Works of the Lord

The Lord is good to all 

and compassionate toward all his works. 

Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, 

and let your faithful ones bless you. 

PSALM 145:9-10

The works of the Lord are the things that God has done, is doing, and will do in the world and in the lives of his people. They include his creation, his providence, his miracles, his salvation, his judgment, and his glory. 

The works of the Lord are great, marvelous, wonderful, and righteous, and that they reveal His character, His power, and His wisdom (Psalm 111:2-4)1. 

We should praise, thank, remember, study, and declare the works of the Lord, and that we should seek, follow, and do his will (Psalm 105:1-5; Psalm 119:27; Psalm 145:4-7).

I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might. Let them make known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom. Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. (Psalm 145:1, 9, 10-11, 12-13)

Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you for you are the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is in them. You are the source of all life and love, the giver of every good and perfect gift. You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory, for your works are marvelous and your ways are wonderful. You are faithful to your promises and loyal to your covenant, for your love endures forever and your kindness never fails. Amen.

Pericope:

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF GOD

Psalm 145:1-21

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

December 14, 2023, 7:25 AM

The Hand of the Lord has Done This

That all may see and know, 

observe and understand, 

that the hand of the Lord has done this, 

the Holy One of Israel has created it.

ISAIAH 41:20

Seeing and knowing, observing and understanding God’s hand in our lives and in the world today can help us grow in our faith, gratitude, and joy. 

We can see and know God’s hand through His Son. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world, to reveal His love, His grace, and His truth. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the exact representation of His being, and the radiance of His glory (John 3:16; Hebrews 1:3). 

We can look to Jesus, and see His hand in the way He lived, taught, healed, died, and rose again. We can also see His hand in the way He saves us, forgives us, and reconciles us to God (John 14:6; Colossians 1:19-22).

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

December 14, 2023, 7:17 AM

Send Out Laborers

 “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; 

so ask the master of the harvest 

to send out laborers for his harvest.”

MATTHEW 9:37-38

The abundance of harvest that the Lord is talking about is not a fruitful harvest of monetary benefits but more of a great number of souls or lost sheep that are in need of God. 

There are many people who need to hear the good news of God’s love and salvation, but there are not enough Christians who are willing to share it with them. Therefore, we should ask God to raise up more laborers who will go out and preach the word of God to the world. (Copilot with Bing Chat)

Lost souls or sheep who are branded as misfits or criminals has become a menace to society. The world tells you that these people have no right to live and they should be removed from the face of the earth. On the other hand, the Lord tells you that His sun shines on both the good and the bad and His love shows no partiality. 

All of us are God's children and the lost must be found. It is a time to ask the Lord to send more laborers whose sickle is not to kill but to love and understand the plight of the lost sheep. A time to be an instrument of God's hand in helping the troubled and abandoned.

Published:

December 09, 2023, 9:07 AM

Greet One Another

First Reading 

Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27

3 Brothers and sisters: Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I am grateful but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 greet also the Church at their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the firstfruits in Asia for Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners; they are prominent among the Apostles and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. 22 I, Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole Church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you. 24-25 Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my Gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages 26 but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Father in heaven, 

You are my strength. I praise You from whom all blessings flow. Thank you so much for all the helping hands that You have brought into our business. Truly, I am blessed and grateful for having them as co-workers in Christ.

Things I do not know, You reveal to me through Your word as written in the scriptures. Your works of writing truly gives me joy, inspiration and delight each day. In them is the core of my being and what is being revealed are sources of my deeper understanding when it comes to my close relationship with You. May the power of great and mighty hands continue to bring awesome wonders over my life enriching me in every way. May your love and peace always be upon me each moment of my life. 

In a special way, I lift up all my co-workers to You O Lord as I humbly ask in Jesus Name that You continue to bless us all with a great flow of financial abundance and prosperity. May we continue to live by Your Word together with our children and future generation.

With much love and thanksgiving, I offer you back all the glory and praise now and forever through Christ you Son, my Lord and Savior. 

Amen.

Pericope:

VII: Conclusion

PAUL'S GREETINGS / GREETINGS FROM CORINTH

Romans 16:3-16/21-23

Published:

November 11, 2023. 8:13 AM

Rules over Relationships?

 

Gospel

Luke 14:1-6

1 On a sabbath he went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. 2 In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. 3 Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” 4 But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. 5 Then he said to them, “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” 6 But they were unable to answer his question.

Historical Background

This passage took place during a Sabbath meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath was a sacred day of rest, governed by strict laws prohibiting work. 

Healing was controversially considered “work” by many religious leaders. Jesus, aware of their scrutiny, uses this setting to challenge their interpretation of the law and reveal the heart of God.

The man with dropsy (a condition causing swelling, likely due to heart or kidney issues) symbolizes suffering humanity. His presence at the meal may have been a trap set by the Pharisees to test Jesus. Yet Jesus responds not with caution, but compassion.

Theological Context

God’s love transcends legalism. Jesus redefines what it means to honor God—not through rigid rule-keeping, but through mercy. He uses rhetorical questions to expose hypocrisy. If rescuing an ox or child is allowed on the Sabbath, how much more a suffering human?

