Daily Bible Reflections- February 29, 2012

ANOTHER CHANCE

 

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. – Jonah 3:1

 

“Agaaaainnnn??? You failed to do it again???”

This question of exasperation came out of my lips the nth time during the thick of our preparations for a major church event in the archdiocese.

A committee head had not been performing his duties resulting in delays of other activities. Impatience made my blood boil once again since I was the overall coordinator. I was truly annoyed.

As I read today’s reading, it hit me that the Lord had given Jonah a second chance to do his task.

Just as the Lord had given the prophet another chance, so does He give me repeated opportunites to do away with my impatience. He could have screamed “Again???” but He did not. Instead, with love and gentleness, He corrects me.

Indeed, the Lord is “a merciful and loving God, slow to anger” (Psalm 86:15).  Danny Tariman (danny@dtariman.com)

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REFLECTION:

Has someone  repeatedly offended you? Before you deny that person of your forgiveness, check if you committed the same sin over again.

 

Forgive me, Lord, for losing my patience countless times. Please give me another chance. Amen.

 

St. Oswald, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 28, 2012

NO BROKEN PROMISES

 

So also will be the word that I speak – it will not fail to do what I plan for it; It will do everything I send it to do. – Isaiah 55:11

 

On February 19, 2011, we had a one-day silent recollection entitled “In the Eye of the Storm.” This gave attendees insights on how to pass through their problems and go beyond them with peace, more faith and hope in their hearts.

During the sharing, a widow related how she called on God at her husband’s deathbed. She questioned Him, “Why didn’t You come? Why did You take him away? He was the only one who always stuck by me.”

God made her experience His loving embrace through the recollection. During her reflection, He assured her that He was with her throughout her ordeal. He also showed her the new life ahead of her. As a result, she decided to resume her studies in Education. Her hope was renewed. So was her faith in God.

God said He loves us so much. He promised He will not abandon us, He will take care of us. No matter how much we don’t understand God’s ways or how long we wait for His answer, let’s keep on believing and hoping that God will see us through. God’s promises will never be broken.  Ma. Luisa A. De la Cruz (theessence_byluisa@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do you believe that what’s written in the Bible is true? Then why do you still worry?

 

Dearest God, thank You so much for Your promises written in the Bible. May I remember always to trust fully in Your Word.

 

Blessed Daniel Brottier, pray for us.

Daily Bible Refelctions - February 27, 2012

MY FIRST PRISON VISIT

 

“I was in prison and you came to see me.” – Matthew 25:36

 

I came from a Caring Group (CG) meeting in the morning and even brought my two CG members with me. It was a novel experience for us: our first prison visit. We were not informed beforehand that we would be leading discussion groups during the visit. I was a bag of nerves since I was unprepared and simply didn’t know what to expect. The hardened faces of the inmates even intimidated me. I just said a quick silent prayer before I started leading the opening prayer.

Just when I was about to castigate myself for not handling the discussion with confidence, an inmate approached me after the closing prayer and told me her life story. I had a very memorable one-on-one with her.

God, I know it was You at work.

Blesilda (not her real name) didn’t look like a woman stripped of freedom and dignity behind bars. She even looked happy and at peace. She related about her daughter who worked in a giant multimedia company in the province. It saddened me that she couldn’t tell her daughter that she was in prison. Despite that, her aura radiated light because she encountered Christ in the Correctional Institution for Women. Ems Sy Chan (havenofleeanne@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

It is the obligation of every Christian to perform corporal works or acts of mercy. Have you done your part?

 

May I not turn the other way when my neighbor needs my help.

 

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

 

 

Daily Bible Reflections - February 26, 2012

Two Reassuring Rainbows

 

“ I set my bows in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” – Genesis 9:13

 

It was an important Sunday in 1999, the day before my momentous Career Minister’s exam at the Department of Foreign Affairs. If I pass it, then I will only be one step away from getting a promotion as Chief of Mission. This rank will qualify me to be an ambassador not only for God but also for the country.

