Those who may be “vexations to the spirit” are my brethren, too - Daily Bible Reflections June 29,2015

Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles

Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, pray for us.

 

ZAPPED

 

The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat... – 2 Timothy 4:18

 

       I once worked in the customer relations section of a company. One day, a snooty balikbayan (a homecoming Filipino) wasn’t satisfied with my response to her complaint. She impatiently cut me off mid-sentence and swore at me. I’ve never been at the receiving end of curse words before. I was zapped speechless by this “witch.”

       I felt myself getting angry at her behavior. But I forced myself to remain cool and polite. When she saw I wasn’t going to yell back or burst into tears, she left in a huff. What a relief!

       Since that encounter, I tried to surround myself with positive energy. I placed little green plants on my desk and nice posters on my cubicle wall. I listened to calming music and joked around with my officemates. But a friend reminded me that only a shield of prayer can withstand the “enemy.”

       So when I asked God for His blessings every morning, I also asked Him to bless our customers — no matter what type of personality they had. Relying on the Lord’s guidance and protection was the best way to arm myself for the day. Gina J. Verdolaga (mgjver@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Those who may be “vexations to the spirit” are my brethren, too.

 

Lord, let me understand so I may be understood. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

“If our dreams are not intimidating to us, there’s a big chance that it is insulting to God” (Steven Furtick). So dream big. Nothing is too difficult for our God.- Daily Bible Reflections June 28,2015

DREAM BOARD   “Is anything too marvelous for the Lord to do?” – Genesis 18:14          Do you have a dream board? At The Feast, we are encouraged to make a dream board at the start of every year. It’s a “powerful visualization tool that helps us focus on what we want to manifest in our lives.” It’s something that propels us to get up in the morning, work hard, and move forward. Something that reminds us of the wonderful things the Lord is preparing for us.        But most of us tend to dream small. We prevent ourselves from dreaming big because we think we can’t achieve them. But hey, our God can. Do not exclude God in the equation. Nothing is beyond His ability. Nothing is too big or too difficult for Him. Because “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).        When our hearts are in tune with His, we will dream God-sized dreams. These dreams will bring Him honor and fulfill His purpose for our lives. These dreams will bless other people.        It’s halfway through the year. It’s not too late to make your own dream board. If it’s God’s will for you to have it, then you will have it. It is His desire to bless us more than what we could ever ask or imagine.Lala Dela Cruz (bella.delacruz@gmail.com)   Reflection: “If our dreams are not intimidating to us, there’s a big chance that it is insulting to God” (Steven Furtick). So dream big. Nothing is too difficult for our God.   Lord, I surrender to You all my plans and dreams. I know that one day, all my dreams will come true because I have in my life the God who specializes on the impossible.   St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

“I am a friend of God. He calls me friend.” (Israel Houghton) - Daily Bible Reflections June 26,2015

LAUGH WITH GOD   Abraham prostrated himself and laughed… – Genesis 17:17          Does prayer have to be serious all the time? Will God hit me with thunderbolts if I add a little humor to my prayers? Can I laugh with God?        These thoughts ran through my mind as I read this funny prayer that I received via text:        A Woman’s Prayer        “May the Lord grant me the obedient heart of Sarah, the commitment of Ruth, the courage of Esther, the prayerful spirit of Hannah, the faithfulness of Mary, and the body of Halle Berry. Amen.”        I have a very personal relationship with God. I talk to Him as I would to my very best friend (which He is). I cry to Him. Sometimes I tell Him I’m mad at Him (He can take it, He’s a big God). When He gives me the exact opposite of what I ask for, I say, “Lord, are You kidding me?” And yes, I say funny prayers sometimes.        Abraham also enjoyed a special relationship with God. When he laughed about having a child when he’s already a hundred, God didn’t zap him. It must be alright then to enjoy a few laughs with God. After all, that’s what friends do. Lella M. Santiago (lellams88@gmail.com)   Reflection: “I am a friend of God. He calls me friend.” (Israel Houghton)   Jesus, thank You for not being a distant God. Thank You for hearing me when I call.   Blessed Raymond Lull, pray for us.

“Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock.” (Isaiah 26:4) - Daily Bible Reflections June 25,2015

BE A ROCKER!   “… Be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” — Matthew 7:24          A few years ago, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to form a homeschool support group called “ROCKERs,” which stands for Roman Catholics Keeping Education Real. Our members usually interact with one another online through our Facebook group, and it is always inspiring to see how everyone supports and prays for one another.        We also try to organize Christ-centered events for our children, such as our annual All Saints’ Day party, where our kids dress up as saints or biblical characters — our alternative to the usual gory and ghoul-filled Halloween parties. It’s actually a much-anticipated event, and the kids always enjoy our saint-themed party games, snacks and storytelling sessions.        As a Catholic, I believe that God wants all of us to be ROCKERs of sorts — because He wants us to build our houses “on rock,” i.e., the firm foundation that is Jesus Christ Himself and His Divine Word. You don’t need to be a homeschooler to “keep education real,” especially if we’re talking about educating others about Jesus and His love for us. So what are you waiting for? Be a ROCKER now! Tina Santiago-Rodriguez (tina@trulyrichmom.com)   Reflection: “Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock.” (Isaiah 26:4)   “I love You, Lord, my strength, Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my rock of refuge…” — Psalms 18:2   Blessed Jutta of Thuringia, pray for us.

St. Paul calls us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Do we continue to pray even if we don’t seem to get a reply? - Daily Bible Reflections June 24,2015

Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

 

AS YOU BLESS OTHERS

 

Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. – Luke 1:64

 

       I drive our children to school every morning. I make the most of this time to talk to my 12-year-old son, Jason. We talk about his school, friends, video games and a lot of useless funny stuff.

       This lively conversation turns into a moment of silence right before he gets out of the car. My standard farewell message to him is, “Bye, Jason. God bless you!” His reaction is always the same. He becomes quiet, opens the car door, and leaves as if he heard nothing. While I notice this regular pattern, it didn’t bother me. So I kept saying the same farewell message every morning.

       One day, I had a business trip out of the country. I was all packed up and ready to go. As I was leaving the house, I saw Jason running towards me. He stopped in front of me and said, “Bye, Papa, God bless you!” His simple goodbye made me happy and this stayed in my mind throughout my long flight.

       Sometimes we think that our prayers fall on God’s deaf ears. We feel that He ignores us. But when you look at your situation, you will realize that He has been blessing you silently. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: St. Paul calls us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Do we continue to pray even if we don’t seem to get a reply?

 

Lord, I pray that You will grant me the grace to pray to You as often as possible. Amen.

 

St. John the Baptist, pray for us.

 

It is better to give than to receive - Daily Bible Reflections June 23,2015

BLESSED GENEROSITY

 

“Let there be no strife between you and me.... Is not the whole land at your disposal? “ – Genesis 13:8-9

 

       Father Abraham (Abram) is a model and study not only of faith but also of generosity. When he left Ur, present-day southern Iraq, with his father, Terah, they brought along his nephew, Lot, son of his brother, Haran. It was the start of his call to migrate to the Promised Land.

       As part of their journey there, they passed by Egypt where they acquired livestock, tents and wealth. Between uncle and nephew were possessions so numerous they could not dwell together. Quarrels arose between their herdsmen. Abram, out of generosity and despite seniority in age and filial position, offered to let Lot choose where he wanted to live. The latter chose the well-watered Jordan plain. This was situated near Sodom and Gomorrah. We all know what happened later.

       Generous and humble Abram, on the other hand, was prospered by the Lord where he stayed. His descendants, including us, as promised, are blessed by God. Grace Princesa (grprincesa@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: It is better to give than to receive.

 

Lord, let me always give because I know I will always receive Your blessings.

 

St. John Fisher, pray for us.

 

When faced with tough decisions, turn to the Lord for guidance and discernment - Daily Bible Reflections June 22, 2015

BLESSINGS FOLLOW OBEDIENCE   So Abram went, as the Lord directed him. – Genesis 12:4          Migrating to the U.S. was no easy decision. That meant leaving behind a good career, the perks of a high-paying job, the luxury of having help around the house, the gimmicks with family and friends. It was a comfortable life. But after much prayer and discernment, my wife, Candy, and I knew raising our young family abroad was God’s plan for us.          With no jobs waiting for us and having to start all over, were we anxious at all? Sure! But in our hearts we knew we were going to be alright.        The Bible says, “God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out...” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Yes, God is truly faithful as He has provided for us and more besides. Candy and I have survived several layoffs at work. Our two kids are doing well in school. We have new friends. We are healthy. We have the love and support of family.        We know we are blessed — and will continue to be blessed — because we obeyed. Erwin Roceles (erwin_roceles@yahoo.com)   Reflection: When faced with tough decisions, turn to the Lord for guidance and discernment.   Dear Lord, when we are confronted with difficult situations, may we be reminded that You are our guiding light. May we be enlightened so we can make decisions according to Your will.   St. Thomas More, martyr, pray for us.

