Luke 9:62 - "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God".
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"Do not be distracted, else, you might be involved in an accident".
My driving instructor was very clear on his instruction. As much as possible and most the time, my eyes should be looking at the front road. I may glance, but at a very short period, at the side and rear view mirrors, but immediately, my eyes should go back to the front road.
And I have to avoid distractions like texting, taking a call, looking at things inside the car for a prolong period of time. These are the primary cause of accidents, as within a short period of time (even milliseconds) that you are distracted, is matter of life or death.
Distractions.
In our spiritual life, there are also too many of these. And the few major ones would be temptations, earthly wealth and pride. And as we get distracted, we lose focus. And as we lost focus, we "fall in a pit", such that if would not recover, we would forever lose our life with the Lord here and in eternity.
Always look straight ahead with God as your focus. As you study His Word more and more, continue in doing that and act on it, keeping it not only in your mind, but also in your heart and on all the actions that you do.
Totally surrender your life to Him. And surrendering your life is all about trust. It is demonstrated by total obedience and total humility. It is not only trusting that all of your needs will be met, but you will get them in His time, not yours.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, we totally put our trust in you. Help us not get distracted in this journey we call life. And as we fully surrender our life to you, may we never lose focus and continually be in Your love, with our hearts burning eternally, as we accept Your Word without hesitations. Amen +
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
MY GUARDIAN DEAR
John 1:51 - "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man".
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The taxi was speeding. And when the driver applied the brake, it was a little too late. It still hit the crossing car coming from our right. And the collision happened. Afterwards, I looked at the driver, and he was somewhat dizzy, and lucky for him, he was wearing a seatbelt.
But, I am not, as I am at the backside. And I still found myself in one piece, unhurt and not bloodied. And then I recalled as if someone or something pulled me back before the crash. This is the reason I saw myself slouching backwards to the seat and not forward.
Was it my guardian angel? Yes, I believe so.
Have you met your guardian angel, or at least felt him by your side? Do you even believe in a guardian angel in the first place?
Guardian angels are heavenly spirit assigned by God to watch over each of us during our lives here on earth. They were sent to guide us in our thoughts, works and words, thereby preserving us from evil and temptations.
When was the last time you felt safe? When was the last time you encountered evil, but was saved on-time, unharmed? You know what? Your guardian angel must be nearby and had saved you.
+ Let us pray: Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love, commits me here. Ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen +
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The taxi was speeding. And when the driver applied the brake, it was a little too late. It still hit the crossing car coming from our right. And the collision happened. Afterwards, I looked at the driver, and he was somewhat dizzy, and lucky for him, he was wearing a seatbelt.
But, I am not, as I am at the backside. And I still found myself in one piece, unhurt and not bloodied. And then I recalled as if someone or something pulled me back before the crash. This is the reason I saw myself slouching backwards to the seat and not forward.
Was it my guardian angel? Yes, I believe so.
Have you met your guardian angel, or at least felt him by your side? Do you even believe in a guardian angel in the first place?
Guardian angels are heavenly spirit assigned by God to watch over each of us during our lives here on earth. They were sent to guide us in our thoughts, works and words, thereby preserving us from evil and temptations.
When was the last time you felt safe? When was the last time you encountered evil, but was saved on-time, unharmed? You know what? Your guardian angel must be nearby and had saved you.
+ Let us pray: Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love, commits me here. Ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen +
Monday, September 28, 2015
KAPUSO, KAPATID, KAPAMILYA
Luke 9:50 - "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you, is for you".
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Pag hindi katropa, kagalit. Pag hindi kabarkada, pangit. Pag hindi kapamilya, low quality. Pag hindi kapuso, walang sinabi.
Tunay ngang sa ating pakikitungo sa kapwa, meron tayong pinapanigang "standard". At ang pamantayan na ito ay base na rin sa pinaniniwalaan ng ating grupo, barkada, samahan o pamilya. Pag hindi ayon sa pamantayang ito, sasabihin nating hind katanggap-tanggap ang gawain ng isang tao o grupo.
Ngunit paano kung mas tama pala sila. O, ganito na lang, paano kung pareho lang pala kayo ng paniniwala. Isipin na lamang ang stress na inaabot natin upang makipagtalo sa kanila, ganoong, wala naman palang dapat pag-usapan pa.
Ang nararapat lamang na gawin ay mag-usap, magkasundo at mag-kaisa.
Hindi nalalayo ang naranasan ng mga apostoles ni Hesus. Sa kanilang pagsama kay Hesus, akala nila ay mas magaling na sila sa ibang tao, at ang lahat ng ginagawa ng iba ay taliwas na sa kanilang gawain o paniniwala.
