God is Good!

 Jesus answered him, 

“Why do you call me good? 

No one is good but God alone." 

(Mark 10:18)

Jesus emphasizes that true goodness belongs to God alone reminding us to recognize and honor God’s perfect nature and to understand that any goodness we exhibit is a reflection of His grace. By redirecting the man’s praise to God, Jesus models humility teaching us to be humble and to give credit to God for our virtues and achievements.

Jesus’ words highlight human fallibility reminding us that, as humans, we are inherently flawed and in need of God’s guidance and grace to strive towards goodness.

Jesus is subtly revealing His divine nature. By associating goodness exclusively with God, He hints at His own divine identity, as He embodies the goodness He attributes to God.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to live with humility, gratitude, and a constant awareness of our need for God’s presence in our lives. Let us seek a deeper relationship with God, recognizing Him as the source of all goodness and striving to align our lives with His will.

In the quiet of the morning light,

When dawn breaks through the night,

I see His love in every ray,

Guiding me throughout the day.

In the laughter of a child’s play,

In the gentle breeze that sways,

His goodness shines in all we see,

A testament to His majesty.

Through trials and through joyous times,

His presence is a constant rhyme,

A melody of hope and grace,

In every heart, in every place.

When shadows fall and fears arise,

He lifts our gaze to brighter skies,

With faith and love, He leads us through,

For God is good in all we do.

In every prayer, in every song,

His goodness carries us along,

A beacon in the darkest night,

God is good, our guiding light.

Dear Lord Jesus,

In Your presence, we find peace and grace, Your love surrounds us in every place. We thank You for Your endless care, for always hearing our humble prayer.

You are good, in joy and strife, Your light guides us through this life. In moments of doubt, You are our strength, Your mercy knows no bounds or length. We praise You for the blessings You bestow, for the love and kindness You always show. In every trial, You are near, wiping away each sorrowful tear. Help us to trust in Your divine plan, to walk with faith, hand in hand. May we reflect Your goodness each day, in all we think, in all we say.

Lord Jesus, our hearts are full of praise, for Your goodness, all our days. We lift our voices, our hearts, our hands, to honor You, the Great I Am. Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery

THE RICH MAN

Mark 10:17-31

Gospel Acclamation 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Gospel | Mark 10:17-30 (or Mark 10:17-27) 

17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Greater Good than Life

God’s Steadfast Love

God’s steadfast love, better than life itself, 

In His embrace, true contentment is found. 

Above all else, our hearts should dwell, 

In His love, the most precious, profound.

In times of trial, assurance we gain, 

God upholds us, His support never wanes. 

Through challenges, His strength we obtain, 

In His glory, our spirits remain.

No matter the storm, His presence is near, 

A constant source of comfort and cheer. 

Meditating on His goodness, so clear, 

In quiet moments, His peace we revere.

Let us praise and worship with hearts so pure, 

In God’s faithfulness, our souls find cure. 

With heartfelt devotion, our love endures, 

In His steadfast love, we are secure.

REFLECTION:

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. (Psalm 63:3-4)

God’s steadfast love is better than life itself. True contentment comes from a deep relationship with Him. We should prioritize our relationship with God above all else, recognizing that His love is the most valuable and fulfilling aspect of our lives. In times of difficulty, we can find assurance in knowing that God upholds us and provides the support we need to persevere.  Even in challenging times, we can find strength and comfort by turning to God and desiring to experience His glory. No matter the circumstances, God’s presence and love are constant sources of comfort and joy. By meditating on God’s goodness and faithfulness, especially during quiet moments, we can cultivate a sense of peace and fulfillment that transcends our circumstances. Let us praise and worship God with heartfelt devotion.

Prayer of Steadfast Love

Heavenly Father,

Your steadfast love is better than life itself. In Your embrace, we find true contentment. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You above all else, recognizing that Your love is the most valuable and fulfilling aspect of our lives.

In times of difficulty, we find assurance in knowing that You uphold us and provide the support we need to persevere. Even in challenging times, we draw strength and comfort by turning to You and desiring to experience Your glory.

No matter the circumstances, Your presence and love are constant sources of comfort and joy. By meditating on Your goodness and faithfulness, especially during quiet moments, we cultivate a sense of peace and fulfillment that transcends our circumstances.

Let us praise and worship You with heartfelt devotion, always seeking to deepen our relationship with You. May our lives reflect Your love and grace.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

ARDENT LONGING FOR GOD

Psalm 63:1-12

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

2 O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. (R) 3 Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, 4 for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. (R) 5 Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. 6 As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. (R) 8 You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. 9 My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me. 

