Matthew 8:27
The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?"
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It is sufficient to know that we are to follow Jesus. He will lead us along the unique and perfect path that He chose for us before time began. And along that path He will never leave us or forsake us. There will be moments when the flesh is weak, even though the spirit wills. There will be moments of stumbling, but in order to purify and refine. But there will never be a moment when He leaves or forsakes us. What does it really mean to follow Him? He seeks our whole-hearted commitment. He wants to live his life in us – loving and serving others through us.
FOLLOWING WITHOUT HESITATION
o Matthew 9:9 - As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
FOLLOWING AND DENYING YOURSELF
o NIV Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
FOLLOWING BY SERVING HIM
o John 12:25-26 - Whoever serves me must follow me… My Father will honor the one who serves me.
FOLLOWING BY SERVING OTHERS
o Matthew 4:19 - "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
FOLLOWING AND LETTING GO OF MATERIAL WORLD
o Matthew 19:21 - Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Our glory is the service of Christ in whatever capacity he has allotted to us.
Almighty Father, let me follow You without hesitation for your glory and the goodness of others. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do something, let me do it gallantly. Amen +
O Lord, your mercy is before my eyes.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
DON’T LOSE THAT KEY
Matthew 20:28
“And so I say to you, you are Peter… I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.”
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March 1997 – I received the key to my first-ever car. I was very excited. First stop, Tagaytay!
September 2004 – I received the key to our first house, our very own dwelling place. We are very happy. This is where we will build on our dreams, our family and our future. First stop, the bedroom!
I wonder how Peter reacted when the Lord gave him, not just a key to a house or a key to a carriage. Rather, he was given the key to heaven that “Whatever (he) bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever (he) loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” He must be struck by awe, thinking what Jesus means by that. He must have stood there for some time, trying to understand what’s the real meaning of this Key to heaven.
But he would understand it as the time goes by. That Christ’s passion, death and resurrection is the key to heaven, not just for His disciples, but for all of us. While it is true that Christ did confer authority on Peter, it is also true that this authority was not unique to Peter, nor was it supreme over the other apostles and the entire church. The power of the keys was granted to the whole church to be exercised in the forgiveness of sins. The apostle Peter was the first to open the way of salvation by the preaching of the gospel, first to the Jews at Pentecost and later on to the Gentiles.
We are given the Key to Heaven, through St. Peter. As committed Christians, we should proudly hang the Key around our necks for the world to see. Be more aware of our commitment and therefore less likely to put down the key.
If you die today, is the Key with you to unlock Heaven’s gate?
Lord Jesus, You have given us the Key to Heaven through our first pope, St. Peter. May we always have this key with us and forever keep it in our hearts so upon reaching Heaven, we would be able to enter and join You forever in God’s eternal glory and love.
You are Peter, and upon this rock will I build My Church.
“And so I say to you, you are Peter… I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.”
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March 1997 – I received the key to my first-ever car. I was very excited. First stop, Tagaytay!
September 2004 – I received the key to our first house, our very own dwelling place. We are very happy. This is where we will build on our dreams, our family and our future. First stop, the bedroom!
I wonder how Peter reacted when the Lord gave him, not just a key to a house or a key to a carriage. Rather, he was given the key to heaven that “Whatever (he) bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever (he) loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” He must be struck by awe, thinking what Jesus means by that. He must have stood there for some time, trying to understand what’s the real meaning of this Key to heaven.
But he would understand it as the time goes by. That Christ’s passion, death and resurrection is the key to heaven, not just for His disciples, but for all of us. While it is true that Christ did confer authority on Peter, it is also true that this authority was not unique to Peter, nor was it supreme over the other apostles and the entire church. The power of the keys was granted to the whole church to be exercised in the forgiveness of sins. The apostle Peter was the first to open the way of salvation by the preaching of the gospel, first to the Jews at Pentecost and later on to the Gentiles.
We are given the Key to Heaven, through St. Peter. As committed Christians, we should proudly hang the Key around our necks for the world to see. Be more aware of our commitment and therefore less likely to put down the key.
If you die today, is the Key with you to unlock Heaven’s gate?
Lord Jesus, You have given us the Key to Heaven through our first pope, St. Peter. May we always have this key with us and forever keep it in our hearts so upon reaching Heaven, we would be able to enter and join You forever in God’s eternal glory and love.
You are Peter, and upon this rock will I build My Church.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
TALITHA KOUM
Mark 5:41
"Talitha koum…"
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If life is the journey, then what is the destination? Famous celebrities died during the past days, and we would talk about their lives and achievements as if we know them well. But, when someone in the family is sick, it is not really easy to talk about death. And yet, come to think of it, all of us will reach or experience that stage. Death may not be as what we would imagine. Some would say that we should eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die. But is dying really the end of it all?
The Bible has accounts of Jesus raising up the dead. One such account is Jairus’ daughter. He is a synagogue official. And with a simple command, “Talitha koum”, the girl immediately arose and walked around as if nothing had happened. And He instructed them to give her something to eat.
When we commit sin against God, our spirit dies. And along with it, our soul suffers death, as well. Asking God’s forgiveness would resurrect our dead spirit. But we should not stop at that. We should continue to feed our soul and spirit with the Words of God to make it strong. And through prayers and reading the Bible, we would be able to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.
Christianity has always known and taught that man is more than a simple combination of chemical elements, that besides the body it has a soul which at the moment of death does not die, but continues to live and develop in a new surrounding. Let God nurture your soul. By his strength, we too shall rise in transfigured bodies for eternal and conscious life.
Let us pray +
Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus, help me." In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me. In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me. In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me. Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me. Amen +
I will praise You, Lord, for You have rescued me.
"Talitha koum…"
-----------------------------------------
If life is the journey, then what is the destination? Famous celebrities died during the past days, and we would talk about their lives and achievements as if we know them well. But, when someone in the family is sick, it is not really easy to talk about death. And yet, come to think of it, all of us will reach or experience that stage. Death may not be as what we would imagine. Some would say that we should eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die. But is dying really the end of it all?
The Bible has accounts of Jesus raising up the dead. One such account is Jairus’ daughter. He is a synagogue official. And with a simple command, “Talitha koum”, the girl immediately arose and walked around as if nothing had happened. And He instructed them to give her something to eat.
When we commit sin against God, our spirit dies. And along with it, our soul suffers death, as well. Asking God’s forgiveness would resurrect our dead spirit. But we should not stop at that. We should continue to feed our soul and spirit with the Words of God to make it strong. And through prayers and reading the Bible, we would be able to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.
Christianity has always known and taught that man is more than a simple combination of chemical elements, that besides the body it has a soul which at the moment of death does not die, but continues to live and develop in a new surrounding. Let God nurture your soul. By his strength, we too shall rise in transfigured bodies for eternal and conscious life.
Let us pray +
Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus, help me." In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me. In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me. In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me. Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me. Amen +
I will praise You, Lord, for You have rescued me.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
WORTHY IN HIS EYES
Matthew 8:8
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
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Today’s gospel teach us about an ordinary person teaching us extraordinary lessons in life. The Centurion, during his time, may not be an ordinary man, but in the eyes of the Jews, he is nothing. And yet, He learned to accept his unworthiness in front of Jesus.
BEING HUMBLE. He was a man of great power over others, and can even send a person to his death. A man who was accustomed to giving orders and having them obeyed immediately, yet he comes in faith to someone about whom he has only heard, trusting that Jesus will be who he has heard that He is. For the sake of his servant, he puts aside his position and power and approaches a man who is standing before him in poor clothing and sandals….and he begs.
HAVING FAITH. We don’t always have some concrete evidence in front of us concerning what our Lord can or will do for us. Like the Centurion, we often find ourselves reaching out to Christ for His help and we take it on faith that he will respond. Our belief that Jesus is the Son of the living God allows us to draw close to Him, just as the Centurion drew close to Christ and put his faith and hIS servant’s well being in Jesus’ hands.
HAVING TRUST. The Lord Jesus has complete and utter power over all sin and evil. He is the Son of God who has come to save us. He is present here with us in all His majesty and glory. Trust in Him.
As most of us do, we utter the same words before receiving the body of Christ during Communion. We may all be unworthy to receive Him, but He made us worthy through the cross. For only His words can heal us.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, make my love for You abound even more. And in obedience, may You find me a worthy vessel of honor for You glory. Let not our enemies reach me. Guard me as the apple of Your eye. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings. Amen +
The Lord has remembered his mercy.
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
----------------------------------------------
Today’s gospel teach us about an ordinary person teaching us extraordinary lessons in life. The Centurion, during his time, may not be an ordinary man, but in the eyes of the Jews, he is nothing. And yet, He learned to accept his unworthiness in front of Jesus.
BEING HUMBLE. He was a man of great power over others, and can even send a person to his death. A man who was accustomed to giving orders and having them obeyed immediately, yet he comes in faith to someone about whom he has only heard, trusting that Jesus will be who he has heard that He is. For the sake of his servant, he puts aside his position and power and approaches a man who is standing before him in poor clothing and sandals….and he begs.
HAVING FAITH. We don’t always have some concrete evidence in front of us concerning what our Lord can or will do for us. Like the Centurion, we often find ourselves reaching out to Christ for His help and we take it on faith that he will respond. Our belief that Jesus is the Son of the living God allows us to draw close to Him, just as the Centurion drew close to Christ and put his faith and hIS servant’s well being in Jesus’ hands.
HAVING TRUST. The Lord Jesus has complete and utter power over all sin and evil. He is the Son of God who has come to save us. He is present here with us in all His majesty and glory. Trust in Him.
As most of us do, we utter the same words before receiving the body of Christ during Communion. We may all be unworthy to receive Him, but He made us worthy through the cross. For only His words can heal us.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, make my love for You abound even more. And in obedience, may You find me a worthy vessel of honor for You glory. Let not our enemies reach me. Guard me as the apple of Your eye. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings. Amen +
The Lord has remembered his mercy.
Friday, June 26, 2009
BE MADE CLEAN
Matthew 8:3
“I will do it. Be made clean.”
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Leprosy, at its later stage, is an incurable disease. Persons who contract leprosy must take regular medication to keep the dreaded disease from spreading and eating away various parts of the body, eventually causing death. In Jesus’ time, leprosy is a dreaded disease. Since it is very contagious, lepers were forced to live apart in social isolation. They were supposed to shout, "unclean, unclean!" when anyone approached, to warn people to keep their distance. The only comfort such people had was to seek the company of other lepers. However, Jesus has never placed Himself away from lepers. In fact, in the Bible, there were instances wherein in even touched them so they may be healed. And in doing so, He showed the compassionate healing love for the sick by doing what other people during His time will never do:
First, He “stretched out his hand”. To reach out and touch a leper, especially in Jesus’ day, was to put oneself in grave danger of catching this awful and incurable disease. Christ is not afraid to reach out and touch our sinfulness in order to heal us. We should never be afraid to approach Jesus in prayer and penance, no matter how unworthy we may feel.
Then, He “touched him”. It was a healing touch, full of love and friendship. When was the last time you allowed yourself to be touched by the Lord? There is nothing that is impossible for Christ; we have only to approach him in faith, seek him out, and patiently wait for him to reach out, touch us and make us clean.
