Mark 4:30-32
“Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
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In the Bible, there were instances when Jesus would exclaim, “O you of little faith…” The first is when Peter tried to do what Jesus has shown them – to walk on the water. However, when Peter saw how strong the winds are, he became frightened and started to sink. The Lord immediately got hold of him exclaiming, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
The second instance is during the time when a great storm have the boat covered with waves and water. Frightened, the disciples immediately woke up Jesus, who was sleeping at that time. He then said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” He immediately stood up and rebuked that winds and the sea and perfect calmness was observed.
Faith is first of all a personal adherence of man to God. It is a free assent to the whole truth that God has revealed. Faith is certain. It is more certain than all human knowledge because it is founded on the very word of God who cannot lie. It is the very first foundation of our relationship with God. “Without faith it is impossible to please God”. However, due to our inherent weakness, men would always lose faith and being replaced by fright and unbelief. We always pray for more faith so we can defeat all the problems and disasters we would face. But, according to Jesus, how much faith do you really need? Somewhere around the size of a mustard seed!!!
Not everything about God can be explained by human logic most of the time. There is always an element of faith involved to trust that he will work for the good of those who love Him. And don’t worry if your faith feels small or practically nonexistent. God does amazing things with very, very little.
So the next time you experience storms in your life, allow Him to calm all of your fears as you place your trust in Him.
Almighty Father, give me the faith to see more of your purposes come to past. Whatsoever this life may bring us, grant that it may never take from us the full faith that You are our Father. Grant us Your light, that we may have life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen +
He promised to show mercy… and to remember His holy covenant.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
GOD’S KINGDOM
Mark 4:30-32
"To what shall we compare the kingdom of God… It is like a mustard seed (that) is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth... But once it is sown, (it) puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade."
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When we talk about a kingdom, the images that comes into our mind is a relatively prosperous place. It is being ruled by a king dressed in lavished clothes, eating in a sumptuous feast and riding in luxurious vehicles. He is sitting in a throne made of gold, surrounded by his ministers, as entertainers dance and sing for him. He has his queen (or sometimes, queens) with him, and they would live happily ever after. This fairy tale setting is still true in some of the kingdoms in the world.
And then, there is the “Kingdom of God”.
It is a phrase used extensively in the New Testament, particularly by the writers of the Gospels. The Kingdom is described by Jesus in parables and in metaphorical terms (like a mustard seed, like a man throwing out seeds in the field) in order to evoke a thorough understanding of the greatness of God’s love and the limitless bounty of God’s grace.
Jesus is teaching us that the Kingdom of God is within our grasp if we can learn to love God with all our soul, with all our heart, and with all our mind, and to love our neighbors as our self. God’s Kingdom is less a place or an idea. It is a total commitment to love one another. It is through our love of one another that we become the people of God willing to work to bring about God’s Kingdom on the earth in the present time.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, reign forever in our hearts as we seek heaven and to be with You. Your holy name would constantly be uttered by our lips as we await in joyful hope for the coming of Your kingdom. We trust in You and obey You, for Your will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen +
The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
"To what shall we compare the kingdom of God… It is like a mustard seed (that) is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth... But once it is sown, (it) puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade."
------------------------------------------------------
When we talk about a kingdom, the images that comes into our mind is a relatively prosperous place. It is being ruled by a king dressed in lavished clothes, eating in a sumptuous feast and riding in luxurious vehicles. He is sitting in a throne made of gold, surrounded by his ministers, as entertainers dance and sing for him. He has his queen (or sometimes, queens) with him, and they would live happily ever after. This fairy tale setting is still true in some of the kingdoms in the world.
And then, there is the “Kingdom of God”.
It is a phrase used extensively in the New Testament, particularly by the writers of the Gospels. The Kingdom is described by Jesus in parables and in metaphorical terms (like a mustard seed, like a man throwing out seeds in the field) in order to evoke a thorough understanding of the greatness of God’s love and the limitless bounty of God’s grace.
Jesus is teaching us that the Kingdom of God is within our grasp if we can learn to love God with all our soul, with all our heart, and with all our mind, and to love our neighbors as our self. God’s Kingdom is less a place or an idea. It is a total commitment to love one another. It is through our love of one another that we become the people of God willing to work to bring about God’s Kingdom on the earth in the present time.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, reign forever in our hearts as we seek heaven and to be with You. Your holy name would constantly be uttered by our lips as we await in joyful hope for the coming of Your kingdom. We trust in You and obey You, for Your will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen +
The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
"Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not in hand." - St. Thomas Aquinas
In the last 8 years, my son studied in Aquinas School in San Juan. TODAY, we remember the life and works of St. Thomas Aquinas, patron of Catholic universities and of scholars. In my stay here in Mexico, away from my family, away from the comforts of HOME, the quote above continues to keep my enthusiasm alive, though, sometime, I forget to show trust in the Lord. Let us continue to pray for each other. Continue to believe in things that we do not see, and hope that someday, God would provide things that He knows we need.
Let me share with you the life of this extra-ordinary saint, who together with St. Augustine, are my personal patron saints. Thanks for reading...
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St. Thomas was born in 1226 in Aquino, Italy, of noble parents. His father, Landulp was Count of Aquino and his mother was Countess of Teano. He was related to Emperors Henry VI and Frederick II and the Kings of Aragon, Castille, and France.
His early education was received from the Benedictines of Monte Casino where he surpassed all his fellow students in learning as well as in virtue. He went to the University of Naples for his higher education where he got attracted to Aristotleʼs philosophy.
At the age of 17 in spite of the opposition of his family who wanted him to become a Benedictine, Thomas joined the Dominicans of Naples and at the age of 19 received the Dominican habit. On his way to Paris, he was seized by his brothers and forced to go back home where he was made a prisoner in their castle of Rocca-Secca. His brother even brought a woman to his cell in an attempt to trap him into sin. But all his efforts were in vain; no one could shake Thomas in his vocation.
On December 6, 1273, while saying Mass, he experienced an extraordinary ecstasy. That day, laid aside his pen. Urged by Father Reginald to continue his writing, Thomas said: "I can do no more. Such secrets have been revealed to me that all I have written now appears to be of little value." He had only completed the ninetieth question of the third part of the Summa Theologiae.
St. Thomas died on March 7, 1274, at Fossa-Nuova, on his way to the General Council of Lyons. He was canonized on July 18, 1323, by Pope John Paul XXII and was declared a Doctor of the Universal Church by St. Pius V in 1567.
As we celebrate the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, let us be enlightened by his teachings. Let us remember one of his sayings: "Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not in hand."
In the last 8 years, my son studied in Aquinas School in San Juan. TODAY, we remember the life and works of St. Thomas Aquinas, patron of Catholic universities and of scholars. In my stay here in Mexico, away from my family, away from the comforts of HOME, the quote above continues to keep my enthusiasm alive, though, sometime, I forget to show trust in the Lord. Let us continue to pray for each other. Continue to believe in things that we do not see, and hope that someday, God would provide things that He knows we need.
Let me share with you the life of this extra-ordinary saint, who together with St. Augustine, are my personal patron saints. Thanks for reading...
-------------------------------------------------
St. Thomas was born in 1226 in Aquino, Italy, of noble parents. His father, Landulp was Count of Aquino and his mother was Countess of Teano. He was related to Emperors Henry VI and Frederick II and the Kings of Aragon, Castille, and France.
His early education was received from the Benedictines of Monte Casino where he surpassed all his fellow students in learning as well as in virtue. He went to the University of Naples for his higher education where he got attracted to Aristotleʼs philosophy.
At the age of 17 in spite of the opposition of his family who wanted him to become a Benedictine, Thomas joined the Dominicans of Naples and at the age of 19 received the Dominican habit. On his way to Paris, he was seized by his brothers and forced to go back home where he was made a prisoner in their castle of Rocca-Secca. His brother even brought a woman to his cell in an attempt to trap him into sin. But all his efforts were in vain; no one could shake Thomas in his vocation.
On December 6, 1273, while saying Mass, he experienced an extraordinary ecstasy. That day, laid aside his pen. Urged by Father Reginald to continue his writing, Thomas said: "I can do no more. Such secrets have been revealed to me that all I have written now appears to be of little value." He had only completed the ninetieth question of the third part of the Summa Theologiae.
St. Thomas died on March 7, 1274, at Fossa-Nuova, on his way to the General Council of Lyons. He was canonized on July 18, 1323, by Pope John Paul XXII and was declared a Doctor of the Universal Church by St. Pius V in 1567.
As we celebrate the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, let us be enlightened by his teachings. Let us remember one of his sayings: "Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not in hand."
A LIGHT UNTO OTHERS
Mark 4:21
Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?
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Place on my lips your greatest praise, illuminating others around me.
During power outages, only then would we realize the importance of light. In the darkness, we cannot see anything. If we move, we risk stumbling on things we do not see and hurt ourselves. We would reach out for a flashlight, or a matchstick and a candle to provide even a tiny flicker of light so we can “see again”. And as we hold on to that little light, we try to find others so they can also see their way out of the darkness.
Some, if not most of us, has already seen the light – that is, our Lord Jesus Christ. But should we keep this truth to ourselves? The Lord is clear that we should not. We should share this joy and inspiration to others so they may also experience life to the fullest with Him. We do not keep the light to ourselves, or else, it would mean nothing. Only when we share it with others would it mean so much to us, to others and to the Lord.
In life, we are always inspiring someone, somewhere to some degree. We can inspire others to fulfill the joy of the Lord and accept the higher call of God. We can also inspire others NOT to follow our actions by the negative results that we get in life. It is my hope that you all give and receive the highest inspiration in your life. Share the light of Jesus. Live a life that is fulfilling so that others may see that light through you, constantly illuminating your life and that of others.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, Give your light through me and remain in me in such a way that every soul I come in contact with can feel your presence in me. May people not see me, but see you in me. Remain in me, so that I shine with your light,
and may others be illuminated by my light. All light will come from you, Oh Jesus. Not even the smallest ray of light will be mine. You will illuminate others through me.
Amen +
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it.
Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?
---------------------------------------------
Place on my lips your greatest praise, illuminating others around me.
During power outages, only then would we realize the importance of light. In the darkness, we cannot see anything. If we move, we risk stumbling on things we do not see and hurt ourselves. We would reach out for a flashlight, or a matchstick and a candle to provide even a tiny flicker of light so we can “see again”. And as we hold on to that little light, we try to find others so they can also see their way out of the darkness.
Some, if not most of us, has already seen the light – that is, our Lord Jesus Christ. But should we keep this truth to ourselves? The Lord is clear that we should not. We should share this joy and inspiration to others so they may also experience life to the fullest with Him. We do not keep the light to ourselves, or else, it would mean nothing. Only when we share it with others would it mean so much to us, to others and to the Lord.
