Daily Bible Reflections

August 31, 2011
UNEXPECTED HEALING

The crowds went looking for him (Jesus), and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news...” – Luke 4:42-43

A father who attended the 2009 Kerygma Conference prayed for his daughter to be healed from a certain condition. Weeks later, he noticed some changes, but not with his daughter. The father who wore glasses realized that his vision became clearer as days passed.
He didn’t understand why he was being healed. Nevertheless, He submits to the will of the Lord and is thankful.
In today’s Gospel, crowds tried to prevent Jesus from leaving so he could continue healing the people in that place. Jesus said “no” and that was probably difficult for many to understand. He had to move on and preach the Good News elsewhere.
We can always pray for healing, for ourselves and for others. Whom He decides to heal, we don’t know. But one thing is sure: Jesus loves us so much that He is concerned over our eternal salvation. If He doesn’t heal our body, but He heals our soul then that’s the greater blessing. Our time here on earth is but a speck compared to where our souls go after. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

31
REFLECTION:
“My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:20-22)

Divine Healer, we pray for the sick, breathe Your love into their bodies, but more importantly, may we all embrace You into our lives and follow the path to heaven.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 30, 2011
SPEAK UP

“What kind of words are these? With authority and power this man gives orders to the evil spirits, and they come out.” – Luke 4:36

When I was in college, I was walking along a street in Manila and saw an old Caucasian man talking to a very young girl and her teenage brother. It appeared like the old man and the teenager were haggling. I wasn’t sure but something in my gut felt that they were bargaining over the price of the child. I felt bad I couldn’t do anything about it.
Looking back today, I know I should have spoken up against evil that day. I realize now that there was nothing to be shy or afraid about standing up against injustice, against people who abuse and disrespect human dignity. Someone said that for evil to triumph in this world, all you need is for good men to do nothing. I think evil endures when good men say nothing, when we keep quiet and tolerate it.
As children of the light, we have the duty to speak up when we see evil happening in our midst. Jesus gives us the same power and authority He exercises in today’s Gospel to stand up against the evil in this day through the sword of the Holy Spirit which is in our hands. Scripture gives us the power, wisdom and courage to stop darkness in its tracks. Marjorie Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)
30
REFLECTION:
“When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me…” (Acts 1:8)

Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may have the strength and courage to confront evil and fight it for others’ sake. Amen.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 29, 2011
Memorial of Beheading of St. John the Baptist, martyr

LOST YOUR HEAD?

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. – Mark 6:20

The priest read through the story of St. John’s beheading at Mass. As he finished reading the passage, he said, “In the end everyone had lost their heads except John.”
He went through each of the figures in the story to see if we could relate with anyone.
Herod was the one with the most political power but he was careless with his decisions and had no backbone to live out his values. He even married his brother’s wife! Herodias, Herod’s wife, condemned herself as cunning, selfish and manipulative even to the point of making a child ask for what is evil.
Their daughter, who pleased Herod with her dance, lost her head by following someone else’s misguided decisions.
And lastly, even the executioner lost his head by putting a holy man to death.
Someone once said, “It’s easier to die for principles rather than to live up to them.” In John’s case, he was able to do both despite the hardships and all because of his love for God. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:
There is a potential to do good in every situation. In every role we play in life, have we ever been ashamed to show that we are Christians?

Today, Lord, as in every day, I resolve to live my life according to Your Holy Will. May I always do what is pleasing in Your sight.

Daily Bible Reflections

DYING TO ONESELF

“You must forget yourself, carry your cross, and follow me…” – Matthew 16:24

Tears rolled down from my eyes as I humbly said, “Yes, Lord, I surrender to Your will.” God asked me to leave the group where He used me to build from nothing to something. He used me to nurture them. I shed tears and endured difficulties for them. We had a stormy, joyful journey together.
God showed me my problem in surrendering — my attachment and fear of the unknown future.
A week later, I was emailing our heads the details of the group, endorsing to the new head servant and others taking over the ministry. I had a hard time sending it. There was no backing out.
In my heart, I was sad. I was letting go of something precious to me. But I was happy. I obeyed God. And I’m excited for the new experiences I’ll have with Him and the people He called to join us.
Dying to oneself happens as we follow God. It’s difficult to lose ourselves and submit our will to His, but it’s a small price for living in His divine will, enjoying freedom from selfishness and trusting in God. We become great blessing to others! Ma. Luisa A. De la Cruz ma_luisa2004@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:
What is it that you have to surrender to God now? Will you let go and let Him bless others through you?

