Daily Bible Reflections- December 31, 2011

Reason for the Season

“ And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us...” – John 1:1,14

It used to be so much fun spending Christmas with relatives. I watched a lot of Christmas-themed cartoons with cousins, went to family reunions and received a lot of gifts.
Years went by. Some relatives have passed away, others migrated or have their reasons for skipping reunions. The excitement, the thrill, the joy have become a rarity.
What’s wrong with this picture? I’ve been missing the whole point. Today’s Gospel puts everything in perspective. The reason for the season. It’s Christmas, the day Jesus was born, that’s the most intense and awesome gift to us. God in all His greatness was born in a very humble manger, a wrinkly baby, needing to be fed, taken cared of, helpless. All that, just to save us from hell.
Hey, maybe next Christmas will be different. Maybe next Christmas, I might just share about Jesus in our family reunion. It’s something we already know but I think we ought to talk about over and over again, and feel the profound love God showed us. It might feel a bit awkward but, what the heck, I’ll just do it, and start making Christmases more about Jesus. Really about Jesus. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
What do I look forward to this Christmas season? What should I do to make Christmas more meaningful in line with the Reason for the Season?

Holy Spirit, whisper to me what I can do to make Christmas more Jesus-centered and more meaningful in my life and in the lives of my loved ones.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 30, 2011

Feast of the Holy Family
HONOR THY AGING PARENTS

“If you obey the Lord by honoring your father and making your mother happy, you will live a long life.” – Sirach 3:6

My friend works as a caregiver in a Canadian nursing home. Daily, she would attend to the needs of parents not her own. In Western countries, nurses like her have replaced children in caring for aging parents. The children have grown up and
have become too busy living their lives.
In the Philippines, some old people are being left to the streets when children find it difficult to take care of them. This is a sad reality of our times. Thankfully, Anawim takes care of the abandonded elderly.
Now that I’m getting older and my parents’ strength is failing, the Lord’s command to “respect your father and mother” has grown closer to my heart. I believe it is when they are old that we can best honor them. It is in this time when they need our understanding and love the most. Marjorie Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:
“My child, take care of your father when he grows old; give him no cause for worry as long as he lives. Be sympathetic even if his mind fails him; don’t look down on him just because you are strong and healthy.” (Sirach 3:13)

Father, our parents are Your gift to us. Grant us the grace to love them even more as they grow older. Amen.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 29, 2011

Excuses , Excuses

In accord with the dictate in the law of the Lord. –Luke 2:24
Don’t you find it strange that Jesus had to be brought to the temple and be presented to God? He is the Son of God! Surely, He’s exempt from these ceremonies.
Joseph and Mary had the perfect excuse to stay home and avoid the trouble of traveling all the way to Jerusalem for Jesus’ presentation. But they still went through the trouble and, without any intention of offering an excuse, followed the ceremony because “it is written in the law of the Lord.”
Seeing Joseph and Mary, it is shameful how we make excuses for ourselves. When we’re too lazy to hear Mass, we say that missing it will not make us evil and we’re still better than others who do hear Mass but are worse sinners than us. When we’re too proud to go to Confession, we justify that God already knows our sins and how sorry we are. When we’re too stingy to give tithes, we rationalize that we give to charity anyway.
The excuses are endless. But if we know how much God loves us, we will realize that He asks so little and offering excuses actually makes no sense.Pepper Bruce (pepper.bruce@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
“The real man is one who always finds excuses for others, but never excuses himself.” (Henry Ward Beecher)

Lord, sometimes we fail to appreciate that You love us so much that You gave us Your own Son. May we show our love in return through the sacraments and through serving You.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 23, 2011

GIVING JESUS

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown His great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. – Luke 1:58

Just before I wrote this reflection, I called my family back in Manila. They were busy buying gifts to give this Christmas.
Maybe by the time you read this, you may have completed your shopping. Maybe you are now busy wrapping or even ready to give away the gifts.
Giving and receiving gifts makes Christmas fun but we sometimes forget the real reason for the celebration. As I read the Gospel today, the Spirit spoke to my heart . “Why don’t you give Jesus this Christmas? Share Him, speak of Him.”
As you give that beautifully wrapped gift, share your experiences too with the Lord. Tell them how the Lord healed you or how He protected you. Tell them how the Lord provided for your needs. Tell them how the Lord transformed you. I know that as they hear how the Lord has shown you His love, they will rejoice with you, in the same manner as the neighbors and relatives of Elizabeth did in today’s Gospel.
Who knows? Their Christmas may become more meaningful this year because of your sharing. Danny Tariman (danny@dtariman.com)
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REFLECTION:
Have you shared Jesus to your neighbors and relatives?

