John 6:51
I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever…
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Junk foods – we indulge in them, once in a while. It contains high levels of fat, salt, sugar and numerous food additives. It is lacking in proteins, vitamins and fiber, among other healthy attributes. Yet, they are very popular because it is easy to purchase, requires little or no preparation, is convenient to consume and has lots of flavor. We know that junk foods has been associated with obesity, some diseases and dental cavities, still, we enjoy eating them.
In our lives, we also tend to enjoy spiritual junk foods – fame, money, power, prestige. We indulge in them for they are good physically. In exchange, we experience spiritual malnutrition. We become obese with sins, afflicted with spiritual diseases like lust, pride and gluttony. And the more we indulge with them, the more we enjoy doing them. And the more we enjoy them, the more the devil likes it and give us more until we ended up sick and lonesome – away from the Lord.
Let us be reminded that everything we have and will have did not come from anyone or from ourselves, but from the One above who continually blesses us so we may share them with others. He is the BREAD OF LIFE. He is not the flavor of the day. Not the ice cream that will melt. Not the stale crumbs, not the food that we crave. But the nourishment our souls need. And the only way we can know that nourishment, the only way we can be part of this bread of life, is to give our heart, our whole heart, over and over and over again, to God. It’s not a one time thing; it’s a daily, hourly practice. Because we want what we want, not what we need.
Kick out all our cravings for junks. Accept the bread He offers and it would be enough. And that is what we need and what we shall want.
Lord Jesus, You are the bread of life, giving us courage to face the addictions around us. Your love is the most powerful force in the world. And in my sorrow, I can only cling to that love, and offer that same love to people trying to be just like You and just like me to have faith. You are the bread of Life, and in You, it will have to be enough.
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
WILL OF GOD
John 6:38-39
I came down from heaven not to do My own will but the will of the One who sent Me… that I should not lose anything of what He gave me, but that I should raise it (on) the last day.
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Somebody took my bike away. I do not know how it happened. I looked for it all around, but it’s not there anymore. I went home crying. On the way home, the thought of being scolded and grounded by my father plays repeatedly on my mind. Upon reaching the house, my father saw me crying and hugged me. He already had a hint of what happened. He just said, “I am glad that only the bike was lost and you returned back alive and safe”. The thought of being loved brings into us great joy. That instance instilled in my mind one important thing – that material things are nothing; loving and caring for someone is everything.
The love of God is pure, unadulterated one. God loves us so much that he sent his only Son to become one of us and to save the human race. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the ransom so we can be with Him again. In His resurrection, the promise of salvation was fulfilled. And He takes care of us now and forever and will not let the devil take us away again.
However, we sometimes forget this. When we experience death or loss (lost the business, lost our house, lost a loved one), we ignore Him completely. We always thought that He was the one who let these happened in our lives. But instead of being “freed” from Him, we suffer more miseries. We suffer more setbacks. We indulged more in sins and the devil has once again owned our heart and our soul. Jesus will not let this happen further. He is there over and over again for us, loving us and trying to get us back again into His loving presence.
He will never lose you again, for you are more important to Him than anything else. Jesus opened the way for us to have eternal life. Be not afraid and come to Him. He is our joy forever.
Almighty Father, I am lost and it is hard to face up to the wrong that is in my life. When I feel Your forgiveness, I feel clean and good inside and so free to be what You want me to be. Help me feel this goodness, and strengthen me to forgive those who have wronged me.
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
I came down from heaven not to do My own will but the will of the One who sent Me… that I should not lose anything of what He gave me, but that I should raise it (on) the last day.
-----------------------------------------------
Somebody took my bike away. I do not know how it happened. I looked for it all around, but it’s not there anymore. I went home crying. On the way home, the thought of being scolded and grounded by my father plays repeatedly on my mind. Upon reaching the house, my father saw me crying and hugged me. He already had a hint of what happened. He just said, “I am glad that only the bike was lost and you returned back alive and safe”. The thought of being loved brings into us great joy. That instance instilled in my mind one important thing – that material things are nothing; loving and caring for someone is everything.
The love of God is pure, unadulterated one. God loves us so much that he sent his only Son to become one of us and to save the human race. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the ransom so we can be with Him again. In His resurrection, the promise of salvation was fulfilled. And He takes care of us now and forever and will not let the devil take us away again.
However, we sometimes forget this. When we experience death or loss (lost the business, lost our house, lost a loved one), we ignore Him completely. We always thought that He was the one who let these happened in our lives. But instead of being “freed” from Him, we suffer more miseries. We suffer more setbacks. We indulged more in sins and the devil has once again owned our heart and our soul. Jesus will not let this happen further. He is there over and over again for us, loving us and trying to get us back again into His loving presence.
He will never lose you again, for you are more important to Him than anything else. Jesus opened the way for us to have eternal life. Be not afraid and come to Him. He is our joy forever.
Almighty Father, I am lost and it is hard to face up to the wrong that is in my life. When I feel Your forgiveness, I feel clean and good inside and so free to be what You want me to be. Help me feel this goodness, and strengthen me to forgive those who have wronged me.
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
BREAD OF LIFE
John 6:35
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.”
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In the Philippines, there is one bread that is called the “poor man’s bread”. It is called the “pandesal” which is loosely translated as “salt bread”. A typical Filipino breakfast will have this pandesal on the table – served either with jam, butter, margarine, cheese or condensed milk. For some poorer families, they would just dip the pandesal in a cup of coffee – just like oreo cookies. This is one reason why we like it. On its own, it already has its distinct flavor especially when eaten hot.
Filipino tradition is filled with many food experiences, starting from the simplest one like the pandesal up to the most exotic ones, like “balut”. Simlarly, Jesus’ ministry was built on the rich foundation of many stories of feeding and being fed. There is the Last Supper, the feeding of five-thousand, the breakfast at the beach after His resurrection, the dinner with Zaccheus, dinner at Martha and Mary’s house and so on. And during this banquets, He would tell about His greatest parables or teachings about God and the promise of salvation.
Just as the Jews received manna from heaven in their long trek towards the promised land, Jesus is giving us Himself as the bread of life. As the Lord God sustained the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years with manna from heaven, Jesus is sustaining us through Him. It is in the wilderness of the desert as in the wilderness of our souls that we hunger. There is a continuous tension or hunger in our hearts, choosing between good and evil. And somewhere in the midst of that tension we find the bread of life: not just manna from God, not the flesh of Christ, but the Bread of Life, the Bread that brings life – Jesus. He is the pandesal of our lives – delicious, flavorful, satisfying the emptiness of our hearts and the hunger in our soul.
Almighty Father, we are in awe that Your love would reach down to save us in our sinful state. Your Son carried our guilt that You might accept us in Your holy presence. He has claimed us as members of His body which was offered. And now we eat this bread as a representation of sharing in His body. Thank you for this bread and for Christ's presence which we visualize in it. Thank you for bringing us into union with You in Him.
Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety.
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.”
---------------------------------------------
In the Philippines, there is one bread that is called the “poor man’s bread”. It is called the “pandesal” which is loosely translated as “salt bread”. A typical Filipino breakfast will have this pandesal on the table – served either with jam, butter, margarine, cheese or condensed milk. For some poorer families, they would just dip the pandesal in a cup of coffee – just like oreo cookies. This is one reason why we like it. On its own, it already has its distinct flavor especially when eaten hot.
Filipino tradition is filled with many food experiences, starting from the simplest one like the pandesal up to the most exotic ones, like “balut”. Simlarly, Jesus’ ministry was built on the rich foundation of many stories of feeding and being fed. There is the Last Supper, the feeding of five-thousand, the breakfast at the beach after His resurrection, the dinner with Zaccheus, dinner at Martha and Mary’s house and so on. And during this banquets, He would tell about His greatest parables or teachings about God and the promise of salvation.
Just as the Jews received manna from heaven in their long trek towards the promised land, Jesus is giving us Himself as the bread of life. As the Lord God sustained the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years with manna from heaven, Jesus is sustaining us through Him. It is in the wilderness of the desert as in the wilderness of our souls that we hunger. There is a continuous tension or hunger in our hearts, choosing between good and evil. And somewhere in the midst of that tension we find the bread of life: not just manna from God, not the flesh of Christ, but the Bread of Life, the Bread that brings life – Jesus. He is the pandesal of our lives – delicious, flavorful, satisfying the emptiness of our hearts and the hunger in our soul.
Almighty Father, we are in awe that Your love would reach down to save us in our sinful state. Your Son carried our guilt that You might accept us in Your holy presence. He has claimed us as members of His body which was offered. And now we eat this bread as a representation of sharing in His body. Thank you for this bread and for Christ's presence which we visualize in it. Thank you for bringing us into union with You in Him.
Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety.
Monday, April 27, 2009
WORK OF GOD
John 6:29
“This is the work of God, that you believe in the One He sent.”
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I have been watching American Idol and its Philippine counterpart – Pinoy Idol. It is really great watching talented individuals giving all their best. However, before these great winners became what they are now, they underwent grueling interviews, auditions, hours of practice, ridicules, excitement, joy and frustrations. Most would say that they are great fans of their idols. You can even see them imitating well-known singers and performers. They imitate them because they believe they are the greatest. They imitate them because they believe in what they do. They imitate them because they want to be them – or even better.
Jesus is our greatest idol. And we are His greatest fans. And we believe in Him not only because we read about Him. We idolize Him not just because we heard about Him. We are His greatest fans because we believe in everything that He stands for – love and peace!
As His greatest fans, it is only proper that we show this love to everyone. We should spend hours of reading His Words, accept being ridiculed, be excited in teaching others, share our joys and happiness and give back to Him our frustrations and disappointments, totally believing and trusting Him that everything will be alright.
We have not seen Jesus in person, and yet we put our faith in Him. It is by God’s grace that we have been given insight to ‘see’ spiritual things that our practical eyes can never see. That grace is given through our faith. And He calls us to give that “sight” to others so they may also receive His promise of love, peace and salvation. We can even be better, and He knows that and He believes we can. We are His chosen people. And by knowing that we should live our lives like His shall be our greatest source of joy and faith.
Almighty Father, I believe that You can do all things and I trust that in all things there is meaning and purpose. In You, I believe all things are possible. Everything will be alright, or even better, as I perform all the things You want me to do. I ask for the wisdom to serve you in all things I believe in You and I pray that my loved one will soon feel Your Grace.
Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
“This is the work of God, that you believe in the One He sent.”
