Are you living the way the Lord wants you to live? - Daily Bible Reflections November 5, 2015

FOR THE LORD

 

“For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord...” – Romans 14:8

 

       Cathy lived for the Lord. She was a very active parishioner and served in various church ministries. She was a true worshiper, worshiping God in spirit and in truth. She was a generous giver — she didn’t count the cost of her giving but always gave her all.

        She did all these because of her love for the Lord.

        One day, friends told me she was ill, so we went to visit her.

       Lying in bed, she managed to smile when she saw us. She was in pain but didn’t complain. She had been bedridden for weeks but she continued to hope in the Lord for healing. When we prayed for her, I sensed a big leap of faith in her “aura.”

        A few days later, the sad news came: Cathy had passed away.

       When I went to her wake, she looked like she was at peace. Her face showed a quiet calmness and tranquility that told me that she is with the Lord.

       I believe that was so because the Lord says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be” (John 14:3).

    She had lived for the Lord, and had died for the Lord. We will certainly miss you, Cathy! Danny Tariman (dtariman.loj@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Are you living the way the Lord wants you to live?

 

Lord Jesus, may I have the courage to live for You, so that I may also be with You in the life to come! Amen.

 

Venerable Solanus Casey, pray for us.

Reflection: Are you diplomatic and loving in your words and deeds? - Daily Bible Reflections November 4,2015

GOD’S DIPLOMAT

 

“Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10

 

       I am a product of the public school system, where students come from all backgrounds. Diversity often results in students nursing a cut or bruise on their bodies — a direct result of “rumbles” and fights.

         Spats were bound to happen, and I was never exempt from arguing with my schoolmates. However, for some reason, I never got into any serious messes with anyone that could have led to fighting.

       Looking back now, the one thing that got me through my “public school life” was the fact that I never wanted to inflict pain (physical or emotional) on anyone. I was always diplomatic when it came to handling relationship issues with others.

       Looking back, I think my love and respect for others always prevailed over any issue. I’m grateful to God for that because even up to now, being diplomatic and loving has already become second nature to me, by God’s grace.

       Whenever you have conflicts with others or are tempted to fight with someone, remember Jesus’s reminder for us to love our neighbor... and be His diplomat. Eugene Cailao (eugenecailao@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Are you diplomatic and loving in your words and deeds?

 

Do you seek to love instead of do evil whenever your neighbor wrongs you?

 

Father, allow me the grace to show my love to the people around me by my words and actions.

 

St. Charles Borromeo, bishop, pray for us.

How are you using your God-given gifts in building His Kingdom? - Daily Bible Reflections November 3,2015

SAVE THE EGGS

 

Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them. – Romans 12:6

 

Seven pairs of hands held the rope — on which balanced some plastic eggs, at different angles and points. Slowly and somewhat prayerfully, we walked towards the goal.

       As we neared it, our movements became more coordinated. We finished the exercise without dropping a single egg — and found out later on that our group was the best finisher.

       Reflecting on that activity, I believe we succeeded because we trusted in what each person in the group could do. We were well-coordinated and we kept the goal in mind.

       Applying this to our work as the production team of Shepherd’s Voice Publications, which churns out more than 20 books a year and four monthly magazines, I realize the same things help us achieve our goals. Each one of us has his or her own strengths and weaknesses in terms of work style, preferences, skills and background. What one lacks, the other supports, even if it’s not part of one’s job description.

       That’s what the Church needs, too — we must contribute what we can, each according to the gifts given to us. And as long as we’re faithful to the Giver of the gifts, we can achieve our goal — for His greater glory. Tess V. Atienza (theresa.a@shepherdsvoice.com.ph)

 

Reflection: How are you using your God-given gifts in building His Kingdom?

 

Lead me, Lord, on how I can best use the gifts You have poured upon me.

 

St. Martin de Porres, religious, pray for us.

A burden shared is a burden halved. – Anonymous - Daily Bible Reflections November 2, 2015

Solemnity of All Souls Day

 

UNNECESSARY

BURDEN

 

“Take my yoke upon you... For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” – Matthew 11:29-30

 

       One summer, our family had a vacation in a five-star hotel. My siblings and I were waiting in the lounge as my parents were settling the arrangement of our rooms at the reception desk. As soon as Dad handed the keys to us, all my siblings rushed upstairs to our rooms. I found myself left there with all of their baggage.

       Being the eldest son, I took the burden of carrying their baggage all the way to the third floor. It was a struggle. I ended up bathed in sweat. As my siblings opened the door, I grumbled: “Why did you leave me to carry all your baggage?”

       They laughed so hard and then they all pointed to the area behind me. I turned around and, lo and behold, the bellboy was there! He said, “Sorry, sir, I got a trolley for the baggage, but you went up so quickly!”

       Are you struggling and sweating because of a burden? Maybe you’re not supposed to be carrying it in the first place. Why not hand it over to God or share the burden with Him?

     Remember, whenever you’re faced with a burdensome trial or situation, you don’t have to carry it alone. Velden Lim (veldenlim@

gmail.com)

 

Reflection: A burden shared is a burden halved. – Anonymous

 

Lord, when I am weary and burdened, may I rely not on my own strength, but on Your strength that is within me.

 

All Souls, pray for us.