In life, we are always inspiring someone, somewhere to some degree. We can inspire others to fulfill the joy of the Lord and accept the higher call of God. We can also inspire others NOT to follow our actions by the negative results that we get in life. It is my hope that you all give and receive the highest inspiration in your life. Share the light of Jesus. Live a life that is fulfilling so that others may see that light through you, constantly illuminating your life and that of others.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, Give your light through me and remain in me in such a way that every soul I come in contact with can feel your presence in me. May people not see me, but see you in me. Remain in me, so that I shine with your light,
and may others be illuminated by my light. All light will come from you, Oh Jesus. Not even the smallest ray of light will be mine. You will illuminate others through me.
Amen +
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
HUNDREDFOLD
Mark 4:20
“But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”
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When Jesus interprets the parable of the soils in Mark 4:14-20, he only refers to Satan once. He says in verse 14 that the sower is sowing the Word, and then in verse 15 he says, “These are the ones along the path, where the word is sown; when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which is sown in them.”
But there are two other kinds of soil where the Word bears no fruit. There is the rocky ground in verse 16 and the thorny ground in verse 18. Jesus doesn't mention Satan in connection with these. But we know from other teachings in the New Testament that Satan is very much at work in these soils to nullify the Word of God and make the hearers fruitless.
If we do listen to Jesus’ message, both in Scripture and in the many indirect ways he manifests his will to us in our lives, and if we appreciate what a gift this is, we must show our gratitude with the way we live. We have to be the good soil that bears fruit a hundredfold. That means not only growing in our own faith and living in consonance with it, but also multiplying the gift by sharing it with others. We can’t be satisfied with being good and not sinning; in order to be good Christians, we have to spread the message in whatever ways are available to us in our state of life. Every day we should ask ourselves: What have I done today to spread the seeds of the Gospel?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may I be a seed that falls on a rich soil so I may produce fruit. May I find the importance of hearing Your words and participating in activities that would glorify Your name, thereby helping me grow spiritually, opening my heart to accept You and opening my eyes to see You clearly and accept Your will. My heart burns with the desire to share the truth the best I possibly can. Bless us, Oh Lord with that wisdom that we may bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.
Amen +
Their sins and their evildoing, I will remember no more.
NO BETTER SACRIFICE
Mark 3:35
“Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
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Christ taught us that knowing God's will and living in obedience to that will is the key to it all! God is the potter; we are the clay. God keeps us spinning on His potter's wheel, shaping and reshaping us as He bathes our lives in tears to make us more Christ-like so He can use us for His will. Surrender daily. Keep your clay moist through daily prayer - prayer that's in accordance to His will. (George Müller (1805-1898), English evangelist & philanthropist)
Romans 12:1-2 tells us the steps of how to know God's will for your life: “I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
There is no better sacrifice than for us to offer ourselves to God. This includes surrendering our lives, both spiritual and physical, to Almighty God, who is Creator over us all. Surrendering is not easily attained because surrender means to give up control. Many of us feel we have lost ourselves if we give up control. Yet, the Word says in Matthew 10:39, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” Know God's will for your life by listening to that still small voice inside of you.
Almighty Father, let me follow Your will. Teach me to trust Your sense of timing rather than my own and to surrender my will to Your greater and wiser plan. Help me let life unfold slowly, slow enough to appreciate life and all it holds.
“Your will, not mine
For in Your time
Everything shall be known
Trusting You fully, into the unknown.”
And He put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God.
“Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
-----------------------------------------------
Christ taught us that knowing God's will and living in obedience to that will is the key to it all! God is the potter; we are the clay. God keeps us spinning on His potter's wheel, shaping and reshaping us as He bathes our lives in tears to make us more Christ-like so He can use us for His will. Surrender daily. Keep your clay moist through daily prayer - prayer that's in accordance to His will. (George Müller (1805-1898), English evangelist & philanthropist)
Romans 12:1-2 tells us the steps of how to know God's will for your life: “I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
There is no better sacrifice than for us to offer ourselves to God. This includes surrendering our lives, both spiritual and physical, to Almighty God, who is Creator over us all. Surrendering is not easily attained because surrender means to give up control. Many of us feel we have lost ourselves if we give up control. Yet, the Word says in Matthew 10:39, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” Know God's will for your life by listening to that still small voice inside of you.
Almighty Father, let me follow Your will. Teach me to trust Your sense of timing rather than my own and to surrender my will to Your greater and wiser plan. Help me let life unfold slowly, slow enough to appreciate life and all it holds.
“Your will, not mine
For in Your time
Everything shall be known
Trusting You fully, into the unknown.”
And He put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God.
Monday, January 26, 2009
STRENGTH FROM GOD
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.
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In college, a male student has to attend the ROTC (Reserved Officers Training Corps). This is to prepare us in eventualities of war or other emergency situations that need beefing up military and police divisions.
During one of the trainings done in Fort Bonifacio, we were given each with a replica gun (a Garand rifle). Being a replica, it will not really fire bullets. But still, our platoon commander still blurted, “Whoever has the gun, has the power.” I can still remember the smiles in my batchmates’ faces. Maybe, they are thinking that if this is the gun we will use in battle, we would need more power and strength to use them as bat for striking the enemies down.
Man has always been impressed with power, whether physically, politically, financially, militarily, or spiritually, man has always been crazy about the search for, acquisition of, and demonstration of power. The message of the world is that power is good and weakness is bad. That power is proof that you are a winner while weakness is proof you are a loser. That the one with the power calls the shots and determines that the outcome of things most important to him will ultimately end in his favor.
But the message from God is different. The power of God, demonstrated most fully in the cross of Jesus Christ, must be the one that should impress us. Do you want to see some real power? Then look no further than the cross of Jesus Christ. First and foremost, look back at what He has done for our salvation. The word, the message, the testimony of the cross IS the power of God. You only need to seek Him for all the power you will ever need to smell, taste, touch, hear, or see. It can be found anytime through simple faith.
Almighty Father, You are our power, our strength. We are weak. Bless us with a measure of strength, as may be sufficient. When tempted by evil, deliver us, by granting us the power to overcome it. When daily work is too hard, give us the strength to be able to do it. If our burden oppresses us beyond our bearing, lighten the load, that our strength may be equal to it.
Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.
--------------------------------------------------
In college, a male student has to attend the ROTC (Reserved Officers Training Corps). This is to prepare us in eventualities of war or other emergency situations that need beefing up military and police divisions.
During one of the trainings done in Fort Bonifacio, we were given each with a replica gun (a Garand rifle). Being a replica, it will not really fire bullets. But still, our platoon commander still blurted, “Whoever has the gun, has the power.” I can still remember the smiles in my batchmates’ faces. Maybe, they are thinking that if this is the gun we will use in battle, we would need more power and strength to use them as bat for striking the enemies down.
Man has always been impressed with power, whether physically, politically, financially, militarily, or spiritually, man has always been crazy about the search for, acquisition of, and demonstration of power. The message of the world is that power is good and weakness is bad. That power is proof that you are a winner while weakness is proof you are a loser. That the one with the power calls the shots and determines that the outcome of things most important to him will ultimately end in his favor.
But the message from God is different. The power of God, demonstrated most fully in the cross of Jesus Christ, must be the one that should impress us. Do you want to see some real power? Then look no further than the cross of Jesus Christ. First and foremost, look back at what He has done for our salvation. The word, the message, the testimony of the cross IS the power of God. You only need to seek Him for all the power you will ever need to smell, taste, touch, hear, or see. It can be found anytime through simple faith.
Almighty Father, You are our power, our strength. We are weak. Bless us with a measure of strength, as may be sufficient. When tempted by evil, deliver us, by granting us the power to overcome it. When daily work is too hard, give us the strength to be able to do it. If our burden oppresses us beyond our bearing, lighten the load, that our strength may be equal to it.
Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
ST. PAUL
Feast of Conversion of St. Paul
Mark 16:15
"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.
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On his way to Damascus, to capture more Christian followers and bring back to Jerusalem in chains, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him why he is persecuting Christians, which in effect, he is persecuting the owner of the voice. He could not see anything and just asked the help of his companions. They went to Damascus and for three days, he was unable to see, eat or drink.
Ananias the disciple then came to see him. He was baptized and was able to see again. Saul, who was renamed Paul, was chosen by the Lord to be an instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles (non-Jews), kings and Israelites alike. He readily accepted Jesus and took the challenge of suffering, not against Him, but rather in His name. He remained some days in Damascus after his Baptism, and then went to Arabia, possibly for a year or two to prepare himself for his future missionary activity. His readiness to leave the past behind and entrust himself totally to the challenging plans of God kept him alive, strong and, excited until the last moment of his life.
Each of us has been called by God to go forth and proclaim the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all creatures. He calls man to seek Him, to know Him, to love Him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. You may now be blinded by your sins so you fail to see this eternal truth. Let Him open your eyes and show you the joy of being with Him. Let Him strengthen you as together, we proclaim the good news to every creature of this world.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, by the preaching of Your apostle Paul You have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to You by following his holy teaching; and have the courage to proclaim to the world Your love and Your promise of salvation.
Amen +
Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Mark 16:15
"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.
----------------------------------------------
On his way to Damascus, to capture more Christian followers and bring back to Jerusalem in chains, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him why he is persecuting Christians, which in effect, he is persecuting the owner of the voice. He could not see anything and just asked the help of his companions. They went to Damascus and for three days, he was unable to see, eat or drink.
Ananias the disciple then came to see him. He was baptized and was able to see again. Saul, who was renamed Paul, was chosen by the Lord to be an instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles (non-Jews), kings and Israelites alike. He readily accepted Jesus and took the challenge of suffering, not against Him, but rather in His name. He remained some days in Damascus after his Baptism, and then went to Arabia, possibly for a year or two to prepare himself for his future missionary activity. His readiness to leave the past behind and entrust himself totally to the challenging plans of God kept him alive, strong and, excited until the last moment of his life.
Each of us has been called by God to go forth and proclaim the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all creatures. He calls man to seek Him, to know Him, to love Him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. You may now be blinded by your sins so you fail to see this eternal truth. Let Him open your eyes and show you the joy of being with Him. Let Him strengthen you as together, we proclaim the good news to every creature of this world.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, by the preaching of Your apostle Paul You have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to You by following his holy teaching; and have the courage to proclaim to the world Your love and Your promise of salvation.
Amen +
Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
CONFUSED HEARTS
Mark 3:21
When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
------------------------------------------------
Imagine a person approaching you today, and telling you that he can heal sickness, that he can raise dead people, that he can tear down a building and rebuild it again after three days. Would you believe Him? Well, maybe some. Then how about this – this person telling you that He is the Son of God and born out of a virgin mother. What would you think? This person must be a mad man!
And come to think of it, Jesus has been in the same receiving end, two-thousand years ago. And the irony of it all, the first people who did not believe in Him was His relatives, even thinking of Him as “out of His mind”. Jesus had a very busy life. Crowds would constantly pursue Him and He cannot say “no”. He, himself, had a driving desire to meet the needs of people. He even often placed the needs of others above His own leading to lack of sleep, meals and privacy. In effect, His relatives did not understand what He was doing. They thought Jesus was losing His mind to act this way, not because they do not believe Him, but most probably because they love Him so much. They need to stop what He is doing for His own good. But Jesus knows He has to go on. For His mandate is not to be served, but to serve others.
We would not always understand what God is doing in our lives. Hence, we should always show that trust and belief in Him. “Not my will, but Yours”. Let Him remove confusion from your heart, and live under His love.
Let us pray +
Heavenly Father, I ask the light of faith for those who are related to me and do not know You in Your Eucharistic Presence. Give them the joy of Your protecting presence. Bring them into the one fold of which You are the master and Lord. Forgive them their sins and teach them the way of repentance. In the end bring them into the larger circle of Your family, to God our Father, to Mary our Mother, and to You our beloved Brother.
Amen +
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
------------------------------------------------
Imagine a person approaching you today, and telling you that he can heal sickness, that he can raise dead people, that he can tear down a building and rebuild it again after three days. Would you believe Him? Well, maybe some. Then how about this – this person telling you that He is the Son of God and born out of a virgin mother. What would you think? This person must be a mad man!
And come to think of it, Jesus has been in the same receiving end, two-thousand years ago. And the irony of it all, the first people who did not believe in Him was His relatives, even thinking of Him as “out of His mind”. Jesus had a very busy life. Crowds would constantly pursue Him and He cannot say “no”. He, himself, had a driving desire to meet the needs of people. He even often placed the needs of others above His own leading to lack of sleep, meals and privacy. In effect, His relatives did not understand what He was doing. They thought Jesus was losing His mind to act this way, not because they do not believe Him, but most probably because they love Him so much. They need to stop what He is doing for His own good. But Jesus knows He has to go on. For His mandate is not to be served, but to serve others.
We would not always understand what God is doing in our lives. Hence, we should always show that trust and belief in Him. “Not my will, but Yours”. Let Him remove confusion from your heart, and live under His love.
Let us pray +
Heavenly Father, I ask the light of faith for those who are related to me and do not know You in Your Eucharistic Presence. Give them the joy of Your protecting presence. Bring them into the one fold of which You are the master and Lord. Forgive them their sins and teach them the way of repentance. In the end bring them into the larger circle of Your family, to God our Father, to Mary our Mother, and to You our beloved Brother.
Amen +
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
Friday, January 23, 2009
CALLED TO SERVE
Mark 3:14
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him…
--------------------------------------------
I have conducted quite a few interviews before while looking for engineers and technicians to be hired by my company. And I’ve met people with really diverse experience as well as personality. But, when it comes to choosing the right person, I ensure objectivity in choosing the right one. These people will be working with me, so it is just proper that I choose the more qualified ones. Their failure will be my failure, but their success would be their success. But I have to drive them towards achieving that.
Jesus has chosen a few disciples from among hundreds or even thousands that He has during the time of His public ministry. From the accounts from the Bible, he didn’t even bother to interview most, if not all of them. He just called them to leave what they are doing and follow Him. And these people would not even ask for a time to think. They would drop what they are doing, and followed Him. Maybe, most of them thought that since Jesus was so popular at that time, then following Him would me food, money and parties. But Jesus is very clear – following Him would mean giving up yourself for the sake of many. Following Him would mean carrying the same cross that He would carry.
Following Jesus is about listening and doing. It is about putting into practice the things that Jesus taught. It is about a lifestyle of peace and justice that sets one apart from others. He doesn’t need to interview you. All you have to do is drop everything and follow Him. And it would not be a walk in the park with Him. For true discipleship is found where people are hurting, where people are hungry, where people are oppressed, where people are denied justice, where people are dying. Follow Him, He is waiting.
Almighty Father, there are many things your son has done that we will never know of because they were so many. May our love for You and others be our only concern. And may that love really push us to follow You and only You. We should be more concerned about who we follow such as Jesus rather than what the evil one tempts us to follow. We are Your disciples, forever.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him…
--------------------------------------------
I have conducted quite a few interviews before while looking for engineers and technicians to be hired by my company. And I’ve met people with really diverse experience as well as personality. But, when it comes to choosing the right person, I ensure objectivity in choosing the right one. These people will be working with me, so it is just proper that I choose the more qualified ones. Their failure will be my failure, but their success would be their success. But I have to drive them towards achieving that.
Jesus has chosen a few disciples from among hundreds or even thousands that He has during the time of His public ministry. From the accounts from the Bible, he didn’t even bother to interview most, if not all of them. He just called them to leave what they are doing and follow Him. And these people would not even ask for a time to think. They would drop what they are doing, and followed Him. Maybe, most of them thought that since Jesus was so popular at that time, then following Him would me food, money and parties. But Jesus is very clear – following Him would mean giving up yourself for the sake of many. Following Him would mean carrying the same cross that He would carry.
Following Jesus is about listening and doing. It is about putting into practice the things that Jesus taught. It is about a lifestyle of peace and justice that sets one apart from others. He doesn’t need to interview you. All you have to do is drop everything and follow Him. And it would not be a walk in the park with Him. For true discipleship is found where people are hurting, where people are hungry, where people are oppressed, where people are denied justice, where people are dying. Follow Him, He is waiting.
Almighty Father, there are many things your son has done that we will never know of because they were so many. May our love for You and others be our only concern. And may that love really push us to follow You and only You. We should be more concerned about who we follow such as Jesus rather than what the evil one tempts us to follow. We are Your disciples, forever.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
INTERCESSION
Hebrews 7:25
Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
-------------------------------------------------
A friend asked me to intercede on his behalf and ask another friend to forgive him. I simply said that yes I can talk to that person, but I cannot really ask for forgiveness on his behalf. He should ask for it himself. It stands to reason that someone who is in much the same position as ourselves, someone who needs an intercessor as much as we do, is not qualified in his own right to intercede for us. But, in Jesus’ case, it is entirely different.
Jesus Christ is able to be our go-between who can speak to God on our behalf. We can then “draw near to God through Him” (Heb 7:25). The prophecy about Christ stated that “He himself bore the sin of many and interceded for the transgressors” (Isa 53:12). There is only one priest among men who can can go to God in his own right and intercede for us, who himself does not need an intercessor. That man is Jesus Christ. That’s one reason why he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one can come to the Father except through me”.
When we try to contact the one who is supposed to intercede for us, we don't want to be told, “Oh I'm sorry but he died yesterday”. Christ died when he offered himself as the sacrifice for sinners. However he rose again and now “he always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:25). This assures us that when we stand before God to be judged, however far into the future that day may be, our intercessor will still be alive because He lives forever.
Let us pray +
Heavenly Father, save and have mercy on the old and the young, the poor and the destitute, the orphans and widows, those suffering from spiritual, mental and physical illnesses, those in misfortune, tribulation and sorrow, those held captive or sent into exile and especially who are suffering persecution for Your sake and those for whom we have been asked to pray. Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Amen +
Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
-------------------------------------------------
A friend asked me to intercede on his behalf and ask another friend to forgive him. I simply said that yes I can talk to that person, but I cannot really ask for forgiveness on his behalf. He should ask for it himself. It stands to reason that someone who is in much the same position as ourselves, someone who needs an intercessor as much as we do, is not qualified in his own right to intercede for us. But, in Jesus’ case, it is entirely different.
Jesus Christ is able to be our go-between who can speak to God on our behalf. We can then “draw near to God through Him” (Heb 7:25). The prophecy about Christ stated that “He himself bore the sin of many and interceded for the transgressors” (Isa 53:12). There is only one priest among men who can can go to God in his own right and intercede for us, who himself does not need an intercessor. That man is Jesus Christ. That’s one reason why he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one can come to the Father except through me”.
When we try to contact the one who is supposed to intercede for us, we don't want to be told, “Oh I'm sorry but he died yesterday”. Christ died when he offered himself as the sacrifice for sinners. However he rose again and now “he always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:25). This assures us that when we stand before God to be judged, however far into the future that day may be, our intercessor will still be alive because He lives forever.
Let us pray +
Heavenly Father, save and have mercy on the old and the young, the poor and the destitute, the orphans and widows, those suffering from spiritual, mental and physical illnesses, those in misfortune, tribulation and sorrow, those held captive or sent into exile and especially who are suffering persecution for Your sake and those for whom we have been asked to pray. Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Amen +
Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
OBEDIENCE
Mark 3:5
Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored.
-------------------------------------------
In the face of so many problems we are facing, we still try to avoid God. We would rather cry alone than let Him cry with us. He is asking us to reach out to Him, but our pride overcomes us. We failed to realize that with a simple act of obedience, we would all be healed of all our sufferings.
Our love for God helps us to be obedient to God in our daily lives. That love convicts us of our own wrongdoing and then frees us to the restoration and reconciliation that only comes from serving Jesus Christ as our Savior. It is a love born out of obedience and trust in a Sovereign and living God.
When we love God that way and are obedient to Him, then it also frees us to love others. Obedience to God breaks down barriers and allows us to reach out in love to our neighbor. Do you love? Do you obey? We do not need an angel coming to us in a dream to challenge us to follow God. Instead, we have God’s greatest messenger, His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ to follow, to serve, to depend upon, and to love.
Go on, and reach out to Him. Show Him the obedience that has grown out of love – His love for you… His love for all of us.
Let us pray +
Heavenly Father, who loved us so much that You sent Your Son, born of a virgin who was engaged to a righteous man, we are so grateful for Your unselfish act of creation. We know that there is nothing we can do to repay You for this wonderful gift, so we offer to You our lives, our beings, our obedience, and we ask that You would help us to live as You call us to live. In Jesus’ precious name we pray,
Amen +
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.
Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored.
-------------------------------------------
In the face of so many problems we are facing, we still try to avoid God. We would rather cry alone than let Him cry with us. He is asking us to reach out to Him, but our pride overcomes us. We failed to realize that with a simple act of obedience, we would all be healed of all our sufferings.
Our love for God helps us to be obedient to God in our daily lives. That love convicts us of our own wrongdoing and then frees us to the restoration and reconciliation that only comes from serving Jesus Christ as our Savior. It is a love born out of obedience and trust in a Sovereign and living God.
When we love God that way and are obedient to Him, then it also frees us to love others. Obedience to God breaks down barriers and allows us to reach out in love to our neighbor. Do you love? Do you obey? We do not need an angel coming to us in a dream to challenge us to follow God. Instead, we have God’s greatest messenger, His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ to follow, to serve, to depend upon, and to love.
Go on, and reach out to Him. Show Him the obedience that has grown out of love – His love for you… His love for all of us.
Let us pray +
Heavenly Father, who loved us so much that You sent Your Son, born of a virgin who was engaged to a righteous man, we are so grateful for Your unselfish act of creation. We know that there is nothing we can do to repay You for this wonderful gift, so we offer to You our lives, our beings, our obedience, and we ask that You would help us to live as You call us to live. In Jesus’ precious name we pray,
Amen +
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A DAY OF REST
Mark 2:27
"The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath…”
-----------------------------------------------
Due to increase in orders, my former company has to increase the working hours. This was done not by increasing the overtime hours, but by increasing the number of crews (operator teams) and making Sunday as working day. Hence, the operations became 24/7. In effect, the rest day of some employees may not necessarily fall on a Sunday. Three crews would have to come to office and work on what is supposed to be the rest day.
