Daily Bible Reflections - March 28, 2013

Holy Thursday   THE CHOSEN   “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14   In a timeworn monastery in the woods, there were only five old monks remaining. The religious order was dying. One day, a wise rabbi pitched a hut close to the monastery. The humble abbot took advantage of the chance to receive counsel from the wise rabbi. “God has chosen one of the brothers to be the real savior of this congregation,” the rabbi advised. “Serve him with all of your heart. Then miracles will happen to the monastery. The Order will flourish again.” “But who is this chosen one?” asked the abbot. “Nobody knows. But all of you will, when the time comes,” replied the rabbi. When the abbot shared this news with the brothers, each in his own mind decided a fail-proof strategy: “Serve each brother with my all. This way, I won’t miss serving ‘the chosen.’”  Suddenly, all of the brothers were radiant with happiness. Their ministries became vibrant and that caught the attention of visitors. Many were again attracted to their order. Life came back, not just to the monastery, but most importantly, in the monks’ hearts. Now they know: The one who serves is the chosen one. The real washing of the feet is nothing sentimental. True humility is service. Period. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)   Reflection: Who in your circle can you serve, even in little things?   Jesus, You loved Your disciples to perfection. Let me experience this today so I may serve the way You do. Amen.   St. Hesychius of Jerusalem, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 27,2013

Holy Wednesday   DOWRY   Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” – Matthew 26:14-15   A dowry is money, goods or estate that a woman gives her husband in marriage in certain cultures. Sometimes, when the groom demands a large sum of money and the dowry given is not sufficient, the groom or his family resorts to burning the bride and reports it as suicide or accidental burning. This is a modern-day crime that takes place in countries like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. If the family is wealthy, they give a huge dowry. This is to ensure that the couple will have a good start, or, if anything happens to the husband, the wife and children will have ample provision. God, in desiring to have a relationship with us, gave the very best dowry of all time — His only Son. He wanted to make sure that we would be well provided for and have the best life ever with His dowry offering, if we accepted His proposal. If you’re not yet having the best life, then maybe you haven’t accepted God’s dowry yet. Ronna Ledesma (ronna_ledesma@yahoo.com.ph)   Reflection: God has already given everything to you — signed, sealed, delivered. Have you accepted the package already?   Father, thank You for giving me Your very best. May I always give You my utmost also.   Blessed Francesco Faa di Bruno, pray for us.

Daily Bilble Reflections - March 26,2013

Holy Tuesday

RIPPLE EFFECT

“I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” – Isaiah 49:6

I once rode a yacht to Batangas. When we were far out at sea, I happened to glance backward and noticed that our boat had created a huge wake in the shape of a letter V. I can imagine that from the top view the waves had already probably stretched very far from their origin.

Using the ripple effect theory and the principle of inertia, if there were no loss of momentum and no friction of atoms, those waves would keep going on and on and until they reach the other side of the globe — maybe even go full circle.

The prophet Isaiah is telling us that God wants us to become His light to the nations so that His salvation will reach the ends of the earth. I believe this is possible simply through our loving acts. When we perform a loving act to someone, it compels that person to love as well — because love begets love. And when that person performs a loving act to another, that other person in turn is encouraged to do the same to another. Just like a ripple effect, the small act of kindness you do can create a wave of love that goes far beyond our reach. For all you know, your loving act may have already reached halfway across the globe. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

Reflection: When was the last time someone made you feel loved? When was the last time you performed a loving act?

Lord, may I never cease doing good and loving others. Use me to create ripples and waves of love.

Blessed Didacus of Cadiz, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 25,2013

Holy Monday

 

OPPORTUNIST

 

“Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He (Judas) said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the moneybag and used to steal the contributions. – John 12:5-6

 

Typhoon Sendong wreaked havoc in southern Philippines days before Christmas 2011. Filipinos and the international community immediately put together efforts to give aid to its victims.

A friend posted on his Facebook wall, asking people to recommend to him a reliable organization through which he could course his donations in kind. That’s a good question, I thought. Because there were reported instances in the past wherein relief goods never reached the donees in calamity-stricken areas. What happened? The goods were most likely intercepted by the Judases of today.

It is disquieting to know that there are people who take advantage of dire situations for their own benefit. Thank God that there are those who keep watch, securing the interest of those in need.

