5. Share His love with others. This is one of the best ways
Deuteronomy 10:12-22 - Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 Matthew 17:22-27
TO LOVE GOD WITH OUR ALL
"Love and serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart and all your soul...." — Deuteronomy 10:12
To do what the above verse says is a challenge. But over the past 15 years of serving in my Catholic community, I've learned a lot about how to apply this verse. Here are five ways we can love and serve God with our whole being:
1. Make Him number 1 in our lives — not our spouses, our children, our parents, our boyfriends (or girlfriends), our pets, etc.
2. Offer up everything in our lives to Him — our past, present and future; our strengths and weaknesses; our joys and pains; our deepest, darkest secrets and sins — everything, big and small!
3. Spend time with Him every day in prayer and Scripture reading. If you love someone, you'd want to be with that person every day, and get to know him better.
4.Tell others about Him. If you love someone, you'd want others to know about him, right?
5. Share His love with others. This is one of the best ways we can show God we love Him — by drawing more people to love Him, too. Tina Santiago-Rodriguez (teachermamatina@
§ s gmail.com) : g
s Reflection: List down the different ways you love and serve God.
Compare your list with the one stated on this page.
Lord, please help me to love and serve You with my whole heart and whole being all the days of my life. a
Deuteronomy 31:1-8 » Deuteronomy 32:3-4, 7, 8, 9, 12 Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
_ BUDGET TOY FOR DYLAN
_ "Amen, say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 18:3 ft When our grandson Dylan was a toddler, I often bought toys we for him. Until his parents told me to stop wasting money
> because he already had too many toys. But I really got a kick & seeing Dylan looking so happy when | bought him toys so I promised his parents | would buy only inexpensive ones.
One day, while we were in a toy store together with his parents, I told Dylan he could pick a toy that costs only
P100. Quickly, the boy picked a toy and asked me, "Does this cost P100?"
When I said no, he obediently returned the toy to its shelf. The poor boy went round and round the store, trying in vain to find a toy within our budget.
I felt so sorry for Dylan that when his parents were not looking, I bought him the toy he liked, which was way beyond our budget. Yup, bad me.
Reflecting on today's Gospel, I wish to be like little Dylan — so pure, so innocent, so obedient — what Jesus said we should be if we want to enter heaven. But while we' re still in this world, we get more than what we pray for. That's how much Jesus loves His faithful and obedient children. (jnthiaU.
Santiago ([email protected]) Reflection: While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. (Angela Schwindt)
Lord, help me to be pure and innocent in a world filled with corruption and sin St.
Pontian, pope, and Hippolytus, priest, martyrs, pray for us.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 « Psalm 66:1-3, 5, 8, 16-17 Matthew 18:15-20
COUPLE POWER
"Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am Tin the midst of them." — Matthew 18:20
As members of the Executive Council of Servant Leaders (ECSL) of our community Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD), my husband Raul and I have been traveling to different
BLD districts. If you have experienced what it is like to be spending the night in the home of someone you're meeting for the first time, you have lived the life of a true follower of Christ. j = :
It's not easy, especially if you are a visitor in the U.S. where your hosts do all the domestic chores. In your mind, you become an extra member of their household with extra food to cook, extra dishes to wash, and extra cleaning to do.
But one draws strength from God's Word, "By this all men :
& will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). i This love never failed to manifest itself in every BLD district we visited. Carlito and Evelyn were not an exception as they welcomed us into their home in Los Angeles with open arms, attending to all our needs. They were God's answer to our conjugal prayer at the start of every pastoral
Visit. Mari Sison-Garcia (mari_ [email protected]) Reflection: For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11)
Lord, whenever you choose to send us, give us the grace and the courage to say, "Here 1 am! Send me" (Isaiah 6:8).
St.
Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest and martyr, pray for us.
Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10 « Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 + Luke 1:39-56
SOMETHING ABOUT MARY
"Behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed." — Luke 1:48
I'm sorry but I really can't understand those who criticize us Catholics for loving and specially honoring the Blessed
+ Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. (And for the nth time, we L do not worship her.) She herself said in the Bible that "all ages will call me blessed."
If you read the whole of the Canticle of Mary, it is the greatness of the Lord that she proclaims. She declares she is a "lowly handmaid" who will be called blessed because the "Mighty One has done great things for her."
Why, even the Angel Gabriel greeted her, "Hail, favored one. The Lord is with you." And her cousin Elizabeth, "filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said,
'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.""
But importantly, take note that Mary, and those who call her blessed, point to God.
So if there's really something about Mary, it's how she leads us more to her Son, Jesus.
So we take those cues and especially honor her, and proclaim the Mighty One who did great things for her. Alvin
Barcelona ([email protected]) ; :
Reflection: The Blessed Virgin Mary always points to her Son.
See if your devotion to Mama Mary indeed leads you more to Jesus.
"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you..."
Joshua 24:1-13 + Psalm 136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22, 24 Matthew 19:3-12
ONE SOURCE
"So they are no longer two, but one..." — Matthew 19:6
Not so long ago, a cousin of mine, whom I was not so familiar with, died. The event prompted me to look into my dad's family tree because I felt so sad about not having known much about my cousin. I was moved to tears when I found a picture of my dad and his siblings with their respective spouses posted by another cousin. My dad and his siblings were very close. There was a unique bond among them that amazes me until now. When each of them started their own lives and had their own families, they lived far from one another but they never grew apart. You will be amazed how they were able to constantly get in touch with one another before the time of cellular phones and the Internet.
Froin the union of two people, Marciano and Consuelo, a family unit was created that has branched out to a lot of generations. Our generation may not be as close as my dad and his siblings, but as much as possible, I try to be in touch with the rest of the family. With the Internet, my own family gets to meet new cousins and reconnect with old ones. After all, we all came from two wonderful people whom God has united to become one. Mae Ignacio ([email protected])
$ §
= z :
& Reflection: In marriage, God has joined a man and a woman to create a family that will forever be united by that covenant.
Lord, thank You for unions that You have brought together. May we be reminded that no matter what trials we go through, we will have each other to count on,
Joshua 24:14-29 « Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11 Matthew 19:13-15 |]
SHUN OTHER GODS
"Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for the service of other gods." — Joshua 24:16
In my mind and in my heart, it is my desire to declare my love for God through my words and my life. It's far from _ my mind to ever turn my back on Him to serve other gods.
But I didn't realize that there are times when I unknowingly serve other gods. Like when I prefer to spend longer hours on Facebook instead of reading a spiritual book that I've never gotten around to finish. Or when I extend my nap time instead of calling a friend who had expressed a need to talk to someone. Or when I busy myself with "nonstop" cleaning rather than spending time with my family. Or when
I make excuses instead of responding to a prompting to doa charitable act. Or when I spend on useless stuff rather than saving money. Or when I complain instead of being thankful and prayerful. My list can go on and on. it's shameful to think that during those instances, 1 served other gods. My prayer is that I can shun these other gods from my life and remain faithful to my one true God — and yield my heart to serve, love and obey Him. Sol Saura ([email protected])
Reflection: What or who are your other gods? Are you willing to shun them for Jesus?
Lord, give me the strength to reject the other gods in my life St.
Joan of the Cross, pray for us.
Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 - Psalm 40:2, 3, 4, 18 Hebrews 12:1-4 + Luke 12:49-53
EBED-MELECH
"My lord king, these men have been at fault in all they have done to the prophet Jeremiah, casting him into the cistern..."
— Jeremiah 38:9
A big Japanese cosmetic company received a complaint from a customer who had bought their soap but found the box empty. Immediately, management isolated the problem in the assembly line and asked their engineers to solve the problem.
The geeky engineers devised an X-ray machine to see inside the boxes and had two people monitor the high-resolution screens to make sure that all the boxes that went out of their factory had soap inside. But a rank-and-file employee had another solution. He brought in a big electric fan that blew away the empty boxes from the assembly line.
I tell this story when I talk about Ebed-melech, a hardly known Bible character whom the Lord used to save the prophet Jeremiah. Ebed-melech was a eunuch, meaning he was emasculated and without power in the realm. He is a good reminder to us that we can't make excuses like we're shy, untalented, not from the right family or not rich enough when God calls us to do something.
$ s Remember: God used a shepherd boy to slay an experienced champion warrior. He used a prostitute to protect
God's spies. He used Saul, the persecutor of Christians, as : z é
the Apostle to the Gentiles. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng ([email protected]) Reflection: God calls you because He can use you — warts and all.
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.
Judges 2:11-19 « Psalm 106:34-35, 36-37, 39-40, 43, 44 Matthew 19:16-22
_ PERFECTION
"Tf you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor." — Matthew 19:21
Compared to the riches of the young man in today's Gospel, my net worth is probably just a drop in the bucket. Compared to this young man's privileged lifestyle, mine is as simple as simple can get.
So, is it correct to say that I will succeed in what the rich young man failed to do? Wrong. Like the rich young man, | feel sad because I am not able to do what Jesus requires of His disciples — complete and total obedience to His will.
That is, after all, the true meaning of perfection.
More than earthly possessions, what Jesus is actually asking when He tells us to "sell what you have" is to let go of everyone and everything that we treasure above Him and that hinders us from following Him. I must admit that even though the creature comforts I enjoy are modest and affordable, still I tend to be possessive of these indulgences,
That is why I find it hard to let go. But let go I must if I desire to follow Jesus and to give my all to serve Him and others, perfectly. Dina Pecana ([email protected])
- :
; Reflection: Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add but when there is nothing left to take away. (Antoine de
Saint-Exupery) Jesus, L find my perfection only in You. Give me the grace to love, serve and follow You while 1 live this imperfect earthly life. Amen.
Judges 6:11-24 - Psalm 85:9, 11-12, 13-14 Matthew 19:23-30
LOOK AROUND
"For I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face" — Judges 6:22
"Lord, if it's not too much to ask, can I literally see and hear you like in the Old Testament?" It was one of those tiring moments. I was inside a church and even after years and years of service in the community, I was like a child who wanted to be spoiled by his dad even for just a while.
I was starting to have an image of a still God. When I am down, God is there; when I am happy, God is there. He is just there. Then as I knelt down and prayed, an inner voice spoke to me. "Look around." Immediately, I looked outside and saw trees. Again the voice said, "Look around," then I looked inside and saw people — living, breathing, praying.
His message came sweet and simple. "Whenever you see My creation, you see Me." It was very clear — we see
God everywhere! His greatness, His love is seen and felt in His creation. Yes, God can be seen through you and me, face to face.
& And just like in the readings, then there will be peace.
Ss § g :
Dreus Cosio ([email protected]) Reflection: Have you seen God face to face today? Look around, it could be through the love of your family and friends.
Open my senses, Lord, so I may never miss Your loving presence. Bless my entire being, that others may also see You in me. Amen.
Judges 9:6-15 - Psalm 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 Matthew 20:1-16
GOD IS JUST
"Are you envious because I am generous?" — Matthew 20:15
Bill is a handsome young man who topped the bar exams, owns a huge estate, two yachts, lots of cars, and has a beautiful wife and handsome children. He also has a flourishing business with thousands of employees. He travels all over the world four to six times a year for his business, and twice a year for vacations with his family.
But Bill is a scrooge when it comes to his employees.
He is the epitome of a nice and loving man with his family, _ but the devil incarnate to his underlings. He never gives to the church, alms to the poor or a single cent to anyone who knocks at his door. He believes that he worked hard to have everything, and others should work hard, too. People who know him ask, "Why is he so blessed? Why is it that everything he touches turns into gold? Where is justice here?"
This is the same story of Jesus giving the same pay to the man who was hired first and the man hired last. And when questioned, Jesus replied, "Don't I have the right to do what
I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?"
God is all-knowing and all-loving. He knows that the last will be first and the first will be last. Chelle Crisanto ([email protected])
Reflection: The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly opiate for the consciences of millions. (A. W. Tozer) Lord, You are a just God, Let Your mercy cover my sins. Amen.
St.
Pius X, pope, pray for us.
Judges 11:29-39 - Psalm 40:5, 7-8, 8-9, 10 Matthew 22:1-14
FROM BEASTLY TO BEAUTY!
"Many are invited, but few are chosen." — Matthew 22:14
The movie Beastly is about Kyle, a handsome, robust, witty and filthy rich young man. In other words, he was perfect.
But he was also cocky, arrogant and rude.
Does it really come with the territory that the beautifully perfect are also haughty and mean? Will the outwardly beautiful always be inwardly horrible? Is there hope?
There is.
Second Corinthians 3:18 says, "And we who... reflect j the Lord's glory are being transformed into His likeness from glory to glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
How will transformation happen?
When we realize that "many are called, but few are chosen." This heavenly privilege is revealed only to the humble. The "chosen" are those who humbly let God work from within them. They respond in gratitude expressed through loving service. Because when we serve, we move from selfishness to selflessness.
Then we make our lives beautiful — from the inside out.
Realize that you are called.
Serve, for you are chosen! Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) Reflection: "Do not judge from appearance or from lofty stature...
Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart."
(1 Samuel 6:7) Lord, teach me to value internal character over external beauty.
St.
Andrew the Scot, pray for us.
Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22 » Psalm146:5-6, 6-7, 8-9, 9-10 Matthew 22:34-40
MY ALL FOR YOU
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." — Matthew 22:37
I was thinking of what to share in relation to the verse above when God inspired me to listen to a song written by John
Keating of the Servants of the Word entitled "My All for You." I played the CD and listened to it repeatedly while reflecting on the verse.
My all for you, all else left behind.
Single of heart, single of mind, single of vision, Consumed by a single goal:
To know and love and serve you with all my soul!
My all for you, you've paid the price.
In grateful love I offer in Christ:
A sacrifice of life outpoured In undivided devotion to you, My Lord!
The song reminded me of the truth that the reason we give our all to God is because He gave His all to us first, including His only Son. It is when we experience this truth in our lives that we are moved by gratitude to give our all to Him as well. As the Scripture says, "We love Him because
He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). May we experience God's love profoundly so we would be moved to love Him with our
3 i } :
: all, all our days. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag ([email protected]) Reflection: Do we really love God with our all? In what aspects of our lives have we not loved Him the way we should?
Heavenly Father, teach me to love you in the same way that you love. Give me the courage to love courageously so | can give my all to You at all times.
