Have childlike faith in God. He wants only the best for His children - Daily Bible Reflections September 30,2013

Feast of St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church

 

CHILDLIKE FAITH

 

Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” – Luke 9:48

 

I decided to serve and stay in the Awesome Kids Ministry for four straight years because of my passion for teaching young kids. I also needed to heal the wounded child in me, so God anointed me to minister to His children.

       Because of my background in guidance counseling and psychology, I thought of first serving in the Counseling Ministry when Bo Sanchez exhorted The Feast attendees in Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig City, to start serving and giving back to God our time, treasures and talents. But I heeded God’s call and joined the Awesome Kids Ministry instead. It was there that I found a spiritual family.

       True enough, I was healed as I served. Through the hugs and kisses I got from the kids I ministered to. Through the unconditional love of my ministry heads and the unwavering friendship of my co-servants because I’ve seen a glimpse of Christ in them.

       To this day, I’ve never ceased to thank God for bringing me to this ministry. Ems Sy Chan (havenofleeanne@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Have childlike faith in God. He wants only the best for His children.

 

Father, thank You for always giving me nothing but the best. Thank You for anointing me for something in line with my core gift.

 

 

St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Among these things or virtues that God wants you to pursue, where do you need to improve most? - Daily Bible Reflections September 29,2013

Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels

 

HOLY PURSUIT

 

But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. – 1 Timothy 6:11

 

Modern man is busy nowadays with the pursuit of many things. Some people are busy pursuing their studies, careers, wealth or their interests. Many seek happiness and success. Running after these things is not bad in themselves. What makes them bad is when chasing our personal goals and interests cause us to sin and destroy our relationship with God. When the things we pursue take the place of the things that God wants us to aim at, then we know that we are chasing the wrong things.

       How much of your time do you spend striving for the things of heaven? Compare this to the time that you spend pursuing your personal goals and interests. Are these the things that God wants you to seek? Are the things that you spend most of your time on bringing you closer to heaven and making you a better man or woman of God?

       There are things that God wants us to seek first as Christians. These are righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Let us examine our lives based His desires. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag (teregmps@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Among these things or virtues that God wants you to pursue, where do you need to improve most?

 

Lord, help us examine our lives so we can see how we can grow in being a Christian and living out these virtues.

 

Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels, pray for us.

 

Have there been “destructions” in your life recently? What is God building over the “ruins”? - Daily Bible Reflections September 28,2013

RUIN IS THE WAY

 

“Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” – Luke 9:44

 

“Ruin is the way to rebuilding.”

       Alex has been my plumbing savior. When I needed him again, I went to his place. I nearly passed out when I saw that what was once a tiny, weather-beaten, old shack, was now a nice two-story concrete house.

       Alex explained, “A few months ago, this entire colony was razed by a fire and nothing was left. We were hopeless then. But since the “undesirables” were driven away, the entire place opened up to an NGO that offered to buy lots for us and help build decent houses. With an extremely affordable financial scheme, I now own this house and lot!”

       “Ruin” was about to happen to Jesus, and He wanted to make sure that the disciples knew that He knew — that He was in control, and that He was about to build something new, beautiful and glorious over what was to be destroyed. From the “ruins” will come the resurrection!

       Friend, is ruin happening in your life now? An unhealthy relationship ending. A job you’re losing to redirect you to a more promising opportunity. An endeavor failing to give you time and space for a new ministry. Remember, God is building something new! Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Have there been “destructions” in your life recently? What is God building over the “ruins”?

 

Lord, let me remember your faithfulness in the “destructions” of my life. Give me grace to hope in You today and every day.

 

St. Wenceslaus, martyr, pray for us.

Learn to associate ideas worthy of God with all that happens in nature - Daily Bible Reflections September 27,2013

BLUE MOON

 

“But who do you say that I am?” – Luke 9:20

 

I’ve always been fascinated by a full moon. I get mesmerized when I look up and see this big, yellow and perfectly round moon up against the darkened sky. Oftentimes I would be awakened by its bright light peeping through my windows, as though it was beckoning me. And I would get up sometimes in the middle of the night just to bask in its light before going back to sleep.

       One time, I asked God casually why I’m so enthralled with the moon. His answer came immediately, as casually as I had asked my question — because it’s got no light of its own! The moon shines so brightly in the night, illuminating the darkness of the night enough to be seen by half the world. Yet it has no light of its own. It merely reflects the light from the sun.