Lord, forgive me for being hesitant in sharing Your name and Your love. I pray that I may make a difference this Christmas by sharing You with others.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 22, 2011

BERRY

“His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.” – Luke 1: 50

An office mate emailed us a picture of four cute shitzu puppies for sale. My wife, Ambec, wanted to get one right away. But I was hesitant. I knew what it took to take care of a pet — time, effort and money. It was like having a baby.
I gave in under the condition that my wife and our helper would take care of it and it would cause no trouble to us. I can still remember claiming Berry from the van that delivered her. She was so tiny and helpless but she captured our hearts from day one.
Guess what? Almost everything that I was worried about came true. Were there any tangible benefits from having Berry? None. In my financial books, she came out as an expense. But we love her and she brings us joy. This is not logical.
I guess this is the best way I can explain God’s mercy and love for us. He loves me many, many more times compared to my love for Berry. Jesus died for me and took away all my sins. He continues to heal me and provide for me. When I felt like giving up on life, He raises me up. I can never repay Him. His mercy is illogical but this is His desire. Praise God! Ariel Driz (adriz77@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
It’s three days before Christmas. Have you thanked the Lord lately for His mercy and love?

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your everlasting mercy and love. Amen.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 21, 2011

THE DAILY CELEBRATION

“The Lord your God is in your midst, victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” – Zephaniah 3:17

Do you know what doesn’t make any sense to me at all? It’s when parents tell their children, “Come and sit down, kids, let’s have a nice, quiet dinner.”
I’ve never had an actual quiet dinner with my family. The five of us are an incredibly noisy group of people, from my dad and mom all the way down to my two brothers. We tell jokes and deliver our punch lines with thundering emphasis complete with hand gestures and boisterous laughter. We hoot, whistle and applaud when we like the story that someone is saying about what happened to them that particular day. At times, we all have an opinion on a certain topic and we wind up yelling for our ideas to be heard over one another. Yes, we’re extremely loud. And I love it that way. Since I was a child, our family meals have been like an exciting party with good friends. That’s why I look forward to coming home.
Similarly, when God calls us to pray, He is inviting us to celebrate with Him. So let’s freely express our love and thanksgiving for the Lord without reservation. Let’s rejoice in His presence! Eleanore Lee (elyo.lee@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
What form of expression will you use to glorify the Lord today?

Lord, I will sing Your praises in the greatest of volumes for I am unashamed that others may hear of my love for You.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 20, 2011

READY TO RECEIVE?

Mary said... “Let it be done to me as you say.” – Luke 1:38

For over 400 years, God made no contact with his people. All they knew about God were stories from the old prophets. There was nothing ever mentioned about a holy spirit. Suddenly, an awesome being appears before Mary telling her about preposterous things! If that happened to me, I would have probably fainted or maybe run away!
But not Mary. Her willing response could only mean that her spirit was prepared for such a thing. The Jews had been waiting for the promised Messiah as prophesied, but centuries had passed. Still, there were a handful who believed that God would fulfill His promise. They waited with anticipation and hope. Mary was one of them. Because she trusted God, she was ready to receive. Had she not been ready, she would have probably reacted as Ahaz did in the first reading when he was told to ask for an outrageous sign from God and he refused.
God is ready to fulfill all His promises in the Bible. He wants to bless us more than we can ever ask or imagine. The question is, are we prepared to receive everything that God wants to bless us with? Or, are we going to say that we do not deserve such a blessing and miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime? Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)
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REFLECTION:
If God already sacrificed His only Son just to save us, why are we still struggling to believe that He can give us all things besides?

Lord, may my heart genuinely yearn for You, and not for what I can get from You.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 19, 2011

special

An angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son.” – Judges 13:3

Samson’s mother was a special woman. At a time when OB-GYNs were non-existent, God sent an angel to give pre-natal care to the woman who would bear a child consecrated to God from the womb.
Reading through the angel’s commands to her reminded me of my obstetrician’s instructions and what I read in pregnancy books when I was infanticipating.
Every woman who has carried a child in her womb will tell you what a special experience it is to have another human being growing inside you. But even more special is the knowledge that the child you carry will someday be used mightily by God for His purposes.
Our children don’t have to be prophets or conceived miraculously for them to be set apart for God. A godly upbringing and our own examples as good Christians will surely put them on the road to being servants of God. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:
“Indeed, parents should act as role models to their children for they are a mirror through which their children depend for their vision.” (Gabriel Idoko)

Lord, do not let us be stumbling blocks to the little ones.

Daily Bible Reflections - December 18, 2011

WHEN GOD SAYS NO

“Thus says the Lord: Should you build me a house to dwell in?” – 2 Samuel 7:5

After I resigned from an auditing firm, I applied in one company where the starting salary was high and the benefits were good. Weeks passed but I didn’t get a call from them. So, I decided to apply in a bank.
The salary offer didn’t impress me so I tried to negotiate. Although I didn’t get the starting salary I wanted, I accepted the offer and got a job as an audit supervisor. During my first year, I was promoted to officer level and received three salary increases. I was promoted several times more in my 10-year stay there. My friend who worked in the other company for several years told me that she still hadn’t received a salary increase nor a promotion.
David wanted to build a “house” for the Lord because the ark of God dwelt in a tent. But God said no. Although He turned down David’s request, He promised to continue the “house” of David forever, which He fulfilled through the coming of Jesus Christ.
God said no to my desire to work in the other company because He had something better in store for me.
When God says no to our plans, let us trust that He knows what’s best for us. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
When God says no, do we use the other opportunities He gives us or do we insist on having it our way?

Lord, grant me the grace to be sensitive to Your leading, and then to follow You.

Daily Bible Reflections - December 17, 2011

THE IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING

“Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob, listen to Israel, your father.” – Genesis 49:2

In my experience, I’ve observed that students who get low grades in my classes are those who do not listen to my lectures and instructions. They are the ones who do other things like text on their cell phones or gossip with seat mates during discussion. And when things go wrong or if they fail in their grades, they complain without seeing their faults.
It is like also our approach to God’s Word. Sometimes, we do not truthfully listen to the teachings given by our priests, catechists and lay ministers. We’re sleepy during homilies at Mass or even resist the teachings of certain preachers because of our “religious pride,” claiming that we know already everything written in the Bible. Because of this, we do not understand the connection of Scriptures to the things happening around us. When trials or tragedies occur in our lives, we become angry with our Lord and put the blame on Him without seeing our faults.
Listening to God requires us to cast out all distractions and passionately focus on the message He’s teaching us. It also needs humility as we submit ourselves to accept what God is saying to us both in our heart and mind.Dho Rimando (dougsterrimando@yahoo.com.ph)
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REFLECTION:
Listening is not only hearing. Do you truthfully listen to God’s Word?

Lord, teach us to listen to You as You listen to our prayers.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 16, 2011

ANSWERED!

The Lord says to his people, “Do what is just and right, for soon I will save you.” – Isaiah 56:1

Ronald was first introduced to the Kerygma Family when he got an email from a friend in June 2006. Two years after, he was able to attend the Feast in Pasig where he got his own Novena to God’s Love booklet. He wrote his seven dreams in the booklet and would regularly pray that they be granted.
Since he was living in Laguna, it was a challenge to go to Pasig every week. But he persevered and tried to attend every week.
Five months after attending his first Feast, he was offered a job by a multinational company. This job allowed him to use his talents and skills to help out his co-employees. Because of his exemplary performance he was promoted to the position after a couple of months. The promotion also came with his desired compensation and benefits. His job also gave him the opportunity to be more active in the Feast and also invite some officemates to attend the Kerygma Conference.
He realized that in less than two years God had granted him most of the dreams he had listed down!
Let us always put our complete trust that the Lord will save us. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo. com)
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REFLECTION:
God wants to bless us always. Continue to do what is right and good so that God may be glorified!

Lord, I look to You for help in time of need. Blessed Raynald de Bar, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 15, 2011

RECYCLED SERVANT

The Lord calls you back... – Isaiah 54:6

I felt like a has-been Christian leader. To add insult to injury, one of my former spiritual leaders called people like me a “recycled servant” of the Lord. Ouch.
After a crisis with my commitment in a community I served in for most of my life, I didn’t know where to go next. I was a blank slate, which was good because I could reinvent myself to be anything. My big problem was I didn’t know who I wanted to be. Or more crucially, who God wanted me to be.
But while I had run out of plans, God’s purpose for me was spot-on. Instead of being cast away like a useless piece of rag as I had feared, the Lord turned my crisis into an opportunity for greater growth and reach in my life and ministry.
Nope, He wasn’t finished with me yet. In fact, He had only begun another chapter — grander and more exciting than the previous ones in my life.
Friend, when you think you’re down to nothing, God is up to something. His plan for you is grander than your wildest dreams. He’s not just the God of “recycled servants”; He’s the God who makes all things new!Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
The God I believe in is a god of second chances.” (Pres. Bill Clinton)

