Daily Bible Reflections- March 31, 2012

WANTED: CASKET

 

“What shall we do?” – John 11:47

My father’s death in Samar in 2000 was the most unforgettable story my mother ever told me.

They lived in a remote place. Tatay farmed and fished while Nanayharvested fruits and vegetables that she sold or exchanged for rice among their neighbors.

Then Tatay died of a heart attack. Nanay needed money badly for his burial. His body had been embalmed, which was only good for three days, and they still didn’t have a casket for him.

“What shall we do?” asked everyone, worried about the much needed coffin. Just then they heard a loud thud. The heavy marine plywood that served as a kitchen divider fell right where my father’s body lay.

“Ghost! Ghost!” everybody yelled as they ran outside the house. But Nanay rushed to where Tatay was. When she regained her composure, she ordered the men to build a casket from the plywood and presto — the problem was solved.

Tatay, even in his last minutes on earth, didn’t want us to worry at all! Beth Corral (bethcorral_0330@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

When all seems hopeless, remember our God of Hope with whom nothing is impossible.

 

Father God, thank You so much forgiving me a father on earth whose love never ceased. May I also love without boundaries.

 

St. Stephen of Mar Saba, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- March 30, 2012

OUT OF THE BOX

 

“For which of these are you trying to stone me?” – John 10:32

 

Do you ever feel like you have to live with other people’s expectations? I do, and it can really be stressful. Coming from Mass one day, the woman beside me whispered, “You know these people are wrong (pointing to those praying in the Blessed Sacrament). I saw some of them. They don’t know how to make the sign of the cross.”

And then she gave me a whole lecture on how it should be done with matching actions. I kept quiet while she was talking, just nodding my head, to be polite. But in my mind, I felt that it was her who was wrong, not those people she was criticizing.

Jesus experienced the same judgmental attitude. He performed good works — healing the sick, casting out demons, teaching people to forgive, etc. But people were not grateful for what He did. Instead, they stoned Him for these good deeds. Because they said He was making Himself God, and yet He was just man.

It’s easy to see the mistakes of others. But when we are not ruled by our expectations of others, we become more accepting of their weaknesses. And perhaps life will be better because we live our lives out of the box. Marisa Aguas (jojangaguas@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do you see yourself better than others? Do you see their faults, not yours?

 

Forgive me, Lord, for my self-righteousness. Teach me to see and accept people as they are, not as I expect them to be.

 

St. Peter Regalado, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- March 29, 2012

THIS LAND IS MINE

 

“I will give to you, and your descendants after you, the land....” – Genesis 17:8

 

We had been praying for a property on which to build our own house. In one of her prayer times, my wife came across a Bible verse, “I give you the land,” which we believed was the Lord’s personal message to us.

My family scouted out many places in search of that “land.” But nothing worked out. Then one evening an agent called to offer us a property. We went to see it the next morning. It was in a peaceful, secure neighborhood and within walking distance to a church. It was perfect for our needs!

There was just one problem: it cost a few millions while our savings was just under one. Someone advised us to apply for a bank loan. We did. However, we continued to hold on to God’s promise.

Meanwhile, I returned to my overseas job. Whenever I would send money home, the exhange rate would be favorable to us. Also, I was able to sell our equity holdings abroad at almost 150 percent profit! In two months we were able to raise the needed cash. We saw the hand of God at work.

The loan was approved in record time, too. But we eventually cancelled it because the Lord had provided. The Lord literally gave us the land!Danny Tariman (danny@dtariman.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do you feel like giving up? Hang on, the Lord is doing something for you!                                                       

 

Grant me, dear Lord, an unwavering faith in You. Amen.

 

Blessed Ludovico of Casoria, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- March 28, 2012

TOOTHBRUSHINg

 

“If God whom we serve is able to save us… then He will. But even if He doesn’t, your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god.” – Daniel 3:17,18

 

I brush my teeth every day. It’s a ritual I do every time after I eat. You know the drill: I put toothpaste on my toothbrush, brush my teeth, then gargle with water.