While walking around to rest my mind, I looked up to the skies and saw two colourful rainbows. I smiled at God’s reminder of His promise for me not to worry. I will pass and have a full life as His ambassador after I go through the dark valleys in my life.

He reassured me that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday — always. I passed in 2000.

I am now blessed to be an ambassador for God and Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates since 2009.

What a faithful God we have!  Grace Relucio Princesa ( grprincesa@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do I still doubt God’s love and faithfulness? Look at the rainbow and be reassured.

 

Lord, let me not forget Your forgiving love to us whenever I see bows in the clouds.

 

St. Porphyry of Gaza, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- February 25, 2012

COMMUNITY OF SINNERS

 

Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.” – Luke 5:31

 

Roland was flushed with anger. He was in the middle of an out-of-town meeting when he received texts from Ritz ordering him to help out with an event. The content of the messages had urgency and aggression. He was loaded with many things assigned to him in his ministries and the concerns of Ritz were not part of it. It was hard enough to serve excellently with all the tasks at hand, more so, have someone tell him to prioritize something else.

He managed to pray and reply objectively. Then, an inspiration came to Roland to bow, obey and apologize to Ritz. It was insane, he thought. But maybe it was from the Holy Spirit. He did it even if it seemed unfair on his part.

Months later, Roland learned that Ritz was being corrected left and right. She was hurting and disappointing people around her. She didn’t need another scolding, but she needed gentle love: something she received and learned from Roland.

There is no perfect community. We embrace and welcome sinners. Just as doctors serve to heal the sick not the healthy. Jesus is our doctor. His gentle love heals. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

How do I respond to what I perceive as unlovable acts by others? Do I respond with logic, emotional impulse or loving-kindness?

 

God of love, mercy and gentleness, help me in fun and loving ways to reflect Your love, mercy and gentleness. Fill me with wisdom to know how to respond even if it seems unfair to me.

 

Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- February 24, 2012

FASTING = LOVE

 

“Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” – Isaiah 58:5

 

For the prophet Isaiah, the right fasting is all about giving justice.

To what do we equate the fasting that we do?

Some people have this formula: Fasting = Diet.

For others, it’s Fasting = More Savings.

Some who have not prepared properly for fasting get ill-tempered and lash at others around them. Personally, I’ve experienced a certain feeling of pity for myself when I fast because I’ve been deprived of “luxuries.”

We are reminded today to have the right motives and goals in the practice of fasting. Ultimately, it is love.

Love of others in prayer and selflessness. Love of self as we answer to our highest purpose in life — holiness.

Love of Jesus because He loved us so much to give the utmost sacrifice of His life, that we in turn, may live. Lallaine Gogna (lallygogna@ yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Have you already decided what you will fast from?

 

In this holy season of Lent, teach me how I can open myself more and more to You Lord.

 

Blessed Luke Belludi, pray for us.

 

 

Daily Bible Reflections- February 23, 2012

EMBRACING SUFFERING

 

“If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself.” – Luke 9:23

 

I love St. Therese’s book, The Story of a Soul, and I’m eager to follow her “little way” of serving God. But when I read about her desire to suffer for the sake of sinners, my mind drew to a halt. I don’t like any kind of pain, period.

But the idea persisted until finally, I gave in and asked God to teach me to suffer. Somehow, knowing that everything I’m going through was God’s work and that He means to purify me changed my perspective. Instead of curling up and nursing my own pain, I sought and saw what He was trying to teach me.

I realized that we suffer most when we are denied what we want. We feel we deserve to be acknowledged and feel hurt when we’re not. We want to be understood and feel frustrated when we’re not. We crave for things we don’t have and worry beyond all sense. If we think about it, a lot of our pain is self-inflicted.

Before I learn how to suffer for others, I have to stop suffering for myself first. This first step was profoundly liberating. Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

“The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not.” (C.S. Lewis)

 

Lord, I want to learn how to suffer for the sake of sinners everywhere.

