Daily Bible Reflections - August 30, 2012

HIGH FIDELITY

 

“Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant?” – Matthew 24:45

 

Google the synonym of “faithfulness” and one of the words you would get is “fidelity.”

Back in my college days, when I was studying Electronics, the term “high fidelity” or hi-fi was defined as “an electronic sound equipment that gives faithful reproduction with little or no distortion.” In layman’s terms, the equipment reproduces the sound closely resembling the original. Thus, hi-fi equipment should be faithful to the source.

Today, modern sound engineering has gone a long way since my days of studying Engineering. New and more sophisticated systems than the hi-fi have emerged. One can only marvel at how science has reduced the distortions in sound, all for the purpose of reproducing music from the source with utmost fidelity.

Science has allowed evangelization to have different media as well — from radio, to TV, to the Internet, to satellite communications. We can only be thankful for the means available to us to preach God’s Word. But more than all these, the Lord and the world are looking for hi-fi Christians who are a faithful reproduction of the Source. Ariel Driz (adriz77@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Am I a high fidelity Christian? Am I a faithful reproduction of the Source?

 

Lord Jesus, I pray for the grace to be a high fidelity Christian not just by my words but my actions as well. Amen.

 

St. Jeanne Jugan, pray for us.

God Whispers - August 29, 2012

Perhaps you’ve made a lot of mistakes and you feel disappointed with yourself today. I am telling you, “You’re getting better! You’ll win in the next game.”

 

Your Champion Partner,

God

 

P.S. When you turn to the right, I will be there. When you turn to the left, I will be there too. When you look behind you, I’ve got you covered. I’ll back you up. I’ll make you win.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 29, 2012

Memorial of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, martyr

 

someone believes in you

 

“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you.” – Jeremiah 1:19

 

There is much to be said for contests of any kind – be it sports, spelling or just a simple declamation contest.

During my high school years, my class adviser would often volunteer, cajole, and convince me to join declamation and oratorical contests. And each time, I would land a place — sometimes first or second. Then the school would send me to compete in the inter-school declamation contests.

The latter was not my problem. But as soon as the entire school population found out that I was chosen, I’d get stinging rebukes and snide remarks since I was only in second place. The insults would bring me to tears.

So, every night before D-day, I would cry and pray. And each time I felt low and afraid, I’d remind myself of what the principal said to me: “Do not believe what you hear. We, the heads of the school know you, and we know you can do it. We believe in you.” Those words were my battle cry as I went to conquer!

Are you facing formidable foes? Fear not. Jesus says to you, “They will fight against you, but not prevail over you. For I am with you to deliver you.”Chelle Crisanto (ellehcmaria@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

I cry each time, but each tear falls on Jesus’ palm. Then I feel joy.

 

Lord, in You I have strength. I need You each day as I face the battles in my life. I know I will conquer.

 

St. Sabina, pray for us.

 

God Whispers - August 28, 2012

Failure is temporary, but victory is permanent — because I cannot fail.

 

Looking out for you,

God

 

P.S. If you partner with Me, you can make all sorts of mistakes — and still win.

God Whispers - August 27, 2012

I am where you need Me. I am with you especially when you are weeping or in pain. I am Your wounded Healer who knows your every hurt.

 

Your Compassionate Companion,

God

 

P.S. I can’t help not feeling for you. Your heartbeat resonates with Mine.

God Whispers - August 26, 2012

I cannot heal what you conceal. Bring your sin out into My light and let My blood wash away all your impurity.

 

Your Healer,

God

 

P.S. My mercy is inexhaustible. There’s no way you can tire Me out of forgiving you  

God Whispers - August 25, 2012

My love doesn’t depend on you, on what you’ve done, on what you’ve become. My love for you is based on My nature. And I am all loving and all kind.

 

Yours forever,

God

 

P.S. Did I also mention that My love is constant and never changing?

Daily Bible Reflections - August 28, 2012

TRAGEDY INTO VICTORY

 

Therefore, brothers, stand firm... – 2 Thessalonians 2:15

 

Two years ago, I was removed from my job as a college instructor without any just cause. I had a sincere passion for teaching. But in spite of the good things I had done for the school, some administrators were prejudiced against me. This must have been the reason why my contract was ended.

