Do we seek first the kingdom of God in our day-to-day life? Do we read the Bible as an obligation or only when our schedule permits? - Daily Bible Reflections July 30,2014

THE BURIED TREASURE

 

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field.” – Matthew 13:44

 

Last year, my son and I joined a half-marathon on the historical island of Corregidor. We checked in a day before the race to have a glimpse of the trail and enjoy the World War II heritage site. We signed up for a guided tour adventure and walked back in time as our tour guide, Armand, nostalgically narrated the historic battles in Corregidor.

       Then Armand displayed his treasured vintage collections of ammunition cartridges, grenades, soda bottles and other memorabilia. Interestingly, historical experts explore the far corners of the island searching intensively for these treasured artifacts. But inarguably, the real treasures here are the enduring stories of our forefathers who valiantly fought and spilled their blood with the allied forces, defending our country for the price of freedom.

       However, what more can surpass the story of our Savior Jesus Christ, who spilled His blood to conquer death and sin centuries ago? Fortunately, we have access to the Bible as our map to search for the kingdom of heaven and our priests as treasure guides whenever we celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Leo Villarico (leovrico@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Do we seek first the kingdom of God in our day-to-day life? Do we read the Bible as an obligation or only when our schedule permits?

 

Lord, grant me a desperate heart that burns with passion in seeking Your kingdom in every aspect of my life. Let my search be an adventurous journey with You at my side.

 

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

What are you doing to contribute to a better future for the Philippines? - Daily Bible Reflections July 29,2014

Memorial of St. Martha

A BETTER PHILIPPINES

We wait for peace, to no avail; for a time of healing, but terror comes instead. – Jeremiah 14:19

It has been 28 years since the bloodless revolt took place in our country. We held in our hands the very things we had longed for — freedom and peace.

       Now, almost three decades later, what do we have? Can we honestly say we have peace in our land, that we have been healed of the wounds of the past?

       It’s sad that many of our leaders — and followers — have not learned from the lessons of the past. It’s a big challenge to our current president to try to rebuild a government with integrity and with the people’s interests at heart. Shadows of the past continue to haunt the corners of every government office. Old habits are hard to replace with value-laden ones.

       And so we continue to suffer as a people. We continue to live with corruption, with violence, with greed, with mockery in our institutions. The very things we long for are still in our hands. We can have peace and healing if we all start within ourselves. Only then can we bequeath a better country — a better life — to the future generations. With God’s grace, we can do it. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

Reflection: What are you doing to contribute to a better future for the Philippines?

Lord, we lift up to You our country. Grant healing to our battered land.

St. Martha, pray for us.

“The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless.” (Billy Graham) - Daily Bible Reflections July 28,2014

IN THE BREADMAKER ’S

HAND

 

“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” – Matthew 13:33

 

I love bread. Mostly I love bread with raisins. The raisin bread of Baguio Country Club. The wheat raisin bread of Gardenia. The Raisin Braid of BreadTalk. These are just some of my favourites.

       I also love “eating” the host during Communion, even if it has no raisins. (Insider info: When I serve as Mass commentator and there are extra consecrated hosts and no Tabernacle nearby, we consume the rest.)

       The difference between these two kinds of bread is that hosts have no yeast, that’s why they don’t rise.

       If I were to be bread, I should be so simple that I can be a host — used by God to nourish souls. But I should also become “leavened” — enriched — so that I can grow and nourish other lives.

       In the spiritual life, to be leavened or to be unleavened is not mutually exclusive. It is only important that you put yourself in the hand of the Breadmaker. For He is the One who will feed you to those who are hungry and need nourishment. Joy Sosoban-Roa (jsosoban@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless.” (Billy Graham)

 

Thank You, Lord, for causing growth. Thank You also for keeping us grounded. I put myself in Your hands. Use me as You will.

 

St. Leopold Mandic, pray for us.

