Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. – Psalm 47:6 - Daily Bible Reflections May 30,2014

OUTWARD PRAISE

 

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. – Psalm 47:6

 

       At the salon, clients were having their hair straightened or permed. When each lady was done, she would casually thank the hairdresser. I’ve been visiting that salon for years but I never thought to also praise the hairdressers for something other than their service. So I said to my stylist, “You know, Jo, you look pretty today — with your hair nicely curled and makeup done well. The salon is lucky to have you work for them.”

       Her expression lit up like the sun. She made me repeat what I had said, then she called a fellow stylist to tell her what I had said about her. Imagine how a sincere, unexpected compliment can make a person’s day. Her happiness also made me happy.

       We may think that God doesn’t need validation from us. Let’s appreciate with outward praise the bounty of blessings and unconditional love we receive from God. Let’s burst out in joyous song and pay it forward by praising others. When we give praise to Him, we expand our hearts and create space for more blessings to come. Gina J. Verdolaga (mgjver@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “And when he came near, even now at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen.” (Luke 19:37)

 

Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to serve my brothers and sisters in Your name.

 

St. Gregory VII, pray for us.

Have you lost someone dear to you? Grieve, yes, but allow God to turn your grief into joy — in His time - Daily Bible Reflections May 29,2014

GRIEVING NO MORE

 

“You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.” – John 16:20

 

Ten years ago, we lost our beloved mother to cancer. I thought I’d never be able to get over my grief.

       She was a strong presence in my life — always there to listen to me whenever I felt lost or confused, or even when I was just rambling on.

       Losing her left a big vacuum in my life. Grief was a stranger I was forced to embrace.

       Anyone who has experienced losing someone dear would probably agree with me that the first year is the most difficult. First birthday without her. First Christmas without her. And many other firsts celebrated without her.

       But soon the years rolled on. And so did my life.

       I remember her now, not with sorrow or grief, but with love and joy — and with gratitude for what she had been to us. We celebrate her birthday or death anniversary with a feast — sometimes a feast of her favorite dishes, or the food she used to cook for us.

       With joy, we remember her passing and thank God that He allowed us to see His face through her — just as He did when He sent Jesus to us. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Have you lost someone dear to you? Grieve, yes, but allow God to turn your grief into joy — in His time.

 

Thank You, Lord, for keeping me company in my time of grief.

 

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, pray for us.

Where I found truth, there I found my God, who is the truth itself. (St. Augustine) - Daily Bible Reflections May 28,2014

OPEN TO TRUTH?

 

“He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” – John 16:14

 

Sitting around a small circle, our Catholic Bible study group shared insights on guide questions. That night, I shared an insight on wealth taken from Genesis 12:2: “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”

       For the first time, I added “money” and “wealth” in the list of items that I could have to bless the world with. And I give no small measure of thanks to Bo Sanchez for that.

       So scared of going to hell because of money, I didn’t want to own even a key—a symbol of earthly possessions for me. Through that verse in Genesis, I understood that God had already shown through history that He will not only save His people spiritually but will also deliver them materially. It was a liberating thing for me and it took a lot of teachings from Bo and a lot of prayer before I could remove the fear of wealth from my heart. Today, I understand that wealth is a tool to love and bless others with.

       The Lord will bring to us people and circumstances so that He can speak to us. Will we open ourselves to truth? Joy Sosoban-Roa

(jsosoban@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “Where I found truth, there I found my God, who is the truth itself.” (St. Augustine)

 

Dear Jesus, for as long as it will give You glory, then let me be great. For as long as I can remain Your child, then let me be little.

 

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

Service has no boundaries - Daily Bible Reflections May 27,2014

MISSION FIELD

 

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; Your love, O Lord endures forever.” – Psalm 138:8

       I used to be active in our campus ministry. I helped in various committees. I eventually joined the Light of Jesus Family, and was entrusted with more responsibilities. I had no complaint because there’s delight in being busy for God’s business.

       Things changed when I started working. My workload and fatigue made it impossible for me to keep up with my tasks. I began missing out on attending prayer meetings and other related events. It was disheartening. It felt like my absence was making me drift away from my mission.