Dearest God, please humble me and help me to detach so I can surrender to Your will for me.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 27, 2011
SMALL BEGINNINGS

His master said to him, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.” – Matthew 25: 21

The priest heard the commotion. He asked the sacristan to call back “his friend,” the cause of the ruckus, to stay on. After the Mass, he gave the ruffian his first catechism. A week later, Bartholomew Garelli returned with his companions to know God more and to play with his new friend.
That priest was St. John Bosco. His Salesians are all over the world. They bring the young to Jesus through education and play.
Great things come from small beginnings; a house is built brick by brick. Don Bosco started his ministry with one boy and now, countless kids benefit from his system.
Our life is our masterpiece for God, our greatest achievement for Him. Every good word we say, every good deed we do is a small step. Even when it seems that we fall and fail, we must rise up and persevere. Despite not noticing anything substantial, we must strive to become holy. Like Don Bosco, we start with small things — praying, not swearing and telling the truth — and keep at it.
When all these things add up, God will see His masterpiece that we have become. Jun Asis (mabuting.balita@gmail.com)
27
REFLECTION:
Are we growing tired of doing the small things for God? Are we too impatient with God’s masterpiece in us?

Lord, grant me the grace to walk each small step towards Your greatest masterpiece in me.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 26, 2011
THE BARGAIN

“Stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.” – Matthew 25:13

As early as high school, Jed felt a calling to the priesthood. He was young, handsome, bright and popular, but even so, he made a bargain with God. He promised that at the age of 30, the same age when Jesus’ ministry began, he would consecrate his life to God.
Years passed, and with his promise always in mind, he made the best of his “freedom” by doing everything that made life exciting. He worked hard. He traveled. He partied. And he tried everything at least once.
The life he was living took a toll on him. When he came back home, he was very sick. At the age of 30, he did give up his life to God, not through consecration but by death.
I know that Jed found peace with God after he went through a lot of remorse and anguish. His experience should remind us to check our own priorities and how we are living our call.
Every day that we live is a gift that should be used wisely. Would Death find us ready when he comes knocking at our door?Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)
26
REFLECTION:
“Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to Him and if they were to allow His grace to mold them accordingly.” (St. Ignatius of Loyola)

Lord, if Your people need me, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done. (St. Martin de Tours)

Daily Bible Reflections

August 25, 2011
FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant...?” – Matthew 24:45

You have two options in life. First: Enjoy now, endure later. Many, upon receiving salary or bonuses, immediately shop till they drop. They enjoy temporary bounty without the thought of tomorrow. When poverty comes, they endure the consequences as they sing: “I wish that I could turn back the clock….”
Second: Endure now, enjoy later! I want to belong to those who choose the latter. They work hard, save, invest and tithe. Their motto: Live today with tomorrow in mind. When they’re old, they enjoy life and generously help many.
Faithfulness works the same way. What God entrusted to us we must grow. To grow fruits, we must work on the roots.
Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar tells a story about the Chinese bamboo tree. From the time you plant it until its fourth year, it doesn’t show signs of growth. But on the fifth year, it finally sprouts and the tree grows up to 80 feet in just one season! During its “dormant” years, it was developing a root system to enable its long-term growth.
So faithfully sow your time, talent and treasure into the rich soil of God’s will. Endure sacrifices now and enjoy Godly prosperity later! Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)
25
REFLECTION:
Do you practice delayed gratification?

Lord, may I be that servant whom You find doing Your will when You return.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 24, 2011
Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle
yes and no

“Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” – John 1:47

“Are you going to the party?” I asked a Caucasian friend regarding an occasion we were both invited to. “Yes, I’ll try,” he replied.
I laughed. The Filipino culture had rubbed off on this foreigner that he could not tell me straight that he had no intentions of going to the party.
“I’ll try” for the Filipino is a euphemism for “no.” Because of our non-confrontational culture or our nature of not wanting to embarrass another, we resort to masking our refusal with a positive response.
How different from what Jesus teaches us in the Gospel! In Matthew 5:37 He says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.”
When I learned about this aspect of Christian integrity, I strove to be truthful in what I say.
When I do not mean it, I don’t say it.
And if ever I do say it, then I do my best to keep my word.
Or at least, I try. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng(justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

24
REFLECTION:
Is your word your bond? Can people count on what you say?

Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before You, O Lord (Psalm 19:15).

