Daily Bible Reflections - May 31,2013

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

BE THE BETTER MAN (OR WOMAN)

 

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. – Romans 12:9

 

As a homemaker, I’ve had my share of, err, less than perfect househelp. One helper was an all-around nanny-housekeeper who faked a relative dying so she could go home to the province with extra cash. Another helper, while experienced as a cleaning maid, had a tendency to give unsolicited advice — about how I should run my home.

       Thank You, Lord. You truly are a giver of grace... because these women are truly sources of grace for me!    Yes, it’s hard to love people who are hard to like. Still, Jesus commands us to love others authentically, without faking it. Which means that even if people — family, coworkers, employees, househelp, et al — get on our nerves, we’re called all the more to be like Christ to them. So even if

someone annoys you or cuts you mid-sentence with a catty remark, don’t react negatively. Be the better man or woman, and be a blessing to them instead. Your example of goodness and love may be just what they need to make a turnaround. Martine de Luna (the.dainty.mom@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Is there someone who is difficult for you to love authentically? Ask the Lord for wisdom on how to show them compassion and love appropriately.

 

Jesus, help me to keep the Golden Rule, to love and accept others as I myself would want to be loved and accepted. Grant me the constancy to

do this. Amen.

 

St. Mechtildis, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 30,2013

FEAR OF THE LORD

 

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all who dwell in the world revere him. — Psalm 33:8

 

If love is the opposite of fear, then why do we have to fear the Lord as commanded in the Bible? Sounds contradictory, huh?

       This is just one of the many curious questions I asked my cell group leader when I was still new in my first community.  No one could answer my difficult question, but I was not fazed. I learned the answer in the long run.

       “Hate is not the opposite of love,” was one of the shocking truths I learned in my second community, where I’ve committed most of my single life. Bo Sanchez preached in one of his talks that fear is the opposite of love (1 John 4:18).

       On the other hand, fear of the Lord refers to reverence — worshipping and honoring Him. So there’s nothing contradictory about my question after all.

       I thank God for showing me the answers to my questions about my Catholic faith when I was still a baby Christian. Otherwise, I could have sought answers from other religions and possibly been proselytized.

       God gave the best answer I was looking for. Ems Sy Chan (havenofleeanne@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: We may not find all the answers to our questions about the Catholic faith, but it is our duty as committed and conscientious believers to study our faith.

 

Lord, I want to fear You all the days of my life. Help me revere You in my thoughts, words and deeds.

 

St. Gregory VII, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 28,2013

THE POWER OF FOCUS

 

“There is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age.” – Mark 10:29-30

 

Q: Manny Pacquiao, Henry Sy, Gary V. and Mother Teresa — what do they have in common? A: They are all known as successful people. And all are either Mr. or Ms. “100 Percent” who give their all for the sake of the “dream.”

       Show me a successful person and I’ll show you a 100-percent person willing to leave everything, even those they have a rightful claim to, to pursue their big dream. This is the key to all success. The universe abhors a vacuum. When you empty yourself, God will fill it with the beauty you aspire for. Jesus is handing out a similar key to the highest dream you and I could ever have.

       The people I mentioned may have been successful in specific areas of their lives. Friend, my encouragement is this: be successful where it really matters. No, I don’t believe that Jesus wants you to thoughtlessly just leave your home, children, family, etc. Jesus’ big message is, “Focus on Me. Pursue Me above all. Yes, you are called to other loyalties, but your loyalty to Me should be on top of the list.” This is the way to succeed where it really matters. In life now and eternity, too! Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: What weakens your love for God?

 

Father, may I willingly leave all for You and for the dreams You’ve put in me.

 

St. Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 27,2013

JUST ONE

 

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing...” – Mark 10:21                                 

 

There’s a popular expression that goes, “You can take a girl out of the country but you can never take the country out of a girl.” It refers to a woman who spends loads of money to appear rich and classy, but the moment she opens her mouth, it reveals her poor breeding or lack of class. She’s overhauled the external but left out the crucial internal factor that would complete the transformation.

       That’s the way it is with our spiritual life sometimes.We may be doing a lot of spiritual acrobatics for God, giving spiritual seminars left and right, practically living in the church or in prayer meetings — yet we may not be an inch closer to God.

       Stop. Think. What is that one thing that God has told you to do that you have not yet obeyed?

       The rich young man in the Gospel has kept every commandment since he was young. But Jesus asks of him just one thing. And he goes away sadly. Ronna Ledesma (ronna_ledesma@yahoo.com.ph)

 

Reflection: If you feel like you’re in a spiritual rut, check if you have not yet obeyed God in that one thing He is asking of you.

