Amos 5:14
Seek good and not evil, that you may live…
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Today is another historical day for the Filipino people. The new president of the Republic, President Noynoy Aquino will take his oath of office to lead the nation of 95 million in the next six years.
During his campaign, his platform of office is rooted on weeding out corruption in government. In so doing, he intends to take out each and every Filipinos from poverty. Only through a clean government can true public service be served to those who needs and deserves it.
And similar to our spiritual lives, we need to take away all the evil and corruption from our hearts so we can start a life of clean conscience. We need to allow Jesus to cast out all the demons from our lives.
Only through a clean heart can we ensure that we can truly serve and love God with all our hearts, mind and spirit.
Jesus did not come into the world simply because we have some bad habits that need to be corrected. He came into the world because we have such dirty hearts that need to be purified, so we may live perfectly as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Just let Him come in to you and listen to His words. Let Him purify your mind, let Him cleanse your spirit, let Him create in you a clean heart.
Let us pray +
Most High God, Blessed and Wonderful Savior, Ever-present Holy Spirit, we commend this nation to your compassionate and merciful care. As we are guided by you providence, may we dwell secure in your peace. Grant to President Noynoy, your wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill the President with the love of truth and righteousness. Make him ever mindful of his call to serve this people in your fear. In the name of the Wonderful Father, Most Beloved And Precious Son, and Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom we can rely. Amen +
To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
PETER AND PAUL (06-29-10)
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul
Matthew 16:18
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church…”
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Both of them offered their lives for Jesus so we may all come to know the Lord and His promise of eternal life in Heaven.
Both of them are not perfect. They are both sinners, once upon in their lives, just like you and me.
Peter denied our Lord not just once, but three times. He was even likened by the Lord to Satan, for he cannot accept that the Lord Jesus would have to die for our sins.
Paul is a killer. He killed those who believed and lived their lives for Jesus. He led an army to hunt and kill Christians.
Yet, both have repented. Both have seen the Light. Both have received the Holy Spirit and dedicated their lives teaching the Truth.
Are you living a life that is disgraceful in the eyes of God? What do you feel? Do you feel so dirty that you want to take out this garbage out of your person? Then, take them out. It is not too late.
Whether you are an early believer like Peter or a late one like Paul, Jesus is asking you to join Him. Recognize your sins, repent and follow Him. It is not too late to live a life worthy of heaven.
Let us pray +
God our Father, today you give us the joy of celebrating the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul. Through them your Church first received the faith. Keep us true to their teachings. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen +
The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Matthew 16:18
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church…”
---------------------------------------------
Both of them offered their lives for Jesus so we may all come to know the Lord and His promise of eternal life in Heaven.
Both of them are not perfect. They are both sinners, once upon in their lives, just like you and me.
Peter denied our Lord not just once, but three times. He was even likened by the Lord to Satan, for he cannot accept that the Lord Jesus would have to die for our sins.
Paul is a killer. He killed those who believed and lived their lives for Jesus. He led an army to hunt and kill Christians.
Yet, both have repented. Both have seen the Light. Both have received the Holy Spirit and dedicated their lives teaching the Truth.
Are you living a life that is disgraceful in the eyes of God? What do you feel? Do you feel so dirty that you want to take out this garbage out of your person? Then, take them out. It is not too late.
Whether you are an early believer like Peter or a late one like Paul, Jesus is asking you to join Him. Recognize your sins, repent and follow Him. It is not too late to live a life worthy of heaven.
Let us pray +
God our Father, today you give us the joy of celebrating the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul. Through them your Church first received the faith. Keep us true to their teachings. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen +
The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Monday, June 28, 2010
SALVATION OF GOD (06-28-10)
Psalms 50:23
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.
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SALVATION… we always heAR this word. But have we really considered what it means to us especially in our life after we leave this world? Do you believe that you are already saved and would inherit heaven once you die today? Are you listening to and heeding the call of God? Or not?
When Adam and Eve sinned, they and all their descendants (including you and me), is now a transgressor against God. We are now sinners in the eyes of God and not worthy anymore of his blessings. And we all deserve and eternal death.
God could have chosen to destroy His creation and start with a new one, or He could REDEEM the fallen creation. He chose to redeem fallen man. He chose to set forth a master plan that would allow man to become RIGHTEOUS once again.
Being the merciful God that He is, God chose to work out a wonderful redemption plan for fallen man. And this involves the death of His son – for God so loved the world.
As a result of Christ's redemptive act, God gives each of us enough grace to have faith, to do good works and to resist sinful disobedience. Our Lord is a just but merciful God. As Christians, we must quit rejecting God through our sins and let Him save us by His grace until we finally reach heaven.
Believe, listen, heed His call. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let us pray +
God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. Amen +
Remember this, you who never think of God.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.
----------------------------------------------------
SALVATION… we always heAR this word. But have we really considered what it means to us especially in our life after we leave this world? Do you believe that you are already saved and would inherit heaven once you die today? Are you listening to and heeding the call of God? Or not?
When Adam and Eve sinned, they and all their descendants (including you and me), is now a transgressor against God. We are now sinners in the eyes of God and not worthy anymore of his blessings. And we all deserve and eternal death.
God could have chosen to destroy His creation and start with a new one, or He could REDEEM the fallen creation. He chose to redeem fallen man. He chose to set forth a master plan that would allow man to become RIGHTEOUS once again.
Being the merciful God that He is, God chose to work out a wonderful redemption plan for fallen man. And this involves the death of His son – for God so loved the world.
As a result of Christ's redemptive act, God gives each of us enough grace to have faith, to do good works and to resist sinful disobedience. Our Lord is a just but merciful God. As Christians, we must quit rejecting God through our sins and let Him save us by His grace until we finally reach heaven.
Believe, listen, heed His call. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let us pray +
God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. Amen +
Remember this, you who never think of God.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
WITHOUT HESITATION (06-27-10)
Luke 9:59
“Follow Me…”
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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. 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. And if I am to do something, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen +
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
“Follow Me…”
-----------------------------------------------------
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. 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. And if I am to do something, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen +
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
AS YOU HAVE BELIEVED (06-26-10)
Matthew 8:13
“You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.”
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In movies, centurions are depicted as strong, tough and ruthless guy. Fully armored while riding on a chariot, he goes through the street not minding anyone who comes his way.
In those days, for an army to function there has to be iron discipline. There is little room for sentiment and personal reactions if the army is to function efficiently when it matters.
This is the reason why today’s gospel would really strike one’s heart. The centurion has not just shown one, but two great Christian values, among others. That is, humility and faith in God.
He was humble because he even went his way just to ask Jesus to have his servant cured. Slaves at that time does menial task. But for this centurion, the slave may well have very dear to him. So in a few words we have a very sympathetic portrait of a powerful but very humble Roman man.
But his second action was more revealing and unexpected. Although he still remained proud (he still sees himself as a man subject to authority), his belief in the healing power of Jesus is remarkable.
