If dogs have papers to prove their pedigree, then we have the Bible to support our lineage, too - Daily Bible Reflections December 17,2015

PEDIGREE PAPERS   Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called Christ. – Matthew 1:16          My friend belongs to one of the well-known, affluent clans in their province. Her mom is like a living genealogy book. She practically knows everyone’s lineage all the way up to their forefathers! Not only does she know the branches of their huge family tree, she also knows all the stories surrounding each family, including their hidden secrets and mysteries. That seems to be the culture then where everyone knows everyone and everything that’s happening in their town.        So when my friend was going to get married, the first question her mom asked was his pedigree, as if my friend was buying a dog. Her mom needed to know if her daughter was going to marry into a buena familia (good family).        No matter how boring today’s Gospel reading may be, genealogy is significant for any culture. It establishes the identity of a person, his “belongingness.” For us Christians, it reveals that not everyone in Jesus’ lineage was from a buena familia. It wasn’t a prerequisite in producing the Messiah.        This shows that there are no hopeless cases or rejects with God. No matter what your past is, God can always turn it around and produce something amazing! Ronna Ledesma (ronna_ledesma@yahoo.com.ph)   Reflection: If dogs have papers to prove their pedigree, then we have the Bible to support our lineage, too.   Abba Father, thank You for my papers that proves that I am Your daughter.   St. Lazarus, pray for us.

The very first devils that you will fight against are the devils in your mind - Daily Bible Reflections December 11, 2015

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

 

“But to what shall I compare this generation?” – Matthew 11:16

 

    Wars today involve high-tech weapons — weapons of mass destruction. One push of a button and whole cities are destroyed in massive proportions.

         I find this very cowardly when you compare it to wars in the past. In the olden days, wars involved swords, daggers, shields, spears, lances and other hand weapons. The warrior must possess raw courage. He also experiences pride and determination when the general rouses the entire army with supernatural courage.

       The general brings out the value, the power of the cooperation and the esprit-de-corps of his troops. But the most critical part is when he exhorts the army with the “why” of the fight — their raison d’être.

       Scottish hero William Wallace exhorted, “Fight and die, yes. Run and live, only for a while... Yet when you are old you look back and say that I should have fought... Tell them that they may take away our lives but not our freedom!”

       They won the war. You will win yours, too!

       Know your why. Fight the good fight of faith. Fight on God’s side. And victory will always be yours. Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: The very first devils that you will fight against are the devils in your mind.

 

Lord, may I fight the good fight of faith, never giving up until victory is ours.

 

St. Damasus I, pope, pray for us.

Jesus is there at the Blessed Sacrament. Have you visited Him lately? - Daily Bible Reflections December 9, 2015

LOVE LIKE A CHILD

 

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart…” – Matthew 11:29

 

       I was on my way to my next appointment, already feeling tired and exhausted, when I saw a little child reaching out her arms to me. I stopped, squatted to her height and allowed her to hug me. At that instant, all the stress of my day melted away. I didn’t know who that little angel was but I remember her to this day.

       I now understand why parents say that their weariness fades after a hard day’s work when they come home and see their kids.

       It’s the same experience I feel whenever I visit the Blessed Sacrament. I find Jesus hidden there behind the thin wafer of the Host. He comes to us humble and meek, ready to embrace us. He is vulnerable to us. We can either hug Him back or reject His love. But how He longs to give us much needed rest. He wants to spend time with us, to listen to our problems and to counsel us, to bind our wounds. He wants to teach us what little children know — not to be afraid and to trust God.

       Our humble Savior comes to us as a Child, reminding us that no matter how old we grow, we will always be His Father’s children. We can rest in His love and presence. Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Jesus is there at the Blessed Sacrament. Have you visited Him lately?

 

Dear Jesus, bless and protect the little children in the womb and in the world, they reveal Your gentle heart to us. Take care of Your children, Lord. Amen.

 

St. Juan Diego, pray for us.