 

Lord, let me not withhold from You that one thing You ask of me.

 

St. Augustine of Canterbury, bishop, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 26,2013

Solemnity of the Holy Trinity

 

BIRTH PAINS

 

We even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint... – Romans 5:3-5

 

I heard someone say that the most painful moment of giving birth is usually the one right before the baby is born. But as soon as the child comes out, all the agony and suffering disappear because the mother is suddenly beholding the miracle she’s been awaiting for so long.

       In the same way, I’m experiencing some birth pains right now. I’m in the middle of a long venture and am faced with a lot of difficulty. It’s been an uphill climb and I sometimes feel I’m losing strength. But every now and then God reminds me that His strength is perfect when mine is gone. He also reminds me of how He has seen me through every trial and difficulty in the past — why should He not do the same now?

       I firmly believe that by the time you read this reflection I will be beholding the miracle God has prepared for me. By then, I know it will all be worth it. It’s just a matter of time, patience and endurance. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: If you’re in pain right now, find Your strength in Him. Your miracle is coming soon.

 

Lord, give me patience and endurance for the things that seem to take long. I hold fast to Your promise.

 

St. Philip Neri, priest, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 24,2013

STUCK AND SAVED

 

A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy... – Sirach 6:16

I got trapped in a parking lot once. I overextended my stay so much that my parking fee exceeded the money I had in my wallet. I didn’t have an ATM card as well. In short, I was stuck.

       I started thinking of who I knew near the area. At some point, I was ready to beg for cash from a complete stranger. Suddenly, I remembered that I had a friend who was working near the parking lot where I was. Embarassed, I asked if he could lend me some money.

       He said, “Sure.” He lent me the money and I was able to leave. He was a lifesaver. Thank God for faithful friends like that.

       A lot of people are stuck.

Stuck in debt. Stuck in hurts. Stuck in stress. Stuck in a lot of things. You don’t need to look far to see that a lot of our family and friends are stuck in different ways.

       Today, I encourage you to lend a helping hand to those around you. It can just be a simple act of service, but to them it might already be a life-saving hand that you are extending. Mike Viñas (mikemichaelfcv@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Who among your family and friends need help right now?

 

Father, teach me to be faithful, just as You are faithful. Use me to be a lifesaving blessing to many.

 

Blessed John of Parma, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - May 23,2013

CUT IT OFF!

 

“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. Everyone will be salted with fire.” – Mark 9:43, 49

 

One day, I was so ashamed to pray because I had offended God with the same habitual sin I had previously confessed.

       Then I read a book saying that habitual sin is like a sickness. It must go through a process of healing. One should focus on the growth process rather than his present state of imperfection.

       Having this in mind, I looked at my past state when I began my habitual sin, then at the times I repeatedly committed it, until that day when I did it again. There was a big difference. Because I had grown in my love for God, I strived harder and harder to cut off this sin. I was more ashamed when I committed it. Through His grace, its frequency lessened.

       Right now, God has freed me of this sin. Honestly, it’s a painful, humbling process, like going through fire that burnt away my skin-deep pride and selfishness. But it’s worth going through for the love of God.

       Temptations are always present, but we need not give in to them. We can cut them off by avoiding occasions of sin. It may be hard, but our determination to love God more gives us the strength to endure. Ma. Luisa De la Cruz (theessence_byluisa@yahoo.com)

 

 

Reflection: Look into your heart. What habitual sin needs to be cut off in your life? Bring them to God.

 

Dearest Lord, here I am, help me to be freed from my sin. Strengthen me with Your love.

 

St. Felix of Cantalice, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 22, 2013

THE FORCE VS. THE DARK SIDE   “There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.”– Mark 9:39   Nothing disempowers a person more than being in the “dark.” When mountains of problems seem immovable or when we are reduced to the status of victims, it’s so easy to feel hopeless.        Many things can cause us to be banished to a psycho-spiritual dungeon. Like when we let ourselves get stuck in our status quo and become imprisoned in our comfort zones. When the scarcity mentality traps us into thinking we are forever poor and limited. When we are afraid or lazy to start a worthwhile endeavor, or finish it haphazardly and half-heartedly.        When we dwell in this kind of darkness, we are living on the “dark side” of life.        My dear friends, there is hope. And it’s by God’s grace that you have this hope to overcome the dark side. I want to call that hope that empowers and sets free as “the Force.” Because 1 John 4:4 declares, “The One that is within you is more powerful than the one who is in the world!”        The Force is the power of God within you! The Force is the Holy Spirit at work in you and within you! Claim your Force and overcome the dark side! Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)   Reflection: He can do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could ever ask or imagine according to the power that is at work in us. (Ephesians 3:20)   Lord, thank You for the power You’ve bestowed upon us as Christians. Set us free from the bondages that disempower us. Amen.   St. Rita of Cascia, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 21, 2013

THANK YOU FOR THE WINGS!