Finally, He said, “I will do it. Be made clean”. God's does not intend that we suffer, does not send us illness or adversity as a punishment or a test. And once we recognize Him us our Lord and seek His forgiveness, His blood shall wash our since and make us clean. And he has done it. So, reach for Him, let Him touch you and be made clean.
Almighty Father, stretch out to me, touch me and make me clean. Speak to my heart! I hope in you, Lord, because I know I cannot place my hope in the things of the world. I love you, Lord, and I know how much you love me. Clean me of my suffering and forgive me of my sins. Amen +
See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
“I will do it. Be made clean.”
----------------------------------------
Leprosy, at its later stage, is an incurable disease. Persons who contract leprosy must take regular medication to keep the dreaded disease from spreading and eating away various parts of the body, eventually causing death. In Jesus’ time, leprosy is a dreaded disease. Since it is very contagious, lepers were forced to live apart in social isolation. They were supposed to shout, "unclean, unclean!" when anyone approached, to warn people to keep their distance. The only comfort such people had was to seek the company of other lepers. However, Jesus has never placed Himself away from lepers. In fact, in the Bible, there were instances wherein in even touched them so they may be healed. And in doing so, He showed the compassionate healing love for the sick by doing what other people during His time will never do:
First, He “stretched out his hand”. To reach out and touch a leper, especially in Jesus’ day, was to put oneself in grave danger of catching this awful and incurable disease. Christ is not afraid to reach out and touch our sinfulness in order to heal us. We should never be afraid to approach Jesus in prayer and penance, no matter how unworthy we may feel.
Then, He “touched him”. It was a healing touch, full of love and friendship. When was the last time you allowed yourself to be touched by the Lord? There is nothing that is impossible for Christ; we have only to approach him in faith, seek him out, and patiently wait for him to reach out, touch us and make us clean.
Finally, He said, “I will do it. Be made clean”. God's does not intend that we suffer, does not send us illness or adversity as a punishment or a test. And once we recognize Him us our Lord and seek His forgiveness, His blood shall wash our since and make us clean. And he has done it. So, reach for Him, let Him touch you and be made clean.
Almighty Father, stretch out to me, touch me and make me clean. Speak to my heart! I hope in you, Lord, because I know I cannot place my hope in the things of the world. I love you, Lord, and I know how much you love me. Clean me of my suffering and forgive me of my sins. Amen +
See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
THE TRUE AUTHORITY
Acts 2:24
…the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for (Jesus) taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
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There is a place in Manila where once can get fake diploma, certificates, passport, government ID’s. Up to now, I cannot really understand why the business still lingers, though everyone knows that they exist. I am not really the one to judge them. But what I really want to emphasize is the fact that, among us, there are people who may be practicing law, dentistry or even surgery, though they are not really graduates or specialist in that field. They just received their diploma from one of these stalls, and voila, they are instant doctors, lawyers and engineers. So, are you willing to place yourself or your loved ones under their care?
Jesus has warned of the same when it comes to faith. False prophets present their lies as truth, and their rules of life as godly ones; one must be sensitive and wise in order to see the spiritual danger they represent. The false prophets sought personal glory and benefit. They did not shy from slandering true prophets and persecuting them. In the final analysis, their work served to destroy the nation. And now, the devil uses mass media and advertisements as false prophets – offering things that would make us live a life separate from God. And we are putting ourselves under their care!
True prophets were distinguished by unselfishness, obedience to God, fearless exposure of human sins, profound meekness, love, strictness toward themselves and purity of life. They inspires everyone to follow the path of the light, living a life totally committed to following God’s will. Look at yourself now and assess how you are living your life. “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” The evil fruits of the activities of false prophets, common to all of them, are pride and the forcible separation of people from the Kingdom of God. Are you following a true or a false prophet?
Look upon us, O Lord, and let all the darkness of our souls vanish before Your light, totally ignoring false prophecies and teachings. Fill us with Your holy love, and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom. Then shall our longing be satisfied, and our peace shall be perfect.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
…the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for (Jesus) taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
-------------------------------------------
There is a place in Manila where once can get fake diploma, certificates, passport, government ID’s. Up to now, I cannot really understand why the business still lingers, though everyone knows that they exist. I am not really the one to judge them. But what I really want to emphasize is the fact that, among us, there are people who may be practicing law, dentistry or even surgery, though they are not really graduates or specialist in that field. They just received their diploma from one of these stalls, and voila, they are instant doctors, lawyers and engineers. So, are you willing to place yourself or your loved ones under their care?
Jesus has warned of the same when it comes to faith. False prophets present their lies as truth, and their rules of life as godly ones; one must be sensitive and wise in order to see the spiritual danger they represent. The false prophets sought personal glory and benefit. They did not shy from slandering true prophets and persecuting them. In the final analysis, their work served to destroy the nation. And now, the devil uses mass media and advertisements as false prophets – offering things that would make us live a life separate from God. And we are putting ourselves under their care!
True prophets were distinguished by unselfishness, obedience to God, fearless exposure of human sins, profound meekness, love, strictness toward themselves and purity of life. They inspires everyone to follow the path of the light, living a life totally committed to following God’s will. Look at yourself now and assess how you are living your life. “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” The evil fruits of the activities of false prophets, common to all of them, are pride and the forcible separation of people from the Kingdom of God. Are you following a true or a false prophet?
Look upon us, O Lord, and let all the darkness of our souls vanish before Your light, totally ignoring false prophecies and teachings. Fill us with Your holy love, and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom. Then shall our longing be satisfied, and our peace shall be perfect.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
SURRENDER TO THE SPIRIT
Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John The Baptist
Luke 1:80
The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
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June 24 is “Araw ng Maynila” (Manila Day). Having grew up in Manila, it was customary also for people at that time to douse passers-by with water. As a child, I didn’t really know why, so I would just do what the old people do – get a dipper-full of water and douse anyone with it. It was fun for after that “morning ritual”, everyone is wet but happy. As I grew up, I realized why this is being practiced. June 24 is when the Church also celebrate the solemnity of St. John the Baptist’s nativity. And the dousing of water is to “re-enact” how he, about two-thousand years ago, has prepared the way of the Lord by baptizing the believers in the River Jordan.
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.
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.
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 +
“I baptize in water… but He is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 1:80
The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
----------------------------------
June 24 is “Araw ng Maynila” (Manila Day). Having grew up in Manila, it was customary also for people at that time to douse passers-by with water. As a child, I didn’t really know why, so I would just do what the old people do – get a dipper-full of water and douse anyone with it. It was fun for after that “morning ritual”, everyone is wet but happy. As I grew up, I realized why this is being practiced. June 24 is when the Church also celebrate the solemnity of St. John the Baptist’s nativity. And the dousing of water is to “re-enact” how he, about two-thousand years ago, has prepared the way of the Lord by baptizing the believers in the River Jordan.
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.
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.
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 +
“I baptize in water… but He is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.”
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
NARROW IS ENOUGH
Matthew 7:14
“How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
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We do not like tight spaces. We do not like traffic for it slows us down. This is also the reason why we always choose the easiest path when solving a problem or going through our lives. One would bribe an official to have a permit approved faster. We would hire a lot of inspectors to check products for defects rather than going to the root cause of the problem. We want to go through the wider gate than the narrow one.
Our culture today describes this narrow path as slow-paced, narrow-minded, prejudiced, uptight, restrictive and old-fashioned. Have you ever been called those things when you try to persuade your colleagues to dig deeper on a problem, ask them to pray and for them to read the bible?
Well, get used to it. And, if you're committed to Christ, it's going to get worse. And we must understand better the meaning of this “narrow gate”. We are on constant choice: choose to follow the commandments of God or the commandments of men. One way is easy, the other way is hard. The boundaries are clearly distinguished. One gate leads to destruction, the other gate lead to eternal life.
Revealed truths compel obedience to God’s way. To enter the "narrow gate," one must leave self behind; on the other hand, to enter the "wider way," there is no limit to the baggage—self-righteousness, pride, hatred, envy, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, discord, and so on. The "narrow gate" is the very opposite of these works of the flesh. So in entering the narrow gate, we have to bring only our faithfulness and trust in the Lord.
And that is enough.
The "narrow road’ and "narrow gate" has to do with one’s everyday living – our relationship to God and to one another. It is works of the Spirit versus works of the flesh. How many Christians commit their lives to God? Christianity is a journey, not a one time event.
Almighty Father, give us the wisdom to choose the narrow gate to Your heart and have the faithfulness and trust to do so. Amen +
He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
“How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
--------------------------------------------
We do not like tight spaces. We do not like traffic for it slows us down. This is also the reason why we always choose the easiest path when solving a problem or going through our lives. One would bribe an official to have a permit approved faster. We would hire a lot of inspectors to check products for defects rather than going to the root cause of the problem. We want to go through the wider gate than the narrow one.
Our culture today describes this narrow path as slow-paced, narrow-minded, prejudiced, uptight, restrictive and old-fashioned. Have you ever been called those things when you try to persuade your colleagues to dig deeper on a problem, ask them to pray and for them to read the bible?
Well, get used to it. And, if you're committed to Christ, it's going to get worse. And we must understand better the meaning of this “narrow gate”. We are on constant choice: choose to follow the commandments of God or the commandments of men. One way is easy, the other way is hard. The boundaries are clearly distinguished. One gate leads to destruction, the other gate lead to eternal life.
Revealed truths compel obedience to God’s way. To enter the "narrow gate," one must leave self behind; on the other hand, to enter the "wider way," there is no limit to the baggage—self-righteousness, pride, hatred, envy, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, discord, and so on. The "narrow gate" is the very opposite of these works of the flesh. So in entering the narrow gate, we have to bring only our faithfulness and trust in the Lord.
And that is enough.
The "narrow road’ and "narrow gate" has to do with one’s everyday living – our relationship to God and to one another. It is works of the Spirit versus works of the flesh. How many Christians commit their lives to God? Christianity is a journey, not a one time event.
Almighty Father, give us the wisdom to choose the narrow gate to Your heart and have the faithfulness and trust to do so. Amen +
He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
REMOVE THAT BEAM
Matthew 7:4
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?
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When asked what she thinks about an issue where her brother is involved, a Filipina beauty queen exclaimed, “Don’t judge my brother, he is not a book!” And both print and broadcast media would talk about this for days and even weeks. In effect, she was judged as “brainless beauty”.
The act of judgment is an act of pride. Judging others is an act of monumental pride - enormous pride, stupendous pride, galling, astonishing, fantastic pride. When you render judgment on another, you have taken upon yourself an awesome responsibility for making the correct judgment. Because, after all, your judgment is not necessary.
Father, why is it easy for us to judge another and yet always find it hard to see our own limitations, our own fault, “the beam in our own eye” (Mat 7:4)? I have done my own share of premature judging myself, Oh Lord. And what’s even worst, is I even judged people who are total strangers to me! – the lady who walks with an older man (another woman?), a teenager with a long hair and an earring in his nose (a drug addict?), a family of eight (don’t they have any other thing to do?), a blind beggar (thinking he must be faking it!)… “Judge not, that ye be not judged!”
