Fitlab 101

Thoughts on the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time…….
God’s love and power transcend our human-made boundaries. The Spirit of God works mysteriously and speaks to us in many ways. No one knows how He works among us or in groups. No group, institution, community, or religion monopolizes God’s Spirit. He is working in the heart of every man and woman, transforming him or her to become His instrument or witness in the world.
In today's Gospel, John draws Jesus' attention to an unknown exorcist who is driving out demons in His name. Jesus teaches them tolerance by stating, "For who is not against us is for us," and "There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can simultaneously speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us."
We could only surmise what was on the disciples' minds. Were they jealous because the man could cast demons, though he was not one of them? Were they angry because they had assumed that the power to exorcise demons was a privilege given only to Jesus' followers and not to anyone else? The disciples were confused. Suddenly, what they had thought to be their exclusive right was no longer their own.
We should not think that salvation is reserved only for those baptized and believing in Christ. Membership in his Church, faith, and the sacraments are still considered the ordinary ways to receive salvation. However, this does not exclude the possibility that God could offer other ways of bringing people to encounter the ‘paschal mystery of Christ’ in their lives. Like the outsider who performed exorcism in the name of Jesus, we have to understand that Jesus is the trustworthy source of salvation; the rest is His medium.
The passage tells us that anyone not against Jesus is for Jesus. Anyone who seeks Him, He will not reject. Thus, who are we to exclude others in the scheme of salvation? Let us not act as if we are above God Himself. Instead of sowing division by arrogating upon ourselves the privilege of salvation, let us work for the salvation of all by recognizing in others the gift of God’s love. “Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!” (Numbers 11:29) . On the other hand, woe to us if we become the stumbling block for others to know Christ. Woe to us if we become the reason for others to fall. It also encourages us to reflect on how our actions impact others. Are we leading people closer to God or becoming a stumbling block? Jesus warns that causing others to stumble is a severe offense, showing us that our lives should reflect His love, grace, and truth.
How do we offer ourselves to God in little ways and create an impact on others? Simple things like almsgiving, charity, sacrifice, penance, and service to the needy. These are the little things we need to offer to God in our life.
God-given gifts must be used for His purpose. Hands were given not only to reach out to things of the world. It must be used to reach out to God, our ultimate destiny. Feet were not given to bring us to any path but towards the Kingdom. We walk on the path that is Christ. We do not stop upon reaching wealth, power, fame, and pleasure. We go on walking along the path of Christ towards the Kingdom. And our eyes were designed to see God and seek God. Where are we looking all our lives? What are our minds' focus?
Lord Jesus, make us all worthy of the graces you gave us.
Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us.
Happy Feast Day to all my siblings in Padada, Davao del Sur, my hometown, and Iligan, my in-laws' hometown.

Happy Fiesta Cagayan de Oro.........

PENTECOST SUNDAY THOUGHT…..
, and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord!
Blessed Pentecost Sunday, everyone……..Today is the Church's birthday, the grand Feast of Pentecost! Pentecost Day marks a monumental moment in the Church's life—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This event isn’t just a historical occurrence; it’s a celebration of the power and presence that continues to animate the body of believers worldwide. As we reflect on this day, we remember the disciples, once huddled in fear, who became emboldened witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. Pentecost is the grand climax and culmination of Christ's great works to gather all humanity into Him. It was the event of showering the disciples with the gifts of the Spirit. Gathered together and working together for the Kingdom, an institution emerged. It is now called the “Church.” Thus, today is also considered the birthday of the Catholic Church. The birth, which is a gift, has a task. The gospel reading today happened on resurrection day. The apostles were still terrified of the Jews who killed their Master, so they huddled themselves in a room with the doors locked. Suddenly, Jesus appeared from nowhere. Yes, He is alive, yet He is no longer like any human being. His resurrected body is not like His former physical body. He can now appear anywhere, though the doors are locked. He is not like a ghost; He can talk like a human being and be touched! The first word of Jesus is PEACE! He repeated. Perhaps the disciples felt guilty for abandoning Jesus when He needed them most. Yet they were happy to see Jesus again. All their fears and guilt were gone instantly, more so when He did not rebuke them for what they did but granted them peace. Before they could ask for forgiveness, they already felt that Jesus had no grudge against them. He is a compassionate Master, and He understands human weaknesses. Pentecost, the coming of the Spirit, was the event of showering the disciples with the gifts of the Spirit. Gathered together and working together for the Kingdom, an institution emerged. It is now called the “Church.” Thus, today is also considered the birthday of the Catholic Church. The birth, which is a gift, has a task. "Catholic" does not refer only to the faith led by our Pope; it also means "universal" to all who believe Jesus is God the Savior, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. The church is not a museum of Saints. It is the gathering of all the "one another," all the "neighbor," the "enemy," the tax collectors, prostitutes, and lepers that Jesus taught us to forgive, love, and include. The church is the hospital for the spiritually sick trying to become Saints. As we remember that fateful day when the Spirit was given by the apostles and celebrated the birth of the Church, we are reminded of our responsibilities as a Church and community gifted by the Spirit. The battle is not only physical or material. The vital struggle is spiritual. We will not be alone in that battle with the Spirit with us, and let us embrace the fullness of this gift. The Holy Spirit is not merely a helper; He is our connection to the divine, our source of strength, and our guide in truth. He encourages us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. He enables us to forgive, renew, and transcend our limitations. We have been renewed, born again in the Spirit at Baptism. The Holy Spirit is now our Soul! So come, arise! Let us go and claim the peace and joy found only in sharing in the works and sufferings.
Blessed Pentecost Sunday, everyone!!!!