 

My son, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials… trust him and your reward will not be lost. – Sirach 2:1, 8

 

During my Good Friday to Easter Sunday pilgrimage in 2011, God sent me an important message. It was contained in a timely devotional by L.B Cowman, Streams in the Desert, given by a dear high school classmate, Atty. Catherine Triunfante-Manahan. I was then being tested in fire (Sirach 2:5) — undergoing a challenge in my work as ambassador for God and country.

       The timely lift to my sagging spirit came in the form of a myth about bird’s wings.

       Once upon a time, birds only had shining feathers and angelic voices but could not fly. One day, God decided to give them wings, but they found these too heavy and complained about them. Then, the miracle happened! The birds realized that their hated obstacle allowed them to fly near the heavens.

       If you are going through trials as a servant of the Lord, welcome your “wings.” Trust in Him for His reward is not lost. My “wings,” which at first caused me great distress, later allowed me to fly like an eagle soaring higher in the service of God and country. Grace Princesa (grprincesa@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection:Are you bothered by your trials as a pilgrim Chriswtian?

 

Lord, help me welcome the “wings” in my life, secure that they are meant to bring me closer to You.

 

Blessed Eugene de Mazenod, bishop, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 20,2013

BELIEVE

 

“Everything is possible to one who has faith.” – Mark 9:23

In a modern world littered with technology, finding answers to many of life’s head-scratching questions has become a simple stroll in the park. You can hardly think of a question that Wikipedia cannot answer or Google cannot search for. In fact, I’d like to think that geniuses like Einstein or Newton are probably turning over in their graves because of how easily the complex can now be made comprehensible through technology.

       Yet there are still areas of our lives that technology will never be able to explain. Like stories of patients who receive complete healing even after being diagnosed as terminal. Or marriages that manage to recover even after being considered irreparable. Or an unemployed father struggling to make ends meet who suddenly gets a job offer just as soon as his last peso runs out. Some may rule these out as luck but faithful ones call it a miracle.

       Miracles are the offspring of our faith. They are results of how God is able to work wonders when we believe. That’s why faith is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. When you believe in a God who can easily do the unexplainable and unattainable, everything else becomes possible. Audee Villaraza (audee@gadgetgrocery.com)

 

 

Reflection: Today, pray that you overcome any unbelief and that your faith be anchored on your God who can do the impossible.

 

Father in heaven, You are the Author and Creator of my faith. I surrender my life to You.

 

St. Bernardine of Siena, priest, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - May 19,2013

Pentecost Sunday

 

PRAYER BURDEN

 

The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. – 1 Corinthians 12:7

 

I am blessed to be part of a group of intercessors. I learn to love and serve others by bringing their intentions before God in prayer through our gatherings. I also learn to “die to myself,” putting others’ needs before my own when I pray.

       One time, I suddenly woke up at 3:00 a.m. and felt very anxious about work. As far as I knew, I was on track. So I asked the Lord, “Is there someone You want me to pray for?” I sensed that my being awake was a “prayer burden” and that I needed to pray for someone. Five minutes later, I received a text message from a friend working as a caregiver in the U.S. She was on the verge of being suspended due to an injury a patient allegedly sustained under her care. I prayed for my friend and surrendered her concern to God. Later in the day, my friend texted me that the patient had no injury and all was well with her.

       I am constantly amazed at the way the Holy Spirit moves within me to guide and lead me about what, when and how I should pray. Come to think of it, all I need to do is follow Him. Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: This Pentecost Sunday, thank the Father for sending us His precious gift of the Spirit.

 

Holy Spirit, make me sensitive to Your proddings, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

St. Theophilus of Corte, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 17, 2013

MERCY

 

“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” – John 21:16

 

The boy stood in front of the coffin even as he felt everyone’s anger on him. He was ready to be beaten, berated and driven away, but he still visited his dead friend because he wanted to pay his respects, say goodbye and ask for forgiveness. After all, he was holding the gun they were playing with when it went off and killed the other boy. So it was a surprise, beyond all understanding, when the mother of the dead boy approached and hugged him. They both cried as they held each other. Repeatedly, the grieving mother assured him, “It’s not your fault.”

