“It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” (Dalai Lama XIV) - Daily Bible Reflections March 31,2015

HOLY TUESDAY   DYING TO YOURSELF WITH A SMILE   Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me?”– John 13:38          “Who doesn’t have a pencil?” I asked my Grade 2 Religion class. I then distributed some almost- new pencils to those who raised their hands.        “Tita Banjoy, I still have a pencil,” a boy said, smiling as he motioned to return the pencil I gave him. “My seatmate has no pencil. Can I give it to him instead?” he asked.        As a catechist, I always stress to children that to make others happy, we need to make a little sacrifice with a smile.          “Jesus made the greatest sacrifice for our salvation,” I tell them. “We have to give up what makes us happy to make others happy. That way, we also make God happy.”        I smiled at him and nodded for him to give the pencil to his seatmate. I brushed his head tenderly with my hand to affirm him and asked him to show me his pencil. He smiled as he lifted his short, three-inch pencil. Banjoy N. Santillan (pasantillan58@yahoo.com)   Reflection: “It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” (Dalai Lama XIV)   For Your glory and the happiness of others, Lord, let me make little sacrifices in my life.   St. Stephen of Mar Saba, pray for us.

When you’re hopeless and discouraged, be firm in your faith that Jesus never forsakes those who call on Him - Daily Bible Reflections March 30, 2015

HOLY MONDAY

 

LOLA MATWA

 

He will not lose hope or courage. – Isaiah 42:4

 

       “Me, lose hope and courage?” Lola Matwa would utter whenever the topic of liberation from imprisonment at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) was mentioned. She’d usually follow it by saying, “Even sardines are set free, so I’m sure to get out of here!”

       Lola Matwa was one of the old women serving sentence for illegal recruitment and estafa. She regularly attended the Light of Jesus Family fellowship every second Saturday of the month inside the institution. She was an elementary teacher during her younger years until she was involved in recruiting overseas contract workers whose deployment never materialized.

       Lola Matwa’s positive attitude inspired her fellow inmates in CIW. As a member of the Legion of Mary, she also taught others the basic Catholic prayers and the Holy Rosary, and how to read the Holy Bible.

     Lola Matwa’s deepest longing finally came true when she received executive clemency from former President Arroyo. Overwhelmed, Lola Matwa repeatedly bragged, “I told you, even sardines are able to get out — but only without their heads! But here I am with a strong, firm faith, never losing hope that I would be free — and with my head still on!” Beth Corral (bethcorral_0330@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: When you’re hopeless and discouraged, be firm in your faith that Jesus never forsakes those who call on Him.

 

When I lose hope and become discouraged, Lord Jesus, help me!

 

St. Peter Regalado, pray for us.

 

“The wicked envy and hate; it is their way of admiring.” (Victor Hugo) - Daily Bible Reflections March 28,2015

WHEN ENVY STRIKES   So that from that day on they planned to kill him. – John 11:53          I was four years old. My friend, Apple, and I were playing when her nanny gave her a cold bottle of soda. Oh, how I wanted to have that refreshing soda for myself! I asked money from Mom to buy my coveted drink. She was surprised because all I ever drank was juice and water. She asked, “Why do you like soda all of a sudden?” I threw a tantrum and yelled, “Apple is drinking soda! Why can’t I?”        Jesus was gaining popularity and the people believed in the good He had done. So it was ironic that the Pharisees and chief priests plotted to kill Him. And for what? For doing good. That’s how envy works — it dampens your joy, suffocates your compassion, and ruins your appreciation of others’ goodness.        The Pharisees and chief priests witnessed the amazing things Jesus did and were awed by His wisdom. They probably even admired Him. But envy overcame their better judgment and sowed the seeds of hatred and murder in their hearts. They couldn’t have what Jesus had so they plotted to kill Him.       Guess what happened after my tantrum? Mom didn’t give in. Because she knew I wanted to have soda only because I envied my friend. Thank God for my wise mom who taught me to guard my heart from the deadly sin of envy. Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)   Reflection: “The wicked envy and hate; it is their way of admiring.” (Victor Hugo)   Lord, humble me and take the envy away from my heart.   St. Hesychius of Jerusalem, pray for us.

