Associate with the Lowly

 

House of Sealtiel
Exterior Finishing: 2nd Floor
November 07, 2024

Have the same regard 

for one another; 

do not be haughty 

but associate with the lowly.

(Romans 12:16)

O Lord, my heart is not proud nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord, both now and forever. (Ps 131:1-3)

One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.” He replied to him, “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’ But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.’ The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’ The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.’” (Lk 14:15-24)

We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another (Rom 12:5). Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, and persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. (Rom 12:12-15)

Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, and serve the Lord. (Rom 12:6-11)

PAVILION - PAINTING
November 07, 2021

Published:

November 07, 2023, 6:24 AM

Calculate the Cost

  

"Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion?" 

(Luke 14:28)

Jesus emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation. Before undertaking any significant task, it's crucial to consider the resources and effort required to complete it successfully. He teaches us to count the cost of our decisions and actions. This applies not only to financial costs but also to the time, energy, and commitment needed to achieve our goals.

We should make wise and informed decisions. By carefully evaluating our plans, we can avoid unnecessary setbacks and ensure that we are equipped to handle the challenges ahead. Thoughtful planning helps us to be good stewards of our resources and to fulfill our commitments. We have the responsibility to be accountable for our actions. 

These lessons inspire us to approach our endeavors with diligence, foresight, and wisdom. 

Before you build, before you start, 

Consider well with mind and heart. 

To build a tower, strong and tall, 

First count the cost, heed the call.

With careful thought and steady hand, 

Plan each step, understand. 

For dreams require more than desire, 

They need a spark, but also fire.

In every task, in every quest, 

Preparation is the test. 

To see it through, to reach the end, 

Count the cost, my friend.

For in the planning, wisdom lies, 

A path to follow, clear and wise. 

So build your tower, strong and true, 

With calculated steps, pursue.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. You have taught us the importance of planning and preparation in all that we do. Help us to count the cost of our decisions and actions, and to seek Your guidance in every step we take.

Grant us the wisdom to make thoughtful and informed choices, and the strength to follow through with our commitments. May we be diligent in our efforts, knowing that with Your help, we can achieve great things.

Teach us to be responsible stewards of the resources You have given us, and to use them in ways that honor You. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing and to be patient as we work towards our goals.

In all that we do, may we seek to glorify Your name and to build Your Kingdom here on earth. We pray for Your guidance and blessing in every endeavor.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

SAYINGS ON DISCIPLESHIP

Luke 14:25-33

Gospel Acclamation

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.

Gospel | Luke 14:25-33

25 Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, 26 “If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come afterme cannot be my disciple. 28 Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? 29 Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him 30 and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ 31 Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? 32 But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. 33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple."

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Inability to Repay

 

Blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. 

For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

LUKE 14:14

Who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? Or who has given Him anything that He may be repaid? For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To God be the glory forever. Amen. (Rom 11:34-36)

On Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. (Lk 14:12-14)

“See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! For the Lord hears the poor, and His own who are in bonds He spurns not.” (Ps 69:33-34) Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! (Rom 11:29-33)

The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God delivered all to disobedience, that He might have mercy upon all. (Rom 11:29-32)

God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. They shall dwell in the land and own it, and the descendants of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall inhabit it. (Ps 69:36-37) 

I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. (Ps 69:31,30)

Memories:

PAVILION - DINNER WITH EXTENDED FAMILY
November 01, 2023

Published:

November 06, 2023, 8:17 AM

God's Inclusive Invitation

  

The master then ordered the servant,

"Go out to the highways 

and hedgerows and make people come 

in that my home may be filled. 

For, I tell you, none of those men 

who were invited will taste my dinner.” 

(Luke 14:23-24)

The master’s command to invite people from the roads and country lanes signifies the inclusivity of God's Kingdom. It shows that God's invitation is open to everyone, regardless of their background or status.

The urgency in the master's command to compel people to come in highlights the importance of responding to God's invitation without delay. It reminds us that the opportunity to accept God's grace should not be taken for granted.

The statement that those who were originally invited will not taste the banquet serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's invitation. It emphasizes the importance of being receptive to God's call.

The master's desire for a full house reflects God's wish for all to be part of His Kingdom. It underscores the abundance of God's grace and His longing for everyone to experience His love and fellowship.