Oh Lord, I know that other people judge me also, and most of the time, negatively. But this is not a reason for me to do the same. It doesn’t matter now what others call me, call us. How we live our lives before You and following Your desires, is the only thing that matters. It is the only true measure of how I will be judged when I come face-to-face with You in heaven.
“Do not judge, so you won’t be judged
For everything you say against others, will be the basis
Of how the Father will measure and judge you”
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?
-------------------------------------------
When asked what she thinks about an issue where her brother is involved, a Filipina beauty queen exclaimed, “Don’t judge my brother, he is not a book!” And both print and broadcast media would talk about this for days and even weeks. In effect, she was judged as “brainless beauty”.
The act of judgment is an act of pride. Judging others is an act of monumental pride - enormous pride, stupendous pride, galling, astonishing, fantastic pride. When you render judgment on another, you have taken upon yourself an awesome responsibility for making the correct judgment. Because, after all, your judgment is not necessary.
Father, why is it easy for us to judge another and yet always find it hard to see our own limitations, our own fault, “the beam in our own eye” (Mat 7:4)? I have done my own share of premature judging myself, Oh Lord. And what’s even worst, is I even judged people who are total strangers to me! – the lady who walks with an older man (another woman?), a teenager with a long hair and an earring in his nose (a drug addict?), a family of eight (don’t they have any other thing to do?), a blind beggar (thinking he must be faking it!)… “Judge not, that ye be not judged!”
Oh Lord, I know that other people judge me also, and most of the time, negatively. But this is not a reason for me to do the same. It doesn’t matter now what others call me, call us. How we live our lives before You and following Your desires, is the only thing that matters. It is the only true measure of how I will be judged when I come face-to-face with You in heaven.
“Do not judge, so you won’t be judged
For everything you say against others, will be the basis
Of how the Father will measure and judge you”
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
RELAX!
Mark 4:39b
The wind ceased and there was great calm.
------------------------------------------------
I worry too much. What if it rains tomorrow? What if the bank failed to credit my salary? What if I lost my job tomorrow? What if… what if… what if… A famous psychologist asserts that "fear is the most disintegrating enemy of human personality," and a prominent physician declares that "worry is the most subtle and destructive of all human diseases." We simply worry too much to a point that not worrying becomes abnormal for us.
All of us would like to be free from worries, but it seems impossible. And yet, all we need to do is to put ourselves in God’s hands. Jesus exclaims - Have no anxiety at all. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And St. Paul tells us the way:
“Brothers and sisters: Have no anxieties at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Dale Carnegie, in his book, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”, mentioned that there is only one perfect way to conquer worry: PRAYER! And he enumerated the following as ways to keep your spirit high and worry-free:
1. Rest before you get tired.
2. Learn to relax at your work.
3. Learn to relax at home.
4. To prevent worry and fatigue, put enthusiasm into your work.
Let God commands the winds to cease, and feel the calmness of it all.
Almighty Father, teach us to stop worrying and keep in our hearts that you will always be there for us. That we are far more important to You than the birds in the sky and grass in the fields. Teach us to keep our faith alive and believe in You always, constantly thanking You, praising You and loving You. For we know that You already know what we need, now and forever.
Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting.
The wind ceased and there was great calm.
------------------------------------------------
I worry too much. What if it rains tomorrow? What if the bank failed to credit my salary? What if I lost my job tomorrow? What if… what if… what if… A famous psychologist asserts that "fear is the most disintegrating enemy of human personality," and a prominent physician declares that "worry is the most subtle and destructive of all human diseases." We simply worry too much to a point that not worrying becomes abnormal for us.
All of us would like to be free from worries, but it seems impossible. And yet, all we need to do is to put ourselves in God’s hands. Jesus exclaims - Have no anxiety at all. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And St. Paul tells us the way:
“Brothers and sisters: Have no anxieties at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Dale Carnegie, in his book, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”, mentioned that there is only one perfect way to conquer worry: PRAYER! And he enumerated the following as ways to keep your spirit high and worry-free:
1. Rest before you get tired.
2. Learn to relax at your work.
3. Learn to relax at home.
4. To prevent worry and fatigue, put enthusiasm into your work.
Let God commands the winds to cease, and feel the calmness of it all.
Almighty Father, teach us to stop worrying and keep in our hearts that you will always be there for us. That we are far more important to You than the birds in the sky and grass in the fields. Teach us to keep our faith alive and believe in You always, constantly thanking You, praising You and loving You. For we know that You already know what we need, now and forever.
Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
ACTION, NOT WORDS
2 Corinthians 12:9
I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
-----------------------------------------------
The Tagalog words “po” and “opo” I would say, is unique to Filipinos for it may not have any direct counterpart in other languages. It shows respect to other people, whether that person is younger or older than you. So, even when conversing in English, the “po” or “opo” is still there – “Thank you, po!”, “Opo, I will be there.”
However, lately, the essence of using them is being lost in how the respondent use them. Sometimes, my son would say “Opo, I will go to sleep na!” in a somewhat angry fashion, since he is still watching a TV show. Or my daughter would yell, “Andyan na, po!”, since she is still busy chatting with her friends. They just became “ornamental” words, and lost its true meaning, that is, respect and commitment.
The same is true in our relationship with Jesus. He explicitly exclaimed that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. That for most who will say “Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?”, he would declare “depart from me for I do not know you.” Jesus will look on how we act on our belief and faith. He will look on how we use whatever we learned from Him in helping ourselves seek heaven and follow the will of the Lord. He will look on how we use His words so others may be saved. He will look on how we build His love solidly in our hearts so we can help others build theirs. It is not just saying “po” or “opo” but truly giving the respect and commitment that He and others deserves.
Let our action, and not just words, do the talking. Let it become our spiritual foundation which is solid as a rock, so in the face of temptations, “it will not collapse.” Words without action are nothing as faith without action is dead.
Lord Jesus, You are our foundation to whom we build our lives. Teach us to build the same foundation in the lives of others. If we have to dig further in our hearts to find that rocky foundation, may we do it so that our faith in You will last forever, in the midst of all trials, difficulties and temptations in our lives. For Your words alone is the truth and obeying Your words and acting on them is the wisest thing to do.
Come, children, hear me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
-----------------------------------------------
The Tagalog words “po” and “opo” I would say, is unique to Filipinos for it may not have any direct counterpart in other languages. It shows respect to other people, whether that person is younger or older than you. So, even when conversing in English, the “po” or “opo” is still there – “Thank you, po!”, “Opo, I will be there.”
However, lately, the essence of using them is being lost in how the respondent use them. Sometimes, my son would say “Opo, I will go to sleep na!” in a somewhat angry fashion, since he is still watching a TV show. Or my daughter would yell, “Andyan na, po!”, since she is still busy chatting with her friends. They just became “ornamental” words, and lost its true meaning, that is, respect and commitment.
The same is true in our relationship with Jesus. He explicitly exclaimed that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. That for most who will say “Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?”, he would declare “depart from me for I do not know you.” Jesus will look on how we act on our belief and faith. He will look on how we use whatever we learned from Him in helping ourselves seek heaven and follow the will of the Lord. He will look on how we use His words so others may be saved. He will look on how we build His love solidly in our hearts so we can help others build theirs. It is not just saying “po” or “opo” but truly giving the respect and commitment that He and others deserves.
Let our action, and not just words, do the talking. Let it become our spiritual foundation which is solid as a rock, so in the face of temptations, “it will not collapse.” Words without action are nothing as faith without action is dead.
Lord Jesus, You are our foundation to whom we build our lives. Teach us to build the same foundation in the lives of others. If we have to dig further in our hearts to find that rocky foundation, may we do it so that our faith in You will last forever, in the midst of all trials, difficulties and temptations in our lives. For Your words alone is the truth and obeying Your words and acting on them is the wisest thing to do.
Come, children, hear me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Friday, June 19, 2009
FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Ephesians 3:19
(May you) know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
----------------------------------------
In the face of fear, we can love. In the face of doubt, our faith will shine. In the face of despair, we dare to have hope. All through these, the Spirit within us is at works. He is not the spirit of cowardice but of courage. He is not the Spirit of doubt, but of belief. He is not the Spirit of sadness, but joy.
When we become a Christian, the Holy Spirit enters our lives, and He will never leave us. In a sense, He's a guest who will not leave you once you have let Him in the front door. It's now an exciting process letting him take control of every room in your home.
He wants to change you, though your basic temperament remains the same. Being 'filled with the Spirit' simply means being controlled by Him. So be filled with the Holy Spirit. First you must desire him - hungering and thirsting for what is right (Matthew 5:6). This involves confession of your sins (1 John 1:9). Then ask him to fill you: if you ask for anything he wants, he'll hear you (1 John 5:14, 15). Thank him for filling you, and by faith live moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day in his power and under his direction.
And allow yourself to be changed. Let Him work in you. Let Him change you for the better. The more we allow for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, the more goodness becomes evident in our everyday life. Give kindness and it will be returned to you. Let your walk and talk always be filled with kindness. Then, let others feel the Spirit within you and let them experience the same. For the same Spirit of God should work inside of us.
Almighty Father, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds. Loosen our tongues to sing your praise in words beyond the power of speech, for without your Spirit man could never raise his voice in words of peace or announce the truth that Jesus is Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen +
My strength and my courage is the LORD, and He has been my Savior.
Ephesians 3:19
(May you) know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
----------------------------------------
In the face of fear, we can love. In the face of doubt, our faith will shine. In the face of despair, we dare to have hope. All through these, the Spirit within us is at works. He is not the spirit of cowardice but of courage. He is not the Spirit of doubt, but of belief. He is not the Spirit of sadness, but joy.
When we become a Christian, the Holy Spirit enters our lives, and He will never leave us. In a sense, He's a guest who will not leave you once you have let Him in the front door. It's now an exciting process letting him take control of every room in your home.
He wants to change you, though your basic temperament remains the same. Being 'filled with the Spirit' simply means being controlled by Him. So be filled with the Holy Spirit. First you must desire him - hungering and thirsting for what is right (Matthew 5:6). This involves confession of your sins (1 John 1:9). Then ask him to fill you: if you ask for anything he wants, he'll hear you (1 John 5:14, 15). Thank him for filling you, and by faith live moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day in his power and under his direction.
And allow yourself to be changed. Let Him work in you. Let Him change you for the better. The more we allow for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, the more goodness becomes evident in our everyday life. Give kindness and it will be returned to you. Let your walk and talk always be filled with kindness. Then, let others feel the Spirit within you and let them experience the same. For the same Spirit of God should work inside of us.
Almighty Father, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds. Loosen our tongues to sing your praise in words beyond the power of speech, for without your Spirit man could never raise his voice in words of peace or announce the truth that Jesus is Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen +
My strength and my courage is the LORD, and He has been my Savior.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
A HEARTFELT PRAYER
Matthew 6:7
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.”
-------------------------------------------
First, it was just a babble. But after a while, your baby would utter the first word – “Mama”. A feeling of joy crept in you and started to cry. Then, your baby would repeat it many times again, “Mama, mama, mama”. Would you feel annoyed? Of course, not! It was music to your ears!