This Holy Monday, as we begin reflecting on the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, may we also share in His compassion for the needy without wanting anything in return. Nova Arias-Sevilla (nova.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Do you share your resources with the needy wholeheartedly?

 

Lord Jesus, teach me to extend my arms to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Amen.

 

St. Dismas, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 24,2013

Palm Sunday

 

IT IS FINISHED

 

When He had said this He breathed His last. – Luke 23:46

I use a planner. There I list everything I need to do. And whenever I finish something, it feels good to check it as done.

On the Cross, it was as if Jesus took a big pen and drew a huge check over all the things God had called Him to do when He said, “It is finished.”

Three words that marked the end of the greatest act of injustice. At the same time, three words that signaled the completion of the greatest act of love.

In other words, mission accomplished.

Jesus completed His mission, and we can, too. Believe it or not, God has the same fantastic purpose for our life! So, I encourage you today to seek that purpose and strive to fulfill it. Find ways to do what you were made to do and work towards fulfilling that call every day.

In doing these, you will see how God can use you and bless your life.

Friend, let’s carry out our mission. So that at the end, when we come home to heaven, we can proudly say, in all victory, “Father, mission accomplished. It is finished.” Mike Viñas (mikemichaelfcv@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: What is God’s amazing blueprint for your life?

 

Father, reveal to me my marching orders and empower me to step into my destiny every day.

 

St. Catherine of Genoa, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 22,2013

THE WORKS

 

“If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me!” – John 10:37

 

I’ve seen miracles greater than the dancing sun, the blind regaining sight and the dead rising to life. The greatest miracles for me are changed lives!

Behold my miracle list: A drug addict transformed into a person spiritually “high” in the Lord. A person who sold his soul to the devil transformed into an evangelist. A bloodthirsty man transformed into a godly peacemaker. A near-zombie, passive bum of a man transformed into an enthusiastic Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. A suicidal transformed into an all-out servant leader of a big community. A homosexual transformed into a living spiritual refuge for people struggling with same-sex-attraction. A gambler transformed into an all-out fulltime missionary of the Pearl of Great Price.

You may ask, how did these miracles come to be? Because of one hard-hitting influence. One life-changing witnessing. One story of transformation.

Because your personal history is His Story.

You were changed by One.

Now, go into the whole world and change another one. Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Are you swayed by “worldly” history? Be His Story! Witness about God with your very own life!

 

Lord, let my life be a testament to Your amazing grace.

 

St. Nicholas Owen, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - March 21,2013

YOUR STORY WILL CONTINUE

 

“You are to become the father of a host of nations.” – Genesis 17:4

 

I’m turning 30 soon, and about to be a dad for the second time. It’s an understatement to say that having children has changed me. I feel reborn, with the opportunity to see the world through fresh eyes as I live vicariously through their brand new experiences.

My kids help me look past the struggles of life, the difficulty of earning a living, the temptation to compare myself with people who are richer or more successful. Though a child is simple, she says so much to her parents: there is hope for the future; your story will continue.

At 99 years old, Abraham received an audacious promise from God: a son, and descendants. Abraham received hope. His story would continue. And his story foreshadowed what Jesus would accomplish.

Thanks to Jesus, our story will not end in defeat. The worst could happen in life, yet if we are in Christ, there is only ultimate victory for us.

Death does not have the last word. God’s promise punctuates our life story. KIddo Cosio (twitter.com/kiddocosio)

 

Reflection: What areas of your life need fresh hope?

 

Father, give me the eyes of a child, filled with faith and hope for the future!

 

Blessed John of Parma, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 20,2013

FREEDOM

 

Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.” – John 8:34

 

There was a man who was trying to cast out the devil from a possessed woman. He raised the crucifix in front of the woman but at the same time, he was fearful that the evil spirit would overpower him. “What? You expect me to be affected by that?” scoffed the woman. “You yourself don’t believe in the person on the crucifix. How will I be afraid of that?”

The devil continued, “You’re afraid that I might possess you? Ha! Get real! With everything that you think, say and do, I don’t need to possess you. I already have you!”

Truly, the mildest form of possession is when we let evil enter our lives. When we entertain temptation. When we sin.

Admittedly, I have experienced not just entertaining sin but letting it rule me… oftentimes cluelessly. You see, it’s so easy to miss something you are not consciously trying to avoid. I thank God that He gives me the grace to wake up and see how my sinful habits fool and enslave me.