Revelation 21:9-14 « Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18 John 1:45-51
WINDOW SEAT, PLEASE
"You will see much greater things than this." —John 1:50
It was our first plane trip as Mr. and Mrs. Libiran.
I requested for a window seat for us to have a better view of the sky. And guess what? We were granted a window seat... minus the window because we were seated at the tail end of the plane. I was becoming bitter about it and was blaming the ground staff for giving us these seats. "No worries,' I said to myself, "because I still have the best view beside me — my beautiful wife, Emelyn."
We were joking about it when the passenger beside us joined our discussion. Then God pulled out a wonderful surprise. It turned out that the man seated beside us was the manager of the resort where we will be staying.
Blessing no. 1: He gave us a free ride to the resort. (We were supposed to commute.) And blessing no. 2: He gave us a free whole-day tour, which would have cost us a lot.
Things may not always turn out the way we expect.
When we find ourselves in some challenging situation, trust that God is on our side. He's preparing a greater blessing ahead of us, so be ready to be surprised! JCLibiran ([email protected])
Reflection: Remember, even when it looks impossible, even when you don't see a way out, or even when you've made poor choices,
God has a way. His power is unlimited. He can make a way because nothing is too difficult for Him. (Victoria Osteen)
Lord Jesus, with You in my life the best is yet to come.
St.
Bartholomew, Apostle, pray for us.
Isaiah 66:18-21 « Psalm 117:1, 2 Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 + Luke 13:22-30
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
Endure your trials as "discipline;" God treats you as sons. For what ) "son" is there whom his father does not discipline? — Hebrews 12:7
My good friend and radio program co-host, Tita Jovie, lives a _ life that is full of trials. If 1 thought my life was a soap opera, _ hers is the longest running prime time teleserye.
Her journey from childhood to grandmotherhood has _ been a nasty roller coaster ride. | wish I could narrate her
_ entire life story here, but trust me when I say that it's one big tearjerker.
Tita Jovie always says there's a hidden blessing in every trial that comes her way, so much so that she accepts them with open arms.
Her saintly ways inspire me to search for the blessings in my own share of trials. What's in it for me, Lord? | would find myself asking. And I guess my burdens grow lighter when I acknowledge that God is teaching me a good lesson, or that He's molding me into a stronger and better person,
If you're carrying a heavy burden today, trust that there is something to learn from it. When the tears in your eyes have dried, you will clearly see the blessing. Besides, He never gives us something we cannot handle, right? Nova AriasSevilla ([email protected])
Reflection: Look back at the past trials that you have overcome.
What did you learn from them?
Lord Jesus, help me to see the blessing in every difficulty and the lesson in every activity under the heavens, St.
Louis of France, pray for us.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-5, 8-10 « Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9 Matthew 23:13-22
PRAYING FOR OTHERS
We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers. — 1 Thessalonians 1:2
I learned a very creative and fulfilling way to pray the rosary from Bo Sanchez. For each bead, you mention the name of a loved one or a specific intention that you can imagine in your
= head while praying. So for that particular bead, you picture the person you're praying for. It gives a lot more meaning to the repetitive Hail Marys.
I tried applying this once when I prayed the rosary with __ a friend. We each mentioned the name of a loved one with __ every other bead. By the time we reached the fifth decade, we were mentioning whole families and groups because we were running out of beads! We realized we had so many people to pray for that there weren't enough Hail Marys to lift all of them up.
Praying for others is a concrete way of loving them.
This exercise helped me to feel their concerns and journey with them. It also made me forget myself for a while and be focused on the needs of others. George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected])
Reflection: Do you pray for others or just for your own concerns?
Lord, 1 lift up to You the intention of my loved one right now: (mention their name and their intention).
St.
Joseph Calasanz, pray for us.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 « Psalm 139:1-3, 4-6 Matthew 23:23-26
IN TRUST FOR (ITF)
"Woe to you scribes and Rhanibems you hypocrites..
— Matthew 23:23
Years ago, a pastor and his wife took a baby from a children's home under the pretext of adopting her. They raised her while brainwashing her into believing that God wanted her to be their family's servant. For 20 years, she served them while she was being abused, until she called the police.
God has appointed us into positions of authority — whether we are preachers, pastors, teachers, older siblings,
- doctors, lawyers or ministry heads. But that authority goes hand in hand with the responsibility to care for and guard the welfare of the people placed under our power.
Sometimes, the power that comes with the position of authority can intoxicate people so much that it leads to abuse. So when you're tempted to abuse your authority, remember Jesus' warning to such people when He said, "You serpents... how will you escape the sentence of hell?" Ronna
Ledesma ([email protected]) Reflection: God will demand more from the one who has been entrusted with much, Father, grant me wisdom and temperance in all my dealings with the people
You've placed under me.
St.
Monica, pray for us.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 « Psalm 139:7-8, 9-10, 11-12 Matthew 23:27-32
MERCY SHOUT!
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth."
— Matthew 23:27
He was young, physically active and appeared to be in the pink of health.
But on June 22, 2002, this 33-year-old St. Louis Cardinals pitching star was found dead in his Chicago hotel room. An autopsy revealed that he had a 90 percent blockage in two of three coronary arteries, an enlarged heart and a blood clot in one of the arteries. His appearance misled many to think that he was physically healthy.
People pretending to be well but are terribly sick in the spiritual sense — this is the definition of a hypocrite. In the heart of Jesus, His condemnation of hypocrisy was never driven by hatred of the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees.
His was a wake-up call from the love of God who wants to reach out, to heal and to share His glorious destiny.
: i é :
: i Yes, even if we think we're full and well, God is faithful.
He will do whatever it takes to wake us up, until His hope that we admit our brokenness and receive the healing of God is fulfilled. And when we respond, His mercy shout becomes a roar of joy in His Kingdom. Jon Escoto ([email protected])
Reflection: Do you hear God's mercy shout today?
Father, amidst my illusions of completeness and strong leadership, open my ears to hear Your shout today. And please don't stop until 1 come to You. Thank You.
Jeremiah 1:17-19 (or 1 Thessatonians 3:7:13) Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15, 17 (or Psalm 90:3-5, 12-13, 14, 17)
Mark 6:17-29 (or Matthew 24:42-51)
HR MATTERS
"They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for lam with you to deliver you," says the Lord.— Jeremiah 1:19
One of the first things I did as a human resources manager in * the previous company I worked for was to reorient employees
= withexisting company policies. I found out that although there were existing policies, they were not implemented. So I had to remind them of these before issuing disciplinary actions.
Many employees still got angry when they received disciplinary actions after violating company policies. I prayed to the Lord for strength and courage to do what the owners wanted me to do — to build a better company culture and institute policies. It was a difficult task to accomplish especially since most of the employees had been working there for years while I was just newly hired.
God showed His faithfulness to me in the months that followed. God helped me and the owners right-size the company, which enabled us to get rid of the bad apples in the organization. He blessed my efforts by enabling some of the employees to see the value of what I was doing. Some employees even became my friends after realizing that | was just doing my job as HR manager. Praise God for being my
Memorial of the Beheading of St.
John the Baptist, Martyr Deliverer! Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag ([email protected])
Reflection: Do you trust God to deliver you in times of trouble?
