Daily Bible Reflections - March 3,2013

THE ROCK ON WHICH WE STAND

They drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. – 1 Corinthians 10:4

December 18, 2011 was a very busy Sunday for me. I had volunteered to serve during the two healing Masses of our Catholic community as one of the pray-over servants. With a series of Christmas parties a few days before, leaving early from the house, and a full day ahead, it was late in the day when someone asked me, “Have you heard the news?” It was only then that I learned of the devastation called Sendong. It struck the people of Cagayan de Oro and neighboring areas, surprising residents while they were asleep.

Sendong has become one of the Philippines’ worst natural disasters in two decades, with more than 1,000 people killed and the same number still missing. It was also considered the worst storm of 2011.

Life is uncertain. You never really know what kind of storm will wallop you from somewhere. But for as long as our spiritual foundation is Jesus, as long as He is the rock on which we stand, we can declare that though the foundation of the earth may be moved, still we can stand strong. Joy Sosoban (jsosoban@gmail.com)

Reflection: God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake. (Psalm 46:2-3)

You are the Rock of Ages. In You we stand, though the earth be moved, O Lord.

St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - March 1, 2013

DON’T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF

 

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” — Matthew 21:42

 

One day, there was a little girl who planted a rose plant. She watered it daily until a little bud appeared.

She was so happy! The little red bud had so much promise, and she wondered when the bud would blossom into a rose. But upon closer examination, the little girl saw that the rose plant was growing thorns — sharp, ugly, prickly thorns. She liked the rose but she hated the thorns. So she decided not to water the plant anymore. And the rose bud never bloomed because the plant died.

I thank God that He isn’t like that little girl.

There’s a beautiful rose within you. It’s just covered with thorns. But despite those thorns, God knows better. It’s part of who you are.

And with patience, He will water you — until that rose blossoms. And then He will get the rose and cut the thorns — and put it in a vase — for all the world to see your beauty.

Right now, you may feel as though nothing is happening in your life, that none of your dreams are coming true.

Don’t give up, because God doesn’t give up on you. Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com)

 

Reflection: Do you always stumble? Do you feel that nothing’s happening in your life? Be patient. God is at work.

 

Help me to always trust, Lord, that You are doing something when nothing seems to be happening.

 

St. David of Wales, bishop, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - February 28,2013

THE BIG DIFFERENCE

 

“Remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.” – Luke 16:25

 

A man went to the slums riding a sleek, lowered-chassis, latest model Mercedes Benz. One boy, who recognized him, boldly asked, “Can you take me for a ride in your car?”

Perfect! This was just the situation the man had been waiting for to top his bragging expedition. Before he could even answer, the boy ran away then returned with his polio-stricken brother on his back. They both quickly hopped in.

“Where did this car come from?” the boy wondered. “I have an extremely wealthy employer and he bought this car for me,” the man replied.

“Cool!” the boy said. He then closed his eyes, and was silent in prayer for a minute. When the boy opened his eyes, the man asked, “Did you pray that you may become like me and have a nice car like this?”

“No,” said the boy, “I prayed that I be like your boss, so I could give this kind of car to my brother.”

You don’t have to wonder who among the two enjoys the heaven of sleeping soundly at night, relishing simple joys, savoring the warm embraces of love.

The rich man in the Gospel is in hell not because he is rich but because he didn’t love. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Do you want a dose of heaven now? Love the Lazarus that God puts in your path today.

 

Lord, let me recognize the Lazarus You are putting in my path today.

 

Blessed Daniel Brottier, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - February 26,2013

HENNA TATTOO

 

“Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow, though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18

 

Have you ever gotten a tattoo? I hear it’s quite painful and almost impossible to remove. I never imagined I’d get one until I went to Phuket during my honeymoon. But mind you, it wasn’t a permanent one. It was just a henna tattoo — the temporary kind that lasts for about two weeks. (Mine lasted for only two minutes because they didn’t finish it and it was washed away by the rain.)

This got me thinking about how I used to brand myself as a jerk because I always broke up with my girlfriends. I couldn’t seem to make a relationship work. I pounded myself for my mistakes and called myself a failure. I believed I was permanently doomed to hurt people and never have a successful relationship. Mercifully, God showed me that my failures don’t define me. I was able to conquer my fear of commitment and I am now very, very happily married.

Our sins are not permanent. Our failures are not permanent. They may have stained us but they’re only henna tattoos, washed away by His blood. What is permanent is God’s mark of ownership on us. We are His children, made in His image and likeness. Nothing can wash that away. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Have you sinned? Failed? Made mistakes? Confess. Get back up. Move on. His love is greater.

 

Lord, thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Thank You for Your love that never ends.

 

St. Porphyry of Gaza, pray for us.