Daily Bible Reflections - January 20,2013

Feast of the Sto. Niño

finding PURPOSE AND PEACE

 

And he said to them,“Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” – Luke 2:49

 

In 2006, my older brother vanished without any warning or explanation. We had an inkling that stress from his corporate life was the cause. For many months, we searched for him but to no avail. Every so often, we would hear sightings of him from friends of friends, as if he were a Sasquatch or an extraterrestrial. It wasn’t until two years later that he reemerged. Looking disheveled and detached, he told us of his adventures in Mindanao and how he managed to find his place and purpose in this world.

My brother’s face, that was once chiseled with undefined sadness, is now a picture of peace and happiness. He founded a movement that has evolved into an open community that seeks to heal Mother Earth by opening one’s conscious connection with the world. He has found his calling.

Mary and Joseph were frantic because they couldn’t find Jesus. When they finally found him at the Temple, He was so calm and at peace that He even questioned why His parents were distressed. No need for them to worry because He was in His Father’s house fulfilling His purpose.

When we find our purpose, it’s like being in our Father’s house where we are safe at all times. Audee Villaraza (avillaraza@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Today, pray that God may reveal His purpose and plan for your life and that you surrender your life to His will.

 

Almighty God, keep me safe in Your house as I journey towards finding my purpose.

 

St. Sebastian, martyr, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - January 18,2013

healing power of forgiveness

 

“Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?” – Mark 2:9

 

My two-year-old daughter was tumbling about on her bed when her forehead hit a corner of the bed frame. Blood quickly oozed from the gaping wound. I tried to stop the bleeding but an hour after bandaging her wound, it looked like it was still oozing. Worried that her wound might not heal properly, I took her to the emergency room.

I was amazed at how quickly she healed. When they removed the bandage I had applied a couple of hours earlier, her gaping wound looked like a tiny cut! No stitches needed. More than my children’s ability to heal quickly, I’m even more amazed at how fast they can forgive and forget. I watch my two-year-old get clobbered by her older sister and, like a cat and a dog, they get into a brawl. They kick, bite and scream at each other, but a few minutes later, they’re back to being the best of friends.

Many of us lose that childlike quality to easily forgive as we grow older. No wonder Jesus asked the question in the passage above. It was as if He was saying that it’s easier to perform a miracle by making the lame walk than to forgive. What we don’t realize is that when we forgive, we heal quickly as well. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Resentments hurt you, not them. Always forgive people, even if they never ask for your forgiveness. Don’t do it for them — do it for you. (www.marcandangel.com)

 

Lord, make me a person who is quick to forgive.

St. Charles of Sezze, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - January 17,2013

Harden not your hearts

 

If today you would hear his voice, harden not your hearts. – Hebrew 3:7-8

 

Five years ago I heard the voice of the Lord calling me to serve in our community. The council asked me to discern if I really wanted to take the position as one of the leaders. Hesitation filled me as I discerned. Questions like, “Am I capable? Am I worthy of that position?” besieged me like waves testing my boat of faith.

Almost a month had passed when I finally came to a decision — I passed my letter of intent to the coordinator. I said yes to the Lord.

Looking back, it’s a good thing I listened to His call. During my years of service, He revealed His plans to me. I expanded my territories, enhanced my speaking skills and created new relationships.

Maybe God is asking you to make a decision right now. Or maybe you are being pushed beyond your comfort zone. Your mind is uncertain, doubtful if you can do it. But, friend, if the Lord calls you to do something, trust Him with your all. “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Jan Carlo Silan (jan@makatifeast.com)

 

Reflection: God calls every single one of us to do His will. Have you freely opened your heart and soul to His voice?

 

Lord, grant me the courage to say yes to Your call and the faith to strongly believe that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.

 

St. Anthony, abbot, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - January 16,2013

FIRST

 

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. – Mark 1:35

 

It was a day of many firsts. The first work day of the year, the first day of work for our participants and their first time to work. It was the first time that I was incharge of that training, my first time to see it run.

I admit that I was nervous and wanted to do well. There were a lot of things that could go wrong, a lot of things to check. I had assigned tasks for each team member and they knew what to do. I was tempted to take over. Yet I knew I had to do something more important first. I’d been in similar situations before when I chose to veer away from my routine — my prayer time. So I prayed.

After my quiet time with the Lord, we went about our work. Everything went fine. There were a few kinks here and there, and we could definitely improve on many things. Yet, we were grateful that our first training run went smoothly. I had a sense of peace and tranquility since I had prayed earlier.

Prayer settles. Prayer calms.

For me, it’s also prayer first. Jun Asis (mabuting.balita@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Is prayer a priority in your life?

 

Lord, grant me the grace to prioritize my prayer time, that I may always listen and draw life from You.

 

St. Bernard and Companions, pray for us.