A Child of God

He professes to have 

knowledge of God 

and styles himself 

a child of the LORD. 

(Wisdom 2 : 13)

He became to us a reproof of our thoughts; the very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others, and his ways are strange. (Wis 2:14-15)

Today is the anniversary date of this blog I created. I really did not know that the same exact words is biblical as revealed by the Lord. 

I believe dear Lord that having knowledge of you is not just acquired through studying and learning the scriptures but being blessed to have a personal relationship with you. Who am I Lord that you are always mindful of?

Moments of grace such as this is truly amazing for not all are blessed to experience that God is alive and dwells among men. He has confirmed that such an undertaking is not the product of my thoughts but His own work for a purpose that only the Lord knows.

As a child of God, my line of thinking and my ways no longer conforms to the secular world. Most people now see me as someone who is totally different as before because I have been transformed by the Lord to be in His likeness. 

I may not notice everything that the Lord does through me, but I can sense that He is working in me. I may still be experiencing hardships in life, and this is so because I am still focusing on temporal matters.

" See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the Children of God. Yet so we are." -- 1 John 3:1

Like a Child

"Amen, I say to you, 

whoever does not accept 

the Kingdom of God 

like a child 

will not enter it.” 

(Mark 10:15)

Jesus has a special relationship with children because of their innocence and their willingness to trust. Receptivity is key to our relationship with God. We must be willing to receive God’s kingdom with humility, trust, and openness, just like a child. Jesus' ministry is inclusive, personal, and compassionate in nature. Everyone, including children, is valuable in the kingdom of God. The hand of the Lord is upon us all blessing us in our faith journey.

In the eyes of a child, pure and bright,

Shines the innocence of heavenly light.

Jesus holds a special bond, so we're told,

With these young hearts, trusting and bold.

Receptivity is key, in faith we must trust,

To our God above, being open is a must.

With humility, trust, and an open heart,

Like a child, in His kingdom, we take part.

Jesus' ministry, a beacon of love,

Inclusive and personal, sent from above.

From the smallest child to the oldest soul,

In His kingdom, each one plays a role.

Valuable are we in the kingdom of God,

Treasured and loved, though we are flawed.

The hand of the Lord, gentle and kind,

Blesses us all, in love we find.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge the special relationship You have with children, reflecting their innocence and their willingness to trust. We are reminded of Your words, calling us to be like little children, receptive and open to Your kingdom.

We pray for the grace to receive Your kingdom with humility, trust, and openness, just like a child. Help us to cultivate a childlike faith, full of trust and devoid of skepticism. May we always be receptive to Your word and Your will in our lives.

We thank You for Your inclusive, personal, and compassionate ministry. We are grateful that everyone, including children, is valuable in Your kingdom. Help us to see each other through Your eyes, recognizing the inherent value in each person.

We acknowledge that Your hand is upon us all, blessing us in our faith journey. May we always feel Your presence in our lives, guiding us, protecting us, and blessing us. 

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery

BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN

Mark 10:13-16

Gospel | Mark 10:13-16

Gospel Acclamation

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

13 People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” 16 Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them. 

Background:

Mark 10:13-16 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Mark. This passage is also repeated in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

The passage begins with people bringing their little children to Jesus so that He might touch them and bless them. However, the disciples rebuked those who brought the children. They perhaps thought that Jesus had more important things to do than spend His time laying His hands on little children.

When Jesus saw this, He was much displeased and said unto them, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein” (Mark 10:14-15). Jesus was angry and offended by the action of His disciples because they were giving the people the false impression that Jesus had no time for insignificant people like little children and His ministry did not include them.

Jesus then took the children up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them (Mark 10:16). This scene is a primary reason why modern imagery of Jesus commonly has him sitting with children. Many Christians feel that Jesus has a special relationship with children because of their innocence and their willingness to trust.

In summary, Mark 10:13-16 is a powerful passage that underscores the importance of childlike faith, the value of every individual (including children) in the eyes of Jesus, and the openness of the kingdom of God to those who approach it with the trust and dependence of a child.

Learning Lessons:

Mark 10:13-16 offers several important lessons for believers:

Value of Childlike Faith: Jesus emphasizes the importance of having a childlike faith. Children are often used as symbols of innocence and trust. Jesus teaches that to enter the kingdom of God, we must receive it with the same openness and trust as a child.

