Your parish needs all the help it can get from you. Volunteer and be part of any service in your parish today - Daily Bible Reflections September 15, 2017

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

 

FROM PERSECUTOR

TO PROMOTER

 

“I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man” – 1 Timothy 1:13

 

       Bro. Noe Dora was a radical Protestant preacher. He was determined to convert as many people as possible to his religion, especially Catholics. He hated the Catholic Church and believed that it was teaching evil, not good. He would visit the houses of his members to destroy the images and materials related to the Catholic Church.

       One day, he was in the house of a newly converted follower doing his usual practice of destroying Catholic images. He picked up a statue of Mama Mary and stared at it. He felt something strange and heard these words in his mind: “What did My mother do, for her image to be destroyed this way?”

       That odd event led him to study the Catholic faith. He secretly read about the faith, met up with a priest, and attended Mass. His six-year study led him to receive the sacrament of baptism and later he became a Catholic. Bro. Noe now travels around the Philippines and nearby countries to share his testimony. His personal goal is to bring back as many people as possible to the Catholic Church.

       It’s never too late for anyone to repent and change. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Your parish needs all the help it can get from you.  Volunteer and be part of any service in your parish today.

 

Lord, help me to be a credible Catholic witness so that others may return to our Mother Church.

 

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Lord, protect us from envy. Keep our hearts close to You. We trust in Your good plans for us - Daily Bible Reflections July 12, 2017

 

ENVY VS. INSPIRATION

 

“Go to Joseph and do whatever he told them.” – Genesis 41:55

 

        Envy led the brothers of Joseph to sell him as a slave. It was also envy that led to Jesus’ crucifixion. Today, envy leads to the killing of one’s reputation and good name. When people are envious, they kill their brother and sister with their tongues or with their words through malicious gossip.

         We need to guard our hearts for envy can creep to us subtly. We can be tempted to envy our brother or sister when they are promoted, when they do better than us in their families and careers, when they receive the things we want for ourselves.

       Instead of feeling envious, we should be inspired. These people deserve their reward because of their hard work, faithfulness and obedience. They are blessed because they follow God’s will for their lives. The Holy Spirit teaches us to be happy for other people when they are blessed. Their success are good examples for us to follow. When we do our best in what God has called us to do and when we follow His ways, He also has His own reward in store for us. Marjorie Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

 

Reflection:“I too, invite myself — and everyone — to see if, in my heart, there is any jealousy, any envy, which always leads to death and doesn’t make me happy; because this sickness always leads us to regard the good others possess as if it were against us. And this is an ugly sin. It is the beginning of many, many crimes.” (Pope Francis)

 

Lord, protect us from envy. Keep our hearts close to You. We trust in Your good plans for us.

 

St. John Jones, priest and martyr, pray for us.

:“Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) - Daily Bible Reflections June 21, 2017

BLESSED ARE THE

NAMELESS

 

“And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” – Matthew 6:18

 

       I am a silent worker in our office. Even after two years in my current job, I’m still not used to our office culture of everyday meetings and detailing the things I do and have worked on. For me, as long as my supervisor knows what I am doing, I’m OK with it.

    I also happened to meet someone who is planning to enter the seminary. During a search-in session which I attended, he shared that he always brings a piece of bread or biscuit in his bag. Not for him, but to give to a beggar who enters the jeepney or bus he is riding in. And even if I had not seen him since then, I fondly remember him for such a kind act. I knew there and then that he would be a good fit for priesthood.

      I also greatly admire those who donate church pews without revealing their names. They’re the ones who believe that their reward is not in this earth, but in heaven. Indeed, blessed are those who are humble and do not boast for they will receive God’s greatest blessing. Gracious B. Romero (graciousromero@gmail.com)

 

Reflection:“Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

 

Lord, help us to be cheerful givers. Amen.

 

St. Aloysius Gonzaga, martyr, pray for us.

Are you comfortable jumping into the unknown, with only God’s love to catch you? It’s easier said than done - Daily Bible Reflections June 2, 2017

EVERYDAY

MARTYRDOM

 

“But when you grow old... someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” – John 21:18

 

       Nanay Remy was my foster mother when I spent two weeks in the mountains of Batangas on an immersion camp in college. She was a spirited elderly woman, with hair grayed by age, legs toughened by walking, hands calloused by labor, and face wrinkled by smiles. Each day, I accompanied her as she went around to do chores. Among many tasks, I would carry the buckets of water, collect the wood for cooking, and occasionally pound some corn for chicken feed. She was a busy woman, wrapped in the poverty of life.

       I couldn’t forget how she spoke with much dignity and wisdom. “I’m a native of Pampanga,” she said. “I grew up in a well-off family, and I had a future ahead of me. But then I met Banoy, who was a farmer here in Batangas. We fell in love. He uprooted me from that life and brought me here. Many times, I regretted that decision. I wasn’t ready for this poor life. I would complain, but I still held on. Now I have no regrets. My family is here, and so my heart is here.”

