DAILY GOSPEL AND PRAYER REFLECTIONS (November 7, 2017)

November 7, 2017 – TUESDAY, 31st Week in Ordinary Time

Green

Rom 12: 5 - 16ab / Lk 14: 15- 24

FROM THE FIRST READING: Rom 12: 9- 16ab
Let love be sincere. Hate what is evil and hold to whatever is good. Love one another and be considerate. Outdo one another in mutual respect. Be zealous in fulfilling your duties. Be fervent in the Spirit and serve God.

Have hope and be cheerful. Be patient in trials and pray constantly. Share with other Christians in need. With those passing by, be ready to receive them.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not wish evil on anyone. Rejoice with those who are joyful and weep with those who weep. Live in peace with one another.

GOSPEL READING: Lk 14: 15- 24
Upon hearing these words, one of those at the table said to Jesus, "Happy are those who eat at the banquet in the kingdom of God!" Jesus replied, "A man once gave a feast and invited many guests. When it was time for the feast he sent his servant to tell those he had invited to come, for everything was ready. But all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'Please excuse me. I must go and see the piece of land I just bought.' Another said, 'I am sorry but I am now on my way to try out the five yoke of oxen I have just bought.' Still another said, 'How can I come when I have just married?'

"The servant returned alone and reported this to his master. Upon hearing the account, the master of the house flew into a rage and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'

"The servant reported after a while: 'Sir, your orders have been carried out, but there is still room.' The master said, 'Go out to the highways and country lanes and force people to come in, to make sure my house is full. I tell you, none of those invited will have a morsel of my feast."'

REFLECTION
In the first reading Paul reiterates Our Lord's teachings about love of neighbor: "Let love be sincere. Hate what is evil and hold to whatever is good. Love one another and be considerate. Outdo one another in mutual respect." "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not wish evil on anyone. Rejoice with those who are joyful and weep with those who weep. Live in peace with one another."

Life is indeed about loving God and loving neighbor. And "if you say, 'I love God,' while you hate your brother or sister, you are a liar. How can you love God whom you do not see, if you do not love your brother whom you see?" (1 Jn 4: 20)

In the Gospel reading Jesus tells us that the heavenly banquet is prepared for all.

http://www.marythequeen.org

GOOD NEWS REFLECTION

Today's Prayer:
I praise You and bless You, my Lord, because you look kindly on those who need you most. I need You, Lord. Thank You for looking at me and drawing me nearer to You. Amen.

Today's Readings:
Romans 12:5-16ab
Ps 131:1-3
Luke 14:15-24
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110717.cfm
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/17_11_07.mp3

Pray your way to peace

As Christians, we claim that in Jesus Christ we have found peace. And yet, despite our faith, we live in turmoil, anxiety, and the inner struggle for self esteem and acceptance. When we don't like the way others treat us, we go to battle. We don't know how to live in peace.

This happens because we get so busy taking care of the business and busyness of our lives that we miss the party that Jesus is hosting. Today's Gospel reading teaches us that we only find true happiness when we accept the Lord's invitation to dine with him -- i.e., when we take time to enjoy his company and let him nourish us. Mass is an example of this type of banquet, but the invitation is for every day, all day.

We cannot taste a morsel of God's goodness while we're too busy or too distracted to stop, sit down, chat and dine with him. We need time alone with God, and our private parties with him should include all four stages if we're to experience a life of peace.

1. Stop. Make the time to accept Christ's invitation to dine with him (the time for it won't exist unless you make the time).

2. Sit down. Put aside all distractions, all the excuses and reasons for doing something else with this time. Focus on God and your relationship with him. Otherwise, even if you're sitting in a pew during Mass, you won't be sitting with Jesus.

3. Chat. Tell Jesus that you love him. Thank him for being so good to you. Unload upon him the burdens of your concerns, worries, inner struggles, etc., but don't forget to talk about the good stuff, too. After all, how do you feel when a friend only talks about troubles and complaints? Be a friend to Jesus by chatting with him about your joys and blessings and the thoughts that are uplifting to hear.

4. Dine. Allow Jesus to nourish you. Meditate on a scripture or discuss what you recently read in a book that is helping you to grow spiritually. Let him feed your dreams and hopes and desires as well as your hunger for love and acceptance.