Daily Bible Reflections

August 23, 2011
GOD OR MAN?


Not as trying to please men, but rather God who judges our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4

“Bro. Danny, you cannot tell us to stop chewing betel nut because this has been our custom.”
A man was sharing his thoughts after the teaching I gave on “witnessing.”
In this foreign city where I work, the government has banned the selling and chewing of betel nut in public places. Chewing this nut is the favorite vice of majority of the population, much more popular than smoking. In my talk, I said that as Christians, we should obey authorities (Romans 13:1), and this includes obeying the laws they implement.
As a lay preacher, sometimes it crosses my mind not to speak words that my listeners might find “radical.” That afternoon was no different: The Spirit led me to speak against the chewing of the nut, to obey the laws and to be a good witness for Christ.
After the man stood in front to speak his mind, I took the floor again and said, “Yes, we are citizens of this country. We know its customs. But more than these, we are citizens of the Kingdom.”
This drew thunderous applause from the congregation.
I would rather please God, than men. Danny Tariman (danny@dtariman.com)
23
REFLECTION:
Have you passed up doing something right because you are afraid it might displease others?

Lord, I am sorry for the times that I have not stood up for You. Please give me strength to witness for You even in the most difficult situation.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 22, 2011
Memorial of the Queenship of the Virgin Mary

A MOTHER’S CALL


We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers... knowing, brothers loved by God, how you were chosen. – 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 4

I found myself in church, seated at the back, staring at the image of the Blessed Mother. A small voice in my heart spoke to me. It felt like a gentle touch from heaven.
It was a time of spiritual darkness in my life. I was deep in sin and I didn’t have a clear direction in my life. Though I looked normal from the outside, I was dead inside. I did not want to approach God again. I tried more than once but I fell into sin over and over. I just gave up.
But that day, for some reason, I felt a different grace. I suddenly stood up, drove around and looked for a priest I could talk to and who would hear my confession. I found a saintly old priest who gave me Spirit-filled advice — unlike any other I’ve had in the past. Not long after that, a friend of mine invited me to a spiritual seminar. There, I accepted Jesus in my heart and received a renewal in the Holy Spirit. Life was never the same after that.
I am eternally grateful to Mama Mary who led me to my Savior. Ariel Driz (adriz77@yahoo.com)
22
REFLECTION:
Do you honor and love Mary as the Lord Jesus honors and loves her?

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us Your mother to be our Mother. Grant me the grace to heed her voice and follow her example. Amen.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 21, 2011
The Mirror of God

“But who do you say that I am?” – Matthew 16:15

I admire those people who don’t really care what others say about them because it had been my problem for many years. I’d always get affected especially when people made unpleasant comments about me.
But one day, a wise friend of mine told me that being conscious of other people’s opinion of me is actually a good thing if I learn to look at it in the light of my relationship with God. This means I will have to make a conscious effort of ensure that others see God’s goodness in me.
As Christians, we represent Christ in our daily encounters with those around us. The way we relate with them is an extension of our personal relationship with God. The way we handle daily challenges reflects what we value most in life in relation to the teachings of Christ. God is calling us today to make Him known to others. What a better way to do this but to be a living witness of Christ in the way we live our lives — a mirror of God for others to see Him clearly shining through us. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mjsg2468@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:
Are we able to bring about positive influence to those around us? Do they experience God’s love and goodness through u

Daily Bible Reflections

August 20, 2011
RELIGIOUS SCANDALS

“Do everything they tell you. But do not follow their example.” – Matthew 23:3

A parish priest baptizes an unmarried woman’s baby. It turns out that the priest is the father of the child. Shocking? The Catholic Church has been rocked with sex scandals in the past years. A number of preachers from other denominations have also figured in similar cases.
But what do you expect? These people are made of the same flesh and blood that we “mere mortals” are made of. Being “men of the cloth” doesn’t render them invincible to temptation. On the contrary, it makes them perfect targets for the evil one.
If we put our faith in our religious leaders, we will certainly be disappointed. Some people have even stopped going to church altogether because they got disillusioned with their spiritual head. But if we put our faith in the One who called these people, then we will never be let down. Only God is perfect. As long as we’re wrapped in this flesh and blood, we will always fail. Only Jesus survived this earth without sinning.
Yes, God has called these sinful people for His ministry. He can use these sinful people to spread the Gospel and bring His will to pass. That’s why He’s called God. Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)
20
REFLECTION:
Let him who has no sin cast the first stone.