         Fortunately, God sees our circumstances in a different light. He led me to people who made me appreciate that where I am is my mission field. It dawned on me that genuine service is not an activity, but a way of life. I was reminded that my personality is crafted for God’s purpose. God gave me a listening heart to lead people to healing, wisdom to mentor others, optimism to bring encouragement. I realized that no matter what happens, God can maximize using me according to His will. God creatively and consistently finds a way to meet us where we are. Maymay Salvosa (cmaysalvosa@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Service has no boundaries.

 

Father, open my heart to see how I can live for You today, and bless me with humility to do it Your way, Amen.

 

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

You may not understand why I allow trials to happen to your life. I don’t call you to understand; I call you to trust - God Whispers May 27,2014

You may not understand why I allow trials to happen to your life. I don’t call you to understand; I call you to trust.
 
In control,
God
 
P.S. Behind every problem is a hidden blessing.

Is something bothering you? Meditate on how God has been good to you in the past - Daily Bible Reflections May 20,2014

THE SCENT OF

VICTORY

 

“Let not your hearts be troubled...” – John 14:27

 

       Do you believe that you will receive the blessings of God today?

       It’s true. As I look out the window, I see tall trees swaying in the wind. I can hear the birds chirping and singing beautiful melodies. I can feel the gentle wind brushing against my face. My husband stands beside me. We both look out the window, enjoying the serenity of each other’s love.

       As I write this reflection, some concerns are uppermost in my mind. I’m worried about a very close friend with cancer who is right now struggling for her life. I’m thinking about some family members who need to undertake a major project soon but might not have enough resources to complete it. Matthew, my husband, and I recently made a major decision in our life. It was something we needed to do but the decision opened the door of uncertainty. However, if I think about how the Lord has never abandoned us even in the darkest moments of our lives, why should I think that He will do so now?

       “Let not your hearts be troubled...” Our life is in His hands... I can already smell the scent of victory. Marisa Aguas (jojangaguas@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Is something bothering you? Meditate on how God has been good to you in the past. If He was with you then, He is also with you now, and forever.

 

You know what is in my heart and in my mind, Lord Jesus. I entrust all my concerns to You because I know that it will be in better hands.

 

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

Are you falling furiously and wondering where God is and if He even cares? - Daily Bible Reflections May 16,2014

AN OLD EAGLE STORY   “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” – John 14:1   Does mother really know what’s best? Well, you don’t feel that all the time. Mother Eagle builds a comfortable nest for her young, padding it with feathers from her own breast. But the God-given instinct that builds that secure nest also forces the eaglets out of it before long. Eagles are made to fly, and Mother Eagle will not fail to teach them. Only then will they become what they are meant to be.        You can bet for sure that one day, Mother Eagle will disturb the twigs of the nest, making it an uncomfortable place to stay. Then she will pick up a perplexed eaglet, soar into the sky, and drop it. The little bird will begin to free-fall. Where is Mama now? She is not far away. Quickly she will swoop under and catch the fledgling on one strong wing. She will repeat this exercise until each eaglet is capable of flying on its own.        Are you falling? Remember, God flies down to your rescue. He will also teach you something new and wonderful through it.        God is faithful. He’s just doing whatever it takes for you to be what you were made to be. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)   Reflection: Are you falling furiously and wondering where God is and if He even cares?   Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Give me the grace to trust You and to patiently wait for the gifts that will emerge from this fall. Amen.   St. Margaret of Cortona, pray for us.

What are the miracles or revelations that God has performed in your life? - Daily Bible Reflections May 15,2014

CHOOSE TO BELIEVE

 

“I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.” – John 13:19

 

My dad was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. After hearing the news, I thought to myself, “Not again, God.”

       My mom passed away when I was 16, and I couldn’t bear the thought of Dad having a terminal disease.

       Praying as a family was our way of dealing with Dad’s condition. During one of our prayer gatherings, my aunt shared with us that God had given her a vision. She saw a thumb massaging a mass of flesh as the latter slowly disappeared.