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I have been watching American Idol and its Philippine counterpart – Pinoy Idol. It is really great watching talented individuals giving all their best. However, before these great winners became what they are now, they underwent grueling interviews, auditions, hours of practice, ridicules, excitement, joy and frustrations. Most would say that they are great fans of their idols. You can even see them imitating well-known singers and performers. They imitate them because they believe they are the greatest. They imitate them because they believe in what they do. They imitate them because they want to be them – or even better.
Jesus is our greatest idol. And we are His greatest fans. And we believe in Him not only because we read about Him. We idolize Him not just because we heard about Him. We are His greatest fans because we believe in everything that He stands for – love and peace!
As His greatest fans, it is only proper that we show this love to everyone. We should spend hours of reading His Words, accept being ridiculed, be excited in teaching others, share our joys and happiness and give back to Him our frustrations and disappointments, totally believing and trusting Him that everything will be alright.
We have not seen Jesus in person, and yet we put our faith in Him. It is by God’s grace that we have been given insight to ‘see’ spiritual things that our practical eyes can never see. That grace is given through our faith. And He calls us to give that “sight” to others so they may also receive His promise of love, peace and salvation. We can even be better, and He knows that and He believes we can. We are His chosen people. And by knowing that we should live our lives like His shall be our greatest source of joy and faith.
Almighty Father, I believe that You can do all things and I trust that in all things there is meaning and purpose. In You, I believe all things are possible. Everything will be alright, or even better, as I perform all the things You want me to do. I ask for the wisdom to serve you in all things I believe in You and I pray that my loved one will soon feel Your Grace.
Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
BE STILL
Luke 24:36
"Peace be with you."
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There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them. One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror, for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.
The other picture had mountains too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest... perfect peace.
Which picture do you think won the prize? The King chose the second picture. Do you know why? "Because," explained the King, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."
Oh Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. My heart beats for You forever and calmness fills my soul, so I will never feel troubled; neither would I be afraid. And since we have been justified by faith, we would forever be living in peace with the Almighty Father through You.
Almighty Father, Your peace You have given us, and Your peace we share with each other. In the midst of conflicts, war and disagreements, we would be thankful for the strength You have given us.
“The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits me.”
Lord, let your face shine on us.
"Peace be with you."
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There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them. One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror, for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.
The other picture had mountains too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest... perfect peace.
Which picture do you think won the prize? The King chose the second picture. Do you know why? "Because," explained the King, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."
Oh Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. My heart beats for You forever and calmness fills my soul, so I will never feel troubled; neither would I be afraid. And since we have been justified by faith, we would forever be living in peace with the Almighty Father through You.
Almighty Father, Your peace You have given us, and Your peace we share with each other. In the midst of conflicts, war and disagreements, we would be thankful for the strength You have given us.
“The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits me.”
Lord, let your face shine on us.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
BEAUTIFUL
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
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All are ready – the transportation, the food, the tomb, the map. And then it rained. Mama’s funeral was punctuated by rain. Many said that the heaven is crying because Mama is now gone. I would think otherwise. It rained because Mama is crying for us all. She is now in heaven and yet she worries that she would never see us again. She is crying because she now sees the unrepented sins in our hearts. We can always cry our hearts out for losing her, but she cries out more for us.
Jesus did not come to this earth to make it a better place to live, to offer fun and recreation to mankind. He did not die upon that cruel cross in order for man to have a good time. He died to save us. He died so Mama would be heaven today. He died so we can win heaven and be with Mama again in heaven. Isn’t it sweet? Isn’t it beautiful?
“To whom shall we go?” You, and I need, someone to whom we must go. Someone who is dependable and trustworthy. Someone who can meet our every need. Jesus is the answer. He offers what no one else can offer. He can give you hope. He can bestow upon you spiritual blessings. He can give you freedom from sins. He can bring you home to the Heavenly Father when our days on this earth are finished.
“To whom shall we go?” The only one is Christ.
“Are we ready?” The only answer is “Yes”.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, only You can satisfy our needs. Only to you shall we go. For your Spirit gives life; the words You have spoken heals us. We accept Your invitation of being in Your love forever.
Amen +
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
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All are ready – the transportation, the food, the tomb, the map. And then it rained. Mama’s funeral was punctuated by rain. Many said that the heaven is crying because Mama is now gone. I would think otherwise. It rained because Mama is crying for us all. She is now in heaven and yet she worries that she would never see us again. She is crying because she now sees the unrepented sins in our hearts. We can always cry our hearts out for losing her, but she cries out more for us.
Jesus did not come to this earth to make it a better place to live, to offer fun and recreation to mankind. He did not die upon that cruel cross in order for man to have a good time. He died to save us. He died so Mama would be heaven today. He died so we can win heaven and be with Mama again in heaven. Isn’t it sweet? Isn’t it beautiful?
“To whom shall we go?” You, and I need, someone to whom we must go. Someone who is dependable and trustworthy. Someone who can meet our every need. Jesus is the answer. He offers what no one else can offer. He can give you hope. He can bestow upon you spiritual blessings. He can give you freedom from sins. He can bring you home to the Heavenly Father when our days on this earth are finished.
“To whom shall we go?” The only one is Christ.
“Are we ready?” The only answer is “Yes”.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, only You can satisfy our needs. Only to you shall we go. For your Spirit gives life; the words You have spoken heals us. We accept Your invitation of being in Your love forever.
Amen +
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Friday, April 24, 2009
BESTOWED
Acts 2:24
The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
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During Mama’s last days, she was already bed-ridden in the hospital. Doctors would still see to her but they explained that we already have to prepare for the worse. She is just too tired to go on with her earthly life. Our Creator is waiting for her already and she was ready to join Him.
If we believe that people like doctors could make our lives better, or even make us alive again after those lingering illnesses, why can’t we show that same belief in trust in the Lord? This is simply mind-boggling. Our belief is that if things aren't going well, God has abandoned us or is punishing us. But, I would tell you, this is not true. Being a Christian is very likely going to bring us trials and distress and suffering. And when these things happen to us, we need to feel closer to God.
Believe me, I'm not speaking in the abstract here - I experience the death of my father and my mother and it wasn't easy. But during those experiences, I have never felt closer to the Lord - His presence is very strong, in the midst of our suffering, and I have seen a great deal of good come from it. God took on the flesh of man so He can share in our sufferings. And until now, He is doing it. Jesus is always here with us now - crying with us, sharing in our suffering. For it was by His suffering in the cross that we are saved. And His death bestowed on us the accomplishment of God’s promise of eternal life.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You sacrificed Your son so that we and our children would live beyond physical death. We know that You grieved when He was crucified and that You grieve over all the atrocities done by men -- especially in Your name. Lift up our hearts to you and fill us with your peace. Your understanding is beyond our comprehension, but give us the knowledge and faith to endure even that which we cannot understand. You will always be our God, and that Your Love is Life that can never really be taken away. Amen +
One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
-----------------------------------------
During Mama’s last days, she was already bed-ridden in the hospital. Doctors would still see to her but they explained that we already have to prepare for the worse. She is just too tired to go on with her earthly life. Our Creator is waiting for her already and she was ready to join Him.
If we believe that people like doctors could make our lives better, or even make us alive again after those lingering illnesses, why can’t we show that same belief in trust in the Lord? This is simply mind-boggling. Our belief is that if things aren't going well, God has abandoned us or is punishing us. But, I would tell you, this is not true. Being a Christian is very likely going to bring us trials and distress and suffering. And when these things happen to us, we need to feel closer to God.
Believe me, I'm not speaking in the abstract here - I experience the death of my father and my mother and it wasn't easy. But during those experiences, I have never felt closer to the Lord - His presence is very strong, in the midst of our suffering, and I have seen a great deal of good come from it. God took on the flesh of man so He can share in our sufferings. And until now, He is doing it. Jesus is always here with us now - crying with us, sharing in our suffering. For it was by His suffering in the cross that we are saved. And His death bestowed on us the accomplishment of God’s promise of eternal life.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You sacrificed Your son so that we and our children would live beyond physical death. We know that You grieved when He was crucified and that You grieve over all the atrocities done by men -- especially in Your name. Lift up our hearts to you and fill us with your peace. Your understanding is beyond our comprehension, but give us the knowledge and faith to endure even that which we cannot understand. You will always be our God, and that Your Love is Life that can never really be taken away. Amen +
One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
BEGINNINGS
John 3:36
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon Him.”
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Eternal life. Life after death. Resurrection. Many have heard the words, but so few understood their real meaning and what it really means to our spiritual life.
Death puts an end to human life, as we know it. But, it also open another one with the opportunity of seeing God face to face and live in His love forever and ever. The New Testament speaks of judgment primarily in its aspect of the final encounter with Christ in His second coming, but also repeatedly affirms that each of us will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith. The parable of the poor man Lazarus and the words of Christ on the cross to the good thief, as well as other New Testament texts speak of a final destiny of the soul - a destiny which can be different for some and for others.
Jesus is the eternal life. It is knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent so we may be saved. If you have Jesus, you have this life, but if you do not have Jesus you do not have this life. Jesus is the only way to God the Father and eternal life.
Deep in your heart, you can hear the Lord calling us to sell - “get rid of” - those things that prevent us from acquiring the real purpose for our existence - the real treasures that we are to store for ourselves in the kingdom of heaven. If you dare to ask the question, “What must I do to attain eternal life?” be aware, because deep down inside you already know the answer.
Almighty Father, in glorifying Jesus and sending us your Spirit, You open the way to eternal life. May my sharing in this Gift increase my love
and make my faith grow stronger. Send Your Spirit to cleanse my life
so that the offering of myself to You may please You and may my sharing in the Eucharist, our Bread of Life, bring me eternal life.
“Through Your death, you have purchased for us eternal life
By believing in You, You have given us eternal life.”
Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the LORD delivers him.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon Him.”
-----------------------------------------
Eternal life. Life after death. Resurrection. Many have heard the words, but so few understood their real meaning and what it really means to our spiritual life.
Death puts an end to human life, as we know it. But, it also open another one with the opportunity of seeing God face to face and live in His love forever and ever. The New Testament speaks of judgment primarily in its aspect of the final encounter with Christ in His second coming, but also repeatedly affirms that each of us will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith. The parable of the poor man Lazarus and the words of Christ on the cross to the good thief, as well as other New Testament texts speak of a final destiny of the soul - a destiny which can be different for some and for others.
Jesus is the eternal life. It is knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent so we may be saved. If you have Jesus, you have this life, but if you do not have Jesus you do not have this life. Jesus is the only way to God the Father and eternal life.