Background:

Psalm 63 is attributed to King David and is believed to have been written during a time when he was in the wilderness of Judah. This could have been during his flight from King Saul or during Absalom’s rebellion. The psalm reflects David’s deep longing and thirst for God’s presence, even in the midst of a barren and challenging environment.

Here’s a brief overview of the verses you mentioned:

Psalm 63:2: David expresses his desire to see God’s power and glory, as he had seen in the sanctuary. This reflects his longing for the presence of God, which he equates with the sanctuary experience.

Psalm 63:3-4: David acknowledges God’s steadfast love as better than life itself. He commits to praising God and lifting his hands in worship, showing his deep devotion and gratitude.

Psalm 63:5-6: David finds satisfaction in God, likening it to a rich feast. He meditates on God during the night, indicating that his thoughts are continually focused on God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Psalm 63:8-9: David speaks of his soul clinging to God and acknowledges that God’s right hand upholds him. This demonstrates his reliance on God’s strength and support, even in difficult times.

This psalm is a beautiful expression of seeking and finding solace in God’s presence, even when faced with adversity. It encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to find comfort and strength in Him.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 63 offers profound lessons that can deepen your faith and relationship with God. Here are some key takeaways from the verses you mentioned:

Psalm 63:2: Seek God’s Presence. David’s longing to see God’s power and glory reminds us to actively seek God’s presence in our lives. Even in challenging times, we can find strength and comfort by turning to God and desiring to experience His glory.

Psalm 63:3-4: Value God’s Love Above All. David declares that God’s steadfast love is better than life itself. This teaches us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, recognizing that His love is the most valuable and fulfilling aspect of our lives. It encourages us to praise and worship God with heartfelt devotion.

Psalm 63:5-6: Find Satisfaction in God. David compares his satisfaction in God to a rich feast, illustrating that true contentment comes from a deep relationship with Him. By meditating on God’s goodness and faithfulness, especially during quiet moments, we can cultivate a sense of peace and fulfillment that transcends our circumstances.

Psalm 63:8-9: Cling to God for Support. David’s reliance on God’s right hand for support highlights the importance of depending on God’s strength. In times of difficulty, we can find assurance in knowing that God upholds us and provides the support we need to persevere.

These verses encourage us to seek a closer relationship with God, value His love, find satisfaction in His presence, and rely on His strength. They remind us that, no matter the circumstances, God’s presence and love are constant sources of comfort and joy.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

God is Good!

We serve a God whose goodness knows no bounds,

Whose love and grace in every moment resounds.

His compassion and mercy, freely given,

A gift to all who seek Him, forgiven.

Our praise should be wholehearted, sincere,

A melody of worship, loud and clear.

For His greatness, we lift our voices high,

In awe of the One who reigns beyond the sky.

Continuous praise, like a flowing stream,

A legacy of worship, a sacred dream.

Not just for ourselves, but for generations to come,

Passing on the flame, declaring God's kingdom.

Marvel at His unsearchable goodness,

The depths of His love, the vastness of His kindness.

Let our hearts overflow with gratitude,

As we stand in awe of the God who makes all things new.

REFLECTION:

The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. (Psalm 145:9)

We serve a God whose goodness knows no bounds. His compassion and mercy are available to all who seek Him. 

Our praise should be wholehearted, continuous, and focused on God’s greatness. Our responsibility is not only to praise God ourselves but also to pass on the legacy of worship to those who come after us. 

Let us declare God’s greatness, pass on the legacy of worship, and marvel at His unsearchable goodness.

A Prayer of Unsearchable Goodness

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, our hearts overflowing with gratitude. You are the God whose goodness knows no bounds, whose compassion and mercy are freely given to all who seek You.

Lord, we praise You with wholehearted devotion, we lift our voices high. Our worship, like a continuous stream, flows toward Your throne. May our praise be focused on Your greatness, a melody that echoes through generations.

Teach us, O God. Our responsibility is not only to praise You ourselves, but also to pass on the legacy of worship. May our lives be a living testimony, declaring Your greatness to those who come after us.

We stand in awe of Your unsearchable goodness.  The depths of Your love, the vastness of Your kindness—  They leave us speechless, humbled, and amazed.

May our worship endure as we declare Your greatness, we pass on the legacy of worship, may our hearts forever marvel at Your majesty.

In Jesus' name,  

Amen.

Pericope:

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF GOD

Psalm 145:1-21

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: The Lord is gracious and merciful.  

2 Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. (R) 4 Generation after generation praises your works and proclaims your might. 5 They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty and tell of your wondrous works. (R) 6 They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds and declare your greatness. 7 They publish the fame of your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your justice. (R) 8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. 9 The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. 