       Forgiveness is not always about the one who receives it; instead, its meaning is found in the one who gives it. Easter is a remembrance not only of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, but it is also a remembrance of the suffering He had to go through for us — all done out of love.

       When we are as gracious and merciful to forgive others who have wronged us, then we say yes to Jesus’ question to Peter, “Do you love me?” Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: How can you show your love for Jesus this Easter season?

 

With all my heart I ask, “Lord forgive me for all my sins and help me to extend that mercy to others.”

 

St. Paschal Baylon, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 16,2013

STAND UP FOR JESUS

 

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome.” – Acts 23:11

 

I was with an aggressive group who had been together for quite some time. They were closely-knit and had been through some tough times as a team. To say that they were united was an understatement. They were so familiar with each other that they even finished each other’s jokes. They seemed to think as one.

       The discussion soon turned to sexual innuendos and teasing, flirting and dares that encouraged infidelity and unwholesomeness. They were enjoying themselves.

       I prayed in my mind and prepared to correct them, one against all. With a pounding heart and the fear that they would be indifferent, I explained that I didn’t subscribe to loose talk and that what was going on was wrong.

       To my surprise, they took my advice and cleaned up, so to speak. I don’t know if they were sincere or just politely acceded. But God gave me the strength to stand my ground and speak up for what was right.

There will be times when we will be in tough situations, standing alone. Yet we never are. The Lord will always give us the grace to stand up for Him.

              All we need is to ask for His grace and respond accordingly. Jun Asis (mabuting.balita@gmail.com)     

 

Reflection: Think of daily situations where you have the chance to speak up for what is good, right and true. Do you?

 

Lord, grant me the strength to always stand up for You.

 

St. Margaret of Cortona, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 14,2013

STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you...” – John 15:16

As a recovering codependent, it is not easy for me to accept praise. There’s still a little voice in my subconscious that sometimes whispers that I don’t deserve what I get.

       For example, I received a letter from a priest friend today praising me for my work for the Lord. The first time I read it, I was teary-eyed and deeply touched. But after several readings, my questions of whether I deserved his compliment started coming. In my heart, I remember the times I had been insensitive, tactless, neglectful and other unforgettable faults. Sigh! I haven’t fully recovered from codependency, although I’d like to think I’m a lot better now than years ago.

       Jesus assures me in Scripture that He chose me. He affirms that it wasn’t I who unworthily puts on a robe of service with impure motives. Every time I think about this, a ray of healing takes place in my heart. In due time, as I repeatedly read this Word of His, I trust that I can fully accept how much Jesus really loves me — how much He reaches out to me, His chosen one. Cristy Galang (cristy_cc@yahoo.com)

Reflection: From 1 to 7, where 1 means “definitely not” and 7 means “yes, very much,” rate yourself with the question: Do I believe Jesus when He said “I chose you”?

I thank You, Jesus, for calling me to be Yours. It’s a great privilege to serve You. Heal me from my wounds that I may be whole and fully able to enjoy

Your love.

St. Matthias, Apostle, pray for us. Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle

Daily Bible Reflections - May 10,2013

DELAYED GRATIFICATION

 

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.” – John 16:20

 

I don’t know how many times I got hurt when I was learning how to ride a bike as a young kid. I found it difficult but I didn’t want to give up. I knew that one day, I would be able to learn and enjoy a bike ride.

I’m glad I went along despite all the bruises I got. Because now I am able to enjoy bonding with my husband when we ride our bikes around the neighborhood.

There are things in life that we need to learn the hard way. Even Christ had to endure the most painful moments on the cross, yet He focused not on the pain but on the joy that awaited Him — the salvation of us all.

We are not spared from suffering. This is a painful reality that we must learn to embrace. But we must also remember that for every minute of pain, there is healing and renewed strength. For every challenge, there are discoveries and lessons learned. And for every sacrifice, there is always a reward.

So do not despair if you are going through a tough time. It’s not a problem but rather an opportunity for growth and maturity. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Are your troubles causing you much grief? Don’t despair; soon it will be over. Just PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens).

 

Lord, turn my problems into opportunities for growth. Amen.

 

St. Damien of Molokai, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 9,2013

A WHILE THAT LASTS

 

“What is this ‘little while’ of which he speaks?” – John 16:18

 

Just over one year old, Dax Locke was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. His parents pursued all available solutions but after a few months, doctors announced that there was no hope for a cure. Dax would die in four to eight weeks.

