Daily Bible Reflections - July 31, 2012

I smile

 

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” – Matthew 13:43

 

I was very playful and outgoing as a kid. Being so, I devised a way to pick which kids to befriend when I was in elementary school. I would observe those who talked and laughed a lot and readily conclude that they were the best friends for me because they “shone.”

But as I grew up, I learned that not “all that glitters is gold.” Those who smile at and laugh with me aren’t necessarily the ones who turn out to be my best friends. Presently, I reckon most of my best friends are those whom I met when things were going downhill in my life. They were there to cry with me. The brilliance of their character shone ever brighter during those trying times in life.

At 36, I have gained the wisdom that God sees me shine even during my darkest hours. I’m not worried about people judging me just because I don’t always “shine” when I’m in a crowd. I believe that God sees through my heart, and with that thought, I smile. Eugene Cailao (eugenecailao@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” (Unknown)

 

Lord, You are the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Let me be that kind of friend to others, too.

 

St. Ignatius of Loyola, priest, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - July 30, 2012

ENJOY THE PROCESS

 

“It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants.” – Matthew 13:32

 

My wife and I got involved in the distribution of agriculture inputs to farmers and farm owners. Because of this, we witnessed first-hand the process of planting and harvesting of rice and corn, studied how to increase yields of mango trees and how to extend the productive life of high vegetable plantations. It was a learning experience!

Given the exposure we’ve had on these various crops, I came to one simple yet important life lesson. Harvest doesn’t come in the same season as sowing. Nature has a process of growth. For rice alone, it takes more than 100 days from seed preparation, soil preparation, seed bed planting, seed transplanting, fertilization, harvest and rice milling. This doesn’t even include the difficulties the farmer has to face when drought or typhoons set in.

Today, the Lord points out that all big things that are of value started small. They all had to go through a maturing process. This takes time, work, patience and, most of all, God’s grace.

So the next time you feel “small” in your faith, know that God’s process is working on you. Instead of fighting it, enjoy the process! Ariel Driz (adriz77@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

All worthwhile things take time. Am I enjoying God’s process in my life?

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me that You are not done with me yet… that everything is a process of growth. Grant me the grace to be patient so that I may be of great use for Your kingdom. Amen.

 

St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - July 23, 20129

keep the peace

 

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called. – Ephesians 4: 2-4

 

Sixty leaders of various committees from different provinces gathered the day before the celebration of the feast of the Blessed Mother. Final instructions were being given as well as food and gasoline allowances. That’s when the trouble began. What started as a peaceful meeting suddenly became an unruly crowd. People began to murmur and complain why others were getting more than them.

The overall coordinator stood up on stage, waiting for the noise to die down. When the room was still, he spoke softly, quoting the verse above.

It took a few seconds before the miracle happened. Then people stood up, clapped their hands vigorously and started hugging one another as they cried and laughed at the same time.

Words from an ordinary man would not have pacified their spirits but the words of God brought them back together, instilled peace and united them in their call to serve. Chelle Crisanto (ellehcmaria@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

“Church isn’t a building. Church is what you do. Church is who you are. Church is the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s not go to Church, let’s be the Church.” (Bridget Willard)

 

Lord, let me be Your instrument of unity.

 

St. Martha, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - July 28, 2012

THE RISE AND FALL OF EVIL

 

“Tie them in bundles for burning, but gather the wheat into my barn.” – Matthew 13:30

 

Watching the news on TV makes me think that the evil trends of the world seem to be unstoppable. Dishonest officials always sit in high positions in government, promoting graft and corruption. Laws against Christian morality and ethics are being proposed in congress. Robbery and crime are on the rise. Wars never come to an end. People renounce their faith.

It appears as if the devil is already winning.

I asked the Lord why He allows these miserable things to happen.