       Then I realized that that’s how I should be — merely reflecting the “Son-shine” to help illuminate the lives of others and never trying to shine on my own or passing off the light as my own. I have been called to be a light in this world by reflecting Jesus, the Light of the World. Ronna Ledesma (ronna_ledesma@yahoo.com.ph)

 

Reflection: Learn to associate ideas worthy of God with all that happens in nature.... Then your imagination will never be at the mercy of your impulses but will always be at the service of God. (Oswald Chambers)

 

Thank You, Lord, for letting me feel Your love every time I look up in the darkest night.

 

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

When was the last time you counted your blessings? Start again, now - Daily Bible Reflections September 26,2013

A LEAK IN THE PIPES

 

Whoever earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it. – Haggai 1:6

 

Our water bill usually amounts to P2,000. One month, to my mom’s surprise and shock, our bill skyrocketed to P51,000! There was a leak in the pipes under the house so no one noticed it. Good thing we were able to have it fixed right away.

       There are many things that can act as leaks in our lives. Materialism can leak out hard-earned money we try to save. Anger can leak out love we receive from others. Sin leaks out the self-confidence and peace we have. And ingratitude can leak out the joy in our lives. As for me, there was a time when I allowed my negative attitude to leak out all the joy in my life. Blessings were flowing into my life, but I was focused on the things that went wrong, the things I wasn’t getting, the things others had which I didn’t. This resulted in my being sad, burdened and depressed. It cost me a lot of happiness.

       One day, God fixed my leak. I saw a man lying on the sidewalk curled up in his torn-up T-shirt, shivering in the cold. I then realized that my problems are so small compared to his; he didn’t even have the basic necessities of life. I made the decision to stop focusing on the negative and to be grateful for all my blessings. When I put on that attitude of gratitude,  joy started to fill up my heart once again. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: When was the last time you counted your blessings? Start again, now.       

 

Thank You, Lord, for everything that I have.

 

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

How do you deal with criticism? - Daily Bible Reflections September 25,2013

MOVE ON

 

“And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet.” – Luke 9:5

 

As a broadcast media practitioner, I am exposed to the criticism of my radio listeners and TV viewers. There will always be somebody who will oppose my views, or comment about my weight, or simply say that they don’t like me.

       One day, a listener expressed his or her disagreement with me and sent an offensive text message while I was on the air. That affected me. I shared this incident with a priest-friend of mine because the bad feeling lingered for a couple of days. He replied, “There was nothing wrong with what you said, so shake the dust from your feet!”

          In other words, “Move on.”

       The Twelve Apostles surely faced a great amount of criticism and rejection. Yet they journeyed on from town to town to spread the Good News because they carried the Truth in their hearts — the Truth was their source of strength.

         In similar situations, if after examining our conscience we find that we are on the side of Truth, just move on. We cannot please everybody, anyway. Nova Arias-Sevilla (nova.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: How do you deal with criticism?

 

When there are bumps on the road of life, give us the strength and courage, Lord, to continue our journey. Amen.

 

St. Elzear and Blessed Delphina, pray for us.

Are you a fan or a friend of God? - Daily Bible Reflections September 24,2013

ARE YOU A FAN OR A FRIEND?

 

 

“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” – Luke 8:21

 

I must confess that I was a Bo Sanchez fanatic years ago.

       I would buy all his books, recorded teachings and anything that would remind me of him.

       Don’t get me wrong. I don’t have any romantic feelings for him, neither am I his stalker. He just inspires me to be a better person. And I was just a fan... that’s all. Bo has played a vital role in my healing and life direction. He has shown me that I have the power to change and become the person God wants me to be.

       Through the years of being a fan, I eventually became his friend. Now I serve as a missionary for the Light of Jesus Family, the community that he founded.

       Today, Jesus reminds us that His true family and friends are the ones who obey the will of God. Yes, I have become a friend of Bo, but most of all, through him I have realized that I am a friend of God. JC Libiran (jclibiran@ymail.com)

 

Reflection: Are you a fan or a friend of God?

 

Jesus, today I celebrate our friendship.

 

St. Pacifico of San Severino, pray for us.

 

What is God telling you right now? Do not just hear, but listen well! - Daily Bible Reflections September 23,2013

SIMPLE YET PROFOUND

 

“For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible.” — Luke 8:17

 

During some free time at a retreat, I shared with some retreatants something I heard in the news. “When somebody is wounded in an accident or crime, you can use even just a crumpled piece of newspaper or plastic bag to stop the bleeding. Just put it on the wound, hold it and apply pressure,” I said.