I felt the injustice and wanted to rebel. But my dad advised me not to do anything that may cause trouble. I remained calm on the outside. But deep in my heart, I got severely depressed. I even considered committing suicide because I thought my life was in shambles.

The Lord gave me strength to move on. Through the power of His divine Word and advice of my loved ones and friends from the Sacred Heart Community, I let go of all negative feelings. I surrendered all my problems to Him.

From this, blessings overflowed in my life. I had more time to be with my wife and son. This largely improved our relationship as a family. Another is that I was given a chance to dedicate my time to serve the Lord. God has been resolute in providing for our needs. In fact, I am happier and more peaceful now than before. Dho Rimando (dougsterrimando@yahoo.com.ph)

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REFLECTION:

God is faithful in His words. He will never abandon us as long as we stand firm in our faith and trust in Him.

 

Lord, teach us to be strong and take courage even in the midst of darkness.

 

St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - August 27, 2012

Promise Keepers

 

“And when someone swears by heaven, he is swearing by God’s throne and by him who sits on it.” – Matthew 23:22

 

Weddings are one of the most beautiful events in human life. But what makes weddings truly special are the vows made during the ceremony. Promises are said aloud before witnesses, before the wearing of rings that symbolize the vows made.

The couple swears by God’s altar and throne. This is what makes their promises holy. It is the Lord who seals the couple’s promise to each other with His blessings. The wedding vows are promises made not only between a couple, but a promise also made to God to love one another, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death separates them.

God honors this promise and gives the couple the grace to fulfill it. Sadly, many take this lifetime vow for granted. They make the excuse that promises are meant to be broken.

Are they really? People who have broken their commitments find themselves in broken relationships. On the contrary, a promise kept is a relationship strengthened, the fruits of which is a strong and happy family life.

Let’s make a new cliché famous today. Let’s say, “A promise is a promise!” Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Think of a promise you made lately and keep it. Our world is in need of promise keepers.

 

Dearest God, help us keep our promises to You and to one another. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

St. Monica, pray for us.

 

 

Daily Bible Reflections - August 26, 2012

extraordinary love

 

Submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ. – Ephesians 5:21

 

After listening to different couples share their experience over the years, I’ve come to realize that one of the most common and most damaging element to any relationship is an abundance of pride.

Often you will hear people say, “I will never admit to him that I love him unless he admits it first.” Or, “She should love you more than you love her because you’re the man. Otherwise you’ll just be under her control.”

While I do understand that there is a fear of rejection, vulnerability or refusal to be considered “weaker” than the other, what we should aim for is that our love for one another to be similar to God’s love for us.

If there has ever been anyone more rejected in love, it is Him. Yet He has never faltered. He continues to declare His love for us with such candid, unrestrained honesty because the extraordinary desire to give love overwhelms even the bitterest form of denial.

In truth, humble admission that someone is significant to you is not a sign of weakness but will ultimately make you stronger. God is a perfect example. Eleanore Lee (elyo.lee@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Have you ever been fearful of rejection or fearful of being subordinated?

 

Lord, I love You. I love You. I love You. Thank You for always loving me.

 

St. Joseph Calasanz, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 25, 2012

ACTIONS AND WORDS

 

“Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” – Matthew 23:3

 

I was trained in media to separate the message from the messenger, to be more analytical of the message without being influenced by the personality delivering the information. But sometimes, the message is the messenger himself.

St. Francis of Assisi says, “Preach the Gospel always, and when absolutely necessary, use words.” Makes perfect sense.

The messenger’s loving character, his lifestyle, the way he smiles, the way he forgives — that is the message. His life is a testimony of his faith, something the ear doesn’t have to hear, but something so loud that the heart listens and is moved to change. The loving experience we give to others will be remembered. Experience is far more powerful than whatever words people listen to and eventually forget. People, because of what they experience, will open their hearts to listen to our words.

Of course, St. Francis preached through words as well. He told people about Jesus, just as we’re commanded to do in the Bible. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do my actions reflect God’s love, joy and mercy?

 

Holy Spirit, rule, guide and protect my heart always so my life becomes a testimony of my faith.

 

St. Louis of France, pray for us.

