The Lord's Desire

He went up on the mountain, 

and called to Him 

those whom He desired; 

and they came to Him. 

(Mark 3:13)

The gospel for today taken from Mark 3:13-19 recounts the moment when Jesus appoints the twelve apostles. Here are some key lessons we can learn from this passage:

Divine Calling: Jesus called the apostles by name, signifying that each of us has a unique calling and purpose in God's plan.

Commitment to Discipleship: The apostles left everything to follow Jesus, teaching us the importance of commitment and dedication in our spiritual journey.

Empowerment for Mission: Jesus gave the apostles authority to preach and cast out demons, reminding us that God equips us with the necessary tools and power to fulfill our mission.

Community and Fellowship: The apostles formed a close-knit group, highlighting the importance of community and fellowship in our faith journey.

Diversity in Unity: The apostles came from different backgrounds and had different personalities, yet they were united in their mission, showing us the beauty of diversity within the body of Christ.

Reflecting on these lessons can help us grow in our faith and better understand our role in God's plan. 

He called the Twelve, by name and grace, 

To walk with Him, to seek His face. 

Apostles chosen, hearts aligned, 

With purpose clear, their paths defined.

To preach the Word, with voices strong, 

To spread His love, where hearts belong. 

With power given, demons flee, 

In His name, they set souls free.

Together, they would journey far, 

Guided by the Morning Star. 

In unity, their mission known, 

To make His love and mercy shown.

Lord Jesus, 

You chose the Twelve, to walk with You, to share Your love. Apostles named, with hearts so brave, to preach Your Word, Your power to save.

Grant us, Lord, the strength to follow, In their footsteps, without sorrow. To spread Your message, far and wide, With Your authority, by our side. May we drive out darkness, with Your light, and stand firm in faith, day and night. Guide us, Lord, in all we do, to honor and glorify You.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE MISSION OF THE TWELVE

Mark 3:13-19

Gospel Acclamation

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

Gospel | Mark 3:13-19

13 Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. 14 He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons: 16 He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; 17 James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother ofJames, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, 19 and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

God Fulfills Your Desire

He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; 

he hears their cry and saves them

(Psalm 145:19)

God is always just and faithful. Even when circumstances are challenging, we can trust in His decisions and timing, knowing that He acts with perfect righteousness. Our approach to God is with honesty and a genuine heart for He is near to those who truly seek Him and calls on Him sincerely. With a true heart, we are cultivating a genuine and honest relationship with God.

God listens to the cries of those who fear Him and fulfills their desires. We should maintain a reverent attitude towards God, trusting that He is attentive to our needs and prayers. Let us strive to live in a way that reflects God’s love and righteousness, avoiding actions that lead to wickedness, make praise and gratitude a regular part of our lives, acknowledging God’s goodness and sharing His love with others.

God’s Faithful Hand

In trials and in joy, His justice stands, 

With perfect timing, He guides our hands. 

When life is tough, His righteousness shines, 

In His decisions, our hearts align.

With honesty and hearts so true, 

We seek Him, and He draws us through. 

Near to those who earnestly call, 

In His presence, we stand tall.

He hears the cries of those who fear, 

Fulfilling desires, drawing near. 

With reverence, we trust His care, 

In every need, He’s always there.

Reflecting love, in righteousness we tread, 

Avoiding paths where wickedness is spread. 

With praise and gratitude, our lives we mold, 

Sharing His goodness, His love untold.

Prayer of Trust and Gratitude

Heavenly Father, You are always just and faithful. Even when circumstances are challenging, we trust in Your decisions and timing, knowing that You act with perfect righteousness. Help us to approach You with honesty and a genuine heart, for You are near to those who truly seek You and call on You sincerely.

With a true heart, we strive to cultivate a genuine and honest relationship with You. You listen to the cries of those who fear You and fulfill their desires. May we maintain a reverent attitude towards You, trusting that You are attentive to our needs and prayers.

Guide us to live in a way that reflects Your love and righteousness, avoiding actions that lead to wickedness. Let praise and gratitude be a regular part of our lives, acknowledging Your goodness and sharing Your love with others.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Fifth Book - Psalms 107-150

THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF GOD

Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21

R: The Lord is near to all who call upon him. 