We cannot hide our darkness from God. He sees right through us. But as He knows us through and through, we can be assured that we can open up to Him. It is in this stark honesty that I let His light consume my darkness. In Him I am set free. So will you be, if you let Him. Jonathan Yogawin (jyogawin@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Today, make yourself vulnerable to the Lord. Be totally honest with Him. Let Him save you, heal you, love you.

 

Lord, You know me more than I know myself. I lay all my cards before You.

 

St. Salvator of Horta, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 19,2013

Solemnity of St. Joseph husband of Mary   WHERE HE SHOULD BE   “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” – Luke 2:49   My friend Dang was frantic with fear as she realized her little girl was no longer beside her. She called out her name and rushed from one store after another, hoping to find Danica in the midst of the bustling shoppers at the mall. Where could she be? Two hours into the search, Dang, together with the mall security, finally found the precocious Danica at her favorite toy store, seated atop one of the mini slides. Dang rushed towards her daughter and hugged her, tears of relief rolling down her face. “Where have you been, Mom? Didn’t you  know I’ve been waiting for you here for a long time?” Dang could only smile at her indignant daughter. Danica wasn’t lost — she had merely gone to the place where she loved to be. Just as Danica upped and went to her favorite toy store, Jesus intended to go to the temple as soon as the Passover festival was over. I believe Jesus did not mean to cause His parents to worry; He merely went to the place where He knew He should be — in the presence of His heavenly Father. Such is the divine bond between Father and Son. Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)   Reflection: Do you love being in the presence of the Father, away from the maddening crowd?   Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to draw near to the Father and abide in His presence always.   St. Joseph, husband of Mary, principal patron of Canada, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 18, 2013

A LOVE LIKE NO OTHER   “Eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be...” – Daniel 13:42   I intercepted our priest right after the Mass at our office. I had been burdened with a sin I had committed and wanted to confess it immediately. We sat on two chairs in the garage and I sheepishly began my confession, “Father, it’s the same sin I confessed last time.” Because this priest had been my spiritual adviser and had been hearing my confessions for some time, he knew me quite well. So I was surprised when he said, “I don’t remember what your sin is and I’m not allowed to remember it.” I was floored by his compassion. It made me reflect that if a priest, a human being, can be this gracious when it comes to my sins, how much more my Merciful Savior? God knows all things. He sees what was, what is and what will be. He knows our thoughts from afar. Even before a word is on our lips, He knows it completely. And even though He knows that we will sin, He still offers His love to us unconditionally. And He gives a fresh supply of His mercy every morning. My puny, rational mind cannot comprehend a love like this. But I realize that I need not understand totally to accept God’s love completely. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)   Reflection: Love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)   Lord, I receive the fullness of Your love and mercy today.   St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 15,2013

CRITICS

 

The Jews were trying to kill him. – John 7:1

 

You know who critics are? They’re people who think they know you, but they don’t. They think they own you until they find out they don’t. They want you to do their bidding — to think and act like them. But you won’t.

So they will try to destroy you, malign you, curse you, and, if possible, kill you.

Jesus stayed in Galilee. It was a place of people who weren’t “pure Jews.” In fact, a “Galilean” may mean an “outsider,” a “non-traditional Jew.” And there, people believed Him. At the beginning of His ministry, He didn’t wish to travel to Judea (then the Pharisaic center of Judaism, along with Jerusalem), because the Jews there were trying to kill Him, which they eventually did. Why would Jesus be hated by His own “brother-Jews”? In fact, why should it be difficult for a prophet to be honored in his own country, by his own people?

Simple. Because your own people think they know you. But they don’t. They think they own you until they find out they don’t. They want you to do their bidding — to think and act like them. But you won’t. So… they will try to kill you.

Jews in Jesus’ time. Critics in our time. Alvin Barcelona (apb_ayo@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Who are your critics? Do they genuinely care for you and want to help you become a better person? Or are they simply out to destroy you? Ignore them if you can. And pray for them.

 

Dear Jesus, grant me the grace to be like You in handling my critics — discerning, strong, yet loving. Amen.