Whatever bothers you today, you can entrust them all to God - Daily Bible Reflections June 20,2015

UNFAILING   “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear.” – Matthew 6:25            George Muller runs a three-story orphanage building. He echoes three things that God promised these orphans: warm beds, clean clothes and hot meals.        One noon, with nothing to feed the children with, he asked, “Children, have you had your hot meal today?” They said, “No.”        “Well,” Muller continued, “there isn’t any food in the orphanage. So let’s thank God for the food He is going to provide.” George bowed his head, “Lord, thank You for the hot meal that you will set before us now. Amen.”        Then a knock came at the door. Someone who looked like a driver said to him, “My truck has just broken down on the road not far from here. It’s filled with meat pies for delivery.        I don’t think these pies will make it to its original destination. It’s a shame to let them go to waste. They’re still hot. Would you like them?”        Muller replied, “Truly, the Lord does not let the righteous go hungry.” The driver didn’t quite get what he meant, but the kids did.        Friend, God hasn’t failed anyone, and He is unwilling to make you the first yet. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)   Reflection: Whatever bothers you today, you can entrust them all to God.   Lord, I did everything I had to do. I trust that You’ll do Your part. I surrender all to You.   St. Paulinus of Nola, pray for us.

Whatever bothers you today, you can entrust them all to God.- Daily Bible Reflections June 20,2015

UNFAILING   “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear.” – Matthew 6:25            George Muller runs a three-story orphanage building. He echoes three things that God promised these orphans: warm beds, clean clothes and hot meals.        One noon, with nothing to feed the children with, he asked, “Children, have you had your hot meal today?” They said, “No.”        “Well,” Muller continued, “there isn’t any food in the orphanage. So let’s thank God for the food He is going to provide.” George bowed his head, “Lord, thank You for the hot meal that you will set before us now. Amen.”        Then a knock came at the door. Someone who looked like a driver said to him, “My truck has just broken down on the road not far from here. It’s filled with meat pies for delivery.        I don’t think these pies will make it to its original destination. It’s a shame to let them go to waste. They’re still hot. Would you like them?”        Muller replied, “Truly, the Lord does not let the righteous go hungry.” The driver didn’t quite get what he meant, but the kids did.        Friend, God hasn’t failed anyone, and He is unwilling to make you the first yet. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)   Reflection: Whatever bothers you today, you can entrust them all to God.   Lord, I did everything I had to do. I trust that You’ll do Your part. I surrender all to You.   St. Paulinus of Nola, pray for us.

What does my heart hold as true treasure? - Daily Bible Reflections June 19,2015

REAL WEALTH

 

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:20-21

 

       Dad was a big spender when we kids were young. He liked buying things for himself and for the family. He acquired a lot of things over the years like jars, plants, a large collection of Broadway musical Betamax tapes, an extensive selection of classical music, a then very hi-tech stereo, and other nice-to-have items. Dad took pride in these “treasures”and was very particular about taking care of them. But when Dad met God in the Renewal, these riches were replaced by the joy of serving the Lord with his family, bringing other families closer to God, and having friends who shared the faith. His possessions did not matter much anymore.

       When Dad died, we found that all his personal belongings fit into one big plastic bin. He didn’t keep any of the wonderful things he had collected over the years. He had given them all away.

       Jesus in the Gospel today tells us to be mindful of the treasures we acquire. As we go through this life, let us be sure to spend our time collecting good memories, meaningful experiences, and lasting friendships. Let us do good, love the poor, share His Word, and stand up for what is right. The storehouses of heaven can hold all these and more. Geraldine G. Catral (catral@beaconschool.ph)

 

Reflection: What does my heart hold as true treasure?

 

Dearest Lord, You are my Treasure of treasures. Dwell in my heart today.

 

St. Romuald, abbot, pray for us.

God knows what’s best for you — much, much more than a lace dress - Daily Bible Reflections June 18,2015

BARGAIN LACE DRESS,

ANYONE?

 

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” – Matthew 6:8

 

        Ed drove for me to the Manila City Hall. Then he was also to bring me to my school for an alumni meeting. I finished my business at the city hall some 30 minutes earlier, so I requested Ed to stop at a mall because I needed to buy a dress with black lace accent.

        “Nope,” he said firmly, “you’ll be late for your next appointment.”

     Yup, my husband knew only too well it doesn’t take me only 30 minutes to buy a dress. I moped in the car, feeling dejected.

     At our alumni meeting, a member brought with her dozens of garments, most of them with black lace accents! And at bargain prices! With my budget for one garment, I was able to buy a dress, two blouses, and a long skirt, plus a couple more to give as Christmas gifts.