 

St. Polycarp, bishop and martyr, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- February 21, 2012

Temper Tantrum

 

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. – James 3:16

 

I was waiting in line to pay my groceries when I noticed a cute little girl waiting for her mom. She was happy playing with her doll until she saw a boy munching on a chocolate bar. The little girl grabbed candies from the closest rack, but the mom quickly returned the sweets, saying, “Honey, I’ve got candies for you and you’ll have them when we get back home, OK?”

The girl started crying and screaming at the top of her lungs so she could get what she wanted. I couldn’t believe how a child could turn from being so adorable into an annoying brat.

It’s embarrassing to see kids throwing temper tantrums but it’s worse when an adult does the same — yelling out frustration, slamming doors and pounding on tables; cutting people off to get ahead in a queue; constantly finding faults and complaining without thinking how to make things better. All these happen when we want to control a situation without showing respect to others.

Sadly, even the seemingly nicest of us can become the nastiest if we allow self-interest to overcome us. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Conflicts may be minimized when we set selfishness aside.

 

Dear Lord, forgive my selfish soul and cleanse my heart that I may be selfless like You. Amen.

 

Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - February 18, 2012

GOSSIP

 

Consider how small a fire can set a huge forest ablaze. – James 3:5

 

A man once asked a priest what was wrong about gossiping. To answer him, the priest went to his room, took a pillow and asked the man to follow him to the rooftop of the building. He handed him the pillow and asked the man to rip it open. He then said, “Fluff the pillow so that the feathers will go up in the air.” The man obeyed and, sure enough, the feathers flew away with the wind. The priest then told the man, “Now gather the feathers.” The man exclaimed, “I can’t! They’re too many! They’ve already gotten away!” The priest replied, “That’s gossip.”

When we use our tongue to spread rumors about others, it’s difficult to take those statements back. Gossip spreads like a brush fire. And it all begins with one tongue that is out of control.

When I heard this story from the stage play entitledDoubt,I was convicted to be more mindful of the things I say randomly. Christians sometimes call it “sharing,” but the question is always whether or not our words will do that person good. And, how would we feel if we were the subject of that conversation? George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

How well do I control my tongue?

 

Lord, may my words always build up and encourage others.

 

Blessed John of Fiesole, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 17, 2012

FAITH OR FATE?

 

We are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. – James 2: 24

 

If the company you work for suddenly decided to downsize its work force and you got laid off, what will your reaction be? What words will come out of your mouth? Will you choose to be faith-filled or fatalistic? There’s a wide chasm between the two.

But when you say, “Let Your will be done on earth as it has been done in heaven,” then you put your whole trust in Him whom you know loves you and desires only the best for you.

Just like the boy who was undisturbed in the midst of a turbulent plane ride. While the rest of the passengers were jittery and anxious, he remained calm even as the plane seemed like it was going to break apart. The pilot was the boy’s father and he knew that the airplane was in good hands.

I can identify with that story because my dad was a pilot. Every time I would ride a plane, I’d always wish that he was in the cockpit since I knew that he would always land the plane safely and smoothly.

So, is it faith or is it fate?

Like what I said, there’s a wide chasm between the two — but a very fine line when you’re in the midst of a crisis.  Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)

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REFLECTION:

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15)

 

Lord, help me always to look to You, and not on my circumstances.

 

Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 16, 2012

RICH MAN, POOR MAN

 

Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? – James 2:5

 

As a Kerygma preacher, I’ve given lots of talks on how to be truly rich, including being financially rich. It’s no surprise that some people question why we “preach to get rich.”

“Is it a sin to be poor?” they ask. They would add that our Church teaches the “preferential option for the poor.” Even our key verse says that “God chooses the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom.”