I do this to keep my teeth strong and healthy and to fight cavities. But even with regular brushing, I still end up with a cavity now and then. Is this proof that brushing doesn’t work and that I should just give it up altogether? Of course not!

Sometimes we follow this unsound logic when it comes to believing in God. We ask Him for something we want and when He doesn’t grant it or He gives us something else, we take it as a license to stop believing in Him.

The Lord has a reason for everything. We may not understand the way He does things, but our all-knowing God knows what is best for us and what we really need at the moment.

So even if He does not send us the answers we want, let’s not turn our back on Him. Instead, let’s be excited about how wonderful He will turn our situations for us. Ma. Luisa A. De la Cruz (theessence_byluisa@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do difficult situations in your life shake your faith in God? (Close your eyes and pray this slowly, repeating it several times.)

 

Dearest God, I believe in You.

 

St. Hesychius of Jerusalem, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- March 27, 2012

SOMEONE NOT OF THIS WORLD

 

But Jesus said, “You are from below and I am from above; you are of this world and I am not of this world.” – John 8:23

 

Describe someone you want to meet.

Do you still remember this ala-slam book question before Facebook became a fad? For those close to my age, yes, you can find this in Friendster.

My college friend and brother in Christ answered this question with: “someone not of this world.” He wasn’t referring to aliens but to believers mentioned in John 17:16, “They do not belong to the world any more than I (Jesus) belong to the world.” After reading his intriguing answer, I also wanted to find someone — my one true love — who is “not of this world.”

Being part of a Charismatic community and the Light of Jesus Family gave me a good grasp of what someone “who is not of this world” should be. He is someone who is not attached to the mundane pleasures of life, someone who is Christ-like in character and follows Him in all aspects of his life.

Friends, if you know someone who fits the bill, you know where to reach me. Just kidding.  Ems Sy Chan (havenofleeanne@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

“For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is fromthe world.” (1 John 2:16)

 

Father, detach me from the love of this world. I want to spend eternal life with You and all the angels and saints in heaven.

 

Blessed Francesco Faa di Bruno, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 26, 2012

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

 

In god’s time

 

“May it be done to me according to your word.” – Luke 1:38

 

At the time of the evacuation of Filipinos from Egypt, Libya and other places in the Middle East in 2011, God allowed me to go through a difficult waiting period for His perfect will to unfold in my professional life.

As someone who had a similar experience in Iraq, I thought I’d be part of the team sent for the purpose. Instead, I was in the Philippines watching events unfold in the news. He told me to have faith, trust and patience.

Apparently, God wanted me to attend to other matters related to the labor migration issues — to study and discuss the reintegration of labor migrants. I’ve learned that forced reintegration of OFWs due to civil unrest is not always feasible. Sometimes, due to lack of savings and investment of the families back home, the workers choose to stay in the dangerous work place.

As the Lord was giving me time to work on my proposal to develop the abaca industry as an alternative and sustainable income generating approach to overseas migration, He was also working in me to surrender to His will and His schedule. And just like Mama Mary, I yielded by praying, “May it be done to me according to Your Word.” Grace Relucio Princesa (grprincesa@yahoo.com)

 

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REFLECTION:

It is a hard test that needs God’s help to wait for His will to be revealed in accordance with His schedule.

 

Lord, help me to see Your will when there is darkness and storm clouds in my life.

 

Blessed Didacus of Cadiz, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 25, 2012

PRAYER AND FASTING

 

“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” – John 12:24

 

Ben was an addict. Not the regular kind. He was addicted to Facebook and online games. He would spend more than six hours on this daily, time he could have spent for work, for graduate school, for service, for nourishing relationships.

Then, he and his friends committed to seven days of prayer and fasting. They monitored each other several times daily. Ben identified his “enthusiasm and not addiction” for social networking sites and games as something he should sacrifice for Jesus during that period. As he denied himself of his favorite pastime, he felt as if a part of him was dying. But he would remind himself that Jesus was more important than pleasure.