As I reflected on Scripture, the Lord reminded me that everything in this world is temporary. The prevailing scheme of the evil one will also fail and end. Then, the glory of the Lord will rise and rule over this darkness. Everlasting happiness will be granted to those who stand firm and put their trust in Him. So it is best that we remain strong in our faith and persevere in drawing near to our Lord through prayers and good deeds.

God is at His strongest when we are at our weakest. Dho Rimando (dougsterrimando@yahoo.com.ph)

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REFLECTION:

“All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence being with them.” (James Hudson Taylor)

 

Lord, You’ve empowered us to defeat the evil one. Grant me the courage I need to use that power.

 

St. Leopold Mandic, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - July 27, 2012

BEARING FRUIT

 

“And the seeds sown in the good soil stand for those who hear the message and understand it: they bear fruit, some as much as one hundred, others, sixty, and others thirty.” – Matthew 13:23

 

When my parents first moved to our subdivision, they planted seeds of mango, jackfruit, coconut and chico in the land surrounding our family’s home. After many years, these seeds have blossomed into trees whose fruits are enjoyed not only by our family but our neighbors as well.

Once, we harvested a total of 64 coconuts from just one tree. It’s amazing how one seed that fell on good soil produced a tree that bears so much fruit.

It reminds me how a word of encouragement or simply sharing God’s faithfulness in our lives can plant hope in someone’s heart. Imagine how the seed of kindness and the truth of the Gospel can change someone’s life. Imagine also how a person touched by God’s transforming love can influence the people around them until the whole country is transformed. It seems so massive, but the change begins from one seed of goodness planted today.

It is so important that we do our duty as Christians in planting the seeds of God’s truth and goodness in our lives. That way, the Holy Spirit can continue His renewing work in the world.Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

If no seed is sown, how will the Spirit bear fruit? Who can I share God’s Word with today?

 

Dear Lord, may we be like the good soil that receives Your Word in trust and obedience, so that Your Spirit may bear fruits of love, peace and joy in us. Amen.

 

Blessed Antonio Lucci,pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - July 26, 2012

Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Virgin Mary

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what’s your legacy?

 

But we will praise these godly men, whose righteous deeds have never been forgotten. Their reputations will be passed on to their descendants, and this will be their inheritance. – Sirach 44:10-11

 

A few years ago, I chanced upon a conversation with a local businessman who had become a well-known success in the country. He had recently been engaged in a bidding war with his competitors for a huge project. The manager in charge of awarding the project had approached him to ask for a small bribe. In exchange, the manager would turn the deal to his favor. However, this businessman declined the proposal and his competitor won the contract.

When I asked him why he had refused to pay off the manager given that the fee was a small sum compared to the value of the project, he answered me with a smile. “I am trying to build my business as honestly as I can. True, it will take me twice as long and 10 times the effort to become as rich as my competitor, but I’m in no hurry and I want to be remembered as a man who earned success by working hard, not by taking unethical shortcuts. There is something more than wealth that I want to pass down  to my children and that is a legacy of an honorable name, integrity and good values.” Eleanore Lee (elyo.lee@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

What kind of person would you want others to remember you by?

                                                                                                                                                                                            

Lord, may I do justice as Your child, born of a Father who continues to  encourage love, selflessness and righteousness in this world.

 

Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - July 25, 2012

Feast of St. James, Apostle

 

MY SELF-WORTH

 

But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. – 2 Corinthians 4:7

 

Promotion at work, high assessment, excellent audience feedback. These were things I loved. But every time I failed or when the evaluation was just satisfactory, it’s as if my value went on sale, 50 percent off. Years later, I realized that my achievements defined my self-worth. I’ve been part of Charismatic communities for the longest time but it turns out I was just superficially declaring that my worth was rooted in God. I prayed for healing.

In 2007, I felt God leading me to resign. But how could I when I faced a bright future as a TV reporter and was already next in line as part of the new batch of anchors?

It took two years before I finally surrendered, but it liberated me from my neediness. I felt my worth even if I could no longer be promoted or get to host my own TV show. I am like an earthen vessel as the Bible verse suggests, a clay jar that can easily break, but I hold inside me the surpassing power that is God’s, not mine. There I found my self-worth.