Dear Lord, when I make a mess of my life, come and set me on the right path.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 14, 2011

Ever Present

And sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another.” – Luke 7:19

It amazes me how one man who walked the face of the earth more than 2,000 years ago is gloriously remembered to this day. His name has lived through the ages!
Thank God that I did not live in Jesus’ time, because if I did, I would probably be among the unbelievers. I rejoice that I am alive in this time and age of spiritual renewal because I get to experience Jesus in all His glory. He may have walked among men in the past but He still is ever present among us, living in people’s hearts.
I experience Jesus in my cousin. As my priest-confessor, he knows the ugly cobwebs I had woven in the past yet he treats me as if I were the most beautiful person on earth.
I experience Jesus in a dear friend who once wrote me a five-figure check upon learning that I needed financial assistance. I experience Jesus in the stranger who came to my rescue when my car broke down in the middle of a busy street.
My list goes on.
Let us open our eyes to the goodness that surrounds us, and see that Jesus still walks among us.Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
In whom do you see Jesus? Make a list of the people who bless your life.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for living in our hearts. You have kept Your promise to remain with us until the end of time.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 13, 2011

THE WINNERS’ TWINS

“‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.’” – Matthew 21:29

Life is not what happens to you. It’s what you do with what happens to you. Rain pours down on the good and the bad. It’s what you do with the rain that matters.
Jesus “happened” to the so-called good and bad people of His time. But it was only those who acted on His message who attained life. In today’s parable, what made the first son different is that he took action.
When competing runners trip and fall, they can stay on the ground and meditate on the hurt and think of the pain. Or they can take action and run again. If they can’t run, they can walk. If they can’t walk, they can limp. If they can’t limp, they can crawl. Both winners and losers fall. But winners win because they never stop taking action.
It’s OK to mourn and get stunned for a while until you gather back your senses. But this has to have an expiry date. Are you overwhelmed with your problems? Is your marriage tearing apart? Are you buried in a mountain of debt? Have you lost your job? Has the news of your sickness paralyzed you? Seek God’s wisdom and find out what needs to be done. Then take action!
Hope and Action are the winners’ twins. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
Have you been wallowing in the mud of self-pity and playing the “blame (others) game”? Friend, it’s time to take action today.

Father, I’ve been swept under by huge problems. There’s so much to do. Today is the day to begin. Give me the strength.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 12, 2011

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
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Spirit –filled

The spirit of God came upon him, and he gave voice to his oracle. – Numbers 24: 2-3

Years ago, we conducted a weekend Life in the Spirit Seminar for school personnel. I was assigned to give a sharing on Day 2. As it was my first time, I prepared by praying intensely and writing down my talk.
My care group head, Myrna, gave her sharing on the first day. Her delivery was flawless and touching. She didn’t even have notes to look at! After her talk, I asked her to coach me.
That night, I practiced. But all my preparations seemed useless: my delivery was awful, my tongue tripped over words and I forgot some points.
The next day, I was a bunch of nerves. I told my co-facilitator to just read my notes if I faint. At my pre-talk pray over, I surrendered completely to the Holy Spirit. When the mic was handed to me, I felt a strange calm — as if my body with all its jitters went to sleep and a divine power took over. I delivered my sharing smoothly, glanced at my notes briefly and felt the words flowing out of my mouth. It was an exceptional experience — like being slain in the Spirit and speaking in tongues rolled into one. Lella Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:
Let go, let God, let good rule your life.

Spirit of God, take control of me.

Daily Bible Reflections - December 11, 2011

I AM THIRD

“He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” – John 1:27

There was a young man who was popular in school. He was intelligent and a leader in school organizations. A friend visited him at home and saw the plaque hanging on his room door with the words “I am Third.” When his friend asked what it meant, the young man explained, “It’s the motto I try to live by. It means God is first, others are second and I am third.”
Just like this boy, John the Baptist knew his place. He knew from the start that his mission was to “prepare the way” for the Messiah. When people asked him why he baptized others if he was not the Christ, he said in humility, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” Because he had his own followers, John could have set himself up as the anointed one from God and built a church separate from Jesus’. There could have been a rivalry between Baptizers and Christians.
Only when we put the will of God and the needs of others ahead of our own do we become true humble servants of the Lord. Let us take our rightful place as “third” and do our part in building God’s kingdom on earth. Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
“He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

Jesus, grant me the grace to be humble as I serve You so that others may see no longer me but You, the Messiah, who is powerfully at work in me.