Have you thanked God for everything around you today? - Daily Bible Reflections December 4,2015

EYES FILLED WITH

GRACE

 

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” – Matthew 9:29

 

       The grace of God is upon His children. I was in college when I took this truth to heart.

       Being the youngest in a brood of seven, my family never had the easiest of times when it came to fulfilling the simplest needs of food or material things.

       Times were hard when we were growing up. I remember not being allowed to take a whole fried tilapia for a meal, otherwise nothing would be left for one more sibling who gets the last spot in the dinner table. We scrimped on everything, yet we learned to share.

       But the grace of understanding what we were going through, rather than getting hung up about it, had come upon me even at that young age. I believed in my heart that God had better things in store for me and my family, so I kept pressing on.

       In my heart, I know that God touched my “eyes” and allowed me to see every blessing He has prepared for me — then and now. Eugene Cailao (eugenecailao@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Have you thanked God for everything around you today?

 

In the chaos of everyday life, allow me, God, to see Your grace and blessing in everything around me.

 

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

You can’t be blessed apart from God, for all blessings come from Him - Daily Bible Reflections December 2,2015

DON’T GO EMPTY-HANDED

 

“… I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” – Matthew15:32

 

       When I was a teenager, I had this technique to get extra allowance for my occasional gimmicks. I call it “abiding presence.” One week before my scheduled gimmick, I would already ask for extra money. Mom would always say, “If you want to have money, save up the whole week.” But we both knew that even if I skip meals in school, I wouldn’t be able to save enough.

       What I’d do is stay by Mom’s side all throughout the week. I’d help her with the household chores, plus… I’d pluck her white hair! At the end of the week, before I leave for my gimmick, my mom would hand me extra money. It never failed!

       Why did it work? Was it because of my presence and services? No! It only worked because my mom is compassionate.

       It’s the same thing with our lives. If we remain in the abiding presence of God, we will never go empty-handed. Blessings abound. Our hands are filled not because we remain in Him.

       We lack nothing because He is compassionate. He won’t let us go empty-handed. Velden Lim (veldenlim@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: You can’t be blessed apart from God, for all blessings come from Him.

 

Lord, thank You for Your unending compassion. Everything I have is because of Your mercy.

 

Blessed Rafael Chylinski, pray for us.

What is your image of God? How do you relate to Him? - Daily Bible Reflections December 1,2015

A DISTORTED IMAGE

OF GOD

 

Not by appearance shall he judge... – Isaiah 11:3

 

       One day, a man came up to me and said, “Bo, I feel God is angry at me today because I missed my prayer time. I’m afraid that He’ll punish me.” Friends, I knew that feeling very well. Because for years — decades — I used to think at way. Yes, I once had toxic faith. For 20 years, I worshipped a judgmental, wrathful, vindictive and legalistic God.

       Why? Because our intellectual image of God is very different from our subconscious image of God. The latter is much deeper and more difficult to change.

       I used to pray daily out of fear of God’s punishment. Do you know how absurd that was? Imagine a father calling up his son and growling, “Ingrate! You don’t visit me anymore. I’m going to put a curse on you if you don’t visit me right this minute.” What kind of father is that? And yet we imagine God to be like that.

       Today, I still pray daily, but I do so because I love to pray. He blesses me, nourishes me, and fills my heart with love. If I do miss my prayers, He doesn’t throw lightning bolts at me.

       Friend, God understands us more than anybody else. That’s why He became Man. Merry Christmas! Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com)

 

Reflection: What is your image of God? How do you relate to Him?

 

Heal my wrong image of You, Lord.

 

Blessed John of Vercelli, pray for us.

 

After all is said and done, the Word of God will continue to live on. It remains forever - Daily Bible Reflections November 27,2015

EVEN THOUGH TIMES

HAVE CHANGED

 

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” – Luke 21:33

 

       I’ve loved reading Bible stories ever since I was a small girl. The colored pictures amused me. In my early twenties, I copied on index cards Bible phrases that spoke to me in particular moments in my life. Three decades later, the same words continue to speak to me, revealing different messages as circumstances changed over time.