So, let’s all be poor, right? The real issue isn’t being wealthy or not but it’s neglecting the poor, being indifferent to them and not loving them. Wanting to be rich so you can help the poor isn’t bad. (Incidentally, people who comment on why we preach about being rich should see the ministries we do for the elderly, street kids, educational scholarships, feeding programs, jail ministries, etc.)

Being poor and remaining poor when you are given the opportunity and the power to get out of your poverty and start helping others is the “sin”! Because ultimately, it’s not about getting rich or poor. It’s about loving more (see how the verse above ends).

Do you want to be poor or rich? The more important question is: “Do you want to love more?” Alvin Barcelona (alvinbarcelona@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Am I poor and the one needing more love? Am I rich and  need to love more? Or does it matter if I’m rich or poor when it comes to loving more? Love someone today – whatever state you are in.

 

Loving Father, help me to see that I cannot be so poor as to be unable to love others more, and that I cannot be so rich as not to receive love from others and from You.

 

St. Gilbert of Sempringham, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- February 15, 2012

WHEN WE BECOME WISE

 

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. – James 1:23-24

 

She knows what is wrong with her. She can run it down to you as if she were analyzing somebody else’s personality. And because she’s a Pyschology major, she has a deeper understanding and awareness of what her problem is. But she stops there.

“This is how I am and I’m not going to change,” she once told her friends.

When I heard that, I was immediately reminded of the passage above. I told her friends, “She’s like a person who sees that her hair is all messed up and she has dirt on her face but she refuses to comb or wash up.”

What a fool, I thought. But wait, am I not like her, too? I know my weaknesses yet I do nothing to avoid the occasion of sin. I know what the Bible says I should do yet how often do I disobey it? I know I should pray yet I give in to distraction or sloth.

Friends, knowledge is not enough. When we apply what we know, that is called wisdom. May we be wise Christians and not just knowledgable ones.Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Mental assent to God’s Word is not enough. Obedience is necessary.

 

Lord, let Your Spirit convict me when I agree to what You say but fall short of putting it to practice.

 

St. Claude la Colombiere, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 14, 2012

HIDDEN SPOTS

 

Rather, each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. – James 1:14

 

In a retreat I took during my early years of following Jesus, I was asked to list down my weaknesses and temptations. The exercise was to help me know myself better and to see where the evil one would most likely attack me. I remember listing several, one of which was my tendency to be passionate about an interest and then forget about it when the passion wanes. It would have been OK except that I usually spend a lot of money and time on my interest when my passion is at its peak, and the consequence is that I’m saddled with lots of baggage.

I recall indulging in several crafts at different points of my life: artificial flowers, cross-stitch, glass etching, button making and so on. The same goes with my mental pursuits: I switched from my profession as a management and industrial engineer to business to counseling to human resource management and finally to writing. I’d accumulate tons of books on these subjects, hoping to read them one day.

Knowing my hidden spots has helped me curb my tendency to satisfy my inordinate desires that would derail me from living a life that’s pleasing to God. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

This Valentine’s Day, reflect on what inordinate desires keep you from loving God as He deserves.

 

Lord, grant me the grace to face my hidden weaknesses and desires. May I always seek You in my desires.

 

St. Cyril, monk, and St. Methodius, bishop, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- February 13, 2012

the sign is in the Obvious

 

“Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” – Mark 8:12

 

I used to live in the slums of Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City. Bagong Barrio is the Tondo of Caloocan. Lots of trash all around. Lots of noise all around. Lots of fighting all around. Lots of drinking all around. Lots of addicts all around. Lots of crimes all around. Lots of failures all around.

And we were not just failures. We were proud failures!

I grew up within this emotional, physical and psychological home.

I became poor, addicted, violent, harsh, sinful — and I blamed it on others. I blamed the government, my childhood, the society, even God. I was determined to remain poor and proud.

I felt I was imprisoned and I was subliminally enjoying the comfortable life of a proud, poor person.

Then God invaded my life. He rocked my world! My prison crumbled. I was set free.

Now I live life to the max!

When you want change, don’t ask for signs.The sign is in the obvious.

