells us: “For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.” God will judge us by what we did in our lives. Yes, there is a final judgment, a definitive accounting of how we lived our lives. On that day, may we not hear the Lord say to us: “You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27).
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In our story above, perhaps the young woman should have been more patient and understanding. On the other hand, the old man perhaps should not have been vindictive. The challenge of the Gospel for all of us is clear: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
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“You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” All too often, we rely on our own understanding and forget to consult, and listen to God. Let us not become too immersed and attached to our own point of view to the point that we leave God out of the picture. He has a bigger point of view! “Trust the Lord will all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
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Lower your pride. There is a God, and you’re not him. Journey to God’s heart, live for something or someone greater than yourself. Give room for God in your life, and be considerate and mindful of other people. Why? The Lord reminds us in clear terms today: “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” Love is the key to a full, beautiful, and meaningful life.
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Doing God’s will is not easy. It involves sacrifice and going out of your comfort zone. The journey to God’s heart is the way of the cross, but it is also an adventure, filled with many surprises and joy which the world cannot give nor take away. It is the road less traveled, but it’s the road that leads us to true living and giving. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
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Happy birthday Mama Mary! The best birthday gift to her is that we follow and serve her son more. A humble, contrite, and loving heart is our offering to our Mother, so humble and loving. As long as we are humble to God, and do not become arrogant to people, we can persevere in our journey to God’s heart.
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Happy birthday to the Society of the Divine Word. Happy to be a member of our religious-missionary congregation that continues to spread the light of the Word and the spirit of grace, so that “the heart of Jesus lives in the hearts of all.” Grateful to be a part of this team that, on a personal note, has helped me in my journey to God’s heart.
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On the road this week for a mission trip: San Guillermo, Isabela (Sept. 4, 5 p.m. Mass); Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (Sept. 5, 5 p.m. Mass); Baguio City (Sept. 7, 9 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral).
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Think about this: As you go through life make sure that you are not so absorbed with your gadget, your budget, your diet, or with the “latest” as to forget your God, your mission, your health, your peace, and your rest.
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A moment with the Lord.
Lord, remind us that love is the key that opens doors. Amen.
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