       I have lived to see three generations before me – my great grandparents, my grandparents and my parents. My children were born when my grandparents were still alive and strong. All these generations have heard the Word of God, and the future generations will all hear the same Word of God.

       In much the same way, the world we live in has gone through war and peace, through destruction and rehabilitation. People, famous and not, have come and gone. We’ve had our share of triumphs and defeats, of joys and sorrows. But His Word has remained the same. It urges us on. It showers us with hope. It lifts up our spirits. And it transforms us day by day. Bella Estrella (blestrella@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: After all is said and done, the Word of God will continue to live on. It remains forever.

 

Thank You, Lord, for molding us through Your Word that never changes. Steadfast indeed is Your love, and we can never live without it.

 

St. Francesco Antonio Fasani, pray for us.

It is not easy to say goodbye to a habit. But through self-determination and discipline, coupled with prayers, nothing is impossible - Daily Bible Reflections November 26,2015

NOW IS THE TIME

 

“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” – Luke 21:28

 

       My 49-year-old patient who has been a smoker since his college days came to see me one day to ask me about how to stop smoking.

       After two weeks, he came back telling me,“It’s so hard to kick the habit, doc, so I just cut down my usual consumption to half.”

       Ladies and gentlemen of the smoking republic, if you are really bent on kicking the habit of smoking, you have to do it “on a lump sum” and not on “installment basis.” You need to go all the way and give it up completely.

       God is giving us enough time and chances to right our wrongs. So let us make use of this time to change our ways. The earlier we do it, the better. Let’s not wait till tomorrow, for tomorrow may not come. There’s no other time. Now is the time. Act now before it’s too late. Dr. Henry L. Yu (henrio_md@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: It is not easy to say goodbye to a habit. But through self-determination and discipline, coupled with prayers, nothing is impossible. Without God, we can do nothing. With Him, we are strong.

 

Dear Lord, grant us the determination to kick our bad habits and become the good children that You have designed us to be.

 

St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.

Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary - Daily Bible Reflections November 25,2015

GOD-GIVEN WORDS

 

“… I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking…” — Luke 21:15

 

       When I was a fulltime worker for my Catholic community, I used to speak to different crowds — to young people, married couples, even to little kids. Usually I’d speak in English, but there were many times that I’d have to speak in Bahasa Melayu or Tetum (a language spoken in Timor Leste, where my family and I used to be based).

       I’m not a fulltime worker anymore and I don’t give talks as often as I used to. I am blessed, though, because I still get invited to speak at events, usually at parenting seminars or special seminars for women. It’s even more challenging to speak to people of different backgrounds, and not necessarily of the same faith. I often find myself praying and preparing for each talk with great care, because I believe that every speaking opportunity is a chance for me to glorify God. Thank God for His wisdom that sees me through every talk!

       So if ever you find yourself at a loss for words when you’ve been tasked to speak about something — especially about God — don’t fear! He will give you the words you need! Tina Santiago-Rodriguez (tina@trulyrichmom.com)

 

Reflection: Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary. — Anonymous

 

Lord, grant me the wisdom I need to speak of Your love and grace to those who need to hear it the most.

 

St. Columban, pray for us.