I served full-time for a Charismatic community. But guess what? God blessed me with hosting jobs for TV shows that landed on my lap. Truly He provides and knows the desires of my heart. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

The joy is mine. The glory is His. When people praise me, do I embrace the glory or do I recognize God inside me to give back to Him the glory?

 

Lord God, help me discover my neediness and heal me so my heart may consistently recognize my worth rooted in You which is not defined by achievements or what other people think and expect of me.

 

St. James, Apostle, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - July 24, 2012

WORSHIP YOU

 

“Show us wonderful signs.” – Micah 7:15

It was an evening of grace. My husband Raul and I were leading the corporate worship of Bukas Loob Sa Diyos Covenant Community at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park. Soaked in melodious songs and high praises, the whole church was radiating with joy, love and peace from the hearts of the worshipers. For more than two hours, we set aside mundane concerns of life. It was a glimpse of heaven on earth for me as ordinary men and women were transformed into a multitude of angels, praising God unabashedly.

Whenever the Holy Spirit takes over, God moves and things happen. The moment of encounter and communion with the Lord

is always the high point of the evening and it is difficult to describe it in words. It has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.

No two corporate worships are ever alike. Whenever I come out of the church filled with inexplicable joy, it comes as a wonderful sign from the Lord. I can’t wait till our next turn to lead the corporate worship once again. Praise be to God!  Mari Sison-Garcia (mari_sison_garcia @yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

It is God’s will for us to give Him praise “so that we might exist for the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:12).

 

Lord, Your wonderful signs give me an affirmation to obey Your will each day.

 

St. Sharbel Makhlouf, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - July 23, 2012

DEATH SENTENCE

“Master,” they said, “we should like to see a sign from you.” – Matthew 12:38

“I’m sorry. I cannot help you,” my husband said. His patient burst into bitter tears.

A year ago, the patient consulted him about her stage one breast cancer. My husband recommended surgery and chemotherapy, explaining that a cure is attainable. She didn’t come back.

Now she was recounting how she tried alternative medicine because of her fear of chemotherapy. The cancer had advanced to stage four, the final stage. He couldn’t save her even if she begged.

I think my husband’s frustration was similar to Jesus’ when the Pharisees asked for a sign. My husband, just like Jesus, was trying to bring hope and deliver people from certain death, but he was received with cynicism, fear and resentment instead.

Unknown to us, we are usually in the position of the patient and the Pharisees. We resist what we know should be done and insist on looking for proof because we want an easier path.

Make the right decisions now. Don’t fear the hardships to come. God will give you enough grace to see you through. Postponement may be a reprieve, but in the end, it’s as good as a death sentence. Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:

“If you keep thinking about what you want to do or what you hope will happen, you don’t do it, and it won’t happen.” (Desiderius Erasmus)

Lord, open our eyes and ears and grant us the courage to respond to the signs all around us.

St. Bridget, religious, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - July 22, 2012

what kind of shepherd?

 

“His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.” – Mark 6:34

 

As Christians, all of us are shepherds of some sort. But what kind of shepherd are you?

1. Tired – Just like low-batt devices that need to recharge, everyone needs rest. Jesus invited His disciples, “Come away by yourselves,” so they could be refreshed in His presence.

2. Inspired – Some shepherds are like mothers who put personal needs aside to serve others because they know they do this out of love for people they care about.

3. Reluctant – Shepherds who live in the past have no vision of Jesus’ future for their lives. The present will always be a burden to them.

4. Indifferent – In the beginning, this shepherd was inspired but she let the stress get to her and she started to rely on herself. She had forgotten to go back to God.

As we live up to our roles in life as a parent, child, boss, employee or student, we all have God-given responsibilities that make us shepherds in our own right. May we discover that our secular tasks are but a shadow of our spiritual vocation as Christians. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

What kind of shepherd are you?