Without hesitation, he still sought his mercy and ask that “only say the word and my servant will be healed”. He did this because he knows that he is not even worthy to allow Jesus enter his house.
The centurion saw himself in relation to God and recognized his own insignificance. In the eyes of the world, we may be important. But we should know what is more important. And that is our own salvation.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, let me follow You. Let me deny myself and take up my cross and follow You. Teache us that self denial is the road to spiritual fulfillment. Let us offer ourselves to You and be willing to wait upon Your will for us. Amen +
Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
“You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.”
-------------------------------------------------
In movies, centurions are depicted as strong, tough and ruthless guy. Fully armored while riding on a chariot, he goes through the street not minding anyone who comes his way.
In those days, for an army to function there has to be iron discipline. There is little room for sentiment and personal reactions if the army is to function efficiently when it matters.
This is the reason why today’s gospel would really strike one’s heart. The centurion has not just shown one, but two great Christian values, among others. That is, humility and faith in God.
He was humble because he even went his way just to ask Jesus to have his servant cured. Slaves at that time does menial task. But for this centurion, the slave may well have very dear to him. So in a few words we have a very sympathetic portrait of a powerful but very humble Roman man.
But his second action was more revealing and unexpected. Although he still remained proud (he still sees himself as a man subject to authority), his belief in the healing power of Jesus is remarkable.
Without hesitation, he still sought his mercy and ask that “only say the word and my servant will be healed”. He did this because he knows that he is not even worthy to allow Jesus enter his house.
The centurion saw himself in relation to God and recognized his own insignificance. In the eyes of the world, we may be important. But we should know what is more important. And that is our own salvation.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, let me follow You. Let me deny myself and take up my cross and follow You. Teache us that self denial is the road to spiritual fulfillment. Let us offer ourselves to You and be willing to wait upon Your will for us. Amen +
Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Friday, June 25, 2010
TELL NO ONE (06-25-10)
Matthew 8:4
“See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest…”
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During that time, once a leper is cured, that would be a great miracle. So, healed lepers are asked to see a priest. The priest would check him out and confirm that he is truly healed of the disease. And since leprosy is thought to be caused by a grave sin, the healed one should confess all his sins and resolve not to commit sin again.
And this living in total repentance is what Jesus wants, rather than telling everyone that you got cured, but get back to sinning the next day.
As Jesus wants the leper to be healed; He likewise wants you and me to be healed. He stretches out his own hand and bids us to be clean so that we may not remain in our sins.
Yes, sin would continue to knock at the door of our lives, but thanks to Jesus we do not have to continue in it. When Jesus heals us, he also gives us the strength to stay healthy. He heals us so that we may freely walk with him and imitate him in our lives.
What former leper would ever wish to return to his leprosy? Ultimately it is the heart that must be made clean by way of constant prayer, the sacraments and a genuine effort to do what we know is pleasing to God.
And remain humble to the end. A living testimony can be more effective than a verbal one.
It is better for you to say nothing and let the world see that Jesus changed your life by the way you live, and not just by what you say.
Let us pray +
Lord, I believe in you and in your love. I trust in you as the way for me to live. I hope in the power of your cross to free me from all that is not you. I love you and want my love to be more real so that I may imitate your pure and total love. Amen +
Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!
“See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest…”
------------------------------------------------------------
During that time, once a leper is cured, that would be a great miracle. So, healed lepers are asked to see a priest. The priest would check him out and confirm that he is truly healed of the disease. And since leprosy is thought to be caused by a grave sin, the healed one should confess all his sins and resolve not to commit sin again.
And this living in total repentance is what Jesus wants, rather than telling everyone that you got cured, but get back to sinning the next day.
As Jesus wants the leper to be healed; He likewise wants you and me to be healed. He stretches out his own hand and bids us to be clean so that we may not remain in our sins.
Yes, sin would continue to knock at the door of our lives, but thanks to Jesus we do not have to continue in it. When Jesus heals us, he also gives us the strength to stay healthy. He heals us so that we may freely walk with him and imitate him in our lives.
What former leper would ever wish to return to his leprosy? Ultimately it is the heart that must be made clean by way of constant prayer, the sacraments and a genuine effort to do what we know is pleasing to God.
And remain humble to the end. A living testimony can be more effective than a verbal one.
It is better for you to say nothing and let the world see that Jesus changed your life by the way you live, and not just by what you say.
Let us pray +
Lord, I believe in you and in your love. I trust in you as the way for me to live. I hope in the power of your cross to free me from all that is not you. I love you and want my love to be more real so that I may imitate your pure and total love. Amen +
Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
WHAT WILL I BE (06-24-10)
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Luke 1:66
“What, then, will this child be?”
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So tiny, so fragile, so cute. These may be how we are being described when we were born. To our parents, we are pure blessing. And there were already a lot of expectations from us. “What then will this child be?”
We don’t know. No one really knows except the Lord God.
But as we grow up, some of us may take directions entirely different from what our parents would expect. Worst, we take directions very different from what our heavenly Father would expect.
“What then will this child be?” We don’t know. No one really knows except the Lord God.
And on that day when we face death, I hope that we are sure on the direction that we want to take. We may have taken the wrong path before, but the Lord God still hope that you will find the right way to Him. And when you do, there will be much rejoicing in Heaven for one repentant who have found the way to the Lord.
“What then will this child be?” I know you know the path to take. The path no one really knows except the Lord God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son. 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. Amen +
I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
Luke 1:66
“What, then, will this child be?”
-----------------------------------------------------------
So tiny, so fragile, so cute. These may be how we are being described when we were born. To our parents, we are pure blessing. And there were already a lot of expectations from us. “What then will this child be?”
We don’t know. No one really knows except the Lord God.
But as we grow up, some of us may take directions entirely different from what our parents would expect. Worst, we take directions very different from what our heavenly Father would expect.
“What then will this child be?” We don’t know. No one really knows except the Lord God.
And on that day when we face death, I hope that we are sure on the direction that we want to take. We may have taken the wrong path before, but the Lord God still hope that you will find the right way to Him. And when you do, there will be much rejoicing in Heaven for one repentant who have found the way to the Lord.
“What then will this child be?” I know you know the path to take. The path no one really knows except the Lord God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son. 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. Amen +
I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
TRUE PROPHETS (06-23-10)
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves…”
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The family, as we know it, is under attack. What with all those advertisements enticing our children to drink, smoke and be merry. What with those billboards showing men and women in skimpy attires. This is simply a work of the devil and nothing else. 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, 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? Are you a true or a false prophet? Do you put your family at risk of harm or do you invest more on their future by sharing with them the good news of salvation?
It is your choice, yes, but make sure that you make the right one.
Let us pray +
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. Amen +
Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves…”
---------------------------------------------------
The family, as we know it, is under attack. What with all those advertisements enticing our children to drink, smoke and be merry. What with those billboards showing men and women in skimpy attires. This is simply a work of the devil and nothing else. 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, 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? Are you a true or a false prophet? Do you put your family at risk of harm or do you invest more on their future by sharing with them the good news of salvation?