Lord, please help me fight my battles. Be my strength and courage, Be my Deliverer.
St.
Sabina, pray for us.
4 Thessalonians 4:1-8 « Psalm 97:1, 2, 5-6, 10, 11-12 Matthew 25:1-13
AGNES P. DE GUZMAN AKA KUNE
As you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God.— 1 Thessalonians 4:1
I was shocked to read a text message telling me that Kune had passed away. With lovely memories, I remembered Agnes
P. De Guzman, or Kune as I fondly called her. She was an untiring, compassionate, humble and vibrant member of the God's Beloved Community, who would come once a month to minister to us at the Correctional Institution for Women.
Whenever Kune led praise and worship, I would get goosebumps. Before I know it, I'd be in tears and would fall to the floor, slain by the Holy Spirit.
"May you live your lives the way you have learned from us," she said as her parting message in one of her talks. She
__ also shared that her ultimate dream was to acquire a lot and build a nice shelter for her immediate family.
Her message lingered in my mind as I viewed her remains in the dream house she had acquired before her demise due to cancer. Kune, you will always be an inspiration not only to me but also to those whose lives you' ve touched behind bars. Beth A. Corral ([email protected])
Reflection: May all those who come behind us find us faithful. May the fire of our devotion light their way. May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe.
And the life we live inspire them to obey.
(from the song "Find Us Faithful" by Steve Green) Lord Jesus, may we persevere in living good lives according to what we have learned from You.
St.
Jeanne Jugan, pray for us.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 » Psalm 98:1, 7-8, 9 Matthew 25:14-30
WORK ETHICS
"Since you were faithful in small matters, 1 will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy." — Matthew 25:23
I was in the corporate world for more than 20 years. I started from the bottom, working up the corporate ladder through hard work and continuing education. My basic belief was focusing not on myself but on serving others, in this instance, the company I worked for. Eventually, I became a businessman and learned even more about stewardship — a Christian way of doing business. That is, making the business work for others, my stakeholders — employees, my clients, my supplier — and most especially for God. God blessed my businesses. That gave my being a businessman greater meaning and value.
Taking on more and more responsibilities has become second nature to me since I started accepting smaller ones. My community appointed me council head and thereafter made me chairman of the Kerygma Conference, the country's biggest annual Catholic learning event. I accepted readily.
My basic belief that brought me success and significance is simple: being selfless, and serving God and others reap joyful dividends for me — financially and spiritually. Rolly
H | Espaiia ([email protected]) Reflection: Do you work for yourself alone? Do it for God and others, and God and others will work for you.
Father in heaven, | thank You that | am managing Your big business, which is te love.
Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 - Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11 Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24 « Luke 14:1, 7-14
MY PARENTS' LEGACY
Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find ra 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 ([email protected]) Reflection: What values have you inherited from your parents?
Mold me more and more according to Your values, Lord.
St.
Giles, pray for us.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 + Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13 Luke 4:16-30
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 grand-uncle Cering was a mischievous young boy. Like J the legendary Robin Hood, he'd steal from his /nang (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. /nang 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 /nang after the rites, showed his hands and said, "/nang, 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 ([email protected])
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.
4 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11 - Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 Luke 4:31-37
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, 20/2, 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 | 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 ([email protected]) 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.
Colossians 1:1-8 » Psalm 52:10, 11 Luke 4:38-44
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
L had on-and-off fever with allergic rhinitis the week before the inauguration of the Feast Alabang Center.
The Wednesday after that, | 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. | 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.
1 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 ([email protected])
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.
Colossians 1:9-14 - Psalm 98:2-3, 3-4, 5-6 Luke 5:1-11
SUPERIOR WAYS
We do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will. — Colossians 1:9
They were scheduled to move back to the Philippines after having acquired their citizenship abroad. But a few months before their return, their young boy was diagnosed with cancer. It was heartbreaking news for the family.
Everyone rallied in prayer for his healing. The blessing behind all the sad news was that their new country of citizenship provided free healthcare that would afford them the best treatment that science could offer.
Oftentimes when tragedy hits, we can't help but question why God allows bad things to happen to us. It's so easy to focus on the negative, to doubt His presence in our lives, to forget that there is always a bigger picture.
But adversity also brings out the best in us, if we let it.
When we choose to find the silver lining behind the _ cloud, we allow God to reveal to us the supremacy of His wisdom. We gain new insight as well as a deeper knowledge of His character. Our faith is strengthened. We emerge from the experience with lessons we will benefit from for the rest of our lives.
In the end, we are wiser, stronger, more placid in the face of affliction. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng ([email protected])
Reflection: Disappointments are God's way of saying, "I've got something better." (Unknown) Jesus, when pain, loss or anxiety blinds me from seeing Your blessing hand, let me see with eyes of faith.
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.
Wisdom 9:13-18 (Micah 5:1-4 or Romans 8:28-30) Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 (or Psalm 13:6, 6)
Philemon 9-10, 12-17 Luke 14:25-33 (or Matthew 1:1-16.18-23 )
A MATTER OF CONTROL
Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down...
— Luke 14:31
~ If you drop by our office, you'd notice that my work area has lots of checklists and charts on the side panels.
Ata single glance, I'd know what our magazine's theme is for a particular month, what the deadline is, and who are
the assigned writers for each column.
I'd also know what date a particular issue of Kerygma was delivered, and whether it was delayed or not.
T or the other managing editors would know what magazine our layout artist is working on during a particular week.
My management and industrial engineering background has taught me the value of planning and control in any undertaking so as to maximize the utilization of resources.
Applying it in my present job is a challenge though.
Sometimes, no matter how "deadly" the deadline is, a writer will fail to turn in his or her article. Or | would take long in finishing mine. Or the artist would get sick. Or the printer's equipment will break down.
Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary When these things happen, I pause and lift it all up to God. Because no matter how much planning and control I do, things can still go wrong. I can only trust that with God, who is behind the work that we do, everything will fall into place. Tess V.
Atienza ([email protected]) Reflection: When things go wrong, do you panic or do you trust?
Lord. may I learn to always trust that You, not 1, are in control of everything:
St.
Adrian, pray for us.
Colossians 1:24-2:3 « Psalm 62:6-7, 9 Luke 6:6-11
WHERE | FOUND JESUS
God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you...— Colossians 1:27
When I was in college, I began an earnest search for my Christian God. I attended Catholic Charismatic groups while taking part in Protestant prayer gatherings.
In the end, I chose to be a Protestant. Their Bible study was so structured that I learned a lot about the God that I yearned to know. But something disturbed me.
It was the way a friend shunned his family after failing to evangelize them. He moved out of his parents' home and declared, "Let them rot in hell!"
Is this what will become of me? After learning all I can, will | become judge and jury of my fellowmen and condemn them for their apparent sins?
In contrast, | remembered the people in the Catholic Charismatic groups and how they shared their shortcomings and weaknesses. Because of their own failures, they support and encourage others who are also struggling. Their humility, compassion and mercy moved me and revealed to me what
I had been looking for all along.
I searched and finally found God, not in the books that I read, but in the hearts of the people who loved as Jesus did.
& :
§ :
Cecil Lim ([email protected]) Reflection: God doesn't want you to bring people to Jesus. God wants you to bring Jesus to people. (Bo Sanchez)
Father, remind me to carry Jesus in my heart to all the places that otherwise He may never reach.
Colossians 2:6-15 - Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9,10-11 Luke 6:12-19
ENEMY IN A MASK
See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental
__ powers of the world and not according to Christ. - Colossians 2:8
She was a sweet talker. I barely knew her but I was so drawn to her. She knew exactly what to say and what I needed to hear to convince me to invest in her business. It turned out she was a hoax. Soon she was gone and so was my money.
I got fooled big time.
The enemy is cunning and persistent. He will find ways to get us at our weakness in an attempt to shake our faith, without even making us aware of it. He uses people who are masked with deception. They can be anywhere — in our own circle of family and friends, in our community, or even in our own church or parish. So we must always be on guard.
Our relationship with God is not supposed to be based solely on what we feel or what we want to hear. Rather, our faith should be rooted in the true knowledge of Christ. Every day, we must strive to know God even better so that the enemy will have no chance to derail our hope and faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ. Jane Gonzales-Rauch ([email protected]) Reflection: Do not be a captive of deception. Seek for the truth that leads to salvation. Decide to spend more time reading and understanding the Scriptures.
Holy Spirit, grant me the gift of wisdom so I can see beyond deception. Amen, St.
Thomas of Villanova, pray for us.
Colossians 3:1-11 - Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13 Luke 6:20-26
STILL BLESSED
"Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh."
— Luke 6:21
Blessed. Such a wonderful word!
But to someone who is totally damaged because of a miserable experience, this word has no place in the heart.
Iza, a friend of mine, was in this very situation sometime j ago. When her fiancé left her for another girl, she was devastated. She knew she could no longer have him back. She withdrew from everyone and even attempted to end her life.
But there was one thing that Iza did that made a big difference. She prayed. She cried and offered up the pain of her heart and shouted her fears to God. She didn't understand then why God allowed it to happen but she still clung to _ Him. Several months of grief, anguish and fear passed but still she held on to Him.
And after weeping over shattered dreams, God showed her the light at the end of the tunnel. The family and friends that she was ready to give up were the people who helped her heal her broken heart. Iza just lost one guy but not the entire world — not her family, not her friends, not her future, not a new life. Still, she is blessed. Analiza Obiasca ([email protected])
Reflection: Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness. (Steve Maraboll)
Lord, in Your hands, even my most painful experience can be turned into a blessing. | surrender all my troubles to You.
St.
Cyprian, pray for us.
Colossians 3:12-17 - Psalm 150:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Luke 6:27-38
REAL REWARD
"Lend, expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great."
S — Luke 6:35
"A 'neighbor' is borrowing money," my wife would email once in a while. This "neighbor'can be a relative or a friend.
Oftentimes, the borrower is really in need. And we would think of just giving the money instead of lending it.
We would tell that person that it's our way of helping, not a debt that he would have to pay.
And every time we do this, there are immediate rewards.
We feel blessed that we have extra money to help others with.
(It's better to have money to spare than none, right?) We are blessed to be a channel of God's provision to persons in need.
We are blessed with the overflow of thanksgiving from the person we helped.
We feel liberated that we do not have to worry about when he will pay us back.
We have this confidence that we can ask our Father for the "great reward" as He had promised in the passage above.
And this is the real great blessing: the Word of God says that when you give to the needy, "the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake"
(Deuteronomy 19:9). Danny lariman ([email protected]) Reflection: Do you struggle to give when someone needy asks you for financial help?
Lord, teach me to be generous. Let me be a channel of Your love. Amen.
St. Ailbhe. pray for us.
1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14 « Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11 Luke 6:39-42
DON'T WAIT FOR GODOT
"Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?" — Luke 6:39
In college, I had to write an analysis of Samuel Becket's play titled Waiting for Godot, an example of the Theater of the Absurd that stems from Albert Camus's absurdist philosophy, which in turn is a branch of the existentialism philosophy pioneered by Soren Kierkegard. Existentialism proposes that man's existence is absurd because he is incapable of finding meaning or purpose.
Such absurdity is delineated in Waiting for Godot, a tragi-comedy about two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait on a country road for someone named Godot.
You think nothing happens in the play because Godot never — comes.
Two characters arrive—Pozzo and his slave Lucky.
But they are not much of a help for Vladimir and Estragon because Pozzo becomes blind and well, Lucky seems to be a useless servant. Yes, it's a case of the blind leading the blind as we are reminded in today's Gospel.
Some interpret Godot as God, and for us Christians, that really is absurd because we believe God comes to us especially when we are in trouble. And, because of our faith, we know our existence has meaning. We need not wait for Godot. (nthia U. Santiago ([email protected])
Reflection: Who is your faith mentor?
Lord, grant that I will never be blind to the truth that You are my Teacher and You give meaning to my life.
St.
John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us,
Numbers 21:4-9 - Psalm 78:1-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38 Philippians 2:6-11 - John 3:43-17
OPEN DOOR
"God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." —John 3:17
I asked the one in charge if I could invite Robin (not his real name) to be one of the leaders. "Do you know his personality?" he asked me meaningfully. "Yes, sir," I said bravely. Robin didn't have a good reputation especially among the more judgmental members of the other teams.
But | observed his dedication to serve. With the rejection he lives with, he compensates by spending more time in our cluster, the more accepting members of the ministry. I felt
_ that, if given a chance, he can still develop more self-esteem and grow in his potential.
"It's up to you to take the risk," was the permission | got.
Yes, it was a risk in a way, but it was worth taking.
I thought that if Robin mixes with the more levelheaded, committed leaders of our "not perfect" group, he can join the tribe who are struggling to grow in the Lord and meet with more success.
Jesus set the pace by coming to save us, not judge us.
Who are we to live otherwise? Cristy Galang ([email protected]) Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Reflection: As a servant of the Lord, do you tend to use others rather than love them?
J thank You, Jesus, for the chance to show love to others, Give us courage, Lord, to pursue the good we can do for others and the wisdom and grace to fully love them in spite of their weakness,
St.
Notburga, pray for us.
Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14 » Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19 1 Timothy 1:12-17 - Luke 15:1-32
PARABLE OF THE LOST
"There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents."
— Luke 15:7
Today's Gospel narrates to us three parables, all speaking about the lost. Luke 15:7 says it all — "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." Why? I believe it's because of two things.
First, the nature of the sinner. He is desperate for God, just like the lost son. He is hungry, thirsty, naked and dirty.
And he realizes that only in his Father's house (with God) will he be whole and be filled again. And because he is found and welcomed back, he will love more. Jesus Himself explained this in another story and parable: those who have been forgiven more will love more (see Luke 7:47).
Second, the nature of the forgiver. It is easy to love those who are obedient, righteous and good. But what should make us Christians different is that we love even those who have wronged us. Jesus said, "If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!" (Luke 6:32).
In the end, it is loving the lost that will make us genuine followers of Christ. Alvin Barcelona ([email protected])
: e Reflection: Be grateful for those who love you, but be forgiving of those who hurt you. Think of someone who may have wronged you or whom you may have hurt. Reconcile with that person today.
E Dear Lord, grant me the grace to be like You by loving even those who do not love me back. Amen.
4 Timothy 2:1-8 + Psalm 28:2, 7, 8-9 Luke 7:1-10
INTERCEDE FOR ONE ANOTHER
1 ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone. —1 Timothy 2:1
In January 2011, a group of couples listed down their petitions _ to God for that year. Each list was "raffled off" to another husband-and-wife tandem, and each couple committed to _ pray for that intention.
In January 2012, a wife from that group shared before an assembly that all of the petitions they wrote down had been granted by the Lord! And they were no ordinary petitions.
A couple prayed for a car and were blessed with one. Two couples asked for a house and both got new homes.
There was a time when I took intercession lightly. When someone asked me to pray for a concern, | would say yes but would often quickly forget about it. Now, I take those occasions more seriously that | even ask for specifics. Like the name of the sick relative they are asking the Lord to heal.
The time of the board exam. Where, when and what time the operation will take place (even the doctors and everyone else involved in the procedure). This way, I can be one with them in praying to God. Jun Asis ([email protected])
Reflection: How often do you pray for other people's concerns?
Lord, | pray for the intentions of the people who asked me to pray for them.
Hear our supplications, through the intercession of Mary, Your mother and our mother, too Sts.
Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs, pray for us.
1 Timothy 3:1-13 « Psalm 101:1-2, 2-3, 5, 6 Luke 7:11-17
A BETTER GIFT
When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, "Do not weep." — Luke 7:13
Edgar Guest wrote a poem where he asked God for many things. In the end though, he never really got what he asked for but his prayers were answered anyway. Part of the poem reads:
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life I was given life that I might enjoy all things...
I got nothing that I asked for — but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
The widow of Nain has the same story. All she wanted was acomforting word, sympathy from others and the company of 4 friends at a time when she had lost her only son. Aside from being a bereaved widow, she was now a penniless old woman, too. But Jesus knew her needs. More than sympathy, He knew that she needed her son. So He raised him back to life.
Jesus understands us better than we do ourselves. Often, He gives us nothing of the things we pray for because He always has something better for us. We only need to lift up our needs to Him and trust that everything will work out.
Rod Velez (rod. [email protected]) Reflection: When God doesn't give you what you pray for, do you hold on to faith or do you turn to bitterness and blame?
1 am so fortunate, Lord, to have a God who weeps for me. You understand me, more than 1 can ever imagine. Teach my heart not to be anxious and to always trust in You completely.
St, Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.
1 Timothy 3:14-16 - Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Luke bison
DELAYED GRATIFICATION
"But wisdom is vindicated by alt her children." — Luke 7:35
| ican honestly say that I've lived a fast life. While kids my age were going to parties and having boyfriends, I was reading the Bible and going to prayer meetings. I died to my youthful desires so many times I'm surprised I lived to * be in my middle age.
When everybody was thinking of their careers and how to make money, my only ambition was to serve the Lord without any thought of monetary compensation. In fact,
I thought I'd never have to pay taxes because I wouldn't have income.
Looking at my life now, I see God's wisdom vindicated.
The years of choosing the Lord's ways have brought the fruits that He had promised and so much more. The things I had given up as a young Christian, the Lord has returned to me in much greater measure than I could ever have imagined, But I wouldn't have known that His ways were true if I hadn't trusted and followed Him in the first place. Rissa Singson-Kowpeng
([email protected]) Reflection: Apply God's Word in your life and see for yourself that He is true to His promises.
Your ways, Lord, are truly not our ways. But Yours is always the best.
St.
Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us.
1 Timothy 4:12-16 « Psalm 111:7-8, 9, 10 Luke 7:36-50
CHARACTER MAGNET
"Her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love." — Luke 7:47
"Character magnet" is one of the pet names I have for Mom.
For some reason, Mom has this uncanny ability of attracting and befriending persons whom other people would rather avoid. Her best friend of more than 30 years is argumentative.
Her aunt rambles on about the past for hours on end without giving Mom the chance to speak. Her former boss accused her of something she did not do. Her only daughter (me) is both her best friend and nagging critic.
How does she deal with these difficult characters? With forgiveness, love and understanding. She told me, "I'm a difficult person, too, you know. And a sinful one at that. But the Lord never seems to get tired of taking me back whenever
I ask for His forgiveness. The least I can do is love others like He loves me."
I am blessed and honored to learn from the way Mom lives and loves. Her example reminds me to be thankful for the merciful love of the Father shown through the sacrifice of His Son. And the best way to respond to such a great love
3 e ; 5 : i is to also love especially those who are the hardest to love.
Dina Pecana ([email protected]) Reflection: To forgive is the highest and most beautiful form of love. (Robert Muller) Jesus, You have shown us Your great love by Your death and resurrection.
Teach us also to love much those whe need most to be loved. Amen.
4 Timothy 6:2-12 . Psalm 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20 Luke 8:1-3
INTEGRITY
For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. — I Timothy 6:10
One of my recent favorite Christian movies is called Courageous.
One of the main characters is aman named Javier who, despite his confidence in God, is having a hard time finding a regular
_ job that will pay enough to sustain his family.
But one day, his prayers are answered, He lands a suitable _ job in a manufacturing firm. While working in his new post,
Javier is offered an attractive promotion — with a catch, To prove his willingness to be a team player, he has to forge some entries on a supplies logbook. Despite the threat of being unemployed once again, Javier chooses the right thing.
He declines the offer, saying that it would betray his family and his faith. The manager then quietly extends his hand to shake Javier's, revealing that it was a test of integrity that he had just passed.
Money is not evil per se, especially when it is used to bless others. But when it is used for greed, it slowly consumes and destroys the soul like termites feeding on wood, For this purpose, we need a solid foundation built on faith and integrity so we can make the right decisions involving money matters . Audee Villaraza ([email protected])
Reflection: God gave me my money. I believe the power to make money is a gift from God to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind. (John D. Rockefeller)
Sts.
Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Componions, martyrs, pray for us, _ Lord, You are my real treasure. You are all that I desire.
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 « Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5 Matthew 9:9-13 THE CALL "Follow me."— Matthew 9:9
Although I sensed God's call early on, I was too young to understand. From the time I could read, I tried to find Him in the pages I was turning. I also looked for His presence in meaningful movies. Or in the awesome beauty of nature.
As I grew in years and human wisdom, | thought He was present in my friendship and service to others. God had to slow me down through a mistakenly assumed heart attack.
His message from a priest who said Mass at the Department of Foreign Affairs was: "If I was too tired for myself then
I was too tired for Him." It made me take deeper breaths instead of hyperventilating in my multi-tasked life.
Forced to be still and guided to read the Bible, I finally _ found God in the silence of my heart, in a small voice that said, "Follow me and be My ambassador." Grace Princesa (grprincesa@ yahoo.com) Reflection: Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
Lord, help me to be silent and still in order to hear Your whisper of love.
St.
Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, pray for us.
Amos 8:4-7 « Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8 1 Timothy 2:1-8 - Luke 16:1-13
ENTRUST AND ENJOY!
"The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also = trustworthy in great ones." — Like 16:10
I believe that whatever you care for and manage well is bound to grow. This is true whether it's a business, a relationship, a . family, a career or even your body.
I've been 40 years old for 309 days and I realize that Z what others say is true. Life does begin at 40 — especially because I feel as strong as a 17-year-old lad! That's because I take care of my body with daily exercise and good nutrition.