       It was comforting to hear that a miracle was taking place, but it was hard to believe. But God was faithful to His promise. After a month of undergoing radiation treatment, the stage 3 mass in Dad’s colon totally disappeared. The doctors were amazed that not a trace of cancer could be found.

       In the Gospel, Jesus prophesied to the disciples so they may believe in Him even more. He didn’t focus on the feeling of betrayal or fear of what is to happen. Instead, He made use of the moment to reveal Himself as a God who is in control of all

situations — past, present and future. God knows exactly how to wow us! Today, He reminds us of His greatness. He calls us to believe. Pia Angelica Suiza (piasuiza@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: What are the miracles or revelations that God has performed in your life?

 

Lord God, I choose to believe in You today. Give me the humility I need so I may grow in my faith in You day by day. Amen.

 

St. Isidore the farmer, pray for us.

And remember, the truth that once was spoken, to love another person is to see the face of God - Daily Bible Reflections May 14,2014

Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle

 

THE BOOK, THE PLAY

AND THE MOVIE

 

“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” – John 15:12

 

       I’ve read the book. I’ve watched the play. I’ve seen the movie.

       I’m talking about Les Miserables, a story set in turbulent France. Jean Valjean gets jailed for a long time for stealing bread for his hungry nephews. Freed on parole, he faces discrimination. Desperate for sustenance and shelter, he is rescued from sleeping in a cemetery by the Monsignor who lives nearby. The latter offers hospitality and Jean repays him by stealing all the precious silver in the house. The police apprehend him and bring him back to the bishop for punishment. Instead, the bishop brings out two more candleholders and says, “My son, you have forgotten these.”

       This single act of love turns Jean’s life around. He decides to reform, become successful, and provide help to so many people. There is much more to this uplifting story.

       In all instances, the central message — that of Christ telling us to love one another, personified by the priest — never fails to grip my heart and soul. Always, I am led to tears. I realize that the reason I love and enjoy making friends is because I see and feel Him in others. Grace Relucio Princesa ( grprincesa@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “And remember, the truth that once was spoken, to love another person is to see the face of God.” (Finale, Les Miserables)

 

Dear Lord, may we always love one another the way You commanded and taught us, that we may see You in one another.

 

St. Matthias, Apostle, pray for us.

Let us continue to spread the message of peace. Let us continue to live the spirit of Assisi - Daily Bible Reflections May 12,2014

THE SPIRIT OF ASSISI   “I must bring them too, and they will listen to my voice.” – John 10:16          It was 1986. Eastern Europe was under the Soviet Union, with its arsenal of nuclear weapons still targeting the West. Pope John Paul II, in a landmark event, brought together 160 religious leaders from all over the world with one common goal: to pray for peace.        For the first time in history, Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and representatives of Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, African and North American animism, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism and Baha’i, convened in Assisi. According to the Pope, they were there “to witness before the world, each according to his own conviction, about the transcendent quality of peace.”        What an achievement! I love the Pope’s clear conviction that “peace bears the name of Jesus Christ” and that the Catholic Church is the first witness of faith in Him, yet still shows deep love and respect for other religions. He believes that “every authentic prayer is called forth by the Holy Spirit, who is mysteriously present in the heart of every person.”        May we follow his example and respond to his message: “Let us continue to spread the message of peace. Let us continue to live the spirit of Assisi.” Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)   Reflection: “Every quest of the human spirit for truth and goodness, and in the last analysis, for God, is inspired by the Holy Spirit.” (Blessed Pope John Paul II)   Spirit of truth and love, guide us on the paths of proclaming Jesus Christ.   Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs, pray for us.

People go to Mass yet do not receive Holy Communion. How can they deprive themselves of this miracle? - Daily Bible Reflections May 9,2014

MY FLESH AND MY BLOOD

 

“My flesh is really food and my blood is drink.” – John 6:55

 

       Eighth century AD in Lanciano, Italy. A Basilian monk doubted the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. As he celebrated the Holy Mass one day, the host changed into live flesh and the wine into live blood after consecration. The specimen, proven to be part of a human heart, had a blood type that matched the one found in the Holy Shroud in Turin.

