Do you serve God with the gifts He has given you? - Daily Bible Reflections June 8,2014

Solemnity of the Pentecost

 

TORTURE OR BLISS?

 

There are different forms of service but the same Lord. – 1 Corinthians 12:5

 

One night, coming home from a dinner, my friends and I got to talk about the different ministries we were involved in. A friend said he joined the music ministry because it’s the easiest to do. I retorted, “That may be easy for you but it’s torture for me!”

       We all laughed, but it’s true. Singing, dancing, speaking in front of people (I only do this when it’s required!) — they aren’t my cup of tea.

       But ask me to organize and plan a project from ground zero, listen to a troubled person, prepare a teaching module (that someone else will deliver!), write something to inspire people, or do other things that require less exposure — and I’ll gladly do it with passion. For some, these things may be pure torture, but it’s bliss for me!

       We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, and so we operate within our comfort zones. We don’t need to envy another person when he’s good at something that we’re not. And we don’t need to look down on someone when he can’t do something that we’re good at.

       God wired us differently — and we respect Him when we use whatever gifts He has blessed us with for His purpose. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Do you serve God with the gifts He has given you?

 

I offer back to You, Lord, all that You have given me.

 

St. William of York, pray for us.

John 3:30 says, “He must increase; I must decrease.” Our weakness allows us to rely more on God’s power than our abilities - Daily Bible Reflections June 7,2014

NO RETIREMENT

FROM SERVICE

 

And he stayed two full years... preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered. – Acts 28:30-31

 

       I thought my parents would “slow down” in their church and community service when they officially became “senior” citizens. I thought they would prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They have been serving God in various capacities for more than 20 years already. I believe that they deserve the break.

       But they have proven me wrong. They continue to be members of not just one but two Catholic Charismatic communities. They travel to Naga City regularly as part of their service to the community. They lead evangelistic events, give talks and provide guidance to the local leaders. Their love for God continues to inspire me and others.

       In today’s reading, St. Paul was already in exile. He had every reason to slow down since he was already in prison. He could assume that God would understand his situation. Yet, he continued to preach and teach to the people around him. His current situation did not stop him from doing God’s work. His life is proof that God can use us no matter how limited we think we are. Alvin Fabella (John 3:30 says, “He must increase; I must decrease.” Our  weakness allows us to rely more on God’s power than our abilities.

 

Lord, empower me to continue doing the mission You have given me. Amen.

 

Servant of God Joseph Perez, pray for us.

 

Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made- (Robert Browning) - Daily Bible Reflections June 6,2014

GROWING OLD

 

“But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will... take you where you don’t want to go.” – John 21:18

 

       My Lola Cianing lived until the age of 101 years. After suffering a stroke and being in a coma for three days, she passed away peacefully in her sleep. The Lord blessed her with a long and fruitful life. But as I witnessed how frail, helpless and weak she became with age, I could not help but ask: Is it worth living that long?

       Aunt Mimi said she didn’t want to “overstay” in this life. “Isn’t it an ordeal to become dependent on others in your old age?” she asked. I replied, “Maybe God let Lola live longer so that we can have our turn in serving her. All these years she’s been taking care of us.”

       In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we will grow old someday. He knows what we need and gives us family, friends and even strangers through whom He can care for us. Let us look forward to these grace-filled years and embrace Jesus and all those who journey with us to the end. Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made.” (Robert Browning)

 

Lord, I am getting older and will someday be old. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. Lord, I want a few friends at the end. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and the talents in unexpected people. And give me the grace to tell them so. (Prayer in Old Age by a 17th century nun)

 

St. Norbert, bishop, pray for us.

Is your faith under fire? When temptations come to compromise my faith, beliefs and values, deliver me, Lord - Daily Bible Reflections June 5,2014

MAKING A STAND

 

When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group became divided. – Acts 23:7

 

“Shalom! I can’t be a part of this site. I’ve read some things here which are not consistent with the Bible. Where in the Bible can you read that Christians who are from Christ need to pray to St. Therese?” I received this email message four years ago from an online Didache reader.

       He wasn’t Catholic so I understood where he was coming from. My reflection was about asking for signs. I related the experience of two people and my own when we prayed to St. Therese for signs. I wasn’t pontificating but simply sharing my reflection in the light of my understanding of my Catholic faith.

       Paul was on trial before the Jewish council composed of Pharisees and Sadduccees. The Pharisees (like Paul) believed in the resurrection; the Sadduccees did not. This difference in belief caused a debate between the two groups and they became divided.

       I am a Catholic who writes for a Catholic publication. In my reflections, I could play it safe and write only about things which I think won’t create controversies. But if I do that, whom do I serve? Like Paul, I choose to stand for my faith. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection:Is your faith under fire?

 

When temptations come to compromise my faith, beliefs and values, deliver me, Lord.

 

St. Boniface, bishop and martyr, pray for us.