 

St. Louise de Marillac, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 14,2013

HIS OWN WITNESS

 

These works that I perform testify on my behalf. – John 5:36

 

I needed an architect for a construction job at home and my friend recommended his pal. “He’ll do a good job because he owes me a lot. He’ll be ashamed to foul up the job,” he said. Although I had two other choices, it was my friend’s assurance that made me choose his architect.

Unfortunately, his friend did a bad job. He used the wrong pipe size. His men were not well supervised and wasted time and materials. Worst of all, he overcharged. And to think he knew that I was paying him with borrowed money, which at the time I didn’t know how to pay up!

Yes, it’s what we do that speaks of us, more than what other people say about us.

In the Gospel, Jesus tried to explain that what John and other people said about Him are already worthwhile testimonies. Yet, He continued, “I do not accept testimony from a human being.... But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me” (John 5:34, 36).

Jesus is not just “a friend’s recommendation.” He is everything that people say He is and more. If we open our hearts and our minds to what He does, we will know He is for real. Cristy Galang (cristy_cc@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Do you experience how Jesus is moving in your life?

 

Jesus, I want to experience You more and more. St. Maximillian, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 12,2013

HIS PROVISION

 

Fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. For they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary. – Ezekiel 47:12

 

It was another dry season. Almost seven months of job hunting for me. Over 180 applications sent. No offers, no job.

But having been soaked in God’s goodness, this time around my family and I were not afraid. We had confidence that the Lord would provide for us, just like the tree planted near a river in today’s reading.

We continued to enjoy the life the Lord had given us despite my lack of employment. Instead of focusing on the problem, we focused on His promise. We took a vacation at a beach in Batangas, enjoying the money that was pouring in through our stock market placements.

On another day, a man offered to buy our property even if we were not selling it. We profited over P1 million from that.

During this dry season, we were also able to upgrade our car. We took a tour of northern Luzon and enjoyed many scenic places like the Bangui Windmills, Pagudpud Beach, the Callao Cave in Cagayan and the Rice Terraces in Benguet.

Our God supplied our every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). And before long, I got a job. A much better one, too! Danny Tariman (dtariman.loj@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Are you in a dry season? It is just a season; it will pass!

 

Lord, forgive me for focusing on my problems instead of Your promises. I claim Your promise now, and I thank You in advance for my answered prayer.

 

Blessed Angela Salawa, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 10,2013

DESERVING A SECOND CHANCE

 

“Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.” – Luke 15:29

 

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the father gladly welcomes his penitent son. The elder brother is astonished. “What? That brat gets a party instead of getting punished? What about me?”

We can understand the older son’s feeling of being unappreciated. But love is not logical. A father doesn’t divide portions of his love between a worthy and an unworthy son. Just as God the Father does not differentiate mankind accordingly. We are all sinners yet God gave His only begotten son to save the world.

I know of a friend whose brother was a drug user. No matter how many times he fell astray, she would intervene and bring him to a rehab clinic. Thankfully, he was able to kick his habit because his sister never wavered. Her love for her brother was real and unconditional.

Even if we deserve punishment from society, we are still God’s creation. When we are truly sorry for our sins, surely we deserve a second chance. Gina Verdolaga (mgjver@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Do you practice compassion?

 

Lord, if I must truly love, let me not cast the first stone. Teach me to be humble.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 8,2013

BEARING FRUIT

 

Because of me you bear fruit. – Hosea 14:9

More than 15 years ago, my life was in a drought. It was dry and empty.

I had a business, yes, but there was no life in it despite the daily busyness.

Our shops were just in front of the church, but I rarely went to Mass.

I read a lot, but I failed to read the life-giving Word of God.

In that emptiness and dryness, God spoke.

He called — and I unknowingly listened to His promptings in my heart.

Because I listened, things started to come alive in my life.

After several retreats, recollections, a life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land and community life, I was ready to bear fruit for Him.

Service to God took several forms in the beginning —counseling, teaching, facilitating workshops — until finally He led me to that one thing that I could do best for Him: writing.

And only because of Him do I bear fruit in what I am doing now. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Does your life bear fruit now?

 

Continue, Lord, to make my life fruitful for Your glory.

 

St. John of God, religious, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 7,2013

ALLY OR ENEMY?

 

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” – Luke 11:23

 

It was a few days before performance night and each group of performers and production people were busy rehearsing their assigned scenes. During one of the dry run nights, a group walked out in protest against their director who had verbally abused them. With one group missing, how could the play push through? Later, they were able to patch things up and the play ran smoothly.

