Prayer keeps us “linked online” to Jesus 24/7 - Daily Bible Reflections August 7,2013

PRAYER: ONLINE TO JESUS

 

“I will do to you just what I have heard you say.” – Numbers 14:28

 

My husband looked worried when he came down the stairs. He said that he had gone through his wallets and all the papers on his desk, but he couldn’t find his credit card. There was anxiety written all over his face because he had a huge credit limit and we know how unauthorized card holders can easily exhaust the unused credit limit. I asked him when he last used it and he couldn’t remember. The possibility of owing a great deal of money loomed over us.

       So we came together and I said a prayer claiming the promise of God in Sirach 23:19 — “that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun.” I put my trust in Him.

       Immediately, I was led to point to the side pocket of the bag he had used that day. And like magic, the credit card popped out of his hands. It wasn’t magic, of course, but an instant miracle that the Lord had performed just as easily as He did at Cana where He turned water into wine at the wedding feast.

       I just trusted and believed. Donna España (donna.espana@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Prayer keeps us “linked online” to Jesus 24/7.

 

Lord, may I always seek You first in time of my need — no matter how simple my needs are. Amen.

 

St. Cajetan, priest, pray for us.

How can God’s glory change your life? - Daily Bible Reflections August 6,2013

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

 

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

 

“Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. – Luke 9:33

 

You can’t blame Peter for blurting out something so inappropriate at the scene of the Transfiguration. After all, it’s difficult to think clearly if you are seeing Jesus transfigured and radiating the fullness of God’s glory right before your very eyes. Add to that the presence of Moses and Elijah, and you’ll be able to understand a little more why Peter wanted to set up tents and stay up in that mountain for good.

       Peter may have acted oddly but then I remembered the song “I Can Only Imagine” by the band MercyMe. The song poses the question: What will you do if you suddenly see Jesus right before you? My favorite lines in the song goes: “Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for You, Jesus, or in awe of You be still?”

       As you reflect on today’s Gospel, close your eyes a little longer and envision Jesus standing in front of you.

       What would you do? JPaul Hernandez (jpaulmh@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: How can God’s glory change your life?

 

Lord, I want to encounter Your glory. I believe that Your glory can transform me into a better person.

 

St. Hormisdas, pope, pray for us.

God Always Provides - Daily Bible Reflections August 5,2013

Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome   GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES   They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over — twelve wicker baskets full. – Matthew 14:20   I was at a fastfood restaurant to eat breakfast. I was already in line when I realized that I didn’t have enough money even for the cheapest value meal. I was about to step out to look for a nearby ATM when it suddenly started raining.        The continuous downpour forced me to stay inside. I just had enough to buy a cup of coffee so I sat down and waited for the rain to stop. A woman approached me and asked if I could be interviewed for a survey. Little did I know that I was about to be blessed that morning.        The woman said they were doing a survey on a new product for the restaurant. She gave me a free sandwich to taste. I was only on my second bite when she gave me another sandwich to try. She told me to compare them. After I gave my comments, she gave me another surprise. She handed me a small token for my participation in the survey.        Similarly, God showed His generosity when He performed the multiplication of bread. After the miracle, they still had 12 full baskets of bread. God was generous in the past and continues to be so up to now. I could only afford a cup of coffee that morning but I ended up with two free sandwiches plus a gift from a stranger! Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)   Reflection: How many times has God surprised you with a blessing? Recall them and say a prayer of thanks.   Lord, You are my Provider. In times of need, remind me to always call upon You.   St. Addal, pray for us.

How much value do you put on temporal things? In contrast, how much time do you spend in the pursuit of spiritual matters? - Daily Bible Reflections August 4,2013

FLEETING FANCIES

 

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity. – Ecclesiastes 1:2

 

She had beautiful straight hair that I envied. She didn’t need to comb it after shampooing. All she had to do was run her fingers through her hair and it dried into silky-smooth tresses.

I need to mousse, blow-dry and perma-freeze mine.

       So I was aghast when I saw her one day with hair that looked like broom bristles. They were dead — murdered by an inept hairdresser who had rebonded her hair. “Rebond? You? Why?” I was perplexed. She had wanted straighter hair.

       She said, “The Lord probably did this to me so I will learn a lesson.” She was so sad I had to bite my lip from blurting out, “The Lord had absolutely nothing to do with it. But I’ll bet He allowed it just for that insight.”

       Sometimes, we need to be reminded that the worldly things we want are meaningless. Is it greater beauty? More money? Prestige? The list goes on. But as the passage above says, everything is fleeting. And because of that, we have to focus on things that are eternal — a gorgeous soul, loving relationships, good character… These are the things that last. Lella M. Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: How much value do you put on temporal things? In contrast, how much time do you spend in the pursuit of spiritual matters?

 

I choose You, O Lord, above all the pleasures of this world.

 

St. John Vianney, priest, pray for us.