Kung kaya't mabilis silang inawat ni Hesus. Oo at maganda ang kanilang nasimulan at gawain, ngunit hindi nangangahulugang pangit na ang gawain ng iba. "At kung ang ginagawa nila ay sa ikabubuti rin ng mga tao, sila ay ating kasama at kaibigan".
Hindi ka tuluyang tinatalikuran ng Panginoon nakagawa ka man ng masama. Patuloy ka Niyang binibigyan ng pagkakataon na magbago at sumunod sa pamantayang ipinahayag Niya. At sa oras na makasunod ka sa mga ito, huwag mong ilayo pa ang sarili mo sa Kanya. Dahil sa mabuti mong gawain, ikaw ay itinuturing na kapamilya, kapatid at kapuso ng Panginoon.
Manumbalik sa Kanya at tanggapin ang buhay na walang hanggan.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, ikaw ay aming kapatid. Patuloy mong tanggapin ang aming pag-aalay ng aming buhay sa Iyo. Patuloy Mong ituro sa amin ang tamang landas nang ayos sa Iyong mapagpalang pamantayan. At sa aming pagsunod sa Iyo, manatili nawa kami sa landan na ito, sa tulong na rin ng Iyong ilaw patungo sa buhay na walang hanggan. Amen +
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Pag hindi katropa, kagalit. Pag hindi kabarkada, pangit. Pag hindi kapamilya, low quality. Pag hindi kapuso, walang sinabi.
Tunay ngang sa ating pakikitungo sa kapwa, meron tayong pinapanigang "standard". At ang pamantayan na ito ay base na rin sa pinaniniwalaan ng ating grupo, barkada, samahan o pamilya. Pag hindi ayon sa pamantayang ito, sasabihin nating hind katanggap-tanggap ang gawain ng isang tao o grupo.
Ngunit paano kung mas tama pala sila. O, ganito na lang, paano kung pareho lang pala kayo ng paniniwala. Isipin na lamang ang stress na inaabot natin upang makipagtalo sa kanila, ganoong, wala naman palang dapat pag-usapan pa.
Ang nararapat lamang na gawin ay mag-usap, magkasundo at mag-kaisa.
Hindi nalalayo ang naranasan ng mga apostoles ni Hesus. Sa kanilang pagsama kay Hesus, akala nila ay mas magaling na sila sa ibang tao, at ang lahat ng ginagawa ng iba ay taliwas na sa kanilang gawain o paniniwala.
Kung kaya't mabilis silang inawat ni Hesus. Oo at maganda ang kanilang nasimulan at gawain, ngunit hindi nangangahulugang pangit na ang gawain ng iba. "At kung ang ginagawa nila ay sa ikabubuti rin ng mga tao, sila ay ating kasama at kaibigan".
Hindi ka tuluyang tinatalikuran ng Panginoon nakagawa ka man ng masama. Patuloy ka Niyang binibigyan ng pagkakataon na magbago at sumunod sa pamantayang ipinahayag Niya. At sa oras na makasunod ka sa mga ito, huwag mong ilayo pa ang sarili mo sa Kanya. Dahil sa mabuti mong gawain, ikaw ay itinuturing na kapamilya, kapatid at kapuso ng Panginoon.
Manumbalik sa Kanya at tanggapin ang buhay na walang hanggan.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, ikaw ay aming kapatid. Patuloy mong tanggapin ang aming pag-aalay ng aming buhay sa Iyo. Patuloy Mong ituro sa amin ang tamang landas nang ayos sa Iyong mapagpalang pamantayan. At sa aming pagsunod sa Iyo, manatili nawa kami sa landan na ito, sa tulong na rin ng Iyong ilaw patungo sa buhay na walang hanggan. Amen +
Sunday, September 27, 2015
WINDOWS TO A PURE HEART
Mark 9:47a - "And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out".
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Our eyes are the windows to our souls. It tells whether we are happy, sad, confused, angry or scared. And in Matthew 6:22, it says, "The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light".
And it can also tell whether we are lying or not. By looking straight to a person's eyes, you can tell whether he is sincere or not. This would be the reason why liars can't look at you straight, for their eyes would betray what they truly feel.
And sins of lust, discrimination, racism, and hate would all come in because of our eyes. We cannot judge what we cannot identify. We cannot lust for something that we cannot see. And so Jesus would say, if our eyes would cause us to sin, then we need to pluck it out.
Or the other way around.
We should take out things that can make us sin. Pornographic material is the most common cause of the sin of lust. And one may degrade from just viewing to actually doing it through voyeurism, prostitution and worst, rape. And by merely looking at a woman with lust, you are already committing adultery.