 

May I always learn from You because You are the Good Shepherd. My ears were fashioned to hear Your voice, my eyes were made to see Your face and my soul was created to fit perfectly in Your loving arms. Direct my mind, my heart and my will always to You, my Lord.

 

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - July 21, 2012

APATHY

 

“I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.” – Micah 2:3

 

My colleague Marla and I were having coffee one afternoon when our branch manager, Tito Jojo, joined us. He shared with us about his involvement in the mission of uplifting the lives of the poor and empowering them. His commitment and passion were evident as he related his role in helping the mission grow and reach out to more poor families.

But what struck me most was when he said, “The teaching of the Catholic faith is the best there is in all of Christendom. But it is also our best-kept secret. Why? Because there are more poor people among us, in spite of our country being a predominantly Christian nation. We don’t do enough for the poor. Sure, poverty is caused by people who have but don’t give to the poor. But more than this, poverty is caused by our apathy.”

The second chapter of Micah clearly expresses God’s anger and the wrath He brings upon those who “do the evil they planned” against the helpless and the weak. This got me thinking. I asked myself: compared to cruelty, greed and injustice, isn’t apathy — my apathy — to the plight of the poor the worst form of oppression there is? Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

What have you done for the poor? What else do you want to do for the poor?

 

Lord, bless all those who have less than I do and stir within me a spirit of sharing. Let gratitude and giving be my banners and let all be Yours. May justice and mercy have places of honor within my being and may my hands work to relieve suffering wherever I find it. Amen. (Vera Salter)

 

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

Daily Bible Reflections - July 20, 2012

He’s Just Around The Corner

 

I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you. – Isaiah 38:5

 

The sudden death of his wife devastated him, especially that he was left with a little girl who constantly looked for her mother. One night, while they were both trying to get some sleep, the little girl said, “Daddy, it’s so dark. I can’t see you, are you there?” The father replied, “Yes, baby, I’m here. Don’t worry. Daddy is right next to you and I’m not going anywhere. Now, try to get some sleep.”

There is no doubt that we live in a world of discord, one torn with disease and sickness, broken relationships, natural disasters, injustices and corrupt governments. But the trials and pressures of life, no matter how severe, are never an indication that God has forgotten us and doesn’t hear our cries.

No matter how dark our situation is, no matter how afflicted we may be, no matter how hopeless things appear, we must never lose hope. Our faith calls us to endure and to trust that our loving Father will never leave us and, that one day, He will bring us peace. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

When we are afflicted, regardless of the cause, we must see it as an opportunity to deepen our faith and trust even more in the Lord.

 

Dear Lord, heal my troubled heart and banish my fears. Lead me to a greater faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 

St. Apollinaris, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - July 19, 2012

BURDEN LIFTER

 

“For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” – Matthew 11:30

 

Taking a break is always helpful. That’s why our family squeezes out-of-town trips in our busy schedule once in a while.

But taking a vacation is, in itself, tiring. For an obsessive-compulsive person like me, preparing and packing things for a trip is tedious work. Then during the vacation itself, we get exhausted from our activities. It doesn’t end there.

After the trip, with all the dirty clothes and paraphernalia, plus the souvenirs and pasalubongs, unpacking is even more taxing. But at the end of it all, it’s the bonding and the love that’s worth remembering.

In this life, we oftentimes get tired and burdened from our regular routine. From finding solutions to our various problems. From fighting sin. From finding all possible means to stay within the budget and pay our debts. From trying to repair broken relationships. Even from struggling to be good.

But at the end of the day, what matters is that we put our trust in the Lord and rest in His holy presence. His love that is new every morning shall make our burdens light. Sol Saura (sol_saura@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Are you carrying a heavy load right now? Give ‘em all to Jesus!

 

Thank You, Lord, for always being there to see us through.

 

Servant of God Francis Garces and Companions, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - July 18, 2012

LEARN FROM THE LITTLE ONES

 

“For although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” – Matthew 11:25

 

Here’s a popular story I love.

A large truck passes under a low-lying overpass. The driver doesn’t pay close enough attention to the posted maximum height limitation and the truck gets stuck. It’s too large to fit under the overpass and has wedged itself under the bridge. As the police officers, fire department and a multitude of people stand around trying to figure out how to solve the problem, a little boy speaks up and says, “Why don’t you just let the air out of the tires?”

I once asked a director for some tips on framing my shots as a videographer. He told me to read comics. They have the best framing because the artist has a free hand in placing the characters in the most dramatic positions.

He was right. I would never have thought I’d find the answer from something so “kiddie.”

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Are you in a complicated situation? What would be the simplest solution?

 

Lord, help me to be childlike.

 

Blessed Angeline of Marsciano, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - July 17, 2012

THE DOCTOR IS IN

 

“If you want me to protect you, learn to believe what I say.” – Isaiah 7:9

 

My six-year-old daughter ran and tripped, scraping her right knee badly. She didn’t want anyone to touch it because it hurt so much. When I arrived home that night, the nanny told me that the wound still hadn’t been cleaned. She hid when I approached her because she didn’t want to show me the wound.

I asked her if she believed that I loved her very much. She nodded. I asked her if she thinks that I would do anything to hurt her. She shook her head. After assuring her some more, she finally let me clean and dress her wound. After I applied medicine and an adhesive strip, she felt better and was smiling again. Then she asked me coyly, “Can I call you Dr. Mommy?”

Many times we also trip and get hurt badly. But instead of going to God for help, we hide our wounds, hoping that it would heal on its own. But it doesn’t. Instead, it festers and gets worse until it spreads and infects the other areas of our life.

If we are hurt, there is only One who can make us feel better and make us whole again. Let’s lay at His feet all our problems and trust Him. He is not called Healer and Savior for nothing.  Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)

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REFLECTION:

God will never meet us halfway when we run to Him. He will meet us all the way the moment we take a step towards Him.

 

Lord, thank You for being my place of refuge when I am hurting.

 

St. Francis Solano, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Readings - July 16, 2012

READ WELL

 

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:37

 

I’ve met a number of “extreme” Bible enthusiasts who quickly interpret the above verse by concluding that it would be a highly spiritual thing to leave your family behind to serve the Lord. That’s not a problem if you’re entering the religious life. But not so for a married person.

A man once told me that he wanted to serve God full-time so he was now ready to abandon his wife and children. He was convinced that he was following God’s will. What Matthew 10:37 points out is that it’s wrong to love your family more than God. But it doesn’t tell you not to love your family at all — or worse, leave them and use God as your reason (or scapegoat). Didn’t you promise God to love and take care of your family in the Sacraments of Marriage and Baptism?

There are other biblical verses telling you not to neglect your family. And that’s another important way of understanding the Bible more. Let Scripture interpret (or clarify) Scripture. Test a Bible verse with other related verses. Because God’s Word will and should not contradict itself. Alvin Barcelona (alvinbarcelona@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

How do you show that you love God above all, while still loving others, especially your family? Love God through others today.

 

Dear God, grant me the grace to live by the greatest law of loving You above all and loving others as myself. Amen.

 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - July 15, 2012

PROPHET FROM HOME

 

“I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig-trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’” – Amos 7:14, 15

 

A couple of years ago, my boss generously offered me a work-from-home scheme. I only go to the office twice a week for meetings. It works for me, especially during this season in my life when I have two toddlers. I get to spend time with them and be hands-on with their needs while working at the same time.

But it also has its challenges. Often, I have to battle for my keyboard with a toddler who insists to climb on me and rewrite my article. Although I’d rather have silence to compose my thoughts, I’ve trained myself to block out all sounds of Barney, Mickey Mouse and Sesame Street as my kids watch them in our office at home. My working hours are intermittent at best, but I manage to draw godly inspiration for my articles in between diaper changes, tantrums and squabbles.