The same is true for other things that God has entrusted to me: my family; The Feasts in Manila and Pasig where | am the Feast builder; my Youth Missions, Campus Missions and Radical Men, where I help form future leaders of our community; my friends and relatives; my investments and businesses; and of course, my spiritual life.
Because I take the time to care for these areas of my life, at the same time entrusting them to the Lord, I also enjoy rewards from these very same things. What's more,
He prospers what I've entrusted to Him with more of His blessings. What a great joy to see God blessing the work of my hands!
Friend, entrust and enjoy! Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) Reflection: The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. Therefore, never stop growing!
Lord, You have entrusted me with much. May I be a faithful steward in managing Your blessings. Amen, St.
Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, pray for us.
Ezra 1:1-6 + Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 Luke 8:16-18
SIMPLE YET PROFOUND
"For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible."
— Luke 8:17
During some free time at a retreat, I shared with some retreatants something I heard in the news. "When somebody is wounded in an accident or crime, you can use even just a crumpled piece of newspaper or plastic bag to stop the bleeding. Just put it on the wound, hold it and apply pressure,"
I said.
Two weeks later, I saw one of those I was with at the retreat. She had a plaster on her chin and wounds on her fingers.
She narrated how she was walking on a sidewalk, _ singing even, when she stumbled. "Blood came out from my chin. Then I remembered what you said so I put my hankie on it and applied pressure. The bleeding lessened. When I arrived home, I saw my flesh was exposed. My nephews accompanied me to the hospital where my wound was sewn," she related. She was so grateful for that piece of info I shared.
One simple sharing yet it was a big help to someone in need. Let's listen well to what we hear no matter how simple it may be. At the moment we need it, the wisdom that may have been hidden from us, God will bring it into the open at the right time. Ma. Luisa De la Cruz ([email protected])
Reflection: What is God telling you right now? Do not just hear, but listen well!
Dearest Lord, remove the blindness of my heart that I may see Your light.
Remove my deafness that I may listen to Your voice.
St.
Padre Pio de Pietreicina, pray for us.
Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20 « Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5 Luke 8:19-21
ARE YOU A FAN OR A FRIEND?
"My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." — Luke 8:21
- | must confess that I was a Bo Sanchez fanatic years ago.
I would buy all his books, recorded teachings and anything that would remind me of him.
Don't get me wrong. I don't have any romantic _ feelings for him, neither am I his stalker. He just inspires me to be a better person. And I was just a fan... that's all.
Bo has played a vital role in my healing and life direction. He has shown me that I have the power to change and become the person God wants me to be.
Through the years of being a fan, I eventually became his friend. Now I serve as a missionary for the Light of Jesus
Family, the community that he founded.
Today, Jesus reminds us that His true family and friends are the ones who obey the will of God. Yes, | have become a friend of Bo, but most of all, through him I have realized that | am a friend of God. JCLibiran ([email protected])
Reflection: Are you a fan or a friend of God?
Jesus, today | celebrate our friendship.
St.
Pacifico of San Severino, pray for us.
Ezra 9:5-9 « Tobit 13:2, 3-4, 6, 6, 7-8 Luke 9:1-6 MOVE ON "And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet." — Luke 9:5
As a broadcast media practitioner, I am exposed to the criticism of my radio listeners and TV viewers. There will always be somebody who will oppose my views, or comment about my weight, or simply say that they don't like me.
One day, a listener expressed his or her disagreement with me and sent an offensive text message while I was on the air. That affected me. I shared this incident with a priestfriend of mine because the bad feeling lingered for a couple of days. He replied, "There was nothing wrong with what you said, so shake the dust from your feet!"
In other words, "Move on."
The Twelve Apostles surely faced a great amount of criticism and rejection. Yet they journeyed on from town to town to spread the Good News because they carried the Truth in their hearts — the Truth was their source of strength.
In similar situations, if after examining our conscience we find that we are on the side of Truth, just move on. We cannot please everybody anyway. Nova Arias-Sevilla ([email protected])
: i ; é Reflection: How do you deal with criticism?
When there are bumps on the road of life, give us the strength and courage, Lord, to continue our journey. Amen.
Haggai 1:1-8 Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9 Luke 9:7-9
A LEAK IN THE PIPES
Whoever earned wages ioaniied them for a bag with holes in it.
— Haggai 1:6
Our water bill usually amounts t6 P2,000. One month, to my mom's surprise and shock, our bill skyrocketed to P51 ,000!
There was a leak in the pipes under the house so no one noticed it. Good thing we were able to have it fixed right away.
; There are many things that can act as leaks in our lives.
Materialism can leak out hard-earned money we try to save.
_ Anger can leak out love we receive from others. Sin leaks out _ the self-confidence and peace we have. And ingratitude can
_ leak out the joy in our lives. As for me, there was a time when I allowed my negative attitude to leak out all the joy in my life. Blessings were flowing into my life, but I was focused on the things that went wrong, the things I wasn't getting, the things others had which I didn't. This resulted in my being sad, burdened and depressed. It cost me a lot of happiness.
One day, God fixed my leak. I saw a man lying on the sidewalk curled up in his torn-up T-shirt, shivering in the cold. r I then realized that my problems are so small compared to his;
he didn't even have the basic necessities of life. 1 made the E decision to stop focusing on the negative and to be grateful
; for all my blessings. When I put on that attitude of gratitude, joy started to fill up my heart once again. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.
: [email protected]) = Reflection: When was the last time you counted your blessings?
: Start again, now.
& Thank You, Lord, for everything that I have.
Haggai 1:15-2:9 - Psalm 43:1, 2, 3, 4 Luke 9:18-22
BLUE MOON
"But who do you say that | am?" — Luke 9:20
I've always been fascinated by a full moon. I get mesmerized when I look up and see this big, yellow and perfectly round moon up against the darkened sky. Oftentimes I would be
C ~) awakened by its bright light peeping through my windows, as though it was beckoning me. And I would get up sometimes in the middle of the night just to bask in its light before going back to sleep.
One time, I asked God casually why I'm so enthralled __ with the moon. His answer came immediately, as casually as _ Thad asked my question — because it has no light of its own!
The moon shines so brightly in the night, illuminating the darkness of the night enough to be seen by half the world. Yet it has no light of its own. It merely reflects the light from the sun.
Then I realized that that's how I should be — merely reflecting the "Son-shine" to help illuminate the lives of others and never trying to shine on my own or passing off the light as my own. I have been called to be a light in this world by reflecting Jesus, the Light of the World. Ronnaledesma
([email protected]) Reflection: Learn to associate ideas worthy of God with all that happens in nature.... Then your imagination will never be at the mercy of your impulses but will always be at the service of God.
(Oswald Chambers) Thank You, Lord, for letting me feel Your love every time I look up in the darkest night.
St.
Vincent de Paul, priest, pray for us.
Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15 - Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12, 13 Luke 9:43-45
RUIN IS THE WAY
"Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be _ handed over to men." — Luke 9:44
"Ruin is the way to rebuilding." < Alex has been my plumbing savior. When I needed him fy again,| went to his place. I nearly passed out when I saw that __ what was once a tiny, weather-beaten, old shack, was now a _ nice two-story concrete house.