Let us avoid sin at all costs. Let us stay away from sin and from all those temptations that may cause us to commit sin.
Start by living a life in prayers. In everything that we do or will do, pray first and seek the goodness and will of the Lord. A life in the Lord is a life worth living, for it is through Him that we experience eternal joy.
It would really entail a lot of sacrifice from our part. We may literally even lose our eyes or our limbs, but as Jesus would tell us, it is better to lose any of these rather then spending our entire eternity in hell.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, forgive me. I have sinned through my own faults and even cause others to sin. This is unacceptable in Your sight. Help me to get over my feeling of hate, anger and lust and convert all this energy into love, joy and peace with You. Let my eyes be windows to a pure heart that is forever living in Your presence. Amen +
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Our eyes are the windows to our souls. It tells whether we are happy, sad, confused, angry or scared. And in Matthew 6:22, it says, "The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light".
And it can also tell whether we are lying or not. By looking straight to a person's eyes, you can tell whether he is sincere or not. This would be the reason why liars can't look at you straight, for their eyes would betray what they truly feel.
And sins of lust, discrimination, racism, and hate would all come in because of our eyes. We cannot judge what we cannot identify. We cannot lust for something that we cannot see. And so Jesus would say, if our eyes would cause us to sin, then we need to pluck it out.
Or the other way around.
We should take out things that can make us sin. Pornographic material is the most common cause of the sin of lust. And one may degrade from just viewing to actually doing it through voyeurism, prostitution and worst, rape. And by merely looking at a woman with lust, you are already committing adultery.
Let us avoid sin at all costs. Let us stay away from sin and from all those temptations that may cause us to commit sin.
Start by living a life in prayers. In everything that we do or will do, pray first and seek the goodness and will of the Lord. A life in the Lord is a life worth living, for it is through Him that we experience eternal joy.
It would really entail a lot of sacrifice from our part. We may literally even lose our eyes or our limbs, but as Jesus would tell us, it is better to lose any of these rather then spending our entire eternity in hell.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, forgive me. I have sinned through my own faults and even cause others to sin. This is unacceptable in Your sight. Help me to get over my feeling of hate, anger and lust and convert all this energy into love, joy and peace with You. Let my eyes be windows to a pure heart that is forever living in Your presence. Amen +
Saturday, September 26, 2015
UNDERSTANDING YOUR WILL
Luke 9:45 - "But they did not understand this saying... and they were afraid to ask Him about His saying".
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I failed the monthly quiz, due to a low score in the essay portion.
Not because I did not study days before. But because there were some words or questions that I did not understand. But instead of asking my teacher to clarify, I just kept it to myself and just answered it based on my understanding. And I may have understood it partly wrong, hence, the low score.
Armed with this experience, I would really ensure that I ask questions on things that I wouldn't understand. My motto became "there are no stupid questions, and the only stupid questions are those that were not asked".
And so in your spiritual life, are you stupid? Not because you do not know anything, but because you failed to ask questions so you may understand.
The life of the Lord is an open book. By reading the Bible, you would know a lot about His life, His death and His promise of salvation. But, He often tells story in parables and talk to His disciples in imagery. They would not understand, for their hearts are still closed to the reality that He shall offer His life for the salvation of us all.
And we experience the same. We simply do not understand. Because our hearts are close to the fact that in following the Lord, we will experience the same defining moments in our lives. It is hard for us to follow Him, and so we simply ignore His call, believing that by only believing in ourselves, we can go on with our lives.
Start asking questions. Why are we here? Why are we living this life? What are our mission? What is the role of Jesus in our lives? Why do we need Him as our Lord and our Savior? And do not keep it to yourself.
Read the Bible. "Google" them. Talk to you parish priests. Talk to Him.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, there are simply too many questions, but the answers are so few. Teach me to open my heart so I may accept Your word, and understand fully Your will. I don't really need to understand everything, for in trusting in You, it is enough. Amen +
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I failed the monthly quiz, due to a low score in the essay portion.
Not because I did not study days before. But because there were some words or questions that I did not understand. But instead of asking my teacher to clarify, I just kept it to myself and just answered it based on my understanding. And I may have understood it partly wrong, hence, the low score.
Armed with this experience, I would really ensure that I ask questions on things that I wouldn't understand. My motto became "there are no stupid questions, and the only stupid questions are those that were not asked".
And so in your spiritual life, are you stupid? Not because you do not know anything, but because you failed to ask questions so you may understand.
The life of the Lord is an open book. By reading the Bible, you would know a lot about His life, His death and His promise of salvation. But, He often tells story in parables and talk to His disciples in imagery. They would not understand, for their hearts are still closed to the reality that He shall offer His life for the salvation of us all.
And we experience the same. We simply do not understand. Because our hearts are close to the fact that in following the Lord, we will experience the same defining moments in our lives. It is hard for us to follow Him, and so we simply ignore His call, believing that by only believing in ourselves, we can go on with our lives.
Start asking questions. Why are we here? Why are we living this life? What are our mission? What is the role of Jesus in our lives? Why do we need Him as our Lord and our Savior? And do not keep it to yourself.
Read the Bible. "Google" them. Talk to you parish priests. Talk to Him.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, there are simply too many questions, but the answers are so few. Teach me to open my heart so I may accept Your word, and understand fully Your will. I don't really need to understand everything, for in trusting in You, it is enough. Amen +
Friday, September 25, 2015
BEYOND JUST A PICTURE ON THE WALL
Luke 9:20 - "But who do you say that I am? Peter said in reply, 'The Christ of God'".
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How about you? Who is Jesus to you?
Is He just a picture on your wall that you only remember to pray onto in times of trouble and sickness? Is He just an image nailed on a cross, dangling on your gold necklace? Or a piece of ornament or wood in your pocket for luck as charm or amulet?
Then, it is time to change your view about Jesus and go beyond seeing Him just a thing or an image that you can turn on (when you need Him) and off (when you already got what you want) in your life.
He is more than that. He is your Lord and Savior. He is your living God that is worthy of your praise and love, not because He wants it, but because he loved you first. But because He loves you more.
And as we accept Him as our Savior and Master, we simply change. Our behavior changes. Our disposition changes. Our relationship with others changes. Our whole being changes. Our life changes.
Because as we fully entrust our lives to Him, His grace and love totally changes us from inside out. Our hearts are filled with the Spirit that makes us rely only to Him as we grow in our relationship with Jesus.
Keep His picture on the wall. Keep the pendant and still wear them. Keep His image in your wallet. But not anymore as charm or amulet, but because you love Him and His image will forever be a cause of extreme joy in your hearts.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You are my Lord and my Savior. Change me inside out and let me accept You fully in my heart. And as I grow in relationship with You, stay in my heart forever. Amen +
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How about you? Who is Jesus to you?
Is He just a picture on your wall that you only remember to pray onto in times of trouble and sickness? Is He just an image nailed on a cross, dangling on your gold necklace? Or a piece of ornament or wood in your pocket for luck as charm or amulet?
Then, it is time to change your view about Jesus and go beyond seeing Him just a thing or an image that you can turn on (when you need Him) and off (when you already got what you want) in your life.
He is more than that. He is your Lord and Savior. He is your living God that is worthy of your praise and love, not because He wants it, but because he loved you first. But because He loves you more.
And as we accept Him as our Savior and Master, we simply change. Our behavior changes. Our disposition changes. Our relationship with others changes. Our whole being changes. Our life changes.
Because as we fully entrust our lives to Him, His grace and love totally changes us from inside out. Our hearts are filled with the Spirit that makes us rely only to Him as we grow in our relationship with Jesus.
Keep His picture on the wall. Keep the pendant and still wear them. Keep His image in your wallet. But not anymore as charm or amulet, but because you love Him and His image will forever be a cause of extreme joy in your hearts.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You are my Lord and my Savior. Change me inside out and let me accept You fully in my heart. And as I grow in relationship with You, stay in my heart forever. Amen +
Thursday, September 24, 2015
SEEK HIM, FIND HIM, KEEP HIM
Luke 9:9b - "And he kept trying to see Him".
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He desperately tried to see Him. He wanted to understand why people are saying a lot of good things about Him. He wanted to know if He indeed is the John, or Elijah or one of the prophets.
His father once tried to do it. He asked the Magi to tell Him the location of the the baby born that night so "I can also pay homage". But, God knew his real intention. He wants to kill the baby so God sent the Magi to go back through another way.
Like father, like son. Both Herods sought Jesus and tried to see Him. But not to pay homage or praise Him, but to kill Him as they see Him as threat to the throne. It was a selfish act, indeed.
Are we seeking Jesus because we are just curious? Are we seeking Him just because we want to join a bandwagon? Then, you may not be unlike Herod.
Be like the Magi.
Seek Him. Understand His word. Praise Him. Obey Him. Follow His Will. And act on them. And once you found Him, keep Him in your heart forever. Always remember that being with Him and in Him is the greatest thing that can ever happen in your life.
And suddenly, your life becomes full and exciting.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, we seek You, but You have found us first. Teach us to understand the very reason why You love us. Our salvation is the greatest thing that happened in our lives. And this is because of the love of the Father shown through You. I seek and had found You, