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Showing posts with label Daily Bible Reflections July 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Bible Reflections July 2011. Show all posts

Monday, August 1, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 31, 2011
IN THEIR SHOES

Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” – Matthew 14:16

Many events I covered in the past as a reporter included tragedies, deaths, fatal accidents and killings. I did my best to get the job done — interview people, know the facts and get all the sides. But there came a point when I became desensitized. I would ask mourning interviewees or traumatized victims questions with the right words and appropriate tone but I couldn’t feel for them anymore.
This bothered me. I prayed for compassion so I could feel again how it was to be in their shoes and be able to minister to them. In today’s Gospel, Jesus wanted His disciples to also learn compassion. They saw the crowd and asked Jesus to tell them to go home because they couldn’t feed them. But Jesus wanted the disciples to realize that these people had waited long hours, ready to stay put for days to listen to Him. It just wouldn’t be right to send them away.
Jesus wanted His disciples to give what they had even if they think it wasn’t enough because He could multiply what they had. This the disciples witnessed with the five loaves and two fish that fed thousands. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)
31
REFLECTION:
Do I lack compassion? Am I just doing my job but my heart does not go out to the people around me? Do I hold back in giving because I feel inadequate?

Father, let Your Spirit search the deepest parts of me. Tell me what I lack. Fill me with confidence to give even when I think I’m not enough.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 30, 2011
BARRIERS OF HATE

“When you sell land to an Israelite or buy land, do not deal unfairly.” – Leviticus 25:14

It was eight meters high and 800 kilometers long. I saw a portion of the structure called Sharon’s Wall of Shame at the Holy Land. The wall was built by Israel’s leaders to keep the Palestinians out of the Jewish settlements. The cost to build the wall was staggering. But even more staggering is the magnitude of how a group of people can hate so much.
But I realized that I have my own “wall of shame” when I put barriers in my mind in accepting other people’s opinions, biases and even simple practices.
I have my own sets of habits that I keep, some of which are not good. When people like my wife, friends and mentors try to change these habits, sometimes an unpleasant clash ensues.
These clashes first happen in the mind and eventually come out of the mouth. Hatred is one of the fruits of such barrier. Let’s demolish these walls by taking on wisdom from reading and reflecting on Scripture. Let’s take on the love of Christ, for in God’s love, there are no barriers. Rolly EspaƱa (rnespana@nwineskin.com)
30
REFLECTION:
Are you bull-headed in your opinions and do not accept others’ views?

Change me, oh Lord, that I may have Your kind of thinking and love.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 29, 2011
Memorial of St. Martha, disciple of the Lord

daily nourishment

“But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42

My first Bible was a gift given by my nephew Ton Sison during my Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS). He wrote a short note on it, “But the word of the Lord endures forever…” (1 Peter 1:25). That turned out to be prophetic. I never expected that Ton’s small gift would have a big impact on my life and would change me for good.
The Bible really meant nothing at first and was just part of the bag of LSS goodies given by friends and family. But the morning after my LSS, as I opened my Bible and looked through the book of John, I was captivated and enthralled by the Word of God. That was 17 years ago and I have never stopped reading the Bible since.
It is now ingrained in me as a regular habit to start my mornings with Scriptural readings to guide me throughout the day.
Can you imagine how life will be without food and water for our bodies? The same is true for our soul and spirit. I find it unthinkable to live a day without any nourishment from the Word of God. Mari Sison-Garcia (mari_sison_garcia@yahoo.com)
9
REFLECTION:
“Not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3).