       That’s martyrdom. It’s dying to yourself every day because you know what is really important. Migs Ramirez (migsramirez.seminars@gmail.com)

 

Reflection:Are you comfortable jumping into the unknown, with only God’s love to catch you? It’s easier said than done.

 

Mama Mary, saying yes to God wasn’t easy but you did it. Teach me to say yes and follow Jesus closer even during my trials.

 

Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs, pray for us.

There are five languages of love – words, touch, gifts, presence and service. How do you express your love to your significant other? How do you show your love to God? - Daily Bible Reflections May 31, 2017

Feast of the Visitation of the

Blessed Virgin Mary

 

TRUE LOVE

 

Let love be sincere. – Romans 12:9

 

       “I married her soul, her character, and she’s the only woman who will continue to fulfill my dreams.” This was the declaration of a gentleman when asked if he ever thought of leaving his girlfriend.

       In 2015, the social network carried the love story of a beautiful ex-model and her handsome boyfriend. The woman figured in a fire accident. Sixty-five percent of her body, including her face, was burned and she lost the fingers and thumb on her right hand. Instead of leaving, her boyfriend quit his job and took care of her. They remained a strong couple in love in spite of her disfigured appearance.

       Men naturally choose the beautiful, sexy and intelligent woman. When her body becomes fat and saggy, her facial lines appear, and her character flaws surface, men find a reason to find a new partner.

       How much do we love God? Is it only up to the point where His commandments are easy to follow and everything seems to be going our way? We may be fickle with our love for God, but His love for us is unconditional. He will remain with us forever in spite of our disfigured character. Marie Franco (mariefranco_pie@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: There are five languages of love – words, touch, gifts, presence and service. How do you express your love to your significant other? How do you show your love to God?

 

Lord, I am not worthy of Your unconditional love. But the promise of it fills my heart and makes me confident to face life.

 

St. Mechtildis, pray for us.

How can you be a good example to children around you? - Daily Bible Reflections March 22, 2017

 

CHILDREN SEE,

CHILDREN DO

 

“But teach them to your children and to your children’s children...” – Deuteronomy 4:9

 

      When I meet parents for coaching, I share with them a life lesson I learned from my sister, a preschool teacher: “Our kids pick up from our actions more than we realize.”

       There’s a video of five-year-old toddlers following every move of their adult companion.

       When mom litters, daughter litters.

       Dad curses clerk, son curses clerk.

       Driving mom gives a dirty finger, son gives a dirty finger.

       Dad raises hand at mom, son raises hand at baby.

       Children see, children do.

       The good side of this is that children learn good things the same way. They learn kindness, respect, forgiveness, humility, caring, love, happiness, celebration, confidence, persistence, aspiration when they see you do it.

       Whatever we know to be good, to be true, to be kind, to be loving, let’s do it even in the simplest way. Smile. Greet good morning. Say thank you. Clean as you go. Let others pass through before you.

  Because what people see, people do. Edwin S. Soriano (edwin@winningcoaching.net)

 

Reflection:How can you be a good example to children around you?

 

Lord, as Your child, let me show Your love through my actions.

 

St. Nicholas Owen, pray for us.

Reflection:“Don’t let your trials blow you down; let them lift you up.” (Woodrow Kroll) - Daily Bible Reflections March 15, 2017

 

KEEP YOUR FOCUS

 

“And they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified.” – Matthew 20:18, 19

 

         I was on the way to Batangas to pick up my 12-year-old son from his summer youth camp. The highway was almost empty because it was a Sunday and Manny Pacquiao also had a boxing match that morning. The skies were clear, the radio played good music and the scenery was peaceful. It was such a relaxing drive that that I missed my toll exit. I had no choice but to take the next exit a few kilometers away to make a U-turn. I lost time and money because I got too comfortable.

        I changed my attitude as I reentered the highway. This time, I was more alert so I wouldn’t miss the right exit. I arrived at the campsite only a few minutes late.

       It’s the same with our lives. Sometimes, we forget to focus and we get lost when life gets too comfortable.

        If you experience trials and life seems hard, simply be alert and focus on Jesus so you may reach your destination. Jesus also experienced difficulties. He was persecuted, mocked, scourged and crucified. Yet He remained focused on His mission so that we may receive the gift of salvation. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection:“Don’t let your trials blow you down; let them lift you up.” (Woodrow Kroll)

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me the way. You experienced trials and difficulties to save us.

 

St. Louise de Marillac, pray for us.

“You shall not go about spreading slander among your kin… Take no revenge and cherish no grudge… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Leviticus 19:16,18 - Daily Bible Reflections March 6, 2017

NEGATRONS

 

“You shall not go about spreading slander among your kin… Take no revenge and cherish no grudge… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Leviticus 19:16,18

 

     I have a confession to make. I’m a certified nutcase for this phenomenal love team the country was gaga over a year ago. Well, not to the extent of joining a fans club or following them to location shoots or collecting all the magazines with their faces on them. I just stalk them on social media.