Background:

This beautiful psalm, attributed to King David, overflows with praise and reveals profound truths about God’s character and actions.

Acrostic Structure: Psalm 145 follows an acrostic pattern, where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is one of the nine acrostic psalms in the collection, and David authored five of them. This poetic structure emphasizes completeness and thoroughness, as if David wanted to leave no aspect of God’s greatness unexplored.

David’s Heart of Praise: In the opening verses (Psalm 145:1-3), David sets the tone for the entire psalm. His heart is fully given to praise: “I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever.” David’s praise is personal, direct, and surrendered. He acknowledges God as his King and commits to unending praise. The greatness of the LORD is beyond measure, and His name is worthy of perpetual blessing. Lesson: We learn from David’s example that our praise should be wholehearted, continuous, and focused on God’s greatness.

Passing the Praise from Generation to Generation: In Psalm 145:4-7, David emphasizes the transmission of praise: “One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.” David meditates on God’s glorious splendor and mighty deeds. His praise extends beyond his lifetime, reaching future generations. The cycle of praise continues as each generation declares God’s greatness. Lesson: Our responsibility is not only to praise God ourselves but also to pass on the legacy of praise to those who come after us.

Unsearchable Greatness and Abundant Goodness: Psalm 145:8-9 encapsulates God’s character: “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.” David highlights God’s attributes: grace, compassion, patience, and abundant mercy. His greatness is unsearchable—beyond our comprehension. Lesson: We serve a God whose goodness knows no bounds. His compassion and mercy are available to all who seek Him.

Reflection: As we ponder Psalm 145, may our hearts echo David’s praise. Let us declare God’s greatness, pass on the legacy of worship, and marvel at His unsearchable goodness. 

Learning Lessons:

These passages reveal God’s heart, His desire for restoration, and the transformative power of His love:

Learning to Praise God: In Psalm 145:1-3, we learn from David’s example of a heart fully given to praise: “I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever.” David honored and promoted the name of God personally, addressing Him directly as “my God” and acknowledging His kingship. His praise was unending, a daily commitment. Lesson: Our praise should be wholehearted, continuous, and focused on God’s greatness.

Passing the Praise from Generation to Generation: In Psalm 145:4-7, David emphasizes the transmission of praise: “One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.” David understood the importance of passing on the legacy of worship. Each generation is responsible for declaring God’s greatness to the next. Lesson: Our responsibility is not only to praise God ourselves but also to pass on the legacy of worship to those who come after us.

Unsearchable Greatness and Abundant Goodness: Psalm 145:8-9 encapsulates God’s character: “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.” David highlights God’s attributes: grace, compassion, patience, and abundant mercy. His greatness is beyond our comprehension. Lesson: We serve a God whose goodness knows no bounds. His compassion and mercy are available to all who seek Him.

Reflection: As we ponder Psalm 145, may our hearts echo David’s praise. Let us declare God’s greatness, pass on the legacy of worship, and marvel at His unsearchable goodness.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Taste and See how Good the Lord is

In the quiet whispers of the night, 

God hears the humble, sees their plight. 

His angels guard with wings unfurled, 

Protecting those who revere His world.

Trust in Him, and blessings flow, 

In reverence, His love we know. 

Provision comes, fears are stilled, 

By His grace, our hearts are filled.

When we turn to Him in prayer, 

He listens, answers, always there. 

Delivering us from darkest fears, 

Wiping away our silent tears.

Our stories of His goodness told, 

Encourage hearts, make spirits bold. 

For in His love, we find our way, 

Guiding others through each day.

REFLECTION:

Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:9)

God is attentive to the humble and needy, and His angels guard those who revere Him. Trusting in God and revering Him leads to a life of blessing and provision. 

When we turn to Him, He hears us and delivers us from our fears. Our testimonies in personally experiencing God’s goodness can encourage and uplift others, especially those who are struggling.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, knowing that You are attentive to the needs of the humble and the needy. We thank You for Your angels who guard those who revere You, providing protection and comfort.

Lord, we place our trust in You, knowing that revering You leads to a life filled with blessings and provision. We turn to You in our times of fear and uncertainty, confident that You hear our prayers and deliver us from our anxieties.

May our testimonies of Your goodness and faithfulness encourage and uplift those who are struggling. Help us to be a beacon of hope and a source of comfort to others, sharing the love and grace we have experienced through You.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

First Book of Psalms 1-41

THANKSGIVING TO GOD WHO DELIVERS THE JUST

Psalm 34:1-23

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

2 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 3 Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 4 Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. 5 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (R) 6 Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 7 When the poor one called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R) 8 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 9 Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. 