Years later, he would grow up to be a very fine, young man – full of faithfulness and fear of the Lord. And every day, he would say to you, “Mama, I love you”. And he would repeat it many times. Would you feel annoyed? Of course, not! No matter if he would repeat it many times, it would still be music to your ears.
This is the same with praying. Matthew 6:7 does not really mean that we should not pray repeatedly, as some would tell you. This verse only mean that it does not matter how many times you repeat something or how complex the words, it would not mean anything if it is not coming from the heart. Like the pagans before that only “babble” – that is, to utter a meaningless, confusing litany of words or sounds.
A person with a heart after God can pray and be effective in fewer words and a simpler language in communing with the Lord. Pray from the heart and seek the things of Him. Learn how to talk to Him. Don’t be afraid if you repeat your words or you forget some words. He understands that because he is not listening to your every words. He is listening to what your heart is saying.
Then, be still and listen for His small voice in your spirit as you pray. Allow Him to speak to you, don't shut Him out. Because similarly, He doesn't speak to your head, He speaks to your heart. So listen to His voice in your heart and rebuke any you hear in your head.
Almighty Father, we love You. We know that this is all You want. Everything else falls into place after that. Walk with us in our lives. In the end, we would not ask of anything from You anymore because You are already within us.
Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.”
-------------------------------------------
First, it was just a babble. But after a while, your baby would utter the first word – “Mama”. A feeling of joy crept in you and started to cry. Then, your baby would repeat it many times again, “Mama, mama, mama”. Would you feel annoyed? Of course, not! It was music to your ears!
Years later, he would grow up to be a very fine, young man – full of faithfulness and fear of the Lord. And every day, he would say to you, “Mama, I love you”. And he would repeat it many times. Would you feel annoyed? Of course, not! No matter if he would repeat it many times, it would still be music to your ears.
This is the same with praying. Matthew 6:7 does not really mean that we should not pray repeatedly, as some would tell you. This verse only mean that it does not matter how many times you repeat something or how complex the words, it would not mean anything if it is not coming from the heart. Like the pagans before that only “babble” – that is, to utter a meaningless, confusing litany of words or sounds.
A person with a heart after God can pray and be effective in fewer words and a simpler language in communing with the Lord. Pray from the heart and seek the things of Him. Learn how to talk to Him. Don’t be afraid if you repeat your words or you forget some words. He understands that because he is not listening to your every words. He is listening to what your heart is saying.
Then, be still and listen for His small voice in your spirit as you pray. Allow Him to speak to you, don't shut Him out. Because similarly, He doesn't speak to your head, He speaks to your heart. So listen to His voice in your heart and rebuke any you hear in your head.
Almighty Father, we love You. We know that this is all You want. Everything else falls into place after that. Walk with us in our lives. In the end, we would not ask of anything from You anymore because You are already within us.
Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
LOVE PREVAILS
Matthew 5:44, 46
But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you… for if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
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This commandment from Jesus had me thinking. For almost everyday, we would encounter people who would make our lives miserable – a neighbor who would spread gossips about us, drivers cutting us off in the street, unresponsive co-workers or even bosses, service (supposed-to-be) people who would make us wait and wait and wait… can we really love these people? Our human instinct would say “we cannot”. The unfortunate thing about feeling this way is that it really hurts us emotionally, and sometimes physically, so that we can’t think clearly. God did not create these people to be evil; they became that way on their own or through the influence of the people and situations around them; and this grieves God, as it would any loving parent. And Jesus showed how it can be done.
We need to grieve for them, along with God. So our prayers should also contain a prayer for them... not a prayer to bless them, but a prayer to soften their hearts to feel the pain and suffering that they are causing, so that they would turn from their evil ways and be saved from the wrath to come.
The prescription to love your enemy and to denounce evil with good is sometimes thought of as an impractical and perfectionist ethic, able to be practiced only by a few exceptional souls. When we hold on to this perfect love, we find that we turn over our anger to the Lord in prayer, and we are able to think clearly. And when we think clearly, we are able to find ways to peacefully take a stand against these forces of evil.
We need to continue to be the loving, compassionate, and peacemaking children of God we have been called to be. We may have hated someone in our life, but always remember to hate the actions done and not the person. We must continue to show love to that person so that same love may change him and change us. Loving others is taking out the enemy within.
Almighty Father, anger destroys the peace of our own soul, but being a loving and compassionate peacemaker brings peace to our soul. Teach us to love those who brings injustice to our lives. Teach us to love our enemies. Teach us to trust in You, knowing that this is how we have been called to be.
Where true love prevails, there no enemies are found.
But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you… for if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
------------------------------------------
This commandment from Jesus had me thinking. For almost everyday, we would encounter people who would make our lives miserable – a neighbor who would spread gossips about us, drivers cutting us off in the street, unresponsive co-workers or even bosses, service (supposed-to-be) people who would make us wait and wait and wait… can we really love these people? Our human instinct would say “we cannot”. The unfortunate thing about feeling this way is that it really hurts us emotionally, and sometimes physically, so that we can’t think clearly. God did not create these people to be evil; they became that way on their own or through the influence of the people and situations around them; and this grieves God, as it would any loving parent. And Jesus showed how it can be done.
We need to grieve for them, along with God. So our prayers should also contain a prayer for them... not a prayer to bless them, but a prayer to soften their hearts to feel the pain and suffering that they are causing, so that they would turn from their evil ways and be saved from the wrath to come.
The prescription to love your enemy and to denounce evil with good is sometimes thought of as an impractical and perfectionist ethic, able to be practiced only by a few exceptional souls. When we hold on to this perfect love, we find that we turn over our anger to the Lord in prayer, and we are able to think clearly. And when we think clearly, we are able to find ways to peacefully take a stand against these forces of evil.
We need to continue to be the loving, compassionate, and peacemaking children of God we have been called to be. We may have hated someone in our life, but always remember to hate the actions done and not the person. We must continue to show love to that person so that same love may change him and change us. Loving others is taking out the enemy within.
Almighty Father, anger destroys the peace of our own soul, but being a loving and compassionate peacemaker brings peace to our soul. Teach us to love those who brings injustice to our lives. Teach us to love our enemies. Teach us to trust in You, knowing that this is how we have been called to be.
Where true love prevails, there no enemies are found.
RECOLLECTION OF THE HEART
Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
-----------------------------------------
Prayer is the raising up of our minds and hearts to God, either to praise Him, or to thank Him, or to beg His grace. As such, the Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. They have in common the recollection of the heart:
1. VOCAL PRAYER, founded on the union of body and soul in human nature, associates the body with the interior prayer of the heart, following Christ's example of praying to his Father and teaching the Our Father to his disciples. We are body and spirit, and we experience the need to translate our feelings externally. We must pray with our whole being to give all power possible to our supplication. During Sunday mass or services, we are called to vocal prayer as we worship and glorify Him.
2. MEDITATION is a prayerful quest engaging thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. Its goal is to make our own in faith the subject considered, by confronting it with the reality of our own life. We are usually helped by books: the Sacred Scriptures, particularly the Gospels, holy icons, liturgical texts of the day or season, writings of the spiritual fathers, works of spirituality, the great book of creation, and that of history the page on which the "today" of God is written. Eventually, this prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ.
3. CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER is the simple expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, attentive to the Word of God, a silent love. It achieves real union with the prayer of Christ to the extent that it makes us share in his mystery. It is the humble way of surrendering to the loving will of the Father in ever deeper union with his beloved Son.
Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my will; all that I have and possess. You have given them to me; to you, O Lord, I restore them. All things are yours: Dispose of them according to your will. Give me your love and your grace; for this is enough for me.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright…
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
-----------------------------------------
Prayer is the raising up of our minds and hearts to God, either to praise Him, or to thank Him, or to beg His grace. As such, the Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. They have in common the recollection of the heart:
1. VOCAL PRAYER, founded on the union of body and soul in human nature, associates the body with the interior prayer of the heart, following Christ's example of praying to his Father and teaching the Our Father to his disciples. We are body and spirit, and we experience the need to translate our feelings externally. We must pray with our whole being to give all power possible to our supplication. During Sunday mass or services, we are called to vocal prayer as we worship and glorify Him.
2. MEDITATION is a prayerful quest engaging thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. Its goal is to make our own in faith the subject considered, by confronting it with the reality of our own life. We are usually helped by books: the Sacred Scriptures, particularly the Gospels, holy icons, liturgical texts of the day or season, writings of the spiritual fathers, works of spirituality, the great book of creation, and that of history the page on which the "today" of God is written. Eventually, this prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ.
3. CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER is the simple expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, attentive to the Word of God, a silent love. It achieves real union with the prayer of Christ to the extent that it makes us share in his mystery. It is the humble way of surrendering to the loving will of the Father in ever deeper union with his beloved Son.
Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my will; all that I have and possess. You have given them to me; to you, O Lord, I restore them. All things are yours: Dispose of them according to your will. Give me your love and your grace; for this is enough for me.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright…
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
NON-VIOLENCE
Matthew 5:39
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.
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There is a similar Filipino saying, “Kapag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay” (“If someone stoned you, throw a bread at him, instead”). Most of us are familiar with the "turn the other cheek" statement. But does any of us truly understand what this means? In other words, it means do not use violence to resist evil. Do not continue the downward spiral of violence. Jesus wants us to break the downward cycle of violence by refusing to cooperate with violence, refusing to retaliate with further violence. As the great Gandhi would put it: “An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.” Violence in response to violence can only lead to further violence.
But does that mean sit back, be passive, and suffer violence? No! The world tells us there are only two options in the face of violence: fight back with violence or run away and do nothing. But Jesus offers a third alternative: active nonviolence resistance. Jesus doesn’t advocate passive resignation or indifference to evil. He teaches and practices active, steadfast resistance to every form of violence and injustice. He just does not use the same means as the oppressor.
There are several events throughout the Bible that establish the principle of self-defense. However, seeking personal revenge is prohibited. For example, killing someone without cause would be called murder and results from anger or hatred. Jesus stated that not only murderers were in danger of judgment but those who are angry enough to murder are also in danger of judgment. While we may avoid or resist evil when it is necessary for our own security, we cannot render evil for evil nor avenge ourselves. We must get beyond this and forgive the offenders while seeking their salvation. That’s when we become like Jesus, nonviolent resisters to the culture of violence and war.
Almighty Father, we pray for your peace and your mercy in the midst of the great suffering that people are now inflicting on each other. Accept the prayers of your Church, so that by your goodness peace may return to all peoples. Extinguish every dispute for You are our peace and to You we ascribe glory. Hear us and have mercy on us. Amen +
“You must be the change you want to see in the world” – M. Gandhi
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.
------------------------------------------
There is a similar Filipino saying, “Kapag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay” (“If someone stoned you, throw a bread at him, instead”). Most of us are familiar with the "turn the other cheek" statement. But does any of us truly understand what this means? In other words, it means do not use violence to resist evil. Do not continue the downward spiral of violence. Jesus wants us to break the downward cycle of violence by refusing to cooperate with violence, refusing to retaliate with further violence. As the great Gandhi would put it: “An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.” Violence in response to violence can only lead to further violence.
