Make Ready and Go According to the Lord's Bidding

First Reading 

Jonah 3:1-10

1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you.” 3 So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the Lord’s bidding. Now Nineveh was an enormously large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,” 5 when the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. 7 Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his nobles: “Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. 8 Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; every man shall turn from his evil way and from the violence he has in hand. 9 Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish.” 10 When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.

Father in heaven, 

Your word is the one true guiding way to live a life that is full of love, protection, and prosperity. I praise and thank You O Lord for sharing with me the richness of Your glory through Christ. Glory that fills each moment of my life. 

Today, I begin my journey to set out and make ready for a clean-up drive. In Your grace and favor, may I be able to do the right things in order to be clean and fresh, free from the dirt of the world such as sin, sickness and stress. 

Please forgive me for the countless times I have sinned. Heal me from my habitual flaws so that I may live in accordance with Your bidding. May Your saving power and protection be upon me always so that I may be freed from doing what is evil in Your sight. Strengthen my will and determination to resist any form of temptation that leads me to sin.  

Each day, I listen to Your word, believing that You shall direct and instruct me on what I must say and do. There is no such thing as impossible when it comes to your own bidding. All I have to do is to follow and obey your every word and instructions. Thank you so much for boosting up my excitement and anticipation of hope for your new biddings to come. 

All glory and honor are Yours now and forever through Christ in whom all good things come. With much love and thanksgiving, I humbly pray in Jesus Name. 

Amen.

Published:

March 12, 2025, 7:22 AM

October 10, 2023, 8:31 AM

Grief Becomes Joy

 

"Amen, amen, I say to you, 

you will weep and mourn, 

while the world rejoices; 

you will grieve, but your grief

will become joy.” 

(John 16:20)

In Jesus, our sorrow would turn into joy. Sorrow is often temporary, and joy comes eventually. Joy always come after periods of hardship. 

We should focus on the eternal spiritual truths rather than temporary worldly circumstances. As we navigate through life's challenges, we should always keep our faith in God, and maintain a spiritual perspective. 

Let us trust in God’s plan for our lives even when we don’t fully understand it.

In Jesus, our sorrow finds its end,

Joy emerges, like a faithful friend.

Temporary is the sorrow, fleeting is the pain,

Joy comes eventually, like sunshine after rain.

After periods of hardship, joy takes flight,

A beacon in the darkness, a shining light.

Worldly circumstances, ever so capricious,

Eternal spiritual truths, infinitely precious.

Navigating life's challenges, a daunting quest,

With faith in God, we are blessed.

A spiritual perspective, our guiding star,

Leading us forward, no matter how far.

God's plan for our lives, a mystery profound,

In His wisdom, our lives are bound.

Even when understanding seems out of sight,

In God we trust, in His infinite might.

Dear Lord Jesus,

In You, we find our strength and our solace. We acknowledge that our sorrow, though it may seem overwhelming at times, is but a temporary state. For in You, our sorrow is transformed into joy, a joy that springs eternal.

We understand that joy comes after periods of hardship, just as the dawn follows the darkest hour of the night. We hold onto this promise, finding comfort and hope in Your words.

As we navigate through the challenges of life, we strive to focus on the eternal spiritual truths rather than the temporary worldly circumstances. We seek to maintain a spiritual perspective, viewing our trials not as insurmountable obstacles, but as stepping stones leading us closer to You.

We place our faith in You, Lord, trusting in Your divine plan for our lives, even when we don’t fully understand it. We believe that Your plans are for our good, to give us a future and a hope.

So, we pray, Lord Jesus, guide us, lead us, and help us to trust in You more. Turn our sorrow into joy, our trials into triumphs, and our fear into faith. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope

III: The Book of Glory

JESUS DEPARTURE; COMING OF THE ADVOCATE

John 16:4-33

Gospel Acclamation

I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord; I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice.

Gospel | John 16:16-20

16 Jesus said to his disciples: “A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What does this mean that he is saying to us, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they said, “What is this ‘little while’ of which he speaks? We do not know what he means.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing with one another what I said, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

Background:

John 16:16-20 is part of the New Testament in the Bible and describes a portion of Jesus’ discourse with His disciples. Here’s some background information:

Context: This passage is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples, which takes place shortly before His crucifixion. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ Departure and Return: In these verses, Jesus tells His disciples that in a little while they will see Him no more, and then after a little while, they will see Him. This is often interpreted as a reference to His death and resurrection.