After seven days that seemed like years, a new Ben had resurrected. No longer did he entertain urges to spend hours on gaming. Today, he looks back and laughs with victory. Like a wheat of grain that produces much fruit after it has died first, so is Ben’s life now. He now spends more time for more meaningful and productive things that bless his life and others.  Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

What emotional, psychological and physical needs have I created for myself that need to die so that a new me — who is more loving, more selfless and more joyful — would emerge?

 

Jesus, sorry for allowing my own personal created needs to blind me. Help me find joy, enthusiasm and excitement in deciding to daily make You my top priority.

 

St. Dismas, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 24, 2012

willing vessel

 

“Never before has anyone spoken like this one.” – John 7: 46

 

I was assigned to give a talk to the youth of our parish-based community in Parañaque. It was a post-Valentine gathering and the topic given to me was “Purity in Relationships.” It excited me to the bones.

I hadn’t given a talk in a long time and I was a bit anxious. But I wanted so much to share my convictions with these young people. I asked the Lord for strength and guidance.

That night, I felt blessed sharing my experiences. I knew that I did so not from my own wisdom or knowledge. Inspiration came to me. Personal stories and analogies came at opportune moments. We ended with a prayer session, where these young people committed to keep themselves pure for their future spouses.

After the service, I received a text message from one of the attendees. He shared how the Lord spoke to him through my talk about continuing to make the right decision as he waits for his Ms. Right. He said he recommitted himself to Jesus that night. I thank and praise God for using me, faults, failures and all, to get His message across. May I be a willing vessel for His service until my last breath.  Lallaine Gogna (lallygogna@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

How much have you allowed God to use your gifts and talents?

                                                                                                                                                                                            

Lord, speak Your love to me and through me. May I serve Your Kingdom with all thatI am. Amen.

 

St. Catherine of Genoa, pray for us.

 

Daily Bible Reflections- March 23, 2012

HEAVEN OR JUST EARTH?

 

And this is the false argument they use, “Our life is short and dreary, there is no remedy when our end comes.” – Wisdom 2:1

 

In June 2008, Ariane Sherine decided that she’s heard enough about Jesus dying for sinners. She decided to put up “positive” statements on England’s buses and came up with: “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

I like Fr. Robert Barron’s response to this so-called New Atheist movement. He said the proof of God’s existence can be surmised from our desires. If we are like animals, we should lay down like satisfied dogs once we get what we want. But we don’t. Our yearning for something greater means there is something else out there that can fulfill us, and that is God.

Karl Marx said that religion is the opium of the people since it is like a drug to make us feel good about the drudgery of life. Fr. Barron countered that atheism is the opiate because it masks our deepest longing for God. Personally, I like the world explained by believers where there is absolute goodness and truth than the world of atheists that gives me the power to be who I want without obligations. How about you? Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

“If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.” (C.S. Lewis)

 

Lord, may the promise of heaven guide our way on earth.

 

St. Turibius of Mongrovejo, bishop, pray for us.

 

Full response of Fr. Barron can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe5kVw9JsYI&feature=related

Daily Bible Reflections- March 22, 2012

DEFYING EXPECTATIONS

 

“But you do not want to come to me to have life.” – John 5:40

 

I remember a story about a man who was forced to climb onto the roof of his house because of a terrible flood. He prayed for God to save him.

A rowboat came to his aid, but he refused to get in. He was waiting for God to save him. Soon, a speedboat and a helicopter arrived to rescue him, but still he refused. The water rose so high that the man was washed away and drowned.

When he arrived in heaven, the man accused God of doing nothing to save him. God replied, “Didn’t I send you two boats and a helicopter?” The man didn’t see God’s favor because he was expecting Him to appear in a different way.

Similarly, in the Gospel, people didn’t believe that Jesus was sent by God. To them, Jesus didn’t fit into the image of the Savior they were waiting for. He didn’t meet their expectations. They remained unbelievers and refused Jesus’ offer of salvation.

Each time we reject God’s answer to our prayers because it doesn’t fit our expectations, we become like those unbelievers. When we do not open ourselves to God’s way, we deprive ourselves of a chance at life.  Josiel Erica (osy.erica@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Have you been leveling God’s love to your expectations?