Need change? Avail of His Grace. Cooperate. Change! God’s power is oftentimes in the obvious. Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do I waste my time asking for a sign when the answer is obvious?

 

Lord, may I believe in things I cannot see and manifesting what I internally believe.

 

St. Giles Mary of St. Joseph, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 12, 2012

HAPPY WORKER

 

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

 

Vic was a messenger in the company I used to work for. He was a quiet man who would not say anything unless you spoke to him. However, he never failed to greet us “good morning” every day with a smile.

One time I had the chance to talk to Vic about his family life. I learned that he was the only one earning a living for his young family, and though he barely made ends meet with his little salary, his aging parents relied on him, too.

Behind the smiles, the man had a tough life. How remarkable, I thought, because not once did I hear Vic complain about anything. Rain or shine he went out to run errands. He was dedicated to his job and he did everything with delight.

How do we, who may be more blessed in life, compare to Vic? Do we go about our day whining about trivial matters? Do we complain when our workload gets heavier? Do we complain about our salary even though life is comfortable enough for us? Let’s be happy workers in God’s field.

Let’s do everything with delight for His glory. Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Life is God’s gift to us. How we live our lives is our gift to God.

 

Teach me to delight in You. May everything I do glorify You, my God.

 

St. Apollonia, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- February 11, 2012

GOD CARES

 

“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd because … they have nothing to eat.” – Mark 8:2

 

A nun saw a little bird with a long tail walking at the edge of the wall of the belfry. The bird seemed to be looking for food so she ran down to her room to get some crackers. When she placed some crumbs on the wall, the bird ignored the food and walked to the other side. She then prayed, “Lord, I have to feed the little bird because she is hungry.”

She positioned herself to where the bird was going. As she rested her hand on the wall’s edge, the bird, without any inhibition, stepped on her palm and started to peck the crumbs on her hand. After the bird had its fill, it flew away.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for the hungry crowd and wanted to provide food for them. But the disciples were perplexed as to where they can get enough bread to feed all the people.

We easily fret and sometimes become desperate when faced with difficult situations. Just as God provided for the little bird’s food, how much more would He provide for us? So the next time you’re feeling anxious over some need of yours, remember how God cared for you in the past and trust Him to work faithfully again. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Are you in need? Trust that God will provide. Are you in abundance? Be a channel of God’s blessing.

 

Lord, in times of want, remind me that You are Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. In times of abundance, teach me how to be generous and be an instrument of Your provisions.

 

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 10, 2012

Mindsets

 

“He said to him ‘Ephphata!’ (That is, ‘be opened!’)” – Mark 7:34

 

Our own minds can fool us.

One time, I was looking for some giveaway items that I recently purchased and I remembered they were in a box. I practically combed the whole house but could not find the box. I asked somebody to help me find it and described what I was looking for. He found the items but they were not in a box. He said that he found it because he was looking for the giveaway items and not the container.

The same is true with God’s blessings. We fail to see His favor upon us because we look for what we had asked for instead of what God has given us. Sometimes we are so fixated on certain prayer requests that have not been answered, not knowing that God has answered them in a different way than we expect. Or sometimes, He doesn’t grant them because they’re not according to His will.

If we focus on God’s will for us then we will discover how much blessings God has given us. Do not settle. Let it be God’s will and nothing else.  Rolly España (rnespana@nwineskin.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do we fill our minds with our own needs and wants or do we seek God’s will for our good?

 

Lord Jesus, let me have Your mind that I may see the Father’s will in my life.

 

St. Scholastica, virgin, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 09, 2012

10,000 ISN’T TOO MUCH!

She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. – Mark 7:30

When Thomas Alba Edison finally perfected and launched his incandescent lamp after 10,000 failures, a reporter asked, “How does it feel to have failed 10,000 times until you finally got it?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 10,000 times. I just discovered 10,000 ways that don’t work!”