God makes us stronger and wiser each time we conquer a struggle - Daily Bible Reflections July 25,2014

Feast of St. James, Apostle   THE SECRET WEAPON   We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained, perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed. – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9   No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to this rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?        Oh how I love this song, and I get teary-eyed whenever this is sung at Mass.        There were many occasions in my life when I felt like I had hit rock bottom and I no longer had the strength to get back up and move on with life. I’d have endless nights of crying, complaining and questioning God. But somehow I’ve managed to survive. For despite all the whining, God manifested Himself in many ways to remind me that I was never alone.        God didn’t promise He would carry our every burden all the time. If such were the case, we would never learn, never grow, never persevere and learn to endure life’s many afflictions. But God did say He will be with us every step of the way — to comfort, to guide, and to console us. So do not despair when you are weighed down with problems. Cling to your faith and God will help you regain your strength to overcome your distress. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)   Reflection: God makes us stronger and wiser each time we conquer a struggle.   Dear Lord, may I not be defeated by my weakness and praise You even in the midst of torment.   St. James, Apostle, pray for us.

We are all God’s ambassadors. Are you ready to live this out? - Daily Bible Reflections July 24,2014

DON’T WASTE YOUR

GREATNESS

 

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear.” – Matthew 13:16

 

       A mother and a baby camel were lying around, and suddenly the baby camel asked, “Mom, may I ask you some questions?”

       Mother said, “Sure, son, is something bothering you?”

       Baby said, “Why do camels have humps?”

       Mother said, “Well son, we are desert animals. We need the humps to store water for our survival.”

       Baby said, “OK, then why are our legs long?”

       Mother replied, “Son, obviously they are meant for walking in the desert.”

       “OK, then why are our eyelashes long?” the baby continued.

       With pride, Mother answered, “My son, our long thick eyelashes protect our eyes from sandstorms.” Baby stopped to think then said, “I see. So if the hump is to store water, the legs are for walking through the desert, and these eyelashes protect our eyes, then what in heaven’s name are we doing here at the zoo?”

       Funny but this story above challenges us not to put our greatness to waste. God gifted us with so much and He challenges us to be His witnesses to the world. C’mon, it’s showtime! JC Libiran (jclibiran@ymail.com)

 

Reflection: We are all God’s ambassadors. Are you ready to live this out?

 

Lord God, may I reflect Your love and greatness through my life. Amen.

 

St. Sharbel Makhlouf, pray for us.

“What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.” (Meister Eckhart) - Daily Bible Reflections July 23,2014

GOOD SOIL

 

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop — a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” – Matthew 13:8

 

       The first time I visited Guimaras Island was in 2007. I was amazed at how prolific mango trees grew in the orchards on this 8,000-hectare arable land. Known as “mango country,” Guimaras produces mangoes that are some of the sweetest and purest (pest-free) in the world. They have been served in the White House and Buckingham Palace. Thanks to the island’s fertile soil and balmy weather, mangoes are harvested all year round. Imagine a single mango tree that yields up to 2,000 kilos of fruits in its lifetime. Now imagine 400,000 mango trees that produce a total of 20 million kilos of fruits!

       I pray I could be like the good soil in Guimaras. I pray that through proclaiming God’s Word in print media, I may be able to help Him harvest countless souls so that His love may bear fruit in their lives. By His grace, I am able to touch lives one reader at a time today. That is why I continue to pray, read and contemplate on the daily readings, go to Mass at least thrice a week, seek support and prayers from my prayer group, and receive the sacraments — that the Lord may continue to enrich and nourish the “soil” that is me. Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.” (Meister Eckhart)

 

Lord of the Harvest, help me to be good soil where the seed of faith can grow and bear fruit.

 

St. Bridget, religious, pray for us.

God will turn our season of mourning into a season of dancing. His love never fails - Daily Bible Reflections July 22,2014

CRYBABY

 

“Woman, why are you weeping?” – John 20:15

 

       When I was growing up, I was always teased as a crybaby, not because I complain or whine but because I easily cry over small things. Now that I’m a grown up, I’m still a balatsibuyas (onion-skinned), this time crying over heartfelt prayers and worship songs.

