Simbang Gabi (2nd Day)

Genealogies (family trees) are very important. They give us our roots and help us understand our family heritage. Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus traces His lineage from Abraham, our father in faith—the father of God’s chosen people, through the line of David, King of Israel, to Joseph, the son of David and finally Jesus who was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Jesus, the Messiah, therefore, is the direct descent of Abraham and David, and rightful heir to David’s throne.

Notice that the list of Christ’s ancestors is not all a list of saintly and holy people. In fact, the list also includes a long line of sinners—Tamar, Rahab, Joseph, David and so on and so forth. The point of the reading is that: DESPITE THE SINFULLNESS, THE ERRORS OF HIS PEOPLE, GOD ACCOMPLISHED HIS PLAN OF SALVATION.

St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, chapter 8:28, tells us that GOD MAKES ALL THINGS WORK FOR THE GOOD OF ALL WHO LOVE HIM! Even the BAD THINGS that happen to us will be PUT TO GOOD USE, IF WE ENTRUST THEM TO THE CREATIVITY OF OUR ALL POWERFUL AND MERCIFULLY LOVING GOD..

In his own time, GOD’S PLANS ARE ALWAYS ACCOMPLISED, one way or another. Eventually!

The second day of our Aguilnado Masses invites us TO LET GOD TAKE CHARGE OF OUR LIVES, instead of TAKING MATTERS INTO OUR OWN HANDS, out of frustration and impatience. Realize that God’s plans are always good, and his timing is always perfect.

Think over these:

1. What hardships and misfortunes in life that have discourage you?

2. What sins have diverted your path from God’s plan?

3. What problems have other people caused you?

4. What mistakes have you done in the past that you strongly wish had never happened?

God IS BIGGER THAN ALL THESE! He cares about you more than enough…. TO MAKE YOUR MISFORTUNES, YOUR PROBLEMS, AND EVEN YOUR SINS USEFUL FOR YOUR GROWTH.

In his letter addressed to the religious Pope Francis says: Don’t remain a hostage to your own problems… reach out to God and to others.

God enjoys DOING THE UNEXPECTED. He enjoys SURPRISING US. Do not be surprised if one day he turns our bad times into blessings—our moments of sinfulness into moments of joy!

God makes all things work for the good of those who love him and respond to his calling to serve his purpose. You have been called by name. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THINGS THAT WENT WRONG, FOR GOD WILL DEVELOP AWESOME PLANS FROM THEM AND DESPITE OF THEM.

Remember: GOD WRITES STRAIGHT WITH CROOKED LINES!!!