If you do this daily, the burdens will become lighter and the worries less fearsome. Your self esteem will grow as you experience God's acceptance of you and his appreciation for you. You'll become more aware of the gifts that he's given you and you'll become inspired by the Holy Spirit to use those gifts. You'll identify the purpose -- the importance -- of your everyday life.

In other words, you'll find peace!

EAT BULAGA LAUNCHES FIRST EVER ALDUB TELE-MOVIE

Tom Nansbury says: An optimist laughs to forget; a pessimist forgets to laugh.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When tasks seem too dull to endure, figure out a way to make them fun. Keep your good feelings going and entertain yourself. Laugh. For once you find laughter, you can survive. Laugh to unfreeze pride and unwind secrecy. Laugh to create a joyful sense of blessings and serenity and contentment. Laugh till you become silent and tears come out of your eyes – they nourish your soul. For laughter is God's gift and promise that He will never let you sink under your circumstances. He is an eternally happy God and to laugh with Him is to laugh from the heart – a part of you that is capable of healing, a part that allows you to bear pain.

Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment. Laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death. A day without laughter is a day wasted. Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. We need more love in the world. We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter.

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Eat Bulaga brings you another first in Philippine television as the show will present to you the first ever telemovie "Love Is..." headlined by the phenomenal Aldub tandem of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza. - photo courtesy of Eat Bulaga FB page

After a successful two-month run of the much talked about Miss Millennial Philippines 2017, the Philippines' longest-running noontime show "Eat Bulaga!" is once again making another first in the history of Philippine television as they revealed another surprise to all its viewers on October 14.

The surprise came about when teasers were aired during this week. The viewers speculated about what's behind those teasers aired during the show these past few days. Some netizens opined that the ever-popular Kalyeserye is once again making a comeback.

Then on the show earlier, it officially revealed that they are going to air the first ever telemovie specially produced by Eat Bulaga, with the phenomenal loveteam "AlDub" (Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza), headlining the said movie. AlDub fans rejoiced about the biggest revelation from the Eat Bulaga Dabarkads!

And so, this is it! Eat Bulaga is set to premiere its first ever television movie, aptly entitled "Love Is..." The said telemovie series is the latest offering to all AlDub fans after their successful "Sa Tamang Panahon" (At The Right Time) event at the Philippine Arena on October 24, 2015, and the Kalyeserye Wedding on October 23, 2016. This is also another movie by both Richards and Mendoza after the successful films "Imagine You and Me" and their recent TV series "Destined To Be Yours."

Directed by Adolf Alix, Eat Bulaga's first ever telemovie that will redefine love, promise and commitment. The story that will tell us what "Love is..." will be premiered on the show on October 21, 2017 on GMA Network.

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CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: We only have 72 days to go before we commemorate the birthday of Jesus Christ, and 79 days remaining before we usher in the new year full of prosperity and good vibes to everyone.

Till my next blog post,

Cheers!

FORMER TV5 ARTIST SOPHIE ALBERT INKS CONTRACT WITH GMA ARTIST CENTER

Someday, you're going to be someone's best author.

Own your story. Though some chapters reveal themselves in the form of pain, they still are purposeful and have their place in your growth and evolution. Though you find yourself in some unwanted plot twists, option is yours to leave the story or at the very least, do some serious editing. Believe that the future can be better, you just need to step up and take responsibility for making it so. Make your life a magnificent story – begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page. Trust God. He'll make the next chapters of your story beautiful. He'll redeem your story by surrounding you with people who need to hear what you have to tell and retell for them to learn and guide their future. Trust He is writing your best seller.

Thank you for life, and all the little ups and downs that make it worth living. Faith teaches us to believe no matter what situation we're having right now. Hold on, be strong, don't give up. God woks in ways we cannot see. Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live! Trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door. You are the author of your life. Make it beautiful. Maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around.