17 The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (R) 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The Lord keeps all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. (R) 21 May my mouth speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. 

Background:

Psalm 145 is a beautiful hymn of praise attributed to King David. It is an acrostic poem, meaning each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structure emphasizes the completeness and perfection of God’s praise.

Verse 17: “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.” This highlights God’s perfect justice and faithfulness. Everything He does is right and trustworthy.

Verse 18: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” This verse assures us of God’s closeness to those who sincerely seek Him. It emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and honesty in our relationship with God.

Verse 19: “He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” This verse speaks of God’s responsiveness to the prayers of those who revere Him. It shows His willingness to fulfill their needs and deliver them from trouble.

Verse 20: “The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.” Here, the psalmist contrasts God’s protection of the faithful with His judgment on the wicked.

Verse 21: “My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” This concluding verse is a call to continuous praise, inviting all creation to join in glorifying God.

Context and Significance

Psalm 145 is often recited in Jewish daily prayers and is cherished for its profound expressions of God’s attributes. It serves as a reminder of God’s greatness, goodness, and the importance of sincere worship. The psalm encourages believers to trust in God’s righteousness and faithfulness, and to live in a way that reflects genuine reverence and love for Him.

Learning Lessons:

God’s Righteousness and Faithfulness: Verse 17 reminds us that God is always just and faithful. This teaches us to trust in His decisions and timing, knowing that He acts with perfect righteousness.

Closeness to God: Verse 18 emphasizes that God is near to those who call on Him sincerely. This encourages us to cultivate a genuine and honest relationship with God, seeking Him with a true heart.

God’s Responsiveness: Verse 19 shows that God listens to the cries of those who fear Him and fulfills their desires. This teaches us the importance of reverence and trust in God, knowing that He is attentive to our needs and prayers.

Protection and Judgment: Verse 20 contrasts God’s protection of those who love Him with His judgment on the wicked. This serves as a reminder to live in a way that aligns with God’s will, fostering love and obedience to Him.

Continuous Praise: The final verse calls us to continually praise God and invites all creation to join in. This encourages us to live a life of gratitude and worship, recognizing God’s greatness and sharing His praise with others.

Practical Applications

Trust in God’s Plan: Embrace the belief that God’s ways are just and faithful, even when circumstances are challenging.

Seek God Sincerely: Approach God with honesty and a genuine heart, knowing that He is near to those who truly seek Him.

Revere and Trust: Maintain a reverent attitude towards God, trusting that He hears and responds to our prayers.

Live Righteously: Strive to live in a way that reflects God’s love and righteousness, avoiding actions that lead to wickedness.

Cultivate Gratitude: Make praise and gratitude a regular part of your life, acknowledging God’s goodness and sharing His love with others.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Your Wish Will be Granted

In faith’s firm grasp, we find our strength, 

As trials test our soul’s extent. 

Prepared for tasks of greater length, 

By Spirit’s lead, we’re heaven-sent.

Miracles spark hope’s bright flame, 

God’s power in our lives proclaimed. 

His plan divine, beyond all fame, 

In awe, His mighty works are named.

Faithful in service, hope we hold, 

Obedient to His voice so bold. 

In mentorship, truths unfold, 

Guiding the next, as foretold.

Let’s serve with hearts both pure and true, 

To God’s own guidance ever due.

REFLECTION:

“You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” (2 Kings 2:10)

Actions demonstrate the power of our faith. We are often tested and prepared for greater responsibilities. 

It is important to be led by the Spirit of God in our lives. Miraculous events give us hope in God’s power and His divine plan. 

Let us be faithful, hopeful, and obedient to God’s guidance as we serve Him and others keeping to mind the value of mentorship.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You recognizing the power of our actions to demonstrate the depth of our faith. In times of testing, grant us the strength to endure and grow, preparing us for the responsibilities You have set before us.

Lead us by Your Spirit, O God, that we may walk in Your ways and reflect Your love in all we do. May the miraculous events in our lives be a testament to Your mighty power and divine plan, filling us with enduring hope.