But does that mean sit back, be passive, and suffer violence? No! The world tells us there are only two options in the face of violence: fight back with violence or run away and do nothing. But Jesus offers a third alternative: active nonviolence resistance. Jesus doesn’t advocate passive resignation or indifference to evil. He teaches and practices active, steadfast resistance to every form of violence and injustice. He just does not use the same means as the oppressor.
There are several events throughout the Bible that establish the principle of self-defense. However, seeking personal revenge is prohibited. For example, killing someone without cause would be called murder and results from anger or hatred. Jesus stated that not only murderers were in danger of judgment but those who are angry enough to murder are also in danger of judgment. While we may avoid or resist evil when it is necessary for our own security, we cannot render evil for evil nor avenge ourselves. We must get beyond this and forgive the offenders while seeking their salvation. That’s when we become like Jesus, nonviolent resisters to the culture of violence and war.
Almighty Father, we pray for your peace and your mercy in the midst of the great suffering that people are now inflicting on each other. Accept the prayers of your Church, so that by your goodness peace may return to all peoples. Extinguish every dispute for You are our peace and to You we ascribe glory. Hear us and have mercy on us. Amen +
“You must be the change you want to see in the world” – M. Gandhi
EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Mark 14:22-24
“Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them… “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.”
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The Eucharist, the sacrament of our salvation accomplished by Christ on the cross, is also a sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the work of creation. In the Eucharistic sacrifice the whole of creation loved by God is presented to the Father through the death and the Resurrection of Christ. Through Christ the Church can offer the sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for all that God has made good, beautiful, and just in creation and in humanity.
The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all his benefits, for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification. Eucharist means first of all “thanksgiving”.
The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of praise by which the Church sings the glory of God in the name of all creation. This sacrifice of praise is possible only through Christ: he unites the faithful to his person, to his praise, and to his intercession, so that the sacrifice of praise to the Father is offered through Christ and with him, to be accepted in him. (From “Catechism of the Catholic Church”)
All of us were called by Jesus as His people, as His disciples, as His friends. And as one body, we dedicate our lives in following His will, seeking His love and mercy and partaking in His life, death and resurrection. To the offering of Christ are united not only the members still here on earth, but also those already in the glory of heaven. And as we receive Him during the Holy Communion, may it nourishes our body, soul and spirit. By giving Himself to us, Christ revives our love and enables us to break our disordered attachments to earthly creatures and root ourselves in Him. Receive Him, wholeheartedly, working for our good and the good of His Church.
Almighty Father, Whose promises give us hope, we eat this covenant meal before You today. You have agreed to receive us who believe in Your son. You sealed Your covenant with His blood. We, even in our faltering faith, believe in Your son. We thank you for his life which is given to us, Amen +
I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.
Mark 14:22-24
“Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them… “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.”
---------------------------------------
The Eucharist, the sacrament of our salvation accomplished by Christ on the cross, is also a sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the work of creation. In the Eucharistic sacrifice the whole of creation loved by God is presented to the Father through the death and the Resurrection of Christ. Through Christ the Church can offer the sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for all that God has made good, beautiful, and just in creation and in humanity.
The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all his benefits, for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification. Eucharist means first of all “thanksgiving”.
The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of praise by which the Church sings the glory of God in the name of all creation. This sacrifice of praise is possible only through Christ: he unites the faithful to his person, to his praise, and to his intercession, so that the sacrifice of praise to the Father is offered through Christ and with him, to be accepted in him. (From “Catechism of the Catholic Church”)
All of us were called by Jesus as His people, as His disciples, as His friends. And as one body, we dedicate our lives in following His will, seeking His love and mercy and partaking in His life, death and resurrection. To the offering of Christ are united not only the members still here on earth, but also those already in the glory of heaven. And as we receive Him during the Holy Communion, may it nourishes our body, soul and spirit. By giving Himself to us, Christ revives our love and enables us to break our disordered attachments to earthly creatures and root ourselves in Him. Receive Him, wholeheartedly, working for our good and the good of His Church.
Almighty Father, Whose promises give us hope, we eat this covenant meal before You today. You have agreed to receive us who believe in Your son. You sealed Your covenant with His blood. We, even in our faltering faith, believe in Your son. We thank you for his life which is given to us, Amen +
I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A NEW CREATION
2 Corinthians 5:17
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
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Virtue is moral excellence of a person. A virtue is a trait valued as being good. The conceptual opposite of virtue is vice. A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.
When we are baptized into Christ we are made a new creation. We are given the power and grace to live and act under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through the gifts coming from Him. This grace enables us to grow in goodness through the moral virtues. Godly virtue proceeds from faith then knowledge then self-control, endurance, devotion, mutual affection and finally, love. God gives us all the strength and grace we need to live and grow as his beloved children.
Virtuous men and women abound in the Scripture: Joseph is a model of patience and long-suffering. Job is a model of perseverance in the face of calamity. Abraham is a model of faith and obedience. Joshua is a model of courage and determination. And our mother, Mary, of obedience and unselfishness. Characters that was formed through the years, a virtuous life made possible through the repeated performance of good deeds.
If, continually and over a long time, a person practices good deeds, he will form good habits. Good habits cultivated over a long time lead to the formation of good character. A godly character borne out of love. Without love, we can be certain there is no real faith. If the Christian supplements their faith with love, they will also have the other qualities because they all go together. How about you, what virtues do you possess?
Almighty Father, let us grow in our faith and in Your love. May we develop all the virtues that you want us to possess, as we continually grow and form these habits. You Son is our model and we should strive to be more and more be like Him, as we mirror Himself in us so others may see and imitate. Amen +
He redeems your life from destruction… crowns you with… compassion.
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
----------------------------------------------
Virtue is moral excellence of a person. A virtue is a trait valued as being good. The conceptual opposite of virtue is vice. A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.
When we are baptized into Christ we are made a new creation. We are given the power and grace to live and act under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through the gifts coming from Him. This grace enables us to grow in goodness through the moral virtues. Godly virtue proceeds from faith then knowledge then self-control, endurance, devotion, mutual affection and finally, love. God gives us all the strength and grace we need to live and grow as his beloved children.
Virtuous men and women abound in the Scripture: Joseph is a model of patience and long-suffering. Job is a model of perseverance in the face of calamity. Abraham is a model of faith and obedience. Joshua is a model of courage and determination. And our mother, Mary, of obedience and unselfishness. Characters that was formed through the years, a virtuous life made possible through the repeated performance of good deeds.
If, continually and over a long time, a person practices good deeds, he will form good habits. Good habits cultivated over a long time lead to the formation of good character. A godly character borne out of love. Without love, we can be certain there is no real faith. If the Christian supplements their faith with love, they will also have the other qualities because they all go together. How about you, what virtues do you possess?
Almighty Father, let us grow in our faith and in Your love. May we develop all the virtues that you want us to possess, as we continually grow and form these habits. You Son is our model and we should strive to be more and more be like Him, as we mirror Himself in us so others may see and imitate. Amen +
He redeems your life from destruction… crowns you with… compassion.
Friday, June 12, 2009
THROW IT AWAY
Matthew 5:30
It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.
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Stealing – well, been there, done that. I would get some money from our store when I was young, without my mother’s knowledge. Well, you can say those are petty crimes, brought about by naughtiness as a kid. I agree and that is what I believed at that time. But still, a crime is a crime is a crime. Pornography – well, been there, done that. It all started with browsing tabloids. Then upgraded to some comics. Then magazines. Then internet browsing (at least, it’s free!). Again, brought about by naughtiness of being a man? Naahhh! That’s what I thought before.
Jesus is very clear. If one part of your body is causing you to sin, the cut it off. Of course, this is one way of interpreting it, that is taking it literally. Another way of looking at it, is cut off the cause of you committing sin. When you are into pornography, then burn all your stuffs. Put a porn blocker in your computers, with the unblocking password being provided and kept by your wife or someone other than you. Keep yourself away from money locations so you will not be tempted. Remember, the devil will not manifest itself to us as a beast with horns and fangs. The devil will come in sheep’s clothing, or looking like a playboy centerfold or a 1,000-peso bill “under the table”. Resist temptation and you will be able to keep your hands and eyes for good. And begin to pray each day, speaking with Jesus as you would with a friend. There is no other love greater than God’s love for you, and you will discover this more deeply through prayer and reading the Bible, which is His love letter to you. Trust Him with all your heart.
Subduing desire begins by cultivating an attitude of detachment towards sense perceptions, by regarding them as impermanent, transient, and of no account. We should only desire one thing – that is the love and mercy of our Lord God. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then, the light in you is darkness…”
Almighty Father, I give my body to your care. Let my body be the home for the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. Let me never sin against Him by any impure actions alone or with others, against the virtue of purity.
To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.
-------------------------------------------
Stealing – well, been there, done that. I would get some money from our store when I was young, without my mother’s knowledge. Well, you can say those are petty crimes, brought about by naughtiness as a kid. I agree and that is what I believed at that time. But still, a crime is a crime is a crime. Pornography – well, been there, done that. It all started with browsing tabloids. Then upgraded to some comics. Then magazines. Then internet browsing (at least, it’s free!). Again, brought about by naughtiness of being a man? Naahhh! That’s what I thought before.
Jesus is very clear. If one part of your body is causing you to sin, the cut it off. Of course, this is one way of interpreting it, that is taking it literally. Another way of looking at it, is cut off the cause of you committing sin. When you are into pornography, then burn all your stuffs. Put a porn blocker in your computers, with the unblocking password being provided and kept by your wife or someone other than you. Keep yourself away from money locations so you will not be tempted. Remember, the devil will not manifest itself to us as a beast with horns and fangs. The devil will come in sheep’s clothing, or looking like a playboy centerfold or a 1,000-peso bill “under the table”. Resist temptation and you will be able to keep your hands and eyes for good. And begin to pray each day, speaking with Jesus as you would with a friend. There is no other love greater than God’s love for you, and you will discover this more deeply through prayer and reading the Bible, which is His love letter to you. Trust Him with all your heart.
Subduing desire begins by cultivating an attitude of detachment towards sense perceptions, by regarding them as impermanent, transient, and of no account. We should only desire one thing – that is the love and mercy of our Lord God. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then, the light in you is darkness…”
Almighty Father, I give my body to your care. Let my body be the home for the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. Let me never sin against Him by any impure actions alone or with others, against the virtue of purity.
To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
BEYOND PAGEANTRY
Matthew 5:20
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven”.
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I go to church every Sunday and give my share during the offertory. I read the Bible everyday and even started this daily devotion. I try, as much as possible to follow the rules of both God and my country. The scribes and the Pharisees also did these things and more. But still, Jesus believes that their righteousness is still lacking.
The scribes, for instance, were the great authorities on the law of God. The Pharisees were the men who were famous for their holiness and sanctity. By their rules and regulations they built a fence around the law. Their intent was twofold: first, to protect the law; second, to prevent themselves from breaking the law. Everyone in Israel thought of the scribes and Pharisees as paragons of virtue, as examples of morality.