 

God Whispers - August 24, 2012

Yesterday, I loved you. Today, I love you. Tomorrow, I will love you. Nothing will change. 

 

Molding You,

God

 

P.S. I love you not because you’re lovable. I love you because I am loving.

God Whispers - August 23, 2012

I want you now. Not when you’re already perfect. Not when you get your act together. Not when you feel good about yourself. Come to Me — now

 

Longing for you,

God

 

P.S. Don’t underestimate the power of My love. I love you, warts and all.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 22, 2012

Memorial of the Queenship of the Virgin Mary

 

Learning from mary

 

“Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” – Matthew 20:16

 

Today we celebrate the crowning love of a Son for His mother. In all the millennia, countless Christians have learned from her life and example.

Mary taught us give our lives over to His mercy and not trust in our material possessions. She trusted only in God as the anawim, the “poor of the Lord.” She prodded us to draw close to Jesus and know her Son.

She also taught us courage. As a parent, it’s unbearable to think of your innocent son being put to death. Yet Mother Mary endured that.

She would have been the last person any man would pick to bring Jesus into the world. But man didn’t choose her; God did. A poor uneducated teenager from an obscure village in a forgotten corner of Israel was chosen and she became everything good that anyone could have ever hoped for. The last became first, and fortunate are we today for that truth. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

As you grow in your relationship with Jesus, what have you learned from the Blessed Mother?

 

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of our Mother Mary. May we learn from her humility, her courage, and most of all, her deep love and devotion to Jesus. Mother Mary, pray for us.

 

St. Andrew the Scot, pray for us.

God Whispers - August 22, 2012

What makes a masterpiece precious is not the canvas, the paint or the colors that went into the artwork. It’s the Master who created the work of art. In the same way, you are precious not because of what you’ve done or not done. You are precious because of My signature on your life.

 

Your Creator,

God

 

P.S. Live your life as a masterpiece!

God Whispers - August 21, 2012

To Me, “almost” isn’t enough. If I say you get double, then you should get double. Because I cannot lie.

 

Dedicated to your success,

God

 

P.S. Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will not (Matthew 24:35).

God Whispers - August 20, 2012

There’s no better way to get to know a person than to live with him or her. Want to know what My will is, what My plans are for you? Spend time with Me. Every day. Live with Me and you will get to know Me.

 

Your Loving Father,

God

 

P.S.  I speak to you personally, in a way that’s uniquely different from other people. I hear your every thought and prayer.

 

God Whispers - August 19, 2012

Define yourself. Who are you? Who do people say you are? Are you what you do? Or what you own? Or what you accomplish?

 

Your Greatest Fan,

God

 

P.S. Don’t know the answer? You are Mine.

God Whispers - August 18, 2012

In life, success goes to the bold, the daring, the courageous. Success goes to people who ask big things from Me.

 

I love you,

God

 

P.S. When was the last time you were bold? When was the last time you became ambitious for Me? When was the last time you asked something big from Me? Start today.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 21, 2012

BLESSED AND HONORED

 

“With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

 

The team of surgeons almost gave up on her. Blood spurted like a fountain whenever they attempted to cut the connecting tissue around the huge tumor located between her heart and lungs. To make matters worse, there was a power failure and the machines in the operating room were not functioning. Her blood pressure was dropping fast and the surgeons agreed they should just close her up.

But her friend, a thoracic surgeon who was there to accompany her in prayer, refused. “Wait! I just need to pray,” he said. He called out to Mother Maria Cristina, “Please don’t let her down.” In a vision, he saw how to remove the tumor. He returned to the operating table and scooped out the big mass with his bare hands. There was hardly any bleeding. The other surgeons were in awe.

Dr. Oben is blessed to have been used as God’s instrument to accomplish His will for his friend, Louie. Louie is blessed to have been handpicked by God for this miracle. Through the marvelous healing God worked in her life, Blessed Cristina Brando was beatified and is on her way to sainthood. Only with God are all these possible.Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

“We must be ever thankful for small miracles, and ever hopeful for receiving greater ones.” (Elmer Schultz)

 

Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins. In Thy Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I accept Thee as my Lord God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul and spirit. (from the Miracle Prayer) 

 

St. Pius X, pope, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 20, 2012

Walk in His Footsteps

 

“Then come, follow me.” – Matthew 19:21

It was my first time to experience wintertime in the US and I was a little scared walking out in the snow. I was afraid I’d trip and have a bad fall. So whenever we go out, my husband would walk ahead of me and say, “Here, follow my footsteps. It’ll make it easier for you.” He’s lived in the area all his life so I know I can trust him to guide me and not let me stumble.