Disciples’ Grief and Joy: Jesus acknowledges that His disciples will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. However, He assures them that their grief will turn into joy.

This passage emphasizes the transient nature of the disciples’ sorrow and the permanent joy that will follow. It also highlights the confusion of the disciples about Jesus’ departure and return.

Learning Lessons:

John 16:16-20 provides several valuable lessons:

Trust in God’s Plan: Jesus’ disciples were confused and saddened by His words about leaving them. However, Jesus assured them that their sorrow would turn into joy. This teaches us to trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t fully understand it.

Transience of Sorrow: Jesus acknowledges the disciples’ grief but assures them it will turn into joy. This reminds us that sorrow is often temporary, and joy comes eventually.

The Power of Resurrection: Jesus’ statement about His departure and return is a reference to His death and resurrection. This highlights the power of resurrection and the hope it brings.

Worldly vs Spiritual Perspectives: While the disciples mourn, the world rejoices. This contrast shows the difference between worldly and spiritual perspectives. It teaches us to focus on the eternal spiritual truths rather than temporary worldly circumstances.

Assurance of Joy: Jesus assures His disciples that their grief will turn into joy. This gives us hope and reassurance that joy comes after periods of hardship.

These lessons from John 16:16-20 can be applied in our daily lives to help us navigate through challenges, keep our faith in God, and maintain a spiritual perspective.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Go! God will Provide

In the realm where divine control resides,

Where His love, in every moment, abides.

He's with us always, in every stride,

Caring, providing, being our guide.

In ways unseen, in ways so broad,

Not just the ordinary, but by the nod

Of the miraculous, His blessings flow,

In His provision, we grow.

Through hardship's grip, through adversity's tide,

In God's provision, we confide.

Even when sense to us, it doesn't make,

We trust in Him, for His name's sake.

His voice we heed, His guidance, our light,

In faith, we walk, be it day or night.

His promises, a beacon so bright,

Even when the outcome is out of sight.

In His provision, we place our trust,

Obey His commands, as we must.

In His promises, we find our thrust,

Acknowledging His sovereignty, in Him we adjust.

Even in circumstances, challenging and vast,

With faith in God, we hold steadfast.

For He is in control, His love so vast,

In His divine plan, we are cast.

REFLECTION:

The Lord then said to Elijah: “Leave here, go east and hide in the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan. You shall drink of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there.” (1 Kings 17:2-4)

God is in control. He is always with us, caring for us and providing for our needs in ways we may not expect. If not by the ordinary, He will provide in a miraculous way. 

Even in times of hardship and adversity, we should always trust in God’s provision. It is important to listen to God’s voice, follow His guidance, and have faith in His promises even when it doesn’t make sense to us or we can’t see the outcome. 

Let us trust in God’s provision, obey His commands, have faith in His promises, and acknowledge His sovereignty, even in the most challenging circumstances. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that You are in control, Your love and care are constant, never taking a toll. You are always with us, in every fold, providing for our needs, both new and old. In ways we may not expect, You make a way, if not by the ordinary, then in a display of Your miraculous power, come what may, even in times of hardship, Your provision holds sway.

Help us to listen to Your voice, to heed Your call, to follow Your guidance, in matters big and small. Even when it doesn't make sense, when we can't see it all, help us to have faith in Your promises, to stand tall. In the most challenging circumstances, in every situation, let us trust in Your provision, without hesitation. Help us to obey Your commands, with dedication, and acknowledge Your sovereignty, with adoration.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

III: Stories of the Prophets

DROUGHT PREDICTED BY ELIJAH

1 Kings 17:1-6

First Reading | 1 Kings 17:1-6

1 Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab: “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, during these years there shall be no dew or rain except at my word.” 2 The Lord then said to Elijah: 3 “Leave here, go east and hide in the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he left and did as the Lord had commanded. He went and remained by the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan. 6 Ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the stream.

Background:

1 Kings 17:1-6 is set in the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of great spiritual darkness and apostasy. The people had turned away from God, and as a result, they were experiencing hard times.