These lessons encourage us to embrace God's inclusive invitation, respond with urgency, be mindful of the consequences of rejection, and recognize God's desire for a full and diverse Kingdom. 

In the fields and country lanes,

Where life's simple beauty reigns, 

God's call goes out, both far and near, 

To every heart, so pure and clear.

Come, all who wander, lost and lone, 

Find in His house, a loving home. 

No status, wealth, or name required, 

Just open hearts, with love inspired.

The banquet's set, the feast awaits, 

For every soul, at Heaven's gates. 

In God's embrace, we all belong, 

A diverse chorus, one joyful song.

So heed the call, and do not wait, 

For in His Kingdom, love is great. 

God's invitation, warm and wide, 

Welcomes all to come inside.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for Your boundless love and grace. Your invitation to join Your Kingdom is open to all, regardless of our past or status. We are humbled by Your inclusivity and the warmth of Your embrace.

Help us to extend this same love and acceptance to others. May we be instruments of Your peace, welcoming everyone with open arms and hearts. Teach us to see the beauty in diversity and to cherish each person as a unique creation of God.

Guide us to live out Your message of love and inclusivity in our daily lives. Let our actions reflect Your compassion and kindness, drawing others closer to You. We pray for the courage to reach out to those who feel lost or marginalized, offering them the hope and joy found in Your Kingdom.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT FEAST

Luke 14:15-24

Gospel Acclamation

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

Gospel | Luke 14:15-24

15 One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.” 16 He replied to him, “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. 17 When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’ 18 But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ 22 The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’ 23 The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. 24 For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.’ ”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Move Up to a Higher Position

 

Villa Alessa
GARDEN AND GAZEBO OFFICE
November 03, 2024

When you are invited, 

go and take 

the lowest place 

so that when the host 

comes to you he may say, 

‘My friend, move up 

to a higher position.’ 

Then you will enjoy 

the esteem of your 

companions at the table. 

(Luke 14:10)

The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable (Rom 11:29). Blessed the man whom You instruct, O Lord, whom by Your law you teach, giving him rest from evil days. For the Lord will not cast off his people, nor abandon his inheritance; but judgment shall again be with justice, and all the upright of heart shall follow it. (Ps. 94:12-15)

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:1, 7-11)

I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you will not become wise in your own estimation (Rom 11:25). Has God rejected His people? Of course not! God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. (Rom 11:1-2) Hence I ask, did they stumble so as to fall? Of course not! But through their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make them jealous. Now if their transgression is enrichment for the world, and if their diminished number is enrichment for the Gentiles, how much more their full number. (Rom 11:11-12) Thus all Israel will be saved, as it is written: The deliverer will come out of Zion, he will turn away godlessness from Jacob; and this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins. (Rom 11:26-27)

Were not the Lord my help, I would soon dwell in the silent grave. When I say, “My foot is slipping,” your mercy, O Lord, sustains me. (Ps 94:17-18)

Memories:

VILLA ALESSA OFFICE - WEDDING PICTURES
November 04, 2023

Published:

November 4, 2023, 9:29 AM

God has Blessed your Children

 

For He has strengthened 

the bars of your gates; 

He has blessed 

your children within you.

PSALM 147:13

They are children of Israel; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. (Rom 9:4-5)

Jesus said, “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” (Lk 14:5-6) But they kept silent; so He took the man and, after He had healed him, dismissed him. (Lk 14:4)

I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. (Rom 9:1-3) 

Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you.  He has granted peace in your borders; with the best of wheat he fills you. He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word! (Ps 147:12-15)

He has proclaimed His word to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel. He has not done thus for any other nation; his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia. (Ps 147:19-20)

Memories:

Villa Alessa
ALESSA JANE WITH COUSINS
November 01, 2023

Published:

November 03, 2023, 7:07 AM

Live in Newness of Life

Villa Alessa
November 02, 2024

Just as Christ was raised 

from the dead 

by the glory of the Father, 

we too might live 

in newness of life.

(Romans 6:4)

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. (Wis 3:1-3)

Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to Me, because I came down from heaven not to do My own will but the will of the One who sent me. And this is the will of the One who sent Me, that I should not lose anything of what He gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” (Jn 6:37-40)

Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were indeed buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with Him through a death like His, we shall also be united with Him in the resurrection. (Rom 6:3-5)

For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of Himself. As gold in the furnace, He proved them, and as sacrificial offerings He took them to Himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. (Wis 3:4-8)

We know that our old self was crucified with Him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved from sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over Him. (Rom 6:6-8)

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones (Ps 116:15). Those who trust in Him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with His holy ones, and His care is with the elect. (Rom 6:9)

O Lord, I am Your servant; You have loosed my bonds (Ps 116:5). Gracious is the Lord and just; yes, our God is merciful (Ps 116:5).