Lord, strengthen all our religious leaders against the wily tricks of the evil one.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 19, 2011
MY PAPA LOVED JESUS

“Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” – Ruth 1:16

Many people ask me why I became Catholic even though my father was Hindu. Well, my answer is plain and simple: because Papa made us feel that he loved Jesus even though he was not Catholic.
How did he love Jesus?
When I was six years old, my dad pointed out to me a crucifix. He said, “Arun, follow this God who died for you.”
During my first communion years later, to our surprise, my dad received communion, too.
Papa was so happy the day my mom, my older brother and I joined a Charismatic community.
He drove us to outreaches, missions and community activities. He picked us up anywhere when we came home late because of our ministry work.
He prayed with us.
He loved all those that Jesus loves.
We felt God’s love through him.
On his death bed, my Papa received the Sacrament of Baptism.
He loved Jesus.Arun Gogna (gognaa1@yahoo.com)
REFLECTION:
How willing are you to share and care for the people you love the most?

Jesus, Lover of my soul, please show me the people around me who need my love today.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 18, 2011
THE PROMISE

Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. – Judges 11:30

“Lord, I wanted so much to attend the out-of-town retreat. I pray that I may finish my pending work and that my boss would allow me to take a leave, with no questions asked. I will go to Mass for nine consecutive days as my sacrifice.” I made that prayer when I was still very new in the Charismatic Renewal. God answered my prayer as I fulfilled my part of the bargain. It was difficult for me for I was not a daily Mass goer.
In today’s first reading, Jephthah made a vow to God that if He would deliver the Ammonites into his hands, he would sacrifice whatever comes out of the door of his house to meet him after his return. He ended up sacrificing his only daughter.
During Moses’ time, vows made carried much force. In Numbers 30, Moses reminded the people that they have to keep their promises to God and to others. A broken vow meant a broken trust and a broken relationship. Jephthah fulfilled his vow even if it was foolish. Making spiritual “deals” with God may bring us disappointment and guilt when we are forced to fulfill them. God doesn’t want promises for the future, but obedience for today. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)
18
REFLECTION:
What “deals” have you made with the Lord lately? Remember that God cannot be bribed. What He needs from us is to obey Him.

Lord, forgive me for my arrogance during the times that I tried to manipulate You by making promises.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 17, 2011
BE HAPPY FOR OTHERS

“Are you envious because I am generous?” – Matthew 20:15

People are never satisfied with what they have. Those who are dark bleach themselves while fair ones go sunbathing. Those with curly hair get rebonds and those with straight hair get perms.
We are not satisfied with what we have because we compare ourselves with others.
I remember a classmate of ours named Jello, who used to be jealous of just about anything — from others’ looks down to the minutest details of life. She always had something to complain about — her dress, her grades, the teachers, etc.
She was the exact opposite of Adora, another classmate of ours, who was very easy to please. Of course, between them, we preferred to go with Adora as we found her adorable. (Ah, maybe that’s the reason why she’s named Adora, and Jello for jealousy.)
Years have passed since our graduation. During our reunion, we were quite surprised at how Jello has become the lady she was not. We later learned that she has joined a prayer community and has been very active since then. And that spelled the difference. Dr. Henry Yu (henrio_md@yahoo.com)
17
REFLECTION:
It is exhausting to be human sometimes because we’re never satisfied with anything. For always, we would want to have everything.

Lord, help us to accept and be happy with what we are and with what we have and never be envious of others. Grant us to be happy for others.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 16, 2011
leave it to him

The Lord answered, “You can do it because I will help you….” – Judges 6:16

Our prayer group decided to visit Anawim, a home for the abandoned elderly, in 2009. My wife and I used to be regular visitors there so we were requested to lead the event.
However, with just a few days before our scheduled visit, we still did not have a firm plan on what to do. I suggested to our pastoral leader that we just bring some food and talk with the elderly.
In the morning of our scheduled visit, I said a short prayer for God to be with us. We arrived at the site safely. We were able to bring some food for sharing with everyone. We shared stories with the elderly. We talked with the volunteers. We prayed in their chapel. And most of all we had fun!
We felt God’s guidance in all the things we did. We came there with no firm program and yet everything fell into place. We can truly do a lot of things because we have God by our side. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)
16
REFLECTION:
Are you faced with a daunting task today? Just do it, pray for God’s help, and trust that God is with you.