 

Do you use the life you were given only to serve yourself or do you responsibly use it to serve God and others? - Daily Bible Reflections November 24,2015

GOD’S BALL OF WRATH?   “There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues...” – Luke 21:11          The Philippines will remember 2013 for the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that flattened Bohol and the strongest ever recorded typhoon Haiyan (“Yolanda”) that ravaged Central Philippines. In other parts of the world, the Midwest US and Ohio Valley were hit by a tornado, Indonesia had a violent volcanic eruption, while the desert kingdom of Riyadh experienced severe flooding.        What is happening to the world? Is the end near? Environmentalists point to climate change. But doomsayers claim these  events are God’s way of punishing a world gone astray – with war, corruption and widespread acceptance of abortion.        Nobody knows the time and day of God’s second coming. It will happen according to His time. Instead of ranting about shortcomings, questioning God for the tragedies, and predicting the end of the world, let us channel our energies to doing these things: Let us recognize the strong spirit of humanity and the best of mankind that springs after each tragedy. Let us examine our inner selves about our contributions in making the world a better place, and finally, in preparing ourselves for death and His judgment. Marie Franco (mariefranco_pie@yahoo.com)   Reflection: Do you use the life you were given only to serve yourself or do you responsibly use it to serve God and others?   Spare us, O Lord, from the tragedies in life. And as I am spared, grant me the conscience to uplift those who experience tragedies and trials in life.   St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions, pray for us.

If you were in Daniel’s situation, would you continue to be faithful? What do you think it means to be “poor of the Lord”? - Daily Bible Reflections November 23,2015

GIANTS

 

“He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest...”– Luke 21:3

 

Imagine losing everything in the worst possible way — no more house, no more money, your family is either killed, maimed or enslaved in front of you, nothing that you are or own matters anymore, you’re thrown into the streets, and you’re made a slave of a tyrant.

       Would you still serve God?

    In today’s readings, that is exactly what happened to Daniel, his companions and the widow. None of them chose the situation they were in — Daniel and his friends were now slaves, and the widow, having lost her family, was now a beggar for life.

       But more than having anguish in common, they also had a strong faith, a living hope and a firm devotion to the Lord. Consider that even in their situation, (a) none of them complained or blamed God for their circumstances, (b) consistently, they showed nothing but conviction, and (c) compared to others who had freedom or riches or both, these people who had very little still exceeded expectations in what they did for the Lord.

       They were blessed for their faith and they have blessed us with their example. They are “giants” to emulate indeed. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: If you were in Daniel’s situation, would you continue to be faithful? What do you think it means to be “poor of the Lord”?

 

Lord, You know better the deficiencies in my faith; take them all away and make me whole. For Your greater honor and glory. Amen.

 

St. Clement I, pope and martyr, pray for us.

 

What is your topmost need or dream right now? Tell Jesus about it in detail - Daily Bible Reflections November 16,2015

TELL HIM   “What do you want me to do for you?” – Luke 18:41        God knows what you will ask from Him even before you tell Him. Nonetheless, tell Him.        As a father to my kids, I almost always know what my son or daughter will ask from me. Still, I want them to tell me. Why? So that we can talk and nourish our relationship. And because more than what I give or what my child receives, the more important thing is our  relationship — the giver and the receiver, the father and the child.         When you pray and ask God for what you need, your talking to Him is already creating miracles. You recognize Him. You honor Him. You depend on Him. You profess your faith in Him. Whether you receive what you asked for or not, developing your relationship with Him is what matters most.        Also, you know that when you receive what you asked for, it’s from Him! You asked for it, right? So you become grateful, joyful and humble, knowing that the blessings you have are not the fruit of your hard work but are given by His grace.        Now, hear Jesus ask you again, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Tell Him. Talk to Him. Now. Alvin Barcelona (apb_ayo@yahoo.com)   Reflection: What is your topmost need or dream right now? Tell Jesus about it in detail. Expect Him to answer your prayers as you deepen your relationship with Him.   Dear Lord, this is what I want You to do for me today. (Specify what it is.) Thank You for answering my prayer in the best possible way. I love You, Jesus.   St. Margaret of Scotland, pray for us.