The Church is not a building; it is people building each other up - Daily Bible Reflections March 27,2015

CARRY MY CROSS

 

And many there began to believe in him. – John 10:42

 

       I was blessed to join the Holy Land pilgrimage led by Bo Sanchez last year. There were the awesome sights and wondrous churches built on holy sites. We celebrated the Eucharist every day and worshipped with songs and praises.

       But I was most blessed by the people I was with during the trip. More than being in the places where Jesus walked, I experienced Him through new friends, mentoring opportunities from wise people, and through loving affirmation from fellow pilgrims.

       When we did the Way of the Cross in Jerusalem, I had to carry my heavy keyboard through all the stations so I could play during the Mass. My fellow pilgrims offered to help me carry my “cross” along the Via Dolorosa.

       Jesus spoke to me at that moment. He made me realize that I don’t have to go to far places to meet Him. Because it is in each other that we can experience Him as we bear each other’s crosses and help one another strive for holiness.

       This experience made me grow closer to Jesus, seeking Him not just in holy places, but seeing Him in the heart of every person I meet. Didoy Lubaton (christianlubaton@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: The Church is not a building; it is people building each other up.

 

Thank You, Jesus, for sending people to help me with my crosses in life.

 

Blessed Francesco Faa di Bruno, pray for us.

 

When heartbreaking trials come, do you sulk and despair? Or do you cling even tighter to God who is forever faithful to you? - Daily Bible Reflections March 26,2015

BANKRUPTCY? WHAT’S THAT?   “I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you throughout the ages as an everlasting pact…” – Genesis 17:7          The news came like a thunderbolt. “Our funds have dried up. We don’t even have enough to pay for electricity and salaries of our staff next month. Are we going to close down?”        The one speaking was referring to Grace to Be Born, our sanctuary for unwed pregnant mothers in crisis and our ministry for saving the unborn from abortion. Expenses were soaring.        When I relayed the bad news to Bo Sanchez, our chairman and president, he just laughed. It was as if I delivered a good joke. Then he said that we have a big God, a God who is faithful to His children and who will never abandon us, come what may.        The following week, he mentioned our problem in his Soulfood e-newsletter. Donations from all over came rushing in. We didn’t solve our problems. God did.        My friends, don’t ever think for a moment that our God has forgotten you. He never will. His faithfulness is infinite. His love for you knows no limits. Rey Ortega (reylindo.ortega@gmail.com)   Reflection: When heartbreaking trials come, do you sulk and despair? Or do you cling even tighter to God who is forever faithful to you?   Lord God, I can never thank You enough for Your faithfulness, for carrying me in Your arms when times get rough. Help me to remember Your promises to me at all times.   Blessed Didacus of Cadiz, pray for us.

Today, what is your answer to Jesus — a yes or a no? - Daily Bible Reflections March 25,2015

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord   YES AND AMEN   “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your Word.” – Luke 1:38          Have you ever observed how often you say no?        You might be missing opportunities every time you say it. This one word can make a huge difference in your relationships.        For those who are very busy people like me, “No” is translated into, “Just a minute.”      One afternoon, I noticed myself saying no more than yes to my children. When I realized that, I made an instant decision to change my “Just a minute” to “Yes.”        When we say yes what we are really saying is, “Yes, I’m here for you. Yes, I want to listen to you. Yes, you mean more to me than the work I’m doing.”     Yes is about connecting with the people you love, yes to more adventure, yes to more affection, yes to more fun, yes to more walks around the neighborhood, yes to more family time.         The yes of Mary is the yes of humanity.      When we needed God the most, God asked us a very significant question: “Do you need Me? Do you need saving?” Imagine if Mary said, “Just a minute…”        But she didn’t.        Mother Mary answered on our behalf. “Yes, Lord, we need You.”And God came. Arun Gogna (gognuts@yahoo.com)   Reflection: Today, what is your answer to Jesus — a yes or a no?   I say yes to You, Jesus, now and forever. Amen   St. Dismas, pray for us.