Lord, I thank You for Your Word that serves as my guidepost each day.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 28, 2011
THE PROUD AND THE HUMBLE

Moses did everything just as the Lord had commanded. – Exodus 40:16

Freddie, a veteran pair of scissors, was boasting to Gary, the new scissors in their parlor, “I’m the best scissors! I can cut beautifully! Customers are always satisfied!” Gary was just quiet.
A customer came in. The hairstylist picked up Freddie and started cutting hair. Freddie was so proud of himself that he would cut as he thought fit. This gave the hairstylist a hard time. It came to a point that the hairstylist put down Freddie and picked up Gary to continue cutting hair.
Gary let the hand of the hairstylist move and use him the way he wanted. The result? A satisfied and smiling customer! Gary knew one thing: the stylist is his master. Without him he can’t do the job right, so he does as the stylist commands. Which one do you want to be as you live your life? The proud Freddie or the humble Gary?
God is our Maker and Master. Without Him and His Wisdom, we can’t live our life with satisfactory results. Like Gary, we should do just as God commands us in living our life. Ma. Luisa A. De la Cruz (ma_luisa2004@yahoo.com)
28
REFLECTION:
What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God so He can work on them?

Dearest God, here I am. Change my heart and use me as You desire.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 27, 2011
Never Let Go

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44

Once I set my eyes on her, nothing could stop me.
I sent her flowers, chocolates, letters, lunch, buko juice — everything. I even “interviewed” her best friend whom I didn’t know. I “employed” and implored those around her to back me up and give a good word or two.
She turned me down three times. Many told me to give up. It felt like the world crumbled but I kept on pursuing her. Her name is Gina, the love of my life. That was more than a decade ago. Despite the difficulties, I won her heart. In fact, we just celebrated our 14th year as husband and
wife last April.
Like a resolute suitor who has found his great love, our resolve to follow God must be the same, nay more. For once we find the joy that He gives, all else pales. Despite failures and problems and sins, we must be doggedly determined to dwell in His presence, to bask in His love.
We must be ready to give up everything for Him, our Treasure of treasures. Jun Asis (mabuting.balita@gmail.com)
27
REFLECTION:
What else do I have to give up for God?

Lord, I offer my life to You. I have found You and I will hold on to You. Hold me and never let me go. Amen.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 26, 2011
Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Virgin Mary
BLESSED COUPLE

Their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants. – Sirach 44:11

On October 21, 2001, Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi became the first married couple beatified by Pope John Paul II.
The Italian couple lived in Rome during the first half of the 20th century. Luigi was a lawyer and civil servant. Maria was devoted to the family while being involved in several charitable missions.
As a family, they attended daily Mass. Every evening, they prayed the rosary and consecrated their family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is no wonder then that their sons became priests, a daughter became a Benedictine nun, and the youngest dedicated herself to caring for her parents, then for her brother.
Many times, marriage makes us think about romantic love and living happily ever after. We fail to remember the true mission of the family: the awesome task of collaborating with God in procreation, the call to holiness as a couple, and the demand of total dedication to the children, to teach and guide them to discover God’s plan for their lives.
May the example of Blessed Luigi and Maria inspire us to focus on our families in our efforts to serve God. Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:
“The path of holiness, lived together as a couple, is possible, beautiful, extraordinarily fruitful and fundamental for the good of the family, the Church and society.” (Pope John Paul II)

Lord, grant that our family will become a true shrine of Your life and love.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 25, 2011
Feast of St. James, Apostle
THE REWARD OF SERVICE

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26

During college, after a grueling ROTC training, I went to my friend’s boarding house to ransack his kitchen. But I found nothing to eat! My dejected friend uttered, “It’s my birthday today and I have nothing to eat, nothing to spend for my party. My parents failed to deposit money into my
savings account.”
My heart melted. I ran to the store, bought a can of sardines, returned to his house and cooked him a hot meal. “Lunch is served, Monsieur!”
At the first spoonful, he burst into tears. “Don’t you know we’re very rich?” he cried. I said, “Wow, you must be very happy!” He replied, “I am now. Because of what you did for me, my birthday had meaning!”
I thought it was the end of the melodrama. I was wrong. His parents treated me to a point-at-what-you-like-and- I’ll-pay type of shopping, all-expense paid vacation galore to their villa and rubber farm in Cagayan de Oro and sent me home with presents for my family.
This was my grand reward for a can of sardines and a heart of service! God is calling us to do the same. Service is its own reward.Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)
25
REFLECTION:
Do you want to be great? Serve without expecting anything in return.

Lord, You did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give Your life as a ransom for many. May I always follow in Your footsteps.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 24, 2011
the great pearl

When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. – Matthew 13:46

Mang Manding is a poor farmer tilling land that doesn’t belong to him. One day, he hits something hard on the ground. He digs up the dirt and finds a treasure chest. It’s filled with gold! He nervously scans the horizon to see if anybody had seen him. Then he re-buries the chest and secretly resolves to buy the land so he can claim the treasure as his own.
He goes home and sells his only carabao. He doesn’t tell his wife of his discovery but says that their kids will have to stop schooling. He cuts off their electricity and water. He goes so far as saying that they’ll be down to eating only one meal a day.
His family thinks he’s gone nuts. But Mang Manding doesn’t care. He knows that the sacrifices they’re making is nothing compared to the treasure he has found.
You and I are Mang Manding. We give everything we have for a treasure we’ve found. Some give their lives for a career that will end when they’re 60. Others give their all to obtain fleeting fame. Still others will spend their energies building earthly monuments that will fade.
Jesus is the only Treasure worth our everything. Are you giving your all for Him? Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)
24
REFLECTION:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Lord, You are my Pearl of Great Price. I give my all for You.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 23, 2011
PROMISES, PROMISES

They said, “We will obey the Lord and do everything that he has commanded.” – Exodus 24:7

“I accept the call, and I will serve the Lord in this ministry.” This is the general response of every person elected to serve in the ministry that looks after the charismatic affairs of the archdiocese here in one of the South Pacific countries.
It was my response, too, when I was elected to head the Evangelization Ministry.
I left that electoral meeting happy and thankful, not only because I was the only foreigner to be elected, but more because it was an answered prayer for me to serve the Lord in this foreign land.
When the leadership called its first meeting, I was excited to come. But only a few officers came. To make matters worse, the next weekend gathering yielded only some 20 people, the following weekend just 10, with only a few leaders attending. “Where are those who said they would serve the Lord?” I asked myself.
It is so easy for us to say, “Yes, I will, Lord!” but when reality hits, the result is negative. Ecclesiastes 5:4 says, “When you make a promise to God, keep it as quickly as possible.... Do what you promise to do.” Danny Tariman (danny@ dtariman.com)
23
REFLECTION:
Are you among those who say, “We will obey the Lord and do everything that he has commanded”?

Lord, I am sorry for saying things but not doing them. I resolve to do Your will from now on.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 21, 2011
Distractions

“They look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.” – Matthew 13:13

Do you find it annoying when you’re talking to someone and they appear to be listening but they actually aren’t? I do. It also annoys me when I bump into someone I know and, while she appears to be looking at me, it would seem that she’s not really seeing me. I must confess that I’m guilty of this at times and I realize that it’s mostly because I’m distracted and my thoughts wander elsewhere.
Distractions are all around us and they can keep us from experiencing God’s presence in our lives. But more than the usual diversions we get from TV, Internet, music and other activities, it’s the things we can’t escape that present a real danger.
We can always turn off the TV or the computer but we cannot just turn our back on things that keep us busy and preoccupied as we go about our mundane activities each day. Getting home tired from work may become an excuse for missing our evening prayers or getting caught up with family affairs may be a reason for missing Mass on Sundays.
The devil will do anything to throw us off from the more important things. Let us not give him the opportunity to do so. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mjsg2468@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:
How well do we pay attention to Jesus? What is distracting us from letting Him accomplish His work in our lives?