“Come follow me.” This for me is the most intimidating statement of Jesus in the Scriptures. We know how Jesus lived. He suffered a lot! He was ridiculed, rejected, persecuted, and he suffered every imaginable pain in this world. To follow Him then means we will not be spared from suffering ourselves.

But should we be overcome by fear? Remember, Jesus has gone before us to teach, to lead and to show us the way. He continues to enlighten us when we are confused and sustain us when we lose hope.

There is no reason to fear. Instead, we must rejoice in the fact that after all His suffering, God raised up Jesus in glory, the same glory that awaits us if we follow in His footsteps in this life.Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Whatever difficulties you’re facing today, know that God goes before you, creating a clear path so you know where to go.

 

Lord Jesus, help me overcome my fear. Give me a fresh perspective and the strength to endure.

 

St. Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - August 19, 2012

THE WORLD TODAY

 

Watch carefully then, how you live … because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

 

Our son is 18. We firmly believe that we are raising him in the right values so he would live a Christ-like life. Yet we constantly remind him to keep watch of what the world offers, and to keep praying to God to grant him the grace to say no to temptation and to shield Him from sin.

Just the same, I’m still agitated whenever I watch television shows and movies. There I would see that premarital sex is portrayed as normal and adultery is part of a married couple’s life. That it is so easy to abort babies or kill enemies.

That money is what keeps the world going round. That you have to go along with the latest fashion trends to be acceptable. That the youth can always make their stand — disregarding respect and sometimes reason. That you have to keep walking along this fast-paced life or else you’d be left behind.

This is the world today. And if we do not watch out and be careful, we will dance along with its music, unaware that we are headed towards evil.Sol Saura (sol_saura@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

How are you living your life? Do you contribute to the world’s darkness or are you a source of light?

 

Lord, allow me to be a tiny spark of light in this world of darkness.

 

St. John Eudes, priest, pray for us.

God Whispers - August 17, 2012

When I saved you and made you Mine, I didn’t just change your name. I didn’t change your nature or your attitudes. No, I changed your heredity.

 

Always with you,

God

 

P.S. You have My God gene. My blood runs through your veins. Don’t ever forget that.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 17, 2012

ADULTEROUS!

 

“But you thought you could get along without me... You gave yourself as a prostitute to every man who came along.” – Ezekiel 16:15

 

I was in the States for three weeks and I almost forgot I had a family. I have a husband whom I can’t live without and four children whom I simply adore, but I didn’t miss them.

I was enjoying myself immensely being with my brothers whom I see only once in a blue moon. I was enjoying the cool weather, the fantastic food, the wondrous sights, the awesome shopping. There was so much to buy and so much to eat that my “I want” sensor was hitting critical level. Lots of eye candies made me covetous, crowding out the important stuff in my heart.

No wonder St. John wrote, “Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you....For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father” (1 John 2:15-16). Satan’s tricks to lure us away is centuries old but it still works. As my husband said to me one time, “Your god is the one who gives you what your heart desires.”

Thank God for my daily quiet time with Him. His peace that I receive is far more enticing and alluring than anything that this world can offer! Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)

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REFLECTION:

“We use God’s mighty weapons, not merely worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

 

Lord, my heart is prone to wander, prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart. Take it and seal it for Your courts above.

 

St. Joan the Cross, pray for us.

 

God Whispers - August 16, 2012

There are many blessings you enjoy that you never had to work for. Think of the air that you breathe, the rain that falls from the sky, the desire you have to seek Me. As you have received abundantly, so freely give. 

 

Blessing you,

God

 

P.S. How can you pay forward My generosity to you to someone else?

Daily Bible Reflections - August 16, 2012

callous

 

“They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.” – Ezekiel 12: 2

 

There’s a Tagalog word for people spoken of in our key passage — manhid. Extremely, you may call them bato. Stone-cold.

Moral Theology calls the conscience of such persons “callous.” They no longer have regard for what’s right or wrong. But a person with a rebellious heart is like that — he may look but not see, hear but not listen — even if it stares him right in the face.

My last encounter with this kind was with a married lay preacher who has an open affair with another woman — with both that woman and the wife knowing about it.

What’s even more shocking is that all of them seem to be OK with the arrangement. The preacher insists he knows what he’s doing, and goes on preaching and alternating his women.

So, he blinds his eyes and deafens his ears to what others say about his affair. Because the only person he will see and listen to is himself.

God forgive me. I am a poor sinner, too.

And I ask God for His daily grace for my heart not to be hardened — lest it turns into a rebellious house.Alvin Barcelona (alvinbarcelona@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

How can we be accepting and nonjudgmental while speaking out for righteousness and guarding ourselves against indifference and moral

numbness?

 

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve chosen to be blind and deaf towards loving You and others more. Amen.

 

St. Stephen of Hungary, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 15, 2012

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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ALWAYS AT YOUR SERVICE

 

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. – Luke 1:56                                

 

Go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and you’ll probably retrace Mary’s trip from Nazareth to Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth. It will take you four hours on an air-conditioned tourist bus traveling on smooth highways. Your guide will tell you that it took Mary four to five days on foot through a treacherous wilderness.

Oh, did I mention that she was pregnant? Mary was in her first trimester, the most delicate and difficult time during a pregnancy — think morning sickness, loss of appetite and nausea — yet all she could think about was her cousin.

Elizabeth was in her third trimester, heavy with child. Mary must have thought that given her cousin’s age, she needed help around the house so off went the Mother of our Lord to serve her for three months.

Oftentimes, service calls us to do uncomfortable tasks. We have to go out of our way. To stay up late. To be the first to arrive at the venue and the last to leave.

There will be times when we don’t feel like serving but we do it anyway. I’m sure it didn’t feel convenient to go through His passion and death yet Jesus finished His mission. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Do you have an urgent need? Pray to Mama Mary who is always ready to intercede for you.

 

Lord, may I be like Mary who put others’ needs before her own.

 

St. Alipius, pray for us.

God Whispers - August 15, 2012

Life on planet Earth would totally breakdown if everyone starts lying. The only reason why society can still function is because there are enough people who don’t lie. That’s why despite all your big problems, your life can be beautiful and happy and glorious and successful. Because I cannot lie. When I say something, you can be sure that it will happen.

 

Honestly yours,

God

 

P.S. Be a person of honesty and integrity. Let your ‘yes’ mean yes and your ‘no’ mean no.

 

God Whispers - August 14, 2012

Success is My business. Your goal is to be faithful to Me.

 

Looking out for you,

God

 

P.S. Carry out faithfully the task assigned to you and leave the results to Me.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - August 14, 2012

GRACE THROUGH THE SPECIAL ONES

 

“And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” – Matthew 18:5

 

More than a hundred special children gathered at the air-conditioned chapel of the Archbishop’s Palace in Intramuros, Manila. Wearing color-coded scarves and waving miniature flags, the children sang at the top of their voices, signaling the start of the Mass. Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales and two other priests marched in procession to the altar.

The Mass proceeded as usual except for some highlights. The Gospel was acted out so that the children would understand. The songs were sung with action. The Cardinal interrupted his homily several times to give a high-five to a child-man who occupied his chair at the altar while he was giving the homily. The children would unabashedly approach and hug the Cardinal who, through the years, know many of them by name.

This is how a Mass in the Faith and Light Community goes. And this is how grace in the community works. When you get to know the special children and spend time with them, you find the grace to be patient, accepting, humble and simple over time.

It’s exactly the same grace we get when we receive Jesus into our lives.Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

How do you welcome the people with disabilities in your life?

 

Lord, make me gracious enough to let the little ones, the people with disabilities and those below me in stature, enter my life.

 

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest and martyr, pray for us.

 

God Whispers - August 12, 2012

What’s the difference between a pen that costs P2,000 and one that costs P20,000? The difference is the manufacturer. The manufacturer sets the price. The manufacturer determines the value. The manufacturer defines the worth. I’ve got news for you: I am your Manufacturer. 