         A week after, Mandy, my sister-in-law, unaware that I needed a lace dress, gave me nine yards of black lace textile. The incident impressed upon me that, over and above my husband who knows me, I have the Father who knows my needs even before I ask for them—as promised in today’s Gospel. Cynthia U. Santiago (cusantiago@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: God knows what’s best for you — much, much more than a lace dress.

 

Lord, may I never forget that You have the very best for me — perfect and overflowing!

 

Venerable Matt Talbot, pray for us.

 

“There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness and truth.” (Leo Tolstoy) - Daily Bible Reflections June 17,2015

SIMPLICITY

 

“So that your almsgiving maybe secret.” – Matthew 6:4

 

       How would you define “simplicity”? It was during one of the faculty formation meetings that this question was posed. Among several views raised, I was most satisfied with the definition that simplicity means “purity of intention.” So I don’t have this virtue if I join the mission team because I want to travel. Neither does a priest who chose his vocation to give in to a hometown wish to have a priest from their town. Nor a volunteer who served Yolanda victims just to be one with the crowd.

       Jesus warns us against “performing religious acts for people to see.” He wants us to be singleminded for Him. He wants us to be simple. He wants us to be pure.

       For the many of us who would fall short from the expectations of the Lord, the call is to pray and ask for grace. The good news is that the intention and desire to be pure is good enough for Jesus! Cristy Galang (cristy_cc@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness and truth.” (Leo Tolstoy)

 

Lord Jesus, please purify my intentions, my motives and all that is in me, that I may develop the virtue of simplicity and be pleasing before You.

 

St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.

 

When you fall into sin, run to Jesus and His perfect love will forgive you - Daily Bible Reflections June 16,2015

NOBODY’S PERFECT   “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48          Nobody’s perfect! Isn’t that obvious? But notice how this has become a common and convenient excuse for many. After all, it’s “natural to commit mistakes.” We’re just human beings.        You get caught beating the red light and you bribe the policeman to get away with it. Hey, everybody does it! Nobody’s perfect, the policeman included.        You know of a politician who uses public funds to enrich himself and evades paying taxes. Well, it’s natural and almost expected. Nobody’s perfect!        You hear of a married man who gets into a secret love affair again and again. Come on, we’re just human. Nobody’s perfect!          Sure, God loves sinners and will forgive again and again.       But I wonder why Jesus also challenged us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is. Is it to be perfectly forgiving of others and of ourselves no matter how many times we fall? Or does it also mean that we have been given the power to become better persons even when we fall, so that little by little we learn, we improve, and we are perfected by His grace and love? Alvin Barcelona (apb_ayo@yahoo.com)   Reflection: When you fall into sin, run to Jesus and His perfect love will forgive you. But let His love also transform you into the best person you are meant to be.   Dear Jesus, I run to You now despite my imperfections. I believe that Your love and mercy is perfecting me by Your pure grace. Amen.   St. John Francis Regis, pray for us.

Who has hurt you recently? Decide today to surrender to God your right to take revenge and allow Him to bless you even more because of that decision - Daily Bible Reflections June 15,2015

THE OTHER CHEEK   “When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” – Matthew 5:39          I’ve misinterpreted the verse above for the longest time. I thought it meant I should offer my left cheek if someone slapped my right. Yes, abuse me more!        But Bo Sanchez clarified the meaning of this verse in one of his talks. He said that during the olden days, slapping someone with the back part of the hand was an assertion of one’s authority over the other. It insults the dignity of the slapped person who is deemed to be of lower class.        If the other cheek was offered after a first slap, the natural tendency was for the attacker to give a second slap using his open palm. This presents a dilemma. Based on cultural practices, an abuser can only use his right hand to slap. If he uses his open palm to slap, it means he’s recognizing the other person as his equal. In effect, if the slave receives a second slap with an open palm, he was deemed an equal. Offering the other cheek was a peaceful and intelligent way of dealing with an aggressor.        When faced with hostility, do the smart thing by surrendering to God your right to retaliate. Pray for the other person and let God be your Vindicator. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)   Reflection: Who has hurt you recently? Decide today to surrender to God your right to take revenge and allow Him to bless you even more because of that decision.   By the power of the Holy Spirit, take the unforgiveness in my heart, bind it at the foot of the cross, and replace it with peace in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.   Servant of God Orlando Catanii, pray for us.

“Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” – Matthew 10:8 - Daily Bible Reflections June 11,2015

Memorial of St. Barnabas, Apostle   HAPPY PRISONER   “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” – Matthew 10:8          I am like Jose Rizal in Dapitan, St. Paul in Ephesus, and St. John in Patmos as I write this. No, I am not imprisoned in a remote location. I’m on house arrest because my endearing three-year-old daughter, Reese, had an accident.        Reese was holding an armful of Barbie dolls when she slipped and landed facedown on her Kuya Rob’s Lego blocks. Her lovely face bled. I comforted my weeping angel and wiped the blood away. Thank God the wound was tiny and didn’t poke her eyes.        Rob said to Reese, “I’m sorry.” She replied, “It’s OK, kuya.”        While I was in her “prison,” she told me, “Finish your work, Dad. After that, sing me a lullaby.”        My kids taught me invaluable lessons on mercy and grace — the very nature of God. While I minister to thousands, my kids ministered to me. I realized that, indeed, my first mission field is my own home. I don’t want to have a “sprinkler effect” on my loved ones, where those closest to me receive the least watering of my love. Our family deserves the best of us, not what’s left of us. I choose to be a prisoner of God’s love and the ones He has entrusted under my care. Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)   Reflection: “If one cannot provide for his own household, he is worst than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)   Lord, my home is my first mission field. May I share Your agape love here.   St. Barnabas, Apostle, pray for us.

What bad habits do you need to eradicate in your life? - Daily Bible Reflections June 10,2015

STRIVE FOR VIRTUE   “Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:19          One of the most interesting conversations that I ever had with a close friend was a debate about the Ten Commandments. She scolded me for saying the Lord’s name in vain and told me that if I didn’t stop it, I would never make it to heaven. In my defense, I explained that other people violated worse commandments than I did all the time. They commit adultery, steal, kill and lie. So I felt that taking the Lord’s name in vain was a minor offense. Surely God wouldn’t turn me away for such a small infraction when there were others who had disobeyed the gravest of His demands.        She then said something so sensible that I will never forget. “God didn’t list those commandments so that you can pick and choose which ones you have or don’t have to follow. He never categorized them into minor or major offenses. The point of those commandments is to follow every single one. Those are His laws and none are made to be broken.”        I lost the debate that day but I gained an important insight about my personal values — to see my flaws as inexcusable and to strive for a virtuous life in every way. Eleanore Teo (elyo.lee@gmail.com)   Reflection: What bad habits do you need to eradicate in your life?   Lord, guide me as I stop accepting my shortcomings carelessly and start cooperating with Your grace to become a better person.   Blessed Joachima, pray for us.

Are you saying “yes” to Jesus today? In what way? - Daily Bible Reflections June 9,2015

SAYING YES   The Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory. – 2 Corinthians 1:20          I was a full-time lay Catholic worker for 10 years. I lived in the center of the Charismatic organization that I was involved in. It was not an easy decision to make, even if I said “yes” when one of the elders asked me.        When I think of all that I went through in those 10 years, what comes out from my deepest being is a deep breath and thanksgiving to the Lord for His goodness and His faithfulness.        Those years were not always happy because I was transplanted from Cebu to Manila. I had to let go of pride too, for I was asked to do things very far from what I was used to, personally or professionally.        But those years enabled me to draw closer to the Lord and to know His faithfulness, grace and love like no other. I truly thank God for those years. Joy Sosoban-Roa (jsosoban@gmail.com)   Reflection: Are you saying “yes” to Jesus today? In what way?   Dear Lord, I say “yes” to Your will. I am Your servant.   St. Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

What good deed can you do for another person today? - Daily Bible Reflections June 1,2015

ARE YOU KNOWN BY YOUR KINDNESS?   I performed many charitable works for my kinsmen and my people… – Tobit 1:3          One day, a plane hit a storm and was about to crash. The problem was there were four passengers and only three parachutes.          The first man took one parachute and said, “I’m a brain surgeon and my patients need me.” And he jumped off the plane.        The second man took the second parachute and said, “I’m a rocket scientist, one of the smartest men in the entire planet, and the world needs me.” And he jumped off the plane.        The third man was the Pope. He took the last remaining parachute and gave it to the fourth person who was a young boy. The Pope said, “Son, I’m an old man. I’ve served God enough. Go ahead and take this last parachute.”       The young boy smiled, “Your Holiness, it’s OK. There are still two parachutes left. The rocket scientist, the smartest man on the entire planet, jumped out with my backpack.”         Lesson?        The Pope won because he was kind.        The rocket scientist lost because he was not kind.        Kind people, at the end of the day, will always win.        Friend, do you want to be truly happy?        Be kind. Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com)   Reflection: What good deed can you do for another person today?   Prompt me, Lord, to do a good deed each day, even to strangers.   St. Justin, martyr, pray for us.