Deep in your heart, you can hear the Lord calling us to sell - “get rid of” - those things that prevent us from acquiring the real purpose for our existence - the real treasures that we are to store for ourselves in the kingdom of heaven. If you dare to ask the question, “What must I do to attain eternal life?” be aware, because deep down inside you already know the answer.
Almighty Father, in glorifying Jesus and sending us your Spirit, You open the way to eternal life. May my sharing in this Gift increase my love
and make my faith grow stronger. Send Your Spirit to cleanse my life
so that the offering of myself to You may please You and may my sharing in the Eucharist, our Bread of Life, bring me eternal life.
“Through Your death, you have purchased for us eternal life
By believing in You, You have given us eternal life.”
Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the LORD delivers him.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
BELOVED
John 3:21
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
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By the time you are reading this, I am again in an airplane, maybe sleeping, maybe watching a movie, back to the Philippines. I want to join my wife in her moment of sorrow. I should have been with her from the start, but the “call of duty” prevented me to do so. We all know that Mama has joined our Creator, living in a place as what Jesus has promised. No doubt there are many truths which an unconverted man does know. He may know the truths of mathematics and arithmetic - he may know many of the common everyday truths; but still it cannot be said that an unconverted man knows the truth, for Christ is the truth.
Jesus is the light of the world. No matter how tough the times are, no matter what indignities we must suffer in this life, someday the indignities will end and Jesus’ triumph will be revealed. He is calling each one of us to live our lives in total obedience to God. Let our lives be a living example for others so they, themselves, may experience the joy and happiness of being with God through us. When we come and believe in Him, and keep coming and keep believing in Him, we grow into an intimate relationship with God. Let His light shine through our lives. He is the truth, believe in Him
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, our Way, our Truth and our Life, we respond to your holy will and reach the heavenly glory to which you call us and to carry out our daily tasks in love and fidelity to our Christian vocation. We promise and commit ourselves to seek only and always the spread of your kingdom of love and peace. We trust that you will give us the spirit, grace and knowledge as means for doing good so others may see what we are doing is clearly done in and for the glory of God.
Amen +
“For the whole world, Jesus is the a bright light
Believe in Him, follow Him, He is the light of life.”
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall be ever in my mouth.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
-------------------------------------------
By the time you are reading this, I am again in an airplane, maybe sleeping, maybe watching a movie, back to the Philippines. I want to join my wife in her moment of sorrow. I should have been with her from the start, but the “call of duty” prevented me to do so. We all know that Mama has joined our Creator, living in a place as what Jesus has promised. No doubt there are many truths which an unconverted man does know. He may know the truths of mathematics and arithmetic - he may know many of the common everyday truths; but still it cannot be said that an unconverted man knows the truth, for Christ is the truth.
Jesus is the light of the world. No matter how tough the times are, no matter what indignities we must suffer in this life, someday the indignities will end and Jesus’ triumph will be revealed. He is calling each one of us to live our lives in total obedience to God. Let our lives be a living example for others so they, themselves, may experience the joy and happiness of being with God through us. When we come and believe in Him, and keep coming and keep believing in Him, we grow into an intimate relationship with God. Let His light shine through our lives. He is the truth, believe in Him
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, our Way, our Truth and our Life, we respond to your holy will and reach the heavenly glory to which you call us and to carry out our daily tasks in love and fidelity to our Christian vocation. We promise and commit ourselves to seek only and always the spread of your kingdom of love and peace. We trust that you will give us the spirit, grace and knowledge as means for doing good so others may see what we are doing is clearly done in and for the glory of God.
Amen +
“For the whole world, Jesus is the a bright light
Believe in Him, follow Him, He is the light of life.”
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
BELIEVED
John 3:14-15
“…just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.”
--------------------------------------------
It was 7 o’clock in the morning. We are all gathered in the school ground waiting for the start of the morning ceremony. We all stood straight, the right palm on our breast, right in front of the heart. And we sang, with gusto, the national anthem, while looking upward to the Philippine flag. It is to show respect to our country, being symbolized by the flag. It is to uplift our spirit of nationality, so as long as we live, we may serve our country to the best of our ability. Look up, young man… Look up!!!
In the gospel today, Jesus made a hint about His upcoming death. He likened it to what happened centuries ago in the time of Moses. When the nation of Israel was invaded by fiery serpents, God told Moses to raise a brass serpent on a pole. Everyone that looked at the serpent lifted up on the pole was healed. It was a long pole often with a cross bar near the top to hold the ensign or flag of the tribe or military unit, used as “a rallying point or standard which drew people together for some common action.” And people once gain believed that God is alive.
And in the new testament, it was Jesus who was lifted up. He was crucified, suffered and died so our sins may be forgiven. Jesus had to be lifted up on the cross so that he could heal us of our sins. Just as the brass serpent was raised on the pole for the healing of Israel, so Jesus was raised on the cross for the healing of the world.
Jesus loves you just as much as he did Nicodemus. Even though we follow Jesus in faith, it is not a blind faith. Over the years, God has shown us time after time how He has His hand on us: whether it was his protecting hand, his healing hand, or his strengthening hand. We must always walk in faith. But we have seen God perform his wonders in our life so many times, that we learn to trust him along the way.
Lord Jesus, when I look at You on that cross, may I be like Nicodemus in understanding and believing You. You were lifted up on that cross for us. You were lifted up on that cross to heal us from all our sins. We believe in You for You alone is the Lord, our salvation, the giver of eternal life.
The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
“…just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.”
--------------------------------------------
It was 7 o’clock in the morning. We are all gathered in the school ground waiting for the start of the morning ceremony. We all stood straight, the right palm on our breast, right in front of the heart. And we sang, with gusto, the national anthem, while looking upward to the Philippine flag. It is to show respect to our country, being symbolized by the flag. It is to uplift our spirit of nationality, so as long as we live, we may serve our country to the best of our ability. Look up, young man… Look up!!!
In the gospel today, Jesus made a hint about His upcoming death. He likened it to what happened centuries ago in the time of Moses. When the nation of Israel was invaded by fiery serpents, God told Moses to raise a brass serpent on a pole. Everyone that looked at the serpent lifted up on the pole was healed. It was a long pole often with a cross bar near the top to hold the ensign or flag of the tribe or military unit, used as “a rallying point or standard which drew people together for some common action.” And people once gain believed that God is alive.
And in the new testament, it was Jesus who was lifted up. He was crucified, suffered and died so our sins may be forgiven. Jesus had to be lifted up on the cross so that he could heal us of our sins. Just as the brass serpent was raised on the pole for the healing of Israel, so Jesus was raised on the cross for the healing of the world.
Jesus loves you just as much as he did Nicodemus. Even though we follow Jesus in faith, it is not a blind faith. Over the years, God has shown us time after time how He has His hand on us: whether it was his protecting hand, his healing hand, or his strengthening hand. We must always walk in faith. But we have seen God perform his wonders in our life so many times, that we learn to trust him along the way.
Lord Jesus, when I look at You on that cross, may I be like Nicodemus in understanding and believing You. You were lifted up on that cross for us. You were lifted up on that cross to heal us from all our sins. We believe in You for You alone is the Lord, our salvation, the giver of eternal life.
The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
Monday, April 20, 2009
BAPTIZED
John 3:5
“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God…”
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The Philippines is surrounded by water. The earth is 70% water and so our body. Water cleanses; water drowns; water refreshes. Water surrounds us in the womb; water is the main ingredient of the human body, and especially in the blood which carries the stuff our cells need for life. Water makes plant and animal life grow. Yet, without God's powerful, creative Word, water can do nothing to your spirit.
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.
So, when you are baptized, the Spirit acts through that Word and the water to cleanse you and drown the “old you”, surround and cushion you as your faith gestates, and carry Christ's presence into you. Baptism is a promise with a sign; a covenant of grace given to us in a way that we can see, hear, feel, and grasp. It is the promise of God's forgiveness, applied personally. It is also the gift of the Spirit's presence. When you're baptized, you're putting your life down a different road, getting off of the road of surrender to evil's power, and onto the road of the faith journey of surrender to the Spirit.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen +
Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God…”
----------------------------------------
The Philippines is surrounded by water. The earth is 70% water and so our body. Water cleanses; water drowns; water refreshes. Water surrounds us in the womb; water is the main ingredient of the human body, and especially in the blood which carries the stuff our cells need for life. Water makes plant and animal life grow. Yet, without God's powerful, creative Word, water can do nothing to your spirit.
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.
So, when you are baptized, the Spirit acts through that Word and the water to cleanse you and drown the “old you”, surround and cushion you as your faith gestates, and carry Christ's presence into you. Baptism is a promise with a sign; a covenant of grace given to us in a way that we can see, hear, feel, and grasp. It is the promise of God's forgiveness, applied personally. It is also the gift of the Spirit's presence. When you're baptized, you're putting your life down a different road, getting off of the road of surrender to evil's power, and onto the road of the faith journey of surrender to the Spirit.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen +
Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
EASTER BELIEVING
Divine Mercy Sunday
John 20:29
“Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
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If we do not believe because we have not seen it, we are called a doubting Thomas. We only tend to believe if we see it first-hand. This is what Thomas the disciple wanted when his fellow apostles told him that they have seen the risen Christ. He remarked, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Thomas, as pictured in the scripture, is a pessimist. When Jesus decided to return to the place near Jerusalem where Lazarus died, he exclaimed, “Yes, let's go there that we might die with him.” He fully knew that they are now being hunted by the Jewish authorities and will be condemned to death. And now, a week after the Lord’s resurrection, his pessimism persists.
All of these pessimisms simply vanished in the air, as soon as He saw Jesus. Thomas slips to his knees and says in awe, “My Lord and my God!” He uttered the greatest confession of faith recorded anywhere in the Bible. Doubting Thomas does not stay a doubter. When he sees the risen Jesus, all that Jesus has taught over the years now sinks in, and up to his death Thomas is an outspoken advocate for his Lord. Thomas traveled to the east coast of India, preaching relentlessly. He is killed near Mylapore about 72 AD, near present-day Madras. Tradition tells us that he is thrown into a pit, then pierced through with a spear.
He is speaking to us, doubters today, to those of us who have seen our hopes and dreams destroyed. He is telling us his story of his fears and doubts and how Jesus' life had changed everything. Let us exclaim our faith together with him, as we recount his joy at seeing and knowing the risen Jesus himself – “My Lord and my God!”
Lord Jesus, Saint Thomas doubted Your resurrection until he touched Your wounds. Once he was cured of his doubt, You freed him and he began the work You had called him to do. I ask him to pray for me when I question the direction in which You are leading me. Forgive me for mistrusting You, Lord, and help me to grow from the experience.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
John 20:29
“Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
----------------------------------------
If we do not believe because we have not seen it, we are called a doubting Thomas. We only tend to believe if we see it first-hand. This is what Thomas the disciple wanted when his fellow apostles told him that they have seen the risen Christ. He remarked, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Thomas, as pictured in the scripture, is a pessimist. When Jesus decided to return to the place near Jerusalem where Lazarus died, he exclaimed, “Yes, let's go there that we might die with him.” He fully knew that they are now being hunted by the Jewish authorities and will be condemned to death. And now, a week after the Lord’s resurrection, his pessimism persists.
All of these pessimisms simply vanished in the air, as soon as He saw Jesus. Thomas slips to his knees and says in awe, “My Lord and my God!” He uttered the greatest confession of faith recorded anywhere in the Bible. Doubting Thomas does not stay a doubter. When he sees the risen Jesus, all that Jesus has taught over the years now sinks in, and up to his death Thomas is an outspoken advocate for his Lord. Thomas traveled to the east coast of India, preaching relentlessly. He is killed near Mylapore about 72 AD, near present-day Madras. Tradition tells us that he is thrown into a pit, then pierced through with a spear.
He is speaking to us, doubters today, to those of us who have seen our hopes and dreams destroyed. He is telling us his story of his fears and doubts and how Jesus' life had changed everything. Let us exclaim our faith together with him, as we recount his joy at seeing and knowing the risen Jesus himself – “My Lord and my God!”
Lord Jesus, Saint Thomas doubted Your resurrection until he touched Your wounds. Once he was cured of his doubt, You freed him and he began the work You had called him to do. I ask him to pray for me when I question the direction in which You are leading me. Forgive me for mistrusting You, Lord, and help me to grow from the experience.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
EASTER WITNESSING
Acts 4:20
“It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
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My mother still remembered what happened. She saw a man entered our house… through the window. That man is looking for something. Fear crept through her body and pretended to be sleeping. The man then went downstairs, took some small things and when out through our main door. Afterwards, she immediately woke up my father and told him what happened. My father immediately called the police. The thief was caught as my mother was able to recognize his face (and he was a neighbor!). She witnessed it and her story was enough to have that man jailed.
The disciples of Jesus, after receiving the Holy Spirit, have started sharing the good news. Many tried to disprove their pronouncements about the risen Lord, but those disbelievers only tried in vain. The disciples are first-hand witnesses and have seen, touched and heard Jesus after rising again from the dead. As material witnesses, no one can dispute their integrity and so the Christian faith spread faster than one can ever imagine. They witnessed for Him and were even willing to die for Him so His Words can be shared to all.
We are not first-hand witnesses to the Lord’s resurrection, that is true. But this should not stop us from witnessing for the Lord. We live today because of Him and shall die for Him and things that He stands for: love and peace.
So, we must ask ourselves again, who are we? And, for whom do we witness? I hope and pray each one of us is a good witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. But if we're not completely there, then I pray that each of us would receive the Holy Spirit, even to overflowing. And in this overflowing, we would lead others to Christ, and not just to His name, but also to His peace, and His love, and His compassion.
Almighty Father, Jesus is calling me to a new beginning; to a fresh call to discipleship. You are asking me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow you. It was at my baptism that you claimed me as your child. Today, I affirm that I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. I surrender my will, my desires and my life to you, O God. I commit myself to your call to discipleship: to pray, study your Word, worship you, invite other people to a life of discipleship.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
“It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
-------------------------------------------
My mother still remembered what happened. She saw a man entered our house… through the window. That man is looking for something. Fear crept through her body and pretended to be sleeping. The man then went downstairs, took some small things and when out through our main door. Afterwards, she immediately woke up my father and told him what happened. My father immediately called the police. The thief was caught as my mother was able to recognize his face (and he was a neighbor!). She witnessed it and her story was enough to have that man jailed.
The disciples of Jesus, after receiving the Holy Spirit, have started sharing the good news. Many tried to disprove their pronouncements about the risen Lord, but those disbelievers only tried in vain. The disciples are first-hand witnesses and have seen, touched and heard Jesus after rising again from the dead. As material witnesses, no one can dispute their integrity and so the Christian faith spread faster than one can ever imagine. They witnessed for Him and were even willing to die for Him so His Words can be shared to all.
We are not first-hand witnesses to the Lord’s resurrection, that is true. But this should not stop us from witnessing for the Lord. We live today because of Him and shall die for Him and things that He stands for: love and peace.
So, we must ask ourselves again, who are we? And, for whom do we witness? I hope and pray each one of us is a good witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. But if we're not completely there, then I pray that each of us would receive the Holy Spirit, even to overflowing. And in this overflowing, we would lead others to Christ, and not just to His name, but also to His peace, and His love, and His compassion.
Almighty Father, Jesus is calling me to a new beginning; to a fresh call to discipleship. You are asking me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow you. It was at my baptism that you claimed me as your child. Today, I affirm that I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. I surrender my will, my desires and my life to you, O God. I commit myself to your call to discipleship: to pray, study your Word, worship you, invite other people to a life of discipleship.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
Friday, April 17, 2009
EASTER VOICE
John 21:12
And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord.
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You answered the phone and said “hello”. The person at the other end replied also, “hello”. You immediately realized it was your wife, or your daughter, or your mother, or your friend simply by the sound of his/her voice. You do not have to ask who he/she is. You can identify that voice anytime, anywhere for you know that voice by heart.
Hearing God's voice is something we all long for – but tend to always forget. Yet, it's not hard to do? In fact, God wants you to hear His voice! He doesn't speak to us through a phone or a medium. Hearing the voice of God is as natural as hearing your wife or your bestfriend talk to you. In fact, we can hear Him everyday - not just on Sundays or during special occasions. He speaks to us in the natural moments of life.
Do you want to hear God's voice? Then you must be ready to listen. In his book Knowing God, J. I. Packer says, “God has spoken to man, and the Bible is His Word, given to us to make us wise unto salvation”. So, when was the last time you read the Bible and let your heart listen intently to His Words? Spend some time learning His Words. Spend some time understanding what He wants us to do in our lives and for the live of others.
Are you hearing His voice right now? Don't let your final answer be the wrong one. Know and identify His voice anytime, anywhere. Know His voice by heart and live your life believing in that voice.
Almighty Father, Your voice we desire for our lives above any other desires. Direct our paths as we constantly listen to Your message. May we be quick to obey and be ready to share it so that others may also hear and understand Your voice. It is our desire to do Your will, Oh my God; Your voice, Your will and Your commandments is within our hearts.
“Let me hear Your voice, speaking to me tenderly
Let me heed Your will, and follow You lovingly.”
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord.
-------------------------------------------
You answered the phone and said “hello”. The person at the other end replied also, “hello”. You immediately realized it was your wife, or your daughter, or your mother, or your friend simply by the sound of his/her voice. You do not have to ask who he/she is. You can identify that voice anytime, anywhere for you know that voice by heart.
Hearing God's voice is something we all long for – but tend to always forget. Yet, it's not hard to do? In fact, God wants you to hear His voice! He doesn't speak to us through a phone or a medium. Hearing the voice of God is as natural as hearing your wife or your bestfriend talk to you. In fact, we can hear Him everyday - not just on Sundays or during special occasions. He speaks to us in the natural moments of life.
Do you want to hear God's voice? Then you must be ready to listen. In his book Knowing God, J. I. Packer says, “God has spoken to man, and the Bible is His Word, given to us to make us wise unto salvation”. So, when was the last time you read the Bible and let your heart listen intently to His Words? Spend some time learning His Words. Spend some time understanding what He wants us to do in our lives and for the live of others.
Are you hearing His voice right now? Don't let your final answer be the wrong one. Know and identify His voice anytime, anywhere. Know His voice by heart and live your life believing in that voice.
Almighty Father, Your voice we desire for our lives above any other desires. Direct our paths as we constantly listen to Your message. May we be quick to obey and be ready to share it so that others may also hear and understand Your voice. It is our desire to do Your will, Oh my God; Your voice, Your will and Your commandments is within our hearts.
“Let me hear Your voice, speaking to me tenderly
Let me heed Your will, and follow You lovingly.”
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
EASTER ANSWERS
Luke 24:38
“Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?”
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SIMPLE QUESTIONS:
Where did we park the car?
What will we eat tonight?
Are you sure?
Where are you?
SILLY QUESTIONS:
Do cemetery workers prefer the graveyard shift?
Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?
If con is the opposite of pro, then what is the opposite of progress?
LIFE’S QUESTIONS:
Why am I here?
How do I beat this loneliness?
What makes my life so hard?
Where is that one special relationship?
MORAL QUESTIONS:
Why does God allow sufferings in the world?
What will happen to those who never hear about Jesus?
Is there really right and wrong?
Do all religions lead to God?
So many questions, but the answers are so few. You can look for answers to life’s questions in many places, but have you considered how Jesus can answer these questions for you? Ask Him, hear Him, believe in Him. He is the answer to your questions.
Lord Jesus, when I ask You how much You love me, you did not reply by words. Instead, you spread Your arms on the cross and died for me. Isn’t that enough so I may believe in You? It is enough, it is.
“I have lot of questions, and is never satisfied.
When all I need to do is hear Your Words
And in Your will, I abide.”
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
“Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?”
------------------------------------
SIMPLE QUESTIONS:
Where did we park the car?
What will we eat tonight?
Are you sure?
Where are you?
SILLY QUESTIONS:
Do cemetery workers prefer the graveyard shift?
Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?
If con is the opposite of pro, then what is the opposite of progress?
LIFE’S QUESTIONS:
Why am I here?
How do I beat this loneliness?
What makes my life so hard?
Where is that one special relationship?
MORAL QUESTIONS:
Why does God allow sufferings in the world?
What will happen to those who never hear about Jesus?
Is there really right and wrong?
Do all religions lead to God?
So many questions, but the answers are so few. You can look for answers to life’s questions in many places, but have you considered how Jesus can answer these questions for you? Ask Him, hear Him, believe in Him. He is the answer to your questions.
Lord Jesus, when I ask You how much You love me, you did not reply by words. Instead, you spread Your arms on the cross and died for me. Isn’t that enough so I may believe in You? It is enough, it is.
“I have lot of questions, and is never satisfied.
When all I need to do is hear Your Words
And in Your will, I abide.”
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
EASTER SENSATION
Luke 24:32
“Were not our hearts burning (within us) while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?”
-------------------------------------------
By means of touch and the sharing of a meal, the risen Jesus establishes direct contact with His disciples. He invites them in this way to recognize that He is not a ghost and above all to verify that the risen body in which He appears to them is the same body that had been tortured and crucified, for it still bears the traces of his Passion. As He shows Himself to His disciples, their hearts grow fonder and really feel His love. His glorious appearance signifies that He did not only risen from the dead, but also possesses the new properties of a glorious body: not limited by space and time but able to be present how and when He wills. For this reason too the risen Jesus enjoys the sovereign freedom of appearing as He wishes: in the guise of a gardener or in other forms familiar to his disciples, precisely to awaken their faith.
Christ's Resurrection was not a return to earthly life, as was the case with the raisings from the dead that He had performed before Easter: Jairus' daughter, the young man of Naim, Lazarus. These actions were miraculous events. However, the persons miraculously raised by Jesus returned to ordinary earthly life and at some particular moment they would die again. Christ's Resurrection is essentially different. In His risen body, He passes from the state of death to another life beyond time and space. At Jesus' Resurrection, His body is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit: He shares the divine life in His glorious state, so that St. Paul can say that Christ is "the man of heaven".
Our hearts yearn for and burns in His presence. Let us acknowledge the life-giving power and evangelizing dynamic of encountering Jesus today - just as the two disciples felt their hearts burn within them and returned in haste to Jerusalem to tell their story of meeting Jesus.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, we praise You for the love that You have revealed through your Sacred Heart, which was pierced for us and which has become the fountain of our joy, the source of our eternal life. May all we say and do give glory and praise to you and to the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God living and reigning for ever and ever.
Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.
“Were not our hearts burning (within us) while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?”
-------------------------------------------
By means of touch and the sharing of a meal, the risen Jesus establishes direct contact with His disciples. He invites them in this way to recognize that He is not a ghost and above all to verify that the risen body in which He appears to them is the same body that had been tortured and crucified, for it still bears the traces of his Passion. As He shows Himself to His disciples, their hearts grow fonder and really feel His love. His glorious appearance signifies that He did not only risen from the dead, but also possesses the new properties of a glorious body: not limited by space and time but able to be present how and when He wills. For this reason too the risen Jesus enjoys the sovereign freedom of appearing as He wishes: in the guise of a gardener or in other forms familiar to his disciples, precisely to awaken their faith.
Christ's Resurrection was not a return to earthly life, as was the case with the raisings from the dead that He had performed before Easter: Jairus' daughter, the young man of Naim, Lazarus. These actions were miraculous events. However, the persons miraculously raised by Jesus returned to ordinary earthly life and at some particular moment they would die again. Christ's Resurrection is essentially different. In His risen body, He passes from the state of death to another life beyond time and space. At Jesus' Resurrection, His body is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit: He shares the divine life in His glorious state, so that St. Paul can say that Christ is "the man of heaven".
Our hearts yearn for and burns in His presence. Let us acknowledge the life-giving power and evangelizing dynamic of encountering Jesus today - just as the two disciples felt their hearts burn within them and returned in haste to Jerusalem to tell their story of meeting Jesus.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, we praise You for the love that You have revealed through your Sacred Heart, which was pierced for us and which has become the fountain of our joy, the source of our eternal life. May all we say and do give glory and praise to you and to the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God living and reigning for ever and ever.
Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
EASTER FIGURES
Acts 2:38
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
-------------------------------------------
On the morning of the first Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection of the Lord Jesus, three prominent figures took part in seeing first the empty tomb. First is Mary of Magdala. Along with some women tasked to finish the anointing of Jesus, the women were the first messengers of Christ's Resurrection for the apostles themselves. But for her, the first impression that came to her mind was that the body of Jesus was stolen and that no one knows where it was taken.
The second was Peter, himself. What he witnessed was only the burial clothes neatly rolled up in separate places. Peter must have been dumbfounded at the time, still in shock and doesn’t know what to say or do. He may have felt fear for he knows that their enemies did this so they can put the blame on the apostles and charge them for stealing the body.
The third was John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Actually, he arrived at the tomb first, but stayed outside. After Peter went in, he followed, he saw and he believed.
In our celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and as we celebrate the resurrection in our lives, how do we react? Do we feel like Mary – seemingly lost in what is happening. Or do we feel like Peter – a born leader and yet truly aware of his shortcomings – clueless on what is happening that day. Or do we identify with John, who came, who saw and who believed.
Jesus has risen. The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ. It is the fulfillment of a promise from the One who came, for those who saw and for us to believe.
Almighty Father, we pause from the cares and worries of the day to worship You for all that You have done for us. We thank You for Your might and power and for Your deep love for us. We thank you for your glory as we come, see and believe in the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen +
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
-------------------------------------------
On the morning of the first Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection of the Lord Jesus, three prominent figures took part in seeing first the empty tomb. First is Mary of Magdala. Along with some women tasked to finish the anointing of Jesus, the women were the first messengers of Christ's Resurrection for the apostles themselves. But for her, the first impression that came to her mind was that the body of Jesus was stolen and that no one knows where it was taken.
The second was Peter, himself. What he witnessed was only the burial clothes neatly rolled up in separate places. Peter must have been dumbfounded at the time, still in shock and doesn’t know what to say or do. He may have felt fear for he knows that their enemies did this so they can put the blame on the apostles and charge them for stealing the body.
The third was John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Actually, he arrived at the tomb first, but stayed outside. After Peter went in, he followed, he saw and he believed.
In our celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and as we celebrate the resurrection in our lives, how do we react? Do we feel like Mary – seemingly lost in what is happening. Or do we feel like Peter – a born leader and yet truly aware of his shortcomings – clueless on what is happening that day. Or do we identify with John, who came, who saw and who believed.
Jesus has risen. The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ. It is the fulfillment of a promise from the One who came, for those who saw and for us to believe.
Almighty Father, we pause from the cares and worries of the day to worship You for all that You have done for us. We thank You for Your might and power and for Your deep love for us. We thank you for your glory as we come, see and believe in the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen +
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
EASTER CONQUEST
Easter Monday
Acts 2:24
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
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After having renewed my spirit and my soul, together with my family, I am now ready to go back again to Mexico to resume what we have started 6 months ago. For the next 90 days, I would be away again from my family to work on a project that is important for the company. I, again, have to conquer fear and loneliness in a faraway land. I look forward to more life’s lessons, friendship and camaraderie. I look forward to that 90th day when I have to go back again to my family’s embrace and welcome. I look forward to that day when I would work on a project that is important to my God.
Jesus conquered death and darkness so we may see the light and live in the light. Let us raise our lives to Him so we may continue to live in His love. He is the salvation and eternal life. Our entire observance of Lent was for this day - to honor the Risen King! Come, let us worship Him!
Come then, my brothers and sisters, let us offer our Lord the great and all-embracing sacrifice of our love, pouring out our treasury of hymns and prayers before him who offered his cross in sacrifice to God for the enrichment of us all.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, all power in heaven and on earth has been given to You. May we go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit as we put our trust and faith in You until the end of the age.
Amen +
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
Acts 2:24
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
--------------------------------------
After having renewed my spirit and my soul, together with my family, I am now ready to go back again to Mexico to resume what we have started 6 months ago. For the next 90 days, I would be away again from my family to work on a project that is important for the company. I, again, have to conquer fear and loneliness in a faraway land. I look forward to more life’s lessons, friendship and camaraderie. I look forward to that 90th day when I have to go back again to my family’s embrace and welcome. I look forward to that day when I would work on a project that is important to my God.
Jesus conquered death and darkness so we may see the light and live in the light. Let us raise our lives to Him so we may continue to live in His love. He is the salvation and eternal life. Our entire observance of Lent was for this day - to honor the Risen King! Come, let us worship Him!
Come then, my brothers and sisters, let us offer our Lord the great and all-embracing sacrifice of our love, pouring out our treasury of hymns and prayers before him who offered his cross in sacrifice to God for the enrichment of us all.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, all power in heaven and on earth has been given to You. May we go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit as we put our trust and faith in You until the end of the age.
Amen +
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
EASTER REJOICING
The Resurrection of the Lord
John 20:7-8
When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
--------------------------------------------
After weeks of abstinence and fasting, my mother would buy 100 grams of lechon (roasted pork) for our Easter Sunday lunch. That would be the only day in a year that we would be eating lechon. She would explain that this is our way of celebrating the resurrection of the Lord.
Our Lord has offered more than a lechon on that first Paschal Triduum. He offered Himself, body and blood during the last supper, died on the cross on the first Good Friday and fulfilled His promise of eternal salvation on Easter Sunday.
Thus, the whole Christian world celebrates. It doesn’t matter whether we eat lechon, do easter egg hunts, eat chocolate bunnies. Let us Rejoice! Christ died and has risen. Let us offer our life in this truth for we are saved because of one man who followed that will of His Father.
Lechon, anyone?
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, the celebration of Your Resurrection over death is a celebration of life. Resurrection is a daily celebration over fear; man's greatest and most powerful enemy. Fear of tomorrow, fear of our yesterdays, fear of what shall become of our young our old our unborn. Resurrection is replacing fear with physical action. This alone, the most touching and profound of Your signs that fear is dead and belief in You brings, not just hope but life. You sacrificed Your life, leaving those who had been comfort, and follower; You left them behind, to conquer fear.
Almighty and ever-living Lord, you restored us to life by raising Christ from death. Strengthen us by this Easter sacrament. God our Savior, hear us, and through this holy mystery give us hope that the glory you have given Christ for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen +
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
John 20:7-8
When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
--------------------------------------------
After weeks of abstinence and fasting, my mother would buy 100 grams of lechon (roasted pork) for our Easter Sunday lunch. That would be the only day in a year that we would be eating lechon. She would explain that this is our way of celebrating the resurrection of the Lord.
Our Lord has offered more than a lechon on that first Paschal Triduum. He offered Himself, body and blood during the last supper, died on the cross on the first Good Friday and fulfilled His promise of eternal salvation on Easter Sunday.
Thus, the whole Christian world celebrates. It doesn’t matter whether we eat lechon, do easter egg hunts, eat chocolate bunnies. Let us Rejoice! Christ died and has risen. Let us offer our life in this truth for we are saved because of one man who followed that will of His Father.
Lechon, anyone?
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, the celebration of Your Resurrection over death is a celebration of life. Resurrection is a daily celebration over fear; man's greatest and most powerful enemy. Fear of tomorrow, fear of our yesterdays, fear of what shall become of our young our old our unborn. Resurrection is replacing fear with physical action. This alone, the most touching and profound of Your signs that fear is dead and belief in You brings, not just hope but life. You sacrificed Your life, leaving those who had been comfort, and follower; You left them behind, to conquer fear.
Almighty and ever-living Lord, you restored us to life by raising Christ from death. Strengthen us by this Easter sacrament. God our Savior, hear us, and through this holy mystery give us hope that the glory you have given Christ for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen +
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
REST
Black Saturday
John 19:40-42
They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths… and in the garden, (in) a new tomb…they laid Jesus…
--------------------------------------
As a child, I was often told just to stay put and not play around on Black Saturday, or I might experience accident and harm. The reason: because the Lord is dead on that day. And I would heed the advice and just stay put and do nothing.
Even the churches are quiet on this day. No mass appears in the liturgy for this day. Everyone is preparing for the celebration of the next big day, when Christ is resurrected. So, prepare yourself and be ready. I hope this will help you to understand that no matter what we go through, God is alive and well and working in our lives. Tomorrow, we sing again “Glory to God in the Highest…!”
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, you sent your Son to carry out your mission of redeeming the world. Let the light of your Gospel of love so shine in the world that it may be transformed into a worthy home for all your children of every race and country.
Holy Spirit, help me to surrender my life to the gift of salvation offered by Jesus on the cross. I pray that I will always be faithful to living the victory over sin He offers me through my commitment to Him.
All these in Jesus name.
Amen +
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
John 19:40-42
They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths… and in the garden, (in) a new tomb…they laid Jesus…
--------------------------------------
As a child, I was often told just to stay put and not play around on Black Saturday, or I might experience accident and harm. The reason: because the Lord is dead on that day. And I would heed the advice and just stay put and do nothing.
Even the churches are quiet on this day. No mass appears in the liturgy for this day. Everyone is preparing for the celebration of the next big day, when Christ is resurrected. So, prepare yourself and be ready. I hope this will help you to understand that no matter what we go through, God is alive and well and working in our lives. Tomorrow, we sing again “Glory to God in the Highest…!”
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, you sent your Son to carry out your mission of redeeming the world. Let the light of your Gospel of love so shine in the world that it may be transformed into a worthy home for all your children of every race and country.
Holy Spirit, help me to surrender my life to the gift of salvation offered by Jesus on the cross. I pray that I will always be faithful to living the victory over sin He offers me through my commitment to Him.
All these in Jesus name.
Amen +
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Friday, April 10, 2009
ACCOMPLISHED
Good Friday
John 19:30
“It is finished.”
-----------------------------------
Jesus' last words, It is finished, express triumph rather than defeat. Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit knowing that the strife was now over and the battle was won. Even on the cross Jesus knew the joy of victory. What the Father sent him into the world to do has now been accomplished. Christ offered himself without blemish to God and He put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
Two-thousand years ago, because of love, He has done His part. And He continues to love us to these days. Are you heeding His call? Are you really finishing what He started?
The "finished work of Christ" avails you nothing if your heart still sins and you have not realized and become conscious of your sinfulness. The "finished work of Christ" avails you nothing unless you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and God and asked for forgiveness from all your sins. It avails you nothing if you still love the world. It avails you nothing unless you are a "new creature" in Him.
Let us pray +
Merciful and everlasting God, behold your family spread before You. We don't know why but, for us, Jesus was willing to be obedient to You, to go to the Cross prepared for Him and to die there. He bore our sins in His own body and they were nailed with Him to the Cross. You spared Him not, Lord. Help us to deeply know within us what it is that Jesus has done for us – dying for our sins, so we will live forever in Your love and glory.
Help us remember it always and to make His Passion a part of us that we will live the redemption we are given and the salvation You have promised. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son.
Amen +
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
John 19:30
“It is finished.”
-----------------------------------
Jesus' last words, It is finished, express triumph rather than defeat. Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit knowing that the strife was now over and the battle was won. Even on the cross Jesus knew the joy of victory. What the Father sent him into the world to do has now been accomplished. Christ offered himself without blemish to God and He put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
Two-thousand years ago, because of love, He has done His part. And He continues to love us to these days. Are you heeding His call? Are you really finishing what He started?
The "finished work of Christ" avails you nothing if your heart still sins and you have not realized and become conscious of your sinfulness. The "finished work of Christ" avails you nothing unless you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and God and asked for forgiveness from all your sins. It avails you nothing if you still love the world. It avails you nothing unless you are a "new creature" in Him.
Let us pray +
Merciful and everlasting God, behold your family spread before You. We don't know why but, for us, Jesus was willing to be obedient to You, to go to the Cross prepared for Him and to die there. He bore our sins in His own body and they were nailed with Him to the Cross. You spared Him not, Lord. Help us to deeply know within us what it is that Jesus has done for us – dying for our sins, so we will live forever in Your love and glory.
Help us remember it always and to make His Passion a part of us that we will live the redemption we are given and the salvation You have promised. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son.
Amen +
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
“IN MEMORY OF ME”
Maundy Thursday
John 13:14-15
“… you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
-------------------------------------------
During Jesus’ last supper with His disciples in the night of the first Holy Thursday, He is humble and meek up to the very end. He has given His whole self for all to eat and drink for the salvation of all who believes in Him. Afterwards, He washed His disciples’ feet to show that he came to the world not as a master but as a servant to all. And He wants us do to all of these in His memory.
By washing the disciples feet, He was doing something that only a servant would do. This would be like someone famous coming into your house and started cleaning your room, even getting down on their hands and knees to clean under your bed! It probably would never happen, but for the disciples, it was a surprise even to them, seeing the Lord washing the most dirty of our body and even kneeling in front of them to do this.
You don't have to actually wash other people's feet, but by doing good things to other's and acting like a servant for Jesus, that is what He wants you to do.
Let us pray +
O Lord God, this night Your Son instituted for us the great sacrament of His Body and Blood in the Eucharistic meal. In this way, on the night before He was to die, He chose to reveal His deep love for us and to provide for us communion in Him. We remember that He said, “This is my body... eat indeed. This is my blood... drink indeed... He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwells in Me and I in him.”
May we who celebrate this eucharist find fulness of love and continue to show the fruits of redemption in our lives. We ask through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Amen +
Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.
John 13:14-15
“… you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
-------------------------------------------
During Jesus’ last supper with His disciples in the night of the first Holy Thursday, He is humble and meek up to the very end. He has given His whole self for all to eat and drink for the salvation of all who believes in Him. Afterwards, He washed His disciples’ feet to show that he came to the world not as a master but as a servant to all. And He wants us do to all of these in His memory.
By washing the disciples feet, He was doing something that only a servant would do. This would be like someone famous coming into your house and started cleaning your room, even getting down on their hands and knees to clean under your bed! It probably would never happen, but for the disciples, it was a surprise even to them, seeing the Lord washing the most dirty of our body and even kneeling in front of them to do this.
You don't have to actually wash other people's feet, but by doing good things to other's and acting like a servant for Jesus, that is what He wants you to do.
Let us pray +
O Lord God, this night Your Son instituted for us the great sacrament of His Body and Blood in the Eucharistic meal. In this way, on the night before He was to die, He chose to reveal His deep love for us and to provide for us communion in Him. We remember that He said, “This is my body... eat indeed. This is my blood... drink indeed... He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwells in Me and I in him.”
May we who celebrate this eucharist find fulness of love and continue to show the fruits of redemption in our lives. We ask through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Amen +
Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
ENRICHING LIFE
Wednesday of Holy Week
Matthew 26:21
“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
-------------------------------------------
Thirty pieces of silver was the equivalent of 120 denarii. A denarius was the wage a worker was paid for a day's work. So Judas was given the equivalent of three months pay. In Zechariah 11:12-13, thirty pieces of silver is referred to as a paltry amount of money compared to anything of real value.
Thirty pieces of silver. It is the legal price of a slave. They purchased Jesus like any other slave so there is some legality in handing him over to the Roman authorities. There is irony, of course, that Jesus was paid for out of the temple treasury, with silver that had been marked for the purchase of sacrifices. And irony that Jesus, who took the role of servant for us all, was purchased for the price of a slave.
Thirty pieces of silver. For Judas, the amount is not only the price of slavery to greed and ambition and self-preservation, but the value of his own cheapened life.
Thirty pieces of everything. Have we exchanged our life with the Lord for something else? Watching a movie, instead of going to Church? Telling a lie to cover-up our sins? Entering into questionable transactions for money? Jesus is the only wealth we should aspire for, we should crave for. Earthly possessions and money must be used for His glory, not in betraying Him. How are you using yours now?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we call ourselves Your friends yet one among us who ate at table with You betrayed You. We know that we often fail You. Transform us through Your Passion and the sufferings we merit to choose to bear for Your sake so that we may help reveal Your Glory at the appointed time. This we ask through Jesus our Lord, Your Son. Amen +
“Thirty pieces of silver is nothing;
Enriching your life in God is everything.”
Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Matthew 26:21
“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
-------------------------------------------
Thirty pieces of silver was the equivalent of 120 denarii. A denarius was the wage a worker was paid for a day's work. So Judas was given the equivalent of three months pay. In Zechariah 11:12-13, thirty pieces of silver is referred to as a paltry amount of money compared to anything of real value.
Thirty pieces of silver. It is the legal price of a slave. They purchased Jesus like any other slave so there is some legality in handing him over to the Roman authorities. There is irony, of course, that Jesus was paid for out of the temple treasury, with silver that had been marked for the purchase of sacrifices. And irony that Jesus, who took the role of servant for us all, was purchased for the price of a slave.
Thirty pieces of silver. For Judas, the amount is not only the price of slavery to greed and ambition and self-preservation, but the value of his own cheapened life.
Thirty pieces of everything. Have we exchanged our life with the Lord for something else? Watching a movie, instead of going to Church? Telling a lie to cover-up our sins? Entering into questionable transactions for money? Jesus is the only wealth we should aspire for, we should crave for. Earthly possessions and money must be used for His glory, not in betraying Him. How are you using yours now?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we call ourselves Your friends yet one among us who ate at table with You betrayed You. We know that we often fail You. Transform us through Your Passion and the sufferings we merit to choose to bear for Your sake so that we may help reveal Your Glory at the appointed time. This we ask through Jesus our Lord, Your Son. Amen +
“Thirty pieces of silver is nothing;
Enriching your life in God is everything.”
Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
REPENTANCE
Tuesday of Holy Week
John 13:38
“Will you lay down your life for me?”
------------------------------------------
It was a scene in a Cenakulo, a play about the passion and death of Christ. ‘Judas’ is about to hang himself for betraying the Lord Jesus Christ. Suddenly, a girl from the audience shouted, “Do not do it! Go to Jesus and Mama Mary and ask for forgiveness!” Silence filled the air, but the show must go on. ‘Judas” hanged himself.
Both Peter and Judas (the Iscariot) has done something unacceptable, being friends and disciples of Jesus. Peter denied Jesus three times, totally disowning that fact that he knows Him and have been with Him in His ministry. While Judas betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver.
In the end, Judas is dead – taking his own life. But Peter is alive, and even led the first Christian Church. The difference? Repentance. Peter remained with the disciples, asked for forgiveness from the Lord and was given the Spirit to live fully under God’s love and blessings.
In this season of Lent, we are given the opportunity to reform our ways and lead a life that is in total obedience to the will of the Lord. We may have done a grave sin in our life, but this should not make us feel detached from Him. In fact, He is even reaching out to us – to repent, to ask for forgiveness and to reform our lives.
Reach out to Him for forgiveness, He is waiting.
Let us pray +
Almighty and everlasting God, we wish to see Jesus. Grant us the grace of humility during this Passion time so that we may indeed, like a grain of wheat falling into the soil, die to ourselves and thus obtain pardon of our sins. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen +
“Denial and betrayal?
Repentance and forgiveness!.”
In your justice rescue me… incline your ear to me, and save me.
John 13:38
“Will you lay down your life for me?”
------------------------------------------
It was a scene in a Cenakulo, a play about the passion and death of Christ. ‘Judas’ is about to hang himself for betraying the Lord Jesus Christ. Suddenly, a girl from the audience shouted, “Do not do it! Go to Jesus and Mama Mary and ask for forgiveness!” Silence filled the air, but the show must go on. ‘Judas” hanged himself.
Both Peter and Judas (the Iscariot) has done something unacceptable, being friends and disciples of Jesus. Peter denied Jesus three times, totally disowning that fact that he knows Him and have been with Him in His ministry. While Judas betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver.
In the end, Judas is dead – taking his own life. But Peter is alive, and even led the first Christian Church. The difference? Repentance. Peter remained with the disciples, asked for forgiveness from the Lord and was given the Spirit to live fully under God’s love and blessings.
In this season of Lent, we are given the opportunity to reform our ways and lead a life that is in total obedience to the will of the Lord. We may have done a grave sin in our life, but this should not make us feel detached from Him. In fact, He is even reaching out to us – to repent, to ask for forgiveness and to reform our lives.
Reach out to Him for forgiveness, He is waiting.
Let us pray +
Almighty and everlasting God, we wish to see Jesus. Grant us the grace of humility during this Passion time so that we may indeed, like a grain of wheat falling into the soil, die to ourselves and thus obtain pardon of our sins. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen +
“Denial and betrayal?
Repentance and forgiveness!.”
In your justice rescue me… incline your ear to me, and save me.
Monday, April 6, 2009
FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD
Monday of Holy Week
John 12:8
“You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
------------------------------------------
We give gifts to friends and our loved ones. And most of the time, we give gifts that are “expensive”, meaning gifts that come from our hearts. Gifts that we know will make them happy. Gifts that signifies true love and friendship. And it is this friendship that really matters most, and the money we spent is nothing compared to the love we have shown.
Mary ‘wasted’ an expensive perfume, as Judas has thought. She should have just sold the perfume and gave the money to the poor. Judas has a point there. But he has another agenda. What he speaks is not what is in his heart – “he said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions”.
Jesus knows this. But instead of humiliating Judas in front of His disciples, Mary, Martha and Lazarus, He just dismissed him and advised him to just leave Mary alone. Being friends of Jesus, Mary and her siblings has shown true faith in the Lord. But this time, Mary’s gesture is geared towards bringing back the friendship that the Lord has shown to them. The expensive perfume is nothing compared to the love that Jesus has given them. Lazarus is alive because of their faith in Him. Jesus acknowledged this and received her extraordinary gesture of love with gratitude.
Be a friend to the Lord. Only then can your sacrifice be worthy to Him.
Let us pray +
Grant, we ask you, Almighty God, the grace of restoration through the merits of Jesus' Passion and Death. Today we remember the great gift of gratitude, given courageously, by Mary when she anointed our Lord with the costly oil whose perfume filled the house. May the perfume of her deed fill our hearts with praise. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen. +
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
John 12:8
“You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
------------------------------------------
We give gifts to friends and our loved ones. And most of the time, we give gifts that are “expensive”, meaning gifts that come from our hearts. Gifts that we know will make them happy. Gifts that signifies true love and friendship. And it is this friendship that really matters most, and the money we spent is nothing compared to the love we have shown.
Mary ‘wasted’ an expensive perfume, as Judas has thought. She should have just sold the perfume and gave the money to the poor. Judas has a point there. But he has another agenda. What he speaks is not what is in his heart – “he said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions”.
Jesus knows this. But instead of humiliating Judas in front of His disciples, Mary, Martha and Lazarus, He just dismissed him and advised him to just leave Mary alone. Being friends of Jesus, Mary and her siblings has shown true faith in the Lord. But this time, Mary’s gesture is geared towards bringing back the friendship that the Lord has shown to them. The expensive perfume is nothing compared to the love that Jesus has given them. Lazarus is alive because of their faith in Him. Jesus acknowledged this and received her extraordinary gesture of love with gratitude.
Be a friend to the Lord. Only then can your sacrifice be worthy to Him.
Let us pray +
Grant, we ask you, Almighty God, the grace of restoration through the merits of Jesus' Passion and Death. Today we remember the great gift of gratitude, given courageously, by Mary when she anointed our Lord with the costly oil whose perfume filled the house. May the perfume of her deed fill our hearts with praise. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen. +
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST
Palm Sunday
John 12:13
Hosanna! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel.”
-----------------------------------------
The Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. And as He comes in, a very large crowd spread their cloaks, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. And as the people rejoice, Jesus most probably had mixed feelings and emotions.
He may have felt sorrow in His heart for He knows that these same people will ask that He be crucified in exchange for a thief. However, He must also really very happy, for the people have accepted Him as their Savior, exclaiming “Hosanna in the highest”. Moreover, He knows that His mission is coming to an end. As such, He would be fulfilling God’s will so He may also fulfill His promise of salvation.
In that scene also, the people may have failed to notice two important figures that are with Jesus in His triumphant return. They are not His apostles. In fact, He only met them in the morning of that day. They are no other than the ass and the colt. “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” He did not come in chariots dressed in elegant robe with diamond-studded crown. From His birth to His death, He remained humble and meek.
Today, we are His donkeys. Let us lift Him up so others may see Him and accept Him in their hearts. We are His donkeys, and Jesus is the true star of the show. In our spiritual life up to our death, we may have been an unseen figure or even forgotten by everyone, but always remember Him!
Almighty Father, I would then bring back to You all the glory and praise. And I would also like to point out that in all of these, I am just a donkey that would continue carrying You around so everyone may hear, see and experience Your words and everlasting love. And I know that without You, I would just be an ordinary donkey
“May our lives be that song resounding in praise
To the goodness and glory of God.”
But you, O LORD, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me.
John 12:13
Hosanna! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel.”
-----------------------------------------
The Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. And as He comes in, a very large crowd spread their cloaks, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. And as the people rejoice, Jesus most probably had mixed feelings and emotions.
He may have felt sorrow in His heart for He knows that these same people will ask that He be crucified in exchange for a thief. However, He must also really very happy, for the people have accepted Him as their Savior, exclaiming “Hosanna in the highest”. Moreover, He knows that His mission is coming to an end. As such, He would be fulfilling God’s will so He may also fulfill His promise of salvation.
In that scene also, the people may have failed to notice two important figures that are with Jesus in His triumphant return. They are not His apostles. In fact, He only met them in the morning of that day. They are no other than the ass and the colt. “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” He did not come in chariots dressed in elegant robe with diamond-studded crown. From His birth to His death, He remained humble and meek.
Today, we are His donkeys. Let us lift Him up so others may see Him and accept Him in their hearts. We are His donkeys, and Jesus is the true star of the show. In our spiritual life up to our death, we may have been an unseen figure or even forgotten by everyone, but always remember Him!
Almighty Father, I would then bring back to You all the glory and praise. And I would also like to point out that in all of these, I am just a donkey that would continue carrying You around so everyone may hear, see and experience Your words and everlasting love. And I know that without You, I would just be an ordinary donkey
“May our lives be that song resounding in praise
To the goodness and glory of God.”
But you, O LORD, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
OUR DWELLING PLACE
Ezekiel 37:27
My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
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Everyone needs a place of peace and security - a Dwelling Place. But where can it be found? For some it is something they are searching for, a place they are seeking or building, a house, a family, a career or maybe security for their future in this world. For some it is a place they are longing for, that someday-place of their dreams.
God has revealed to man His dwelling place and when we dwell in Him, He will dwell in us. As we dwell in Him and make Him our dwelling place, then and only then, will we become His dwelling place.
As we go and live through these days of our lives here on earth, we must strive to always think, act and set our minds on things above us. I know, there are people that choose to change citizenship, with the way they act and behave, but isn’t it that You have already forgiven them, Oh Lord. May they all come to their senses, and start accepting again their true citizenship.
Hope for heaven, for full communion with Christ “and all the angels and saints”, is the very motivating factor, the driving force, of Christian engagement in this world. Christian hope for the coming of God's Kingdom asks for both things from God: that his Kingdom may come in glory and that his Kingdom may begin already here on earth. And only then would they really experience the real joy of living together with the King of all nations and heavens. Hope that our passports are ready and our visa is forever – Heaven, here we come!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, for now, we live in this other side of heaven, knowing that sometime in the future, we would join You in that place where our loyalty should lie, where our true citizenship is rooted. Lord, give us a healthy appreciation of the beauty and wonder of this world. May we pour ourselves out, living for you. But also may we be so fueled by the reality that this is not the last worLd. This is not our true home but our destiny is eternal life with you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and him alone.
The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.
My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
--------------------------------------
Everyone needs a place of peace and security - a Dwelling Place. But where can it be found? For some it is something they are searching for, a place they are seeking or building, a house, a family, a career or maybe security for their future in this world. For some it is a place they are longing for, that someday-place of their dreams.
God has revealed to man His dwelling place and when we dwell in Him, He will dwell in us. As we dwell in Him and make Him our dwelling place, then and only then, will we become His dwelling place.
As we go and live through these days of our lives here on earth, we must strive to always think, act and set our minds on things above us. I know, there are people that choose to change citizenship, with the way they act and behave, but isn’t it that You have already forgiven them, Oh Lord. May they all come to their senses, and start accepting again their true citizenship.
Hope for heaven, for full communion with Christ “and all the angels and saints”, is the very motivating factor, the driving force, of Christian engagement in this world. Christian hope for the coming of God's Kingdom asks for both things from God: that his Kingdom may come in glory and that his Kingdom may begin already here on earth. And only then would they really experience the real joy of living together with the King of all nations and heavens. Hope that our passports are ready and our visa is forever – Heaven, here we come!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, for now, we live in this other side of heaven, knowing that sometime in the future, we would join You in that place where our loyalty should lie, where our true citizenship is rooted. Lord, give us a healthy appreciation of the beauty and wonder of this world. May we pour ourselves out, living for you. But also may we be so fueled by the reality that this is not the last worLd. This is not our true home but our destiny is eternal life with you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and him alone.
The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.
Friday, April 3, 2009
MIRACLE WORKER
Mark 6:56
“…believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
---------------------------------------
I suddenly collapsed with fever at 40 deg C. I felt very week and looked pale. I was immediately rushed to the hospital and spent the next 10 days in the pediatric ward. At a very young age of 6, I was diagnosed to have contracted H-fever, an acute infectious disease characterized by high fever and believed to be caused by a virus related to those that caused dengue fever. All those days, my mother would be beside me. Since the church is just a walking distance from the hospital, she would go there everyday and pray for me and my immediate healing. She would talk almost everyday with the doctors, believing in them that they can work on curing me of the disease.
Throughout our lives, we would rely on people to cure us, to teach us, to protect us. We believe in their capability to do such things because of the title they possess. If such is the case, then why can’t we believe in the works that can be done to our lives by God? We are like the Pharisees who just focused on what Jesus said and not on things he did.
The works which our Lord is referring to are His miracles, through which God's power is made manifest. Jesus presents His words and His works as forming a unity with the Father, with the miracles confirming His words and His words explaining the meaning of the miracles. If no one can deny the fact of the miracles, it is only right for Him to accept the truth of the words.
To do good works is never wrong. All the works of Jesus were good. He never did anything that was unrighteous. There are many who reject Christ and his message today but let us pray that we may have open minds to believe the many signs by which God reveals His love to us each day.
Jesus, you came from God, and died so that we would see and understand. We thank you for the sacrifice you made for our sakes, and for revealing the Way, the Truth and the Life. We bless and praise you as we prepare to celebrate Passion Sunday and Holy Week. Amen +
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
“…believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
---------------------------------------
I suddenly collapsed with fever at 40 deg C. I felt very week and looked pale. I was immediately rushed to the hospital and spent the next 10 days in the pediatric ward. At a very young age of 6, I was diagnosed to have contracted H-fever, an acute infectious disease characterized by high fever and believed to be caused by a virus related to those that caused dengue fever. All those days, my mother would be beside me. Since the church is just a walking distance from the hospital, she would go there everyday and pray for me and my immediate healing. She would talk almost everyday with the doctors, believing in them that they can work on curing me of the disease.
Throughout our lives, we would rely on people to cure us, to teach us, to protect us. We believe in their capability to do such things because of the title they possess. If such is the case, then why can’t we believe in the works that can be done to our lives by God? We are like the Pharisees who just focused on what Jesus said and not on things he did.
The works which our Lord is referring to are His miracles, through which God's power is made manifest. Jesus presents His words and His works as forming a unity with the Father, with the miracles confirming His words and His words explaining the meaning of the miracles. If no one can deny the fact of the miracles, it is only right for Him to accept the truth of the words.
To do good works is never wrong. All the works of Jesus were good. He never did anything that was unrighteous. There are many who reject Christ and his message today but let us pray that we may have open minds to believe the many signs by which God reveals His love to us each day.
Jesus, you came from God, and died so that we would see and understand. We thank you for the sacrifice you made for our sakes, and for revealing the Way, the Truth and the Life. We bless and praise you as we prepare to celebrate Passion Sunday and Holy Week. Amen +
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A HUMBLE GOD
John 8:54
Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me…”
---------------------------------------
I am thinking, if Jesus is born in our time, let us say just today, would he be born, or rather, still choose to be born in a manger, grow up as a carpenter’s son, live together with fishermen, tax collectors and prostitutes, ride on a donkey, wash the feet of his friends before he dies? I was thinking - and I know the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Our God is God of all seasons, of all times. And yes, he is a humble God. And His whole life on earth was a living example of humility.
Even at the point of death, He always glorify the Father as He accepts His will. And so He ask us to do the same and worship and glorify God. There are real saints and martyrs in the world who put the Gospel into practice and carry their crosses every day. That is because they know Him in whom they believe. They have heard the word of the Lord and understood it. They realize that the Christ had to suffer so as to enter into his glory, and that no servant is greater than his master.
In this season of Lent, let us understand more what the Lord wants us to do in our lives. To lose our life is to save it, which means to die to ourselves and our pride and disobedience and self-love. Then He will not be ashamed of us but rather proud of us and happy with us “when He comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels”. And we can only show this through service, with great love, to others. May He see the humbleness in our hearts from this day forward.
Let us pray +
Lord God, You have taught and loved us through examples and parables. So it is only proper that we must deal with other Christians out of humility rather than pride, for we have no excuse for responding to fellow believers in a spirit of arrogance, haughtiness, or superiority. Father, may we forever embodies humility – make the esteem effort to listen, accept others - no matter what their race, their religion, their education – or lack of it, or their station in life. Amen +
He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me…”
---------------------------------------
I am thinking, if Jesus is born in our time, let us say just today, would he be born, or rather, still choose to be born in a manger, grow up as a carpenter’s son, live together with fishermen, tax collectors and prostitutes, ride on a donkey, wash the feet of his friends before he dies? I was thinking - and I know the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Our God is God of all seasons, of all times. And yes, he is a humble God. And His whole life on earth was a living example of humility.
Even at the point of death, He always glorify the Father as He accepts His will. And so He ask us to do the same and worship and glorify God. There are real saints and martyrs in the world who put the Gospel into practice and carry their crosses every day. That is because they know Him in whom they believe. They have heard the word of the Lord and understood it. They realize that the Christ had to suffer so as to enter into his glory, and that no servant is greater than his master.
In this season of Lent, let us understand more what the Lord wants us to do in our lives. To lose our life is to save it, which means to die to ourselves and our pride and disobedience and self-love. Then He will not be ashamed of us but rather proud of us and happy with us “when He comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels”. And we can only show this through service, with great love, to others. May He see the humbleness in our hearts from this day forward.
Let us pray +
Lord God, You have taught and loved us through examples and parables. So it is only proper that we must deal with other Christians out of humility rather than pride, for we have no excuse for responding to fellow believers in a spirit of arrogance, haughtiness, or superiority. Father, may we forever embodies humility – make the esteem effort to listen, accept others - no matter what their race, their religion, their education – or lack of it, or their station in life. Amen +
He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
TRUTH AND HAPPINESS
John 8:32, 36
“… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… (for) if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.”
-------------------------------------
There goes the alarm! I have a choice to wake up or continue sleeping. I have a choice to be grumpy today or be nice to others. I have a choice to drink hot coffee or a cold juice. I have a choice to eat eggs or just fruits. I have choice to read the newspaper or just listen to the radio. I have a choice to wear formal or rugged. I have a choice to go to the office or just stay home. I have a choice to love my wife today or just ignore her. I have a choice to say a prayer of thanks to God or just go on my way.
Life is full of many choices. But sometimes, we choose what is easy, what is good to ourselves. And it is a sad truth that, from the very beginning, we have rejected God by doing things our own way. We don’t like someone telling us what to do or how to live—least of all God. We choose to ignore him and just get on with our own lives. We rather choose to disobey his instructions for living in his world. We choose to live on our own.
Choose the truth, live in the truth and be free from sins. Only in God will we find the truth and happiness we never stops searching for. Open your hearts to God and choose:
LOVE. Today, I will love You and all those things that You love.
RIGHTEOUSNESS. Today, I will do what is right in Your eyes, based on your will.
FOREGIVENESS. Today, I will choose to forgive so I may be forgiven.
PATIENCE. Rather than complaining, I will find a moment to say a prayer for You.
FAITHFULNESS. I will keep my promises, as You have been constantly fulfilling Your promises to us.
BE HOPEFUL. I will look at life positively, for You are my influence and my teacher, for life.
Oh Lord, teach us to serve You fully, and may we choose to be with and in Your love forever. If I raise my voice, may it only be in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. Amen +
Glory and praise for ever!
“… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… (for) if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.”
-------------------------------------
There goes the alarm! I have a choice to wake up or continue sleeping. I have a choice to be grumpy today or be nice to others. I have a choice to drink hot coffee or a cold juice. I have a choice to eat eggs or just fruits. I have choice to read the newspaper or just listen to the radio. I have a choice to wear formal or rugged. I have a choice to go to the office or just stay home. I have a choice to love my wife today or just ignore her. I have a choice to say a prayer of thanks to God or just go on my way.
Life is full of many choices. But sometimes, we choose what is easy, what is good to ourselves. And it is a sad truth that, from the very beginning, we have rejected God by doing things our own way. We don’t like someone telling us what to do or how to live—least of all God. We choose to ignore him and just get on with our own lives. We rather choose to disobey his instructions for living in his world. We choose to live on our own.
Choose the truth, live in the truth and be free from sins. Only in God will we find the truth and happiness we never stops searching for. Open your hearts to God and choose:
LOVE. Today, I will love You and all those things that You love.
RIGHTEOUSNESS. Today, I will do what is right in Your eyes, based on your will.
FOREGIVENESS. Today, I will choose to forgive so I may be forgiven.
PATIENCE. Rather than complaining, I will find a moment to say a prayer for You.
FAITHFULNESS. I will keep my promises, as You have been constantly fulfilling Your promises to us.
BE HOPEFUL. I will look at life positively, for You are my influence and my teacher, for life.
Oh Lord, teach us to serve You fully, and may we choose to be with and in Your love forever. If I raise my voice, may it only be in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. Amen +
Glory and praise for ever!
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