Creator,

God

 

P.S. You are worth all the stars and galaxies combined together, because you’re more beautiful than this entire universe. You are worth every drop of My blood, because I gave My life for you on the Cross.

God Whispers - August 11, 2012

Have you ever wondered what’s inside a seed? I’ll tell you: it’s a tree! So never underestimate the power of little things. Today, take the first step. Do the first move. Climb one notch higher. Then marvel at how far you’ll reach.

 

Dedicated to your growth,

God

 

P.S. I like starting small. That’s why I liken My kingdom to a mustard seed which is the smallest but when it’s full grown, becomes the largest of plants. 

God Whispers - August 10, 2012

Do you notice how more fervent your prayers become when you are experiencing difficulty? The greater the struggle, the deeper your prayer.

 

Listening to you,

God

 

P.S. I do not enjoy seeing you suffer, but when you emerge stronger, wiser and more loving, I know the trial you endure is not in vain.

God Whispers - August 9, 2012

When you help others, you should never forget to help yourself. Don’t kill the Goose that lays the Golden Egg. The Goose is you. The Golden Egg is your service. Take care of you so that you can continue to serve Me.

 

Watching over you,

God

 

P.S. Give yourself the gift of limits and you’ll be able to give a bigger gift of love to the world.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 12, 2012

GET GOING

 

“Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!” – 1 Kings 19:7

 

The prophet Elijah was just another Bible character to me until I read Paolo Coelho’s The Fifth Mountain.

Though based on the story of Elijah in the Bible, Coelho spiced up his novel by showing the prophet’s humanness. In the

course of Elijah’s obedience to God, he faced troubles and hardships that led him to question God. In so doing, Elijah “was able to reach an ultimate level of spiritual awareness and have the most powerful relationship with God.” Though tired and weary, he still chose to obey God, whom he learned resides in his heart.

Like Elijah, we also get tired when trials consume our energy and weaken our faith, just when we are doing our best to walk in the Lord. But we must not give up. The journey must go on, because life is an obstacle course that we must navigate while we are here on earth, with the goal to overcome. Each time we overcome an obstacle, our soul grows.

Sure, you can rest along the way in order to recharge, but remember what the angel of the Lord told Elijah: “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!” So, pick up your feet and get going! Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. The greatest mistake is giving up.” (Author Unknown)

 

Lord Jesus, You knew Your fate but You persisted in doing Your Father’s work. Teach us to face life with courage and faith the way You did.

 

St. Louis of Toulouse, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 11, 2012

THE FAITH THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS

 

“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20

 

Maria Domenica Brun Barbantini, the foundress of the Camillian Sisters, was in a dilemma. Should she watch over the terminally ill Sr. Marta or accompany her sister who needed emotional support? She prayed to the Blessed Mother for enlightenment. She also prayed that Sr. Marta’s health be restored. She felt as if she heard Our Lady tell her, “Go…may it happen as you requested.”

Maria Domenica left the convent with much tranquility. She spent the night with her sister, sharing in her sorrow. When Maria

Domenica went back to the convent the next morning, she was greeted by an overwhelmed doorkeeper who announced, “What a miracle! Sr. Marta is perfectly cured.”

In today’s Gospel, the disciples were unable to drive out the demon because of their lack of faith. According to a Bible footnote, “it is the power of God, not our faith, that moves mountains, but faith must be present to do so.”

Are you facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain? Turn your gaze from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

What you focus on grows. Do you focus more on your problem or on Christ who can help you solve your problem?

 

Increase my faith, Lord. Help me to realize that You are bigger than my problem.

 

St. Clare, virgin, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 10, 2012

Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr

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Good Irritation

 

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies it produces much fruit.” – John 12:24

 

I was very happy that my nephew earned the highest selling award in our company at the year-end awards night. We had mentored him for years and this was the culmination of our mission for him.

We had similar goals for the other sales directors. We embarked on programs that would equip them and motivate them to become sales performers. We dedicated a lot of time and effort to put up the program that was designed to improve their performance. But instead of making the most of the opportunity, some were frequently absent and would not even report their activities. Their habits were annoying and irritating. At the end of the year, these people fell short of what was expected of them.

