Daily Bible Reflections - April 11,2013

IN WEAKNESS THERE’S STRENGTH   “He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.” – John 3:34   Ann cannot move by herself. She is bedridden and experiences frequent muscular pains and headaches. Yet she wakes up at 3 a.m. to pray for people who ask for her prayers. She also uses her toes to compose inspirational text messages and sends them to her friends and even strangers who request for her prayers. Fatima is blind, but through her music and jolly spirit, she inspires millions to trust in God despite their trials. Jessica is armless but she hurdles through life using the power of her two feet and legs. As a motivational speaker, she goes around the globe to encourage people to pursue their dreams with persistence and creativity. Ann, Fatima and Jessica are only a few of the countless people I know who have some form of handicap. But our God is a God who gives so much more than what our physical bodies could do for us. He is a God of balance — what we think and feel we lack, He compensates in other ways. We only have to look beyond what our eyes can see and realize that He has given us sufficient gifts to achieve our purpose in life. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)   Reflection:How do you see your weakness? Do you allow them to obstruct the fulfillment of your mission in life?   Lord Jesus, thank You for the gifts You have given me. May I learn to use my weaknesses in serving You, too.   St. Stanislaus, bishop and martyr, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - April 10,2013

ANGELS ON ASSIGNMENT   But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out... – Acts 5:19   I watched the video waiting for the “miraculous rescue” that the newscaster had referred to before the segment came on. The footage showed a woman in her SUV being sucked in by a flash flood. She couldn’t escape because she couldn’t swim and she kept all four windows shut to keep the water out. With the car almost engulfed by the muddy waters, a guy reached her and tried desperately to break a window with a stick. No luck. Soon, five other rescuers had arrived. But by then, her car was completely submerged. Suddenly, one of the rescuers on top of her car felt her hand grasp his through an opening in the window. He pulled her out of the water to safety. Where was the miraculous rescue there? When the car was towed from the water, all four windows were closed! No one could explain how the woman got out of her car. We, who believe in God’s power, know exactly how she was rescued. Angels aren’t stuff of fairy tales or folklore. Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Yes, angels are all around us, protecting us, directing our ways and leading us closer to our Lord. Have you prayed to your guardian angel to lead you today? Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)   Reflection: For (God) will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. (Psalm 91:11)   Dear Guardian Angel, be at my side to guard and lead me today.   St. Magdalen of Canossa, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - April 7,2013

NO FEAR   When the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst. — John 20:19   Many years ago, I attended a seminar in the U.S. In one of the sessions, each group had to brainstorm a particular case study and present their solution to the class. To my surprise, I was chosen by my American group mates to be the presenter. I was trembling inside for I felt I didn’t have a full understanding of the case because of time pressure. Armed with a few notes, I began my presentation. The instructor asked me some questions and I was able to answer them. When I returned to my seat, my group mates were all smiles. One of them even told me, “I couldn’t have possibly done what you did.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciples were locked in a room for fear of the Jews, probably thinking that they would suffer the same fate as their Master. But when Jesus showed Himself and breathed His Spirit on them, all their fears were washed away. They had renewed courage to fulfill their God-given mission. We may have fears that dominate our lives and we hide behind locked doors. Let Jesus’ Spirit enter the closed door of our hearts and break us free from the fears that have chained us for so long. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)   Reflection: What are you afraid of? Know that God is with you in the midst of your fears.   I surrender my fears to You, O Lord. Fill me with Your peace.   St. John Baptist de la Salle, priest, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - April 5,2013

Easter Friday

 

DO YOU WANT TO SEE JESUS?

 

When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. – John 21:4

 

I stared at the picture of a sick child posted in the elevator. The boy was only seven years old and looked very frail. His body was skinny but his tummy was bloated. He had a liver ailment and needed a major operation. Below his picture were contact numbers and a bank account where one can make a donation.

Then I reached my office floor and I stepped out of the elevator unmoved by the child’s plea for help. I justified my reaction by thinking, “A lot of people will read that poster and the child will get enough donations.”

Three weeks later, I received an email from our HR officer. It was about the same sick child. I don’t know what happened to me but I suddenly felt guilty about the way I had acted a few weeks back. I asked forgiveness from God because I didn’t see Jesus in the helpless child. I gave a personal donation and also enjoined a few friends to give.

In today’s reading, the disciples, too, didn’t immediately recognize Jesus. They only realized it was Him when He gave them instructions. Initially, I also didn’t see Jesus in the sick child needing help. I forgot that Jesus said that loving Him includes helping the sick, visiting the prisoner and feeding the hungry. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Don’t experience Jesus through prayers and Mass only. Experience His presence when you help others who are in need.

 

Jesus, let my faith come alive as I see and serve You in others.

 

St. Vincent Ferrer, priest, pray for us.