 

Father, forgive me for the times I refused Your help and rejected Your love. Remind me that You can do much more than what I expect.

 

St. Nicholas Owen, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 21, 2012

THE LORD’S COMPASSION

 

“For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” – Isaiah 49:13

 

When Dad passed away at midnight of March 30 three years ago, the first person I shared the sad news with was my friend Vannie. I could hardly speak as I wept. Without a word said, Vannie comforted me in the way I needed to be comforted — she cried with me and allowed herself to feel the grief and helplessness I felt.

After a while she told me, “I was already awake before you called. I felt a burden in my heart to pray for you and your family. Afterwards, I sensed there was someone telling me, ‘Thank you for praying for me.’ It was Tito Jun. I believe he woke me up to say goodbye.”

I didn’t understand how painfully deep grief could cut into my heart and my entire being until Dad died. But with this pain I also experienced the overwhelming and soothing comfort of God’s love and presence through Vannie and the hundreds of relatives, neighbors, officemates and friends from long ago who simply held my hand, embraced me and cried with me. More than condolences and words of sympathy, the Lord’s compassion, shown through His people, eased my sorrow and abated my grief.  Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

“The friend who can be silent with us... who can stay with us in an hour of griefand bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares.” (Henri Nouwen)

 

“Praise be to the... God of all comfort, who comforts us in  all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

 

Blessed John of Parma, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 20, 2012

Preventing Soul Decay

 

“Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” – John 5:14

 

“Smile! Say Cheese!”

Years ago, having my picture taken used to be awkward for me. I liked seeing myself in photos but I just couldn’t get myself to smile. I was too insecure to show my teeth because I had ugly cavities.

Dentists were not one of my childhood favorites, but I started seeing them as soon as I realized that I could have a great smile if only my teeth were fixed. Now that I have better-looking teeth, I smile every chance I get. I also make sure to visit the dentist regularly so I won’t get any more cavities.

Just like a cavity, sin starts out small. It grows larger and eventually hurts our soul if we keep on doing things we shouldn’t be doing. The same way that brushing, flossing and regular dental visits help destroy the bacteria that attack our teeth, receiving the sacraments, going to confession and staying close to Jesus cleanses the sins that eat away our heart and soul.

Go and pay Christ a visit today, give Him your sweetest smile and He will surely be pleased.  Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:

Is something bothering you lately? You may be due for a soul checkup. Go and see the greatest Healer before it’s  too late.

 

Dear Lord, thank You for healing me each day. May I always keep my heart and soul healthy as I wait for the day to see You in glory.

 

St. Salvator of Horta, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 19, 2012

Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary

 

A RIGHTEOUS LIFE

 

Joseph was a man who always did what was right…. – Matthew 1:19

 

My cousin Jose, fondly called Pepe, lived a righteous life. When he died in October 2010, he left behind a legacy to the church and to our country.

From the prime of his life until his death, he had devoted his time, treasure and talent to the service of mankind, first through the Christian Family Movement and his responsiveness to the plight of his family, relatives and friends. In the last decade of his life, he served as director of the Ephpheta Foundation of the Blind, vice president of the Concerned Citizens Against Pollution and president of the Philippine Solidarity Fund Foundation and the Jubilee Homes for the Poor Foundation. Actively involved with the Council of the Laity of the Philippines, he was appointed as a volunteer observer to the Bids and Awards Committee in several transactions where his intervention saved the government millions of pesos.

During his wake, they launched his book, Observers for Good Governance. It’s a manual badly needed in our country where we need to get rid of so much corruption.

Thank you, Kuya Pepe, for making your life a gift to us. Cristy Galang (cristy_cc@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

How am I living my life? What mark will I leave behind when I die?

 

St. Joseph, pray for us that we may live lives that are righteous, inspiring and uplifting so that when we die, we will have made this world a better place. Amen.

 

St. Joseph, husband of Mary, principal patron of Canada, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 18, 2012

ANOINTING

 

For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. – Ephesians 2:10

 

I love preaching God’s Word. The first time I ever gave a talk, I spoke about the battle between good and evil. I received a standing ovation. Now, before you begin to think I’m bragging, let me clarify with you that I was three years old, in my living room, in front of my parents’ friends, reciting a self-composed poem about Superman, Batman and Robin. Still, at such a young age, God was already manifesting what I was called to do — communicate.