The desperate woman in the Gospel had no hope for her daughter — except Jesus. She cried out to Him even though she was surrounded with obstacles — her race, religious background, gender, not to mention the disciples, Satan, and seemingly, even Jesus. Jesus’ words to the woman seemed to say: “Stumbling blocks or stepping stones? Your choice!” She chose.

Obstacles are not meant to stop you from fulfilling your dreams. They are meant to test how badly you want them. If you quit, maybe you don’t want it enough. If you don’t, it’s just a matter of time to making it real.

The result of her bold persistence through the dark corridors of difficulty and rejection? Jesus commended her for her faith and healed her daughter. Friend, if you keep asking, seeking, knocking and working, we will find grace and mercy in our time of need.  Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Have you shelved a dream since it has become too difficult, even impossible? Can it be that your stumbling blocks are stepping stones?

Jesus, give me courage to keep on asking, seeking, knocking and working. I believe it’s never over until You say it’s over. Amen.

St. Jerome Emiliani, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 07, 2012

DON’T BE PRACTICAL

 

“You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.” – Mark 7:13

 

“Be practical!” I’ve heard this advice many times. I believe that sometimes, the worst suggestion we can give someone, including ourselves, is to be practical.

Imagine if the great inventors believed those who told them to be practical? We would have not been blessed by their great inventions today.

The loudest counsel we hear in our minds when we are tempted to bribe someone is, “I have to do this because it’s the most practical thing to do.”

What if those who are in love are all practical?

“Let’s not eat out tonight for our anniversary, dear. We know that we love each other anyway. Let’s just eat leftovers at home.”

If God was practical, He would not have come to save us. Why would He? He knows it would just hurt Him.

Thank God He is not practical. He chose to love.

Are you practical to a fault? Do you sacrifice loving for the sake of logic?

Live in faith.

Live in love.  Arun Gogna (gognaa1@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Are you practical to a fault?

 

Help me, oh Lord, to live in faith and not by sight.

 

St. Colette, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- February 06, 2012

Sunday Best

 

“I have truly built you a princely house, a dwelling where you may abide forever. “ – 1 Kings 8:13

 

“Wearing your Sunday best” was an oft-repeated term when I was young. Back then, it meant wearing your newest and best clothes when you go to church. Today, the phrase no longer applies. Most of the time, we wear our “Sunday most comfortable.”

While I don’t expect that we’d ever go back to the external compliance of “Sunday best,” I do pray that we all will try to wear our finest where it counts — in our hearts. Like observing the Eucharistic fast, for example. That’s just one hour before communion, which is the least that the Church asks of us. Or how about setting aside a few minutes before going to Mass in order to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus?

It’s not really looking our best that I miss as much as the sense of significance and respect that we used to give to church and to God. I don’t think it’s idealistic to hope that all of us try to do our best whenever we come to worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Joy Sosoban (jsosoban@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

How can I prepare well for the Holy Mass?

 

Awesome and mighty God, make me realize Your greatness in the Holy Mass.

 

Sts. Paul Miki and Companions, martyr, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 05, 2012

sharing jesus

 

But Jesus answered, “We must go on to the other villages around here. I have to preach in them also, because that is why I came.” – Mark 1:38

 

Everyone knows the phrase TGIF. Fridays are great because it’s the end of work or school week. It’s a time to eat out, go shopping, meet up with friends and engage in other forms of relaxation.

When our small community group was assigned to handle an evangelization project, I had mixed emotions. First, it was because of the daunting effect of the word evangelization. And second, it meant being deprived of the stuff I just mentioned about Fridays because that’s when our sessions were scheduled.

During my prayer time the following day, I reviewed my journal and was surprised to see a common entry in my reflection notes since the previous year. My recurring prayer request was to be given the opportunity to serve in the evangelization ministry. I was enlightened after my morning prayer and my earlier hesitations disappeared.

