Acts 4:20
“It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
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My mother still remembered what happened. She saw a man entered our house… through the window. That man is looking for something. Fear crept through her body and pretended to be sleeping. The man then went downstairs, took some small things and when out through our main door. Afterwhich, she immediately woke up my father and told him what happened. My father immediately called the police. The thief was caught as my mother was able to recognize his face (and he was a neighbor!). She witnessed it and her story was enough to have that man jailed.
The disciples of Jesus, after receiving the Holy Spirit, have started sharing the good news. May tried to disprove their pronouncements about the risen Lord, but those disbelievers only tried in vain.
The disciples are first-hand witnesses and have seen, touched and heard Jesus after rising again from the dead. As material witnesses, no one can dispute their integrity and so the Christian faith spread faster than one can ever imagine. They witnessed for Him and were even willing to die for Him so His Words can be shared to all.
We are not first-hand witnesses to the Lord’s resurrection, which is true. But this should not stop us from witnessing for the Lord. We live today because of Him and shall die for Him and things that He stands for: love and peace.
So, we must ask ourselves again, who are we? And, for whom do we witness? I hope and pray each one of us is a good witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. And we are called to lead others to Christ, and not just to His name, but also to His peace, and His love, and His compassion.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Jesus is calling me to a new beginning; to a fresh call to discipleship. Today, I affirm that I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Amen +
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
COME, HAVE BREAKFAST (04-29-11)
John 21:12
Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they realized it was the Lord.
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“I will just go to the mall.” I would tell my kids. Any reason for going there? Well, nothing really. I just want to go around, to do something. I just want to be alone, as I try to “solve” the problems, fears and doubts I am having. And after that, I will go home. Did I accomplish something? I don’t think so. For I did it just to escape, but in the end, those problems will still catch up with me.
Full of emptiness and fear after the death of Jesus, the disciples would stay in their place for fear of being arrested. And so when Peter decided to go out and “go fishing”, it was not really to go fishing, but rather to spend the time to think, not knowing what else to do.
And though they went fishing, they caught nothing. They caught nothing because they are not really fishing. They just wish to escape their guilt and hopelessness.
And it is in this situation that the Lord called out to them. They did not recognize Him first. But when they were able to catch tons of fish after they followed His instruction, only then did they knew that Jesus is with them again. Now, they know that they shall live their lives again in friendship with the Lord, without anymore fear, emptiness and doubts.
So the next time you are down and out, do not go to the mall or go fishing. Have breakfast with Him. Kneel down in prayer and hear the Lord. Are you hearing His voice right now? Don't let your final answer be the wrong one. Know and identify His voice anytime, anywhere. Be a friend with Him. Know His voice by heart and live your life believing in that voice.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Your voice we desire for our lives above any other desires. Direct our paths as we constantly listen to Your message. May we be quick to obey and be ready to share it so that others may also hear and understand Your voice as Your commandments is within our hearts. Amen +
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they realized it was the Lord.
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“I will just go to the mall.” I would tell my kids. Any reason for going there? Well, nothing really. I just want to go around, to do something. I just want to be alone, as I try to “solve” the problems, fears and doubts I am having. And after that, I will go home. Did I accomplish something? I don’t think so. For I did it just to escape, but in the end, those problems will still catch up with me.
Full of emptiness and fear after the death of Jesus, the disciples would stay in their place for fear of being arrested. And so when Peter decided to go out and “go fishing”, it was not really to go fishing, but rather to spend the time to think, not knowing what else to do.
And though they went fishing, they caught nothing. They caught nothing because they are not really fishing. They just wish to escape their guilt and hopelessness.
And it is in this situation that the Lord called out to them. They did not recognize Him first. But when they were able to catch tons of fish after they followed His instruction, only then did they knew that Jesus is with them again. Now, they know that they shall live their lives again in friendship with the Lord, without anymore fear, emptiness and doubts.
So the next time you are down and out, do not go to the mall or go fishing. Have breakfast with Him. Kneel down in prayer and hear the Lord. Are you hearing His voice right now? Don't let your final answer be the wrong one. Know and identify His voice anytime, anywhere. Be a friend with Him. Know His voice by heart and live your life believing in that voice.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Your voice we desire for our lives above any other desires. Direct our paths as we constantly listen to Your message. May we be quick to obey and be ready to share it so that others may also hear and understand Your voice as Your commandments is within our hearts. Amen +
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
THE PROMISE FULFILLED (04-28-11)
Luke 24:44
“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”
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Can you truly say that you have not broken a promise? Sometimes promises are made with no intention of keeping them because it's convenient, achieves an objective, or gets someone off one's back. But God has no and never has been His intention to break His promises.
After a very long wait, the Messiah has come. He is the fulfillment of God’s promise. And for that reason, He would live in constant danger. But He knows that the Father will be with Him until His mission is accomplished.
Two-thousand years ago, Jesus has fulfilled what has been prophesied. It was really an honor for those who heard Him and see Him work for the glory of God and for our salvation.
And today, we are all called to share the same. Today, the scripture can be fulfilled in our hearing when we decide to join our voices with others and speak the truth and the only truth, who is Jesus Christ.
If we try to live our faith, at some point we will be challenged to speak the hard truth and do the hard task, and suffer the uncomfortable consequences.
Will God really stand by us in our anguish? Can we muster enough trust to “walk our talk” and not worry too much about the outcome?
“Today this passage has been fulfilled” is now true only when we ourselves respond to those around us who need a nourishing, strengthening, joyful, meaningful, healing Word.
Let us pray +
Loving God, You called by name and gave your only Son to redeem us. Send us the Holy Spirit to continue the mission of Jesus among us. Grant us the generosity to share his love with those who most need it. Amen +
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”
---------------------------------------------------------------
Can you truly say that you have not broken a promise? Sometimes promises are made with no intention of keeping them because it's convenient, achieves an objective, or gets someone off one's back. But God has no and never has been His intention to break His promises.
After a very long wait, the Messiah has come. He is the fulfillment of God’s promise. And for that reason, He would live in constant danger. But He knows that the Father will be with Him until His mission is accomplished.
Two-thousand years ago, Jesus has fulfilled what has been prophesied. It was really an honor for those who heard Him and see Him work for the glory of God and for our salvation.
And today, we are all called to share the same. Today, the scripture can be fulfilled in our hearing when we decide to join our voices with others and speak the truth and the only truth, who is Jesus Christ.
If we try to live our faith, at some point we will be challenged to speak the hard truth and do the hard task, and suffer the uncomfortable consequences.
Will God really stand by us in our anguish? Can we muster enough trust to “walk our talk” and not worry too much about the outcome?
“Today this passage has been fulfilled” is now true only when we ourselves respond to those around us who need a nourishing, strengthening, joyful, meaningful, healing Word.
Let us pray +
Loving God, You called by name and gave your only Son to redeem us. Send us the Holy Spirit to continue the mission of Jesus among us. Grant us the generosity to share his love with those who most need it. Amen +
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
OUR LORD AND SAVIOR (04-27-11)
Luke 24:32
“Were not our hearts burning (within us) while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?”
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The Holy Mass is composed of two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word opens our mind and our hearts to the love of God through Jesus.
And the Liturgy of the Eucharist opens our eyes to finally accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Similar to His first days as resurrected Lord, as He showed Himself to His disciples, their hearts grow fonder and really feel His love. His glorious appearance signifies that He did not only risen from the dead, but also possesses the new properties of a glorious body: not limited by space and time but able to be present how and when He wills.
Christ's Resurrection was not a return to earthly life, as was the case with the raisings from the dead that He had performed before Easter: Jairus' daughter, the young man of Naim, Lazarus. Christ's Resurrection is essentially different. In His risen body, He passes from the state of death to another life beyond time and space.
At Jesus' Resurrection, His body is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit: He shares the divine life in His glorious state, so that St. Paul can say that Christ is "the man of heaven".
Our hearts yearn for and burns in His presence. Let us open our eyes and our hearts to fully acknowledge the life-giving power and evangelizing dynamic of encountering Jesus today - just as the two disciples felt their hearts burn within them and opening their eyes to the Truth as they returned in haste to Jerusalem to tell their story of meeting Jesus.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, we praise You for the love that You have revealed through your Sacred Heart, which was pierced for us and which has become the fountain of our joy, the source of our eternal life. May all we say and do give glory and praise to you and to the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God living and reigning for ever and ever.
Rejoice, Oh hearts that seek the Lord.
“Were not our hearts burning (within us) while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?”
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Holy Mass is composed of two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word opens our mind and our hearts to the love of God through Jesus.
And the Liturgy of the Eucharist opens our eyes to finally accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Similar to His first days as resurrected Lord, as He showed Himself to His disciples, their hearts grow fonder and really feel His love. His glorious appearance signifies that He did not only risen from the dead, but also possesses the new properties of a glorious body: not limited by space and time but able to be present how and when He wills.
Christ's Resurrection was not a return to earthly life, as was the case with the raisings from the dead that He had performed before Easter: Jairus' daughter, the young man of Naim, Lazarus. Christ's Resurrection is essentially different. In His risen body, He passes from the state of death to another life beyond time and space.
At Jesus' Resurrection, His body is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit: He shares the divine life in His glorious state, so that St. Paul can say that Christ is "the man of heaven".
Our hearts yearn for and burns in His presence. Let us open our eyes and our hearts to fully acknowledge the life-giving power and evangelizing dynamic of encountering Jesus today - just as the two disciples felt their hearts burn within them and opening their eyes to the Truth as they returned in haste to Jerusalem to tell their story of meeting Jesus.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, we praise You for the love that You have revealed through your Sacred Heart, which was pierced for us and which has become the fountain of our joy, the source of our eternal life. May all we say and do give glory and praise to you and to the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God living and reigning for ever and ever.