Theologically, this passage invites us to see divine law through the lens of love. Jesus doesn’t abolish the law—He fulfills it by showing its true purpose: to bring life, not burden.

Learning Lessons

Compassion must never be postponed for the sake of tradition. Acts of restoration are not interruptions to worship—they are worship.

Jesus models boldness in the face of silent opposition. The Pharisees’ silence reveals their hardened hearts. Our silence before God should be humble, not resistant.

Reflection for the Day

Today, reflect on this: Are there moments when I prioritize rules over relationship? Do I hesitate to help because I fear judgment or disruption?

Let the Lord’s question echo in your heart: “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” What is your answer—not just in words, but in action?

“The Silence of the Sabbath”

In the hush of holy hours,  

Where law and love collide,  

A swollen man stands quietly,  

While watchers choose to hide.

The Teacher sees beyond the rules,  

Beyond the silent stares,  

He lifts the weight of suffering,  

With hands that heal and care.

“Would you not save your child or beast?”  

He asks with piercing grace,  

Yet none dare speak, for truth revealed  

Has met their hardened face.

But mercy moves where silence fails,  

And love breaks every chain,  

The Sabbath sings a sweeter song—  

A healing in the pain.

Lord Jesus, 

You are the healer of hearts and bodies, The One who sees through silence and speaks truth with love. 

Forgive me when I cling to comfort or custom Instead of compassion and courage. Teach me to honor Your Sabbath not by rest alone, but by restoring others in Your name. Let my hands be open, my heart be soft, and my faith be bold enough to heal. 

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Ministry in Galilee

HEALING OF THE MAN WITH DROPSY ON SABBATH

Luke 14:1-6

Gospel Acclamation 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Accompanied by Women

 

Gospel

Luke 8:1-3

1 Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Historical Background

Jesus is traveling through towns and villages in Galilee, preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God. In a patriarchal society, women were often marginalized. Yet here, Luke highlights women not only as followers but as financial supporters and active participants in ministry. Mary Magdalene (healed of seven demons), Joanna (wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward), and Susanna—plus “many others.”

Theological Context

Jesus breaks social norms by welcoming women into his inner circle of ministry. These women supported Jesus “out of their own means,” showing that discipleship includes generosity and practical service.

Mary Magdalene’s deliverance from demonic oppression symbolizes total restoration—“seven demons” implies complete bondage, now fully healed.

Learning Lessons

Ministry isn’t limited to preaching—it includes support, hospitality, and financial stewardship. Those who’ve been transformed by Jesus often become his most devoted followers.

Luke affirms the vital role of women, challenging cultural norms and inviting us to do the same today.

“The Road Through Galilee”

He walked the dusty roads alone,

Yet never truly by Himself—

For hearts once shattered, now made whole,

Walked with Him, giving all their wealth.

Mary, freed from darkest night,

Joanna, bold in palace grace,

Susanna, quiet, full of light—

Each bore the mark of love’s embrace.

They followed not for fame or gain,

But for the One who healed their pain.

Their hands gave bread, their hearts gave song,

Their lives declared: “To Him we belong.”

So let us walk that road anew,

With open hands and spirits true.

For Christ still calls, and we still hear—

“Come serve with joy, for I am near.”

Lord Jesus,

Healer and Teacher, You walked among the broken and made them whole. You welcomed the forgotten and gave them purpose. 

As Mary, Joanna, and Susanna followed You, may we also follow—with hearts full of gratitude, with hands ready to serve, and with lives that reflect Your mercy and truth. Teach us to see beyond status and gender, to honor every soul You’ve redeemed. May our resources, our time, and our love be poured out for Your Kingdom. In Your holy name, 

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Ministry in Galilee

GALILEAN WOMEN FOLLOW JESUS

Luke 8:1-3

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Reflection Source:

Conversaton with Copilot

Blessed By the Hand of God

Jacob answered his father: 

“I am Esau, your firstborn. I did as you told me. 

Please sit up and eat some of my game, 

so that you may give me your special blessing.” 

(Genesis 27:19)

Father in heaven, 

You are the one true source of all blessings for a healthy, fruitful, prosperous, and abundant life. Be praised and glorified O Lord for blessing me and making things turn out well for me. 

Please forgive me for the times that my hand may have worked to deceive others or the times that I have pretended to be the person that I am not. Bless me with the power of Your great and mighty hands. Be the hand that works in me so that in all the things that I do or work for, You will always be praised and glorified. May You continue to give me more surprises and special blessings that will greatly increase our wealth and riches in this world. 

As You grant me all the things that are rightfully mine, may You also do the same for all my brothers and sisters. We are all your children whom you dearly love, needing your care and embrace each day. 

I am now again back on my feet with the confidence, courage, and strength that comes from You through my Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, I can accomplish all of the day's works with great ease. Truly, You have blessed me in every way, I just humbly offer You back all the glory, praise, and thanksgiving. 

All these I humbly ask and pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Published:

July 08, 2023, 8:15 AM