Now, my Fridays are great not because of its usual activities. Fridays are great because it allows me to introduce Jesus to more people. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

In Rick Warren’s Purpose-Driven Life, he mentioned that evangelization is one of the purposes why we live. How much of your time are

you using for this purpose?

 

Father, I pray that someone may hear about Jesus today. May I do my part to make this happen. Amen.

 

St. Agatha, virgin and martyr, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 04, 2012

CONFESSIONS OF A WORKAHOLIC

 

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31

 

I once thought that rest was synonymous with doing nothing — and that was bad. That’s because my Lolo Ino, my maternal grandfather, taught me that “an idle mind is the devil’s playground.” He explained that when you don’t have anything to think about, you are likely to do something bad. And so doing nothing was a no-no for him. Every time he was around, I kept busy — reading, doing my homework, dusting our narra sofa even if it was already squeaky, gleaming, shimmering clean.

That was good discipline — until I turned out to be a workaholic. Because when I had nothing to do I could hear Lolo Ino drumming the devil line into my ear.

Then I heard a talk of lay preacher Bo Sanchez about having a rest. He said resting from work does not mean doing nothing. It means doing something else — going on a trip, having fun with our loved ones, or, as Jesus said in today’s reading, going to a quiet place and, yes, getting some rest.

So I have resolved to have a regular rest time. Promise, I am working on it. Cynthia Santiago (cusantiago@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Remember the cliché: Work while you work. Play while you play. That’s the way to be happy and gay.

 

Lord, be with me at my work time and play time.

 

St. Joseph of Leonissa, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 03, 2012

WITH EVERY DEED

 

With his every deed he offered thanks to God Most High, in words of praise. With his whole being he loved his Maker and daily had his praises sung. – Sirach 47: 8

 

For St. Therese of Lisieux, it was the way of simplicity and perfection in doing small things and daily duties. For Brother Lawrence, it was cooking in the kitchen. Dr. Joseph Moscatti’s way was practicing medicine.

Rod is an IT Manager. Renato is financial consultant. Regina is a housewife. Elma is a teacher.

The saints and the lay people have one thing in common. For each one, everything they do is for the Lord, an offering, a means to praise God.

We usually take our routines for granted, those daily things we do. We dismiss them as irrelevant, even unspiritual.

That is why you often see people who grumble and complain about what they do. They feel miserable and make those around them feel gloomy, too.

But, as many saints and everyday people have discovered, every little thing that we do can be our own form of worship. When we do our best with the task at hand, we honor God. When we offer our efforts and work, we adore God.

Today, let everything you do be an offering of praise. Jun Asis (mabuting.balita@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

What is my attitude toward my work and duties?

 

Lord, take the work of my hands as my gift to You. May they sing out the love I feel in my heart for You.

 

St. Blasé, bishop and martyr, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- February 02, 2012

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

92.5 PERCENT

 

“He will come to judge like one who refines and purifies silver.” – Malachi 3:3

 

I craft religious themed fashion accessories using semi-precious stones. The accents I use are silver beads, spacers, charms and pendants. Many of these I buy in supply stores in Quiapo. The pieces I make are not spectacularly unique because other crafters use them. The thin silver coating also fades or chips in time, exposing the plastic or low quality metal underneath.

To fashion one-of-a-kind, high quality pieces, I use sterling silver accents. I get them from a silver jewelry export company. They are not found in the local market. Some are even custom-made for me. Although they tarnish in time, a dab of silver polish brings back the luster because they’re 92.5 percent silver.

At the end of our lives, we will be judged like these silver accents. Will we be deemed silver-plated — a person with a thin veneer of goodness overlaid on a selfish, sinful core? Or will we be deemed sterling silver — an extraordinary life refined by the fires of sacrifice, love and mercy; strengthened by an alloy of prayer and service?

May we allow the Lord to purify usuntil we are sterling like silver. Lella Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do I look at my trials as burdens or as character-forming opportunities?

 

Father, cleanse me from all the impurities that tarnish my soul.

 

St. Joan de Lestonnac, pray for us.