Around the same age, my dad taught me how to draw the Bat Copter. I would spend hours perfecting it. Later on, I discovered I could do anything with my voice. I could copy the sound and reach the notes of any singer I heard on the radio. All these became my hobbies. And all of these talents, I use today in my ministry as a preacher, performer and director.

I believe that God has given each of us an anointing. He’s manifested it in our gifts and talents. And He wants us to use them to bless others and to glorify Him. You have an anointing, my friend. And no one can do better when it comes to that which you are called to do. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

When was the last time you used your talents to bless others?

 

Lord, I offer up all that I am to You.

 

St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 17, 2012

NOW SHOWING

I don’t want your sacrifices. I want you to know God ; that’s more important than burnt offerings. – Hosea 6:6

The Archbishop of the district was going to concelebrate a Mass at a small new parish in Clearwater, Florida. The parish priest wanted everything to be perfect for the Archbishop’s visit. He met and rehearsed with his staff for two weeks to make sure everything went without a hitch.

When the day finally came, he assured the Archbishop that all would be perfect since they were well prepared. The Archbishop asked, “Do we have bread?” The priest replied, “Of course!”

“Do we have wine?” The priest answered yes. “Do we have the Bible?” The priest assured him they had. The Archbishop responded, “Then, we have everything we need. Everything else is cosmetics.”

The Archbishop’s wisdom applies to life as well. Often we are more concerned about the facade rather than the interior. We seek man’s approval more rather than God’s, since men are the ones who criticize us or applaud us.

That may be true but only God can determine if we are fit for heaven or destined for hell. It all depends on the condition of our heart. Everything else is cosmetics. Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do we do things just to impress people?

Lord, let me live my life for You in Spirit and in truth.

St. Patrick, bishop, patron of Ireland and Nigeria, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 16, 2012

THINK POSITIVE

 

“There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12: 31

 

I’ve said it many times, I’ll say it again here. Love is the point of it all. Because love tells you what to do, not only what not to do.

Consider this: Most of the 10 Commandments are stated in a grammatically negative way. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not commit adultery. They’re correct and we should obey them. But if, for example, someone asks you how to go to SM Mall of Asia coming from Roxas Boulevard, you can’t just say, “Don’t go straight to Cavite.” Or, “Don’t turn left to the airport.” He may not reach Cavite or the airport but that won’t ensure that he reaches his destination.

More than instructions on where not to go or what not to do, you should tell him directly and positively what he must do exactly. That’s why when Jesus was asked about the commandments, he summed it up by positively, directly telling us what to do: Love God! Love others! LOVE!

Because you can lock yourself inside your room all your life and not kill or steal or commit adultery. But what have you done? Nothing!

We don’t live Christian lives just by avoiding sin. We live, as Jesus said and did, by loving!Alvin Barcelona (alvinbarcelona@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do you obey the 10 Commandments? Is love the reason why you avoid sin and do good? Love more today.

 

Lord Jesus, teach me the paths I should avoid. But above all, show me clearly the road to Your eternal love. In Your Name. Amen.

 

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 15, 2012

Listen!

 

Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper. – Jeremiah 7:23

 

My eldest daughter, who is not yet three, is a strong-willed child. I tell her not to stand on her chair and she’ll still do it. I warn her not to jump because she might hurt herself but she’ll jump anyway. When I tell her not to hit her baby sister, she’ll continue to whack her.

Consequently, she’s had minor accidents and have gotten bruises and bumps. She’s also inflicted the same on her little sister.

If only she’d listened, she’d spare herself — and others — from a lot of trouble. Every time she’s up to no good, I’d remind her, “Listen to Mama!” And almost simultaneously I feel like the Lord echoes my rebuke back to me. “Listen to Abba! Listen to Your Heavenly Father. Do not disobey. You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.”