       Two weeks later, I saw one of those I was with at the retreat. She had a plaster on her chin and wounds on her fingers.

       She narrated how she was walking on a sidewalk, singing even, when she stumbled. “Blood came out from my chin. Then I remembered what you said so I put my hankie on it and applied pressure. The bleeding lessened. When I arrived home, I saw my flesh was exposed. My nephews accompanied me to the hospital where my wound was sewn,” she related. She was so grateful for that piece of info I shared.

       One simple sharing yet it was a big help to someone in need. Let’s listen well to what we hear no matter how simple it may be. At the moment we need it, the wisdom that may have been hidden from us, God will bring it into the open at the right time. Ma. Luisa De la Cruz (theessence_byluisa@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: What is God telling you right now? Do not just hear, but listen well!

 

Dearest Lord, remove the blindness of my heart that I may see Your light. Remove my deafness that I may listen to Your voice.

 

St. Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, pray for us.

The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. Therefore, never stop growing! - Daily Bible Reflections September 22,2013

ENTRUST AND ENJOY!

 

“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones.” – Luke 16:10

 

I believe that whatever you care for and manage well is bound to grow. This is true whether it’s a business, a relationship, a family, a career or even your body.

       I’ve been 40 years old for 309 days and I realize that what others say is true. Life does begin at 40 — especially because I feel as strong as a 17-year-old lad! That’s because I take care of my body with daily exercise and good nutrition.

       The same is true for other things that God has entrusted to me: my family; The Feasts in Manila and Pasig where I am the Feast builder; my Youth Missions, Campus Missions and Radical Men, where I help form future leaders of our community; my friends and relatives; my investments and businesses; and of course, my spiritual life.

       Because I take the time to care for these areas of my life, at the same time entrusting them to the Lord, I also enjoy rewards from these very same things. What’s more, He prospers what I’ve entrusted to Him with more of His blessings. What a great joy to see God blessing the work of my hands!

       Friend, entrust and enjoy! Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. Therefore, never stop growing!

 

Lord, You have entrusted me with much. May I be a faithful steward in managing Your blessings. Amen.

 

St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, pray for us.

 

God gave me my money. I believe the power to make money is a gift from God to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind - Daily Bible Reflections September 20,2013

INTEGRITY

 

For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. − 1 Timothy 6:2-12

 

One of my recent favorite Christian movies is called Courageous. One of the main characters is a man named Javier who, despite his confidence in God, is having a hard time finding a regular job that will pay enough to sustain his family.

       But one day, his prayers are answered. He lands a suitable job in a manufacturing firm. While working in his new post, Javier is offered an attractive promotion — with a catch. To prove his willingness to be a team player, he has to forge some entries on a supplies logbook. Despite the threat of being unemployed once again, Javier chooses the right thing. He declines the offer, saying that it would betray his family and his faith. The manager then quietly extends his hand to shake Javier’s, revealing that it was a test of integrity that he had just passed.

       Money is not evil per se, especially when it is used to bless others. But when it is used for greed, it slowly consumes and destroys the soul like termites feeding on wood. For this purpose, we need a solid foundation built on faith and integrity so we can make the right decisions involving money matters. Audee Villaraza (avillaraza@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: God gave me my money. I believe the power to make money is a gift from God to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind. (John D. Rockefeller)

 

Lord, You are my real treasure. You are all that I desire.

 

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

 

To forgive is the highest and most beautiful form of love - Daily Bible Reflections September 19,2013

CHARACTER MAGNET

 

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

 

“Character magnet” is one of the pet names I have for Mom. For some reason, Mom has this uncanny ability of attracting and befriending persons whom other people would rather avoid. Her best friend of more than 30 years is argumentative. Her aunt rambles on about the past for hours on end without giving Mom the chance to speak. Her former boss accused her of something she did not do. Her only daughter (me) is both her best friend and nagging critic.

       How does she deal with these difficult characters? With forgiveness, love and understanding. She told me, “I’m a difficult person, too, you know. And a sinful one at that. But the Lord never seems to get tired of taking me back whenever I ask for His forgiveness. The least I can do is love others like He loves me.”