Alex explained, "A few months ago, this entire colony was razed by a fire and nothing was left. We were hopeless then. But since the "undesirables" were driven away, the entire place opened up to an NGO that offered to buy lots for us and help build decent houses. With an extremely affordable financial scheme, I now own this house and lot!"
"Ruin" was about to happen to Jesus, and He wanted to make sure that the disciples knew that He knew — that He was in control, and that He was about to build something new, beautiful and glorious over what was to be destroyed.
From the "ruins" will come the resurrection!
Friend, is ruin happening in your life now? An unhealthy relationship ending. A job you're losing to redirect you to a more promising opportunity. An endeavor failing to give you time and space for a new ministry. Remember, God is building something new! Jon Escoto ([email protected])
Reflection: Have there been "destructions" in your life recently?
What is God building over the "ruins"?
Lord, let me remember your faithfulness in the "destructions" of my life.
Give me grace to hope in You today and every day.
St.
Wencesiaus, martyr, pray for us.
Amos 6:1, 4-7 (or Daniel 7:9-1013-14 or Revelation 12:7-12) Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 (or Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5)
4 Timothy 6:11-16 - Luke 16:19-31 (or John 1:47-51)
HOLY PURSUIT
But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. — 1 Timothy 6:11
Modern man is busy nowadays with the pursuit of many things. Some people are busy pursuing their studies, careers, wealth or their interests. Many seek happiness and success.
Running after these things is not bad in themselves. What makes them bad is when chasing our personal goals and interests cause us to sin and destroy our relationship with ____ God. When the things we pursue take the place of the things that God wants us to aim at, then we know that we are chasing the wrong things.
How much of your time do you spend striving for the things of heaven? Compare this to the time that you spend pursuing 'your personal goals and interests. Are these the things that God wants you to seek? Are the things that you spend most of your time on bringing you closer to heaven and making you a better man or woman of God?
There are things that God wants us to seek first as Feast of Sts.
Michael, Gabrieland Raphael, archangels Christians. These are righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Let us examine our lives based His desires. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag ([email protected])
Reflection: Among these things or virtues that God wants you to pursue, where do you need to improve most?
Lord, help us examine our lives so we can see how we can grow in being a Christian and living out these virtues.
Sts.
Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels, pray for us.
Zechariah 8:1-8 - Psalm 102:16-18, 19-21, 29, 22, 23 Luke 9:46-50
_ CHILDLIKE FAITH
Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest." — Luke 9:48
I decided to serve and stay in the Awesome Kids Ministry for four straight years because of my passion for teaching
_ young kids. I also needed to heal the wounded child in me, _ so God anointed me to minister to His children.
Because of my background in guidance counseling _ = and psychology, I thought of first serving in the Counseling
___ Ministry when Bo Sanchez exhorted The Feast attendees in Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig City, to start serving
_ and giving back to God our time, talents and treasure. But 1 heeded God's call and joined the Awesome Kids Ministry instead, It was there that I found a spiritual family.
True enough, I was healed as I served. Through the hugs and kisses I got from the kids I ministered to. Through the unconditional love of my ministry heads and the unwavering friendship of my co-servants because I've seen a glimpse of Christ in them.
To this day, I've never ceased to thank God for bringing me to this ministry. &ms Sy Chan ([email protected])
Reflection: Have childlike faith in God. He wants only the best for His children.
Father, thank You for always giving me nothing but the best. Thank You for anointing me for something in line with my core gift.
St.
Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church, pray for us.
Zechariah 8:20-23 (or Isaiah 66:10-14) Psalm 87:1-3, 4-5, 6-7 (or Psalm 113:1, 2, 3)
Luke 9:51-56 (or Matthew 18:1-4)
DREAM BIG, START SMALL
He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem. — Luke 9:51
One day, a friend tells me, "Bo, I'm talking with some Japanese billionaires. They're selling a prime property of 200 hectares for a malunggay factory." Wow.
On another day, he tells me, "I'm brokering a deal with the Koreans. They want to invest 100 billion to start an herbal company." Amazing.
And after each conversation, he'd tell me, "Bo, once this deal is finished, I'll donate P25 million to your ministry."
But sadly, I've been talking to the guy for 13 years, and not a single deal has pushed through.
What's wrong with him? He's not starting small. He's trying to catch big fish before small fish.
Start small. If you start small, you make small mistakes. But if you start big, you'll make big mistakes. That's very costly and painful.
This applies to our ministries, too. We dream big for God, but we start small. As we get better in our service, we grow bigger.
Memorial of St.
Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin, Patroness of the God uses us in Jerusalem first — in our home ground. If we persevere and are faithful in doing His will, He will expand our impact to the entire world. Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@
; g : i = | Help me to grow in the virtue of perseverance, Lord. kerygmafamily.com) hild Jesus, virgin, Reflection: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed...
Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree...." (Matthew 13:31-32) rf = a
Nehemiah 2:1-8 « Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 Luke 9:57-62 (or Matthew 18:1-5, 10)
RAISE THEM WELL
"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the oe OK ingdom of heaven." — Matthew 18:4
I'm 48 years old and have witnessed countless episodes of so- "* called "politics" at the office, within religious congregations, non-profit foundations and church organizations. Sadly, I = myself became a victim of it a number of times, which led me to take legal action against the perpetrators, withdraw from the service, cut off ties with people, and resign from the job.
My son is 23 years old and a neophyte in the corporate world. Slowly, he is finding out that mean people abound and ill intentions exist. He is disoriented.
In one of our mother-son talks, | made him aware of such realities and reminded him to be on his guard. More importantly, he should never be the cause of the pain and downfall of people. His gentle response was, "You raised me to be good, Mama. Don't worry." I was overjoyed.
Parents have the primary responsibility for inculcating the right values and forming the character of their children
Memorial of the Guardian Angels to make them good and productive citizens. What a peaceful and happy world it would be if only all parents would teach their children well and their children would live up to the good example of their parents. Marie Franco ([email protected])
Reflection: What other positive influences can you pass on to the next generation and to the people around you?
Lord, continue to guide us that we may be good examples to those You have put under our care.
The Guardian Angels, pray for us.
Nehemiah 8:1-4, 5-6, 7-12 » Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 Luke 10:1-12
NEVER OUT OF HIS HANDS
"The kingdom of God is at hand for you." — Luke 10:9
There are certain places where I feel God in a special way.
My favorites are before a tabernacle, wide open spaces surrounded by nature, and silent places.
But that is me. For other persons, playing praise songs may make them feel God's presence. For others, it may be time spent with the less fortunate.
We have different ways of recognizing God but as the verse above states, the Kingdom is already at hand. We just need to open our eyes to recognize it.
In the midst of unmoving traffic, recognize God in the window of opportunity He gives you to slow down.
When money is short and you don't know where to turn, see the hand of God in the strength He gives you to be able to look for work. When it seems all doors have been closed and you' re too tired to struggle, stop and surrender yourself into the arms of God who is always there with you.
We are never out of His hand.
That's why the kingdom of God is at hand. Joy Sosoban $ :
§ S '
° : :
([email protected]) Reflection: See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.
(Isaiah 49:16) Dearest Lord, may I never forget that Your Kingdom is already here. Help me see it. Help me live in it.