Are you resisting God’s call for your life? Surrender and find joy and fulfillment - Daily Bible Reflections October 28, 2016

Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude,

Apostles

 

I SURRENDER

 

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray. – Luke 6:12

 

       I believe in the power of prayer. It is through my prayer time that I make a conscious effort to know the will of God for me.

       Months ago, I made a life-changing decision. I left my career and family to heed the call of God. It wasn’t easy but I know I made the right choice because I am happy and fulfilled.

          As I write this, I am in my room in the seminary. I may be a little late because I’m already 25. But God’s call is always timely.

         My life as a seminarian is crazy, challenging and joyful. I thank God for giving me more time to reflect, discern and pray for His will in my life.

         I surrender my life to God and leave everything up to Him. As I seek that His will be done in me, I look forward to becoming

the Lord’s priest by 2021. Kein Chito (kein.chito@gmail.com)

 

Reflection:Are you resisting God’s call for your life? Surrender and find joy and fulfillment.

 

Holy Spirit, help me to discern God’s will for my life and to surrender to Him joyfully.

 

Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles, pray for us.

Do you find yourself in the middle of a war right now? How do you prepare your spiritual muscles for the battle ahead? - Daily Bible Reflections October 27, 2016

 

NEW MEANING OF

STRENGTH

 

For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness... – Ephesians 6:12

 

       “Ahooo! Ahooo!” This was the chant of the mighty Spartan soldiers from my favorite movie, 300. It’s also the battle cry of the Radicals, a group of young men from the Light of Jesus Family who are being groomed to be mighty servants of God.

       I used to think that strength is measured by how big and strong your muscles are. But thanks to the Radical Training Program, I found the true meaning of strength. To give until it hurts. To be patient with the other driver who cut you off. To understand your spouse when she’s being unreasonable. To be able to provide for your family and be a good example to your kids. To serve God and His people through loving sacrifice. And to strive to be more loving than to fight for what’s right.      

       Like the mighty 300, we face a deadly war every day. A war between succumbing to sin or having the strength to live the Gospel. Lucky for us, we have the best King any army could ever have — Jesus! With Him leading the way, losing is not an option. Monching Bueno (ramon_bueno@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection:Do you find yourself in the middle of a war right now?  How do you prepare your spiritual muscles for the battle ahead?

 

Lord Jesus, give me the strength today to live and love like You. Amen.

 

Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza, pray for us.

Do you rely on God for strength in times of trouble? Or do you rely on other people or yourself alone? - Daily Bible Reflections October 23, 2016

STAND BY ME

 

But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength… – 2 Timothy 4:17

 

        “When the night has come. And the land is dark. And the moon is the only light we’ll see. No, I won’t be afraid. Oh, I won’t be afraid. Just as long as you stand, stand by me.”

         I was reminded of the lyrics of this old, popular song after I read the passage above from the book of 2 Timothy. We become brave enough to endure the different seasons of darkness in our lives when we know that we are not alone… when we know that someone is standing with us or beside us while we face these dark times.

      We are bravest, though, when we know that that Someone who stands with us in the dark is God. His presence alone drives away all our fears and enables us not only to endure the darkness but also to overcome it. He gives us courage and strength to step out in faith even though we have just enough light for the next step.

       Because of this, we can sing: “So Jesus, Jesus, stand by me, oh stand by me, oh stand, stand by me, stand by me.” Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag (teregmps@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection:Do you rely on God for strength in times of trouble? Or do you rely on other people or yourself alone?

 

Lord, please stand by me and give me strength in times of trouble so that I can proclaim the Good News in season and out of season.

.

St. John of Capistrano, priest, pray for us.

Open yourself to God’s grace. He will never give up on you - Daily Bible Reflections October 19, 2016

POWER OF GRACE

 

Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power. – Ephesians 3:7

 

      I am one of the most impatient people I know. Although to my assessment, I have already completed 10,000 hours of waiting for other people for meetings, dates and events, my patience runs thin when it comes to myself. I get so frustrated whenever I fail to execute my plans, lose discipline and start doubting my capabilities.

           Much more when I sin.

       Sometimes frustration gets the better of me that I am tempted to question why God has called me to serve Him in the first place. That’s why before, during and after carrying out every ministry task given to me, I am always left amazed at how I was able to do it.

         But then again, it’s not my work. It’s all God’s doing. His grace can never be earned — He generously bestows it to strengthen His children. Knowing every bit of myself, flaws and weaknesses included, I have no right to boast of who I am. I can only testify that regardless of how I see myself, God finds a way to maximize me as He wills.

       I am only made worthy by God’s love, empowered by His grace. Maymay R. Salvosa (cmaysalvosa@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection:Open yourself to God’s grace. He will never give up on you.

 

Father, let Your grace and love overflow in me, such that everything I do may reflect You today, Amen.

 

St. Isaac Jogues and Companions, pray for us.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) - Daily Bible Reflections October 14, 2016

REDIRECTION

 

In Christ we were chosen, destined in accord with purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to intention of his will. – Ephesians 1:11

 

        I auditioned for our youth music ministry as a singer. There were only a few who volunteered, and I was happy because we had higher chances of getting in. I was last to audition and my schedule got moved to the following week. I waited for my turn but it never came.  Worse, it was my very own sister who headed the auditions!

      I felt the rejection and it was hard. But my love for worship music never faded. It was during this time that I began to play the piano at home. I asked my sister to mentor me.

       I auditioned again after a year, but this time as a keyboardist. I was chosen and I never stopped playing ever since. That gift brought me to places and allowed me to meet amazing people. From hard rejection, my failed auditions became my hopeful redirection. I’m grateful that it was in God’s plan all along.

       Today, when I serve, I play music and sing at the same time. Truly, He works out everything according to the purpose of His will. Didoy Lubaton (didoymd@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

 

Lord, thank You for choosing me. I align my will to Yours. I trust Your plans for my life.

 

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