First of all, the righteousness of the Pharisees was external and formal rather than internal and of the heart. The Pharisees made a big show, a big production, out of their righteousness. They prayed on the street corners, they prayed standing up, they prayed out loud for everyone to see. Secondly, their religion was all ceremony and no morality. As long as he had washed his hands, fasted, offered prayers, and went to the Temple, the Pharisee thought all was well with his soul.
This is not the righteousness that God wants to see and feel from us. What is Christ's righteousness like? It is a perfect righteousness, a righteousness that is from the heart, a righteousness that goes beyond show and ceremony, a righteousness that is God-centered, a righteousness that shows love and concern for the poor, taking care of our brothers and making peace with our enemies. Remove pride and live a life in total humility, totally giving your life to God, surpassing the standard of righteousness through His mercy.
Almighty Father, I seek Your righteousness. Help me to remember to look to You in everything I do and use me to reach others — to help others seek You first in all they do. I seek Your Kingdom. Thank You that You take me back even when I make the same mistakes over and over and over again. I seek Your mercy and Your forgiveness, forever. Amen +
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven”.
-----------------------------------------
I go to church every Sunday and give my share during the offertory. I read the Bible everyday and even started this daily devotion. I try, as much as possible to follow the rules of both God and my country. The scribes and the Pharisees also did these things and more. But still, Jesus believes that their righteousness is still lacking.
The scribes, for instance, were the great authorities on the law of God. The Pharisees were the men who were famous for their holiness and sanctity. By their rules and regulations they built a fence around the law. Their intent was twofold: first, to protect the law; second, to prevent themselves from breaking the law. Everyone in Israel thought of the scribes and Pharisees as paragons of virtue, as examples of morality.
First of all, the righteousness of the Pharisees was external and formal rather than internal and of the heart. The Pharisees made a big show, a big production, out of their righteousness. They prayed on the street corners, they prayed standing up, they prayed out loud for everyone to see. Secondly, their religion was all ceremony and no morality. As long as he had washed his hands, fasted, offered prayers, and went to the Temple, the Pharisee thought all was well with his soul.
This is not the righteousness that God wants to see and feel from us. What is Christ's righteousness like? It is a perfect righteousness, a righteousness that is from the heart, a righteousness that goes beyond show and ceremony, a righteousness that is God-centered, a righteousness that shows love and concern for the poor, taking care of our brothers and making peace with our enemies. Remove pride and live a life in total humility, totally giving your life to God, surpassing the standard of righteousness through His mercy.
Almighty Father, I seek Your righteousness. Help me to remember to look to You in everything I do and use me to reach others — to help others seek You first in all they do. I seek Your Kingdom. Thank You that You take me back even when I make the same mistakes over and over and over again. I seek Your mercy and Your forgiveness, forever. Amen +
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
QUALIFIED
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God…
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I am a mechanical engineering graduate. I have made a design thesis on a coal power plant. I have learned and designed an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) for a small building. But when I joined my first company, I have not used anything of these. I was tasked to look at semiconductor equipment like “compression molds” and “wirebonders”. I was thankful that I had some units on mechanical design and die tooling so I was able to grasp the “theories” behind operating those machines.
Then, after 4 years, I changed career. I was transferred to lead the Six Sigma program for the same company. And I have been training, mentoring and coaching about this quality initiative for the next 10 years. Then, another career change. Three years ago, I start managing projects – gantt charts, savings, cost, budget, milestone became part of my daily vocabulary.
I do not know what will come next. But I know that everything is happening because of a reason. All I have to do is to learn from all of these and maybe, one day, I can use all of them so I may glorify God fully. He is writing my job resume, my job qualifications.
We may be the highest positioned person in a company, or own a big conglomerate. But this is nothing to God unless we use that to glorify Him and help others to know Him. We are not sufficient of ourselves even to think anything from ourselves. Therefore pray the Lord to be our sufficiency. When God has blessed us, it is for a reason. For if the Lord has done it all in our lives, He must receive all the glory forever and ever.
Almighty Father, sometimes I feel as if my own lack of ability has disqualified me? But I do believe that only You has qualified us. We should not be dependent upon on our own strengths, but rather on You – on how You has enabled us, by Your grace, to do all that we are called to do. May we focus our lives on You, who is at work in us through our lives and do to according to Your good will and pleasure. Amen +
Holy is the Lord our God.
Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God…
----------------------------------------------
I am a mechanical engineering graduate. I have made a design thesis on a coal power plant. I have learned and designed an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) for a small building. But when I joined my first company, I have not used anything of these. I was tasked to look at semiconductor equipment like “compression molds” and “wirebonders”. I was thankful that I had some units on mechanical design and die tooling so I was able to grasp the “theories” behind operating those machines.
Then, after 4 years, I changed career. I was transferred to lead the Six Sigma program for the same company. And I have been training, mentoring and coaching about this quality initiative for the next 10 years. Then, another career change. Three years ago, I start managing projects – gantt charts, savings, cost, budget, milestone became part of my daily vocabulary.
I do not know what will come next. But I know that everything is happening because of a reason. All I have to do is to learn from all of these and maybe, one day, I can use all of them so I may glorify God fully. He is writing my job resume, my job qualifications.
We may be the highest positioned person in a company, or own a big conglomerate. But this is nothing to God unless we use that to glorify Him and help others to know Him. We are not sufficient of ourselves even to think anything from ourselves. Therefore pray the Lord to be our sufficiency. When God has blessed us, it is for a reason. For if the Lord has done it all in our lives, He must receive all the glory forever and ever.
Almighty Father, sometimes I feel as if my own lack of ability has disqualified me? But I do believe that only You has qualified us. We should not be dependent upon on our own strengths, but rather on You – on how You has enabled us, by Your grace, to do all that we are called to do. May we focus our lives on You, who is at work in us through our lives and do to according to Your good will and pleasure. Amen +
Holy is the Lord our God.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
FLAVORFUL
Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth.”
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Most of us would like our food to be a little bit salty. If it is, then that food is flavorful. If it is flavorful, then we can enjoy the food and maybe eat more than the usual. This is the reason in our dining table, we have a lot of things that we use to salten our food – soy sauce, “patis” or fish sauce, “bagoong” or shrimp paste and of course, salt. For we equate saltiness with flavor and flavor with saltiness. And among the poor, most of them will have lunch of rice with salt or soy sauce, and that’s it!
The role of salt in the Bible is relevant to understanding Hebrew society during the Old Testament and New Testament periods. Salt is a necessity of life and was a mineral that was used since ancient times in many cultures as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a component of ceremonial offerings, and as a unit of exchange. The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification.
In today’s gospel, Jesus invites us to “keep salt in ourselves” to achieve peace with one another. We have to keep ourselves “flavorful” – valuable, loyal, useful and pure – in the eyes of God and in the eyes of others. Salt is primarily used as a seasoning - how about your life does it add seasoning to others? Salt is also known to be a great preservative. There are a lot things in our lives that need to be preserved, things like passion, love for people, righteous living, giving and obedience to God’s will. These are characteristics that God wants preserved in our lives daily.
Prevent ourselves to become insipid – losing that flavor – for we will be of no use. Keep your life filled with passion, giving, and love for people. Allow God to melt away everything that is not of Him. Have SALT in yourselves.
Almighty Father, I give my soul to your care. Do not let me lose it by serious sin. Protect my mind and my will so that all my thoughts and desires will be pleasing to God. Let me love you with all my heart, through Jesus. Let me always try to love my neighbor. Let me always remember that my body is a home for the Holy Spirit who dwells in me.
Turn to me in pity as you turn to those who love your name.
“You are the salt of the earth.”
--------------------------------------------
Most of us would like our food to be a little bit salty. If it is, then that food is flavorful. If it is flavorful, then we can enjoy the food and maybe eat more than the usual. This is the reason in our dining table, we have a lot of things that we use to salten our food – soy sauce, “patis” or fish sauce, “bagoong” or shrimp paste and of course, salt. For we equate saltiness with flavor and flavor with saltiness. And among the poor, most of them will have lunch of rice with salt or soy sauce, and that’s it!
The role of salt in the Bible is relevant to understanding Hebrew society during the Old Testament and New Testament periods. Salt is a necessity of life and was a mineral that was used since ancient times in many cultures as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a component of ceremonial offerings, and as a unit of exchange. The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification.
In today’s gospel, Jesus invites us to “keep salt in ourselves” to achieve peace with one another. We have to keep ourselves “flavorful” – valuable, loyal, useful and pure – in the eyes of God and in the eyes of others. Salt is primarily used as a seasoning - how about your life does it add seasoning to others? Salt is also known to be a great preservative. There are a lot things in our lives that need to be preserved, things like passion, love for people, righteous living, giving and obedience to God’s will. These are characteristics that God wants preserved in our lives daily.
Prevent ourselves to become insipid – losing that flavor – for we will be of no use. Keep your life filled with passion, giving, and love for people. Allow God to melt away everything that is not of Him. Have SALT in yourselves.
Almighty Father, I give my soul to your care. Do not let me lose it by serious sin. Protect my mind and my will so that all my thoughts and desires will be pleasing to God. Let me love you with all my heart, through Jesus. Let me always try to love my neighbor. Let me always remember that my body is a home for the Holy Spirit who dwells in me.
Turn to me in pity as you turn to those who love your name.
Monday, June 8, 2009
THE BEATITUDES
Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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The word "Beatitude" comes from a Latin word meaning “happy” or “blessed.” God implanted in us a desire for happiness, eternal happiness. In truth, the things of this world - money, athletic or scholarly achievement, fame, possessions - can never satisfy the hungry heart we all possess. Only God, God's goodness and love, can quench our thirst for happiness. Jesus teaches us what we have to do right now to develop the kind of attitudes that lead to happiness, even in this life.
The Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus' preaching. They take up the promises made to the chosen people since Abraham. The Beatitudes fulfill the promises by ordering them not to long for merely to the possession of a territory, but to the Kingdom of heaven.
The Beatitudes depict the expression of happiness in our lives with Jesus Christ and portray his charity. They express the call for living a life in faith associated with the glory of his Passion and Resurrection; they shed light on the actions and attitudes characteristic of the Christian life; they are promises that sustain hope in the midst of uncertainties, chaos and non-belief; they proclaim the blessings and rewards already secured, however dimly, for Christ's disciples that have begun in the lives of the Virgin Mary and all the saints.
Examine our hearts. Are we trying to be like each one of them? Let us put our complete faith and trust to the Lord, for we all belong to the Kingdom of God. We truly deserve to be happy and blessed.
Lord Jesus, keep us from being pre-ocuppied with money and worldly goods. Let us not be impatient under our own burdens and unconcerned about the burdens of others. Make us thirst for you, the fountain of all holiness, and actively spread your Words. Make us willing to suffer for the sake of right rather than to practice injustice; and do not let us discriminate against our neighbors and oppress and persecute them.
Amen +
Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
--------------------------------------------
The word "Beatitude" comes from a Latin word meaning “happy” or “blessed.” God implanted in us a desire for happiness, eternal happiness. In truth, the things of this world - money, athletic or scholarly achievement, fame, possessions - can never satisfy the hungry heart we all possess. Only God, God's goodness and love, can quench our thirst for happiness. Jesus teaches us what we have to do right now to develop the kind of attitudes that lead to happiness, even in this life.
The Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus' preaching. They take up the promises made to the chosen people since Abraham. The Beatitudes fulfill the promises by ordering them not to long for merely to the possession of a territory, but to the Kingdom of heaven.
The Beatitudes depict the expression of happiness in our lives with Jesus Christ and portray his charity. They express the call for living a life in faith associated with the glory of his Passion and Resurrection; they shed light on the actions and attitudes characteristic of the Christian life; they are promises that sustain hope in the midst of uncertainties, chaos and non-belief; they proclaim the blessings and rewards already secured, however dimly, for Christ's disciples that have begun in the lives of the Virgin Mary and all the saints.
Examine our hearts. Are we trying to be like each one of them? Let us put our complete faith and trust to the Lord, for we all belong to the Kingdom of God. We truly deserve to be happy and blessed.
Lord Jesus, keep us from being pre-ocuppied with money and worldly goods. Let us not be impatient under our own burdens and unconcerned about the burdens of others. Make us thirst for you, the fountain of all holiness, and actively spread your Words. Make us willing to suffer for the sake of right rather than to practice injustice; and do not let us discriminate against our neighbors and oppress and persecute them.
Amen +
Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
COUNSEL
Solemnity of the Holy Trinity
Acts 2:24
“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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
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There are websites that speak against Trinity. I really haven’t understood their position because their explanation is too scientific to me. But I grew up believing in the Trinity – “one God, three persons”. And with the gift of counsel or right judgment, I know, deep in my heart, that I believe the right thing, so I choose to do what is right.
A person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the values taught by Jesus. The gift of truth that allows the person to respond prudently, and happily to believe our Christ the Lord. Hopefully, I would learn more about my faith and builds on my current wisdom and understanding about the word of God. And through counsel, may I can finally speak without fear in defense of the Christian Faith.
And this is the truth: The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons. The divine persons do not share the one divinity among themselves but each of them is God whole and entire: “The Father is that which the Son is, the Son that which the Father is, the Father and the Son that which the Holy Spirit is by nature one God”.
This sharing in the life of the Trinity is meant to culminate in heaven, where we will see the three Persons - face to face, united to them in unspeakable love.
O most holy Trinity, Almighty God, we adore You, Who give life and vigor to every creature and Who shed light eternal where there is darkness. We offer You our hearts, our souls, and our whole being, today and on the days to come, that we may offer perfect praise and love to your glorious Name. Amen +
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be His own.
Acts 2:24
“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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
--------------------------------------
There are websites that speak against Trinity. I really haven’t understood their position because their explanation is too scientific to me. But I grew up believing in the Trinity – “one God, three persons”. And with the gift of counsel or right judgment, I know, deep in my heart, that I believe the right thing, so I choose to do what is right.
A person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the values taught by Jesus. The gift of truth that allows the person to respond prudently, and happily to believe our Christ the Lord. Hopefully, I would learn more about my faith and builds on my current wisdom and understanding about the word of God. And through counsel, may I can finally speak without fear in defense of the Christian Faith.
And this is the truth: The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons. The divine persons do not share the one divinity among themselves but each of them is God whole and entire: “The Father is that which the Son is, the Son that which the Father is, the Father and the Son that which the Holy Spirit is by nature one God”.
This sharing in the life of the Trinity is meant to culminate in heaven, where we will see the three Persons - face to face, united to them in unspeakable love.
O most holy Trinity, Almighty God, we adore You, Who give life and vigor to every creature and Who shed light eternal where there is darkness. We offer You our hearts, our souls, and our whole being, today and on the days to come, that we may offer perfect praise and love to your glorious Name. Amen +
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be His own.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
WISDOM
Acts 2:24
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other… For they contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed… her whole livelihood.”
------------------------------------------
Today’s gospel strucked me really hard, for I am guilty of being the opposite of the widow. One way that we praise God is through offering money. In fact, it is clear in the Bible that we give 10% of what we earn to God (tithes). But in today’s gospel, Jesus wants us to go more than that. He pointed out the action of a poor widow when she gave all that she have – her whole livelihood. The poor widow, it would seem, gave from more than a sense of duty or legal obligation. Her gift is perceived by Jesus, not as a harsh sacrifice, but as a noteworthy expression of the kingdom. When the kingdom of God comes into our lives, there is healing and joy in giving.
With the gift of wisdom, we see God at work in our lives and in the world. For the wise person, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the ups and downs of our lives take on deeper meaning. The matters of judgment about the truth, and being able to see the whole image of God. It is not anymore just following something by the letter (or by the percentage) but rather, knowing that in doing something, one must do it for the glory of God.
Not just looking at percentages, but rather at absolute amount relative to your “livelihood”. A millionaire’s 10% is far greater more than a minimum wage earner’s 10%. But I am no judge of who is better than the other. But Jesus is clear, the poor widow has put in more than the other – by giving all that she has – 100%!!!
We can give 10% to God and then waste the remaining 90% to vise, sinful acts, gluttony and things that we do not really need. In the end, we became slave to money. We would rather give 100% to Him than rot in hell.
Almighty Father, I continuously seek for knowledge and wisdom so I may have the ability to discern good from the bad. Compared to the wisdom You possess, the wisdom I possess now is nothing. And yet, You still love me, You still care for me, You still use me so others may learn.
Amen +
Celebrate days of gladness, and give him praise.
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other… For they contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed… her whole livelihood.”
------------------------------------------
Today’s gospel strucked me really hard, for I am guilty of being the opposite of the widow. One way that we praise God is through offering money. In fact, it is clear in the Bible that we give 10% of what we earn to God (tithes). But in today’s gospel, Jesus wants us to go more than that. He pointed out the action of a poor widow when she gave all that she have – her whole livelihood. The poor widow, it would seem, gave from more than a sense of duty or legal obligation. Her gift is perceived by Jesus, not as a harsh sacrifice, but as a noteworthy expression of the kingdom. When the kingdom of God comes into our lives, there is healing and joy in giving.
With the gift of wisdom, we see God at work in our lives and in the world. For the wise person, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the ups and downs of our lives take on deeper meaning. The matters of judgment about the truth, and being able to see the whole image of God. It is not anymore just following something by the letter (or by the percentage) but rather, knowing that in doing something, one must do it for the glory of God.
Not just looking at percentages, but rather at absolute amount relative to your “livelihood”. A millionaire’s 10% is far greater more than a minimum wage earner’s 10%. But I am no judge of who is better than the other. But Jesus is clear, the poor widow has put in more than the other – by giving all that she has – 100%!!!
We can give 10% to God and then waste the remaining 90% to vise, sinful acts, gluttony and things that we do not really need. In the end, we became slave to money. We would rather give 100% to Him than rot in hell.
Almighty Father, I continuously seek for knowledge and wisdom so I may have the ability to discern good from the bad. Compared to the wisdom You possess, the wisdom I possess now is nothing. And yet, You still love me, You still care for me, You still use me so others may learn.
Amen +
Celebrate days of gladness, and give him praise.
Friday, June 5, 2009
UNDERSTANDING
Mark 12:36
The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.”
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Many of us thought that the Bible is very hard to understand due to words and statements that are “deep” and full of parables. But, all we need is to open our mind to accept every words out of it. By invoking the gift of understanding from the Holy Spirit, we would be able to grasp the true meaning of Jesus in our lives and how we can share these to others.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit to make Christ known to us. That is why Jesus stated that King David could proclaim that his future heir would be both Messiah (the Hebrew word for Christ or the Anointed One) and his Lord. Among the Jews the most common title for the Messiah was the Son of David. The Jews looked forward to the long-expected Savior who would come from the line of David.
Jesus was often addressed with that title, especially by the crowds (Mark 10:47ff, Matthew 9:27; 12:23). Jesus not only asserts that the Messiah is David's son, and that he is, indeed, David's son, but, that he is not only David's son, but also his Lord. Paul the Apostle states that no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3).
The Lord or Master of our lives is the person or thing we give our lives over to or submit to in a full way. We can be ruled by many things -- our unruly passions, the love of money, alcohol, drugs, etc. Only one Lord can truly set us free to love and to be loved as God intended from the beginning. Unless we understand this truth and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, we would remain in darkness forever. Let us invite him to be the King of our heart and the ruler of our thoughts, relationships, and all that we do.
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of David and the Son of God. This I truly and fully understand. You are my Lord and I willingly submit myself to your rule in my life. Be Lord and King of my life, my thoughts, heart, home, relationships, work and all that I do.
Praise the Lord, my soul!
The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.”
------------------------------------------
Many of us thought that the Bible is very hard to understand due to words and statements that are “deep” and full of parables. But, all we need is to open our mind to accept every words out of it. By invoking the gift of understanding from the Holy Spirit, we would be able to grasp the true meaning of Jesus in our lives and how we can share these to others.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit to make Christ known to us. That is why Jesus stated that King David could proclaim that his future heir would be both Messiah (the Hebrew word for Christ or the Anointed One) and his Lord. Among the Jews the most common title for the Messiah was the Son of David. The Jews looked forward to the long-expected Savior who would come from the line of David.
Jesus was often addressed with that title, especially by the crowds (Mark 10:47ff, Matthew 9:27; 12:23). Jesus not only asserts that the Messiah is David's son, and that he is, indeed, David's son, but, that he is not only David's son, but also his Lord. Paul the Apostle states that no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3).
The Lord or Master of our lives is the person or thing we give our lives over to or submit to in a full way. We can be ruled by many things -- our unruly passions, the love of money, alcohol, drugs, etc. Only one Lord can truly set us free to love and to be loved as God intended from the beginning. Unless we understand this truth and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, we would remain in darkness forever. Let us invite him to be the King of our heart and the ruler of our thoughts, relationships, and all that we do.
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of David and the Son of God. This I truly and fully understand. You are my Lord and I willingly submit myself to your rule in my life. Be Lord and King of my life, my thoughts, heart, home, relationships, work and all that I do.
Praise the Lord, my soul!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
FORTITUDE (COURAGE)
Tobit 7:17
“Be brave, my daughter. May the Lord grant you joy in place of your grief. Courage, my daughter.”
-----------------------------------------
Today’s first reading starts with Tobiah asking Sarah’s father to marry her. But it was not that simple as it seems. At that time, Sarah has been married seven times already. But before they can even share the married life together, everyone will die on the very night they approached her. It was a curse no one can understand. And Sarah even thought of ending her life, but she was able to pray to God instead for guidance, wisdom and courage. And Tobiah was the answer to her prayers.
Tobiah was a fine, young man having grew up under the guidance of his father, Tobit. When his father became blind due to cataract, he was instructed by his father to go to a distant land to collect a sum of money that the latter had deposited some time to a friend. He was accompanied by the angel Raphael who also asked him to marry Sarah.
Their first night was full of anxiety. But, Tobiah did the right thing. He asked Sarah to pray with him for God’s protection and give them the courage to overcome the “curse”. Using a burnt fish liver and heart, they were able to drive away the demon causing Sarah’s misfortune. Later, they went back to Tobiah and he healed him of his cataract and was able to see again. Raphael then reveals his true identity and returns to heaven.
Christian courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost, because God promises to help you and save you on account of Christ. An act takes courage if it will likely be painful. Be courageous in defending the Word, and be courageous in meeting life’s challenges because the Lord will always be there, guiding you.
Almighty Father, grant me the courage to be silent that I may hear Your voice; to persevere, that I may share Your victory; and to remember, unless I forget the way by which You has led me. And when this day is done, O Lord, may I have the courage to see Your guiding hand in the friendships that have been made, in the hurts that have been healed, and in the strength that has been given.
Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us…
“Be brave, my daughter. May the Lord grant you joy in place of your grief. Courage, my daughter.”
-----------------------------------------
Today’s first reading starts with Tobiah asking Sarah’s father to marry her. But it was not that simple as it seems. At that time, Sarah has been married seven times already. But before they can even share the married life together, everyone will die on the very night they approached her. It was a curse no one can understand. And Sarah even thought of ending her life, but she was able to pray to God instead for guidance, wisdom and courage. And Tobiah was the answer to her prayers.
Tobiah was a fine, young man having grew up under the guidance of his father, Tobit. When his father became blind due to cataract, he was instructed by his father to go to a distant land to collect a sum of money that the latter had deposited some time to a friend. He was accompanied by the angel Raphael who also asked him to marry Sarah.
Their first night was full of anxiety. But, Tobiah did the right thing. He asked Sarah to pray with him for God’s protection and give them the courage to overcome the “curse”. Using a burnt fish liver and heart, they were able to drive away the demon causing Sarah’s misfortune. Later, they went back to Tobiah and he healed him of his cataract and was able to see again. Raphael then reveals his true identity and returns to heaven.
Christian courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost, because God promises to help you and save you on account of Christ. An act takes courage if it will likely be painful. Be courageous in defending the Word, and be courageous in meeting life’s challenges because the Lord will always be there, guiding you.
Almighty Father, grant me the courage to be silent that I may hear Your voice; to persevere, that I may share Your victory; and to remember, unless I forget the way by which You has led me. And when this day is done, O Lord, may I have the courage to see Your guiding hand in the friendships that have been made, in the hurts that have been healed, and in the strength that has been given.
Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us…
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
KNOWLEDGE
Mark 12:27
“He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled.”
---------------------------------------
I always make sure that I learn something new everyday. That is the beginning of knowledge – which is the discovery of something we do not understand (Frank Herbert, novelist).
As a child, I like reading books, especially history, arts and sci-fi books. On weekends, after hearing mass, my father would take me and my brother to National Book Store in Avenida (Rizal Avenue, Manila). As I can remember, that building has 12 floors, but only 6 floors are for consumers. The upper floors are offices and warehouse. Moreover, the first 5 floors are only for school and office supplies, which is not really my interest when going there. I would really go up to the sixth floor via stairs, for the books are located there.
Once I enter the place, it was like heaven for me – books and books and books. At that time, one can read through the books since it is not wrapped in plastic. So, until about 5PM, I would just be sitting there, reading and reading; fully engrossed and mesmerized. My knowledge and wisdom about the world grew in that place, week after week after week.
In our early Christian life, we are often being misled by the devil. He instill into our minds things that are in opposite with what the Lord Jesus has taught us. Jesus, Himself, experienced this when the Sadducees asked Him questions about resurrection, as if they are the expert on it. But Jesus responded in such humility and wisdom that everyone became quiet. For He is the true expert on resurrection, for He has lived it.
Increase your knowledge about our faith by reading the Bible everyday. Attend Sunday masses and services in your Church. Attend bible studies and meetings. You cannot grow by yourself alone. By accepting the gift of knowledge, you will truly grow in Christ.
Oh, Lord, give me the heart that listens, give me the hands that share, give me the words to encourage, the mouth that inspires. As You give me wisdom, so may I share this wisdom to others, may we eventually come to realize that our lives is not about us, but all about You, and You alone.
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
“He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled.”
---------------------------------------
I always make sure that I learn something new everyday. That is the beginning of knowledge – which is the discovery of something we do not understand (Frank Herbert, novelist).
As a child, I like reading books, especially history, arts and sci-fi books. On weekends, after hearing mass, my father would take me and my brother to National Book Store in Avenida (Rizal Avenue, Manila). As I can remember, that building has 12 floors, but only 6 floors are for consumers. The upper floors are offices and warehouse. Moreover, the first 5 floors are only for school and office supplies, which is not really my interest when going there. I would really go up to the sixth floor via stairs, for the books are located there.
Once I enter the place, it was like heaven for me – books and books and books. At that time, one can read through the books since it is not wrapped in plastic. So, until about 5PM, I would just be sitting there, reading and reading; fully engrossed and mesmerized. My knowledge and wisdom about the world grew in that place, week after week after week.
In our early Christian life, we are often being misled by the devil. He instill into our minds things that are in opposite with what the Lord Jesus has taught us. Jesus, Himself, experienced this when the Sadducees asked Him questions about resurrection, as if they are the expert on it. But Jesus responded in such humility and wisdom that everyone became quiet. For He is the true expert on resurrection, for He has lived it.
Increase your knowledge about our faith by reading the Bible everyday. Attend Sunday masses and services in your Church. Attend bible studies and meetings. You cannot grow by yourself alone. By accepting the gift of knowledge, you will truly grow in Christ.
Oh, Lord, give me the heart that listens, give me the hands that share, give me the words to encourage, the mouth that inspires. As You give me wisdom, so may I share this wisdom to others, may we eventually come to realize that our lives is not about us, but all about You, and You alone.
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
PIETY
Matthew 22:21
“…repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar…to God what belongs to God.”
---------------------------------
I would frown whenever I see my income tax return. 33% of my annual pay would be deducted to pay taxes to the government. It is not that I don’t really want to pay taxes, but my thinking, like most of us, is that the government is not really putting these into proper use to service us, Filipinos, better.
But, we cannot live by these thoughts alone. There is still this 67% of our salary that we can use into proper use – for ourselves, our families and hopefully, in service of others. The 33% belongs to “Ceasar”, and how the government will use that, they would be accountable to God in the end. The 67% does not belong to us. It belongs to God. How we are going to use them, we would be accountable also to God in the end.
With the gift of reverence, sometimes called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God and the Church. A person with reverence recognizes our total reliance on God and comes before God with humility, trust, and love. Piety is the gift whereby, at the Holy Spirit's instigation, we pay worship and duty to God as our Father. Let us use everything that we have for His glory.
You and I are the things of God. By His grace, mercy, and love, we bear the image and the inscription of God. Therefore, when Jesus says to render unto God the things of God, He is talking to all of us, He is talking about us. He is talking about how we can be big in His eyes, forever trusting in Him and giving Him all the glory, honor and praise He truly deserves.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on Your powerful name. I will pay my vows to the You in the presence of all Your people, for we all belong to You and You alone.
Amen +
The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.
“…repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar…to God what belongs to God.”
---------------------------------
I would frown whenever I see my income tax return. 33% of my annual pay would be deducted to pay taxes to the government. It is not that I don’t really want to pay taxes, but my thinking, like most of us, is that the government is not really putting these into proper use to service us, Filipinos, better.
But, we cannot live by these thoughts alone. There is still this 67% of our salary that we can use into proper use – for ourselves, our families and hopefully, in service of others. The 33% belongs to “Ceasar”, and how the government will use that, they would be accountable to God in the end. The 67% does not belong to us. It belongs to God. How we are going to use them, we would be accountable also to God in the end.
With the gift of reverence, sometimes called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God and the Church. A person with reverence recognizes our total reliance on God and comes before God with humility, trust, and love. Piety is the gift whereby, at the Holy Spirit's instigation, we pay worship and duty to God as our Father. Let us use everything that we have for His glory.
You and I are the things of God. By His grace, mercy, and love, we bear the image and the inscription of God. Therefore, when Jesus says to render unto God the things of God, He is talking to all of us, He is talking about us. He is talking about how we can be big in His eyes, forever trusting in Him and giving Him all the glory, honor and praise He truly deserves.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on Your powerful name. I will pay my vows to the You in the presence of all Your people, for we all belong to You and You alone.
Amen +
The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Monday, June 1, 2009
FEAR OF THE LORD
Psalms 112:1
Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands.
----------------------------------------
We always associate fear with fear of punishment. When we commit a sin, we would hide from our parents to avoid punishment. At that time, a certain fear envelopes us, and we want to escape from that fear and reality. This is defined as “servile fear”.
The fear of the Lord, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, is a different kind of fear. It is defined as “filial fear”. This gift is described by St. Thomas Aquinas as a fear of separating oneself from God. It is the fear of offending someone whom we love. So, as we grow in our Christian life, our servile fear is continually being replaced by filial fear.
If before, we fear Him because we do not want to be punished, we are being converted to be a person who do not want to commit sin anymore. We fear that committing sin would separate us from Him. Filial sin increases as one loves God more, because it fears sin itself, rather than the consequences of sin. Filial fear sees sin as more “evil” than the punishment that comes from sin. With the gift of fear of the Lord, we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person becomes aware that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love.
“The Fear of the Lord” is felt because one understands the “fearful expectation of judgment”. Still, this is not a fear that leads one to despair, rather it must be coupled with trust, and most importantly, love. In Psalm 130:3-4, it is said, “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.”
Do not fear the Lord because we thought He is a punishing God. Let us fear Him because He is a loving God, worthy of our praise and worship and love.
Almighty Father, I approach You today with a full measure of fear and trembling. Not fear in the human sense of the word – but a fear that recognizes You are my God – and helps me to realize I do not have to run and hide. You are love, Oh God and until the day I die I will stand in awe that You willingly came looking for me. Amen +
Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands.
----------------------------------------
We always associate fear with fear of punishment. When we commit a sin, we would hide from our parents to avoid punishment. At that time, a certain fear envelopes us, and we want to escape from that fear and reality. This is defined as “servile fear”.
The fear of the Lord, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, is a different kind of fear. It is defined as “filial fear”. This gift is described by St. Thomas Aquinas as a fear of separating oneself from God. It is the fear of offending someone whom we love. So, as we grow in our Christian life, our servile fear is continually being replaced by filial fear.
If before, we fear Him because we do not want to be punished, we are being converted to be a person who do not want to commit sin anymore. We fear that committing sin would separate us from Him. Filial sin increases as one loves God more, because it fears sin itself, rather than the consequences of sin. Filial fear sees sin as more “evil” than the punishment that comes from sin. With the gift of fear of the Lord, we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person becomes aware that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love.
“The Fear of the Lord” is felt because one understands the “fearful expectation of judgment”. Still, this is not a fear that leads one to despair, rather it must be coupled with trust, and most importantly, love. In Psalm 130:3-4, it is said, “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.”
Do not fear the Lord because we thought He is a punishing God. Let us fear Him because He is a loving God, worthy of our praise and worship and love.
Almighty Father, I approach You today with a full measure of fear and trembling. Not fear in the human sense of the word – but a fear that recognizes You are my God – and helps me to realize I do not have to run and hide. You are love, Oh God and until the day I die I will stand in awe that You willingly came looking for me. Amen +
Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
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