Yes, I’m a mommy in every sense of the word — baptized and anointed with drool, pee and poop into this holy vocation. Yet I’m also called to be a prophet, a scribe through whom the Lord speaks His Word to His people today. God help me in my calling.Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Bloom where you’re planted and you’ll most likely fulfill God’s will for you.

 

Lord, grant me the graces and gifts I need to serve You where You have called me.

 

St. Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - July 14, 2012

SEND ME

 

“Here I am,” I said, “send me!” – Isaiah 6:8

 

High from my mountaintop experience in the Holy Land, I would utter the words, “Send me,” after receiving the Eucharist every morning. I was filled to the brim with God’s love and all I wanted was to serve Him. But I didn’t know how and where.

One Friday morning after the Holy Hour, I noticed two ladies a few rows behind me, whispering to each other. One was a friend while the other, our parish pastoral council (PPC) president, was just a familiar face.

On my way out, my friend introduced me to the PPC president. And then the latter talked to me. They were looking for someone to head the education ministry of the parish and she asked if I was willing to accept it.

I was dumbfounded. Head a ministry? I wasn’t even a member of any organization at the time. But deep within, I felt peace. I knew God was answering my prayer. I knew He was sending me, finally.

I accepted the offer and it led me to other forms of involvement in the parish — and even outside of it.

God sends us to our mission fields when He sees we’re ready for service. Just like when Jesus had to wait for 30 years before His public ministry began.Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

The Lord waits for a willing spirit. Are you ready?

 

Lord, enkindle in me the fire of Your love. A willing spirit create in me that I may follow You wherever You send me.

 

St. Camillus de Lellis, priest, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections - July 13, 2012

Wild World

 

“I am sending you like sheep among wolves. Therefore be shrewd as snakes and as gentle as doves.” – Matthew 10:16

 

If you know this song, then I’ll know your age: If you wanna leave take good care / Hope you’ve got a lot of nice friends out there / And have a lot of great things everywhere, yeah / Ooh baby, baby it’s a wild world / You only get by just put a smile, Girl / Yeah-hey, Ooh baby, baby it’s a wild world / I always remember you like a child girl.

Daddies can relate to this song, “Wild World.” (Imagine a dad of a college girl going to a dorm away from home. I’m not ready for this to happen to Reese, my daughter. She’s just three years old!)

This parental agape love is what Jesus felt when He sent the disciples into the wild world with a word of caution:

“You’re like sheep among wolves.” He was honest about the dangers of persecution and frustrations.

“Be shrewd as snakes.” We must know when to escape and when to strike back.

“Be gentle as lambs.” Because only the strong and mature can afford to be gentle.

But what gives me courage the most is not listed above.

Jesus said, “I AM sending you!”

The One sending me is enough to give me courage! Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Gentle lamb, are you afraid of the wolves all around? Do not fear, your strong Shepherd is ever here!

 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of tears, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

 

St. Henry II, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - July 12, 2012

EMULATING MOM

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” – Matthew 10:8

My mother is the most selfless person I know. She’s a silent worker who always gives of herself simply because there are things that need to be done.

We grew up without a helper, and though she was a working mom, she did the daily house chores singlehandedly no matter how tired she was. When she retired, she never got to enjoy her retirement fund  because she used it for her two orphaned granddaughters’ tuition. She lives on her pension but even that goes to paying the bills.

Mommy often has very little left for herself but she still gives down to her last cent. I learned what selflessness is all about by her example. As a daughter, I think to myself that if I could be half the woman that she is, then I would have lived well.

Because of everything she has given to and done for me, I try as much to do things for her, and I find joy in giving back to her even when I, too, have little left for myself.

For the many blessings that the Lord has showered upon us in this life, Jesus also tells us, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Do you pay it forward? Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do you expect a reward for a good deed?

Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous… to give and not to count the cost….

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