Lord, take over all the plans I have for this day.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 15, 2011
WALKING BESIDE ME

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” – Luke 1:46-47

I will never forget marching down the aisle 12 years ago, while the Magnificat was being sung by the choir. As I saw a sea of loving faces around me, my heart sang with them, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in my Savior.…”
What better way to exalt God’s goodness on my wedding day than to sing Mama Mary’s canticle? What better place than in the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians? What better day than on the Feast of her Presentation, November 21?
As I met the man of my dreams, I had the song of Mama Mary in my heart. Borrowing her words, I felt one with her in gratitude for the many favors God has bestowed on a sinful, stubborn daughter like me.
I have been very blessed.
And throughout life’s journey, I know I have a Mother to share every single moment yet to come.
Whether I recognize it or not, she is there, walking beside me. Lallaine Gogna (lallygogna@yahoo.com)
15
REFLECTION:
How much do you value Mama Mary’s love and presence in your life? You are her child!

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you! And blessed I am because I have you.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 14, 2011
ONE GOD, ONE PEOPLE

For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all. – Romans 11:32

“May you be saved,” read the text message that a listener sent while we were broadcasting live from the radio station. Our topic: the Blessed Virgin. The listener bombarded us with text messages, telling us that we should pray only to the one true God.
Our guest priest explained very gently why we Catholics honor the Mother of God and the saints. I was trying hard not to lash out at this person for having the audacity to imply that I (and all other Catholics) was doomed. Thankfully, I was able to voice out my thoughts in a friendly way.
Our God is a merciful God. Whether we’re Catholic, or Muslim, or Protestant, or Jewish, I believe that God, in His loving mercy and kindness, will save us when we ask Him to because we are all His.
The second reading today describes what kind of God He really is. His mercy is encompassing! Gentiles and Jews, He forgave. And because He is constant and faithful, from the beginning until this day, He is the same forgiving God.
Instead of fighting over the differences in our faith, let us recognize that we all come from one God, making us one people under heaven.Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)
14
REFLECTION:
How do we handle people who criticize us for our faith? Do we respond in a loving way?

Father in heaven, remind me that every person I meet is my brother and my sister so that I may treat them with love and respect.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 13, 2011
PROJECT: TABLE RUNNER

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14

My 10-year-old son had a huge, life-changing, and generation-defining project: a newspaper table runner. His teacher’s objective was to strengthen the parent-child bond by getting them together to work on the project. Aside from the table runner, my son was required to submit photos documenting our “partnership.” Under the first photo, he wrote the caption: “First day of the job. Dad helped me out.”
There are times when helping the young with their mundane projects like table runners or with the more complex ones called life drains my physical, mental and emotional reserves. But I also learn valuable lessons:
• Some kids follow life in a straight line, while others zig-zag along life’s pathway. It’s best to “zig” with them in love and with courage.
• Young people need unconditional love because they live in a conditional world.
• Praying with them and reading God’s Word together work miracles.
• Young people need to develop a relationship with Christ that is based not on rules but on a deep love of Jesus.
Raising the young is not disturbance to our work. It’s our work. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail com)

REFLECTION:
Has God placed young people in your life? Do the work, friend! “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Father, teach me how to receive the young people as You did. Grant me patience, faith in them, and perseverance if I have to “zig” my way through their hearts.

Daily Bible Reflections

August 12, 2011
Pampered and Privileged

“I gave you a land which you had not tilled and cities which you had not built, to dwell in; you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.” – Joshua 24: 13

There are times when I feel so pampered by God.
Like that time I went to the USA with only $50 to my name. Plane fare and pocket money were C.O.D. (care of Daddy). Yummy food, comfortable places to stay in Chicago and LA, take-home gifts plus part of my tuition for a writing course at the University of Illinois were courtesy of my generous and loving cousins. My cousins’ community, where I attended prayer meetings, even gave me $20. I went home a couple of hundred dollars richer with that together with money sent by an uncle in Florida.
Another time, I needed parking space and thought of parking in front of a spa. I entered to ask about their packages so the guard wouldn’t shoo me away. I got a free massage and a discount card.
There are many other times when the Lord unzips the heavens and showers me with blessings I didn’t work for.
But it’s not just me. I see this scenario repeated in the lives of other people. Just goes to show what kind of a generous and loving God we have. Lella Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)
12
REFLECTION:
There’s nothing we have done to deserve God’s love. His love is unconditional.

“For all You’ve given to me, for all the blessings that I cannot see. Thank You, Lord!” (from the song “Thank You, Lord”)