Daily Bible Reflections - March 7,2013

ALLY OR ENEMY?

 

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” – Luke 11:23

 

It was a few days before performance night and each group of performers and production people were busy rehearsing their assigned scenes. During one of the dry run nights, a group walked out in protest against their director who had verbally abused them. With one group missing, how could the play push through? Later, they were able to patch things up and the play ran smoothly.

In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by the power of the devil. But Jesus tells them, “If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” It’s absurd to think that Satan will drive out his allies, the demons. For a particular cause to be successful, unity among the members is important. If not, nothing gets achieved.

As believers and followers of Christ, we need to be united. We need to be of one mind and heart. The enemy is always on the lookout for dissension for he can use this as a way to thwart God’s plan and purposes. In the fight between good versus evil, there is no neutral ground. It’s either we are for Christ or against Him. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Are you the cause of division or unity in your group?

 

Lord, disturb me when I insist that I always want to have it my way. Teach me to work towards unity.

 

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 6,2013

LAWS AND COMMANDMENTS

 

“For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?” – Deuteronomy 4:7

 

The sign on the highway said, “No crossing. Pedestrians have died here.” Still, pedestrians continued to cross even at the risk of their own lives. It was unconscious suicide! Traffic enforcers even had a heyday punishing the offenders by making them publicly sing the national anthem with a megaphone.

Just as human laws are made to protect lives, God’s commandments were given to us to preserve our lives and enable us to live more abundantly. His laws show us at least three things: (1) a sign of wisdom to non-believers; (2) a sign showing the close relationship God has for His children; and (3) a sign of a Father’s great love for us. Did you notice, though, the difference between human laws and God’s commandments? Human laws are made to implement order but God’s laws are given because He loves.

More than the sacrifice required by our religious obligations during this time of Lent, let’s offer our obedience expressed out of a hunger in our hearts to return God’s love for those He died to save. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Heroes shed their blood to make this nation and its laws great. But Someone greater than a hero gave His life that we may live ours more abundantly. How obedient are we to Him?

 

When I do not see the logic in being obedient, Lord, increase my faith, grant me serenity, and teach me to hope, that I may follow out of love.

 

Servant of God Sylvester of Assisi, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 5,2013

QUICK TO FORGIVE

 

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” — Matthew 18:21

 

“Papa, I left my Gameboy inside the movie theater!” my son Jason said. It had been almost 10 minutes since we left the moviehouse. We ran back to the theater. The next batch of moviegoers were already filing in. I was anxious we wouldn’t find his Gameboy anymore.

We rushed to the place where we had been seated but we only saw empty seats. My emotions were shifting from anxiety to anger when Jason said, “Papa, please forgive me for losing my video game.”

I didn’t know how to react. I just replied, “Don’t worry, it’s just a toy.” Then, as if on queue, the maintenance man approached us and asked if we were looking for a video game. He told us to proceed to their office so we could claim it.

Jesus teaches us to forgive repeatedly because God is always willing to forgive us. His concept of forgiveness is very different from ours. We are choosy about who to forgive while He forgives all who return to Him. While we take longer to pardon, God forgives immediately. God’s great love for us will always surpass our sins, whether big or small. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: When you ask God for forgiveness, do you also remember to forgive those who have offended you?

 

Lord, when I’m tempted to withhold forgiveness, remind me that You forgive my sins even when I don’t deserve it.

 

St. John Joseph of the Cross, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 4,2013

FEET OF CLAY

 

The man was also a valiant warrior, but he was a leper. – 2 Kings 5:1

 

In my blog, My B.A.G. of Miracles, I started a series entitled “Manual for Servant Leaders Who Insanely Love to Serve God Despite Harassments and Frustrations.” The working title is just for fun, but you get my drift.

The guidelines on servant leadership were inspired by my own foibles and experiences. As the art of managing fellow servants is quite different from corporate management, I thought recording my observations and reflections might help others who are anointed to lead.

Servant leaders have a big heart for the Lord and brave many challenges in the course of service, but we are far from perfect. We are sometimes afflicted by “leprosy” or human flaws that impair our leadership. When people look up to us, they get a peek at our feet of clay.

But, imperfect though we may be, we are not hopeless cases. Just as the Lord healed Naaman of his leprosy when he obeyed Elisha, He also corrects our flaws when we follow His guidance. Are we called to be more humble, loving and considerate? As we wash our sins in His river of forgiveness, we are made clean. Lella M. Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Do you love to serve or do you serve to be loved?

 

Lord, as I go into the battlefield, let me be mindful of Your commands.

 

St. Casimir, pray for us.