The prophet Elijah suddenly appears in this context. His name, which means “Yahweh is my God,” was a bold declaration of faith in a time when the worship of the true God was being suppressed. Elijah prophesied to King Ahab that there would be a severe drought in the land of Israel. This drought, which would last for three and a half years, was a divine judgment on the wicked kingdom of northern Israel.

Following God’s command, Elijah retreated to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. Here, in a miraculous demonstration of God’s provision, Elijah was sustained by ravens that brought him food, and he drank from the brook.

This passage highlights the dynamics of faith, trust, miracles, and divine provision. It showcases Elijah’s unyielding faith in God’s promise and His ability to provide, even in the most challenging circumstances. It’s a powerful reminder that even in times of judgment and hardship, God cares for His faithful servants and provides for their needs in miraculous ways.

This story encourages us to trust in God’s provision, especially in challenging circumstances. It shows us that when we act in faith and obedience, God miraculously provides5. Even in despair, our faith can lead to miracles and the confirmation of God’s truth.

Learning Lessons:

1 Kings 17:1-6 offers several valuable lessons for our spiritual journey:

Trust in God’s Provision: Elijah trusted in God’s word and followed His instructions, even when it meant going to a desolate place. God provided for Elijah’s needs in a miraculous way, with ravens bringing him food and a brook for water. This teaches us to trust in God’s provision, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Obedience to God’s Command: Elijah obeyed God’s command without question. His obedience demonstrates the importance of listening to God’s voice and following His guidance, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

God’s Care in Difficult Times: Despite the severe drought, God took care of Elijah. This shows that God cares for His people and provides for them, even in times of hardship and adversity.

Faith in God’s Promises: Elijah had faith in God’s promises. He believed that God would take care of him, even in a desolate place. This teaches us to have faith in God’s promises, even when we can’t see the outcome.

God’s Sovereignty: The drought was a result of God’s judgment on the wicked kingdom of Israel. Yet, in His sovereignty, God provided for Elijah. This reminds us that God is in control, even in times of judgment and hardship.

These lessons from 1 Kings 17:1-6 encourage us to trust in God’s provision, obey His commands, have faith in His promises, and acknowledge His sovereignty, even in challenging circumstances. They remind us that God is always with us, caring for us and providing for our needs in ways we may not expect. (Conversation with Copilot)

Overcoming Fear with Faith

“Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, 

and do not be silent, for I am with you. 

No one will attack and harm you, 

for I have many people in this city.” 

(Acts 18:9-10)

God does not exempt us from trials, but rather sustains us through them. With faith, we can overcome. We should always trust in God’s faithfulness, especially in times of difficulty focusing with a positive outlook and thinking in maintaining peace, and dwelling on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and worthy of praise. All of us are connected as one body in Christ. Mutual support all intertwines to unfold God’s work. Let us know, understand, and effectively communicate the teachings of the Gospel.

In trials deep, we're not exempt,

Yet God sustains, His promise kept.

With faith, we rise, in strength, we're draped,

In times of strife, His love's our cape.

Trust in His faithfulness, so grand,

In difficulty, by us, He'll stand.

Focus with a positive gaze,

In peace, our troubled hearts, He'll raise.

Dwell on the truth, the right, the pure,

On things lovely, of good repute.

In honor, excellence, let's bask,

In His praise, let's undertake our task.

Connected, we are, in Christ, as one,

In mutual support, His work is done.

Unfolding His plan, in love, we're wrapped,

In His teachings, let's be apt.

Understand, communicate, and know,

The Gospel's teachings, in us, they grow.

In every word, in every verse,

His love and wisdom, we immerse.

Dear Heavenly Father,

In the midst of trials, we are reminded that You do not exempt us, but rather, You sustain us through them. With faith in You, we can overcome. We trust in Your faithfulness, especially in times of difficulty. Help us to focus with a positive outlook, maintaining peace in our hearts.

Guide us to dwell on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and worthy of praise. Let these virtues guide our thoughts and actions, reflecting Your love and grace in our lives.

Remind us that we are all connected as one body in Christ. May our mutual support intertwine to unfold Your work in this world. Let us be instruments of Your peace, love, and justice.

