Everything in this world ends except God’s love. It is the greatest love of all. God’s love is eternal - Daily Bible Reflections April 30,3014

GOD’S LOVE

 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son...” – John 3:16

 

This particular line has always been one of my favorites among the hundreds of biblical passages that I’ve read in my lifetime. It’s very consoling, especially during moments of loneliness and bereavement.

       I remember back in 1986 when my dad was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach. As soon as I knew about it, I surrendered him totally to the Lord.

       Losing someone you dearly love is beyond description. When I was a kid, one of my greatest fears was losing my dad. But as I grew older, I came to realize and understand the fact that death is indeed a part of life, that there’s an end to every beginning, that nothing in this world lasts forever. I realized that no matter how much we love a person, we will have to part ways someday.

       At my dad’s wake, amidst those wreaths and beautiful flower arrangements, one thing stood out. It was this consoling message placed beside his coffin: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son....” Dr. Henry L. Yu (henrio_md@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Everything in this world ends except God’s love. It is the greatest love of all. God’s love is eternal.

 

Father, when death comes in the family, remind us of Your love for us when You gave Your one and only Son. Console us in our grief.

 

St. Pius V, pope, pray for us.

What is your code for living? - Daily Bible Reflections April 21,2014

DAD’S LAST WORDS

 

You have made known to me the paths of life… – Acts 2:28

 

       A few days before my father passed away, we had our last serious conversation. It was the most meaningful talk I’d ever had with him. I kept silent as I absorbed his loving advice, summarized in three parts.

     He taught me about life. “Eat less. Temper your shopping. Drive slowly. Don’t come home late unless it’s really necessary. Don’t talk ill about other people personally. Always speak in principles. Remember our household helpers, even if they’re not with us anymore. Keep sending them money.”

       Next, he taught me about family. “Take care of the girls — your mom, Geegee (my older sister) and Giselle (our youngest). And make sure that Dinah (my wife) knows that she’s the most important person in your life.”

       Lastly, he taught me about service. “Always thank God for the people you serve with. Treat them well and love them. They’re God’s gift to you. Be grateful to Bo (Sanchez) for bringing you to where you are now. Never stop serving the Lord.”

       At his funeral, I made him three promises. “Dad, I will try to be like you — wise, generous, forgiving and loving. I will take care of the girls — Mom, Geegee, Giselle and Dinah. And I will never stop serving the Lord.” George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: What is your code for living?

 

Lord, teach me the paths of life.

 

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

 

Suffering for the sake of glory will not always be honored by men. But suffering for the sake of love will always be glorified by God - Daily Bible Reflections April 20,2014

EASTER SUNDAY

 

LOVE, NOT GLORY

 

“Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things to enter into his glory?”– Luke 24:26

 

During the height of typhoon Sendong on December 17, 2012, Doyo Lauron braved the raging floods with all his might to save nine strangers. He swam, dragged them out of the flood and put them on the roof of his house. But after rescuing nine people, his daughter suddenly fell off the roof. He tried to save his daughter, but he died as he fatally hit his head on a solid object.

       Doyo was a competitive swimmer back in the ‘80s and won several medals from 1984 to 1987 in Northern Mindanao regional sports events. But the most glorious moment in his swimming career was not when he received a gold medal. It was when he gave his all to save lives.

       I believe that at the height of Sendong, Doyo didn’t even think of being gloriously regarded as a hero. What drove him was his love for all the people he tried to rescue.

       It’s the same with Jesus Christ. I believe that it wasn’t His glorious resurrection after three days that drove Him to endure suffering and death. It was His love for us. Velden Lim (veldenlim@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Suffering for the sake of glory will not always be honored by men. But suffering for the sake of love will always be glorified by God.

 

Lord, more than the promised glory, may love drive me as I endure my suffering.

 

St. Beuno, abbot, pray for us.

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:5) - Daily Bible Reflections April 19,2014

HOLY SATURDAY Easter Vigil   DESPEDIDA   Suddenly Jesus met them.”Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. – Mathew 28:9          My mom came home for a vacation last holiday season. It was the best holiday ever! Many of our relatives from abroad also came back to the country to celebrate with us. We had parties, overnights, camping trips and several reunions. Indeed, it was the most wonderful time of the year.        But after a few days, my mom was bidding us farewell and on her way back to UAE, where she works. It was time to say goodbye soon. We wanted to make her feel special by giving her gifts as remembrances of her time with us. We even hosted a fun despedida party, which many friends and relatives attended.        This made me think about how Jesus, before His coming death, bid farewell to His disciples. Jesus walking with the crown of thorns towards His crucifixion was not exactly a despedida  party. It was such an unceremonious ending to a very meaningful visit of this special Man, the Messiah.        This Holy Saturday, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate His return. Like Mary and Mary Magdalene, let us clasp His feet and worship Him for He has risen! Erika Mendoza (epaulmendoza@gmail.com)   Reflection: “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:5)   Lord, thank You for visiting us and changing our lives forever. Blessed Luchesio and Buonadonna, pray for us.