As their superior, I realized that these irritations are necessary for me. Just as a pearl is produced from an oyster coping with an irritation in its shell, God sends me “troublesome” people, situations and conditions so that I can become His jewel for others to see.Donna España (donna.espana@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

“Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures.” (Joseph Addison)

 

I pray that by Yourgrace, I may turn my “irritations” into blessings.

 

St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 9, 2012

THE NAME GAME

 

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” – Matthew 16:13

 

A young police officer in a fearless stance approached a young woman who was waiting for a bus in a crime-ridden area. “Do you know me? I’m a police officer. Do you want me to wait with you?” the rookie police asked. “That’s not necessary,” she replied, “I’m not afraid.”

“Well, I am,” he grinned. “Would you mind waiting with me?”

In the Bible, when Jesus asks a question, He doesn’t need information. He desires confession. Jesus and His disciples were in Caesarea Philippi, away from their own territory. It was a place of idolatry and oppression — a threatening place both politically and spiritually. In this environment, Jesus posed two important questions about the perception of His identity. He wasn’t interested in His popularity rating. He wanted His followers to be sure about the One they were with and were following.

Who is Jesus to you? For those who seek wisdom, He is the Good Shepherd. For those who are scared, He is Faithful and True. Jesus is everything we need for Him to be.

What is His name in your life now?Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

What is Jesus’ name in your life now?

 

Jesus, may You be real in my life today. Thank You for being everything I need for You to be.

 

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.

God Whispers - August 8, 2012

Can you believe that even before you did anything right or good, I loved you already?

So in love with you,

God

 

P.S. Nilo, receive fresh portions of My love today.

God Whispers - August 7, 2012

There are many Christians out there who are starving for My Word. You who are able to read and receive My Word without hindrance or persecution, do not take this privilege for granted. Be thankful for it and share My Word to others.

 

Strengthening You,

God

 

P.S. It takes more than food to stay alive. You need the Word that comes from My mouth to give you life (Matthew 4:4).

Daily Bible Reflections - August 8, 2012

WHERE THERE IS DOUBT, FAITH

 

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. – Matthew 15: 28

 

A year ago, my husband and I experienced an enormous financial challenge in our business. Our business had a very good annual growth rate in terms of gross sales, but as we expanded the business on a very limited capital, we invited investors to join us. We paid them a fixed interest rate regardless of business performance. For three years, everything went well, until we reached a plateau when everything the business earned just went to pay the investors’ interests.

My husband and I felt like we couldn’t be freed from the bondage of this vicious cycle. But instead of dwelling in fear and anxiety, we prayed hard every day for His timely provision.

He pulled us through. He was our constant source of provision. He was always on time.

Sometimes, God allows us to wait until we’re completely exhausted. Then as we hold on to our faith by His mercy, He comes in the fullness of His divine power, giving us what we urgently seek from His hand.Sheila Jane L. Illescas (sheilajanemdfpogs@yahoo.com.ph)   

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REFLECTION:

Do you feel exhausted and drained? Cry out to the Lord, show Him how great is your faith, and you will never be denied of His mercy and grace.

 

Lord, thank You for Your mercy! Help us always remember that though it seems that Your answers to our prayers are delayed, they are never late. Strengthen our faith, Lord!

 

St. Dominic, priest, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - August 7, 2012

LORD, SAVE US!

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. – Matthew 14:30

I’ve been helping my dad manage our family business since 1991. It was doing well until 2007, when the global crisis happened. Our business was affected.

Our sales plummeted, and our payables accumulated.

The year 2010 was especially difficult for us. I cried to God for help. I prayed to Him day and night to save us. He was the only One who could help us. He was the only One we could depend on.

When we had checks that needed to be funded, I prayed fervently asking God for the money we needed. He always answered and would provide for the exact amount needed, sometimes even more than what I asked for.

When sales were low, I would pray several times during the day asking God to help us reach our daily sales target. Miracles happened. Customers came to buy our products. We collected our receivables.

Nothing is impossible with God. We only need to have faith and believe. Meann Tee (meanntytee@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do you have a great need? Whom do you turn to first? To whom do you cry out for help?

Father, help us in our daily needs. Help us increase our faith and trust in You.

St. Cajetan, priest, pray for us.