Inclusivity of Jesus’ Ministry: The disciples initially rebuked the people for bringing children to Jesus, perhaps thinking that His ministry was only for adults or that children were not significant enough. However, Jesus corrected them and showed that His ministry is inclusive. Everyone, including children, is valuable in the kingdom of God.

Importance of Blessings: Jesus took the children in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. This shows the significance of blessings in our faith journey. It also underscores the personal and compassionate nature of Jesus’ ministry.

Receptivity to the Kingdom of God: Jesus said, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” This teaches us that receptivity is key to our relationship with God. We must be willing to receive God’s kingdom with humility, trust, and openness, just like a child.

In summary, Mark 10:13-16 teaches us about the value of childlike faith, the inclusivity of Jesus’ ministry, the importance of blessings, and the need for receptivity in our spiritual journey. (Conversation with Copilot)

Published:

May 25, 2024, 8:53 AM

Feed the Children

“Let the children be fed first. 

For it is not right 

to take the food of the children 

and throw it to the dogs.” 

(Mark 7:27)

Jesus breaks social and cultural barriers to demonstrate God's inclusive love. God's love is inclusive and extends to all people. His grace and mercy are not limited to any specific group or ethnicity. He is compassionate in nature, always willing to respond to sincere faith, regardless of a person's background.

We should look beyond societal divisions and to extend love and compassion to everyone, just as Jesus did. Let us be persistent in our prayers and trust in God's willingness to help us by approaching God with humility and respect, recognizing His sovereignty and compassion.

"Let the children be fed first," He said with grace, 

"To take their bread and cast it low, wouldn't be the place." 

For in the Master's plan, each heart must know, 

The kindness that His wisdom seeks to bestow.

Yet faith can find its way in humble plea, 

As even crumbs can heal, for all to see. 

A mother’s love, persistent and bright, 

Reveals the breadth of mercy in His sight.

Though boundaries set seem fixed and clear, 

God's love transcends, drawing ever near. 

For in the faith of one, we see the light, 

That breaks all barriers, shining ever bright.

Lord Jesus, 

You remind us of the order of Your blessings, teaching us to understand and embrace Your wisdom. Help us to seek Your grace with humility and faith, knowing that Your love extends to all who believe.

Grant us the patience to wait on Your timing, and the trust to follow Your divine plan. May we find comfort in Your compassionate care, and share Your love with those around us.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE SYROPHOENICIAN WOMAN'S FAITH

Mark 7:24-30

Gospel Acclamation

Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save ,your souls.

Gospel | Mark 7:24-30

24 Jesus went off to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. 25 Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 28 She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” 29 Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Holy Child Jesus (Sto. Niño)

 

The gospel of Luke (2:41-52) recounts the story of Jesus as a young boy, when he stayed behind in the temple in Jerusalem while his parents, Mary and Joseph, were returning home. 

Importance of Spiritual Growth: Jesus, even as a child, prioritized his spiritual growth and understanding. He was found in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking questions. This highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and growing in faith.

Obedience and Respect: Despite his divine nature, Jesus showed obedience and respect to his earthly parents. When Mary and Joseph found him, he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. This teaches us the value of honoring and respecting our parents and authorities.

God's Timing: Jesus' response to his parents, "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" indicates his awareness of his divine mission. However, he also understood the importance of waiting for God's timing. This reminds us to be patient and trust in God's plan for our lives.

Parental Responsibility: Mary and Joseph's concern and search for Jesus demonstrate the responsibility of parents to guide and protect their children. It also shows the importance of nurturing their spiritual growth.

Wisdom and Understanding: The passage ends by noting that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. This emphasizes the importance of holistic growth—intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social.

These lessons from Luke 2:41-52 encourage us to seek spiritual growth, respect our parents, trust in God's timing, fulfill our responsibilities, and strive for holistic development.

In the temple's sacred halls, a boy so wise, 

With questions deep and answers that surprise. 

In wisdom's light, he grew each passing day, 

In favor with the Lord, he found his way.

With every step, his stature did increase, 

In knowledge and in grace, he found his peace. 