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I got overwhelmed with the things of this world. Grant me the strength to do what is most essential for my redemption.Amen.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 20, 2011
SOUND INVESTMENT

“Part of it finally landed on good soil and yielded grain a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” – Matthew 13:8

When my dad moved to Singapore to work, he would regularly send money to my mom for all our needs. Included with that is his tithe or 10 percent of his salary to be given to our parish church or our charismatic community. He knew that the tithe belonged to the Lord.
It’s been almost 20 years since my dad retired. While many of his retired contemporaries are having financial difficulties, he is able to enjoy his retirement and still be generous to those in need. I believe this is because he faithfully set aside his tithe to invest in God’s Kingdom while he was still earning. Now, he’s reaping the benefits and it is God’s turn to take care of him.
John Avancini says in his book, Hundredfold, that only the seed sown on good ground can yield an abundant harvest. A true sign of a good-ground ministry is one that will vigorously attempt to accomplish the specific purpose God has given it. If that ministry diverts from their calling or embarks on a work of their choosing, then it ceases to be a good ground.
So, the next time you “invest” your tithe or love offering, be sure to discern if it’s a good ground or a stony path. Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)
20
REFLECTION:
Only good ground produces an abundant harvest.

Father, I pray that all the people reading this daily devotional may invest in this “good ground” ministry so that more people may be reached with Your Good News.

Daily Bible Reflections

July 20, 2011
SOUND INVESTMENT

“Part of it finally landed on good soil and yielded grain a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” – Matthew 13:8

When my dad moved to Singapore to work, he would regularly send money to my mom for all our needs. Included with that is his tithe or 10 percent of his salary to be given to our parish church or our charismatic community. He knew that the tithe belonged to the Lord.
It’s been almost 20 years since my dad retired. While many of his retired contemporaries are having financial difficulties, he is able to enjoy his retirement and still be generous to those in need. I believe this is because he faithfully set aside his tithe to invest in God’s Kingdom while he was still earning. Now, he’s reaping the benefits and it is God’s turn to take care of him.
John Avancini says in his book, Hundredfold, that only the seed sown on good ground can yield an abundant harvest. A true sign of a good-ground ministry is one that will vigorously attempt to accomplish the specific purpose God has given it. If that ministry diverts from their calling or embarks on a work of their choosing, then it ceases to be a good ground.
So, the next time you “invest” your tithe or love offering, be sure to discern if it’s a good ground or a stony path. Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)
20
REFLECTION:
Only good ground produces an abundant harvest.

Father, I pray that all the people reading this daily devotional may invest in this “good ground” ministry so that more people may be reached with Your Good News.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 19, 2011
TODAY IS THE DAY

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord… – Exodus 15:1

Years ago, I went to the US to attend a Christian convention. During one worship, the leader sang one of his rock compositions. And for the first time in my life, I cried while singing a rock song. Why? Because I believed in the song. The words spoke volumes to me.
As I sang, I felt God telling me not to worry about tomorrow, for as the title states: “Today Is the Day!”
These are some of the lyrics of the song by Lincoln Brewster:
I’m casting my cares aside/I’m leaving my past behind/I’m setting my heart and mind on You, Jesus. I’m reaching my hand to Yours/Believing there’s so much more/ Knowing that all You have in store for me is good. Today is the day You have made/I will rejoice and be glad in it... And I won’t worry about tomorrow I’m trusting in what You say/Today is the day. I’m putting my fears aside/I’m leaving my doubts behind/I’m giving my hopes and dreams to You, Jesus/I’m reaching my hands to Yours/Believing there’s so much more, Knowing that all You have in store for me is good. I will stand upon Your truth/And all my days I’ll live for You. Arun Gogna (gognaa1@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:
Friend, today is your day! What news do you believe in?

Jesus, You are my Messiah! I put my faith and hope in You.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 18, 2011
THE RESCUER

In great fright they cried out to the Lord. – Exodus 14:10

I was on my knees, crying, trembling and begging God to make the rain stop so the flood water would subside. But the heavy downpour continued and the water inside our house was rising fast. “Lord, I don’t want to die this way. Have mercy on us. Please save us.” This was during typhoon Ondoy on
September 26, 2009. When my mom finally agreed to evacuate the house, it was already neck deep in our garage. I shouted for help and prayed that God would send somebody to rescue us. A man wearing a life jacket appeared from the curve and headed our direction. Our neighbor, who was a great swimmer, also came to our rescue. With joint effort, they brought us to safety. The Egyptian army pursued the Israelites, ready for the kill. The Israelites thought they were doomed for they were trapped against the sea. So they cried out to the Lord. God provided a way of escape by parting the Red Sea.
We may feel trapped in our current situation as if there is no way out. But instead of despairing, we need to call on God and trust that He will deliver us. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)
18
REFLECTION:
Are you in a sticky or life-and-death situation and have lost all hope? Fear not, for God will come to your rescue. That’s for sure!

Lord, You are my Rock and my Deliverer. In You I find refuge.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 17, 2011
PRAYING FROM THE HEA RT

The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groaning. – Romans 8:26

In one of the seminars I attended, a speaker talked about spiritual dryness as a drifting away from our spiritual growth when we experience backsliding.
He said that, as human beings, we experience this now and then for the following reasons: (1) We feel we have no immediate need of God’s providence; (2) we have become impatient and hopeless because God hasn’t answered our prayer concerns; or (3) We just feel bored doing the same routine every day of our life.
When this so-called spiritual dryness would hit us, we are to make a spot check on the areas in our life that may have caused it and from there start anew. We have to continually grow in our faith, and believe that God loves us and that He will take care of us till the end of time. We have to meet life’s many challenges and refrain from backsliding to what we were before. We were told to call on God’s Holy Spirit at all times as the Holy Spirit was sent to us to help us pray. And true prayer is one that comes from the heart. It’s talking to a friend.Dr. Henry Yu henrio_md@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:
We are children of the same God who listens when we pray, opens when we knock and gives when we ask. He will always be with us in good times and in bad.

Father, through the Holy Spirit, help us to remain steadfast in our faith. Help us to pray from the heart.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 16, 2011
DARK TIMES

It was a night when the Lord kept watch to bring them out of Egypt.... – Exodus 12:42

Jun just got the mammogram results of his wife, Cecille. She went through a tedious battle with breast cancer the year before. She requires regular checkup to see if she is clear from all cancer.
The words printed in the result made him stop in the middle of the hallway. “Cloudiness... lesions ... recommend sonogram.” These terms were very familiar to him. Is the cancer back?
He prayed hard on his way to pick up his wife. He kept on repeating the name of Jesus. As he prayed, he recalled that God never left them during their battle with cancer last year. He recalled God’s message to them during the “dark” times. God’s message was A-C-T — Accept the situation, take Courage and Trust in God.
God’s grace was confirmed when they visited the doctor. They were advised that there was nothing to worry about. She is clear of cancer. The sonogram was recommended only if the patient wanted to undergo another test since there was nothing found.
The Lord was with them through the battle and He continues to be with them each and every day. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)
16
REFLECTION:
What is your “Egypt” situation now? Have faith and trust that the Lord will bring you out of your Egypt.
Though I walk through the valley of death, I fear no evil for You are with me.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 14, 2011
TIRED

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11: 28

Thea (not her real name) was sobbing when she phoned me one day.
“Do you know a priest I can talk to?” she asked, “I’m so tired.”
I later learned that she was pregnant, and that the baby’s father was not her husband. She had been trying to save her marriage since she learned of her husband’s philandering. And when she didn’t succeed, she ended up making wrong decisions that led her to a very sticky situation.
I was happy enough to hear from Thea that she longed to talk to a priest. She wanted to confess her misdeeds and seek advice on how to turn her life around. She longed for rest and peace, and she knew where to find it.
It took Thea a lot of humility and courage to acknowledge her helplessness. And I’m positive that the Lord jumped for joy when He heard Thea say that she wanted to find rest in Him. For the Lord never ceases to invite us to come to Him when our souls, like Thea’s, are tired and weary from life’s battles. He is, after all, our resting place as He says. And you can count on His word. Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)
14
REFLECTION:
Are you tired? Wounded? Bored? Fed up? You know whom to call on.