If the Pharisees still exist today, they would probably scoff at this idea, and exclaim, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” like what they always charge Jesus and his disciples.
Yes, the Sabbath was made for man – it is our time to recharge, to energize our body, mind and spirit – to cultivate our familial, cultural, social, and religious lives. It provides us time to commune with God through worship, prayer, song, the study of His Word, through sharing the gospel with others, and fellowship with people and nature. It provides opportunity to experience God’s presence through companionship in a special way. We were made for companionship with God.
But, man is not only created for the Sabbath. Jesus, while observing the Sabbath, set himself in word and act against this absurd laws which made man a slave of the day. Basically, he is against these laws that put intolerable burden on men’s shoulders rather that on observing the Sabbath. It is NOT broken in cases of necessity (work, do labor) or charity (heal the sick, feeding the hungry). For caring for the needy is obeying the will of the Lord, who Himself, is the “Lord of the Sabbath”. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for rest and divine worship.
Lord Jesus, give me rest. I offer you this day and all the moments of this week, and I implore you to keep me safe from sin. To this end I place myself in your sacred side and under the mantle of our Lady, my Mother. Let your holy angels surround us with peace; and let your blessing be upon us always.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.
"The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath…”
-----------------------------------------------
Due to increase in orders, my former company has to increase the working hours. This was done not by increasing the overtime hours, but by increasing the number of crews (operator teams) and making Sunday as working day. Hence, the operations became 24/7. In effect, the rest day of some employees may not necessarily fall on a Sunday. Three crews would have to come to office and work on what is supposed to be the rest day.
If the Pharisees still exist today, they would probably scoff at this idea, and exclaim, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” like what they always charge Jesus and his disciples.
Yes, the Sabbath was made for man – it is our time to recharge, to energize our body, mind and spirit – to cultivate our familial, cultural, social, and religious lives. It provides us time to commune with God through worship, prayer, song, the study of His Word, through sharing the gospel with others, and fellowship with people and nature. It provides opportunity to experience God’s presence through companionship in a special way. We were made for companionship with God.
But, man is not only created for the Sabbath. Jesus, while observing the Sabbath, set himself in word and act against this absurd laws which made man a slave of the day. Basically, he is against these laws that put intolerable burden on men’s shoulders rather that on observing the Sabbath. It is NOT broken in cases of necessity (work, do labor) or charity (heal the sick, feeding the hungry). For caring for the needy is obeying the will of the Lord, who Himself, is the “Lord of the Sabbath”. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for rest and divine worship.
Lord Jesus, give me rest. I offer you this day and all the moments of this week, and I implore you to keep me safe from sin. To this end I place myself in your sacred side and under the mantle of our Lady, my Mother. Let your holy angels surround us with peace; and let your blessing be upon us always.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.
FRESH CONTAINER
Mark 2:22
Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins… Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.
-------------------------------------------
I have been into a new hobby – mountain biking. I recently bought a decent mountain bike and biked around our community in the morning before coming to work or in the afternoon. I learned how to ride a bike when I was about 10 years old and owned two bikes – the first one was stolen. But it has been a while since the last time I owned and rode on a bike. Also, technology has caught up with me – shocks, geared setup (21-speed bike), light aluminum frame (my first bike is really heavy), disk brake. So I really had to relearn everything from shifting the gears, riding “uphill”, setting up the seat and the post. I have to “renew” my self so I would fit into this “new” bike and maximize its capability, or else, might as well bought an old rag-tag one from the second-hand market.
In Jesus time, they would put wines into goat skins. Through time, the skin would expand and might come into brink of bursting. Therefore, when a new wine is poured in, it might burst and the wine is ruined. The old skin does not anymore have the flexibility to expand.
Similarly, when we receive Jesus in our lives, we have to renew ourselves and our lives. We cannot say that we are accepting Jesus as our Lord and still go on our sinful ways. The new wine of the Gospel is manifested by the fruits of the Spirit. If the new wine is to be preserved, a new being has to be found that are more appropriate than the old ones. If we lean too heavily on our old self, the new wine of the Spirit will be lost. Therefore, we need to constantly change ourselves and mend our ways, by praying and being obedient to God and His commandments. As such, we would be able to contain the joy, mercy and glory of the Spirit in our hearts without the possibility of bursting and losing it. Let Him pour His “new wine” into us, accepting Him into our lives and living the life that He wants from us.
Almighty Father, make me new as a new wineskin so I may accept You in my heart fully and joyfully. May Your Spirit come upon us and dwell in us peacefully. Restore and renew us, O Lord, in a joyous awakening to the wonder that our lives are and, yet, can be. Amen +
I will hear what God proclaims… for He proclaims peace to His people.
Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins… Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.
-------------------------------------------
I have been into a new hobby – mountain biking. I recently bought a decent mountain bike and biked around our community in the morning before coming to work or in the afternoon. I learned how to ride a bike when I was about 10 years old and owned two bikes – the first one was stolen. But it has been a while since the last time I owned and rode on a bike. Also, technology has caught up with me – shocks, geared setup (21-speed bike), light aluminum frame (my first bike is really heavy), disk brake. So I really had to relearn everything from shifting the gears, riding “uphill”, setting up the seat and the post. I have to “renew” my self so I would fit into this “new” bike and maximize its capability, or else, might as well bought an old rag-tag one from the second-hand market.
In Jesus time, they would put wines into goat skins. Through time, the skin would expand and might come into brink of bursting. Therefore, when a new wine is poured in, it might burst and the wine is ruined. The old skin does not anymore have the flexibility to expand.
Similarly, when we receive Jesus in our lives, we have to renew ourselves and our lives. We cannot say that we are accepting Jesus as our Lord and still go on our sinful ways. The new wine of the Gospel is manifested by the fruits of the Spirit. If the new wine is to be preserved, a new being has to be found that are more appropriate than the old ones. If we lean too heavily on our old self, the new wine of the Spirit will be lost. Therefore, we need to constantly change ourselves and mend our ways, by praying and being obedient to God and His commandments. As such, we would be able to contain the joy, mercy and glory of the Spirit in our hearts without the possibility of bursting and losing it. Let Him pour His “new wine” into us, accepting Him into our lives and living the life that He wants from us.
Almighty Father, make me new as a new wineskin so I may accept You in my heart fully and joyfully. May Your Spirit come upon us and dwell in us peacefully. Restore and renew us, O Lord, in a joyous awakening to the wonder that our lives are and, yet, can be. Amen +
I will hear what God proclaims… for He proclaims peace to His people.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
SENSE OF PURPOSE
John 1:41
“We have found the Messiah”
-------------------------------------------------
Whenever we go to a new place, where we are unfamiliar with, we always ensure that we bring with us a map of that area. A map can show the street that you live on or it can show the countries of the world. Maps will help people find their way from one place to another. It will also record all types of information about people, places, and things.
In the map, all location is relative. In order to assess the direction, one has to specify the starting point and everything else will be described as a certain distance or direction from that point. In our spiritual journey, God has given us a map. The Bible shows us the way to salvation and the way back to our Lord. However, in order to understand the direction, we specify a starting point. That starting point is no other than the Jesus Christ. We should first accept Him as our Lord and our God. We should first accept Him as the Son of God, where everything starts and ends. And from Him as the starting point, we follow His path for he is the Way that we follow.
Being lost and finding Jesus is experienced in our personal lives. New situations bring with it new challenges. When our lives make a sudden turn, we feel lost. We feel that we are moving without a sense of purpose. Even if we have in our hands a map or a plan in order for us to reach our goals, an unexpected situation throws us off balance. And we just don’t know how to get there. In all of these, it is great to know that even Jesus is not with us physically, He has given us a great advocate, the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, our hearts are opened to follow only Him. The Spirit has placed in our hearts the map to eternal life. Follow our hearts towards Him – Jesus is the Way that we should follow.
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love. Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence. Amen +
Show us the Way. Strengthen us, Holy Spirit, that we may defend all that is holy.
“We have found the Messiah”
-------------------------------------------------
Whenever we go to a new place, where we are unfamiliar with, we always ensure that we bring with us a map of that area. A map can show the street that you live on or it can show the countries of the world. Maps will help people find their way from one place to another. It will also record all types of information about people, places, and things.
In the map, all location is relative. In order to assess the direction, one has to specify the starting point and everything else will be described as a certain distance or direction from that point. In our spiritual journey, God has given us a map. The Bible shows us the way to salvation and the way back to our Lord. However, in order to understand the direction, we specify a starting point. That starting point is no other than the Jesus Christ. We should first accept Him as our Lord and our God. We should first accept Him as the Son of God, where everything starts and ends. And from Him as the starting point, we follow His path for he is the Way that we follow.
Being lost and finding Jesus is experienced in our personal lives. New situations bring with it new challenges. When our lives make a sudden turn, we feel lost. We feel that we are moving without a sense of purpose. Even if we have in our hands a map or a plan in order for us to reach our goals, an unexpected situation throws us off balance. And we just don’t know how to get there. In all of these, it is great to know that even Jesus is not with us physically, He has given us a great advocate, the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, our hearts are opened to follow only Him. The Spirit has placed in our hearts the map to eternal life. Follow our hearts towards Him – Jesus is the Way that we should follow.
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love. Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence. Amen +
Show us the Way. Strengthen us, Holy Spirit, that we may defend all that is holy.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
TREATED BY JESUS
Mark 2:17
Jesus… said to them, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
----------------------------------------------
Being interviewed for a job, the interviewer asked me, “Why do you want to join our company?” It is the one of the main questions to check my capability and interest in the job I am applying for. Am I really an ambitious person, willing to share my experience and skills for the advancement of the company; or just came there by chance, just accidentally.
I responded, “so I may learn from you in the area of transactional and sales business process; and so you may learn from me in the area of lean and six sigma.” Actually, prior the interview, I tried to learned about the company’s business model as much as possible. Therefore, I was able to understand their needs and how my experience and skills would fit their requirements.
What if we are given the chance to interview Jesus. We would probably ask a similar question, “Why did You want to come to the world?” He would answer with wisdom that could mesmerize us, enough to accept His service after only one interview question. And one of that responses is, “I will come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
That is why He came. He did not come for the righteous, or for those who think that they are already righteous. He did not come to those who feel they are far better than others, and because of themselves, they do not need to be saved anymore. Rather, He came to call sinners whom He loved, calling them to repent and sin no more, accepting fully His invitation for salvation. That is why He came. And by His grace He says, “Follow Me! Leave all. Place all hope in Me”. And He speaks the promise: “…and him who comes to Me, I will not cast out”.
Lord Jesus, I am now heeding Your call, heal me, for I am a sinner. Have mercy upon me according to Your loving kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, our Divine Physician.
“As I am physically sick, I would need a doctor
As I am spiritually unwell, I would need my Master!”
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Jesus… said to them, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
----------------------------------------------
Being interviewed for a job, the interviewer asked me, “Why do you want to join our company?” It is the one of the main questions to check my capability and interest in the job I am applying for. Am I really an ambitious person, willing to share my experience and skills for the advancement of the company; or just came there by chance, just accidentally.