Before the eyes of men, he stood so tall, 

A beacon of God's love, a light for all.

In every word he spoke, in every deed, 

He showed the path of love, the way to lead. 

In wisdom's gentle arms, he found his place, 

A child of God, a vessel of His grace.

So let us follow in his steps so true, 

In wisdom, age, and favor, let us too, 

Advance before our God and fellow man, 

With hearts of love, fulfilling His great plan.

O Holy Child Jesus, 

In your tender years, you grew in wisdom and grace, before the eyes of God and man, you found your place. Grant us the wisdom to seek your light, to grow in faith and love, day and night.

Guide our hearts to follow your way, in every step, in every word we say. Help us to advance in wisdom and age, to live our lives as a holy page. Bless us with favor, as you were blessed, in God's loving arms, may we find our rest. 

O gentle Child, so pure and true, we place our trust and hope in you.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE BOY JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:41-52

Gospel Acclamation

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Gospel | Luke 2:41-52 

41 Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Abba Father!

In the dance of life, by the Spirit, we're led,

God's children, His heirs, on His path, we tread.

The Spirit whispers, a truth widespread,

We are God's children, by His love, we're fed.

"Abba, Father," our hearts have said,

An intimate call, by His Spirit, we're led.

Like a child to a father, without any dread,

In His loving arms, our fears are shed.

Part of God's family, in His love, we're bred,

This truth should guide us, in His light, we're led.

Our interactions, by His love, are spread,

In His image, our lives are thread.

Guided by the Spirit, in our actions, we're led,

In our decisions, by His wisdom, we're fed.

Though sufferings may come, in His promise, we're wed,

For the glory to come, outshines the dread.

REFLECTION:

"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through which we cry, 'Abba, Father!'” (Romans 8:15)

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are His children. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children and heirs with Christ. The term “Abba, Father” signifies our intimate, personal relationship with God. We can approach God with the same closeness and trust as a child would approach their loving father. We are part of God’s family, and this should influence how we see ourselves and how we interact with others. Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, allowing it to lead us in our decisions and actions. Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that those led by Your Spirit are Your children, a truth so profound, it brightens our burdens. The Spirit testifies with our spirit, in a chorus unbroken, that we are Your children, a truth forever spoken.

We call You “Abba, Father”, a term so dear, signifying our relationship with You, so clear. With the same trust and closeness, as a child to their father, we approach You, God, there's no one rather.

Part of Your family, we stand tall, this truth influences how we see ourselves, overall. It guides our interactions, it's Your love we install, in our hearts, in our lives, in our actions, we enthrall.

We seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in our lives, it's woven, leading us in our decisions, in our actions, it's proven. Though we may face sufferings, though we may be driven, they're not worth comparing with the glory in us, You've given.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

V: Justification and the Christian Life

CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH ADOPTION

Romans 8:14-17

Second Reading | Romans 8:14-17

14 Brothers and sisters: Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children ofGod, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.  

Background:

Romans 8:14-17 is a part of the New Testament in the Bible, written by the Apostle Paul to the Romans. This passage is a profound declaration of the Christian’s absolute security before God.

The passage emphasizes that Christians have God’s Spirit, and those who have God’s Spirit are Christians. It begins and ends with declarations of the Christian’s absolute security before God. There is no condemnation for those in Christ, and nothing will ever be able to separate us from His love. Having believed the gospel, we now live in the Spirit of God. That allows us to call God "Abba Father".

The passage also highlights the concept of being led by the Spirit of God. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are considered the children of God. It speaks to the transformative power of faith in Christ, emphasizing that believers are not slaves but children of God, and as children, they are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.

This passage is a reminder of our identity in Christ and the Spirit, and it encourages us to live according to this identity. It’s a powerful message of hope, love, and the promise of glory for those who believe and follow the teachings of Christ. 

Learning Lessons:

Romans 8:14-17 is a rich passage with many lessons for us. Here are a few key takeaways:

Guidance of the Spirit: The passage teaches us that those who are led by the Spirit of God are His children. This means that as believers, we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, allowing it to lead us in our decisions and actions.

Identity in Christ: We are reminded that we are not slaves, but children of God. This speaks to our identity in Christ. As believers, we are part of God’s family, and this should influence how we see ourselves and how we interact with others.