It is your choice, yes, but make sure that you make the right one.
Let us pray +
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. Amen +
Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
NARROW GATE (06-22-10)
Matthew 7:13
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction…”
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You may have experienced it before. Or, you may have done it before. The driver of the vehicle you are riding would suddenly make a turn to a very narrow street and navigate through it until it exits again to the main road. For him, he did that because these side streets, though narrow, are really free from hassles, heavy traffic and stop lights that could slow him down.
In life, we often find ourselves making a choice, whether to go through the wide road – meaning, choosing the easier way out to problems; or the narrow gate – meaning, meeting the problem head-on while fully trusting in God. And as we go through the narrow gate, we would soon realize that we can really solve our problems for the path we chose to take is really hassle-free, void of “sinful red lights” that could slow us down.
The gate is narrow but few find it. Not because God hides it from them, but because few are willing to pay the price to truly follow Jesus.
We cannot live our lives for ourselves and still enter the narrow gate. If we live life to please our sinful nature (flesh) we will not enter that narrow gate, but if we live our lives to please the Spirit we will receive eternal life.
Salvation is a simple matter. Those who continue in the light as He is in the light will enter the narrow gate which leads to eternal life, but those who decide to follow the world through the wide road and satisfy their sinful nature will be cast out into the darkness, away from God's presence.
Choose the narrow gate and you will come to know the real path to happiness with the Lord.
Let us pray +
Gracious God, you call us through the narrow gate. Help us to develop the spiritual discipline we need to do so. As we move in your direction towards an eternal life in heaven. Amen +
God upholds his city for ever.
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction…”
-----------------------------------------------------
You may have experienced it before. Or, you may have done it before. The driver of the vehicle you are riding would suddenly make a turn to a very narrow street and navigate through it until it exits again to the main road. For him, he did that because these side streets, though narrow, are really free from hassles, heavy traffic and stop lights that could slow him down.
In life, we often find ourselves making a choice, whether to go through the wide road – meaning, choosing the easier way out to problems; or the narrow gate – meaning, meeting the problem head-on while fully trusting in God. And as we go through the narrow gate, we would soon realize that we can really solve our problems for the path we chose to take is really hassle-free, void of “sinful red lights” that could slow us down.
The gate is narrow but few find it. Not because God hides it from them, but because few are willing to pay the price to truly follow Jesus.
We cannot live our lives for ourselves and still enter the narrow gate. If we live life to please our sinful nature (flesh) we will not enter that narrow gate, but if we live our lives to please the Spirit we will receive eternal life.
Salvation is a simple matter. Those who continue in the light as He is in the light will enter the narrow gate which leads to eternal life, but those who decide to follow the world through the wide road and satisfy their sinful nature will be cast out into the darkness, away from God's presence.
Choose the narrow gate and you will come to know the real path to happiness with the Lord.
Let us pray +
Gracious God, you call us through the narrow gate. Help us to develop the spiritual discipline we need to do so. As we move in your direction towards an eternal life in heaven. Amen +
God upholds his city for ever.
Monday, June 21, 2010
SEE CLEARLY (06-21-10)
Matthew 7:2
For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
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Probably, next to telling lies, most of us are really prone to judging others falsely. Why? Because we always want to feel good ourselves. And one way of doing this is by judging others as far lower than us – in stature, in intelligence and in wealth.
But the Lord is very clear when He said that the “measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. When you judge a person “bobo” (moron or of low IQ), then the Lord will ask you how you used your intelligence to improve the lives of others.
When you judge others as “patay gutom” (gluttonous), then the Lord will ask you if you are not gluttonous yourself in terms of taking in wealth and riches through immoral ways.
If we must be the judge of others for their faults or omissions, let us examine ourselves first, and see if we are living up to the standard of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will be our Final Judge.
Thus if we judge without mercy, then God will judge us without mercy. If we make hasty judgments on the outward man and neglect to see our inner selves, will not God do so to us? This is a powerful and fearful idea.
See clearly now and take away that beam in your eyes. See through a man and look at his heart before making judgment. In this way, God will also look at your heart first and how you have became a blessing to others, totally forgetting all the sins that you have committed.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, in regarding others, help us to ‘put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another… putting on love, which is the bond of perfection’ so that we may receive the same. Amen +
Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
----------------------------------------------------------
Probably, next to telling lies, most of us are really prone to judging others falsely. Why? Because we always want to feel good ourselves. And one way of doing this is by judging others as far lower than us – in stature, in intelligence and in wealth.
But the Lord is very clear when He said that the “measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. When you judge a person “bobo” (moron or of low IQ), then the Lord will ask you how you used your intelligence to improve the lives of others.
When you judge others as “patay gutom” (gluttonous), then the Lord will ask you if you are not gluttonous yourself in terms of taking in wealth and riches through immoral ways.
If we must be the judge of others for their faults or omissions, let us examine ourselves first, and see if we are living up to the standard of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will be our Final Judge.
Thus if we judge without mercy, then God will judge us without mercy. If we make hasty judgments on the outward man and neglect to see our inner selves, will not God do so to us? This is a powerful and fearful idea.
See clearly now and take away that beam in your eyes. See through a man and look at his heart before making judgment. In this way, God will also look at your heart first and how you have became a blessing to others, totally forgetting all the sins that you have committed.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, in regarding others, help us to ‘put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another… putting on love, which is the bond of perfection’ so that we may receive the same. Amen +
Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
MY OWN CROSS (06-20-10)
Luke 9:23
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me…”
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As you look at the cross, what do you see? Who do you remember? Do you see it just as a sign of burden? Or do you see it as an instrument of salvation and total sacrifice?
The cross is incomplete without Jesus. Before Him, the cross is just a symbol of death for many. It was just a symbol of punishment for those who are condemned to die.
But with Jesus on the cross, it takes a whole new meaning. It now symbolizes life, sacrifice, and salvation for us all.
And "taking up your cross" refers to giving your whole life to God, as Jesus was about to give His life for us. This involves bearing burdens, but it is deeper than that. It is a total dedication of life.
Our whole life is given to His service in anything He says. This will lead us to willingly deny self. Following Him then requires us to live as He lived His life.
We must live lives of complete and total submission to the will of God. So the next time you look at the cross, you should have Jesus with it – for with Him, the cross becomes the living symbol of life with the Lord.
Let us pray +
That we may live in your eternal love, O Savior of our souls, we sing eternally, "Live, Jesus! Jesus is the one I love! Live, Jesus, you whom I love. I love Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen +
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me…”
-------------------------------------------------------
As you look at the cross, what do you see? Who do you remember? Do you see it just as a sign of burden? Or do you see it as an instrument of salvation and total sacrifice?
The cross is incomplete without Jesus. Before Him, the cross is just a symbol of death for many. It was just a symbol of punishment for those who are condemned to die.
But with Jesus on the cross, it takes a whole new meaning. It now symbolizes life, sacrifice, and salvation for us all.
And "taking up your cross" refers to giving your whole life to God, as Jesus was about to give His life for us. This involves bearing burdens, but it is deeper than that. It is a total dedication of life.
Our whole life is given to His service in anything He says. This will lead us to willingly deny self. Following Him then requires us to live as He lived His life.
We must live lives of complete and total submission to the will of God. So the next time you look at the cross, you should have Jesus with it – for with Him, the cross becomes the living symbol of life with the Lord.
Let us pray +
That we may live in your eternal love, O Savior of our souls, we sing eternally, "Live, Jesus! Jesus is the one I love! Live, Jesus, you whom I love. I love Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen +
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
DO NOT WORRY (06-19-10)
Matthew 6:34
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.
-------------------------------------------------------
He was finally laid to rest. Yes, rest, as Papa is now among the angels and saints in heaven. He is now with the Lord God… waiting for us.
There were worries during the wake. There are worries about the future. But with God in our midst, we all know that worries are nothing.
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.”
Let us pray +
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.
Amen +
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.
-------------------------------------------------------
He was finally laid to rest. Yes, rest, as Papa is now among the angels and saints in heaven. He is now with the Lord God… waiting for us.
There were worries during the wake. There are worries about the future. But with God in our midst, we all know that worries are nothing.
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.”
Let us pray +
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.
Amen +
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
WHERE YOUR HEART BE (06-18-10)
Matthew 6:20
But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.
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Our Lord did not condemn wealth, but He warned against loving wealth. Our Lord was not concerned with what a man has, but with a man’s attitude toward what he has.
The Scriptures does not condemn the accumulation of wealth but, when God gives a man wealth, He holds him responsible as a steward.
We overcome our attachment to self-centeredness by storing up for ourselves treasures in Heaven through expressions of love, kindness, compassion, experiencing the presence of God, seeing the face of Christ in others, and doing good to others in as many ways as we possibly can without asking for anything in return.
Only the Spirit of God, Who searches the heart, is capable of revealing our motives, our goals, and our love so they are brought into line with the teaching of the Word of God. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth.” Earthly treasure is not true wealth; true wealth is godliness.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, teach us to experience treasures in heaven and thus escape yearning for earthly things. Teach us to live in the freedom of our heritage as Your sons and daughter - to live in the sunshine of Your love, forever seeking Heaven which begins right here and now – in our hearts.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Our Lord did not condemn wealth, but He warned against loving wealth. Our Lord was not concerned with what a man has, but with a man’s attitude toward what he has.
The Scriptures does not condemn the accumulation of wealth but, when God gives a man wealth, He holds him responsible as a steward.
We overcome our attachment to self-centeredness by storing up for ourselves treasures in Heaven through expressions of love, kindness, compassion, experiencing the presence of God, seeing the face of Christ in others, and doing good to others in as many ways as we possibly can without asking for anything in return.
Only the Spirit of God, Who searches the heart, is capable of revealing our motives, our goals, and our love so they are brought into line with the teaching of the Word of God. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth.” Earthly treasure is not true wealth; true wealth is godliness.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, teach us to experience treasures in heaven and thus escape yearning for earthly things. Teach us to live in the freedom of our heritage as Your sons and daughter - to live in the sunshine of Your love, forever seeking Heaven which begins right here and now – in our hearts.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
PRAYER OF GRATITUDE (06-17-10)
Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread...
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You and I will have many needs on our journey through life - needs of which our Father in heaven is already well aware. Meet with Him in prayer and spend the time thanking Him, silently remembering His past faithfulness in our lives, in addition to thanking Him ahead of time for meeting our new needs.
He may not always give us what we want, but He will always provide for us what we need.
We thank God for all he has done and continues to do. We remember that he is the source of all good things. Prayers of gratitude remind us of just how much we receive at his hands. Just two hundred years ago, not even kings could have a life that we live now.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have always known our needs. If it's not your will Lord, please change my heart. Show me how to differentiate between my wants and my needs. Your will for me is perfect and good.
So I am satisfied. Amen +
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Give us this day our daily bread...
--------------------------------------------------------
You and I will have many needs on our journey through life - needs of which our Father in heaven is already well aware. Meet with Him in prayer and spend the time thanking Him, silently remembering His past faithfulness in our lives, in addition to thanking Him ahead of time for meeting our new needs.
He may not always give us what we want, but He will always provide for us what we need.
We thank God for all he has done and continues to do. We remember that he is the source of all good things. Prayers of gratitude remind us of just how much we receive at his hands. Just two hundred years ago, not even kings could have a life that we live now.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have always known our needs. If it's not your will Lord, please change my heart. Show me how to differentiate between my wants and my needs. Your will for me is perfect and good.
So I am satisfied. Amen +
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
PREPARED (06-16-10)
Matthew 6:16
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance…”
---------------------------------------
There are not much wailing and crying. For we are all prepared for all eventualities. We know that the time is near when Papa would finally reunite with Mama and His creator in heaven.
And now we have our two fathers and two mothers in heaven, looking after us, and praying for our welfare and health.
Tatay Bert, Nanay Toyang, Papa Emilio and Mama Antonia – enjoy heaven and pray for us here on earth.
Almighty Father, may You always look after us and our welfare. I don’t even know what will happen in the next second or minute, what more in the next days or weeks. So, we must put our trust in You with all our heart and not to lean solely to our own understanding.
Let us pray +
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.
Amen +
Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance…”
---------------------------------------
There are not much wailing and crying. For we are all prepared for all eventualities. We know that the time is near when Papa would finally reunite with Mama and His creator in heaven.
And now we have our two fathers and two mothers in heaven, looking after us, and praying for our welfare and health.
Tatay Bert, Nanay Toyang, Papa Emilio and Mama Antonia – enjoy heaven and pray for us here on earth.
Almighty Father, may You always look after us and our welfare. I don’t even know what will happen in the next second or minute, what more in the next days or weeks. So, we must put our trust in You with all our heart and not to lean solely to our own understanding.
Let us pray +
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.
Amen +
Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
PERFECT (06-15-10)
Matthew 5:48
“So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
-------------------------------------------------------
Our fathers are the model of God in our lives, and we owe them a debt that we can never fully repay.
He may not be perfect in the eyes of many. But he is perfect in the eyes of God. My father-in-law has joined his Creator. Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Thank you.
Let us pray +
O God, who hast commanded us to honor our father and our mother; in Thy mercy have pity on the soul of my father, and forgive his his trespasses; and make me to see him again in the joy of everlasting brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen +
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
“So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
-------------------------------------------------------
Our fathers are the model of God in our lives, and we owe them a debt that we can never fully repay.
He may not be perfect in the eyes of many. But he is perfect in the eyes of God. My father-in-law has joined his Creator. Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Thank you.
Let us pray +
O God, who hast commanded us to honor our father and our mother; in Thy mercy have pity on the soul of my father, and forgive his his trespasses; and make me to see him again in the joy of everlasting brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen +
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Monday, June 14, 2010
NO RESISTANCE (06-14-10)
Matthew 5:39
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
--------------------------------------------------
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. 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? But Jesus offers a better 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.
There are several events throughout the Bible that establish the principle of self-defense. However, seeking personal revenge is prohibited. 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.
Let us pray +
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 +
Lord, listen to my groaning.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
--------------------------------------------------
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. 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? But Jesus offers a better 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.
There are several events throughout the Bible that establish the principle of self-defense. However, seeking personal revenge is prohibited. 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.
Let us pray +
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 +
Lord, listen to my groaning.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
SAVING FAITH (06-13-10)
Luke 7:50
But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
--------------------------------------------------------
How do you repent? Let the woman who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and expensive perfume tells you how.
First, you accept that you are a sinner and committed a great sin that only the Lord can forgive. Yes, like the woman, let your tears tell Jesus that you are a sinner that needs His forgiveness. Let each teardrops wash away the dirt in your heart and become closer to Him.
Second, accept that you are a lowly servant to your Master. Yes, like the woman, kiss His feet, for in her culture, kissing the feet might be considered a common mark of deep reverence, especially to leading rabbis. Accept Him now as Your Lord and Your God. He alone can forgive your sins.
And third, accept His forgiveness, telling yourself not to sin again and then put your total trust in Him as you face life beautifully. Yes, like the woman, give the Lord all that you have, all those expensive perfume. Give it all up to Him for you do not need them in your life. You only need the Lord. And this faith of the woman has saved her.
You don’t become a Christian by just subscribing to the doctrines of the Bible and trying to following the ethics of the Bible.
You become a Christian by meeting the Jesus of the Bible – the same Jesus that this woman met, and experiencing his love and forgiveness.
It is this encounter with the living Jesus and his undeserved love that changes your heart and gradually transforms your life to thank him and love him and serve him by giving his love to others.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, I cast myself on your mercy. I trust that you are willing and able to pay my sin-debt for me, and I ask you to forgive me for all of my sins. Thank you for loving me and forgiving me as you promised. I want to follow you because of your love. Amen +
Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.
But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
--------------------------------------------------------
How do you repent? Let the woman who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and expensive perfume tells you how.
First, you accept that you are a sinner and committed a great sin that only the Lord can forgive. Yes, like the woman, let your tears tell Jesus that you are a sinner that needs His forgiveness. Let each teardrops wash away the dirt in your heart and become closer to Him.
Second, accept that you are a lowly servant to your Master. Yes, like the woman, kiss His feet, for in her culture, kissing the feet might be considered a common mark of deep reverence, especially to leading rabbis. Accept Him now as Your Lord and Your God. He alone can forgive your sins.
And third, accept His forgiveness, telling yourself not to sin again and then put your total trust in Him as you face life beautifully. Yes, like the woman, give the Lord all that you have, all those expensive perfume. Give it all up to Him for you do not need them in your life. You only need the Lord. And this faith of the woman has saved her.
You don’t become a Christian by just subscribing to the doctrines of the Bible and trying to following the ethics of the Bible.
You become a Christian by meeting the Jesus of the Bible – the same Jesus that this woman met, and experiencing his love and forgiveness.
It is this encounter with the living Jesus and his undeserved love that changes your heart and gradually transforms your life to thank him and love him and serve him by giving his love to others.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, I cast myself on your mercy. I trust that you are willing and able to pay my sin-debt for me, and I ask you to forgive me for all of my sins. Thank you for loving me and forgiving me as you promised. I want to follow you because of your love. Amen +
Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A MOTHER’S HEART (06-12-10)
Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Luke 2:51
He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
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In Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, he portrayed Mary as Jesus' Mother in several scenes. One showed her running to comfort her little boy who fell down just as my mother or your mother would. Another showed Mary calling her young carpenter son to dinner.
She tells Jesus to take off that filthy carpenter's apron before he comes inside, just like my mother would. She makes Jesus wash his hands and he teasingly splashes water on her and then kisses her on her forehead.
She was used to doing that - just like your mother and mine.
I imagine Mary carried such fond memories in her heart. But she also carries so much sorrow knowing that one day, her beloved son would leave her, and would suffer and die for that salvation of mankind. Though, she knows that this would happen one day, she did not become a hindrance by hiding him or taking him to another place.
She was an obedient one from the start, the handmaid of the Lord who let God do unto her whatever plans there is according to His mighty will. And she chose to suffer in grief, so we may live again and be with God in Heaven forever.
Mama Mary knows our grief because she has experienced it to the fullest. Going through the grief brings us to peace again and enables us to be compassionate to others who grieve.
In our grieving and in our dying we can be sure of Mary's understanding and healing presence. She is our mother.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, prayer for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Luke 2:51
He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
-----------------------------------------------------
In Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, he portrayed Mary as Jesus' Mother in several scenes. One showed her running to comfort her little boy who fell down just as my mother or your mother would. Another showed Mary calling her young carpenter son to dinner.
She tells Jesus to take off that filthy carpenter's apron before he comes inside, just like my mother would. She makes Jesus wash his hands and he teasingly splashes water on her and then kisses her on her forehead.
She was used to doing that - just like your mother and mine.
I imagine Mary carried such fond memories in her heart. But she also carries so much sorrow knowing that one day, her beloved son would leave her, and would suffer and die for that salvation of mankind. Though, she knows that this would happen one day, she did not become a hindrance by hiding him or taking him to another place.
She was an obedient one from the start, the handmaid of the Lord who let God do unto her whatever plans there is according to His mighty will. And she chose to suffer in grief, so we may live again and be with God in Heaven forever.
Mama Mary knows our grief because she has experienced it to the fullest. Going through the grief brings us to peace again and enables us to be compassionate to others who grieve.
In our grieving and in our dying we can be sure of Mary's understanding and healing presence. She is our mother.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, prayer for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Friday, June 11, 2010
LOST AND FOUND (06-11-10)
Luke 15:6
'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'
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Like a sheep, an old coin or the squandering son, we have at one time or another been lost and needed to be found.
And the Lord God is continuously looking for us.
You may be near the Lord but if you keep on hiding yourself, then finding you will not be easy. Hiding usually comes in the form of shame on your past deeds. Look up to the Lord and with a contrite heart shout out to Him, “Lord here I am, have mercy on me a sinner.”
Then, have a changed heart and change your ways for the better. Trust Him as He commences His effective life-changing ways to find you to re-direct your paths towards Him.
Do you feel lost? He is looking for you, He is looking at you. Stop being lost, let yourself be found and come home now.
Jesus assured you that there will be rejoicing in Heaven for your much-awaited homecoming.
Let us pray +
Most High, glorious God, I was lost and now I am found be Your perfect love. Enlighten the darkness of my heart, and give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, wisdom and understanding, Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command. Amen +
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'
--------------------------------------------------
Like a sheep, an old coin or the squandering son, we have at one time or another been lost and needed to be found.
And the Lord God is continuously looking for us.
You may be near the Lord but if you keep on hiding yourself, then finding you will not be easy. Hiding usually comes in the form of shame on your past deeds. Look up to the Lord and with a contrite heart shout out to Him, “Lord here I am, have mercy on me a sinner.”
Then, have a changed heart and change your ways for the better. Trust Him as He commences His effective life-changing ways to find you to re-direct your paths towards Him.
Do you feel lost? He is looking for you, He is looking at you. Stop being lost, let yourself be found and come home now.
Jesus assured you that there will be rejoicing in Heaven for your much-awaited homecoming.
Let us pray +
Most High, glorious God, I was lost and now I am found be Your perfect love. Enlighten the darkness of my heart, and give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, wisdom and understanding, Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command. Amen +
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
THE LIFE WE LIVE (06-10-10)
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. The scribes, spent their time teaching and were the great authorities on the law of God. The Pharisees were the men who were famous for their holiness and sanctity. Everyone in Israel thought of the scribes and Pharisees as paragons of virtue, as examples of morality. But still, Jesus believes that their righteousness is still lacking.
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. They wanted everyone to see them and hear them when they prayed.
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, a life in total humility, totally giving your life to God, surpassing the standard of righteousness through His mercy.
Is this the life we live now?
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. I seek Your mercy and Your forgiveness, forever. Amen +
It is right to praise you in Zion, O 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. The scribes, spent their time teaching and were the great authorities on the law of God. The Pharisees were the men who were famous for their holiness and sanctity. Everyone in Israel thought of the scribes and Pharisees as paragons of virtue, as examples of morality. But still, Jesus believes that their righteousness is still lacking.
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. They wanted everyone to see them and hear them when they prayed.
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, a life in total humility, totally giving your life to God, surpassing the standard of righteousness through His mercy.
Is this the life we live now?
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. I seek Your mercy and Your forgiveness, forever. Amen +
It is right to praise you in Zion, O God.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
YOU ARE GOD (06-09-10)
1 Kings 18:37
Answer me, LORD! Answer me, that this people may know that you, LORD, are God and that you have brought them back to their senses.
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It was a magnificent display of total trust and belief in our God, so that others may also believe that there is only one God. Elijah's challenge, characteristic of his behavior, as told in the Bible, is bold and direct. He challenged a false god and won for the glory of the One, True God.
When King Ahab allowed his Phoenician wife to introduce the worship of the idol Baal into the Jewish Kingdom, god has directed Elijah to put a stop to this idolatry.
And when Elijah finally meets Ahab, he challenges the 450 priests of Baal imported by Jezebel to a contest at Mt. Carmel to prove whose god is the true God. The priests and Elijah slaughtered a bull as a sacrifice and call on god to consume it.
The Baal priests tried a variety of prayers, dances and even self-mutilation, but nothing happens. But when it was Elijah’s turn, he even asked that water be poured over the sacrifice and do it not just once, but three times until the water overflows around the altar.
He then calls on God to prove his power and a great fire comes from the sky and burns the bull.
Things are not always clear for us either and it can seem that we are lost in the wilderness. Faith — trust in God — is spiritual radar that will guide us onward and home. Everything that we do will be through the power of God, for it is God’s show and not ours. Restore someone's ability to trust in the One, True God. God will bless you for it.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, how me how much you love me and save me according to your promise. Then I can answer those who insult me because I trust in your word. Then I can live fully without fear under Your great love and mercy because my faith is in You, for I trust in Your word.
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
Answer me, LORD! Answer me, that this people may know that you, LORD, are God and that you have brought them back to their senses.
-------------------------------------------------------------
It was a magnificent display of total trust and belief in our God, so that others may also believe that there is only one God. Elijah's challenge, characteristic of his behavior, as told in the Bible, is bold and direct. He challenged a false god and won for the glory of the One, True God.
When King Ahab allowed his Phoenician wife to introduce the worship of the idol Baal into the Jewish Kingdom, god has directed Elijah to put a stop to this idolatry.
And when Elijah finally meets Ahab, he challenges the 450 priests of Baal imported by Jezebel to a contest at Mt. Carmel to prove whose god is the true God. The priests and Elijah slaughtered a bull as a sacrifice and call on god to consume it.
The Baal priests tried a variety of prayers, dances and even self-mutilation, but nothing happens. But when it was Elijah’s turn, he even asked that water be poured over the sacrifice and do it not just once, but three times until the water overflows around the altar.
He then calls on God to prove his power and a great fire comes from the sky and burns the bull.
Things are not always clear for us either and it can seem that we are lost in the wilderness. Faith — trust in God — is spiritual radar that will guide us onward and home. Everything that we do will be through the power of God, for it is God’s show and not ours. Restore someone's ability to trust in the One, True God. God will bless you for it.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, how me how much you love me and save me according to your promise. Then I can answer those who insult me because I trust in your word. Then I can live fully without fear under Your great love and mercy because my faith is in You, for I trust in Your word.
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
SEASONING (06-08-10)
Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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 and a component of ceremonial offerings.
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.
Let us pray +
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.
Lord, let your face shine on us.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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 and a component of ceremonial offerings.
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.
Let us pray +
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.
Lord, let your face shine on us.
Monday, June 7, 2010
MY GREAT TEACHER (06-07-10)
Matthew 5:1-2
When He saw the crowds, He went up the mountain, and after He had sat down, His disciples came to Him. He began to teach them…
----------------------------------------
Jesus is a great Teacher. All through His public life, he must have preached and taught people everyday – in their houses, in the market, in the public parks, in the sea and in the mountains. He never ceased teaching people about the promises of God and how man’s salvation is at hand.
In today’s gospel, prior to teaching the people about the beatitudes, He did three things: He went up the mountain, He sat down and He began to teach.
First, He went up the mountain so more people can see and hear Him. The Gospel writers tell us of many times when Jesus withdrew to the wilderness, into a desert place or up on a mountain. In his life, He always go to a mountain to pray so He may talk to the Father in total silence – one on one in prayer.
And, out of humility, He still wants the people to feel Him and His sincerity in teaching them about God. So, He sits down so people can still relate with Him – For he came not to be served but to serve. And when seated, he would be at the same eye level with most of the people – so they may feel and truly understand what He is preaching.
Finally, He does what He does best – He teach. Sharing everything from His heart so we may learn.
But He doesn’t want us to remain in the mountain with Him. Those who go the mountain to be with God are called back into the life of the community as servants. We are called back into community life. That is what it is all about after all - to be inspired by the high experience and get back to the valley for sharing what we have learned so others may learn the same.
Almighty Father, permit me to teach only the truth. Help me to inspire others so that learning will not cease at the top of the mountain. And, Lord, let me bring them to You. Teach them through me to love You. Finally, permit me to learn the lessons they teach in return. Amen +
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
When He saw the crowds, He went up the mountain, and after He had sat down, His disciples came to Him. He began to teach them…
----------------------------------------
Jesus is a great Teacher. All through His public life, he must have preached and taught people everyday – in their houses, in the market, in the public parks, in the sea and in the mountains. He never ceased teaching people about the promises of God and how man’s salvation is at hand.
In today’s gospel, prior to teaching the people about the beatitudes, He did three things: He went up the mountain, He sat down and He began to teach.
First, He went up the mountain so more people can see and hear Him. The Gospel writers tell us of many times when Jesus withdrew to the wilderness, into a desert place or up on a mountain. In his life, He always go to a mountain to pray so He may talk to the Father in total silence – one on one in prayer.
And, out of humility, He still wants the people to feel Him and His sincerity in teaching them about God. So, He sits down so people can still relate with Him – For he came not to be served but to serve. And when seated, he would be at the same eye level with most of the people – so they may feel and truly understand what He is preaching.
Finally, He does what He does best – He teach. Sharing everything from His heart so we may learn.
But He doesn’t want us to remain in the mountain with Him. Those who go the mountain to be with God are called back into the life of the community as servants. We are called back into community life. That is what it is all about after all - to be inspired by the high experience and get back to the valley for sharing what we have learned so others may learn the same.
Almighty Father, permit me to teach only the truth. Help me to inspire others so that learning will not cease at the top of the mountain. And, Lord, let me bring them to You. Teach them through me to love You. Finally, permit me to learn the lessons they teach in return. Amen +
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
SATISFACTION (06-06-10)
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Luke 9:17
They all ate and were satisfied.
----------------------------------------------
I was wearing all white – polo, pants and even shoes. I have a rose pinned at my left breast. I may have smelled good at that time, but I don’t really remember. No, it is not my graduation.
It was my First Communion.
I may have been excited. I may have felt very proud for having dressed in all-white. I didn’t remember anymore. But one thing is for sure – I felt something special within me for I have received, for the first time, the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
And I have continued to be doing so – and for the rest of my life – as I become one with Christ and believe and share in His eternal life.
All of us were called by Jesus as His people, as His disciples, as His friend. 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.
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, and be satisfied. For Him and only Him shall satisfy our hunger and thirst.
Let us pray +
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 +
You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
Luke 9:17
They all ate and were satisfied.
----------------------------------------------
I was wearing all white – polo, pants and even shoes. I have a rose pinned at my left breast. I may have smelled good at that time, but I don’t really remember. No, it is not my graduation.
It was my First Communion.
I may have been excited. I may have felt very proud for having dressed in all-white. I didn’t remember anymore. But one thing is for sure – I felt something special within me for I have received, for the first time, the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
And I have continued to be doing so – and for the rest of my life – as I become one with Christ and believe and share in His eternal life.
All of us were called by Jesus as His people, as His disciples, as His friend. 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.
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, and be satisfied. For Him and only Him shall satisfy our hunger and thirst.
Let us pray +
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 +
You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
MORE THAN ALL OTHER (06-05-10)
Mark 12:43-44
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For… she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”
-----------------------------------------------------
During the offertory, you can observe how people put in their offering to the bag (or box or basket). A lady putting her twenty pesos unfolded. A man inserting his hand all the way through so no one may see how much he gave. Or children dropping coins (you would know it was coins because you can hear the “metal hitting metal” sound).
And of course, there are people who would just close their eyes as the bag comes, hoping that prayers would be enough, and that God would understand.
And I know that God would understand – whether we give something or whether we just give ourselves during the mass. The one who is truly perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect is the one who gives all for the sake of others, in the name of Christ, with Him, and for His sake.
Such a person is most truly living the spiritual life. What is important is that we put Jesus in our hearts, nurture Him and share that love with others as it overflows.
Let us put all our trust in the Lord, like the widow who gave everything she had and still trusting that the Lord God will provide for all she needs. And we must do so cheerfully and not reluctantly, secretly and not for the praise of men.
One cannot give merely what is left over when all his own needs are satisfied. One must take from oneself and give to others.
Let us pray +
Panginoon, tulungan mo akong maging bukas-palad. Turuan mo akong maglingkod sa Iyo, na magbigay nang ayon sa nararapat. Na 'di naghihintay kundi ang aking mabatid, na ang loob Mo'y siyang sinusundan...
I will sing of your salvation.
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For… she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”
-----------------------------------------------------
During the offertory, you can observe how people put in their offering to the bag (or box or basket). A lady putting her twenty pesos unfolded. A man inserting his hand all the way through so no one may see how much he gave. Or children dropping coins (you would know it was coins because you can hear the “metal hitting metal” sound).
And of course, there are people who would just close their eyes as the bag comes, hoping that prayers would be enough, and that God would understand.
And I know that God would understand – whether we give something or whether we just give ourselves during the mass. The one who is truly perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect is the one who gives all for the sake of others, in the name of Christ, with Him, and for His sake.
Such a person is most truly living the spiritual life. What is important is that we put Jesus in our hearts, nurture Him and share that love with others as it overflows.
Let us put all our trust in the Lord, like the widow who gave everything she had and still trusting that the Lord God will provide for all she needs. And we must do so cheerfully and not reluctantly, secretly and not for the praise of men.
One cannot give merely what is left over when all his own needs are satisfied. One must take from oneself and give to others.
Let us pray +
Panginoon, tulungan mo akong maging bukas-palad. Turuan mo akong maglingkod sa Iyo, na magbigay nang ayon sa nararapat. Na 'di naghihintay kundi ang aking mabatid, na ang loob Mo'y siyang sinusundan...
I will sing of your salvation.
Friday, June 4, 2010
INSPIRED BY GOD (06-04-10)
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness…
--------------------------------------------------
Upon buying a new celphone or appliances, we would immediately read the user’s guide in order to understand how to operate the gadget. And by reading the manual, we would gain the competence to operate the gadget and sometimes even teach those who may have the same gadget.
In our lives, we may have read hundreds of books since we learned how to read. And these books have built up our knowledge and became the foundation of what we are today – “what we eat is what we are now but what we read is what we will become.”
Still, we hunger for more knowledge. We seek for masteral and doctoral degrees. We read more books on things that is outside our gift zone.
But have we done the same for our spiritual knowledge? When was the last time you read the bible, took note of what it means and really applied it on your lives?
We are like gadgets, we also have a user’s guide – on how we should operate ourselves. And that manual is no other than the Bible. Christianity not only claims the Bible is grounded in history, it also claims it is the actual Word of God. That is, the Bible is God’s revelation to man.
It contains His instructions to us, written in a manner understandable to men and women alike. Read the Bible and learn from it as you continue to train yourself towards righteousness. Equip yourself with the Word of God, and apply what you have learned for the good of many.
Read life’s manual, today!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have provided the greatest guide for our lives – Your own Word. Teach us to read it faithfully. Teach us to understand it truthfully. And teach us to apply it constantly. Amen +
O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness…
--------------------------------------------------
Upon buying a new celphone or appliances, we would immediately read the user’s guide in order to understand how to operate the gadget. And by reading the manual, we would gain the competence to operate the gadget and sometimes even teach those who may have the same gadget.
In our lives, we may have read hundreds of books since we learned how to read. And these books have built up our knowledge and became the foundation of what we are today – “what we eat is what we are now but what we read is what we will become.”
Still, we hunger for more knowledge. We seek for masteral and doctoral degrees. We read more books on things that is outside our gift zone.
But have we done the same for our spiritual knowledge? When was the last time you read the bible, took note of what it means and really applied it on your lives?
We are like gadgets, we also have a user’s guide – on how we should operate ourselves. And that manual is no other than the Bible. Christianity not only claims the Bible is grounded in history, it also claims it is the actual Word of God. That is, the Bible is God’s revelation to man.
It contains His instructions to us, written in a manner understandable to men and women alike. Read the Bible and learn from it as you continue to train yourself towards righteousness. Equip yourself with the Word of God, and apply what you have learned for the good of many.
Read life’s manual, today!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have provided the greatest guide for our lives – Your own Word. Teach us to read it faithfully. Teach us to understand it truthfully. And teach us to apply it constantly. Amen +
O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
ACCEPTABLE TO GOD (06-03-10)
2 Timothy 2:15
Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.
-----------------------------------------------
In our life with the Lord, we vary in the way we really live our life. We go to mass on Sundays, and suddenly the next day, we are cursing, committing petty sins and allowing temptations to overcome us.
There is a time when we read the whole chapter of Luke, then suddenly the will to read the Bible is gone and the Bible gathers dust once again. A big variation, indeed! And how can we change this? By focusing all our energy on the “target value”, who is no other than the Lord.
We need to have Jesus at the center of our lives. Our actions and words should be based on his works and words. As soon as the world tries to get our attention, thereby deviating from the center, we should immediately disengage and do fixes or corrective actions in order to go back to the center.
And as we practice good works again and again, disengaging totally from temptations, we find that the variation becomes smaller and smaller until we realize that we are operating only at that one target value, that is obeying the will of the Lord.
For a life in Him is not just because we are not smoking, or drinking or watching porn. It is living is a spirit of humility, love, mercy, and a lifestyle that says “to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. That’s your target value.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, You are the center of our lives. We may deviate from that truth once in a while, but You are the One who pulls us back to Your love. Teach us to forever be with You, obeying Your will. Amen +
Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.
-----------------------------------------------
In our life with the Lord, we vary in the way we really live our life. We go to mass on Sundays, and suddenly the next day, we are cursing, committing petty sins and allowing temptations to overcome us.
There is a time when we read the whole chapter of Luke, then suddenly the will to read the Bible is gone and the Bible gathers dust once again. A big variation, indeed! And how can we change this? By focusing all our energy on the “target value”, who is no other than the Lord.
We need to have Jesus at the center of our lives. Our actions and words should be based on his works and words. As soon as the world tries to get our attention, thereby deviating from the center, we should immediately disengage and do fixes or corrective actions in order to go back to the center.
And as we practice good works again and again, disengaging totally from temptations, we find that the variation becomes smaller and smaller until we realize that we are operating only at that one target value, that is obeying the will of the Lord.
For a life in Him is not just because we are not smoking, or drinking or watching porn. It is living is a spirit of humility, love, mercy, and a lifestyle that says “to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. That’s your target value.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, You are the center of our lives. We may deviate from that truth once in a while, but You are the One who pulls us back to Your love. Teach us to forever be with You, obeying Your will. Amen +
Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
DON’T BE ASHAMED (06-02-10)
2 Timothy 1:8
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord…
------------------------------------------------------------
Don't be discouraged if you think you lack faith. Sometimes people who profess belief in God are deeply ashamed when a crisis occurs and they find their faith is weak. This may happen to all of us.
But don't despair. The Bible shows that even men and women of powerful faith struggled at times with faith-testing challenges. What is important is that we always find the right path to get away from all these temptations.
And the next time the same “tempting offer” from the devil happens, learn to stand firm and say no. Quote passages from the bible, as what Jesus did to rebuke the devil. Do not be ashamed of your testimony to the Lord.
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, and renew us, for the better, as we await His Son’s glorious return.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives, 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. Amen +
To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord…
------------------------------------------------------------
Don't be discouraged if you think you lack faith. Sometimes people who profess belief in God are deeply ashamed when a crisis occurs and they find their faith is weak. This may happen to all of us.
But don't despair. The Bible shows that even men and women of powerful faith struggled at times with faith-testing challenges. What is important is that we always find the right path to get away from all these temptations.
And the next time the same “tempting offer” from the devil happens, learn to stand firm and say no. Quote passages from the bible, as what Jesus did to rebuke the devil. Do not be ashamed of your testimony to the Lord.
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, and renew us, for the better, as we await His Son’s glorious return.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives, 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. Amen +
To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
I BELONG TO JESUS (06-01-10)
Mark 12:17
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
-----------------------------------------------
We always take care of our belongings. Why not? We invested our money and energy to get them. So, when it gets lost, we would spend more time and energy to look for them.
And it is great to know that our God is doing the same. He takes care of us, looks after our well-being and provides for our needs. We are more than just a face in a coin. We are body, soul and spirit that were created by Him. And so when we got lost, He would spend more than just time to look for us. He even gave His Son to die by the cross so we may all see the light and be saved. Because we all belong to Him.
The denarius bears the image of Ceasar, so it belongs to Him. And we belong to God, for we bear the likeliness of God, being created in His likeness and image. Scripture reminds us again and again of our inherent dignity as sons and daughters of God, made in His image and likeness.
We bear His image on our souls; we belong to Him. We owe everything back to Him – and more – out of love.
Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s but give to God what is God’s. He has “called us by name”. Blessed are we when we answer His call to holiness and place Him first in every aspect of our lives. Look at all the blessings we receive from Him, for He is good and will provide for everything.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I am Yours and Yours alone. Teach me to respond to Your call for holiness and to give my whole life in obeying and following Your will. You have given us everything, and all of these we bring back to You. You have provided for everything and may we learn to provide the same to those who are in need. Amen +
In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
-----------------------------------------------
We always take care of our belongings. Why not? We invested our money and energy to get them. So, when it gets lost, we would spend more time and energy to look for them.
And it is great to know that our God is doing the same. He takes care of us, looks after our well-being and provides for our needs. We are more than just a face in a coin. We are body, soul and spirit that were created by Him. And so when we got lost, He would spend more than just time to look for us. He even gave His Son to die by the cross so we may all see the light and be saved. Because we all belong to Him.
The denarius bears the image of Ceasar, so it belongs to Him. And we belong to God, for we bear the likeliness of God, being created in His likeness and image. Scripture reminds us again and again of our inherent dignity as sons and daughters of God, made in His image and likeness.
We bear His image on our souls; we belong to Him. We owe everything back to Him – and more – out of love.
Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s but give to God what is God’s. He has “called us by name”. Blessed are we when we answer His call to holiness and place Him first in every aspect of our lives. Look at all the blessings we receive from Him, for He is good and will provide for everything.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I am Yours and Yours alone. Teach me to respond to Your call for holiness and to give my whole life in obeying and following Your will. You have given us everything, and all of these we bring back to You. You have provided for everything and may we learn to provide the same to those who are in need. Amen +
In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
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