Do you tend to complain to Jesus when things do not turn out the way you expect them to be? - Daily Bible Reflections March 24,2015

BELIEVE IN JESUS

 

“Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!” Thus says our First Reading. The Israelites complain against God and Moses.

       Perhaps we, too, complain immediately when things are not according to our liking or when they are not up to our standards. Luckily, we don’t get punished at all for our complaints. But we have to be aware of our stubborn dissatisfaction. Only God satisfies — and we have no right to complain about things here on earth.

       Jesus in today’s Gospel reminds us: “You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above.” If we remain stuck with the momentary matters and affairs of this world, we will find it hard to be “lifted up” to greater heights. Just like the Jews who seemed lost and unable to figure out what Jesus was saying, we will also be incapable of grasping the Lord’s message to us.

       That would be pathetic, for there is already a finality in God’s revelation to us in His Son Jesus. At the risk of being misunderstood or accused of blasphemy, Jesus refers to Himself with the Hebrew title of God, “I AM.” And as the concluding verse of the Gospel passage points out, “Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.”

       Do we also believe in Jesus? Or do we continue complaining about the petty matters of this world? Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you tend to complain to Jesus when things do not turn out the way you expect them to be?

 

Lord Jesus, tame my tongue and train my heart to be content whenever I start complaining.

 

In the game of life, do we choose the truth? The consequence of a lie can be spiritual, maybe even physical death - Daily Bible Reflections March 23,2015

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCE   The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those who hope in Him. – Daniel 13:60          Truth or consequence was a game we played in our younger years. Those who are my age would remember gathering with friends on moonlit nights or at parties. We are asked to tell the truth in answer to a question and, if found to be lying, would get a consequence, like to dance or sing.        In today’s First Reading set in the Jewish Babylonian captivity, a favorite Old Testament story of mine, we see a parallel but deadly game of truth and consequence. Susana, a God-fearing woman, tells the truth of her innocence but is falsely accused by the lying elders. She is sentenced to death for alleged adultery. The elders, abusive in their age and position, tell the lie and are believed. God intervenes through Daniel, who confirmed Susana’s truthful testimony and the perjury of the lustful judges. The consequence of their lie was the fatal punishment they wished on her.        Our Lord never allows lies and injustices to triumph. He always blesses those who hope in Him and tell the truth even if it’s not always the popular thing to do. Grace Princesa (grprincesa@yahoo.com)   Reflection: In the game of life, do we choose the truth? The consequence of a lie can be spiritual, maybe even physical death.   Lord, may I always choose the truth based on Your teachings. Don’t let lying and being away from You deaden my soul.   St. Turibius of Mongrovejo, bishop, pray for us.

We are being challenged not to be defeated but to have renewed faith - Daily Bible Reflections March 22,2015

NECESSARY

ROUGHNESS

 

“But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” – John 12:24

 

       We live in the countryside surrounded with beautiful sceneries of farmlands, lakes and forests. One morning, I read the announcement in our local newspaper about a forest fire. Enraged, I asked my husband, “Why are they burning down the forest?” Nonchalantly, he replied, “It’s a necessary fire and it’s a controlled one.” He said it’s a natural part of forest growth, as some types of trees, like pine, need fire to regenerate. Seeds inside the pinecones can only be released when exposed to extreme heat, hence, the need for fire.

       Hardships, sufferings and failures are essential parts of human life. And oftentimes, vulnerability overcomes us that we tend to give up. But tough times are meant to heal and strengthen us, to give us an opportunity to learn and mature in our spiritual life. Let us not be conquered by trials. We should learn to fight back and recognize the blessing behind our sufferings. They are meant to make us better, stronger and wiser, so that when troubles come our way again, we would know how to handle them well. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: We are being challenged not to be defeated but to have renewed faith.