Help us to remain faithful, hopeful, and obedient to Your guidance as we serve You and those around us. Teach us the value of mentorship, that we may guide others as You have guided us.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

IV. The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah

ELISHA SUCCEEDS ELIJAH

2 Kings 2:9-18

First Reading | 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14

1 When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 6 Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here; the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.” “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you,” Elisha replied. And so the two went on together. 7 Fifty of the guild prophets followed, and when the two stopped at the Jordan, stood facing them at a distance. 8 Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, which divided, and both crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” 10 “You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” 11 As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two. 13 Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle which had fallen from him, and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. 14 Wielding the mantle which had fallen from Elijah, Elisha struck the water in his turn and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” When Elisha struck the water, it divided and he crossed over.

Background:

The passage from 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14 describes the transition of prophetic leadership from Elijah to Elisha. 

It’s set against the backdrop of the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah, during a time when many kings led Israel away from their covenant with God. This particular story highlights Elijah’s ascent to heaven in a whirlwind and Elisha’s succession after receiving Elijah’s mantle, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority. It’s a narrative that crosses boundaries between earth and heaven and marks a significant moment in Israelite prophecy.

Learning Lessons:

From the passage 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14, several key lessons emerge:

Preparation and Testing: Just as Elisha was tested and prepared before receiving Elijah’s mantle, we too are often tested and prepared for greater responsibilities.

Being Spirit-led: Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit signifies the importance of being led by the Spirit of God in our lives.

Faith: Elisha’s actions demonstrate the power of faith, as he strikes the water with Elijah’s mantle and crosses the Jordan on dry ground.

Service: The transition of prophetic leadership teaches us about serving faithfully and the importance of mentorship.

Hope: The miraculous events give us hope in God’s power and His divine plan.

These lessons encourage us to be faithful, hopeful, and obedient to God’s guidance as we serve Him and others.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Desire Not What is Vain

Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? 

Or who may stand in his holy place? 

One whose hands are sinless, 

whose heart is clean, 

who desires not what is vain. 

PSALM 24:3-4

You shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God your savior.

Blessings and rewards always come to those who believe and accept the truth that all things seen and unseen belong to God. As the Lord said, "seek first the kingdom of God and all things shall be added unto you". Our humanity speaks of our sinfulness and worldly desires but the Spirit of the Lord that works in us makes us one with Him all the things we do. We were all made in the likeness and image of God who is pure and righteous. It is in His love and goodness that we live a life that is full.

In good times or in bad, the Lord continues to bless you. His blessings are not just for a chosen few, it is for all. God gives blessings and rewards out of His love and generosity regardless of who you are and what you are. His love is unconditional and He makes the sun rise to both the righteous and the sinner.

Father in heaven,  You alone are the one true source of all my joys in life! Thank you so much for the immense blessings and rewards You have stored for me today. You are the one true giver of all the blessings and rewards I receive each day. 

Everything I have is Yours including my very own being. You alone can make nothing turn into something. May I always rest upon your love and embrace, making me productive and fruitful in all the undertakings and works that you do in me. Please forgive me for the times when I have focused more on the gifts rather than the giver. I have sinned in my works and intentions of my heart. I have desired for things that are vain and I just ask for your mercy and love. 

Even when I am unfaithful, you remain to be always faithful. You have rewarded me with a new life each day that makes me move to bring glory to your Name. Such are the wonders of your love miracles that makes life more meaningful. I rest upon Your love and embrace, making me productive and fruitful in all the undertakings and works that You do in me. 

With much love, respect and thanksgiving I pray, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Carry out God's Every Wish

 ‘I have found David, son of Jesse,

a man after My own heart; 

he will carry out My every wish.’ 

ACTS 13 : 22

Father in heaven, my faith and destiny is entirely at the palm of Your hands. Be praised and glorified O Lord for raising me up to be a leader of Your people through Christ Your Son who is my true King and Savior.

Today, I humbly ask and pray for Your own heart O Lord so that I may be able to carry out Your every wish. Make me more like Jesus everyday so that people will see You and not me. I am nothing without You O Lord and only You can make all things happen. To You O God, I surrender everything. All glory, honor, and praise are Yours now and forever!

With much love and thanksgiving, I humbly pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

DESIRE FULFILLED

More to be Desired than Gold

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether (Ps 19:8-10).

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb (Ps 19:8-11).

Moreover by them is thy servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Desire therefore my words; long for them and you shall be instructed (Wis 6:11).



Published:
November 30, 2010, 10:55 AM