How is your spiritual life at this point in time? In what ways do you cultivate your soul? - Daily Bible Reflections November 15,2015

IN PREPARATION   “In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates.” – Mark 13:29          Though it’s still wintertime as I write this, temperatures have been warming up early for spring, warm enough for ants to know that it’s time to come out of their nests to raid our bathroom and kitchen again. Very smart, these ants. They communicate with each other, build underground “cities,” and they don’t waste time gathering food in preparation for the next winter season.        Ant behavior is tied to the weather. Like most other creatures that are of lesser intelligence, they survive by using their senses. We humans, however, are the most intelligent creatures of the Earth yet our intelligence causes us to analyze too much, thus hindering us from recognizing the signs of the times.        In Mark chapter 13, Jesus speaks about the signs of the end that have been upon us for many years — warring nations, earthquakes, famines. How are we preparing our souls? The end of days may not happen in our lifetime, but surely our lives will come to an end.        Like the ants, let’s use our time on Earth wisely by nurturing our souls so that when the winter of life is over, we’ll be ready to meet our Maker. Nova A. Sevilla (nova.svp@gmail.com)   Reflection: How is your spiritual life at this point in time? In what ways do you cultivate your soul?   Heavenly Father, may I make it a daily goal to beautify my soul in preparation for meeting You when my time comes.   St. Albert the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

God wants you to ride His van of hope. Hop in! - Daily Bible Reflections November 14,2015

THE WHITE VAN

 

“Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?” – Luke 18:7

 

       I had only two hours to commute from Mandaluyong to Cubao, and back. That shouldn’t have been a problem, since the distance was only around 12 kilometers in total. But I was going to do so on a Friday during the Christmas rush, and “traffic jam” was an understatement.

       I hired a taxi to take me to Cubao so I was able to get there in time. The problem was getting back to Mandaluyong.

       So there I was, pleading to God to let me make it back in time. Tough luck, I thought to myself.

       Then, as I was about to walk to the bus stop, a white van appeared in front of me. The windows opened, and I heard a man shout from the inside, “Hop in!” To my surprise, I saw that the man was Bo Sanchez. His wife, Marowe, was with him in the van and there was plenty of room for me!

       “Thank You, Lord!” My heart was full of joy and praise as I stepped inside the van. I learned that the kind couple were heading the same way, and that they could drop me off as close as possible to where I needed to be. I sat back, shared lots of stories, and thanked them for being my angels when I got down.

    God truly answers when we call on Him! Migs Ramirez (migsramirez.seminars@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: God wants you to ride His van of hope. Hop in!

 

Lord, thank You for meeting my needs at the perfect time. Teach me to trust in You and never grow weary of relying on You. Amen.

 

St. Dyfrig, bishop, pray for us.

 

How often do you attribute what you have and what you have achieved to God? Focus on the Giver, not the gift - Daily Bible Reflections November 13,2015

THE GIFT GIVER

 

For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen. – Wisdom 13:5

 

       She was one of those girls whom guys would love to take home to their parents and whom girls would want to be best friends with. She was beautiful, with clear skin, bouncy hair and naturally doll-like eyes that twinkled as she smiled. Compliment her, and she’d tell you, “Thank you. Bigay ni Lord. (It’s God’s gift).”

       She was gifted with a love for music. Her voice could be likened to an angel’s, and this has become her instrument in serving God. As friends pat her on the back as she goes offstage after leading worship, she would humbly say, “Thank you. Bigay ni Lord. (It’s God’s gift).”

         One time, she shared about her success in her flourishing career. A new car had been offered to her as a reward for her hard

work. She answered my congratulations with “Thank you. Bigay ni Lord. (It’s God’s gift).” To her, everything is a gift from God.

       When we focus more on the Gift Giver rather than the gift, we can see God more. When we become more astounded by the generosity of God rather than the greatness of His blessing, we become more grateful to Him. Osy Erica (osy.erica@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: How often do you attribute what you have and what you have achieved to God? Focus on the Giver, not the gift.

 

Thank You, Father, for everything You have given me. For every blessing, help me to focus on You more. Remind me that every good thing is not of my doing but a gift from You. Amen.

 

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin, pray for us.