 

Oh God, heal my brokenness and renew my strength that I may rise victorious and proclaim Your greatness. Amen.

 

St. Nicholas Owen, pray for us.

 

What is God’s call for your life? - Daily Bible Reflections March 21, 2015

ANOINTED TO PREACH   “This is truly the Prophet.” – John 7:40          They are young professionals, single, and with promising careers. They should be saving up for their future families. Ordinarily, their goal should be to rise up the corporate ladder or earn their first million. But where do we find them? Their energy is focused on building The Feast, the weekly prayer gathering of the Light of Jesus Family, assigned to them. Most of them have turned their backs on full-time corporate work to be able to serve at The Feast.        I’m talking about the young Feast builders who are helping Bo Sanchez reach the dream of having 1,000 Feasts all over the world. Reading or hearing about their life stories, I realize that they not only have the gift to speak well and confidently in front of big crowds, but most of them, early on in their lives, felt God’s call to be His prophet, to be communicators of His love. Now they are responding to that call.        With the example that they are showing the world —choosing God’s Kingdom over the world’s priorities — we have hope for the future generations.        Let us heed God’s call for us and put our energy into fulfilling it.Tess V. Atienza (theresa.a@shepherdsvoice.com.ph)   Reflection: What is God’s call for your life?   Lord, may I come to know Your will for my life and have the courage to act upon it.   Blessed John of Parma, pray for us.

Much is to be understood on how much God loves you. Seek Him today - Daily Bible Reflections March 20,2015

LOVE FINDS A WAY

 

“I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” – John 7:29

 

       A grouchy elderly gentleman had just secured the door for the night with four locks, two deadbolts, and a chain latch. Later, he noticed a small white envelope stuck beneath the door. On the envelope was a large sticker in the shape of a heart. It was a valentine. Love had found a way.

       What makes Christianity different? Simple: It’s about God’s pursuing us to draw us to Himself, while other religions desperately pursue the favor of their god through compliance of strict standards and incomprehensible rituals.

       The God I know is crazy about me. He seems desperate to show His love. In fact, even if I turn away, I can’t stray for long. He courts me. He woos me back with His unending love — until my heart is melted again — to love Him back. In The Hound of Heaven, Francis Thompson writes that as he fled from God, he couldn’t outrun “those strong feet that followed… with unhurrying chase and unperturbed pace.”

       My friend, you can run away from God the farthest you can. But I’m not worried the least bit. You’ll get tired. Then His love will catch up with you. His love will find a way to bring you back. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Much is to be understood on how much God loves you. Seek Him today.

 

Father, today, may I know more of the love You have for me. Amen.

 

St. Salvator of Horta, pray for us.

 

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” (Mark Twain) - Daily Bible Reflections March 19,2015

Solemnity of Joseph, Husband of Mary   HAPPY DEATH   ... Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called Christ. – Matthew 1:16          St. Joseph is the patron saint of a happy death. According to catholictradition.org, he is the patron saint of the dying for three reasons: First, he is the foster father of our Eternal Judge. Two, he is the terror of demons and the conqueror of hell. And three, his was the most beautiful of deaths because he died in the arms of Jesus and Mary.        Because a couple of family members have recently been hospitalized with life-threatening conditions, I’ve been reflecting that a happy death is not just for the dying person but also for those who suffer with him throughout his sickness. Those who’ve cared for terminally ill family members know how emotionally, financially and physically draining it can be to watch a loved one suffer. It’s easier to pray that the Lord spare them of the pain and swiftly take them into His bosom.        My recent meditations have caused me to start praying that the Lord grant me and my loved ones a timely, peaceful and happy death. Rissa Singson Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)   Reflection: “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” (Mark Twain)   St. Joseph, in the hour of my death, remove from me every kind of sin. Prepare me and my loved ones for that glorious time when we surrender our spirits to Jesus. Amen.   St. Joseph, husband of Mary, principal patron of Canada, pray for us.

What new things does the Lord want to teach you today? Be a forever student and keep growing - Daily Bible Reflections March 18,2015

WHAT I CAN DO   “I cannot do anything on my own.” – John 5:30          My friend, a travel agent, couldn’t believe it when I told her I didn’t know how to book a flight to a tourist destination I planned to visit.        I used to work for a lifestyle magazine with a travel section, so my friend assumed I knew such a simple thing as buying a plane ticket.        Truth was, I’d never really done it. Most of my trips abroad were familiarization tours, sponsored by companies inviting me to write about their services. So the host companies arranged for my travel.        I retired from my job a couple of years ago. Only then did I realize there were tasks I didn’t know how to handle because they were done for me — by my staff or my hosts. So to survive retirement, I had to quickly learn tasks which to others were a no-brainer but were such a mind-boggling puzzle for me.        There have been many other things I thought I already knew about life. The Gospel today reminded me I can do everything if I follow Jesus who “can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” Cynthia U. Santiago (cusantiago@gmail.com)   Reflection: What new things does the Lord want to teach you today? Be a forever student and keep growing.   Lord, teach me, guide me, give me the grace to follow You — every day.   St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Didache | Compa

“There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” (Mahatma Gandhi) - Daily Bible Reflections March 17,2015

POOR CONDITION OF

THE POOR

 

with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. – John 5:2-3

 

       I remember my experience of being confined in the economy ward of a government hospital many years ago. At the OB-Gyne ward, there were more patients than beds. In my room, there were two beds. I lay on one bed while two maternity patients shared the other one. So when a mother who had just delivered twins was assigned to our room, I offered my bed and sat on a chair as I waited for the schedule of the operation for my myoma.

       My siblings, co-parishioners and other friends who visited me felt so much pity for the plight of these poor patients. It was the first time they encountered two patients in one bed.

       Eventually, I transferred to another hospital. With friends, family and connections, I wasn’t really that poor and could afford to move to a better facility. But the other patients lying there can only run to Jesus to help them as the people in the Gospel did.

       Yes, Jesus is more than enough, but He’d want those of us who can help to do so. We only need to open our eyes to know what others need and open our hearts to do what we can. Cristy Galang (cristy_cc@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

 

At Your service, Lord, if there is anything I can do to help better the poor condition of the poor. Bless You for being there for them. Amen.

 

St. Patrick, bishop, patron of Ireland and Nigeria, pray for us.

 

Speak more out of love, tolerance and understanding. But discern those critical moments when you need to be God’s prophet no matter what the cost — if only to love more genuinely - Daily Bible Reflections March 16,2015

A PREACHER PAYS

A PRICE

 

“… a prophet has no honor in his native place.” – John 4:44

 

       As a Kerygma preacher, I speak about God’s unconditional love, mercy and compassion. Everyone loves that. But there’s another side to being a preacher. It’s about speaking God’s truth and righteousness. Otherwise, I’m just someone who wants to be popular, speaking only what people want to hear.

       There lies the rub. In the rare moments that I speak of holiness and righteousness, some people react, especially family and friends. “Who are you to judge? You’re just one of us!” they’d say.

       I’m just a regular guy, but it’s part of my job and my calling to say that lying, cheating and unfaithfulness are against genuine love — according to God’s Word and the teachings of Mother Church, not mine. A doctor has to tell you if you’re sick — that’s his job, whether he himself is healthy or not. Then he prescribes the cure to help you become better. You take it or leave it.

       So, there! Your own family and friends may not like it but ultimately — preacher, prophet or not — you choose whom you want to obey, serve and please. Alvin Barcelona (apb_ayo@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Speak more out of love, tolerance and understanding. But discern those critical moments when you need to be God’s prophet no matter what the cost — if only to love more genuinely.

 

Dear Lord, I, too, am Your prophet. Grant me the grace to speak of  Your hope and love, and of Your truth and righteousness. Amen.

 

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, pray for us.

 

Will you allow Jesus to be born in your heart today? Allow His victorious resurrection to happen inside you every day - Daily Bible Reflections March 15,2015

THE NEW MANGER

 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” – John 3:16

 

       Have you been to a stable or a pig pen? Imagine a place where animals that haven’t had a bath for a long time stay. Where do they poop? You guessed it. So you have to be careful with your steps, lest you find something sticking to your shoes.

       Jesus was born as a fragile and innocent Infant in a place like this. God could’ve chosen Jesus to be born in a castle, with many nannies and a royal crib. But He didn’t.

       This, to me, is how much God loves us. He abandoned divinity to embrace humanity and sent His only Son to be born in a dirty, filthy place.

       Our hearts are like this manger with its stench, dirt, sins, regrets, hurts and dark secrets. Still, Jesus can be born here too, if we let Him. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done, how we’ve sinned, or however dirty we feel. Jesus can handle it. He wants our hearts to be His new manger.

       And when Jesus lives inside us, He can turn our mess into miracles, our pain into purpose, our languish into laughter. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Will you allow Jesus to be born in your heart today? Allow His victorious resurrection to happen inside you every day.

 

Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to us and saving us.

 

St. Louise de Marillac, pray for us.

A heart that follows hard after Jesus leads to a life filled with His goodness and grace - Daily Bible Reflections March 14,2015

GOD’S GOODNESS

 

For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. – Hosea 6:6

 

         What is loyalty? It is fixing your eyes on a person you want to follow because you trust him. It is like a child to his parents, a student to his teacher, a wife to her husband, a believer to His God — all of these in a trustful and a loving relationship.

       I was thrust into a relationship with God at the age of seven in a Catholic school. That’s where I learned to pray the rosary and came to know the life of Jesus. This is a typical life for a Catholic.

       It may be typical but not ordinary. Loyalty and relationship has led me to an extraordinary life. For me, this has been filled with prosperity, joy and the good life. It has been a life not without trials, but filled with His mercy and grace. His mercy is manifest in His infinite goodness and His grace being ever so present during those times when evil is imminent. This is why I am loyal — because His loyalty and faithfulness to me is beyond measure. Donna España (donna@homeliving.com.ph)

 

Reflection: A heart that follows hard after Jesus leads to a life filled with His goodness and grace.

 

Your love, Lord, is made manifest to those who obey and follow You. By Your grace, I will always follow Your will in my life.

 

St. Maximillian, pray for us.

Think of those times when you complicate things by committing sin instead of simply obeying God - Daily Bible Reflections March 13, 2015

KIDS’ WISDOM Let him who is wise understand these things. – Hosea 14:10        My friend, a preschool teacher, told me this story.        One day, four-year-old Krissie asked her mother, “Where did I come from?”        The mother answered, “From my stomach.”        Krissie asked again, “What about my little brother?”        Again the mother replied, “From my stomach.”        One day, my friend witnessed this scene in her class: Her three-year-old student was excited as she told her classmates, “My mom is buying a baby boy in the hospital and they are coming home today.”        Krissie said, “You know what? I saw a picture of an angel carrying a baby and giving it to the parents. I think our mom and dad do not know that we are gifts from Jesus given to our mothers and fathers. Let’s not tell them.”        The other boys and girls nodded their heads. One boy said, “My mom asked me if I wanted to have a sister. I think I’ll ask for a gift, but I like a brother.”        Oftentimes, wisdom comes from the mouth of little ones. What our mature, complicated minds overlook, simple ones comprehend so easily. Chelle Crisanto (ellechmaria@yahoo.com) Reflection: Think of those times when you complicate things by committing sin instead of simply obeying God. You are the Potter, I am the clay. Teach me, Lord, and give me the wisdom to do what is pleasing to You. Make me wise in Your eyes. St. Leander of Seville, pray for us.