Rejoice, Oh hearts that seek the Lord.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
COME, SEE, BELIEVE (04-26-11)
Acts 2:38
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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On the morning of the first Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection of the Lord Jesus, three prominent figures took part in seeing first the empty tomb. First is Mary of Magdala. Along with some women tasked to finish the anointing of Jesus, the women were the first messengers of Christ's Resurrection for the apostles themselves. But for her, the first impression that came to her mind was that the body of Jesus was stolen and that no one knows where it was taken.
The second was Peter, himself. What he witnessed was only the burial clothes neatly rolled up in separate places. Peter must have been dumbfounded at the time, still in shock and doesn’t know what to say or do. He may have felt fear for he knows that their enemies did this so they can put the blame on the apostles and charge them for stealing the body.
The third was John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Actually, he arrived at the tomb first, but stayed outside. After Peter went in, he followed, he saw and he believed.
In our celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and as we celebrate the resurrection in our lives, how do we react? Do we feel like Mary – seemingly lost in what is happening. Or do we feel like Peter – a born leader and yet truly aware of his shortcomings – clueless on what is happening that day. Or do we identify with John, who came, who saw and who believed.
Jesus has risen. The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ. It is the fulfillment of a promise from the One who came, for those who saw and for us to believe.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we pause from the cares and worries of the day to worship You for all that You have done for us. We thank You for Your might and power and for Your deep love for us. We thank you for your glory as we come, see and believe in the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Amen +
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
--------------------------------------------------------------
On the morning of the first Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection of the Lord Jesus, three prominent figures took part in seeing first the empty tomb. First is Mary of Magdala. Along with some women tasked to finish the anointing of Jesus, the women were the first messengers of Christ's Resurrection for the apostles themselves. But for her, the first impression that came to her mind was that the body of Jesus was stolen and that no one knows where it was taken.
The second was Peter, himself. What he witnessed was only the burial clothes neatly rolled up in separate places. Peter must have been dumbfounded at the time, still in shock and doesn’t know what to say or do. He may have felt fear for he knows that their enemies did this so they can put the blame on the apostles and charge them for stealing the body.
The third was John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Actually, he arrived at the tomb first, but stayed outside. After Peter went in, he followed, he saw and he believed.
In our celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and as we celebrate the resurrection in our lives, how do we react? Do we feel like Mary – seemingly lost in what is happening. Or do we feel like Peter – a born leader and yet truly aware of his shortcomings – clueless on what is happening that day. Or do we identify with John, who came, who saw and who believed.
Jesus has risen. The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ. It is the fulfillment of a promise from the One who came, for those who saw and for us to believe.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we pause from the cares and worries of the day to worship You for all that You have done for us. We thank You for Your might and power and for Your deep love for us. We thank you for your glory as we come, see and believe in the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Amen +
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Monday, April 25, 2011
ALIVE IN HIS LOVE (04-25-11)
Acts 2:24
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
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What a great feeling, when you are able to finish something that you have spent time, effort and tears. And so, the Lord remarked “It is finished”, before giving up His spirit in the first Good Friday.
And imagine how much more did the Lord Jesus achieved and felt when He completed His God’s promise for our salvation. Humility, love and sacrifice beyond anything else. Doing something not to exalt Himself, but to raise us up beyond life that we have now.
Jesus conquered death and darkness so we may see the light and live in the light. Let us raise our lives to Him so we may continue to live in His love. He is the salvation and eternal life.
Our entire observance of Lent was for this day - to honor the Risen King! Come, let us worship Him! And as we celebrate Easter, may we never forget His sacrifice so we may join Him and the Father eternally.
Come then, my brothers and sisters, let us offer our Lord the great and all-embracing sacrifice of our love, pouring out our treasury of hymns and prayers before him who offered his cross in sacrifice to God for the enrichment of us all.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, all power in heaven and on earth has been given to You. May we go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit as we put our trust and faith in You until the end of the age. Amen +
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
-----------------------------------------------------------
What a great feeling, when you are able to finish something that you have spent time, effort and tears. And so, the Lord remarked “It is finished”, before giving up His spirit in the first Good Friday.
And imagine how much more did the Lord Jesus achieved and felt when He completed His God’s promise for our salvation. Humility, love and sacrifice beyond anything else. Doing something not to exalt Himself, but to raise us up beyond life that we have now.
Jesus conquered death and darkness so we may see the light and live in the light. Let us raise our lives to Him so we may continue to live in His love. He is the salvation and eternal life.
Our entire observance of Lent was for this day - to honor the Risen King! Come, let us worship Him! And as we celebrate Easter, may we never forget His sacrifice so we may join Him and the Father eternally.
Come then, my brothers and sisters, let us offer our Lord the great and all-embracing sacrifice of our love, pouring out our treasury of hymns and prayers before him who offered his cross in sacrifice to God for the enrichment of us all.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, all power in heaven and on earth has been given to You. May we go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit as we put our trust and faith in You until the end of the age. Amen +
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
RESURRECTED SAVIOR (04-24-11)
Easter Sunday
Matthew 28:5-6
Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.”
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We all lose hope. We have a Savior that died on the cross. How can He possibly save us, when even He, cannot save Himself. How can He possibly be with us forever, when He, cannot even free Himself from death.
These were the words uttered by the disciples during that time. And these are the same words we are uttering now. How come the Lord did not saved my son from that accident? How can he promise me forever, when that promise was broken, and my husband left me? How can the Jesus allow these things to happen to me?
There are no answers, even if we seek for it. For we are asking the wrong questions. And what is the right question? Just one – what does the Lord wants me to remember and do amidst these trials in my life?
And then the resurrection would offer the answers.
First, open your heart, as the tomb was opened during the resurrection. We cannot be free unless we open our hearts and accept Jesus inside us.
Second, empty your heart from distress, fear, and worries as the tomb was emptied during the resurrection. Trust totally and believe in the power of Jesus to bring you from pain to joy, from suffering to healing.
Lastly, tidy up your life, as the tomb was tidied up during the resurrection. Be with Jesus forever totally surrendering your life to him and totally amend your life, so only Him is in your heart as you attain the fullness of life.
Let us pray +
Almighty and ever-living God, hear us, and through this holy mystery give us hope that the glory you have given Christ for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen +
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Matthew 28:5-6
Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.”
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We all lose hope. We have a Savior that died on the cross. How can He possibly save us, when even He, cannot save Himself. How can He possibly be with us forever, when He, cannot even free Himself from death.
These were the words uttered by the disciples during that time. And these are the same words we are uttering now. How come the Lord did not saved my son from that accident? How can he promise me forever, when that promise was broken, and my husband left me? How can the Jesus allow these things to happen to me?
There are no answers, even if we seek for it. For we are asking the wrong questions. And what is the right question? Just one – what does the Lord wants me to remember and do amidst these trials in my life?
And then the resurrection would offer the answers.
First, open your heart, as the tomb was opened during the resurrection. We cannot be free unless we open our hearts and accept Jesus inside us.
Second, empty your heart from distress, fear, and worries as the tomb was emptied during the resurrection. Trust totally and believe in the power of Jesus to bring you from pain to joy, from suffering to healing.
Lastly, tidy up your life, as the tomb was tidied up during the resurrection. Be with Jesus forever totally surrendering your life to him and totally amend your life, so only Him is in your heart as you attain the fullness of life.
Let us pray +
Almighty and ever-living God, hear us, and through this holy mystery give us hope that the glory you have given Christ for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen +
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
SILENCE OF THE LAMB (04-23-11)
Black Saturday
John 19:40-42
They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.
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And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
And then, there was silence. Everything has happened for a reason. Everything has happened as promised.
The lamb of God has taken away the sins of the world. Grant us peace.
Jesus has given us this peace – peace of mind, peace at heart, inner peace. Jesus Christ is our peace, and in his death and resurrection, he gives God's peace to our world. Because we have been gifted with God's peace in the risen Christ, we are called to our own peace and to the making of peace in our world.
Have that peace in your heart. Close your eyes once in a while and feel the silence, being away from it all, from all the sufferings, from all the pain, from all the temptations.
For tomorrow, we will face a new life in Him.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, let the light of your Gospel of love so shine in the world that it may be transformed into a worthy home for all your children of every race and country. Help me to surrender my life to the gift of salvation offered by Jesus on the cross. I pray that I will always be faithful to living the victory over sin He offers me through my commitment to Him. Amen +
Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
John 19:40-42
They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.
---------------------------------------------------------------
And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
And then, there was silence. Everything has happened for a reason. Everything has happened as promised.
The lamb of God has taken away the sins of the world. Grant us peace.
Jesus has given us this peace – peace of mind, peace at heart, inner peace. Jesus Christ is our peace, and in his death and resurrection, he gives God's peace to our world. Because we have been gifted with God's peace in the risen Christ, we are called to our own peace and to the making of peace in our world.
Have that peace in your heart. Close your eyes once in a while and feel the silence, being away from it all, from all the sufferings, from all the pain, from all the temptations.
For tomorrow, we will face a new life in Him.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, let the light of your Gospel of love so shine in the world that it may be transformed into a worthy home for all your children of every race and country. Help me to surrender my life to the gift of salvation offered by Jesus on the cross. I pray that I will always be faithful to living the victory over sin He offers me through my commitment to Him. Amen +
Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
Friday, April 22, 2011
CRUCIFIED SAVIOR (04-22-11)
Good Friday
Luke 18:7
They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!”
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We believed in Him first, and we even welcomed Him in our home, in our heart. But why the sudden change of heart? We first betrayed Him, then we denied Him and then we let Him die on the cross.
Death on the cross was the punishment given to the most wretched criminals. Dying outside the city gate signified a death without God. Thus, His death suggested a sinner’s death: a sinner far away from God’s grace.
The Son of God, dying a sinner’s death. Isn’t it ironic? Shouldn’t we be the one nailed on the cross? Shouldn’t we be the one hanging there and being laughed at? Shouldn’t we be the one who died on the cross for we are even worst that any wretched criminals?
But the Lord said, “No, I will do it”. For, only a sinless man can take away all the sins of the world. His death is the divine manifestation of the merciful Will of the Father who wishes to save everyone from the clutches of sin and death.