Beware and never let your guards down - Daily Bible Reflections November 12,2015

HIS TRUE PRESENCE

 

“The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed... the kingdom of God is among you.” – Luke 17:20-21

 

       In the early days of my conversion, I was always invited by different religious sects to attend their Bible studies and prayer meetings. They quoted passages in the Bible just to convince me to leave my religion and join theirs.

       There were life-changing testimonies from former Catholics who converted when they felt Jesus was more “present” in that specific religious denomination. But every time I asked them about Mary as the Mother of God and the Holy Eucharist as the true presence of Christ, they couldn’t give me concrete answers.

       Finally, after so many groups had tried to convince me about their “true” religion, it was God Himself who manifested His presence to me. I attended daily Mass during my lunch breaks and the first of those daily Masses happened on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. What further proof did I need to show the people on the real presence of God?

       From then on, my life changed. To this day, I continue to receive Jesus daily in the Holy Eucharist, where God’s presence is truly magnified. Monty Mendigoria (montymendigoria@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Beware and never let your guards down. There will be voices of deception to make us believe that they were sent to bring salvation. Let Jesus reveal Himself and let Him manifest in your life.

 

My Lord, let Your almighty power come like a flash of lightning and let the world see Your greatness in every corner of the Earth.

 

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

A grateful heart is a magnet of blessings. Start thanking God and get ready to be blessed - Daily Bible Reflections November 11,2015

FOREVER CHANGED

 

And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice. – Luke 17:15

 

       I can identify with the lepers in today’s Gospel. Not that I had leprosy — only that I was also as despicable:

       I was ugly, short, and had a not-so-pointed-nose, big eyes (with big eyebags), a rough complexion, unkempt hair, and teeth resembling a broken fence. I was also pimple-infested, bad-smelling, skinny and frail, asthmatic, poor in math, accounting, grammar and writing. I was a total failure.

       Then God entered my life! The amazing Savior poured in His grace. He loved me and gave beautiful color to my rather boring, pale and dreary life.

       Now, I’m still vertically-challenged, yet I have a nearly-pointed-nose, expressive eyes and manly complexion. I have a fair-skinned face, am good-smelling, fit and sporty. I am an entrepreneur and investor, speak good English, an author of books, an international speaker, a visionary, have a great family life, and living a life of success and significance.

       All thanks to Jesus — and that is why I preach His Word.

       Indeed, when you realize and see that it is the Son of God Himself who heals and redeems you, you will never be the same again. Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: A grateful heart is a magnet of blessings. Start thanking God and get ready to be blessed.

 

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. (Psalm 100:4)

 

St. Martin of Tours, bishop, pray for us.

Where is God leading you? - Daily Bible Reflections November 8, 2015

JUMP IN FAITH!

 

‘The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’ – 1 Kings 17:14

 

       I resigned from my stable job in advertising to focus on building my dream — to be a full-time crafter.

       When God planted this desire in my heart, I asked myself, “How the heck am I going to survive without a regular income?”

       For more than a year, I prayed for direction every day, and as I prayed, my passion for crafting grew. So I asked God, “What do you want me to do?” He answered with a smile on His face, “Pia, whatever it is that you decide to do, do everything for Me and with Me, and everything will fall into place.”

       My fear was replaced with peace and excitement. I knew I had to take a leap of faith. So, after more than a year of thinking and praying, I submitted my resignation letter. As promised, God made everything fall into place.

       Big and small freelance writing projects lined up like ants, enough to sustain me for the rest of the year. I now have more time to do arts and crafts, bringing me a step closer to opening my dream craft store. My God provides for my every need.

       Open your heart to God. Share your dreams with Him, because His will for you is to be happy more than words can express. Pia Angelica Suiza (piasuiza@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION: Where is God leading you?

 

Jesus, my Provider, You make all things new in Your perfect time. Grant me the humility and patience to listen to Your voice each and every day. Amen.

 

Blessed John Duns Scotus, pray for us.