Daily Bible Reflections - February 1,2013

SHOWING JESUS

 

And the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. – Mark 4:27

 

When I was in college, I had a friend with whom I had lunch almost every day for two years. Let’s call him Bill. During those lunches, I’d share my faith with him. But no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t seem to convince Bill to follow Jesus. He said he had a lot of doubts. He had many other problems and he wasn’t ready to commit. But even if we didn’t agree about spiritual things, we enjoyed our friendship.

We talked about sports, girls, cars, girls, music, and…did I mention girls? (After all, we were college guys!)

When I dropped out of college, we lost touch.

And I never heard of Bill again.

Eleven years later, I was walking in a mall and guesswho I saw — Bill! I asked him how he was, and he gave me the shock of my life. He said he was a Christian missionary!

I couldn’t believe my ears.

He then said five words that made my heart leap for joy: “Thanks for showing me Jesus.”

For those two years that I had lunch with the guy, it seemed like nothing was happening.

But what showed him Jesus?

Our friendship. Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com)

 

Reflection: Have you shown Jesus to anyone? Why not start now?

 

May my every word and deed reflect You to others, Lord Jesus.

 

St. Ansgar, bishop, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - January 31,2013

LISTEN   “Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear. Take care what you hear.” – Mark 4:23-24   I have this knack for listening to a voice and identifying the celebrity it belongs to. I see this useless skill as one of the quirks of my good sense of hearing. On New Year’s day each year, I put my “hearing” skills to work in a special way. On this day, I listen for the voice of the Lord speaking to my heart. I ask Him about the year that’s before me, and I also seek a message from the Bible to confirm His leading. I’m OK with Him knowing all His plans for me, without revealing to me what those are right away. It’s my position as His child to listen for His cues as His plan unfolds. How well my year will play out will depend on how I listen to His leading and voice each step of the way. How does one hear God? Through careful listening, as Jesus Himself points out in today’s Gospel. Hearing God’s voice means paying attention to circumstances, counsel, and that sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. When all of these mesh well, we can move forth to follow God’s command for us, with the assurance that we’ve heard Him right. Martine De Luna (the.dainty.mom@gmail.com)   Reflection: How “well-tuned” are your listening skills when it comes to hearing what the Lord has to say?   Dear Jesus, open my ears that I may hear You clearly each day.   St. John Bosco, priest, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - January 30,2013

NO GRUDGES

 

I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds... Their sins and their evildoing I will remember no more. – Hebrews 10:16-17

 

The children in my third grade Christian Living Education class will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Preparing them for the big day has been interesting and heartwarming.

Here are some things my students have asked over the course of our preparation: Is there any sin that God won’t forgive? If someone commits a mortal sin, and years later decides he wants to be with God again, will God forgive him? What if someone commits a sin over and over, but then wants to be with God later on?

It’s wonderful to be able to tell them what a loving and merciful God we have. I get teary-eyed when I share that, unlike us, He never holds grudges. He’s always ready to forgive and forget. When I say these things to my eight-year-old students, smiles break out and eyes light up in awe. A bit of the nervousness that comes with First Confession melts away.

As adults, we sometimes forget what a happy occasion Confession really is. Remember, once we come to Him, no matter what we have done, He forgives us and remembers our sins no more. Geraldine G. Catral (teachergeegee@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: When was the last time you went to a priest to confess your sins? Celebrate God’s healing love today!

 

Lord, thank You for the Sacrament of Reconciliation that You make available to us. Through it, we receive Your healing grace.

 

St. Hyacintha of Mariscotti, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - January 29,2013

THE ONLY WAY TO LIVE

 

“Whoever does the will of God...” – Mark 3:35

 

I applied for a position at a university in Baguio City. I knew I was qualified because of my college and master’s degree. My vast experience in the academe also added to my confidence that I was going to be hired.

During my job interview, the personnel manager found out that I had a seizure disorder, an illness I’ve had since birth. I surmised that this was her basis for rejecting my application.

My world crumbled because I wanted the job badly. My wife and mother consoled me by saying that God’s plans were better for sure. They said the job was most probably not meant for me. I chose to believe in what they said and entrusted everything to God.

Weeks later, I applied for a position in another university. I was hesitant at first because of my recent experience. But with a faith-filled heart, I gave them my resume.

Guess what? I got the job! I’m happy at work and I get along well with my co-teachers and other work mates. The students are cooperative. My workload is light.

I learned from this experience that the only way to live is to give everything to God — to say a heartfelt yes to His divine will. Dho Rimando (dougsterrimando@yahoo.com.ph)

 

Reflection: Do you want to be happy? Say yes to the Lord always.

 

All to Jesus, I surrender. All to Him I freely give.                                                                                                            

 

Servant of God Brother Juniper, pray for us.