And through Jesus, the Father offered a new life to all.
From a symbol of death to a symbol of eternal life, Jesus comes out victorious for all of us. And so a cross without Jesus is nothing. A crucified Christ is the greatest manifestation of God’s love to humanity. Fix the eyes of your mind firmly on Jesus crucified, and He shall deliver you from all your fears. Welcome Him again in your homes, in your hearts. And don’t you ever have that change of heart again.
Let us pray +
Merciful and everlasting God, We don't know why but, for us, Jesus was willing to be obedient to You, to go to the Cross prepared for Him and to die there. Help us remember it always and to make His Passion a part of us that we will live the redemption we are given and the salvation You have promised. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen +
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Luke 18:7
They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!”
---------------------------------------------------------------
We believed in Him first, and we even welcomed Him in our home, in our heart. But why the sudden change of heart? We first betrayed Him, then we denied Him and then we let Him die on the cross.
Death on the cross was the punishment given to the most wretched criminals. Dying outside the city gate signified a death without God. Thus, His death suggested a sinner’s death: a sinner far away from God’s grace.
The Son of God, dying a sinner’s death. Isn’t it ironic? Shouldn’t we be the one nailed on the cross? Shouldn’t we be the one hanging there and being laughed at? Shouldn’t we be the one who died on the cross for we are even worst that any wretched criminals?
But the Lord said, “No, I will do it”. For, only a sinless man can take away all the sins of the world. His death is the divine manifestation of the merciful Will of the Father who wishes to save everyone from the clutches of sin and death.
And through Jesus, the Father offered a new life to all.
From a symbol of death to a symbol of eternal life, Jesus comes out victorious for all of us. And so a cross without Jesus is nothing. A crucified Christ is the greatest manifestation of God’s love to humanity. Fix the eyes of your mind firmly on Jesus crucified, and He shall deliver you from all your fears. Welcome Him again in your homes, in your hearts. And don’t you ever have that change of heart again.
Let us pray +
Merciful and everlasting God, We don't know why but, for us, Jesus was willing to be obedient to You, to go to the Cross prepared for Him and to die there. Help us remember it always and to make His Passion a part of us that we will live the redemption we are given and the salvation You have promised. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen +
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
FULLY CLEANSED (04-21-11)
Maundy Thursday
John 13:14-15
“If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
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At least once a week, I would have my feet subjected to a foot spa. They will be soaked in warm water with soap for about 15 minutes. Then, the sole will be scrubbed to take away dead skins and calluses. Finally, a basic foot massage will be applied. Your feet is supposed to feel rejuvenated and clean afterwards.
But when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, this is not the same as having a foot spa. It is far from it. People at that time do not wear closed shoes. And, the dusty and dirty conditions of the region and the wearing of sandals necessitated foot-washing. Moreover, foot-washing was reserved for the lowliest of menial servants.
Peers did not wash one another's feet, except very rarely and as a mark of great love. And so the Lord did it for the disciples as a mark of true and supreme humility and of true love for them… and for us.
Through this action Jesus taught the lesson of selfless service that was supremely exemplified by His death on the cross.
As the followers of Jesus, we are asked follow Christ, to humble ourselves, to wash the feet of others especially those under our care. In real life are we willing to demonstrate that humility and love for those below us? Are we willing to sacrifice whatever we can for the betterment of others?
Let us ask God to also give us this great virtue of humility so that we can in our own small ways, bring about the peace and harmony in our own surroundings. Let Him cleanse our feet… our heart and our soul.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, washing the feet of others is not something that we want to do. We all have trouble with humility and service, esteem and pride. Help us today to become less of ourselves and more of You. Amen.
Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.
John 13:14-15
“If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
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At least once a week, I would have my feet subjected to a foot spa. They will be soaked in warm water with soap for about 15 minutes. Then, the sole will be scrubbed to take away dead skins and calluses. Finally, a basic foot massage will be applied. Your feet is supposed to feel rejuvenated and clean afterwards.
But when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, this is not the same as having a foot spa. It is far from it. People at that time do not wear closed shoes. And, the dusty and dirty conditions of the region and the wearing of sandals necessitated foot-washing. Moreover, foot-washing was reserved for the lowliest of menial servants.
Peers did not wash one another's feet, except very rarely and as a mark of great love. And so the Lord did it for the disciples as a mark of true and supreme humility and of true love for them… and for us.
Through this action Jesus taught the lesson of selfless service that was supremely exemplified by His death on the cross.
As the followers of Jesus, we are asked follow Christ, to humble ourselves, to wash the feet of others especially those under our care. In real life are we willing to demonstrate that humility and love for those below us? Are we willing to sacrifice whatever we can for the betterment of others?
Let us ask God to also give us this great virtue of humility so that we can in our own small ways, bring about the peace and harmony in our own surroundings. Let Him cleanse our feet… our heart and our soul.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, washing the feet of others is not something that we want to do. We all have trouble with humility and service, esteem and pride. Help us today to become less of ourselves and more of You. Amen.
Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
THIRTY PIECES (04-20-11)
Holy Wednesday
John 13:21
“Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
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Thirty pieces of silver was the equivalent of 120 denarii. A denarius was the wage a worker was paid for a day's work. So Judas was given the equivalent of three months pay. In Zechariah 11:12-13, thirty pieces of silver is referred to as a paltry amount of money compared to anything of real value.
Thirty pieces of silver. It is the legal price of a slave. They purchased Jesus like any other slave so there is some legality in handing him over to the Roman authorities. There is irony, of course, that Jesus was paid for out of the temple treasury, with silver that had been marked for the purchase of sacrifices. And irony that Jesus, who took the role of servant for us all, was purchased for the price of a slave.
Thirty pieces of silver. For Judas, the amount is not only the price of slavery to greed and ambition and self-preservation, but the value of his own cheapened life.
Thirty pieces of everything. Have we exchanged our life with the Lord for something else? Watching a movie, instead of going to Church? Telling a lie to cover-up our sins? Entering into questionable transactions for money? Jesus is the only wealth we should aspire for, we should crave for. Earthly possessions and money must be used for His glory, not in betraying Him. How are you using yours now?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we call ourselves Your friends yet one among us who ate at table with You betrayed You. We know that we often fail You. Transform us through Your Passion and the sufferings we merit to choose to bear for Your sake so that we may help reveal Your Glory at the appointed time. This we ask through Jesus our Lord, Your Son. Amen +
“Thirty pieces of silver is nothing;
Enriching your life in God is everything.”
Yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God.
John 13:21
“Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
----------------------------------------------------------
Thirty pieces of silver was the equivalent of 120 denarii. A denarius was the wage a worker was paid for a day's work. So Judas was given the equivalent of three months pay. In Zechariah 11:12-13, thirty pieces of silver is referred to as a paltry amount of money compared to anything of real value.
Thirty pieces of silver. It is the legal price of a slave. They purchased Jesus like any other slave so there is some legality in handing him over to the Roman authorities. There is irony, of course, that Jesus was paid for out of the temple treasury, with silver that had been marked for the purchase of sacrifices. And irony that Jesus, who took the role of servant for us all, was purchased for the price of a slave.
Thirty pieces of silver. For Judas, the amount is not only the price of slavery to greed and ambition and self-preservation, but the value of his own cheapened life.
Thirty pieces of everything. Have we exchanged our life with the Lord for something else? Watching a movie, instead of going to Church? Telling a lie to cover-up our sins? Entering into questionable transactions for money? Jesus is the only wealth we should aspire for, we should crave for. Earthly possessions and money must be used for His glory, not in betraying Him. How are you using yours now?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we call ourselves Your friends yet one among us who ate at table with You betrayed You. We know that we often fail You. Transform us through Your Passion and the sufferings we merit to choose to bear for Your sake so that we may help reveal Your Glory at the appointed time. This we ask through Jesus our Lord, Your Son. Amen +
“Thirty pieces of silver is nothing;
Enriching your life in God is everything.”
Yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
REPENTANCE (04-19-11)
Holy Tuesday
John 13:38
“Will you lay down your life for me?”
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It was a scene in a Cenakulo, a play about the passion and death of Christ. ‘Judas’ is about to hang himself for betraying the Lord Jesus Christ. Suddenly, a girl from the audience shouted, “Do not do it! Go to Jesus and Mama Mary and ask for forgiveness!” Silence filled the air, but the show must go on. ‘Judas” hanged himself.
Both Peter and Judas (the Iscariot) has done something unacceptable, being friends and disciples of Jesus. Peter denied Jesus three times, totally disowning that fact that he knows Him and have been with Him in His ministry. While Judas betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver.
In the end, Judas is dead – taking his own life. But Peter is alive, and even led the first Christian Church. The difference? Repentance. Peter remained with the disciples, asked for forgiveness from the Lord and was given the Spirit to live fully under God’s love and blessings.
In this season of Lent, we are given the opportunity to reform our ways and lead a life that is in total obedience to the will of the Lord.
We may have done a grave sin in our life, but this should not make us feel detached from Him. In fact, He is even reaching out to us – to repent, to ask for forgiveness and to reform our lives.
Reach out to Him for forgiveness, He is waiting.
Let us pray +
Almighty and everlasting God, we wish to see Jesus. Grant us the grace of humility during this Passion time so that we may indeed, like a grain of wheat falling into the soil, die to ourselves and thus obtain pardon of our sins. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen +
“Denial and betrayal?
Repentance and forgiveness!.”
I will sing of your salvation.
John 13:38
“Will you lay down your life for me?”
--------------------------------------------------
It was a scene in a Cenakulo, a play about the passion and death of Christ. ‘Judas’ is about to hang himself for betraying the Lord Jesus Christ. Suddenly, a girl from the audience shouted, “Do not do it! Go to Jesus and Mama Mary and ask for forgiveness!” Silence filled the air, but the show must go on. ‘Judas” hanged himself.
Both Peter and Judas (the Iscariot) has done something unacceptable, being friends and disciples of Jesus. Peter denied Jesus three times, totally disowning that fact that he knows Him and have been with Him in His ministry. While Judas betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver.
In the end, Judas is dead – taking his own life. But Peter is alive, and even led the first Christian Church. The difference? Repentance. Peter remained with the disciples, asked for forgiveness from the Lord and was given the Spirit to live fully under God’s love and blessings.
In this season of Lent, we are given the opportunity to reform our ways and lead a life that is in total obedience to the will of the Lord.
We may have done a grave sin in our life, but this should not make us feel detached from Him. In fact, He is even reaching out to us – to repent, to ask for forgiveness and to reform our lives.
Reach out to Him for forgiveness, He is waiting.
Let us pray +
Almighty and everlasting God, we wish to see Jesus. Grant us the grace of humility during this Passion time so that we may indeed, like a grain of wheat falling into the soil, die to ourselves and thus obtain pardon of our sins. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen +
“Denial and betrayal?
Repentance and forgiveness!.”
I will sing of your salvation.
Monday, April 18, 2011
GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP (04-18-11)
Holy Monday
John 12:8
“You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
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We give gifts to friends and our loved ones. And most of the time, we give gifts that are “expensive”, meaning gifts that come from our hearts. Gifts that we know will make them happy.
Gifts that signifies true love and friendship. And it is this friendship that really matters most, and the money we spent is nothing compared to the love we have shown.
Mary ‘wasted’ an expensive perfume, as Judas has thought. She should have just sold the perfume and gave the money to the poor. Judas has a point there.
But he has another agenda. What he speaks is not what is in his heart – “he said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions”.
Jesus knows this. But instead of humiliating Judas in front of His disciples, Mary, Martha and Lazarus, He just dismissed him and advised him to just leave Mary alone. Being friends of Jesus, Mary and her siblings has shown true faith in the Lord. But this time, Mary’s gesture is geared towards bringing back the friendship that the Lord has shown to them.
The expensive perfume is nothing compared to the love that Jesus has given them. Lazarus is alive because of their faith in Him. Jesus acknowledged this and received her extraordinary gesture of love with gratitude.
Be a friend to the Lord. Only then can your sacrifice be worthy to Him.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, today, we remember the great gift of gratitude, given courageously, by Mary when she anointed our Lord with the costly oil whose perfume filled the house. May the perfume of her deed fill our hearts with praise. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen. +
Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
John 12:8
“You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
------------------------------------------------------
We give gifts to friends and our loved ones. And most of the time, we give gifts that are “expensive”, meaning gifts that come from our hearts. Gifts that we know will make them happy.
Gifts that signifies true love and friendship. And it is this friendship that really matters most, and the money we spent is nothing compared to the love we have shown.
Mary ‘wasted’ an expensive perfume, as Judas has thought. She should have just sold the perfume and gave the money to the poor. Judas has a point there.
But he has another agenda. What he speaks is not what is in his heart – “he said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions”.
Jesus knows this. But instead of humiliating Judas in front of His disciples, Mary, Martha and Lazarus, He just dismissed him and advised him to just leave Mary alone. Being friends of Jesus, Mary and her siblings has shown true faith in the Lord. But this time, Mary’s gesture is geared towards bringing back the friendship that the Lord has shown to them.
The expensive perfume is nothing compared to the love that Jesus has given them. Lazarus is alive because of their faith in Him. Jesus acknowledged this and received her extraordinary gesture of love with gratitude.
Be a friend to the Lord. Only then can your sacrifice be worthy to Him.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, today, we remember the great gift of gratitude, given courageously, by Mary when she anointed our Lord with the costly oil whose perfume filled the house. May the perfume of her deed fill our hearts with praise. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen. +
Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
HUMBLE TO THE END (04-17-11)
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Matthew 21:9
“Hosanna… blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord…”
-----------------------------------------------------
The Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. And as He comes in, a very large crowd spread their cloaks, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.
And as the people rejoice, Jesus most probably had mixed feelings and emotions. He may have felt sorrow in His heart for He knows that these same people will ask that He be crucified in exchange for a thief.
However, He must also really very happy, for the people have accepted Him as their Savior, exclaiming “Hosanna in the highest”. Moreover, He knows that His mission is coming to an end. As such, He would be fulfilling God’s will so He may also fulfill His promise of salvation.
In that scene also, the people may have failed to notice two important figures that are with Jesus in His triumphant return. They are not His apostles. In fact, He only met them in the morning of that day. They are no other than the ass and the colt. “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”
Up to the point of accepting His fate, He did not come in chariots dressed in elegant robe with diamond-studded crown. From His birth to His death, He remained humble and meek.
Today, we are His donkeys. Let us lift Him up so others may see Him and accept Him in their hearts. We are His donkeys, and Jesus is the true star of the show. In our spiritual life up to our death, we may have been an unseen figure or even forgotten by everyone, but always remember Him!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I would then bring back to You all the glory and praise. I am just a donkey that would continue carrying You around so everyone may hear, see and experience Your words and everlasting love. And I know that without You, I would just be an ordinary donkey. Amen +
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Matthew 21:9
“Hosanna… blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord…”
-----------------------------------------------------
The Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. And as He comes in, a very large crowd spread their cloaks, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.
And as the people rejoice, Jesus most probably had mixed feelings and emotions. He may have felt sorrow in His heart for He knows that these same people will ask that He be crucified in exchange for a thief.
However, He must also really very happy, for the people have accepted Him as their Savior, exclaiming “Hosanna in the highest”. Moreover, He knows that His mission is coming to an end. As such, He would be fulfilling God’s will so He may also fulfill His promise of salvation.
In that scene also, the people may have failed to notice two important figures that are with Jesus in His triumphant return. They are not His apostles. In fact, He only met them in the morning of that day. They are no other than the ass and the colt. “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”
Up to the point of accepting His fate, He did not come in chariots dressed in elegant robe with diamond-studded crown. From His birth to His death, He remained humble and meek.
Today, we are His donkeys. Let us lift Him up so others may see Him and accept Him in their hearts. We are His donkeys, and Jesus is the true star of the show. In our spiritual life up to our death, we may have been an unseen figure or even forgotten by everyone, but always remember Him!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I would then bring back to You all the glory and praise. I am just a donkey that would continue carrying You around so everyone may hear, see and experience Your words and everlasting love. And I know that without You, I would just be an ordinary donkey. Amen +
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
LABING YEARS (04-16-11)
Ezekiel 37:26
I will make with them a covenant of peace; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them, and I will multiply them, and put my sanctuary among them forever.
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Today is our wedding anniversary.
It has been 17 years already when I married the most wonderful woman on earth. Our marriage started like many other marriages. We experienced a romantic courtship and thoroughly enjoyed being together. We laughed, played, and prayed together. At times, we experience disagreements that will at times force us to realize that the person you married seems to have disappeared.
And 17 years after, we still have problems. We still disagree. There are even times when we don't like each other. But, this is not enough reason for her to condemn me forever and go out of our marriage. Through the years, we have faced problems and challenges and see them not only as obstacles to our survival but, in God's hands, as opportunities for increased satisfaction.
May the Lord continue to bless our marriage. And now we are wiser about our frailties and limitations. We are now more aware of our complete dependence upon God. Each one of us may have committed mistakes in the past but we now know that it should not be enough reason to condemn the other. Jesus did not condemn us for our sins.
Having come face to face with our own sinfulness, we are more sensitive and compassionate towards the weaknesses of one another. Most of all, we are grateful for God's unconditional love, and the chance to begin anew.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I thank you today for the marriage that you have blessed me with, and the gift that you gave me in my wife, Tonet. I thank you for the 2 wonderful children – Mark and Shiela, you have blessed us with. I pray for all the marriages, that they would be strengthened daily, and blessed as well. I pray all this in Jesus Holy Name. Amen +
The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.
I will make with them a covenant of peace; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them, and I will multiply them, and put my sanctuary among them forever.
--------------------------------------------------------
Today is our wedding anniversary.
It has been 17 years already when I married the most wonderful woman on earth. Our marriage started like many other marriages. We experienced a romantic courtship and thoroughly enjoyed being together. We laughed, played, and prayed together. At times, we experience disagreements that will at times force us to realize that the person you married seems to have disappeared.
And 17 years after, we still have problems. We still disagree. There are even times when we don't like each other. But, this is not enough reason for her to condemn me forever and go out of our marriage. Through the years, we have faced problems and challenges and see them not only as obstacles to our survival but, in God's hands, as opportunities for increased satisfaction.
May the Lord continue to bless our marriage. And now we are wiser about our frailties and limitations. We are now more aware of our complete dependence upon God. Each one of us may have committed mistakes in the past but we now know that it should not be enough reason to condemn the other. Jesus did not condemn us for our sins.
Having come face to face with our own sinfulness, we are more sensitive and compassionate towards the weaknesses of one another. Most of all, we are grateful for God's unconditional love, and the chance to begin anew.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I thank you today for the marriage that you have blessed me with, and the gift that you gave me in my wife, Tonet. I thank you for the 2 wonderful children – Mark and Shiela, you have blessed us with. I pray for all the marriages, that they would be strengthened daily, and blessed as well. I pray all this in Jesus Holy Name. Amen +
The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.
Friday, April 15, 2011
HIS GREATEST WORK (04-15-11)
John 10:37-38
“If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
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You dropped by an art gallery and a painting caught your attention. You haven’t seen anything as beautiful as this one, you thought. The lines, the colors, the contours, the shapes, the shades. Put them all together, and what you see, from every aspect, is perfection.
You even asked the curator if the painter is a very talented man. He mentioned that the painter is a 12 year old boy.
Suddenly, disbelief comes into you. How could a boy paint such beautiful work of art. You did not only lost interest on the painter, you also lost interest on the painting. Just because it was painted by an “amateur”, it is not anymore beautiful as you thought it was.
Is this how you also feel so you have some apprehension about believing in Jesus? In His time on earth, Jesus has only done good things. Preaching the words of God, healing the sick, feeding thousands, casting out evil spirits, raising up dead, all in the glory of God. But the leaders of the Jews saw otherwise. They saw Jesus as a threat to their perceived leadership. They failed to see the wonderful things that Jesus has done because they see Jesus as just an ordinary mortal – an ordinary Jewish man, who is not worthy of being with them, let alone being the Son of God. For them he is a liar, worthy to be put to death for blasphemy.
See and believe in the works of God. Let your mind and heart respond with a life filled with thankfulness, service, and worship. God has opened your eyes to the truth of creation so lift up your voice in praise and adoration to the Most High. Jesus is His greatest work, believe in Him and His works.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I know that whatever You do, it endures forever; You have made it so, in order that men should fear, love and glorify You, and You alone, now and forever. Amen +
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
“If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
------------------------------------------------------------------
You dropped by an art gallery and a painting caught your attention. You haven’t seen anything as beautiful as this one, you thought. The lines, the colors, the contours, the shapes, the shades. Put them all together, and what you see, from every aspect, is perfection.
You even asked the curator if the painter is a very talented man. He mentioned that the painter is a 12 year old boy.
Suddenly, disbelief comes into you. How could a boy paint such beautiful work of art. You did not only lost interest on the painter, you also lost interest on the painting. Just because it was painted by an “amateur”, it is not anymore beautiful as you thought it was.
Is this how you also feel so you have some apprehension about believing in Jesus? In His time on earth, Jesus has only done good things. Preaching the words of God, healing the sick, feeding thousands, casting out evil spirits, raising up dead, all in the glory of God. But the leaders of the Jews saw otherwise. They saw Jesus as a threat to their perceived leadership. They failed to see the wonderful things that Jesus has done because they see Jesus as just an ordinary mortal – an ordinary Jewish man, who is not worthy of being with them, let alone being the Son of God. For them he is a liar, worthy to be put to death for blasphemy.
See and believe in the works of God. Let your mind and heart respond with a life filled with thankfulness, service, and worship. God has opened your eyes to the truth of creation so lift up your voice in praise and adoration to the Most High. Jesus is His greatest work, believe in Him and His works.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I know that whatever You do, it endures forever; You have made it so, in order that men should fear, love and glorify You, and You alone, now and forever. Amen +
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
ETERNALLY WITH GOD (04-14-11)
John 8:51
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”
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Tell me, is that what you really believe, that physical death is the end of it all? That after you die, your existence in this world and beyond has also ended?
Hhmmm… is this also the reason why you now live your life like there is no tomorrow? Drinking, smoking, womanizing, sleeping late or not sleeping at all, unhealthy foods… all to satisfy the cravings of your body.
Well, you may say it is your body and you can do whatever you want with it. Don’t worry, I fully agree with you that it is your body. But, I just cannot allow you to just “do whatever you want with it”.
For your body and your life comes from God, and He wants you to live your life fully here on earth so you can be with Him in heaven. For death is not the end of it all. For the next thing you will experience once you finally close your eyes here on earth, it is eternity – life forever and ever.
And so, it really boils down to two choices –
Do you want to spend the rest of your eternal life in heaven, full of joy, with God in heaven, or
Spend eternity in hell, where there will be wailing, weeping and gnashing of teeth as you are subjected to fire and heat forever and ever.
Well, you can go on living like before, if you still believe that there is no eternal life, or that there is no hell. Just one point to ponder though:
What if there is hell? I just hope that you do not believe in it when you are already in it…
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, grant us Your powerful protection and to keep us safe and sound. May Your Spirit grant us a loving and merciful heart as we live in You through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen +
Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly.
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell me, is that what you really believe, that physical death is the end of it all? That after you die, your existence in this world and beyond has also ended?
Hhmmm… is this also the reason why you now live your life like there is no tomorrow? Drinking, smoking, womanizing, sleeping late or not sleeping at all, unhealthy foods… all to satisfy the cravings of your body.
Well, you may say it is your body and you can do whatever you want with it. Don’t worry, I fully agree with you that it is your body. But, I just cannot allow you to just “do whatever you want with it”.
For your body and your life comes from God, and He wants you to live your life fully here on earth so you can be with Him in heaven. For death is not the end of it all. For the next thing you will experience once you finally close your eyes here on earth, it is eternity – life forever and ever.
And so, it really boils down to two choices –
Do you want to spend the rest of your eternal life in heaven, full of joy, with God in heaven, or
Spend eternity in hell, where there will be wailing, weeping and gnashing of teeth as you are subjected to fire and heat forever and ever.
Well, you can go on living like before, if you still believe that there is no eternal life, or that there is no hell. Just one point to ponder though:
What if there is hell? I just hope that you do not believe in it when you are already in it…
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, grant us Your powerful protection and to keep us safe and sound. May Your Spirit grant us a loving and merciful heart as we live in You through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen +
Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
TRUTH OF THE MATTER (04-13-11)
John 8:31-32
“If you remain in My word, you will truly be My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
-------------------------------------------------------------
We always want to know the truth. When our kids went home late, we want to understand why, we want to know the truth. When one of our people is late or absent, we want to know what happened, we want to know the truth.
In the current scandals plaguing the government today, everyone says that he is not lying, they are all telling the truth! And yet, when we examine our lives, most of the time, we are also living in lies.
This is because we are either afraid of the truth or doesn’t even know what is the truth. And most of the time, the things that we believe are “truth” are really lies for it is not rooted on doing what God commands us to do.
The Scriptures reveal those things necessary for salvation and are the sole infallible rule of the Christian faith. No one has any right to opt out of the search for truth, especially in faith and morals, no matter how limited or deep their level of religious understanding are.
Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life. Find the truth that we are yearning for. Look into your heart and be true to yourself first before asking for truthfulness from others.
Turn into Him for salvation, for only Him can set us free. The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, lead me in Your Truth and teach me. I seek Your Truth and trust You and Your Divine Plan because I know that I originally came from You. Protect me Father and help me to always speak the Truth and to purposefully move away from omissions, lies and anything that is not a deliberate reflection of Your Truth. Amen +
Glory and praise for ever!
“If you remain in My word, you will truly be My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
-------------------------------------------------------------
We always want to know the truth. When our kids went home late, we want to understand why, we want to know the truth. When one of our people is late or absent, we want to know what happened, we want to know the truth.
In the current scandals plaguing the government today, everyone says that he is not lying, they are all telling the truth! And yet, when we examine our lives, most of the time, we are also living in lies.
This is because we are either afraid of the truth or doesn’t even know what is the truth. And most of the time, the things that we believe are “truth” are really lies for it is not rooted on doing what God commands us to do.
The Scriptures reveal those things necessary for salvation and are the sole infallible rule of the Christian faith. No one has any right to opt out of the search for truth, especially in faith and morals, no matter how limited or deep their level of religious understanding are.
Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life. Find the truth that we are yearning for. Look into your heart and be true to yourself first before asking for truthfulness from others.
Turn into Him for salvation, for only Him can set us free. The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, lead me in Your Truth and teach me. I seek Your Truth and trust You and Your Divine Plan because I know that I originally came from You. Protect me Father and help me to always speak the Truth and to purposefully move away from omissions, lies and anything that is not a deliberate reflection of Your Truth. Amen +
Glory and praise for ever!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
WHAT I BELIEVE (04-12-11)
John 8:28
“When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me.”
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What we were taught in school, we would readily believe. Not only because it is written, but because we experience them first hand. That anything will fall to the ground when we let go, so we believe in the Law of Gravity. We believe that 2 plus 2 is 4, because as a child, our teacher showed us that combining 2 apples with another 2 apples would really yield 4 apples.
In this Season of Lent, everyone is again asked to revisit their faith and what they believe in. Are we truly living the life of a Christian or merely getting through it, not because we believe, but because this is what we are doing all along - and so I will just do it again and again.
But believing in Jesus is not just recognizing He exist and that He is our savior. That is the start, but as we go along our spiritual lives, we also need to show that faith, trust and conviction to obey His will.
And this makes it hard to remain as a Christian. And this is where most of us fail and prefer to go back to our sinful past.
But if we would only realize all the blessings we received, the fact that we are alive today because of the fresh air we breathe and the clean water we drink, as well as the dear ones who love us, then aren’t these enough to believe in One Creator?
And faith in Him is our response to God, who reveals Himself and gives Himself to man, at the same time bringing to us the light and the way as we search for the ultimate meaning of life. Bring back that belief and embrace it fully. Jesus’ teaching is not meant to make us suffer, but rather to make us closer to our God in Heaven, where we truly belong.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, be merciful to us, sinners. Strengthen our faith as I live in total obedience to Your will. We praise you, forever, Oh Lord and with humble hearts, we surrender fully our lives to You. Amen +
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
“When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me.”
----------------------------------------------------------------
What we were taught in school, we would readily believe. Not only because it is written, but because we experience them first hand. That anything will fall to the ground when we let go, so we believe in the Law of Gravity. We believe that 2 plus 2 is 4, because as a child, our teacher showed us that combining 2 apples with another 2 apples would really yield 4 apples.
In this Season of Lent, everyone is again asked to revisit their faith and what they believe in. Are we truly living the life of a Christian or merely getting through it, not because we believe, but because this is what we are doing all along - and so I will just do it again and again.
But believing in Jesus is not just recognizing He exist and that He is our savior. That is the start, but as we go along our spiritual lives, we also need to show that faith, trust and conviction to obey His will.
And this makes it hard to remain as a Christian. And this is where most of us fail and prefer to go back to our sinful past.
But if we would only realize all the blessings we received, the fact that we are alive today because of the fresh air we breathe and the clean water we drink, as well as the dear ones who love us, then aren’t these enough to believe in One Creator?
And faith in Him is our response to God, who reveals Himself and gives Himself to man, at the same time bringing to us the light and the way as we search for the ultimate meaning of life. Bring back that belief and embrace it fully. Jesus’ teaching is not meant to make us suffer, but rather to make us closer to our God in Heaven, where we truly belong.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, be merciful to us, sinners. Strengthen our faith as I live in total obedience to Your will. We praise you, forever, Oh Lord and with humble hearts, we surrender fully our lives to You. Amen +
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
Monday, April 11, 2011
IN OUR WEAKNESS (04-11-11)
John 8:11
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin any more.”
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I just came from confession. After I received my absolution, I really felt good inside. I attended the mass; afterwhich, I went home. But along the way, a car suddenly sped in front of me while I am crossing the street. Luckily, it did not hit me. But I did curse the driver, shouting on top of my voice. I just came from talking with God, and now this happened. Well, I will just confess again my sins next week.
Then, it struck me. What if another car speeds up and this time, it hits me. What if a bad person suddenly robs me and gunned me down in the process. What if I just fall down on the street, dead, not knowing what happened.
Yes, the Lord forgives sin. But he also expects that we do not sin anymore. It is hard, you and I know. And it means constant amendment in our lives, as we live in total agreement with Him, His will and His Word.
Let us learn from the case of the woman caught in adultery. Although Jesus had forgiven her sin, He expects her to live a life of grace and union with God by not sinning anymore. Sin does matter and damages our relationship with God, but it is not man who should judge us, but only God.
When we receive Jesus’ forgiveness, He expects us to live as new people afterwards. As we come to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, it would make no sense to come to confession if we intended to continue committing the same sin again.
In weakness we may commit the same sin again. But surely we can only genuinely say that we are truly sorry for our sins if we have a firm intention not to commit sin again, amending our lives and living a life that God has intended and wants for us.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I am very sorry for all my sins. I may again sin today or tomorrow… but please, show me the right path towards you, so that I may not sin again. Amen +
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin any more.”
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I just came from confession. After I received my absolution, I really felt good inside. I attended the mass; afterwhich, I went home. But along the way, a car suddenly sped in front of me while I am crossing the street. Luckily, it did not hit me. But I did curse the driver, shouting on top of my voice. I just came from talking with God, and now this happened. Well, I will just confess again my sins next week.
Then, it struck me. What if another car speeds up and this time, it hits me. What if a bad person suddenly robs me and gunned me down in the process. What if I just fall down on the street, dead, not knowing what happened.
Yes, the Lord forgives sin. But he also expects that we do not sin anymore. It is hard, you and I know. And it means constant amendment in our lives, as we live in total agreement with Him, His will and His Word.
Let us learn from the case of the woman caught in adultery. Although Jesus had forgiven her sin, He expects her to live a life of grace and union with God by not sinning anymore. Sin does matter and damages our relationship with God, but it is not man who should judge us, but only God.
When we receive Jesus’ forgiveness, He expects us to live as new people afterwards. As we come to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, it would make no sense to come to confession if we intended to continue committing the same sin again.
In weakness we may commit the same sin again. But surely we can only genuinely say that we are truly sorry for our sins if we have a firm intention not to commit sin again, amending our lives and living a life that God has intended and wants for us.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I am very sorry for all my sins. I may again sin today or tomorrow… but please, show me the right path towards you, so that I may not sin again. Amen +
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
ALIVE IN HIS PRESENCE (04-10-11)
Fifth Sunday of Lent
John 11:25
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live…”
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Even before His death on the cross, Jesus would always tell His disciples about this, that He will be put to death for the salvation of mankind. But He knows that it will not be the end. His glory would finally be realized when He is resurrected, for that will be the ultimate consummation of God’s promise of salvation for mankind.
When Lazarus came back into life, it was one great miracle performed by Jesus. His sisters do believe in life after death, so when Jesus advised them that Lazarus will live, they firmly believed Him, knowing that we will live again in the afterlife. Didn’t they know that what Jesus meant was Lazarus will live again, physically and spiritually.
In that brief, shining moment, Jesus showed that He is God, the resurrection and life. Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what He had done began to believe in Him.
We may be totally immersed in darkness now in our lives. We are dead spiritually and entombed in uncertainty of life. However, we must enter these periods of darkness and silence with hope and an expectant spirit. God is the artist and crafter of all we are and God knows what is needed for our growth. Let Him guide us through these periods of darkness until the eyes of our hearts are ready to see the light again.
Jesus is the resurrection and life. Let us come to Him, so He can open the “eyes of our hearts”. Believe in Him, so He can open our hearts and be ready for the after-life.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, God of Heaven: You are Lord of all our living. Hold us in the hands that made us. Cradle all our hopes and fears. Let us praise and glorify you forever. Amen +
With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
John 11:25
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live…”
------------------------------------------------------------------
Even before His death on the cross, Jesus would always tell His disciples about this, that He will be put to death for the salvation of mankind. But He knows that it will not be the end. His glory would finally be realized when He is resurrected, for that will be the ultimate consummation of God’s promise of salvation for mankind.
When Lazarus came back into life, it was one great miracle performed by Jesus. His sisters do believe in life after death, so when Jesus advised them that Lazarus will live, they firmly believed Him, knowing that we will live again in the afterlife. Didn’t they know that what Jesus meant was Lazarus will live again, physically and spiritually.
In that brief, shining moment, Jesus showed that He is God, the resurrection and life. Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what He had done began to believe in Him.
We may be totally immersed in darkness now in our lives. We are dead spiritually and entombed in uncertainty of life. However, we must enter these periods of darkness and silence with hope and an expectant spirit. God is the artist and crafter of all we are and God knows what is needed for our growth. Let Him guide us through these periods of darkness until the eyes of our hearts are ready to see the light again.
Jesus is the resurrection and life. Let us come to Him, so He can open the “eyes of our hearts”. Believe in Him, so He can open our hearts and be ready for the after-life.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, God of Heaven: You are Lord of all our living. Hold us in the hands that made us. Cradle all our hopes and fears. Let us praise and glorify you forever. Amen +
With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
TRUE TO HIS NAME (04-09-11)
John 7:42
Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?
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Jose Rizal of Laguna. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. St. Francis of Assisi. Karol Wojtyla of Poland. Mahatma Gandhi of India.
The “national hero”, the “living saint”, the “father of the nation”, the “pope of the poor”, the “patron saint of the environment”.
Famous people that had become role models for all and every generations to come. In fact, their names had just become secondary in nature. For they will forever be known by the deeds that they have done.
They will forever be known due to unselfishness of their hearts - choosing to serve than to be served.
Jesus’ ministry is all about loving and affecting the lives of everyone for the better. And yet the people of Jerusalem failed to recognize those. They focus more on the things that he has done “wrong” - based on their standards, and not based on the standards of God.
AND if anyone had authority and had the right to have people serve him, Jesus was the man. But not even Jesus came to be served. Rather, Jesus showed His authority by serving others. He exemplified how God would have His people rule, and that is by serving others and not being self-serving. Everyone is called to serve and not to be served.
Jesus of Nazareth, Prince of Peace, Son of Man, The Christ, Emmanuel, King of the Jews, The Word of God. We can call Him by many names, but this has become secondary in nature. He came to serve us. He came to save us. And to follow Him, we must be ready to suffer and ready to serve.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, teach me to have a servant heart, to spend myself without looking for any reward other than that of knowing that I do Your holy will. Amen +
O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.
Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?
------------------------------------------------------------
Jose Rizal of Laguna. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. St. Francis of Assisi. Karol Wojtyla of Poland. Mahatma Gandhi of India.
The “national hero”, the “living saint”, the “father of the nation”, the “pope of the poor”, the “patron saint of the environment”.
Famous people that had become role models for all and every generations to come. In fact, their names had just become secondary in nature. For they will forever be known by the deeds that they have done.
They will forever be known due to unselfishness of their hearts - choosing to serve than to be served.
Jesus’ ministry is all about loving and affecting the lives of everyone for the better. And yet the people of Jerusalem failed to recognize those. They focus more on the things that he has done “wrong” - based on their standards, and not based on the standards of God.
AND if anyone had authority and had the right to have people serve him, Jesus was the man. But not even Jesus came to be served. Rather, Jesus showed His authority by serving others. He exemplified how God would have His people rule, and that is by serving others and not being self-serving. Everyone is called to serve and not to be served.
Jesus of Nazareth, Prince of Peace, Son of Man, The Christ, Emmanuel, King of the Jews, The Word of God. We can call Him by many names, but this has become secondary in nature. He came to serve us. He came to save us. And to follow Him, we must be ready to suffer and ready to serve.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, teach me to have a servant heart, to spend myself without looking for any reward other than that of knowing that I do Your holy will. Amen +
O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.
Friday, April 8, 2011
YES TO GOD (04-08-11)
John 7:29
“I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent me.”
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There were some hesitations. There were some fear. Being away from my family for months to almost a year had not come into my mind before. But that opportunity presented itself and I have to decide and think hard. But, I have to do it and so for almost 14 months, I was based in our plant in Mexico, with short vacation breaks in between to be with my family.
Most, if not all of us, must have already experienced being asked by someone to do something for them. It maybe something bigger like leading a team, or making a financial or business analysis. We would hesitate for a while, think it over, before finally accepting the task.
But once we accepted it, a sort of responsibility was suddenly transferred to us. Hence, we have to do the task completely and without fail. If not, then the failure is on us. Our self-esteem is affected and we feel humiliated.
When God sent Jesus to do a task, it was not as simple as talking to us about Him and the promises of God. He did not talk only about salvation, but He lived and died for it.
When Jesus said “Yes” to God, he has no intention to back-out. When Jesus said “Yes” to God, it is not to boost His self-esteem but rather to boost our self-esteem so we may finally accept God in our hearts and Jesus as our Savior.
And as Jesus was sent by the Father, Jesus is also sending us to the world so others may know Him and live life fully with and for Him. And this time, let’s accept the task without hesitation or second thought.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You sent your Son to carry out your mission of redeeming the world.bless all missionaries throughout the world that their work may bear fruit and love and peace may come in all hearts and in all nations. Amen +
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
“I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent me.”
-------------------------------------------------------
There were some hesitations. There were some fear. Being away from my family for months to almost a year had not come into my mind before. But that opportunity presented itself and I have to decide and think hard. But, I have to do it and so for almost 14 months, I was based in our plant in Mexico, with short vacation breaks in between to be with my family.
Most, if not all of us, must have already experienced being asked by someone to do something for them. It maybe something bigger like leading a team, or making a financial or business analysis. We would hesitate for a while, think it over, before finally accepting the task.
But once we accepted it, a sort of responsibility was suddenly transferred to us. Hence, we have to do the task completely and without fail. If not, then the failure is on us. Our self-esteem is affected and we feel humiliated.
When God sent Jesus to do a task, it was not as simple as talking to us about Him and the promises of God. He did not talk only about salvation, but He lived and died for it.
When Jesus said “Yes” to God, he has no intention to back-out. When Jesus said “Yes” to God, it is not to boost His self-esteem but rather to boost our self-esteem so we may finally accept God in our hearts and Jesus as our Savior.
And as Jesus was sent by the Father, Jesus is also sending us to the world so others may know Him and live life fully with and for Him. And this time, let’s accept the task without hesitation or second thought.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You sent your Son to carry out your mission of redeeming the world.bless all missionaries throughout the world that their work may bear fruit and love and peace may come in all hearts and in all nations. Amen +
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
GOOD FOR THE SOUL (04-07-11)
John 5:44
“How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?”
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I have written some technical papers as an engineer of a semiconductor multi-national company. If your paper is chosen for publication, you will be given a token money prize. I admit, this is one motivation for me for writing those technical papers. But don’t get me wrong - those reports are product of hardwork and thorough analysis. But, of course, getting the prize is something else, especially for one who is just starting to raise a family.
Actually, there is another motivation. That is being chosen to present your paper to fellow engineers. Getting their praise for a job well-done is good to the heart. It makes you feel being important for having done something good for the advancement of the company – and of course, my career.
In our spiritual life, we are not only interested in doing something that is good to the heart. We must pursue more on doing things that is good to the soul. In this case, money and human praises is not enough. In fact, they would never be enough.
Only praising God, and being praised in return, because of Him is the only thing that can satisfy our soul. Praise must be an expression of our whole being. We are called to praise God not only with our voices but by our actions. Thus even though our tongues may be silent our actions should cry out in praise of God.
By making us wait and giving us a gift of praise, God increases our desire for Him. It enlarges the capacity of our beings so that we are able to receive what will be given to us.
God really means to fill us with His goodness. Praise Him and glorify Him. It is really good for the soul.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise you and give you glory: Remain in our hearts, and guide us in our love and service. Amen +
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
“How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?”
---------------------------------------------------------
I have written some technical papers as an engineer of a semiconductor multi-national company. If your paper is chosen for publication, you will be given a token money prize. I admit, this is one motivation for me for writing those technical papers. But don’t get me wrong - those reports are product of hardwork and thorough analysis. But, of course, getting the prize is something else, especially for one who is just starting to raise a family.
Actually, there is another motivation. That is being chosen to present your paper to fellow engineers. Getting their praise for a job well-done is good to the heart. It makes you feel being important for having done something good for the advancement of the company – and of course, my career.
In our spiritual life, we are not only interested in doing something that is good to the heart. We must pursue more on doing things that is good to the soul. In this case, money and human praises is not enough. In fact, they would never be enough.
Only praising God, and being praised in return, because of Him is the only thing that can satisfy our soul. Praise must be an expression of our whole being. We are called to praise God not only with our voices but by our actions. Thus even though our tongues may be silent our actions should cry out in praise of God.
By making us wait and giving us a gift of praise, God increases our desire for Him. It enlarges the capacity of our beings so that we are able to receive what will be given to us.
God really means to fill us with His goodness. Praise Him and glorify Him. It is really good for the soul.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise you and give you glory: Remain in our hearts, and guide us in our love and service. Amen +
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
OUR ROLE MODEL (04-06-11)
John 5:24
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life.
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Like father, like son.
As a son, our father is our role model. He is the one we go to for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. He guides our first steps, and teaches us how to live throughout our lives.
While my father is not perfect, in my eyes and in the eyes of his children, he is perfect. He was the one who put God first in our minds and our hearts, and showed love to others by the way he chose to serve others and his family.
Christ bore the both the image of the earthly and the image of the heavenly. In this it is shown that Christ also bore the image of Adam according to the flesh, however he bore the spiritual image of the Father.
Seeing the imagery of the father and son relationship is very important. God desires a personal relationship with us. Though at times our trails and temptations may result in much suffering, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We go to Him through thick and thin.
Therefore, the next time that you feel like you have let your father down, or failed to live up to his expectations for you, just remember that Jesus Christ, the perfectly obedient son, has given his righteousness to us, and has brought perfect satisfaction to our father as we are identified in Jesus Christ.
Live in Him, live with Him. We cannot do anything unless it’s His will. And we cannot will anything, unless He allows us to do it.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we thank You for our earthly fathers, those to whom You have entrusted the responsibility to provide loving protection and guidance of their families. May Your Holy Spirit constantly inspire them with justice and mercy, wisdom and strength, fidelity and self-giving love. Amen +
The Lord is gracious and merciful.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life.
---------------------------------------------------------
Like father, like son.
As a son, our father is our role model. He is the one we go to for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. He guides our first steps, and teaches us how to live throughout our lives.
While my father is not perfect, in my eyes and in the eyes of his children, he is perfect. He was the one who put God first in our minds and our hearts, and showed love to others by the way he chose to serve others and his family.
Christ bore the both the image of the earthly and the image of the heavenly. In this it is shown that Christ also bore the image of Adam according to the flesh, however he bore the spiritual image of the Father.
Seeing the imagery of the father and son relationship is very important. God desires a personal relationship with us. Though at times our trails and temptations may result in much suffering, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We go to Him through thick and thin.
Therefore, the next time that you feel like you have let your father down, or failed to live up to his expectations for you, just remember that Jesus Christ, the perfectly obedient son, has given his righteousness to us, and has brought perfect satisfaction to our father as we are identified in Jesus Christ.
Live in Him, live with Him. We cannot do anything unless it’s His will. And we cannot will anything, unless He allows us to do it.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we thank You for our earthly fathers, those to whom You have entrusted the responsibility to provide loving protection and guidance of their families. May Your Holy Spirit constantly inspire them with justice and mercy, wisdom and strength, fidelity and self-giving love. Amen +
The Lord is gracious and merciful.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
CONTRITION (04-05-11)
John 5:14
“Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.”
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Upon reading this verse, you may say that this is difficult to do. We cannot get away from sinning, because we are just a mortal being – weak and prone to commit mistake.
Yes, that may be true. But, let us look at this logic of ours one by one.
First, we say that “we cannot get away from sinning”. Yes, we live in a sinful world for this world is not where we belong. We belong somewhere else together with God in Heaven. And so, in this world, temptation would come and go, and sometimes we give in to them and commit sin. So, let us accept this as true.
Second, we say that “we are weak”. This has been the issue since the time of Adam and Eve. They give in to the call of the devil, because they are weak. And within us, the continual struggle between good and evil prevails. And because we are really weak, most of the time, we give in and commit sins. So, let us accept that this is also true.
There is nothing wrong with our premises. Even God knows that we are sinners and so He gave His only Son to die for our sins.
What is wrong is our conclusion, “that because we are weak and just mere mortal”, we cannot avoid sinning. All the more reason we need to call on God through prayers, to be with God and to obey what God wants us to do.
We are weak, so get the strength from God. We are mere mortals, so the more that we need to improve our spiritual life and live a life that is rooted in God’s love. We may sin again, but we know in our hearts, that God will forgive us again, if we only repent and reconcile with Him.
Let us pray +
Father, I am heartily sorry for having offended You and I detest all my sins, forgive me and help me amend my life. Amen +
The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
“Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.”
--------------------------------------------------------------
Upon reading this verse, you may say that this is difficult to do. We cannot get away from sinning, because we are just a mortal being – weak and prone to commit mistake.
Yes, that may be true. But, let us look at this logic of ours one by one.
First, we say that “we cannot get away from sinning”. Yes, we live in a sinful world for this world is not where we belong. We belong somewhere else together with God in Heaven. And so, in this world, temptation would come and go, and sometimes we give in to them and commit sin. So, let us accept this as true.
Second, we say that “we are weak”. This has been the issue since the time of Adam and Eve. They give in to the call of the devil, because they are weak. And within us, the continual struggle between good and evil prevails. And because we are really weak, most of the time, we give in and commit sins. So, let us accept that this is also true.
There is nothing wrong with our premises. Even God knows that we are sinners and so He gave His only Son to die for our sins.
What is wrong is our conclusion, “that because we are weak and just mere mortal”, we cannot avoid sinning. All the more reason we need to call on God through prayers, to be with God and to obey what God wants us to do.
We are weak, so get the strength from God. We are mere mortals, so the more that we need to improve our spiritual life and live a life that is rooted in God’s love. We may sin again, but we know in our hearts, that God will forgive us again, if we only repent and reconcile with Him.
Let us pray +
Father, I am heartily sorry for having offended You and I detest all my sins, forgive me and help me amend my life. Amen +
The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Monday, April 4, 2011
BECAUSE I BELIEVE (04-04-11)
John 4:50
The man believed what Jesus said to him and left.
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Yes, people during Jesus’ time is blessed because they were able to see and interact with Him, God who has become flesh. But a very few has really believed He is the Lord and Savior. Even though they see it with their very own eyes – the miracles, the parables, the humility even at death – they would not accept that in their hearts as real.
And our generation today is no more different. We crave for miracles. Everytime we embark on something, we tried to ask God for signs that will help us decide whether to continue or simply stop. And if we fail, we just stop believing until we see the next miracle or sign.
This has got to stop.
All we need is to “PRAY, AIM HIGH (AT YOUR GOALS) AND STAY FOCUSED ON GOD”. Wait, be still and be patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.
Be different. Believe that we are more blessed for we believe even though we did not see him in flesh. For we believe because we feel His love all around us. We believe because we fully understand His teachings. We believe because our heart would beat faster and faster with the mere mention of His name.
We believe Him because we love and are being loved. And in this season of Lent and in every day of our lives, repent and believe in the gospel. He is our Savior, worthy of our praise and worship.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I believe in You and praise You forever. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Amen +
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
The man believed what Jesus said to him and left.
----------------------------------------------------------
Yes, people during Jesus’ time is blessed because they were able to see and interact with Him, God who has become flesh. But a very few has really believed He is the Lord and Savior. Even though they see it with their very own eyes – the miracles, the parables, the humility even at death – they would not accept that in their hearts as real.
And our generation today is no more different. We crave for miracles. Everytime we embark on something, we tried to ask God for signs that will help us decide whether to continue or simply stop. And if we fail, we just stop believing until we see the next miracle or sign.
This has got to stop.
All we need is to “PRAY, AIM HIGH (AT YOUR GOALS) AND STAY FOCUSED ON GOD”. Wait, be still and be patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.
Be different. Believe that we are more blessed for we believe even though we did not see him in flesh. For we believe because we feel His love all around us. We believe because we fully understand His teachings. We believe because our heart would beat faster and faster with the mere mention of His name.
We believe Him because we love and are being loved. And in this season of Lent and in every day of our lives, repent and believe in the gospel. He is our Savior, worthy of our praise and worship.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I believe in You and praise You forever. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Amen +
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (04-03-11)
Fourth Sunday of Lent
John 9:39
“I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”
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Everytime I would pass by that area and stop at the intersection, I would see him. He would use his long rod to guide him through his way. He would touch the cars to know if he is in the right place. Then he would extend his hands and ask for alms. After giving him some money, he would respond, “Thank you. May God bless you”.
I believe he would do this everyday. What is amazing is that with only the use of the rod and maybe, his sharp hearing, he would be able to navigate through these dangerous roads and not be harmed by incoming vehicles.
He is blind, but yes, he can live in this fast-paced world for he truly believe that God continue to bless him and those who extends help. He learned to accept his disability but did not prevent him to “see” the world around him, and the God who continually protects and guides him.
And yet, there are those of us who are complete physically, but still we are incomplete spiritually. Though we have eyesight, we still cannot see life in full color. We still live in total darkness. We still ask for a lot of things and gets afraid if we cannot get what we want.
Let Jesus be our light. Light helps us see things. Jesus gives us the truth about God and about life, our origin, and our destiny. Jesus guides us safely through life to our heavenly home. Light promotes growth and life. Jesus brings us everlasting life. Light warms and comforts. Light dispels darkness, which stands for evil. Jesus pierces the darkness of sin and death and conquers them.
See the light and let Jesus illuminate your life completely.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, only faith helps us see through our own blindness; open our eyes so we can serve you with gladness. Amen +
…and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
John 9:39
“I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”
-----------------------------------------------------------
Everytime I would pass by that area and stop at the intersection, I would see him. He would use his long rod to guide him through his way. He would touch the cars to know if he is in the right place. Then he would extend his hands and ask for alms. After giving him some money, he would respond, “Thank you. May God bless you”.
I believe he would do this everyday. What is amazing is that with only the use of the rod and maybe, his sharp hearing, he would be able to navigate through these dangerous roads and not be harmed by incoming vehicles.
He is blind, but yes, he can live in this fast-paced world for he truly believe that God continue to bless him and those who extends help. He learned to accept his disability but did not prevent him to “see” the world around him, and the God who continually protects and guides him.
And yet, there are those of us who are complete physically, but still we are incomplete spiritually. Though we have eyesight, we still cannot see life in full color. We still live in total darkness. We still ask for a lot of things and gets afraid if we cannot get what we want.
Let Jesus be our light. Light helps us see things. Jesus gives us the truth about God and about life, our origin, and our destiny. Jesus guides us safely through life to our heavenly home. Light promotes growth and life. Jesus brings us everlasting life. Light warms and comforts. Light dispels darkness, which stands for evil. Jesus pierces the darkness of sin and death and conquers them.
See the light and let Jesus illuminate your life completely.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, only faith helps us see through our own blindness; open our eyes so we can serve you with gladness. Amen +
…and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD (04-02-11)
Luke 18:13
“O God, be merciful to me a sinner.”
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Prayer… we all know about it. We all know how to do it. Our parents may have taught us about it, and we may have been doing it for years. Or, we may also have forgotten to do it ever since.
I have been praying as long as I can remember. I was taught to pray in the morning, before meals, after meals and before retiring in the evening. All through my life, I have experienced the power of prayer – in times of family trouble, marital trouble, financial trouble and personal difficulties.
But, I am also guilty of praying like the Pharisee, who always see myself as far better than the other. One time, I prayed that God punish our neighbor for being a humor-monger, that may God cut-off her tongue. I also prayed that a classmate lose his eyesight because he always cheat during exams.
I don’t know, but I may still be doing this unknowingly. I do pray that I stop all of these and that those people whom I prayed with harm would forgive me – “O God, be merciful to me, the sinner that I am!”
For those of us who are too often guilty of this, we need to bow our knees, confess our sin, receive God's forgiveness, and beg that the will of the Lord be done above our own. Let God enter our hearts through prayer, and let Him cleanse our hearts, fully understanding that we are all sinners. But we must also know that God has forgiven all our sins, and we only need to accept that we are sinners needing His mercy and love.
We pray because we know that God hears us and because we desire to see results. We should pray by faith, trusting God. We should pray consistently, trusting God. We should pray for healing, trusting God. We should pray for others, trusting God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we are all sinners, so I am not really better than others. And for that, I humbly and silently pray with all my heart and thank You. Amen +
It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.
“O God, be merciful to me a sinner.”
-------------------------------------------------------
Prayer… we all know about it. We all know how to do it. Our parents may have taught us about it, and we may have been doing it for years. Or, we may also have forgotten to do it ever since.
I have been praying as long as I can remember. I was taught to pray in the morning, before meals, after meals and before retiring in the evening. All through my life, I have experienced the power of prayer – in times of family trouble, marital trouble, financial trouble and personal difficulties.
But, I am also guilty of praying like the Pharisee, who always see myself as far better than the other. One time, I prayed that God punish our neighbor for being a humor-monger, that may God cut-off her tongue. I also prayed that a classmate lose his eyesight because he always cheat during exams.
I don’t know, but I may still be doing this unknowingly. I do pray that I stop all of these and that those people whom I prayed with harm would forgive me – “O God, be merciful to me, the sinner that I am!”
For those of us who are too often guilty of this, we need to bow our knees, confess our sin, receive God's forgiveness, and beg that the will of the Lord be done above our own. Let God enter our hearts through prayer, and let Him cleanse our hearts, fully understanding that we are all sinners. But we must also know that God has forgiven all our sins, and we only need to accept that we are sinners needing His mercy and love.
We pray because we know that God hears us and because we desire to see results. We should pray by faith, trusting God. We should pray consistently, trusting God. We should pray for healing, trusting God. We should pray for others, trusting God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we are all sinners, so I am not really better than others. And for that, I humbly and silently pray with all my heart and thank You. Amen +
It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.
Friday, April 1, 2011
NO GREATER LOVE (04-01-11)
Mark 12:29-30
The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
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It is not just a kiss or a hug, or a simple “I Love You” which we normally give to our loved ones to show our love. It is not just a saying sweet things and thoughts similar to the content of our love letters.
Jesus did not say just to love. He said we must love the Lord with our WHOLE heart and soul and with ALL our mind and strength.
With all our heart… That means we must be thankful for everything in our life, past and present. Thankfulness to God is an indication of a heart that has right standing before God. Out of a thankful heart will flow our true expressions of love to God, including praise, worship, and obedience.
With all our soul… Loving God with all our soul means to love him with our whole being, with who we are. Loving God with all our soul means our personality and our identity will be defined by our love for God. And as grow our faith in Him, we continually change for the better towards perfection in Him.
With all our mind… Our mind has to get engaged with constant renewal of how we think about our life and our relationship with God. We must say: “I need to think rightly – my mind must be engaged with loving God.” Once we learn how wonderful God is then our feelings will follow and will allow us to act in total obedience to His Word.
With all our strength… Loving him with all your strength suggests loving him with all our energy, with our best effort, with all our physical ability. Love God with all our strength by spending ourselves for Him – by surrendering our life to God!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may I love You in all things and above all things. Place in my heart a desire to please You and fill my mind with thoughts of Your love. Amen +
I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.
The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
----------------------------------------------------------
It is not just a kiss or a hug, or a simple “I Love You” which we normally give to our loved ones to show our love. It is not just a saying sweet things and thoughts similar to the content of our love letters.
Jesus did not say just to love. He said we must love the Lord with our WHOLE heart and soul and with ALL our mind and strength.
With all our heart… That means we must be thankful for everything in our life, past and present. Thankfulness to God is an indication of a heart that has right standing before God. Out of a thankful heart will flow our true expressions of love to God, including praise, worship, and obedience.
With all our soul… Loving God with all our soul means to love him with our whole being, with who we are. Loving God with all our soul means our personality and our identity will be defined by our love for God. And as grow our faith in Him, we continually change for the better towards perfection in Him.
With all our mind… Our mind has to get engaged with constant renewal of how we think about our life and our relationship with God. We must say: “I need to think rightly – my mind must be engaged with loving God.” Once we learn how wonderful God is then our feelings will follow and will allow us to act in total obedience to His Word.
With all our strength… Loving him with all your strength suggests loving him with all our energy, with our best effort, with all our physical ability. Love God with all our strength by spending ourselves for Him – by surrendering our life to God!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may I love You in all things and above all things. Place in my heart a desire to please You and fill my mind with thoughts of Your love. Amen +
I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.
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