When I was a baby Christian, I thought that all the restrictions in the Bible were meant to discipline me and give me a hard time so I can earn my place in heaven. But now I’ve learned that God’s commands are all for my good, because He knows better and wants to spare me from unnecessary suffering. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:

Do you listen to your Father?

 

Lord, I’m sorry for the times I’ve been hardheaded. Grant me the gift of obedience so that I don’t just listen to You but follow You as well.

 

St. Louise de Marillac, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 14, 2012

BREAKING THE RULES

 

“Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments…” – Matthew 5:19

 

I was 10 or 11 years old when this happened. And until now, nobody in my family knew about this. It was summer and early afternoons were supposed to be naptime for us unless my sisters and I had a scheduled activity.

One day, I escaped our naptime to play with some cousins in the house next door. I don’t remember now what game we were playing but what I vividly recall is that I was walking atop the hollow block fence of my aunt’s house, like an acrobat walking on a tightrope. Then suddenly I fell off the fence and a protruding steel bar hit my thigh. Blood oozed out, but fearing that my parents would reprimand me, I hid the wound from them and administered first aid. Fortunately, the wound healed by itself after a couple of weeks but the scar remained until many, many years later.

The same is true when we break God’s commandments. We get hurt in the process. We fear the priest’s reprimand in the confessional box, and unless we are truly repentant, the wounds of our sinfulness stay with us.

Breaking rules has consequences, whether they are rules of God or of man, so it’s best to be ready to make amends whenever we do. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

What rules do you love to break? Why?

 

Lord, help me to follow Your rules every moment of my life.

 

St. Maximillian, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 13, 2012

God of New Beginnings

 

“Forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” – Mathew 18:35

 

I believe that our God is a God of new beginnings and second chances. Every time I avail of His mercy in the Sacrament of Confession, I feel an overwhelming sense of freshness in spirit. Because everything and everyone deserves a fresh start.

New beginnings. New life. New hope. New dreams. New endeavors. New friends. New adventures. New challenges. New undertakings. New programs. New victories. Everything must start somewhere, somehow.

The first tinge of sunlight starts the day. The first raindrop starts the drizzle.The first sprout starts the spring. The first seed starts the orchard. The first grain starts the rice field. The first note starts the music. The first call starts the mission.

One of the greatest fears (and therefore failures) of all is the fear to start — the fear of beginnings.

God had the courage to begin. So must we. Go and start the momentum of blessings.  Begin. Initiate. Commence. Switch on. Fire up. Set off. Get going.

The God of New Beginnings is ever ready to bless you. Then pass on this grace to jump-start someone else by choosing to forgive. Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

One can’t hold a grudge forever. One-give, two-give, three-give, fourgive. At the count of four, forgiveness starts.

 

Lord, I need Your mercy and grace as much as I need to give it to others.

 

St. Leander of Seville, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 12, 2012

TWISTED FAITH 

 

When he read the letter, the king of Israel tore his garments and exclaimed: “Am I a god with power over life and death, that this man should send someone to me to be cured of leprosy?” – 2 Kings 5:7

 

My friend’s sister was dying. Her so-called brothers and sister in faith took her away from her family and confined her in a cramped room in their kingdom hall where they prayed over her. The religious cult made her believe that the Father would come down to their kingdom hall and perform a miracle to cure her.

One day, they called for my friend and told him that his sister was going to die on a specific day at a specific hour. Naturally, my friend got angry with them for playing God. He took his sister to a hospital where she was given proper care. She was apparently dying of dehydration because they didn’t give her water to drink! My friend’s sister eventually died.

I admire the king of Israel for his angry reaction upon reading the letter about Naaman. He was king yet he knew that his powers would never equal God’s. Neither he nor any of us have power over life and death. That is why whenever I recall that sister’s story, I get dismayed. One life wasted because of some twisted faith. Let us not forget that God reigns supreme over all creation.  Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)

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REFLECTION:

There are circumstances in life beyond our control. Do you let go of the reins?

 

Almighty God, You are the Master Architect of life. Teach us to surrender our lives to You.

 

Blessed Angela Salawa, pray for us.