What blessings have you received recently? How are you thanking God for them? - Daily Bible Reflections September 4,2013

HAPPY TO SERVE

 

He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. – Luke 4:38

 

I had on-and-off fever with allergic rhinitis the week before the inauguration of the Feast Alabang Center.

       The Wednesday after that, I had a relapse. I prayed that my fever would leave by Saturday so I could serve on Sunday. But by 10:00 Saturday night, my temperature remained high. I texted Joey and Myrna, our Events heads, that I was still sick.

       My phone’s text alert chimed. Before reading the message, I cleared my nose. To my surprise, the congestion in my head flowed out freely. I had spent a week almost bursting my eardrums in futile attempts to expel the blockage.

       Joey’s reply gave me goosebumps: “May the most precious blood of Jesus wash away the cause of your fever. May God heal you right now. In Jesus’ name, we pray.” I realized the infection had been washed out at that instant.

       I gratefully proclaimed God’s healing as I served at The Feast the next day.

       Simon’s mother-in-law must have felt the same gratitude that’s why she immediately got up and waited on the Lord.  Service without hesitation is our humble way of showing appreciation for God’s mercies. Lella M. Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: What blessings have you received recently? How are you thanking God for them?

 

Thank You, Lord, for Your healing, for Your provisions, for Your love.

 

St. Rose of Viterbo, pray for us.

Gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ - Daily Bible Reflections Spetember 3,2013

NOT FOR WRATH

 

For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. – 1 Thessalonians 5:2

 

The year 2011 saw several devastating natural calamities that led to many deaths. There was the tsunami in Japan that caused 15,845 confirmed deaths. There was tropical storm Sendong that devastated Cagayan de Oro and its neighboring areas that killed more than 1,000 people and is considered that year’s deadliest storm. There were changes in weather patterns that led to unexpected rains. There was even a movie, 2012, that predicted that the world would end in 2012, according to the Mayan calendar.

       As I write this reflection, these fears and questions continue to exist. The unstable financial market in the U.S. and in Europe, unrest in parts of the Middle East, and rising prices of commodities give people enough cause to worry.

       But our reassurance comes from the verses that follow in today’s reading. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6, it says, “So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” And in verse 9, it continues, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Let us therefore take heed. Joy Sosoban (jsosoban@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13)

 

Grant us the grace to be sober and awake, Lord, awaiting Your coming.

 

St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

One member of the family in the religious life is a blessing. What more to have five! How can you emulate them? - Daily Bible Reflections September 2,2013

MY LOLO FATHER

 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor…” – Luke 4:18

 

My granduncle Cering was a mischievous young boy. Like the legendary Robin Hood, he’d steal from his Inang (mother) to buy toys and food to give to the farmer’s children. One day, out of sheer exasperation at her son’s misdeeds, she got an iron rod from the granary and whipped his hand hard enough to leave scars.

       Cering asked permission to enter the seminary. Inang would not hear of it, fearful that he would just bring trouble and shame to the Jesuits. He entered anyway. On the day of his ordination to the priesthood, he went up to Inang after the rites, showed his hands and said, “Inang, these hands will be the same hands that will now serve the Lord.” She cried profusely realizing her son’s true calling. Fr. Cering, or Lolo Father to us, lived to become a well-loved and dedicated servant of the Lord. All his sisters Angelita, Lily, Virginia and Elizabeth likewise embraced the religious life.

       Not all of us are called to be priests and nuns. But we can still spread God’s Word and bring goodness as His Spirit is upon us. Marie Franco (mariefranco_pie@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: One member of the family in the religious life is a blessing. What more to have five! How can you emulate them?

 

Father God, take away all the obstacles in my life that I may be able to spread Your Word.

 

Blessed John Francis Burté and Companions, pray for us

What values have you inherited from your parents? - Daily Bible Reflections September 1,2013

MY PARENTS ’ LEGACY

 

Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. – Sirach 3:18

 

The Light of Jesus Family started 33 years ago. I was 14 years old — and I was already its overall leader.

       My father was a humble man. He never took the leadership because he believed I had the gift and he didn’t. So he just supported me, always working behind the scenes.

       He knew he wasn’t a good preacher, but he knew he was a good accountant. So he managed the finances of the Light of Jesus Family. Because of him, I realized that humble people are secure people. It’s the insecure people who like to grab the limelight, who scramble for position, who are enamored with titles because they need the crowd’s applause.

       Dad didn’t need anyone’s applause. At work, he was assistant vice president. But in the ministry, he’d arrange the chairs during our prayer meeting — week after week. Dad was also one of the most honest men I knew.

       I always preach that we harvest what we plant. But here’s the other truth: Part of what we harvest doesn’t come from what we planted. Part of what we harvest comes from what our parents planted.

       With integrity and humility, I continue to obey God’s direction for my life and for the Light of Jesus Family.  Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com)

 

Reflection: What values have you inherited from your parents?

 

Mold me more and more according to Your values, Lord.