I responded, “so I may learn from you in the area of transactional and sales business process; and so you may learn from me in the area of lean and six sigma.” Actually, prior the interview, I tried to learned about the company’s business model as much as possible. Therefore, I was able to understand their needs and how my experience and skills would fit their requirements.
What if we are given the chance to interview Jesus. We would probably ask a similar question, “Why did You want to come to the world?” He would answer with wisdom that could mesmerize us, enough to accept His service after only one interview question. And one of that responses is, “I will come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
That is why He came. He did not come for the righteous, or for those who think that they are already righteous. He did not come to those who feel they are far better than others, and because of themselves, they do not need to be saved anymore. Rather, He came to call sinners whom He loved, calling them to repent and sin no more, accepting fully His invitation for salvation. That is why He came. And by His grace He says, “Follow Me! Leave all. Place all hope in Me”. And He speaks the promise: “…and him who comes to Me, I will not cast out”.
Lord Jesus, I am now heeding Your call, heal me, for I am a sinner. Have mercy upon me according to Your loving kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, our Divine Physician.
“As I am physically sick, I would need a doctor
As I am spiritually unwell, I would need my Master!”
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Friday, January 16, 2009
OUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN
Mark 2:10
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth…
---------------------------------------
There are times that we find it hard to forgive another person, even if we want to. The reason we cannot forgive another person is often because we cannot forgive ourselves. When we reflect on how grievous our own sins have been, and how, despite all that, God still forgives us, we learn to forgive ourselves. Let me share with you what “they” say about forgiveness:
For this reason I have often reminded Christians and all persons of good will that forgiveness is needed for solving the problems of individuals and peoples. There is no peace without forgiveness! – Pope John Paul II
Once you know you have hurt someone be the first to say sorry. We cannot forgive unless we know that we need forgiveness, and forgiveness is the beginning of love. – Mother Theresa
Man’s deepest need is not for fairness, but for forgiveness. Forgiveness is the power to liberate from past sin and restore to an individual a sense of self-worth. Forgiveness is the power to deal with justifiable guilt, not by ignoring it, but by eliminating it. Forgiveness is a cool drink of water to a dry and parched tongue. It is the medicine which heals us at the deepest level of our being. We all need forgiveness. – J. David Hoke
Lord Jesus Christ, I ask today to forgive everyone in my life. I know that You will give me the strength to forgive and I thank You that You love me more than I love myself. Thank You, Jesus, that I am being freed of the evil of unforgiveness. Let Your Holy Spirit fill me with light and let every dark area of my mind be enlightened.
Oh Lord, purify our hearts and minds today. Lord, forgive us for the sins, faults and failings, for all that are bad in ourselves or that we think is bad. We forgive each other; and we truly accept Your forgiveness. We trust that You have forgiven us today, and we forgive ourselves.
“We love, because You love us.
We forgive, because You forgive us.”
Do not forget the works of the Lord!
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth…
---------------------------------------
There are times that we find it hard to forgive another person, even if we want to. The reason we cannot forgive another person is often because we cannot forgive ourselves. When we reflect on how grievous our own sins have been, and how, despite all that, God still forgives us, we learn to forgive ourselves. Let me share with you what “they” say about forgiveness:
For this reason I have often reminded Christians and all persons of good will that forgiveness is needed for solving the problems of individuals and peoples. There is no peace without forgiveness! – Pope John Paul II
Once you know you have hurt someone be the first to say sorry. We cannot forgive unless we know that we need forgiveness, and forgiveness is the beginning of love. – Mother Theresa
Man’s deepest need is not for fairness, but for forgiveness. Forgiveness is the power to liberate from past sin and restore to an individual a sense of self-worth. Forgiveness is the power to deal with justifiable guilt, not by ignoring it, but by eliminating it. Forgiveness is a cool drink of water to a dry and parched tongue. It is the medicine which heals us at the deepest level of our being. We all need forgiveness. – J. David Hoke
Lord Jesus Christ, I ask today to forgive everyone in my life. I know that You will give me the strength to forgive and I thank You that You love me more than I love myself. Thank You, Jesus, that I am being freed of the evil of unforgiveness. Let Your Holy Spirit fill me with light and let every dark area of my mind be enlightened.
Oh Lord, purify our hearts and minds today. Lord, forgive us for the sins, faults and failings, for all that are bad in ourselves or that we think is bad. We forgive each other; and we truly accept Your forgiveness. We trust that You have forgiven us today, and we forgive ourselves.
“We love, because You love us.
We forgive, because You forgive us.”
Do not forget the works of the Lord!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
RESIST EVIL
Hebrews 3:12
Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart, so as to forsake the living God.
---------------------------------------------------
In his book, “The Art of War”, Sun Tzu emphasized that “If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.” But, “if you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
In our spiritual life with God, we should realize our enemy – the Devil. Being a fallen angel, the devil wants to drag people with him out of envy and jealousy. And he succeeded when he was able to tempt Adam and Eve to disobey the Lord. However, through the passion and the death of Jesus, we have triumphed over the devil for ever. And we, Christian, thanks to fidelity in the faith, conquers evil.
Still, we have to know the works of the devil. He is around us, tempting us to commit sin. We must take the devil very seriously but we must not think that he is almighty. The Christian faith must be nourished by prayer, humility, penitence and above all, faith in the love of the Father. And that love is stronger than everything, as shown by Jesus. We must have the awareness that the mercy of God is so great that it overcomes every obstacle, and cast out evils in our lives.
Almighty Father, I beg You to destroy the power of our greatest enemy - the evil spirits. Cast them into the deepest recesses of hell and chain them there forever! Take possession of Your Kingdom which You have created and which is rightfully Yours. Help us resist his temptations, so we may forever be at Your side and with Your love.
Lord Jesus, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of Peace, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart, so as to forsake the living God.
---------------------------------------------------
In his book, “The Art of War”, Sun Tzu emphasized that “If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.” But, “if you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
In our spiritual life with God, we should realize our enemy – the Devil. Being a fallen angel, the devil wants to drag people with him out of envy and jealousy. And he succeeded when he was able to tempt Adam and Eve to disobey the Lord. However, through the passion and the death of Jesus, we have triumphed over the devil for ever. And we, Christian, thanks to fidelity in the faith, conquers evil.
Still, we have to know the works of the devil. He is around us, tempting us to commit sin. We must take the devil very seriously but we must not think that he is almighty. The Christian faith must be nourished by prayer, humility, penitence and above all, faith in the love of the Father. And that love is stronger than everything, as shown by Jesus. We must have the awareness that the mercy of God is so great that it overcomes every obstacle, and cast out evils in our lives.
Almighty Father, I beg You to destroy the power of our greatest enemy - the evil spirits. Cast them into the deepest recesses of hell and chain them there forever! Take possession of Your Kingdom which You have created and which is rightfully Yours. Help us resist his temptations, so we may forever be at Your side and with Your love.
Lord Jesus, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of Peace, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
MY WIFE, MY FRIEND
Psalms 105:1
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke His name; make known among the nations His deeds.
------------------------------------------------
Today is her birthday. My wife and best friend for 15 years is celebrating her natal day today, so I would just make this brief.
Her email is: tonet_manacsa@yahoo.com
+ Heavenly Father,
We praise You for all Your gifts to us.
In a special way,
We thank You for Tonet.
Bless her always in Your love.
May she ever grow in your faith, hope, and love.
Bless us too, Holy Father,
And this day, and the blessings with which we celebrate.
Help us all to praise You and give You glory
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen +
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke His name; make known among the nations His deeds.
------------------------------------------------
Today is her birthday. My wife and best friend for 15 years is celebrating her natal day today, so I would just make this brief.
Her email is: tonet_manacsa@yahoo.com
+ Heavenly Father,
We praise You for all Your gifts to us.
In a special way,
We thank You for Tonet.
Bless her always in Your love.
May she ever grow in your faith, hope, and love.
Bless us too, Holy Father,
And this day, and the blessings with which we celebrate.
Help us all to praise You and give You glory
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen +
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
DETEST SINS
Mark 1:27
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.
--------------------------------
The film is titled “SE7EN” (seven), which stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, is about two homicide detectives' desperate hunt for a serial killer. His twisted agenda involves choosing seven victims who represent egregious examples of transgressions of each of the Seven Deadly Sins. Viewing himself as akin to the Sword of God, he hands out horrific punishment to these sinners.
The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, are a classification of vices that were originally used in early Christian teachings to educate and instruct followers concerning (immoral) fallen man's tendency to sin. When committed, these sins destroys the life of grace, and creates the threat of eternal damnation unless either absolved through the sacrament of confession.
LUST. Usually thought of as involving obsessive or excessive thoughts or desires of a sexual nature.
GLUTTONY. The over-indulgence and over-consumption of anything to the point of waste.
GREED. St.Thomas Aquinas wrote that Greed was "a sin against God, just as all mortal sins, in as much as man condemns things eternal for the sake of temporal things."
SLOTH. The modern view of the vice is that it represents the failure to utilize one's talents and gifts - more a sin of omission than of commission.
WRATH. Inordinate and uncontrolled feelings of hatred and anger.
ENVY. Desire something that someone else has which they perceive themselves as lacking.
PRIDE. Failing to give compliments to others though they may be deserving of them; an excessive love of self.
Almighty Father, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins, because of your just punishments, but most of all, because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. Help me, Oh Lord, with the help of your grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin.
You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.
--------------------------------
The film is titled “SE7EN” (seven), which stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, is about two homicide detectives' desperate hunt for a serial killer. His twisted agenda involves choosing seven victims who represent egregious examples of transgressions of each of the Seven Deadly Sins. Viewing himself as akin to the Sword of God, he hands out horrific punishment to these sinners.
The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, are a classification of vices that were originally used in early Christian teachings to educate and instruct followers concerning (immoral) fallen man's tendency to sin. When committed, these sins destroys the life of grace, and creates the threat of eternal damnation unless either absolved through the sacrament of confession.
LUST. Usually thought of as involving obsessive or excessive thoughts or desires of a sexual nature.
GLUTTONY. The over-indulgence and over-consumption of anything to the point of waste.
GREED. St.Thomas Aquinas wrote that Greed was "a sin against God, just as all mortal sins, in as much as man condemns things eternal for the sake of temporal things."
SLOTH. The modern view of the vice is that it represents the failure to utilize one's talents and gifts - more a sin of omission than of commission.
WRATH. Inordinate and uncontrolled feelings of hatred and anger.
ENVY. Desire something that someone else has which they perceive themselves as lacking.
PRIDE. Failing to give compliments to others though they may be deserving of them; an excessive love of self.
Almighty Father, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins, because of your just punishments, but most of all, because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. Help me, Oh Lord, with the help of your grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin.
You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
Monday, January 12, 2009
THE 13TH APOSTLE
Mark 1:17
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
-------------------------------------------------------
The life of the Lord, Jesus Christ, even before He was born in this world, is a perfect example of discipleship. Jesus shows us the way to the Father. Up to the end, He was very obedient to the Father, giving up his life so we may live. His Mother, Mary, hears the Word of God and it bears fruit in her very flesh, as the Woman of Faith. As the handmaid of the Lord, she accepted everything and became the Mother of All Nations.
His Father, Joseph, accepted Mary and the will of God and became the strength and wisdom for Jesus as He grew up. Like new Christs, the Twelve and all the followers of Jesus in history reveal something of what it means to be a disciple. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to share the Good News to the gentiles and the Jews. Most of them died for their Christian faith, but this did not deter the growth of Christianity, rather, it became the fuel that kept the faith burning in the hearts of men up to now.
Now, we are being sent into the world to continue what Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Twelve Disciples and the early Christian Saints has started. As St. Teresa of Avila reminds us - “Christ has no body now but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion must look out on the world. Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.”
We are all called to a life of Discipleship. The Church is a sacrament of Christ, the 13th Disciple, and we are called to be “sacramental people”. The Holy Spirit inspires and moves us to: 1) Live as Jesus lived, 2) Serve as Jesus served, 3) Love as Jesus loved. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Almighty Father, I empty myself of everything that is me. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and let Christ live through me. Heal my broken nature Father. God give me the wisdom to discern Your will and the strength to execute it. Let me be Your feet, Your hands, Your eyes and Your heart today, so others may feel and see You through me. Amen +
Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock.
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
-------------------------------------------------------
The life of the Lord, Jesus Christ, even before He was born in this world, is a perfect example of discipleship. Jesus shows us the way to the Father. Up to the end, He was very obedient to the Father, giving up his life so we may live. His Mother, Mary, hears the Word of God and it bears fruit in her very flesh, as the Woman of Faith. As the handmaid of the Lord, she accepted everything and became the Mother of All Nations.
His Father, Joseph, accepted Mary and the will of God and became the strength and wisdom for Jesus as He grew up. Like new Christs, the Twelve and all the followers of Jesus in history reveal something of what it means to be a disciple. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to share the Good News to the gentiles and the Jews. Most of them died for their Christian faith, but this did not deter the growth of Christianity, rather, it became the fuel that kept the faith burning in the hearts of men up to now.
Now, we are being sent into the world to continue what Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Twelve Disciples and the early Christian Saints has started. As St. Teresa of Avila reminds us - “Christ has no body now but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion must look out on the world. Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.”
We are all called to a life of Discipleship. The Church is a sacrament of Christ, the 13th Disciple, and we are called to be “sacramental people”. The Holy Spirit inspires and moves us to: 1) Live as Jesus lived, 2) Serve as Jesus served, 3) Love as Jesus loved. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Almighty Father, I empty myself of everything that is me. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and let Christ live through me. Heal my broken nature Father. God give me the wisdom to discern Your will and the strength to execute it. Let me be Your feet, Your hands, Your eyes and Your heart today, so others may feel and see You through me. Amen +
Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
WATER AND SPIRIT
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Mark 1:11
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
------------------------------------------------------
The tagalog word for baptism – “binyag” – has acquired various usage. Initially, it would mean being baptized, by water and spirit, whether you are Born-Again Christian, Catholic, Protestant. Then it would mean, for boys, undergoing the “ritual” for manhood, which is normally done when one reach the age of 10 and up. In general, when it is your first time to do it, “ikaw ay nabinyagan” (you have been “baptized”).
Today, in the Catholic world, we celebrate the baptism of the Lord Jesus in the River Jordan, by St. John the Baptist, his cousin. It signifies both an end and a beginning – playing a significant role in both of their ministries. First, it came at the height of John's ministry, after which his began to decline (“So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”).
It then served as the beginning of Jesus' ministry, which soon overtook the ministry of John. Jesus did not really "need" baptism because He was without sin, but was baptized anyway to introduce Himself to the world, and start His ministry of salvation until His death, resurrection and ascension.
At baptism, we accept Christ as our Savior, gained his friendship, the guidance of the Spirit, and the protection of the Father, acknowledging God’s presence in our life. We have Jesus who loved us so much to die for us, we have the Father who encloses us with his arms of mercy and safety, and we have the Spirit who lives inside of us - even after 2000 years we are still baptizing in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We thank you, God, for the gift of creation, the gift of life and your presence with us. Almighty Father, by your Holy Spirit save those who confess the name of Jesus Christ that sin may have no power over them. Create new life for us, from the day that we are baptized till the day that we rise in Christ. Glory to you, eternal God, the one who was, and is, and shall always be, world without end.
Amen +
The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Mark 1:11
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
------------------------------------------------------
The tagalog word for baptism – “binyag” – has acquired various usage. Initially, it would mean being baptized, by water and spirit, whether you are Born-Again Christian, Catholic, Protestant. Then it would mean, for boys, undergoing the “ritual” for manhood, which is normally done when one reach the age of 10 and up. In general, when it is your first time to do it, “ikaw ay nabinyagan” (you have been “baptized”).
Today, in the Catholic world, we celebrate the baptism of the Lord Jesus in the River Jordan, by St. John the Baptist, his cousin. It signifies both an end and a beginning – playing a significant role in both of their ministries. First, it came at the height of John's ministry, after which his began to decline (“So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”).
It then served as the beginning of Jesus' ministry, which soon overtook the ministry of John. Jesus did not really "need" baptism because He was without sin, but was baptized anyway to introduce Himself to the world, and start His ministry of salvation until His death, resurrection and ascension.
At baptism, we accept Christ as our Savior, gained his friendship, the guidance of the Spirit, and the protection of the Father, acknowledging God’s presence in our life. We have Jesus who loved us so much to die for us, we have the Father who encloses us with his arms of mercy and safety, and we have the Spirit who lives inside of us - even after 2000 years we are still baptizing in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We thank you, God, for the gift of creation, the gift of life and your presence with us. Almighty Father, by your Holy Spirit save those who confess the name of Jesus Christ that sin may have no power over them. Create new life for us, from the day that we are baptized till the day that we rise in Christ. Glory to you, eternal God, the one who was, and is, and shall always be, world without end.
Amen +
The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
CONFIRMED
John 3:29
So this joy of mine has been made complete.
---------------------------------------------------
Today, my son, Mark, received his confirmation. This would complete his baptism when God our Father gave him new birth to eternal life. By baptism, a child of God is named and welcomed into the family of God´s Church. Parents come to the service to give thanks for their child and to provide a spiritual home for him or her, a community in which to grow and explore faith and the spiritual adventure of being a created human being. Baptism marks the start of this journey, reborn to a life of light and wholeness found in Jesus Christ.
By confirmation, the Holy Ghost is given to those already baptized in order to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. Parents would ask God to pour out His Holy Spirit upon our children, to strengthen them in their faith and anoint them to be more like Jesus Christ. It is the perfection of baptism as we become more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
And having received the gifts of the Spirit and become the defender of faith – we then start talking to God, giving our total selves to Him, in total silence and prayers. We retreat from this selfish world and enters His loving and heavenly presence.
Let us pray +
All powerful God, Father of Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit, You freed us from sins. Send Your Holy Spirit upon us to be our helper and guide. Give the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of right judgement and courage, the Spirit of knowledge and love, the Spirit of reverence in Your service. And all of these we ask through Christ our Lord.
Amen +
The Lord takes delight in his people.
So this joy of mine has been made complete.
---------------------------------------------------
Today, my son, Mark, received his confirmation. This would complete his baptism when God our Father gave him new birth to eternal life. By baptism, a child of God is named and welcomed into the family of God´s Church. Parents come to the service to give thanks for their child and to provide a spiritual home for him or her, a community in which to grow and explore faith and the spiritual adventure of being a created human being. Baptism marks the start of this journey, reborn to a life of light and wholeness found in Jesus Christ.
By confirmation, the Holy Ghost is given to those already baptized in order to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. Parents would ask God to pour out His Holy Spirit upon our children, to strengthen them in their faith and anoint them to be more like Jesus Christ. It is the perfection of baptism as we become more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
And having received the gifts of the Spirit and become the defender of faith – we then start talking to God, giving our total selves to Him, in total silence and prayers. We retreat from this selfish world and enters His loving and heavenly presence.
Let us pray +
All powerful God, Father of Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit, You freed us from sins. Send Your Holy Spirit upon us to be our helper and guide. Give the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of right judgement and courage, the Spirit of knowledge and love, the Spirit of reverence in Your service. And all of these we ask through Christ our Lord.
Amen +
The Lord takes delight in his people.
Friday, January 9, 2009
BE CLEAN
Luke 5:12
"If you wish, you can make me clean."
----------------------------------------------------
A young man who had been raised as an atheist was training to be an Olympic diver. The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken Christian friend. The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's sermons, but he heard them often.
One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he attended. The lights were all off, but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light to practice by. The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board and extended his arms out, he saw his shadow on the wall. The shadow of his body, was in the shape of a cross. Instead of diving, he knelt down and finally asked God to come into his life. As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on.
The pool had been drained for repairs.
We are all lepers – spiritual lepers, that is. What is worse, this disease affected our hearts, totally ignoring God up to a point of doing those that are exactly the opposite of His will. And worst of all, some of us do not believe that they ever can be healed! Yet, there is hope. There is hope when Jesus sends his gospel to us, and bids us to repent. "I believe in the forgiveness of sins": this is a sweet sentence of a true creed. Believe in the renewal of our hearts; for the Lord can give new hearts and right spirits to the evil and unthankful; cleansing our heart, our soul, our spirit – giving us salvation!
Almighty Father, make my heart clean. Renew a right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to sinners, and they will return to you. He who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
“Make me know you, O Lord
In the depths of my soul.
Purify me and I will be clean.
Wash me whiter than snow.” – Gilberto Barreto
Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy.
"If you wish, you can make me clean."
----------------------------------------------------
A young man who had been raised as an atheist was training to be an Olympic diver. The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken Christian friend. The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's sermons, but he heard them often.
One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he attended. The lights were all off, but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light to practice by. The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board and extended his arms out, he saw his shadow on the wall. The shadow of his body, was in the shape of a cross. Instead of diving, he knelt down and finally asked God to come into his life. As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on.
The pool had been drained for repairs.
We are all lepers – spiritual lepers, that is. What is worse, this disease affected our hearts, totally ignoring God up to a point of doing those that are exactly the opposite of His will. And worst of all, some of us do not believe that they ever can be healed! Yet, there is hope. There is hope when Jesus sends his gospel to us, and bids us to repent. "I believe in the forgiveness of sins": this is a sweet sentence of a true creed. Believe in the renewal of our hearts; for the Lord can give new hearts and right spirits to the evil and unthankful; cleansing our heart, our soul, our spirit – giving us salvation!
Almighty Father, make my heart clean. Renew a right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to sinners, and they will return to you. He who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
“Make me know you, O Lord
In the depths of my soul.
Purify me and I will be clean.
Wash me whiter than snow.” – Gilberto Barreto
Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
FIRST LOVE
1 John 4:19
Beloved, we love God because He first loved us.
-----------------------------------------------------
Whether we like it or not (I hope that we are more on the liking side), we are all saints. Having been created in the image and likeness of God, the love of God is already in our hearts since our conception. It is, thus, unexplainable, why, most of the times, we try to destroy that image. Out of pride and ignorance, we ignore all that are given us, and came to believe that all the good things we have now is due to ourselves; and all bad things come from God. Therefore, we sin and give in to temptation, because it satisfies the flesh – we want a feeling of something good and NOT something right.
In effect, we lost the saint within us. We become saints who try to be of this world. We harden our hearts and our minds. We claim that it is impossible; we say that we cannot stop sinning. We view sin as the law of gravity: insisting that it can't be broken. And yes, this is outright ignorance! “Come to your right mind, and sin no more. For some have no knowledge of God - I say this to your shame.”
We are not perfect, it is true. Although we have a desire to obey God as never before, there are still wrong desires that lurk within us - a war between the desire to do right and feel good. Therefore, we should realize the need for further repentance, desiring to be like Him. Our growth in holiness is the result of our cooperation with the Holy Spirit within us.
Let us pray +
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
Amen +
“Perfect holiness is the aim of the saints on earth, and it is the reward of the saints in Heaven” – Joseph Caryl
Beloved, we love God because He first loved us.
-----------------------------------------------------
Whether we like it or not (I hope that we are more on the liking side), we are all saints. Having been created in the image and likeness of God, the love of God is already in our hearts since our conception. It is, thus, unexplainable, why, most of the times, we try to destroy that image. Out of pride and ignorance, we ignore all that are given us, and came to believe that all the good things we have now is due to ourselves; and all bad things come from God. Therefore, we sin and give in to temptation, because it satisfies the flesh – we want a feeling of something good and NOT something right.
In effect, we lost the saint within us. We become saints who try to be of this world. We harden our hearts and our minds. We claim that it is impossible; we say that we cannot stop sinning. We view sin as the law of gravity: insisting that it can't be broken. And yes, this is outright ignorance! “Come to your right mind, and sin no more. For some have no knowledge of God - I say this to your shame.”
We are not perfect, it is true. Although we have a desire to obey God as never before, there are still wrong desires that lurk within us - a war between the desire to do right and feel good. Therefore, we should realize the need for further repentance, desiring to be like Him. Our growth in holiness is the result of our cooperation with the Holy Spirit within us.
Let us pray +
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
Amen +
“Perfect holiness is the aim of the saints on earth, and it is the reward of the saints in Heaven” – Joseph Caryl
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
FEARFULNESS
Mark 6:50
They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!"
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As a child, I have fear of cockroach (generally, entomophobia) and of ghost (phasmophobia). Although I have seen (and later on, killed) a lot of cockroaches, I haven’t really seen a ghost. In effect, I have already overcame my fear of the six-legged critter, but, for ghost, honestly, I still fear going through or being left in dark places.
In the bible, St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy mentions about “timidity” (to be fearful) – “for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control”. Sometimes, this “spirit of timidity” overcomes us, affecting our disposition. To overcome this fearfulness, we need to trust in and love God completely - not to be afraid of being alone, not to be afraid of being too weak, not to be afraid to love and be loved, of not being heard, and not to be afraid of anything, for in God’s eyes, “we are of more value than many sparrows”.
It is a refusal to give into fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting in God to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is a righteous God -- total and complete trust!
Almighty Father, in You I put my trust, so, I will not be afraid of what any man can do to or against me. Teach me thy way, O LORD, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever.
Oh Lord, let all fear of man, fear of the unknown, fear of inanimate things be put away from us. Teach us to keep Your commandments, to walk in Your ways and to fear only You. May this fear leads us to obedience of Your will, giving us confidence in our heart, and experiencing joyful relationship with You, today and forever.
“Huwag kang mangamba, 'di ka nag-iisa (Do not fear, for you are not alone)
Sasamahan kita, saan man magpunta (I will be with you, wherever you go)
Ika'y mahalaga sa 'King mga mata (In my eyes, you are worthy of my love)
Minamahal kita, minamahal kita." (And My love for you is forever)
“Fear only two: God, and the man who has no fear of God.”
They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!"
-----------------------------------------------------
As a child, I have fear of cockroach (generally, entomophobia) and of ghost (phasmophobia). Although I have seen (and later on, killed) a lot of cockroaches, I haven’t really seen a ghost. In effect, I have already overcame my fear of the six-legged critter, but, for ghost, honestly, I still fear going through or being left in dark places.
In the bible, St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy mentions about “timidity” (to be fearful) – “for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control”. Sometimes, this “spirit of timidity” overcomes us, affecting our disposition. To overcome this fearfulness, we need to trust in and love God completely - not to be afraid of being alone, not to be afraid of being too weak, not to be afraid to love and be loved, of not being heard, and not to be afraid of anything, for in God’s eyes, “we are of more value than many sparrows”.
It is a refusal to give into fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting in God to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is a righteous God -- total and complete trust!
Almighty Father, in You I put my trust, so, I will not be afraid of what any man can do to or against me. Teach me thy way, O LORD, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever.
Oh Lord, let all fear of man, fear of the unknown, fear of inanimate things be put away from us. Teach us to keep Your commandments, to walk in Your ways and to fear only You. May this fear leads us to obedience of Your will, giving us confidence in our heart, and experiencing joyful relationship with You, today and forever.
“Huwag kang mangamba, 'di ka nag-iisa (Do not fear, for you are not alone)
Sasamahan kita, saan man magpunta (I will be with you, wherever you go)
Ika'y mahalaga sa 'King mga mata (In my eyes, you are worthy of my love)
Minamahal kita, minamahal kita." (And My love for you is forever)
“Fear only two: God, and the man who has no fear of God.”
LEFTOVERS
Mark 6:42-43
They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish.
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After all the drinking, eating and merry-making, all that is left would be leftovers. It has always been the case through these years – we would cook and prepare so much food that we cannot really consume them all. So, we share them with others – we invite our neighbors to eat with us, or we send some food to our relatives. In all, it gives us full satisfaction seeing bountiful blessings for the season and the coming new year.
In the bible, one of the most famous miracle story is the feeding of five-thousand. It was the end of the day, and people are hungry. It was getting dark, and maybe, children are crying and people are asking for food. Worse, the disciples doesn’t even know what to do. And Jesus, being a good host, “was moved with compassion for them”. “You give them something to eat”, He said. And something to eat, they found – five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus did not panicked – in fact, He never panics! He blessed the bread and the fish, and was able to feed the five-thousand.
And there were even leftovers! Jesus was showing us that not only does He solve our problems, He does it with more abundance than we could ask for or even imagine.
Almighty Father, I have been blessed with material things, as well as the blessing of having the Gospel of salvation. Yet, I still feel little desire to provide those same blessings to others. We are stewards of what You have given us and we have a responsibility to share with others the same thing that You have shared with us.
Oh Lord, feed us with Your words and love. You will provide for us, forever. Our job is to have faith that You will; to trust in You; and to pray without ceasing so we may live in Your love.
“Another year, another Christmas
May the memories still linger in our mind
As constant reminders of how the Lord loves us
As yesterday, today and for years to come.”
Giving is the only proof that you have overcome greed.
They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish.
---------------------------------------------------
After all the drinking, eating and merry-making, all that is left would be leftovers. It has always been the case through these years – we would cook and prepare so much food that we cannot really consume them all. So, we share them with others – we invite our neighbors to eat with us, or we send some food to our relatives. In all, it gives us full satisfaction seeing bountiful blessings for the season and the coming new year.
In the bible, one of the most famous miracle story is the feeding of five-thousand. It was the end of the day, and people are hungry. It was getting dark, and maybe, children are crying and people are asking for food. Worse, the disciples doesn’t even know what to do. And Jesus, being a good host, “was moved with compassion for them”. “You give them something to eat”, He said. And something to eat, they found – five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus did not panicked – in fact, He never panics! He blessed the bread and the fish, and was able to feed the five-thousand.
And there were even leftovers! Jesus was showing us that not only does He solve our problems, He does it with more abundance than we could ask for or even imagine.
Almighty Father, I have been blessed with material things, as well as the blessing of having the Gospel of salvation. Yet, I still feel little desire to provide those same blessings to others. We are stewards of what You have given us and we have a responsibility to share with others the same thing that You have shared with us.
Oh Lord, feed us with Your words and love. You will provide for us, forever. Our job is to have faith that You will; to trust in You; and to pray without ceasing so we may live in Your love.
“Another year, another Christmas
May the memories still linger in our mind
As constant reminders of how the Lord loves us
As yesterday, today and for years to come.”
Giving is the only proof that you have overcome greed.
Monday, January 5, 2009
A WALK WITH THE LORD
1 John 3:24
Those who keep his commandments remain in Him, and He in them, and the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit whom He gave us.
---------------------------------------------------
Every morning, I would take Momo (our family dog) for a walk along the mini-park. Most of the time, there would be other dogs around. Momo would start wagging her tail and run towards them. In the process, she would pull the cable-leash, somewhat dragging me in the process. I would allow her to socialize for a while, while I just stand there.
After some time, I would then start pulling her, as if telling her that it is time to go. And she would respond accordingly, and start walking away from the other dogs, maybe telling herself that there is nothing that she can do now. She has to follow me back to the house.
In the bible, Jesus repeated over and over again, “Follow me”. Maybe we would ask, “Is he expecting to find a dog-mentality in us? Is he trying to foster a dog-mentality in us? Does Christian discipleship reduce us to being a "camp-follower" of Jesus? OF COURSE, NOT! Our Lord’s “Follow me” is an invitation – to a life full of love, for God and others, up to a point that we abandon ourselves. Hence, following Him also means being admitted to the Kingdom of God, totally abandoning the devil and his cohorts. Jesus is “pulling your cable-leash”, so are you ready to heed his invitation and follow Him, walking the same road with Him?
Lord Jesus, invite me to follow You, for You have been faithful and obedient to the Father. Your love to God was greater than all of things in this earth, even more important than Your life, crying out in agony, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me! Yet, let not my will but yours be done”.
Oh Lord, we grab the opportunity to walk on the same road with You today. Let us forever serve in love and faith, rejoicing and shouting for joy and being glad, for we know that You are our Master, forever and ever.
“My life is spent following You
Walking the same road, alongside with You.”
I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.
Those who keep his commandments remain in Him, and He in them, and the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit whom He gave us.
---------------------------------------------------
Every morning, I would take Momo (our family dog) for a walk along the mini-park. Most of the time, there would be other dogs around. Momo would start wagging her tail and run towards them. In the process, she would pull the cable-leash, somewhat dragging me in the process. I would allow her to socialize for a while, while I just stand there.
After some time, I would then start pulling her, as if telling her that it is time to go. And she would respond accordingly, and start walking away from the other dogs, maybe telling herself that there is nothing that she can do now. She has to follow me back to the house.
In the bible, Jesus repeated over and over again, “Follow me”. Maybe we would ask, “Is he expecting to find a dog-mentality in us? Is he trying to foster a dog-mentality in us? Does Christian discipleship reduce us to being a "camp-follower" of Jesus? OF COURSE, NOT! Our Lord’s “Follow me” is an invitation – to a life full of love, for God and others, up to a point that we abandon ourselves. Hence, following Him also means being admitted to the Kingdom of God, totally abandoning the devil and his cohorts. Jesus is “pulling your cable-leash”, so are you ready to heed his invitation and follow Him, walking the same road with Him?
Lord Jesus, invite me to follow You, for You have been faithful and obedient to the Father. Your love to God was greater than all of things in this earth, even more important than Your life, crying out in agony, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me! Yet, let not my will but yours be done”.
Oh Lord, we grab the opportunity to walk on the same road with You today. Let us forever serve in love and faith, rejoicing and shouting for joy and being glad, for we know that You are our Master, forever and ever.
“My life is spent following You
Walking the same road, alongside with You.”
I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
SHINING STAR
The Epiphany of the Lord
Matthew 2:10-11
They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.
------------------------------------------------------
When we try to go to place that we do not know, we normally ask for a map. The map will serve us our guide so we can reach the destination at the least possible time, without the risk of getting lost, as much as possible.
Armed only with the knowledge written through a prophet – “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah… from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel” – and His illuminating star – “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” – the magi from the east embarked on a journey to pay their respect to the newborn King.
“The light that shone in the night at Christmas illuminating the Bethlehem Grotto, where Mary, Joseph and the shepherds remained in silent adoration, shines out today and is manifested to all. The Epiphany is a mystery of light, symbolically suggested by the star that guided the Magi on their journey. The true source of light, however, the "sun that rises from on high", is Christ.”
“The shepherds, together with Mary and Joseph, represent that "remnant of Israel", the poor, the anawim, to whom the Good News was proclaimed. Finally, Christ's brightness shines out, reaching the Magi who are the first-fruits of the pagan peoples, signifying that Jesus is Lord of the Gentiles, too.” ( by His Holiness Benedict XVI, 2006)
Like the Three Kings seeking the Lord by the light of a star, let us draw ourselves ever closer to Him by the light of Faith. Let Him help us to desire for Him, constantly seeking His love. May He give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from Him. May we, like the Magi, give ourselves to Him. May the new year be blessed for all.
Let us pray +
May the transforming acceptance of Mary and Joseph, the imagination of the shepherds, and the persistence of the wise men guide us as we seek the Truth, always moving toward the Divine promise of salvation. Amen +
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Matthew 2:10-11
They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.
------------------------------------------------------
When we try to go to place that we do not know, we normally ask for a map. The map will serve us our guide so we can reach the destination at the least possible time, without the risk of getting lost, as much as possible.
Armed only with the knowledge written through a prophet – “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah… from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel” – and His illuminating star – “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” – the magi from the east embarked on a journey to pay their respect to the newborn King.
“The light that shone in the night at Christmas illuminating the Bethlehem Grotto, where Mary, Joseph and the shepherds remained in silent adoration, shines out today and is manifested to all. The Epiphany is a mystery of light, symbolically suggested by the star that guided the Magi on their journey. The true source of light, however, the "sun that rises from on high", is Christ.”
“The shepherds, together with Mary and Joseph, represent that "remnant of Israel", the poor, the anawim, to whom the Good News was proclaimed. Finally, Christ's brightness shines out, reaching the Magi who are the first-fruits of the pagan peoples, signifying that Jesus is Lord of the Gentiles, too.” ( by His Holiness Benedict XVI, 2006)
Like the Three Kings seeking the Lord by the light of a star, let us draw ourselves ever closer to Him by the light of Faith. Let Him help us to desire for Him, constantly seeking His love. May He give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from Him. May we, like the Magi, give ourselves to Him. May the new year be blessed for all.
Let us pray +
May the transforming acceptance of Mary and Joseph, the imagination of the shepherds, and the persistence of the wise men guide us as we seek the Truth, always moving toward the Divine promise of salvation. Amen +
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
WE ARE HIS CHILDREN
1 John 2:29
If you consider that God is righteous, you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness is begotten by Him.
---------------------------------------------------
It has been a standard greeting among us Filipinos, especially for people we have not seen for quite a while. As a child, whenever I go my aunts, uncles, grandparents on Christmas or New Year, they would always exclaim, “Wow, ang laki-laki mo na” or “Binatang-binata ka na, ah” (“Wow, you’re all grown-up!”). Most of the time, it does refer to having grown physically. And, throughout the day being with them, additional comments can also be heard (“You are still naughty”, “You are still childish”, “You are wise, just like your father”).
Such comments can increase our self-esteem, for we know that other people recognize us and the traits that are within us. And as we go through life, those comments may make or break us, depending on how we accepted those impressions. Better to look at them positively and use as guides on improving ourselves.
Similarly, as we go through our Christian life, isn’t it great also that our God, the Father, could say the same comments – that we have grown in His love and act in righteousness, such that we are really worthy to be called His children. “We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope based on Him makes himself pure, as He is pure.”
Almighty Father, I am Your child and will remain forever to be in and with You. Let me grow in You, in Your mercy and in Your love so when it is time to see You face to face, You can truly exclaim that I have changed by acting in righteousness, making myself pure, though knowing that I am not perfect in Your eyes.
Oh Lord, grant us forgiveness for all the sins we have committed. Grant us the love that we may be called Your children, as we remain in You forever and ever.
“My life remains in Him, forever
And His love is bestowed on us, for we are His children.”
God pours His love into our hearts, so it may flow out to others.
If you consider that God is righteous, you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness is begotten by Him.
---------------------------------------------------
It has been a standard greeting among us Filipinos, especially for people we have not seen for quite a while. As a child, whenever I go my aunts, uncles, grandparents on Christmas or New Year, they would always exclaim, “Wow, ang laki-laki mo na” or “Binatang-binata ka na, ah” (“Wow, you’re all grown-up!”). Most of the time, it does refer to having grown physically. And, throughout the day being with them, additional comments can also be heard (“You are still naughty”, “You are still childish”, “You are wise, just like your father”).
Such comments can increase our self-esteem, for we know that other people recognize us and the traits that are within us. And as we go through life, those comments may make or break us, depending on how we accepted those impressions. Better to look at them positively and use as guides on improving ourselves.
Similarly, as we go through our Christian life, isn’t it great also that our God, the Father, could say the same comments – that we have grown in His love and act in righteousness, such that we are really worthy to be called His children. “We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope based on Him makes himself pure, as He is pure.”
Almighty Father, I am Your child and will remain forever to be in and with You. Let me grow in You, in Your mercy and in Your love so when it is time to see You face to face, You can truly exclaim that I have changed by acting in righteousness, making myself pure, though knowing that I am not perfect in Your eyes.
Oh Lord, grant us forgiveness for all the sins we have committed. Grant us the love that we may be called Your children, as we remain in You forever and ever.
“My life remains in Him, forever
And His love is bestowed on us, for we are His children.”
God pours His love into our hearts, so it may flow out to others.
Friday, January 2, 2009
FOREVER WITH HIM
1 John 2:24
Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.
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I can say that I am good at math. Since my elementary days, math is my favorite subject, and I believe I have not got a grade lower than 88. I even “conquered” algebra, trigonometry and calculus with ease. So, at first I can’t understand why my son has a hard time dealing with math. The explanation given to me by his teacher is that “he is afraid of numbers” – just like some of us afraid of heights, afraid of spiders, afraid of water, afraid of being alone.
So the first thing I have to do is to remove that fear. I told him that what is important is to remember, at heart, the four fundamental operations of “My Dear Aunt Sally.” Also, he must note that math or numbers are constant things. What you heard or learned in elementary will be the same things that you will hear or learn in college. “Two plus two” is four – yesterday, today and ten-thousand years from now! But the president of the Philippines is different in 1940, and may be different tomorrow. If he knows the number by heart, then he knows math forever.
In his first letter to the early Christian communities, John specifically ask them to remain in God – “If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.” And as true Christians, we must keep His name and His promises in our hearts, for God is the only true God – yesterday, today and ten-thousand years from now – even forever!
Almighty Father, I am with You forever. You are the Lord yesterday, today and until the end of time. Your teachings are righteous and true and shall forever guide me, so no one may deceive me and take me away from You. I am Yours and You are mine, forever.
Oh Lord, grant us peace this new year. May we forever receive the blessings from You as we await in joyful hope for Your second coming. My life remains in You, forever. For You kindles my heart with joy everlasting. Amen +
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.
--------------------------------------------------------
I can say that I am good at math. Since my elementary days, math is my favorite subject, and I believe I have not got a grade lower than 88. I even “conquered” algebra, trigonometry and calculus with ease. So, at first I can’t understand why my son has a hard time dealing with math. The explanation given to me by his teacher is that “he is afraid of numbers” – just like some of us afraid of heights, afraid of spiders, afraid of water, afraid of being alone.
So the first thing I have to do is to remove that fear. I told him that what is important is to remember, at heart, the four fundamental operations of “My Dear Aunt Sally.” Also, he must note that math or numbers are constant things. What you heard or learned in elementary will be the same things that you will hear or learn in college. “Two plus two” is four – yesterday, today and ten-thousand years from now! But the president of the Philippines is different in 1940, and may be different tomorrow. If he knows the number by heart, then he knows math forever.
In his first letter to the early Christian communities, John specifically ask them to remain in God – “If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.” And as true Christians, we must keep His name and His promises in our hearts, for God is the only true God – yesterday, today and ten-thousand years from now – even forever!
Almighty Father, I am with You forever. You are the Lord yesterday, today and until the end of time. Your teachings are righteous and true and shall forever guide me, so no one may deceive me and take me away from You. I am Yours and You are mine, forever.
Oh Lord, grant us peace this new year. May we forever receive the blessings from You as we await in joyful hope for Your second coming. My life remains in You, forever. For You kindles my heart with joy everlasting. Amen +
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
PEACE IN THE NEW YEAR
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Numbers 6:24-26
The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
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A New Year. A New Hope. A New Heart.
For some, this event is no more than a change of a calendar. For others, the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow. So, if you look forward to a good year ahead, spread happiness with these encouraging Bible verses chosen to inspire a fresh new walk with the Lord and a deeper commitment to living our Christian faith.
As we welcome the New Year, me and my family wishes all of you:
A NEW HOPE (Romans 15:13)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
A NEW HEART (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
A NEW LIFE (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.
A BETTER FUTURE (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
A GOOD HEALTH (3 John 1:2)
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in health; I know that it is well with your soul.
… AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR (Proverbs 22:4)
The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.
May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
Numbers 6:24-26
The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
--------------------------------------------------------
A New Year. A New Hope. A New Heart.
For some, this event is no more than a change of a calendar. For others, the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow. So, if you look forward to a good year ahead, spread happiness with these encouraging Bible verses chosen to inspire a fresh new walk with the Lord and a deeper commitment to living our Christian faith.
As we welcome the New Year, me and my family wishes all of you:
A NEW HOPE (Romans 15:13)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
A NEW HEART (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
A NEW LIFE (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.
A BETTER FUTURE (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
A GOOD HEALTH (3 John 1:2)
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in health; I know that it is well with your soul.
… AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR (Proverbs 22:4)
The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.
May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
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