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It's official! Former TV5 artist and Artista Academy alumnus Sophie Albert officially signs contract with GMA Artist Center today, October 13, 2017. Present in the contract signing is her talent manager Direk Manny Valera and GMA's Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara. Expect more of Sophie Albert in her upcoming projects on GMA Network. Congratulations and welcome to the Kapuso Network, Sophie! (Photo courtesy of GMA Artist Center)

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CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: We only have 73 days to go before Santa Claus snoops at your door and 80 days remaining before we usher in the new year full of prosperity and good vibes to everyone.

Till my next blog post,

Cheers!

BILLBOARD HOT 100 TOP 20 COUNTDOWN for the Week of October 21, 2017

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

The most important thing is to enjoy your life. To be HAPPY. It's all that matters. - Audrey Hepburn

Your life is an occasion. Rise to it. Keep your sense of humor, keep your interest in things, keep your vitality intact. Be happy anywhere you go. For when your mind is happy, you see truth wherever you look. Truth is all there is. It’s like when you’ve learned how to read – you can then read anywhere you go. You find God anywhere you go. To not miss out on happiness is to not not miss out on Him. Have a happy journey.

The art of being happy lies in the power of finding happiness in ordinary things. Life doesn't force us to be the best, it only asks that we try our best. The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves, or rather loved in spite of ourselves.The happiest people in the world are not those who have no problems but those who learn to live with things that are less than perfect."Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts." Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.

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BILLBOARD HOT 100 TOP 20 COUNTDOWN
For the week of October 21, 2017

DISCLAIMER: This week's most popular songs across all genres, ranked by radio airplay audience impressions as measured by Nielsen Music, sales data as compiled by Nielsen Music and streaming activity data provided by online music sources.

1. BODAK YELLOW (Money Moves ) - Cardi B (LW: 1)
2. ROCKSTAR - Post Malone ft. Savage (LW: 2)
3. MI GENTE (My People) - J Balvin and Willy William ft. Beyonce (LW: 21)
4. 1-800-273-8255 - Logic ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid (LW: 4)
5. LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO - Taylor Swift (LW: 3)
6. FEEL IT STILL - Portugal. The Man (LW: 7)
7. THUNDER - Imagine Dragons (LW: 17)
8. SORRY NOT SORRY - Demi Lovato (LW: 10)
9. DESPACITO - Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber (LW: 5)
10. UNFORGETTABLE - French Montana  ft. Swae Lee (LW: 6)
11. BELIEVER - Imagine Dragons (LW: 8)
12. RAKE IT UP - Yo Gotti ft. Nicki Minaj (LW: 9)
13. TOO GOOD AT GOODBYES - Sam Smith (LW: 14)
14. STRIP THAT DOWN - Liam Payne ft. Quavo (LW: 12)
15. ATTENTION - Charlie Puth (LW: 11)
16. BANK ACCOUNT - 21 Savage (LW: 15)
17. THERE'S NOTHING HOLDIN' ME BACK - Shawn Mendes (LW: 16)
18. SLOW HANDS - Niall Horan (LW: 13)
19. WHAT LOVERS DO - Maroon 5 ft. SZA (LW: 20)
20. SHAPE OF YOU - Ed Sheeran (LW: 19)

The Billboard Hot 100 Top 20 chart will be published every Thursday in this blog page. Be sure to check out what favourite foreign songs have made it to the top 20.



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CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: We only have 74 days to go before Santa Claus snoops at your door and 81 days remaining before we usher in the new year full of prosperity and good vibes to everyone.

Till my next blog post,

Cheers!

GMA NETWORK FIRST PH TV NETWORK TO OFFER CLOSED CAPTIONING

GMA Network is the first Philippine TV network in the country to officially roll out its closed captioning on some of its programs broadcast on GMA Network and GMA News TV.

This is in compliance to Republic Act 10905 which requires "all franchise holders or operators of television stations to broadcast or present their programs with closed caption option..."

The network tried a test broadcast with closed captioning feature on Septembber 28 for the movie "Mission Impossible," which aired during the program Kapuso Movie Festival block.

With closed captioning, viewers will now be able to see the text description of the movie or program's dialogue and other key non-speech elements (such as music, effects, etc) at the bottom of the screens. The said feature also aims to become beneficial to those who are deaf or who have difficulty in their hearing.

The closed captioning feature is set to roll out on GMA Network and GMA News TV this month.

Until my next blog post,

Cheers!