       I am blessed and honored to learn from the way Mom lives and loves. Her example reminds me to be thankful for the merciful love of the Father shown through the sacrifice of His Son. And the best way to respond to such a great love is to also love especially those who are the hardest to love. Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: To forgive is the highest and most beautiful form of love. (Robert Muller)

 

Jesus, You have shown us Your great love by Your death and resurrection. Teach us also to love much those who need most to be loved. Amen.

 

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

How often do you pray for other people’s concerns? - Daily Bible Reflections September 16,2013

INTERCEDE FOR ONE ANOTHER

 

I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone. – 1 Timothy 2:1

 

In January 2011, a group of couples listed down their petitions to God for that year. Each list was “raffled off” to another husband-and-wife tandem, and each couple committed to pray for that intention.

       In January 2012, a wife from that group shared before an assembly that all of the petitions they wrote down had been granted by the Lord! And they were no ordinary petitions.  A couple prayed for a car and were blessed with one. Two couples asked for a house and both got new homes.

       There was a time when I took intercession lightly. When someone asked me to pray for a concern, I would say yes but would often quickly forget about it. Now, I take those occasions more seriously that I even ask for specifics. Like the name of the sick relative they are asking the Lord to heal. The time of the board exam. Where, when and what time the operation will take place (even the doctors and everyone else involved in the procedure). This way, I can be one with them in praying to God. Jun Asis (mabuting.balita@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: How often do you pray for other people’s concerns?

 

Lord, I pray for the intentions of the people who asked me to pray for them. Hear our supplications, through the intercession of Mary, Your mother and our mother, too.

 

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

 

Be grateful for those who love you, but be forgiving of those who hurt you - Daily Bible Reflections September 15,2013

PARABLE OF THE LOST

 

“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:7

 

Today’s Gospel narrates to us three parables, all speaking about the lost. Luke 15:7 says it all — “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” Why? I believe it’s because of two things.

       First, the nature of the sinner. He is desperate for God, just like the lost son. He is hungry, thirsty, naked and dirty. And he realizes that only in his Father’s house (with God) will he be whole and be filled again. And because he is found and welcomed back, he will love more. Jesus Himself explained this in another story and parable: those who have been forgiven more will love more (see Luke 7:47).

       Second, the nature of the forgiver. It is easy to love those who are obedient, righteous and good. But what should make us Christians different is that we love even those who have wronged us. Jesus said, “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!” (Luke 6:32).

       In the end, it is loving the lost that will make us genuine followers of Christ. Alvin Barcelona (apb_ayo@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Be grateful for those who love you, but be forgiving of those who hurt you. Think of someone who may have wronged you or whom you may have hurt. Reconcile with that person today.

 

Dear Lord, grant me the grace to be like You by loving even those who do not love me back. Amen.

 

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Who is your faith mentor? - Daily Bible Reflections September 13,2014

DON’T WAIT FOR GODOT

 

“Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” – Luke 6:39

 

In college, I had to write an analysis of Samuel Becket’s play titled Waiting for Godot, an example of the Theater of the Absurd that stems from Albert Camus’s absurdist philosophy, which in turn is a branch of the existentialism philosophy pioneered by Soren Kierkegard. Existentialism proposes that man’s existence is absurd because he is incapable of finding meaning or purpose.

       Such absurdity is delineated in Waiting for Godot, a tragi-comedy about two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait on a country road for someone named Godot. You think nothing happens in the play because Godot never comes.

       Two characters arrive—Pozzo and his slave Lucky. But they are not much of a help for Vladimir and Estragon because Pozzo  becomes blind and well, Lucky seems to be a useless servant. Yes, it’s a case of the blind leading the blind as we are reminded in today’s Gospel.

       Some interpret Godot as God, and for us Christians, that really is absurd because we believe God comes to us especially when we are in trouble. And, because of our faith, we know our existence has meaning. We need not wait for Godot. Cynthia U. Santiago (cusantiago@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Who is your faith mentor?

 

Lord, grant that I will never be blind to the truth that You are my Teacher and You give meaning to my life.

 

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

Do you struggle to give when someone needy asks you for financial help? - Daily Bible Reflections September 12,2013

REAL REWARD

 

“Lend, expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great.” – Luke 6:35

 

“A ‘neighbor’ is borrowing money,” my wife would email once in a while. This “neighbor”can be a relative or a friend.

       Oftentimes, the borrower is really in need. And we would think of just giving the money instead of lending it.

       We would tell that person that it’s our way of helping, not a debt that he would have to pay.