VILLA ALESSA - TRELLIS
November 02, 2023

Published:

November 02, 2023, 7:25 AM

Seal of God's Servant

House of Sealtiel
2nd Floor Finishing
November 01, 2024

 

 “Do not damage the land 

or the sea or the trees 

until we put the seal on the foreheads 

of the servants of our God.” 

(Revelation 7:3)

The seal on the foreheads of God's servants symbolizes divine protection. It reassures us that God watches over and protects those who are faithful to Him. It represents a spiritual marking that sets God's people apart. It emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects our identity as God's servants.

The act of sealing signifies God's authority and ownership. It reminds us that we belong to God and are under His care and guidance. The instruction to wait before harming the land, sea, or trees teaches us about God's perfect timing. It encourages us to trust in His plan and be patient, knowing that He is in control.

These lessons encourage us to trust in God's protection, recognize His authority, be patient with His timing, and live in a way that honors our identity as His servants.

In the quiet of the morning light, 

God's seal upon us, shining bright. 

Marked by His love, we stand secure, 

In His embrace, forever pure.

Through trials and storms, we hold fast, 

His seal upon us, it will last. 

A sign of grace, a pledge divine, 

In every heart, His love will shine.

Sealed by God, we walk in peace, 

His presence with us, never to cease. 

In every step, His guidance clear, 

With faith and hope, we persevere.

So let us live with hearts aglow, 

Sealed by God, His love we show. 

In every moment, great or small, 

His seal upon us, binds us all.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging Your divine protection and love. Thank You for sealing us with Your Holy Spirit, marking us as Your own. We are humbled by Your grace and the assurance of Your presence in our lives.

Lord, help us to live in a way that honors this sacred seal. May we walk in Your truth, guided by Your wisdom and strengthened by Your love. Let our lives reflect Your light, bringing hope and peace to those around us.

In times of trial and uncertainty, remind us of Your promise and the security we have in You. May we find comfort in knowing that we are forever held in Your loving embrace.

We pray for the courage to be Your witnesses, sharing Your gospel and love with the world. Use us, Lord, to fulfill Your purpose and to bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

Villa Alessa
November 01, 2024

Pericope:

Book of Revelations

THE 144,000 SEALED / 

TRIUMPH OF THE ELECT

Revelation 7:1-8 / 9-17

First Reading | Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

2 I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, 3 “Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites. 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshipped God, 12 and exclaimed: “Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” 14 I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.” He said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Wait with Endurance

 

House of Sealtiel
2ND FLOOR FINISHING
October 31, 2024

Villa Alessa
HALOWEEN DESIGN
October 31, 2023

But if we hope for what we do not see, 

we wait with endurance.

(Romans 8:25)

Creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. (Rom 8:19-21)

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Again He said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” (Lk 13:18-21)

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. (Rom 8:22-25)

Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (Ps 126:5-6) When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed (Ps 126:2-3). 

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert (Ps 126:4). I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us (Rom 8:18).

Published:

October 31, 2023, 10:46 AM

Glorify God!

 

House of Sealtiel
2ND FLOOR FINISHING
October 30, 2024

Patio of Zuriel
GRASS MAT INSTALLATION
October 30, 2023

When Jesus saw her, He called to her and said, 

“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” 

He laid His hands on her, and she at once

stood up straight and glorified God.” 

(Luke 13:12-13)

The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. (Rom 8:16-17)

The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in His holy dwelling. God gives a home to the forsaken; He leads forth prisoners to prosperity. (Ps 62:6-7)

But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” (Lk 13:14)

The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” When He said this, all His adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by Him. (Lk 13:15-17)

God arises; His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee before Him. But the just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. (Ps 68:2,4)

If you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” (Rom 8:13-15)

We are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh (Rom 8:12). Blessed day by day be the Lord, who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation. God is a saving God for us; the Lord, my Lord, controls the passageways of death. (Ps 68:20-21)

Published:

October 30, 2023, 8:04 AM