Today's Food for Thought (October 11, 2017) and Billboard Philippines Top 20 Countdown for October 9, 2017

Woodrow Wilson says: The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it.

What you experience empowers you. And true power takes place when as you face adversities and oppositions, you are able to hold on determined to make it through. When as you go 'beyond your depth', you are able to swim against the current and make it upstream. Swim with God. For no matter if you keep your head above water, in time you will tire. In the deep end, when you feel the waters overcoming you, that is where He wants you to want Him; where He wants you to know He is your buoyancy in your swim. Rough waters and all, He'll carry you through the shore safe and dry.

Experience is the thing that puts the muscle and the breath and the warm blood into any activities you want to accomplish. Life is a constant struggle. Without struggling, man cannot succeed. Life is made of small jumps over great obstacles. It's in the courage of getting through them that makes life challenging and exciting. Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory. It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, It's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages. My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world.

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BILLBOARD PHILIPPINES TOP 20 COUNTDOWN (issued on October 9, 2017)

DISCLAIMER: The week’s most popular international and local songs across all genres ranked by streaming activity data from Spotify and YouTube, and download sales data from Apple Music; compiled by Nielsen Music.

1. YOUNG, DUMB AND BROKE - Khalid (Last week's number 2) 
2. DESPACITO - Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber (Last week's number 1)
3. LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO - Taylor Swift (Last week's number 3)
4. I'M THE ONE - DJ Khaled (Last week's number 4)
5. SHAPE OF YOU - Ed Sheeran (Last week's number 7)
6. TOO GOOD AT GOODBYES - Sam Smith (Last week's number 6)
7. MARMALADE - Macklemore ft. Lil Yachty (Last week's number 5)
8. DNA - BTS (Last week's number 35)
9. TWO LESS LONELY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD (Official Movie Theme Song of "Kita-Kita") - KZ Tandingan (Last week's number 12)
10. DIVE - Ed Sheeran (Last week's number 14)
11. DAHIL SA IYO - Inigo Pascual (Last week's number 11)
12. VERSACE ON THE FLOOR - Bruno Mars (Last week's number 9)
13. THAT'S WHAT I LIKE - Bruno Mars (Last week's number 8)
14. CLOSER - The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey (Last week's number 10)
15. NEW RULES - Dua Lipa (Last week's number 18)
16. ATTENTION - Charlie Puth (Last week's number 16)
17. LOCATION - Khalid (Last week's number 13)
18. ROCKABYE - Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul and Anne Marie (Last week's number 15)
19. iSPY - KYLE ft. Lil Yachty (Last week's number 19)
20. DUSK TILL DAWN - Zayn Malik ft. Sia (last week's number 17)

The Billboard Philippines Hot 20 chart will be published every Wednesday in this blog page. Be sure to check out what favourite local and foreign songs have made it to the top 20.

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CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: We only have 75 days to go before Santa Claus snoops at your door and 82 days remaining before we usher in the new year full of prosperity and good vibes to everyone.

Till my next blog post,

Cheers!  

Today's Food for Thought (October 10, 2017)

The first step towards getting somewhere  is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. - Chauncey Depew

Fear not when a situation arises that indicates a change. This has to happen in order for something new and wonderful to emerge. Drop the part that cries out in resistance to make space for yet-to-come surprises. See where change wants to take you, it's beautiful beyond belief. Discomfort may get in the way, but there is growth in the process. Trust the process and feel the connectedness of all that is. Trust that God has planned the changes in your life with infinite wisdom. All He intends is for you to become the person it takes to accomplish His plans in you. Walk with Him – He knows the way through.

"May love not fear be the engine of change." Fear not for I am with you, says the Lord. The heart that has a firm faith is not frightened by obstacles because it knows well that God's love does not abandon those who trust in Him. Life continues whatever happens. All we need is to be positive and be brave with all the challenges we encounter. Faith in God is still the best armor.There is always something good that comes out in every life, experience. Good things become good memories, while bad times become good lessons. Life is good when we walk with the Lord. Always put your trust in Him. Have a nice day, everyone.

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CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: We only have 76 days to go before Christmas 2017 and 83 days remaining before 2017 ends.