Grant us the wisdom to know, understand, and effectively communicate the teachings of the Gospel. May Your Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

In all things, we give thanks to You, for Your steadfast love endures forever. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Background

The background of Acts 18:9-18 is set in the context of Paul’s journey to Corinth and Ephesus1. Here, he forms profound connections and strengthens the early Christian community. The chapter unfolds the power of fellowship, the joy of divine encouragement, and the significance of theological understanding for effective Gospel proclamation.

In this passage, one night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10)2. Following this divine encouragement, Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

This period in Paul’s life was marked by significant events and encounters. He met Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, with whom he stayed and worked, as they were tentmakers by trade. He also faced opposition and revilement from some Jews to whom he was testifying that Christ was Jesus4. Despite the challenges, he continued his mission, driven by his faith and the divine vision he received.

Please note that interpretations and understandings of biblical passages can vary among different religious groups and scholars. It’s always a good idea to consult multiple sources or speak with a religious advisor for a comprehensive understanding. 

Acts 18:9-18 offers several valuable lessons for us:

Overcoming Fear with Faith: The Lord’s words to Paul, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10), teach us about the power of faith in overcoming fear2. This message is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 27:1, Philippians 4:6-7, and John 14:27.

The Power of Connections and Teaching: Acts 18 underlines the power of connections, teaching, and divine guidance in the expansion of the Gospel3. The mutual support between Paul and the Corinthians, the nurturing of Apollos by Aquila and Priscilla, and God’s encouraging vision to Paul, all intertwine to unfold God’s work.

God’s Faithfulness: Despite the trials and tribulations that Paul faced, God’s faithfulness was evident. God does not exempt us from trials, but rather sustains us through them4. This teaches us to trust in God’s faithfulness, especially in times of difficulty.

The Role of Positive Thinking: The Bible encourages us to dwell on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8-9)2. This teaches us the importance of positive thinking and its role in maintaining peace.

The Importance of Knowing What to Preach: Some may know how to preach but not what to preach. Knowing how to preach is most helpful, but knowing what to preach is absolutely essential.

These lessons remind us of the importance of faith, the power of divine guidance, the significance of community, and the role of positive thinking in our lives. They also highlight the importance of understanding and effectively communicating the teachings of the Gospel. (Copilot)

OVERCOME YOUR TEMPTATIONS

"Keep watching and praying 

that you may not come into temptation; 

the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 

Mark 14:38

Earthly life is a pilgrimage, and as such it is full of temptations. But our spiritual growth is worked out in temptation. By experiencing temptations, we know ourselves. By fighting them we have a chance to become winners. By overcoming them, we are crowned victors. Lord, you are our physician, healing the ills of all. -- St. Augustine

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. -- 1 Timothy 6:9

"Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away." -- Luke 8:13

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. -- Galatians 6:1

Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. - Ephesians 6:10-13

So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, 15 and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. - Ephesians 6:14-17

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: -- Hebrews 3:8, Psalm 95:8

Because you have kept the word of my patience, 

I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, 

which shall come on all the world, 

to try them that dwell on the earth. 

Revelation 3:10

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time (Lk 4:13). The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment (2 Pt 2:9).

And my temptation which was in my flesh you despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. -- Galatians 4:14

Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.' -- Matthew 6:13

Published:

June 6, 2011, 7:29 AM

YOUR SORROW WILL TURN INTO JOY

"Truly, truly, I say to you, 

you will weep and lament, 

but the world will rejoice; 

you will be sorrowful, 

but your sorrow will turn into joy." 

John 16:20

The prophet Jeremiah had foretold that a day will come when the Lord will turn man's sorrow into joy. He said, "Hear the word of the Lord, 'I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows'" (Jer 31:13).

Jesus is the life that is in you (Jn 14:6). Ask so that your joy may be complete (Jn 16:24).

Friend, you may be in anguish today but the Lord will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you (Jn 16:22).




Published:
September 26, 2015, 9:07 AM
June 2, 2011, 5:50 AM

BURDENS

Blessed day by day be the Lord, 

who bears our burdens; 

God, who is our salvation.
(Psalm 68:20)

Prayer :

A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; you restored the land when it languished; your flock settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy. (Psalm 68:10-11)