       I still remember the time when I cried my heart out, my eyes hurting and puffy, and I felt as if I had no more tears to shed. It was when I got brokenhearted. I snuggled up beside my mom and cried until the wee hours of the morning. At that moment, I felt like I was the most important person to her. Her hugs eased the pain. If only she could take all the pain away.

       Like my mom, I believe God does not want to see us crying when we’re hurt or in pain. It breaks His heart to see us cry. But unlike my mom who couldn’t wipe out all my pain, Jesus can. For our sake, Jesus bore the pain. He endured our sufferings and emerged victorious over 2,000 years ago.

       Now, whenever I pray or sing and my tears begin to fall, I picture Jesus wiping each tear, hugging me, saying, “Lala, why are you weeping? Do not cry. I am here. My love never fails.” Lala Dela Cruz (bella.delacruz@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: God will turn our season of mourning into a season of dancing. His love never fails.

 

Father, I surrender to You now everything that hurts me. I trust in Your love and Your great plans for me. Amen.

 

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

Are you waiting for lightning in your life? God might already be whispering something to you - Daily Bible Reflections July 21, 2014

LOOK FOR THE LIGHT   “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” – Matthew 12:38          When I was young, I’d always wish to see a rainbow. My sisters saw one after a heavy rain had cleared, but I couldn’t see it. I was so frustrated. I felt like I was missing out on something great.        As I grew older, I realized that rainbows are merely caused by the refraction of light, whether or not you see one. It’s like how we wish to see big signs of God’s love, but don’t realize that it’s there even without the sign. It reminds me of a song called “Waiting for Lightning” by Steven Curtis Chapman:        Night falls and the curtain goes down,        There’s no one around except you and the truth,        And you lie and wait for a feeling to take you by storm.        You’re waiting for lightning,        A sign that it’s time for a change,        You’re listening for thunder,        While He quietly whispers your name.        But the sign and the Word have already been given,        Now it’s by faith we must look, we must listen.        As I grew in my faith, I eventually learned that God doesn’t always give us spectacular signs or proof of His love. He wants us to believe in Him even without those things. That said, every now and then, He’ll lovingly throw a rainbow our way. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)   Reflection: Are you waiting for lightning in your life? God might already be whispering something to you.   Lord, may I trust You in all circumstances.   St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

You can get rid of your bad habits. You can be free from your addictions. But only if you believe that you can be set free - God Whispers July 21,2014

You can get rid of your bad habits. You can be free from your addictions. But only if you believe that you can be set free.

       Liberating you,
       God

       P.S. Whoever I set free is free indeed.

Don't believe the lie that you can't break a bad habit. You may have failed in the past but don't let it stop you from trying again - God Whispers July 20,2014

Don't believe the lie that you can't break a bad habit. You may have failed in the past but don't let it stop you from trying again.

Persevere,
God

P.S. What new thing can you try to break a bad habit?

 

People who hurt you are wounded themselves. Instead of striking back with injury, repay them with healing love - God Whispers July 19,2014

People who hurt you are wounded themselves. Instead of striking back with injury, repay them with healing love.

       Imitate Me,
       God

       P.S. Even if they don't receive it, you yourself will be healed by your loving act.

Whenever you feel a negative emotion, be alone in a room and just sit down with it and feel it - God Whispers July 18,2014

Whenever you feel sad or lonely or depressed or angry or fearful —don’t run away from it, cover it up with busyness or entertainment, or worse, silence the negative feeling with an addiction.

Setting you free,
God

P.S. Whenever you feel a negative emotion, be alone in a room and just sit down with it and feel it. Then allow Me to tenderly embrace you in your pain.

Whenever you feel sad or lonely or depressed or angry or fearful —don’t run away from it - God Whispers July 18,2014

 Whenever you feel sad or lonely or depressed or angry or fearful —don’t run away from it, cover it up with busyness or entertainment, or worse, silence the negative feeling with an addiction.

Setting you free,
God

P.S. Whenever you feel a negative emotion, be alone in a room and just sit down with it and feel it. Then allow Me to tenderly embrace you in your pain.

“You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) - Daily Bible Reflections July 18,2014

GOD IS KIND

 

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” – Matthew 12:7

 

I remember Joseph the Dreamer who was sold by his brothers into slavery. When the time came when they needed his assistance, Joseph could have refused to help them. He had the right to do so, after all the pain they had caused him. But Joseph chose mercy and compassion instead. He forgave his brothers and did them good by providing for their needs.

       God treats us in the same way. We have sinned many times and yet He continues to forgive our sins when we come to Him in the sacrament of reconciliation.

       Some people may have done us wrong and we feel we have the right to take revenge. But the Lord asks us to choose love as it will please the Father. Our duty is to love them.

       Give mercy to the sister who caused us hurt by her painful words, mercy to the absentee father who had neglected us but needs our care in his old age, mercy to the man who caused us much heartache but needs healing through our forgiveness.

       The same mercy the Lord gives to us, He asks that we give to others. It is not easy, and this is why we need God’s grace to help us show mercy, to share His love. Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2)

 

Dear Jesus, help us to love like You do, to overlook offenses and keep no record of wrongs, that we may show our love for You.

 

Blessed Angeline of Marsciano, pray for us.

Take care of your body, and even more, your soul - God Whispers July 17,2014

Toxins in your body cause cancer. Sin is toxin to your soul that slowly brings spiritual death. Take care of your body, and even more, your soul.

Eternally yours,
God

P.S. Your body wastes away but your soul lives forever. Where do you want to be for eternity?

Change what you believe and you'll start changing the status quo - God Whispers July 16, 2014

Just because things have been this way for years doesn't mean they'll never change. Change what you believe and you'll start changing the status quo.

Renewing you,
God


P.S.  I make all things new!

Do you take time to write about God’s blessings and reflections? How can you make time for this? - Daily Bible Reflections Juoly 17,2014

NEW PURPOSE FOR WRITING Let this be written for the next generation, for a people not yet born, that they may praise the Lord. – Psalm 102:19        I was reading my husband’s Purpose-Driven Life Journal years ago when I first came across this Bible verse. I felt my heart leap as I read the verse. I felt God stir my soul to help me discover a new purpose for writing.        I have always loved to write about my experiences, especially about the many wonderful things that the Lord has done in my life. I write to express my love for God. I write to express my joy and gratitude for the blessings I have received. I write to connect and share a piece of my heart, mind and soul with the people I love. Eventually, I learned to share what I write even with strangers after discovering that my reflections help bring others closer to God.        That night, when God led me to meditate on this verse, He gave me an additional reason to write. Thus, from that time on, leaving something behind for my children and grandchildren to read — something that would recount to our family’s next generations of how blessed we have been because of our God — has become one of my motivations to write. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag (teregmps@yahoo.com) Reflection: Do you take time to write about God’s blessings and reflections? How can you make time for this? Lord, may Your Name be glorified as I write and share about what You have done in my life. St. Francis Solano, pray for us.

“It is the weak who are cruel; gentleness can only come from those who are strong.” (Leo Roskin) - Daily Bible Reflections July 11,2014

SHEEP AMONG WOLVES

 

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16

 

The multitude got hooked with the phenomenal Twilight Saga. It is such a potent blend when romance is sandwiched in the choreography, conflicts and clashes of vampire clans, werewolves and humans.

       In the real world, emotional vampires exist. They suck dry all your patience, exhaust your care and every virtue that you have. With them, you feel like a “sheep among wolves.”

       Let’s compare the two vampires that we know.

       Twilight vampires are super quick in stalking their prey. Emotional vampires are super quick in invading your privacy.

       Twilight vampires have super powers in taking advantage of their enemies. Emotional vampires have super powers in taking advantage of you.

       Twilight vampires are closely knit as a family. Emotional vampires are closely knit to their selfish intent.

       Beware, people of God, vampires lurk around. Be shrewd and gentle amid wolves. The Shepherd of your souls is always there to make a way for you! Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “It is the weak who are cruel; gentleness can only come from those who are strong.” (Leo Roskin)

 

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. (Psalm 23)

 

St. Benedict, abbot, pray for us.

We can be the Lord’s present-day apostles whenever others see His image and likeness in us through our actions - Daily Bible Reflections July 9,2014

MODERN-DAY

AMBASSADORS

 

“As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of God is at hand.’” – Matthew 10:7

 

       OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) pursue the promise of a better life in foreign lands. They endure the loneliness of being away from their families and cope with living in a totally new environment. Their remittances help keep the Philippine economy afloat and they are hailed as the new heroes of the country.

       OFWs bring their skills and their faith wherever they go. In Europe, they fill the otherwise empty churches. We hear stories of conversion of their spouses when they get married to foreign nationals and eventually raise Catholic children. Children who tag along with their Filipino nannies to church also influence their parents.

       “In every corner of the world, there is a Filipino and there is Christmas,” heralds a local network’s season ID. Our traditional Simbang Gabi has started to gain ground in some US parishes. Non-Filipino churchgoers claim to have a better appreciation of the Christmas season because of the nine-day novena. OFWs are the new ambassadors of the Church spreading the message of God. Marie Franco (mariefranco_pie@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: We can be the Lord’s present-day apostles whenever others see His image and likeness in us through our actions.

 

Dear Lord, guide my thoughts, my words, and my deeds so that I can proclaim Your kingdom in my own little way.

 

St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, pray for us.

In what ways can you help in harvesting people for God’s Kingdom? - Daily Bible Reflections July 8,2014

A PROMISE IS

A PROMISE

 

The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. – Matthew 9:37

 

       I was with a group of young women having a weekend search-in at the Camillian Sisters’ formation house in Antipolo. I was there because after my Holy Land pilgrimage, I felt I wanted to give my whole life to God.

       At the end of the two-day retreat, we had varying realizations. I realized I didn’t have an authentic call to the religious life. I sat on the grass and I mused about how I would proceed with my life. At that point, I made a solemn promise to God: that even if He didn’t call me to the religious life, I will help others find their vocation.

          It was a promise that was to be fulfilled in various ways.

       In early 2000, I wrote for Rogate Ergo, the vocations promotion magazine of the Rogationist Fathers in the Philippines. For a semester, I taught human development to seminarians and sisters. For a while, I gave support to a seminarian in a seminary within our village.

       Now that I am back as a contributing writer for Rogate Ergo Asia, I remember that promise I made a long time ago.

       It’s not yet finished — for the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: In what ways can you help in harvesting people for God’s Kingdom?

 

Send me, Lord, where the harvest is.

 

St. Gregory Grassi and Companions, pray for us.

As long as you complicate your life because of love, then it’s glorious - God Whispers July 6, 2014

As long as you complicate your life because of love, then it’s glorious.

Molding you,
God

P.S. Simplicity isn’t the greatest thing in the world, but love.

Be wary of critics that want to destroy but be heedful of critics who correct out of love - God Whispers July 8,2014

Be wary of critics that want to destroy but be heedful of critics who correct out of love.

All out for you,
God

P.S. Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid (Proverbs 12:1).

Healing starts from within. In your heart, in your spirit, in your mind - God Whispers July 4,2014

Healing starts from within. In your heart, in your spirit, in your mind.

Healing you,
God

P.S. I created your body with the power to heal itself. Don't weaken that power with toxic food, toxic feelings and toxic thoughts

Minister to the lost. Dance with them, Jesus style! - Daily Bible Reflections July 4,2014

OPPA, JESUS STYLE!

 

“I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Matthew 9:13

 

During the Christmas season of 2012, in every party I attended, people gyrated with the year’s dance craze, Gangnam Style popularized by Korean pop sensation, Psy.

       Oppa is Korean for “older brother,” now being used by girls as a term of endearment for their boyfriends. Gangnam refers to a party place in Seoul frequented by the wealthy. Psy’s dance makes fun of the rich by spoofing horseback riding, their favorite pastime — apparently a ridicule of Korea’s class system.

       To be “in”, I danced along with my friends — doing the silly horseback riding steps to the tune of the upbeat Gangnam music.

       I felt, yes, like a psycho, making a fool of myself. But I made my friends laugh, so I guess it was well worth it.

       Reading the Gospel today, I realize that’s what Jesus did when He had dinner at Matthew’s house. The Son of God made a fool of Himself — just to win Matthew’s heart, that He may turn this sinner into His disciple.

       Sometimes, our efforts to evangelize will require us to do things that the world might consider foolish. But if we can do silly things for fun’s sake, then all the more we should not be afraid to do “foolish” things for the Lord. After all, that’s what Jesus did for you and me. Chay Santiago (cusantiago@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Minister to the lost. Dance with them, Jesus style!

 

Lord, may I be worthy of Your unconditional love — every day, every moment of my life!

 

St. Elizabeth of Portugal, pray for us.

Do you live each day as if it were your last? Do you “aim for heaven” in everything you do? - Daily Bible Reflections July 3,2014

Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle

 

A PLACE FOR US

 

You are no longer sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God… – Ephesians 2:19

 

       I sobbed the first time I watched The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, especially towards the end of the movie when Lucy, Edmund and Eustace say their goodbyes to Aslan. One of my favorite lines, spoken by Aslan, goes like this: “In your world, I have another name. You should know me by it.”

       The movie reminded me that our life on earth is temporary; we are not meant to be here forever. Because we “are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God,” we have so much more to look forward to — in the next life.

       The lyrics of the song, “There’s a Place for Us,” from the Dawn Treader soundtrack, speak so beautifully of this truth: “There’s a place out there for us, more than just a prayer or anything you’ve ever dreamed of. So when you feel like giving up, ‘cause you don’t fit in down here, fear is crashing in, close your eyes and take my hand....”

       We were made for eternity, friend. Aim for heaven! Tina Santiago-Rodriguez (tina@trulyrichmom.com)

 

Reflection: Do you live each day as if it were your last? Do you “aim for heaven” in everything you do?

 

Lord, please help me to remember that You have already prepared a “place out there for us” — a place in heaven.

 

St. Thomas, Apostle, pray for us.

Do your actions follow what you preach? Remember that the real Gospel you preach is your life - Daily Bible Reflections July 2,2014

WORDS VERSUS

ACTIONS

 

“Why do you recite my statutes... with your mouth?”– Psalm 50:16

 

       “Magnanakaw ka!” (You’re a thief!)

       When Edwin was a little boy, his aunt accused him of stealing milk from their kitchen. The spoonful of milk in his mouth caused Edwin to be beaten to a pulp.

       Edwin’s aunt was a devout Catholic. She would gather everyone and lead the nightly rosary prayer but would utter each Hail Mary with lightning speed. She would have made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for the Fastest Talking Rosary Leader had there been such a category. As if that wasn’t enough, she would squeeze in a few scowls here and there. She knew the rosary all right, but her life was hardly a prayer.

       The kitchen incident and his aunt’s behavior confused little Edwin. How can someone so prayerful be harsh and merciless?

       At certain points in our lives, we may have been like Edwin’s aunt. We chose to be right rather than loving. We know God by the book but fail to recognize Him in the face of our brothers and sisters. Let us remember that a truly prayerful life is backed up by a loving heart. Osy Erica (osy.erica@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Do your actions follow what you preach? Remember that the real Gospel you preach is your life.

 

Lord, cover me with Your grace so I may stay true to what I preach. Make a sincere servant out of me, one whose life is a prayer and an offering to You.

 

St. Oliver Plunkett, pray for us.