Background:

Psalm 34 is a psalm of David, written during a challenging period in his life. Here are some key points about its background:

Historical Context: This psalm was composed by David when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech (also known as Achish), the king of Gath, to escape from danger. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-22:112. David was fleeing from King Saul and sought refuge among the Philistines, but when he realized he was in danger, he feigned madness to avoid being captured or killed.

Structure: Psalm 34 is an acrostic poem, where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structure was likely used to aid in memorization and teaching.

Themes: The psalm is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for His deliverance. It emphasizes God’s faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the blessings that come from seeking and trusting in the Lord.

Verses 2-3: These verses call the humble to rejoice in the Lord and magnify His name together. David invites others to join him in praising God, reflecting his gratitude and desire to share his experience of God’s deliverance.

Verses 4-5: David testifies that he sought the Lord, and God answered him, delivering him from all his fears. Those who look to God are radiant and will never be ashamed.

Verses 6-7: David describes himself as a poor man who cried out, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles. He acknowledges the angel of the Lord encamping around those who fear God and delivering them.

Verses 8-9: David encourages others to “taste and see that the Lord is good” and to take refuge in Him. He assures that those who fear the Lord will lack nothing.

This psalm is a powerful reminder of God’s protection and provision, encouraging believers to trust in Him and praise Him continually.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-9 offer rich lessons for our spiritual journey:

Verses 2-3: Humility and Praise: “My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” These verses teach us the importance of humility and collective worship. David invites others to join him in praising God, emphasizing that our testimonies can encourage and uplift others, especially those who are struggling.

Verses 4-5: Seeking God and Radiance: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Here, we learn about the power of seeking God in prayer. When we turn to Him, He hears us and delivers us from our fears. The radiance mentioned signifies the joy and peace that come from trusting in God, which is evident to others and brings no shame.

Verses 6-7: God’s Deliverance and Protection: “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” These verses highlight God’s responsiveness to our cries for help and His protective presence. They remind us that God is attentive to the humble and needy, and His angels guard those who revere Him.

Verses 8-9: Experiencing God’s Goodness: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” David encourages us to personally experience God’s goodness. Trusting in God and revering Him leads to a life of blessing and provision. This invitation to “taste and see” is a call to actively engage with our faith and witness God’s faithfulness firsthand.

These lessons encourage us to:

Praise God collectively and share our testimonies to inspire others.

Seek God earnestly in prayer, trusting that He hears and delivers us.

Recognize God’s protection and presence in our lives, especially in times of trouble.

Experience God’s goodness by taking refuge in Him and living in reverence.

Reflecting on these verses can deepen our faith and remind us of God’s unwavering love and care. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Ask for God's Abounding Kindness

For You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, 

abounding in kindness to all who call upon You.

PSALM 86:5

Father in heaven, You are the one true source of all glory! Truly, You know all my joys and pains for my very life is at the palm of Your hands. 

I praise You Lord, for You alone are my God and I am yours till the end of time. I am completely dependent upon the good works of Your hands to make my life full and complete. Thank you so much for the never ending and never failing graces that your hand continues to pour upon my lap each day. 

Today, I humbly ask and pray that You hear and favor my supplications as I humbly pour out my innermost pleadings, knowing and believing that You always listen to me whenever I spent time with You. 

Please continue to guide me each day and grant me Your healing grace and protection. I humbly claim Your strength and power in all works for the praise and glory of Your Name. I completely depend upon Your grace and blessings as I journey in the glorious life that You have given me in this world. 

In a special way, I humbly intercede and pray for all Your people who are still blinded to see the wondrous works that you have done in their lives. May you open their eyes to the truth of who you really are so that they may finally realize that they could do nothing without you. 

I live for the praise and glory of Your Name through Christ Your Son in whom all good things come. Amen.

WHAT GOOD IS FAITH WITHOUT WORKS?

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?

So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my  works.


Pericopes:
James 2:14-18

HIS HEART PRODUCES GOOD

"A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)

God works for good in you. He stores a lot of goodness in your heart that produces the good in you. From the fullness of your heart, your mouth speaks of the goodness of the Lord done in you. This is the foundation that holds true to your life today. God is good and He will always make you feel good!

Lord Jesus, in the goodness of your heart I trust and remain. You alone are Good who can make me as you are. I just humbly offer my heart to you so that your love, mercy, and compassion shall always be upon me. Keep me standing in the solid foundation of your goodness.

With much love and thanksgiving I pray. Amen.