         It’s appalling to see how bashers and haters are so filled with envy that they’d do anything to try and bring this love team down. They pose as fake fans to spread rumors and incite negative comments. Loyal fans call them negatrons. Clearly, they are minions of the dark side.

         I find it admirable how the love team and the enlightened members of the fandom deal with these negative people. They take no revenge and just encourage each other to spread good vibes. This is what makes the love team and their “nation” truly phenomenal. And this is how God wants us to love others, negatrons or otherwise. Lella M. Santiago (lellams88@gmail.com)

 

Reflection:You have a choice in dealing with negative people. You can either spread good vibes or make yourself miserable like them.

 

Help me to follow Your code of conduct, Lord, and not give in to the negativity around me.

 

St. Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes, pray for us.

When you’re generous in sharing your gifts without expecting anything in return, you leave God to recompense you with His abundance - Daily Bible Reflections November 16, 2016

TRUSTED ONE

 

“Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.” – Luke 19:17

 

       As the only representative of the Philippines in the Asian federation of extreme sports, I was tasked to organize a technical committee to choose team members for an upcoming championship. I invited some of my friends who were pillars of the sport, but only a few were willing to give their services without monetary compensation.

       That’s why Mike stood out. I told him we wouldn’t get anything from this event aside from the prestige of bringing the team to represent our country. He said he was willing to help without pay. What he said stuck in my mind because I like people who work with passion and not for money.

       So when I was asked to give a recommendation for an international official for the biggest Asian Extreme Sports event in Thailand, I gave Mike’s name. I was confident that he could do the job since I had found him faithful in small matters.

       Mike, the team and I flew to Phuket and represented our country in the tournament. He was even given a five-figure honorarium for his services as an international official and is still being tapped to officiate in local and foreign events. Monty Mendigoria (montymendigoria@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: When you’re generous in sharing your gifts without expecting anything in return, you leave God to recompense you with His abundance.

 

Lord, let Your goodness flow through me. Make me a channel of blessings for others. Amen.

 

St. Margaret of Scotland, pray for us.

Are you growing impatient because you haven’t gotten that big breakthrough you’re praying for? Review your small breakthroughs. They might already be pieces of that big one - Daily Bible Reflections November 2, 2016

All Souls Day

 

GRACE FOR THE

MOMENT

 

Only goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life. – Psalm 23:6

 

       Have you ever had a gigantic problem you thought only an equally huge solution could overcome it?

       Before she died, Mama was confined in the Intensive Care Unit — comatose due to a stroke.  On the third day, her hospital bill was a staggering P117,000. I prayed for resources to survive this crisis.

       Around midnight, she needed a procedure to drain the fluids in her brain. But first, we had to pay P15,000 for the fluid container. Papa and I didn’t have that amount with us and I couldn’t get more at that ungodly hour. Then I remembered the P4,000 my aunt and a community brother had given earlier. With that and the cash in our wallets, we raised P8,000. The doctor was kind enough to allow payment of the balance the next day. These droplets of mercy answered our need for the moment.

       That grace made me realize we don’t always have to receive the answer to our prayers in one downpour because God’s goodness flows each day. Sometimes, the solution comes in trickles, but in the end, the drops gathered in our blessings bucket are enough to drown our big problems. Lella M. Santiago (lellams88@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Are you growing impatient because you haven’t gotten that big breakthrough you’re praying for? Review your small breakthroughs. They might already be pieces of that big one.

 

Father God, help me to trust that Your mercy will be enough for my moments of need.

 

All Souls, pray for us.

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.

 

When it is full, they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. – Matthew13:48 - Daily Bible Reflections September 30, 2016

Memorial of St. Jerome, Priest and

Doctor of the Church

 

 

BAD FISH

 

When it is full, they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. – Matthew13:48

 

       This scene is very vivid to me. Years ago, my class group had to go to the Navotas Fishport for the feasibility project we were doing. We witnessed how fish were loaded into many big banyera (tub) and were sorted according to kind, quality and size. This was done so the fish can be priced accordingly. The bad ones were then thrown into a separate container and deposited into the trash bin.

       I still remember the awful stench coming from the bin that contained the bad fish. People stayed away from it because, aside from the foul smell, a lot of flies swarmed around it.

       I dread to think that come Judgment Day, I will be among those that the angels will discard and throw into the burning furnace. Reng D. Morelos(hermierengmorelos@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: On Judgment Day, Jesus will ask you practical questions: When I was hungry, did you give Me food? When I was thirsty, did you give Me a drink? Did you welcome Me, clothe Me, visit Me in prison? What do you need to do today to be able to answer Him in the affirmative?

 

Lord, continue to mold me into the person that You want me to be so I may be in Your presence forevermore.  

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