       And every time we do this, there are immediate rewards. We feel blessed that we have extra money to help others with. (It’s better to have money to spare than none, right?)

       We are blessed to be a channel of God’s provision to persons in need.

        We are blessed with the overflow of thanksgiving from the person we helped.

       We feel liberated that we do not have to worry about when he will pay us back.

       We have this confidence that we can ask our Father for the “great reward” as He had promised in the passage above.

       And this is the real great blessing: the Word of God says that when you give to the needy, “the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake” (Deuteronomy 19:9). Danny Tariman (dtariman.loj@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Do you struggle to give when someone needy asks you for financial help?

 

Lord, teach me to be generous. Let me be a channel of Your love. Amen.

 

St. Ailbhe, pray for us.

Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness - Daily Bible Reflections September 11,2013

STILL BLESSED

 

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

 

Blessed. Such a wonderful word!

       But to someone who is totally damaged because of a miserable experience, this word has no place in the heart.

       Iza, a friend of mine, was in this very situation sometime ago. When her fiancé left her for another girl, she was devastated. She knew she could no longer have him back. She withdrew from everyone and even attempted to end her life.

       But there was one thing that Iza did that made a big difference. She prayed. She cried and offered up the pain of her heart and shouted her fears to God. She didn’t understand then why God allowed it to happen but she still clung to Him. Several months of grief, anguish and fear passed but still she held on to Him.

       And after weeping over shattered dreams, God showed her the light at the end of the tunnel. The family and friends that she was ready to give up were the people who helped her heal her broken heart. Iza just lost one guy but not the entire world — not her family, not her friends, not her future, not a new life. Still, she is blessed. Analiza Obiasca (aobiasca_cute@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness. (Steve Maraboll)

 

Lord, in Your hands, even my most painful experience can be turned into a blessing. I surrender all my troubles to You.

 

St. Cyprian, pray for us.

 

Do not be a captive of deception. Seek for the truth that leads to salvation. Decide to spend more time reading and understanding the Scriptures - Daily Bible Reflections September 10,2013

ENEMY IN A MASK

 

See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ. – Colossians 2:8

 

She was a sweet talker. I barely knew her but I was so drawn to her. She knew exactly what to say and what I needed to hear to convince me to invest in her business. It turned out she was a hoax. Soon she was gone and so was my money. I got fooled big time.

       The enemy is cunning and persistent. He will find ways to get us at our weakness in an attempt to shake our faith, without even making us aware of it. He uses people who are masked with deception. They can be anywhere — in our own circle of family and friends, in our community, or even in our own church or parish. So we must always be on guard.

       Our relationship with God is not supposed to be based solely on what we feel or what we want to hear. Rather, our faith should be rooted in the true knowledge of Christ. Every day, we must strive to know God even better so that the enemy will have no chance to derail our hope and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Do not be a captive of deception. Seek for the truth that leads to salvation. Decide to spend more time reading and understanding the Scriptures.

 

Holy Spirit, grant me the gift of wisdom so I can see beyond deception. Amen.

 

St. Thomas of Villanova, pray for us.

God doesn’t want you to bring people to Jesus. God wants you to bring Jesus to people. (Bo Sanchez) - Daily Bible Reflections September 9,2013

WHERE I FOUND JESUS

 

God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you... – Colossians 1:27

 

When I was in college, I began an earnest search for my Christian God. I attended Catholic Charismatic groups while taking part in Protestant prayer gatherings.

       In the end, I chose to be a Protestant. Their Bible study was so structured that I learned a lot about the God that I yearned to know. But something disturbed me.

       It was the way a friend shunned his family after failing to evangelize them. He moved out of his parents’ home and declared, “Let them rot in hell!”

       Is this what will become of me? After learning all I can, will I become judge and jury of my fellowmen and condemn them for their apparent sins?

       In contrast, I remembered the people in the Catholic Charismatic groups and how they shared their shortcomings and weaknesses. Because of their own failures, they support and encourage others who are also struggling. Their humility, compassion and mercy moved me and revealed to me what I had been looking for all along.

       I searched and finally found God, not in the books that I read, but in the hearts of the people who loved as Jesus did. Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: God doesn’t want you to bring people to Jesus. God wants you to bring Jesus to people. (Bo Sanchez)

 

Father, remind me to carry Jesus in my heart to all the places that otherwise He may never reach.

 

St. Peter Claver, priest, pray for us.