God Whispers - September 28,2012

 

Charity begins at home. If you can be polite when you talk to strangers then don’t be rude and impatient when dealing with your spouse, parent or child.

 

Loving you,

God

 

P.S. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:6).

Daily Bible Reflections - September 28,2012

IT’S WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT

 

He has made everything beautiful in its time… – Ecclesiastes 3:11

 

Sometimes when I have a lull in a day, my mind wanders. It jumps to good and fun times with family and friends.

However, there are occasions when my thoughts saunter to not so good memories. They turn to thoughts of people who have hurt me and other negative experiences. When these gloomy thoughts linger in my mind, I get depressed, or my mood changes and I get cranky.

I’ve come to realize that trials and the unfriendly people in my life are God’s instruments in molding me into the person He wants me to be.

I think about how my marriage with Matthew has been marred by constant medical problems. We spend a lot of effort, finances and time on his battle with his health. Yet, in spite of it all, Matthew and I are happy, in love and are the best of friends.

I have seen changes in Matthew and myself. I learned compassion. I learned to look beyond the suffering and listen with my heart to what God is saying. I learned, too, that many people in the world are suffering as well. No one is spared.

I am deeply grateful, because He makes all things beautiful in its time.  Marisa Aguas (jojangaguas@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Are you going through a difficulty in your life now? Listen with your heart. Is God teaching you something?

 

Lord, teach me to look beyond my situation. In Your time, I know you will transform this into something that will turn out for my good. I trust in You. My life is in Your hands.

 

St. Wenceslaus, martyr, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - September 27, 2012

LIFE IS USEFUL

 

You spend your life working, laboring and what do you have to show for it? – Ecclesiastes 1:3

 

It is said that no one on their deathbeds ever wished they had spent more time at the office. Often, dying people regret not having expressed enough the love that they had for their families and friends, or not having done more for others, or followed their heart’s dreams.

When King Solomon concluded in his reflections that life is useless, I was greatly disturbed. Indeed, life is useless when it is lived without a purpose.

Life is useless when we work to death pursuing success and acquiring possessions that we must eventually leave behind when we die and forget to love.

What or who will give life its true meaning? It is the Lord. When we discover and follow His purpose for our lives, we find joy that money cannot buy. Life becomes meaningful when we serve others out of a cause greater than ourselves. Life is useful when it is used to love others.

Life is not about things but about people. Let us use what we have now to love more. At the end of it all, only love remains. Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

“Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live.” (Margaret Fuller)

 

Dearest God, our time on earth is short. Help us to live wisely and obey Your purpose for us that we may find meaning in life. Amen.

 

St. Vincent de Paul, priest, pray for us.

God Whispers - September 26, 2012

You didn’t feel Me but I was right by your side the moment you woke up this morning. And you know what? I’ll be right there with you when you lay back down to sleep tonight.
 
Always with you,
God
 
P.S. You can’t get rid of Me.

Daily Bible Reflections - September 26, 2012

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

 

God keeps every promise he makes. He is like a shield for all who seek his protection. – Proverbs 30:5

 

During elementary, I was sitting on the school steps with two of my friends after dismissal. I asked Sarah, “Who’s coming to pick you up?” She replied, “Well, my dad promised he would, but he never does. So it will probably be my mom.”

Sure enough, it was Sarah’s mother who stepped down from the van that came up the driveway. “See, I told you so,” Sarah said. With that, she smiled and waved goodbye.

I turned to my other friend, Matt, and asked him what he was going to do after school. “Well, normally my dad picks me up to play basketball before dinner since he promised he’d help me practice my free-throws.”

Soon after, Matt’s dad arrived to pick him up. Matt eagerly picked up a basketball from the passenger seat before sliding in.

Now here you see that both had certain expectations from their parents and, similarly, neither were disappointed. But the true measurement of a parent’s success will always be how dependable they are to meet higher expectations more than lowered ones.

When it comes to your children, always aim for the stars. Eleanore Lee (elyo.lee@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Are you a person of your word? Do you try to keep every promise that you make?