       Thirteenth century in Santarem, Portugal. A woman attempted to bring a consecrated host to a sorcerer in exchange for a spell to make her unfaithful husband love her again. As she was on her way to bring the host, it started bleeding. Out of fear, she wrapped it with her scarf and hid it inside a wooden chest. In the evening, the couple was awakened by a brilliant ray of light shining through the chest, with a spectacular vision of angels adoring the bleeding Holy Host.

       In 2012, I was blessed to touch the relics of both Eucharistic miracles. The experience transformed my simple appreciation of Holy Communion into a deeper and more personal relationship with God. Each time He enters my body through the Eucharist, He also enters my heart. Marie Franco (mariefranco_pie@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: People go to Mass yet do not receive Holy Communion. How can they deprive themselves of this miracle?

 

I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, Lord, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

 

St. Catherine of Bologna, pray for us.

When you feel a void in your heart, who do you turn to? Ask God to fill that void because He alone is enough - Daily Bible Reflections May 7,2014

PEDESTAL

 

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “Those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never be thirsty.” – John 6:35

 

In the distant past, I had two failed romantic relationships. Or learning experiences, as some optimists would call them. They came one after the other. So the third time around, after taking five long years to heal, I began to analyze my patterns and reflect on my actions. “Where have I gone wrong, Lord?” I’d ask during my prayer time.

       He showed me how I had made my world revolve around those men while I rationalized my actions as merely showing my love and doing everything I could to make my current long-distance relationship work. He showed me how I had put him on a pedestal and how I expected him to meet all my emotional needs. The man God prepared for me is still human, somebody fallible who will disappoint me once in a while.

       “You see, my precious child, only I can give that to You. Only I can fill the void in your fragile heart,” was His answer to my cries and pleas. Solo Dios basta.God alone suffices. And so I find myself OK and happy once again, whether I have a man in my life or not. Ems Sy Chan (havenofleeanne@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: When you feel a void in your heart, who do you turn to? Ask God to fill that void because He alone is enough.

 

Father, I am heartily sorry for the times I didn’t make You number one in my heart. Help me change my ways, O God.

 

St. Rose Venerini, pray for us.

Enjoy the company of your parents, your siblings, your other family members. I express My tangible love through them - God Whispers May 5,2014

Enjoy the company of your parents, your siblings, your other family members. I express My tangible love through them.


Blessing you, God


P.S. Family is a foretaste of heaven. That's why I invented it.

Stop being your own accountant. Subtract doubt and multiply faith in your life - Daily Bible Reflections May 2,2014

NOT ENOUGH

 

Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” – John 6:7

 

As Philip responded to Jesus’ query, I imagine him taking a good look at the crowd before them, estimating how much food each person in the huge assembly would eat, and then recalling how much he used to get for a day’s work.

       He must have drawn numbers in the air and counted with his fingers (and toes even). Multiply this. Divide that. Add this. Subtract that. Until he came up with “two hundred day’s wages is not even enough.” If Philip were alive today, he surely would be a certified public accountant.

       I see a little of Philip in me. When faced with a financial need, I start computing every peso I earn and spend. Every punch in the calculator fuels a subtle belief that I can do it alone. But when the calculations show more debt than gain, I start to worry that I don’t have enough.

       Until I am reminded that, yes, my list of debts may be a mile long but God never fails to provide. I only need to have faith. If He was able to feed 5,000 people, how could He not provide for me? Osy Erica (osy.erica@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Stop being your own accountant. Subtract doubt and multiply faith in your life.

 

You, oh God, are my Provider, and Your grace is enough to pull me through. Teach me to have faith and to rely on Your goodness and abundance.

 

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

Don't be afraid to fail. There are lessons you will learn through failure that you will never learn through success - God Whispers May 2,2014

Don't be afraid to fail. There are lessons you will learn through failure that you will never learn through success.


Trust Me, God


P.S. Determination and tenacity are gifts you receive when you fail.