Daily Bible Reflections - December 10, 2011

BURN

Till like a fire there appeared the prophet whose words were as a flaming furnace. – Sirach 48:1

Gerry is the most quiet person in the world. He doesn’t say much. But one time, when we were hanging out and the topic of music came up, he lit up like a flame and started talking about composition, piano playing, great musicians and the like. We couldn’t shut him up. He kept on going and going. It was obvious that this was his passion.
They say the second greatest fear — next to fear of death — is fear of public speaking. While my standards for eloquence are high, I also believe that when a person speaks about something he’s passionate about, even if he’s not a good speaker, he can be captivating. When he’s an authority on what he talks about, he can be interesting. And for that moment, he is the best speaker in the world on that topic.
I believe the passion God put in us is the unique gift we were meant to share. It’s the message we were meant to proclaim. And when we do, we are like a burning fire. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
What is your passion? Have you shared it to others?

Lord, let me always burn for Your glory.

Daily Bible Reflections- December 9, 2011

friend of sinners

“Then the Son of Man came, he ate and drank, and people said: ‘Look at this man! A glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” – Matthew 11:19

“Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.” This is an oft-repeated quote I heard from my parents, teachers and elders when I was young to drive home the point that I should dissociate myself from classmates and neighbors who have a bad record in school or the community lest I also be branded as such. As I matured, however, I realized that a person can be a catalyst for change. But how can we expect “bad” people to change if the good ones avoid them like a plague?
This was exactly what Jesus did. He did not avoid tax collectors and sinners; instead, He befriended them and dined with them. Jesus had His reasons for doing so — He changed their ways, as we saw in Zaccheus, the tax collector who made amends for his wrongdoings (Luke 19:1-10).
Let us, therefore, not judge a person on the basis of who his friends or companions are. Instead, let us look at the intention of that person. Bay Cabrera (baycabrera@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
Jesus, by His example, taught us not to judge other people by the company they keep. Have we been judgmental of others?

Lord, teach us not to be harsh in our judgment of others.

Daily Bible Reflections - December 8, 2011

Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

FORGIVEN AT THE FEAST

“For nothing will be impossible for God.” – Luke 1:37

We had a dispute over some property, so her family and mine were not on speaking terms. I did not see her for about a year. I wondered if it was ever possible that our families would be reconciled.
Then, at The Feast, the prayer gathering of the Light of Jesus, Bro. Bo Sanchez spoke about forgiveness. He told us to lift to the Lord people we need to forgive or ask forgiveness from. I prayed for our families. Then, during the love offering time, as everyone approached the stage to put their envelopes into the collection basket, I saw her! She saw me, and without saying a word, we just hugged and cried on each other’s shoulder. I had been attending The Feast regularly but that day was the first time she attended. What were the chances that she should come on the day that the talk would be on forgiveness?
In today’s Gospel, as impossible as it may seem, the Immaculate Conception happened. We celebrate today this crucial event, which eventually leads to Christmas, the birth of Jesus — God’s loving reconciliation with man. Yes, Christmas is all about forgiveness — God becoming man to save us from our sins and assure us of everlasting life with Him. Rejoice, nothing is impossible to God! Cynthia Santiago (boses2go@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
Christmas is all about reconciliation. Forgive and be forgiven.

Lord, let me give unconditional love this Christmas season.

Daily Bible Readings - December 7, 2011

GOD’S YOKE

“Come to me, all of you who are tired... and I will give you rest.... Take my yoke...” – Matthew 11: 28-29

“My heart is restless until it rests in thee,” St. Augustine writes. How true! And the rest that we find in the Lord is the real one.
How do you picture rest? Sitting lazily in a sofa or lying flat in bed? A one-hour Swedish body massage or a VIP spa treatment? Checking in at a five-star hotel or going for a grand vacation in Boracay?
Truth is, you can do these things and still end up bothered and troubled. Somehow, after the long sleep, the special treatment, the grand vacation — you’re still restless! Why? Because you’re still carrying your yoke.
On the contrary, I’ve seen really busy people yet they don’t get tired. Because their hearts are at rest! They’re not exempted from problems. They, too, have their yokes to carry. But they’re not burdened with its weight because they’ve come before the Lord, and have replaced their yoke with the one God gives them.
God never promised that you won’t be without problems. But He said if it is His yoke that you carry, you will have rest.
Come to Him. Trade your yoke for His. And find that real kind of rest you need.Alvin Barcelona (kpreacheralvin@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
Do you feel heavily burdened by the yoke you’re carrying? Whose yoke is it? Do you want to trade it with God’s yoke today?

Dear Lord, I take Your yoke — of love, of service, of righteousness, of holiness — today. And I receive the rest that You give me. Amen.