 

Lord, give me the strength to promise only what I can deliver but to do so with unwavering commitment and wholeheartedness.

 

Sts. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs, pray for us.

God Whispers - September 25, 2012

Don’t be fooled into thinking that I’m not around when darkness and troubles overcome you. Sometimes I come in the clouds.

 

Yours forever,

God

 

P.S. Just as My lightning lights up the world, you will soon see My deliverance.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - September 25, 2012

TRUE INTENTIONS

 

All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the Lord who proves hearts. – Proverbs 21:2

 

Alex and Dan both work for a company that runs even during holidays. Alex is single, Dan has a family. Every Holy Week, a skeletal team works. For this, they draw lots. Dan was picked but his family was set for a trip. He asked Alex to take the slot. Normally, Alex would volunteer since he also needed money. But he begged off so he could attend a retreat.

Dan fumed and accused Alex of being selfish. He even used the Bible to give Alex “fraternal correction.” He said Alex ought to think about Dan’s kids and be more selfless.

Dan wasn’t at peace with what he did, but he convinced himself it was for his family and Alex needed the money. But underneath the superficial intentions, he also didn’t want to miss his drinking spree with his college buddies and wouldn’t really be able to bond with his kids.

As the verse puts it, one may convince himself about the correctness of his actions but God sees our real intentions.

The following year, both Dan and Alex were picked, but there was only one available single guy, and he volunteered to take Alex’s slot. Dan had to work during the holiday while Alex finally had his retreat. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Putting all the justifications aside, do I have inner peace with my decisions?

 

Dear God, search my heart daily and reveal to me the intentions I try to hide from myself.

 

St. Elzear and Blessed Delphina, pray for us.                                                    

 

God Whispers - September 23, 2012

When someone does something to offend you, don’t keep replaying that misdeed in your mind. Don’t let bitterness take root in you as you reenact the offense in your thoughts over and over again. Instead, pray for that person who wronged you. Bless that person. Wish that person good. 

 

Be happy,

God

 

P.S. When you do this, you prevent that person from doing you further damage by stealing your joy.

God Whispers - September 22, 2012

It doesn’t matter whether you were caught or not when you did something wrong. What matters is what you will do after you realize that you committed that sin. Will you hide your sin or confess it?

 

Always Merciful,

God

 

P.S. When you confess your sin, you receive My grace that will not just cleanse you but keep you from falling again

Daily Bible Reflections - September 24, 2012

SEVEN LAST WORDS

 

“To anyone who has, more will be given.” – Luke 8:18

 

It’s an awesome feeling. I get a chance to reflect profoundly on Jesus’ passion every Good Friday from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Seven Last Words produced by Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD. While millions of Filipinos watch it live on ABS-CBN, I am right there by the altar of the church, serving as a commentator.

It has become my personal annual retreat listening to each SVD priest eloquently preach on the Lord’s agony as He died on the cross for all of us. I get touched by moving stories of conversion by different sharers and I’m swept away by the powerful singing of the chosen chorale.

Frankly, I am most surprised at how I ended up taking on this valuable role. I started quietly many years ago at the PCIBank chapel when I wanted to do more than just work as a First Vice President of the bank. From then on, this service to the Lord followed me everywhere I went — the Tektite chapel, our village, our community Bukas Loob Sa Diyos and finally, the Family TV Mass where I first met Fr. Bel.

Indeed, “to anyone who has, more will be given” (Luke 8:18). Mari Sison-Garcia(mari_sison_garcia @yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Make yourself available for God’s service and He will enlarge your territory.

 

Lord, give me the grace to be a trustworthy servant. Bless me and enlarge my territory.

 

St. Pacifico of San Severino, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - September 23, 2012

FROM BULLY TO BUDDY

 

The peace sown by peacemakers brings a harvest of justice. – James 3:18

 

I looked up from the swimming pool to see my son, Lance, looking dazed. Then he started to gag and cry. That’s when I learned that his older cousin pushed his head underwater deliberately and made him take in water. I shouted in anger as I rushed

Lance out of the pool.

I’ve always been afraid that Lance would be bullied because of his tiny frame. I don’t want him to be traumatized so I teach him to fight back. The mother in me is all too human and my first instinct is to protect my son and hurt others who hurt him.

But how can I share Jesus’ teaching on meekness and humility if I insist on retaliation? Violence begets more violence.

The best solution is simple yet goes against all our instincts: to show mercy and offer forgiveness, even for the undeserving bully. That’s what I finally taught Lance.

At dinnertime, my nephew approached me and apologized. When my son heard it, he cheerfully answered, “I forgive you!” and they went on to play other games together.

If only we could all do the same as these children. Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Moses was meek, and so was Jesus. Maybe our idea  of meekness as a weakness is wrong after all.

 

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. (St. Francis of Assisi)

 

St. Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, pray for us.

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Daily Bible Reflections - September 22, 2012

FRUITS YOU BEAR

“But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance” – Luke 8:15

Fr. Gabriele Amorth, Vatican’s chief exorcist, tells the story of a religious man who played “spirit of the glass” without realizing it was a sin. After this, he started to become clairvoyant and was even given the ability to take away pain. But he continued to be impatient. People feared his words. He was prone to anger and he didn’t see any spiritual fruit in himself.

It was when he entered the Charismatic Renewal that he discovered his sin. He confessed it and requested others to pray over him. He has now found healing.

The questions this man asked are important to us, too. What fruits do I bear for God’s Kingdom? Perhaps some areas of our lives are better off than others. But remember, the weakest areas can easily bring us down.

More than the Sower, the soil or the seed, the most important thing about today’s Gospel story is the miracle that happens when God calls us and works in our lives that we may bear fruit. We thank Him for this miracle and for making this possible. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:

What are the fruits of your Christian life?

Lord, I pray for the person who sowed Your Word in my life. May You always bless this person. And Father, I thank You for allowing that seed to grow. I lift up to You every area of my life and pray for healing. May I bear fruit, Lord, for Your greater honor and glory.

St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, pray for us.

God Whispers - September 21, 2012

The world will know you are My disciples not by the eloquence of your preaching or by the energy of your worship, but by the excellence of your love for one another. Your mission is your relationships. Make your relationships your first priority.

 

That you may be one,

God

 

P.S. Remain united,  If you do, you’ll see an increase of my favor in your community.

Daily Bible Reflections - September 21, 2012

Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

 

SANDPAPER MINISTRY

 

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

 

I’ve handled several action groups for women in our community. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t expect that it would test my character and faith.

In one group, I had a member who took the initiative to cancel our meeting because of a conflict in her schedule. She called all her co-members about the cancellation but forgot to advise me. I was at the venue waiting for over an hour, worried why no one had arrived.

In another group, a member arrived for our meeting just as we were about to end. And to think that we had our meeting in her house. To make matters worse, she was tipsy after a night of drinking.

These kinds of situations are what I consider “sandpaper moments.” By God’sgrace, what is obviously an irritant could become an opportunity to forgive and exercise self-control. With our differences in opinion and personality as well as our imperfections, we rub each other and help smooth the rough edges. I’m thankful for all those who “sandpapered” me — they helped me have a deeper faith in the Lord, taught me lessons in humility and encouraged me to continue striving to be a better sister, servant and friend.  Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Do you rub others the right or the wrong way? Be God’s sandpaper to others today.

 

O Father, help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy name’s sake. Amen. (William Barclay).

 

St. Matthew, Apostle and evangelist, pray for us.

God Whispers - September 20, 2012

You need to read a contract to know what your rights, responsibilities and privileges are. Otherwise, you may be entitled to certain things you are not claiming because of ignorance. In the same way, you are entitled to so many benefits as My child. Do you know what you’re entitled to?

Your Loving Father,

God

P.S. Read your Bible, because I’ve enumerated a lot of them there.

Daily Bible Reflections - September 20, 2012

God’s Stock Market

“Her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love.” – Luke 7:47

The concept of the stock market always confuses me. Recently, someone tried to explain it to me in a manner I could understand better. I was told that the more investment you put in the market, the higher your chances to gain more profit that you can reinvest in other companies. But there is always a risk that you can lose some money on your investments. That’s why you have to monitor the market trends and make sure that your investment is still profitable.

Today’s Gospel reminded me of this concept. God invested so much love in us through His mercy and forgiveness. But not until we recognize and acknowledge His love and forgiveness are we able to share it with those around us.

There is always a risk about loving others — we may be rejected, taken advantage of or cheated. This might leave us frustrated and discouraged, but this should not stop us from receiving and sharing God’s love.

As long as we make sure that we are in good relationship with God, then we can always give much love.  Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:

You cannot comprehend the height, the length, the breadth of God’s love.

Lord God, let me live my life in the confidence of Your love. Let it flow out through me to others. Amen.

Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions, martyrs, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - September 19, 2012

LOVE IS ALL THAT MATTERS

 

If I speak in human and angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. – Corinthians 13:1

 

Malou attends Mass every day. But when she gets home, you’d always hear her shouting and scolding her maid. Robert is one of the effective speakers of their community. But he flares up when his members don’t obey him. Arnel sings and leads worship powerfully. But he talks badly of his elders.

Now let me look at myself. I submit to my husband — but sometimes grudgingly and with a heavy heart. I attend to our son’s needs — but at the same time I scold him nonstop for not doing this and that. I appreciate our househelper’s loyalty — but I find fault in her every move now. I do keep our house spic and span — but I despise my boys when they don’t cooperate.

We may be fluent speakers or effective leaders or on-the-go servants in our respective homes, schools, offices, churches, organizations and communities, but all these are in vain if we do not have love. People are more important than activities. Relationships are more important than services. Love for the people we live and work with is what matters more. Sol Saura (sol_saura@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:

When services and activities crush you, stop and remember that relationships are more important than all these.

 

Lord, fill my heart with love. May I do all things for love of You and of my brethren.

 

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

God Whispers - September 18, 2012

Do you want to help Me make disciples? Then meal must come before the message. The relationship must come before religion. The testimony must come before the teaching. 

Mentoring you,

God

P.S. Build a relationship with others before you talk about rules, or rituals, or regulations.

 

God Whispers - September 19, 2012

When you’ve reached the end of yourself, don’t lie there paralyzed, not knowing what to do. Reach out to Me and My strength will lift you up.

 

Empowering you,

God

 

P.S. In your weakness, My power reaches perfection.

God Whispers - September 16, 2012

Be a person of your word. Let your ‘yes’ mean yes and your ‘no’ mean no. This defines you as a person of integrity, someone that people can trust.

 

At work in you,

God

 

P.S. When you are an honest person, you become more like Me.

God Whispers - September 15, 2012

I know the future like the back of My hand. I know every sin you’ll commit for the rest of your life. But I still love you today!

 

Crazy about you,

God

 

P.S. Love doesn’t depend on what you do, past, present or future. My love doesn’t depend on your character but on Mine.

God Whispers - September 13, 20123

Don’t be anxious over things that you can control because you can do something about them. Don’t be anxious also about things that you can’t control because there’s nothing you can do to change them.

Have faith,

God

P.S. Instead of worrying, pray. You’ll get more things done

God Whispers - September 12, 2012

Walk by faith, not by sight. If you walk by sight, you’ll see all the trials around you. But if you walk by faith, you’ll see the trials, yes, but you’ll also see Me at work behind those trials. 

 

Keeping you at peace,

God

 

P.S.  Walk by faith and you will have peace no matter what storm is going around you.

Daily Bible Readings - September 18, 2012

SHATTERED INTO ONE

 

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 12:13

 

Last year, the nation of New Zealand went through a dark day in its history. Christchurch, the second largest city in the country, got hit by a massive earthquake. It was the second time in a span of six months. But the damage was much, much worse this time around. People hadn’t recovered from the aftershock of the first earthquake when the second blow kicked them down again.

No doubt, this experience will forever be etched in the hearts of the Kiwis — but not just because of the destruction. It also bore the fruit of a new sense of unity. Americans, Australians, Britons and other immigrants came together with thousands of Kiwis to address the cries of the disaster-stricken residents of Christchurch. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said, “Christchurch, this is not your test. This is New Zealand’s test.”

We are all different somehow. But when hard times hit us, we realize that it all boils down to what binds us together — we are one in humanity and we all ought to help one another as neighbors. Let’s not wait for an earthquake to shake us into our senses. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

What issues separate you from your neighbor? Are they valid? What can you do to bridge the gap?

 

Lord, make me an instrument of unity.

 

St. Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - September 17, 2012

AMAZING GRACE

 

“Lord... I am not worthy of such honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you.” – Luke 7:7

 

When one of my best friends got cancer, they sought counsel from some of their elders in their community. They were advised that they needed more faith to be healed and that submitting to the expensive chemotherapy is like they’re not trusting God. It’s like allowing the devil to steal their finances. As she was dying, she only had one request: that she wouldn’t be judged because she didn’t get healed.

I, too, used to think that all I needed was to believe enough and all my prayers would be answered. I was taught that if God said so in the Bible, then it was mine by “birthright.” I had learned that only those who asked with confidence would receive.

But I confused “confidence” with “arrogance.” Later, I realized that even if I had the faith to believe, everything still depended on God’s grace. I have no right at all. The only thing I am entitled to is the punishment due me because of my sins. I am nobody, deserving nothing yet God called me by name and even carved it on the palm of His hand. I am a sinner walking on mercy ground only because I have an awesome God who chose to love me. Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)

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REFLECTION:

Can you lay downyour life for an enemy, just like Jesus did for us?

 

Lord, I am not worthy, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

 

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

Daily Bible Reflections - September 16, 2012

THE GOD YOU WORSHip

 

“But who do you say that I am?” – Mark 8: 29

 

The God whom you worship... becomes you.

That’s why it’s important for Jesus to ask, “Who do you say I am?”

Because God can have as many different faces and forms to as many people there are.

He can be an angry and punishing God who is quick to smite.

He can be a genie from a bottle whom you call to whenever you’re in need. He can be a distant God who doesn’t care.

He can be a God who dictates everything from what you think or wear.

Or He can be Your Messiah — a loving and merciful Savior.

Because again, chances are, whatever the image of your God is, that’s how you will relate to Him and to others.

You can be judgmental, pleasing, indifferent or dictatorial.

Or you can be a loving disciple of the One you follow.

Who do you say your God is? Alvin Barcelona(alvinbarcelona@gmail.com)

       

REFLECTION:

How has your image of God changed? How has it changed you?

 

Loving Father, I receive Your unconditional, immeasurable, overflowing love today, and I am ready to love others this way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Sts. Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - September 15, 2012

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

 

SURVIVING THE QUAKE

 

“But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” – Luke 6:49

 

In ancient times, man believed that earthquakes were the expressions of the wrath of the gods. They felt helpless against it. But as science shed light on our ignorance, engineers figured out a way to build tall buildings and towers that could withstand tremors.

The Japanese, whose country stands on several tectonic plates, have long mastered how to erect earthquake-proof structures. From childhood, they are trained what to do when a quake strikes.

But the world has seen the catastrophe they suffered last year when an 8.9 magnitude shock hit the nation. Whole towns and villages were wiped out in a single day. Nothing could resist the force of nature.

Jesus likens such a scenario to a person who knows Scripture but does not obey it. When a trial comes, he crumbles. He is lost. He doesn’t know where to draw his strength. Because he didn’t prepare before the crisis came into his life.

Want to earthquake-proof your life? Read God’s Word. And don’t forget to live it out. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

“A tie-beam bonded into a building will not be dislodged by an earthquake; so, too, a heart resolved after due reflection will not flinch at the critical moment.” (Sirach 22:16)

 

Lord, let my life be anchored on Your Word. Amen. .

 

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - September 14, 2012

Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross

 

THE GRACE OF MOTHERHOOD

 

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. – John 3:17

 

Unlike my six sisters, I will never experience the pain and joy of giving birth to a child.

But not being a biological mother has not stopped me from caring for the children around me — my nieces and nephews who tell me they consider me as their second mom, and the special children in our community who are like family to me.

But there are times when I try to place myself in the shoes of my sisters, or the moms of the special children, or my friends who have their own kids, and wonder how it’s like to bring another human being into this world. It’s a big responsibility that I believe comes with a lot of grace from God — to weather all the trials and pains of raising a child, and to leave the world in a much better state for having contributed a significant member of society.

Like Mary, who agreed to be the mother of Jesus, moms take on the primary responsibility of shaping the future of humanity. Let not the contraceptive mentality of today’s world prevent them from experiencing the grace of being entrusted with God’s creation.Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

How open am I in being used by God in His design for mankind?                     

 

Grant me an open heart, Lord, to be used for the fulfillment of Your plans for mankind.

 

St. Notburga, pray for us.

 

National Pilgrimage To Lipa

Come and join the 9th National Day of Prayer for World Peace and Sanctification of the Clergy in Lipa City, Batangas on September 12, 2012 with the theme: Mary's Faith: Our Faith, for the Evangelization of Asia.

Daily Bible Reflections - September 13, 2012

Have a Golden Heart

 

Do to others as you would have them do to you. – Luke 6:31

 

The Gospel above includes in verse 27, the command, “Love your enemies.” This is one of the toughest commands to fulfill. A friend of mine joked, “You know, Obet, I’ve plenty of enemies. Drinking, smoking, gambling and womanizing are my enemies. And yet here comes the Bible telling me to love my enemies. Oh gosh, now I love my enemies. I drink, I smoke, I gamble and I womanize.”

Of course that’s a flawed way of looking at the Gospel.

It’s obvious that my friend loved these vices and they’re his companions till the grave (unless he wises up and is converted). I believe that central to the message of the Gospel is the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).

When you want others to love and respect you, then you must love and respect others. The enemies mentioned above are real enemies and they destroy relationships.

We must therefore make it a goal to have a Golden Heart, which can only come from living out consistently the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Is my heart tarnished with falsehood or golden with kindness?

 

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

 

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

 

Francis Kong's Inspirational Blog Post

We always want new things, new cars, new clothes the latest smart phones. But when it comes to friends, we always want ‘old friends’ because we have shared with them our life and our past. They were friends long before we got famous or wealthy (or poor). And this is why they are our true wealth. Find true friends by being one yourself.

 more inspirational blog posts @ http://franciskong.com/

Daily Bible Reflections - September 12, 2012

IN GOD’S TIME

 

“Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh.” – Luke 6:21

 

Reading the eight beatitudes today reminded me that though life is not fair, God is!

For more than a decade I was a sad person. I looked happy on the outside because I’m naturally bubbly, but deep inside I felt lonely and rotten. I nurtured my heartaches that were brought about by unfortunate events in my family, professional and personal life. They were like cannonballs being fired at me one after the other, leaving me no time to stand up and recover, so I just taught myself to be comfortable with the pain. It got to the point where I wanted to cry one day but my tear ducts had run dry (I didn’t even believe that was possible!).

Nevertheless, I held on to the thought that someday I would get out of that prison. “He makes all things beautiful in His time,” I would always sing to myself. It took a long time for me to start feeling good inside again, but I am glad that I chose to journey on day by day as I patiently waited for God’s chosen time for me.

I was weeping, and now I am laughing again. God is truly faithful to His word. Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

What is your attitude towards unfortunate events in your life?

 

Lord, please show me every day that You’re teaching me Your way, and that You do just what You say in Your time.

 

St. Ailbhe, pray for us.

Bukas Palad Light From Light

Jesuit Communications invites you to the launching of Bukas Palad's latest CD and songbook, on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the SM Megamall Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord, from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Daily Bible Reflections - September 11, 2012

GOD’S APPOINTEE

 

He called his disciples to himself and from them he chose Twelve whom he also named apostles. – Luke 6:13

 

Fr. Jack McArdle, in his book150 More Stories for Preachers and Teachers, tells ofan amusing story of what could possibly be the results if Jesus sent His 12 Apostles for psychological testing and skill assessment.

Here’s an excerpt: “Most of Your nominees lacked in background, education and vocational aptitude for your enterprise. Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Thomas shows a sceptical attitude that would tend to undermine morale. Matthew has been blacklisted by the Jerusalem Better Business Bureau. One of the candidates, however, shows real potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness… highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man.”

The Apostles weren’t perfect but Jesus chose, trained and sent them out to the world with His own authority to preach the Good News, build His Church and serve others. God may be calling us for a specific mission and we feel unqualified for the job. No need to worry for He will definitely equip those whom He has called to fulfil His purposes. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

When God appoints, He anoints.

 

I can do all things through You, Lord, who strengthens me.

 

St. Cyprian, pray for us.

OMF Lit To Inspire

In 1957, a flame was ignited in the hearts of the Overseas Missionaries Fellowship to publish literature in the Philippines. They wanted books that would not just entertain, but would actually bring about change in the lives of millions of Filipinos through the power of Christ-inspired words.

Your Life Is Like A Giant Jigsaw Puzzle

Your Life Is Like A Giant Jigsaw Puzzle

Below is the largest jigsaw puzzle in the world that’s commercially available. It has (gasp) 24 thousand pieces! 

You can buy it for P20,000. But I think you have to pay ME P20,000 to make this jigsaw puzzle! But I’ll finish it in 300 years.

Hear my message: Your past is like a giant jigsaw puzzle—and God is putting the pieces together to make a beautiful picture of your future.

But your special jigsaw puzzle has BILLIONS of pieces. And each event in your past is like one piece of the puzzle. 

Each piece makes no sense. On its own, it means nothing. It only means something if you put them together. Once you put them together, you say, “Aha!”

There are some pieces that are so dark, you’d wonder, “What use is this particular dark piece?” But each dark piece has a purpose. Without those dark pieces, the puzzle won’t be complete.

In the same way, your past also has dark pieces that you wish weren’t there. Tragedies. Sickness. Failure. Abandonment. Separation. Divorce. Abuse. But they’re there for a reason. They’re there to complete YOU.

 Today, I want you to see your past in a totally different way. And what made you grumble will now make you grateful. You’ll start thanking God for everything that has happened in your life—even for those dark pieces in your past…

(To continue reading Bo's inspiring article, click here.)

 

PS. Sleep Better At Night. I meet a lot of people who have this nagging worry in their minds concerning their future. They ask, “Will I have enough money when I retire? When I grow old?” Friend, you don’t have to live with this worry.  Because of my guidance, thousands of people are now building their multimillion peso retirement fund by investing small amounts each month in the Stock Market. It’s your turn. Join me on September 22 so I can teach you how to do it. Yes, you can sleep better at night. I’ll give the seminar in Pasay City. Shift your financial future. For more information, click herenow.

Daily Bible Reflections - September 10, 2012

A Safe Refuge

 

Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. – 1 Corinthians 5:8

 

We had relatives visiting us from Hong Kong when a tragedy happened. A bus was held hostage for hours. The drama had a bloody ending where a number of Hong Kong tourists were killed.

The Chinese government showed efficiency in locating their nationals here in the Philippines. Our guests received a text message asking them to leave the Philippines immediately. But they did not heed their government’s advice and continued their visit with us until their scheduled departure. They even joined us at The Feast, which included a Eucharistic celebration, even though they were not Catholics. They felt secure because they were with us — their trusted relatives. To them, we were a safe haven.

Similarly, there will be crises and storms in our lives. But we will not cower with fear when trial comes because we put our trust in Jesus, our ever-present haven and refuge in times of trouble. Donna España (donna.espana@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

The safest place to be is at the center of God’s perfect will.

 

Lord, You are my rock, my fortress, my refuge and my strength. There is nothing I shall fear.

 

St. Thomas of Villanova, pray for us.