In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by the power of the devil. But Jesus tells them, “If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” It’s absurd to think that Satan will drive out his allies, the demons. For a particular cause to be successful, unity among the members is important. If not, nothing gets achieved.

As believers and followers of Christ, we need to be united. We need to be of one mind and heart. The enemy is always on the lookout for dissension for he can use this as a way to thwart God’s plan and purposes. In the fight between good versus evil, there is no neutral ground. It’s either we are for Christ or against Him. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Are you the cause of division or unity in your group?

 

Lord, disturb me when I insist that I always want to have it my way. Teach me to work towards unity.

 

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 6,2013

LAWS AND COMMANDMENTS

 

“For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?” – Deuteronomy 4:7

 

The sign on the highway said, “No crossing. Pedestrians have died here.” Still, pedestrians continued to cross even at the risk of their own lives. It was unconscious suicide! Traffic enforcers even had a heyday punishing the offenders by making them publicly sing the national anthem with a megaphone.

Just as human laws are made to protect lives, God’s commandments were given to us to preserve our lives and enable us to live more abundantly. His laws show us at least three things: (1) a sign of wisdom to non-believers; (2) a sign showing the close relationship God has for His children; and (3) a sign of a Father’s great love for us. Did you notice, though, the difference between human laws and God’s commandments? Human laws are made to implement order but God’s laws are given because He loves.

More than the sacrifice required by our religious obligations during this time of Lent, let’s offer our obedience expressed out of a hunger in our hearts to return God’s love for those He died to save. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Heroes shed their blood to make this nation and its laws great. But Someone greater than a hero gave His life that we may live ours more abundantly. How obedient are we to Him?

 

When I do not see the logic in being obedient, Lord, increase my faith, grant me serenity, and teach me to hope, that I may follow out of love.

 

Servant of God Sylvester of Assisi, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 5,2013

QUICK TO FORGIVE

 

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” — Matthew 18:21

 

“Papa, I left my Gameboy inside the movie theater!” my son Jason said. It had been almost 10 minutes since we left the moviehouse. We ran back to the theater. The next batch of moviegoers were already filing in. I was anxious we wouldn’t find his Gameboy anymore.

We rushed to the place where we had been seated but we only saw empty seats. My emotions were shifting from anxiety to anger when Jason said, “Papa, please forgive me for losing my video game.”

I didn’t know how to react. I just replied, “Don’t worry, it’s just a toy.” Then, as if on queue, the maintenance man approached us and asked if we were looking for a video game. He told us to proceed to their office so we could claim it.

Jesus teaches us to forgive repeatedly because God is always willing to forgive us. His concept of forgiveness is very different from ours. We are choosy about who to forgive while He forgives all who return to Him. While we take longer to pardon, God forgives immediately. God’s great love for us will always surpass our sins, whether big or small. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: When you ask God for forgiveness, do you also remember to forgive those who have offended you?

 

Lord, when I’m tempted to withhold forgiveness, remind me that You forgive my sins even when I don’t deserve it.

 

St. John Joseph of the Cross, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 4,2013

FEET OF CLAY

 

The man was also a valiant warrior, but he was a leper. – 2 Kings 5:1

 

In my blog, My B.A.G. of Miracles, I started a series entitled “Manual for Servant Leaders Who Insanely Love to Serve God Despite Harassments and Frustrations.” The working title is just for fun, but you get my drift.

The guidelines on servant leadership were inspired by my own foibles and experiences. As the art of managing fellow servants is quite different from corporate management, I thought recording my observations and reflections might help others who are anointed to lead.

Servant leaders have a big heart for the Lord and brave many challenges in the course of service, but we are far from perfect. We are sometimes afflicted by “leprosy” or human flaws that impair our leadership. When people look up to us, they get a peek at our feet of clay.

But, imperfect though we may be, we are not hopeless cases. Just as the Lord healed Naaman of his leprosy when he obeyed Elisha, He also corrects our flaws when we follow His guidance. Are we called to be more humble, loving and considerate? As we wash our sins in His river of forgiveness, we are made clean. Lella M. Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Do you love to serve or do you serve to be loved?

 

Lord, as I go into the battlefield, let me be mindful of Your commands.

 

St. Casimir, pray for us.