You, O God, are our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress (Psalm 46:1).

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 13, 2011
ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?

“I praise you, Father... because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” – Matthew 11:25

My daughter Frances was about three years old when she asked, “Dad, why are there TV ads urging viewers to buy cigarettes and after they’ll say, ‘Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health’?” I felt that the Mystery of the Trinity was far easier to explain than this one. So I simply said, “I guess grownups aren’t as smart as they pretend to be.”
What I love about children is that they have a lot of wisdom called “common sense.” They keep simple things simple. When adults want to justify a sin, when they refuse to break free from a harmful habit, when they don’t admit fault, when they resist the humility needed to restore a relationship, their common excuse is, “It’s complicated…”
Robert Fulghum was right when he said it all in the title of his book, All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Kindergarten counsels make perfect sense: Share the cookie. Always tell the truth. When you cross the street, hold hands. When it’s not yours, don’t take it. When you get something, return it where you got it. When you have wronged someone, say you’re sorry.
We may be smarter than a fifth grader but are we wiser? Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:
Are you currently in a “complicated” situation? Maybe taking on the mind of a child can simplify your perspectives and make you see your situation simply as it is.

Father, may I remember that I am Your child. May I regain the sense of wonder and the simple wisdom that You planted in my heart.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 12, 2011
My Miriams

Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” – Exodus 2:7

The upside to being an only child is I didn’t have to share things. These are lines I never had to say or hear: “I won’t wear Ate’s old Hello Kitty T-shirt” (regarding hand-me-downs to a younger brother). “One for you, two for me” (of goodies and treats being divided by an older sibling). “Get out of the bathroom; you’ve been there for two hours!” (While banging on the door.)
The downside is the same thing — there’s nobody to share things with. No sister to share secrets with, no brother to watch over me, no one to help with family burdens and decision-making.
When I joined my community, my biggest blessing was gaining a brood of brothers and sisters. I’ve got sisters to consult about problems and who give me lovely birthday surprises. I’ve got brothers who make sure I get home safely and who pray with me for my children.
As Moses’ mother sent his sister, Miriam, to watch over him, God sent my community siblings to care for me. Like Miriam, they run back with prayers to a loving Father who provides the nurturing I need. Lella Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)
12
REFLECTION:
Have you thanked the people God sent to care for you lately?

Father God, I praise and thank You for Your never-ending care.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Daily Bible Reflections

July 11, 2011
A GREAT HONOR

“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 10:39

Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who helped save the lives of Jews by hiding them in their home during the Nazi occupation of Holland. Unfortunately, Corrie and her family were arrested by the Gestapo in 1944. Corrie and her sister Betsie were imprisoned in Ravensbruck. It seemed to be the end of the family’s mission but it was where the mission was continued with much fervor. Corrie and Betsie held worship services attended by Catholic, Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox women prisoners. Even behind bars, Corrie reached out, risked her life and gave hope to those in need of it as much as she did.
I believe that the Lord honored Corrie’s willingness to give up her life for others by saving her. Thanks to a clerical error, Corrie was released from Ravensbruck a week before all the women prisoners her age were killed. The Lord preserved Corrie’s life that she may continue her mission and share with the world what she learned from her imprisonment. As her sister Betsie exhorted Corrie, “We must tell them what we have learned here. We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still. They will listen to us, Corrie, because we have been here.”Dina PecaƱa (dpecana@yahoo.com)
11
REFLECTION:
“I submit to you that if a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Jesus, in obedience to the Father and out of Your great love for me, You died on the Cross in my place. May I have the grace to do the same for others if it will be for Your glory.

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