Intimate Relationship with God: The term “Abba, Father” signifies an intimate, personal relationship with God. It’s a reminder that we can approach God with the same closeness and trust as a child would approach their loving father.

Assurance of our Status: The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. This provides assurance of our status as children of God and heirs with Christ. It’s a comforting reminder of our secure position in God’s family.

Co-heirs with Christ: As God’s children, we are co-heirs with Christ. This means we share in His inheritance, which includes suffering but also glory. It’s a call to perseverance, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Hope in God: The passage encourages us to place our hope in God, not in worldly things. It’s a reminder to continually seek His love and mercy, trusting in His provision and protection.

These lessons from Romans 8:14-17 can guide us in our faith journey, helping us to live out our identity as children of God, led by His Spirit, and looking forward to the glory that awaits us in Christ. (Conversation with Copilot)

Published:

May 26, 2024, 8:16 AM

Abba, Father!

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery

 to fall back into fear, 

but you received a spirit of adoption, 

through which we cry, 

“Abba, Father!” 

Romans 8:15

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”  So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God. - Galatians 4:4-7

Abba Father, you are my God and my King, the creator of everything, the giver of every good thing, the lover of my soul and my spirit. You are my Father and my Friend, the one who knows me and understands, the one who cares for me and provides, the one who leads me and guides. You are my Master and my Teacher, the one who shapes me and makes me better, the one who instructs me and corrects me, the one who empowers me and directs me. You are my God and my King, the one I worship and praise, the one I love and obey, the one I trust and follow. You are my Abba Father.

Holy Spirit, only You can remove my sinful nature and bring me to the holiness that I seek. Thank You so much for Your hands that truly works for good in me. Today, I humbly ask and pray in Jesus Name that You work Your way in me. Restore me to the fullness of life with sound mind, body, and spirit. I claim my right as child of God in Christ Jesus to inherit the vast riches of His glorious kingdom. Praise be to God our Father in whom all came to be through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Pericope:

V: Justification and the Christian Life

CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH ADOPTION

Romans 8:14-17

GOD'S FREE CHILDREN IN CHRIST

Galatians 4:1-7

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

January 01, 2024, 10:15 AM

October 30, 2023, 9:51 AM

October 28, 2015, 10:08 AM

Family of God

"For whoever does 

the will of my 

Father in heaven 

is my brother and sister 

and mother." 

(Matthew 12:50)

Jesus' statement is inclusive, welcoming all who choose to follow God's will, regardless of their background or status. It shows that anyone can be part of God's family if they live according to His will. He highlights that those who follow God's will are part of His spiritual family. This means that our connection to God and each other is based on our faith and obedience, not just our blood relations.

The verse underscores the importance of doing God's will. It's a call to live according to God's teachings and commandments, which brings us closer to Him and makes us part of His family. Being part of Jesus' family requires a commitment to live by God's principles. It's not just about believing but also about acting on that belief through our daily lives.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to deepen our relationship with God and strive to live in a way that aligns with His will. 

In the heart of heaven's light, 

Where love and faith unite, 

A family bound by spirit's call, 

Not by blood, but by the will of all.

For those who heed the Father's voice, 

In His grace, they find their choice, 

To walk the path of truth and grace, 

And in His love, they find their place.

Brothers, sisters, mothers too, 

In God's embrace, they are made new, 

A bond that time cannot sever, 

United in His will forever.

So let us strive to do His will, 

With hearts sincere and spirits still, 

For in His eyes, we are one, 

A family of faith, under the Son.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking to do the will of our Father in heaven. We thank You for the gift of being part of Your spiritual family, bound not by blood, but by faith and obedience to Your word.

Help us to live each day in accordance with Your will, to love and serve others as You have taught us. May we always strive to follow Your example, showing compassion, kindness, and forgiveness to all.

Grant us the strength and courage to face the challenges of life, knowing that we are never alone, for You are with us always. Let our actions reflect Your love and grace, so that we may be true brothers and sisters in Your holy family.

We ask this in Your precious name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Pericope:

IV: Opposition from Israel

THE TRUE FAMILY OF JESUS

Matthew 12:46-50

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

Gospel | Matthew 12:46-50

46 While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” 48 But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot