How do you usually take a break? When was your last retreat or recollection? - Daily Bible Reflections December 11,2013

TAKE A BREAK!

 

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

 

Christmas break of 2011 was not a break at all for me. I brought home lots of work. Instead of spending it in quiet recollection, which I usually did in years past, I was working, catching up on deadlines.

       But one day, when I felt that my mind was getting drained and I could no longer write, I went out of the house and headed to the Greenbelt Chapel.

       There, I sat before the Crucified Christ and allowed Him to soothe my tired spirit.

    There, I went back to His arms and availed of the sacrament of reconciliation.

       There, I thanked Him for all the blessings and trials of the year about to end.

       There, I talked to Him of my hopes and wishes for the next year.

       After a few hours, I was back home — more at peace and inspired to face the coming year.

       Before the year 2013 ends, I hope to do it again and take a break in His presence. I hope you do, too. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: How do you usually take a break? When was your last retreat or recollection?

 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for always being there, ready to comfort me and soothe my sagging spirit.

 

St. Damasus I, pope, pray for us.

 

In this season of Advent, bring to the Lord your burdens that drive you away from Him - Daily Bible Reflections December 10,2013

THE LOST SHEEP

 

“It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” – Matthew 18:14

 

Rene Vargas, a drug addict who wouldn’t admit it, would sing Basil Valdez’s song “Lift Up Your Hands” in beerhouses. But one day, while he was undergoing drug rehab, he heard the same song. It was as if the Lord Himself was singing to him, “Cast your burdens upon Me those who are heavily laden … come to me and I will give you rest.”

       At that moment, Rene’s rock-solid heart softened. Who was this Stranger inviting him to cast his addiction upon Him? Then Rene felt God’s warm embrace and heard a whisper, “That’s enough, son. I’ll take care of you.” Overflowing tears melted the scales in his eyes and Rene began to see things clearly. He was at peace.

       This amazing testimony of my humble mentor in the Extraordinary Ministry of the Holy Communion deepened my respect for him and intensified my conviction that there is a God. Rene is a living testimony of how God searched for His lost sheep.

       There is no sin so big that our God cannot forgive and there is no lost child that God will never find. Leo Villarico (leovrico@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: In this season of Advent, bring to the Lord your burdens that drive you away from Him.

 

O Lord, sing to me. My heart is restless until it rests in You.

 

St. John Roberts, priest and martyr, pray for us.

What will you choose to say yes to today? - Daily Bible Reflections December 9,2013

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

 

YES

 

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:38

 

Growing up I thought the Immaculate Conception was about Mary being pregnant though she was a virgin. Many Christians still think that. But, it’s actually about Mary being conceived in her mother’s womb without sin. She was born free from the original sin! It was her destiny to be that sinless woman who would be the mother of the Messiah.

       In today’s Gospel, that moment came when her free will played a major role. Angel Gabriel announced what would happen. Was Mary greatly confused? You bet. But she agreed.

       At the back of my mind I asked, “What if she said no?” I don’t know the answer but I’m just so happy she said yes.

       My role here on earth cannot be compared to Mama Mary’s, but like her, I can say yes. I have the power to say yes to smile more. Yes to listen to others. Yes to forgive.Yes to remain quiet when I’m about to burst in anger. Yes to counting my blessings. Yes to serving the Lord. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: What will you choose to say yes to today?

 

Heavenly Father, I offer You the “yeses” I will make today to glorify You. May I reflect You, my God of love and mercy.

 

St. Juan Diego, pray for us.

Lord, give me the grace to immerse my heart and soul in the deep wisdom of the Scriptures that I may live my life in accordance to Your will - Daily Bible reflections December 8,2013

THE LIVING WORD

 

Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. – Romans 15:4

 

The Word of God is alive. How else are we able to draw wisdom to guide us in the same way that people from the time of Moses, Jesus and the Apostles did? It amazes me that even though the problems and circumstances that people faced in the past are different from what we experience today, Scripture remains constant in teaching us that love — the love of God and the love of neighbor — is the solution to our concerns.

       Even more amazing is that in spite of the chaos, desperation and confusion our problems bring us, Scripture continues to convey to us a message of hope — hope in Jesus who rose victorious over death and sin. Our Blessed Mother Mary placed her hope in God’s Word to her during the Annunciation. That is why she gave her fiatwholeheartedly and in joyous anticipation of the great things God will do through her simple yes.

       Like Mary, let us put our hope in God’s Word and see the amazing things He will do in our lives. Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

 

Lord, give me the grace to immerse my heart and soul in the deep wisdom of the Scriptures that I may live my life in accordance to Your will.

 

Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us.