At that point, his parents took Dax home, determined to let him enjoy the remaining days of his life. They brought out the Christmas tree and decided that, from that day on, every day would be Christmas Day.

When the neighbors found out, they, too, set up their Christmas decors. Others followed suit until the whole town was lit up with lights. When the media covered the story, the whole nation joined in. Moved by the sight of a frail yet happy baby, Christmas came early to hundreds of homes and so did the sharing the season usually brings.

Dax proved that we don’t have to live long in order to inspire others and make a difference. Each of us is given “just a little while” to follow God’s will on earth. It’s not that complicated. We just need to learn to love Him and share that love with others. Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: What do we need to accomplish to make our “little while” last an eternity?

 

Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what You want me to be and becoming that person. (Saint Therese of the Child Jesus)

 

St. Catherine of Bologna, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 7,2013

FOR A GREATER GOOD

 

“It is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.” – John 16:7

 

Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that often starts near the knees. His right leg was amputated and replaced by an artificial leg. He endured 16 months of chemotherapy. Terry embarked on a 14-month training program so he could compete in a marathon to raise cancer awareness. His hospital experiences angered him because of how little money was dedicated to cancer research. He sought to raise C$1 for each of Canada’s 24 million people.

After 143 days and 5,373 kilometers, Terry was forced to end his run because his cancer returned. He had already raised C$1.7 million. On June 28, 1981, he passed away at the age of 22. On September 1981, the first Terry Fox Run was held. It has become an international event involving participants in over 60 countries. Over C$500 million has already been raised in his name.

Jesus’ return to the Father was necessary so the Holy Spirit would come. By doing so, Jesus could be present anytime and anywhere. Goodbyes are often painful but sometimes it’s necessary for a greater good to come. Christ’s death, as well as Terry’s, produced a greater fruit than when they were here on earth. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: When God takes something away from you, believe that He will replace it with something far better.

 

I may not understand Your ways, Lord, but I choose to trust that You know what’s best for me.

 

St. Rose Venerini, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 6,2013

SILENCING THE NOISE   We went outside the city gate along the river where we thought there would be a place of prayer. — Acts 16:13   It was a sunny Saturday in September 2010. I found myself in Antipolo, together with some 90 people, hoping to spend the entire day to experience the Lord more intimately. My life had been an emotional rollercoaster for the past few months. A break from the inner turmoil was more than welcome. I needed to silence myself for a bit just so I could forget all the noise in my life. (Those who know how talkative I am can attest that this can be quite a feat.) The silence felt good. For five hours, it was just me and my God on a date, having a quiet conversation. It was an exchange of worries and assurances. I offered Him my worries and He assured me of His promises. He revealed to me how immense His love is, and however “unworthy” I felt, there was just no changing that love. At the end of the silent retreat, with eyes swollen from crying, I fully accepted that love. What followed was overwhelming joy and gratitude to my God, who is with me at all times. Osy Erica (osy.erica@gmail.com)   Reflection: Spend some quiet time with God today. You’ll never know what He will reveal to you.   With all the noise and chaos in my life, forgive me, Lord, for the times I neglect Your presence. Teach me to cling to You at all times and to rely only on Your infinite grace.   Sts. Marian and James, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - May 3,2013

Feast of Sts. Philip and James, Apostles

 

SPEAK AS I LIVE

 

“Believe because of the work themselves.” – John 14:11

 

The chief investigator Hong Guk-yeong in the Korean historical drama Yi San: Wind of the Palacewas going to try a group of their political foes for conspiracy to commit a crime. The ministers, in a bid to sway him, invited him to a high-class brothel, bowed and acted subservient to him, then declared at the middle of the drinking session that they were innocent of the allegations against them.

Hong Guk-yeong said in reply, “So why are your actions saying otherwise?”

Far too many times, we act like those ministers. We say we believe in God who created heaven and earth, yet we entrust our lives to some object bought somewhere that’s supposed to bring good fortune. We say Jesus died for our sins, yet we live as though we are still very much slaves of those same sins.

There are many things in our lives that conflict with what we say. But as one saying goes, “Your action speaks so loud I can’t hear a word you say.” People will only believe what we do, even if we say otherwise. Joy Sosoban (jsosoban@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “For every tree is known by its own fruit.” (Luke 6:44)

 

Jesus, please help me to speak as I live and live as I speak.

 

Sts. Philip and James, Apostles, pray for us.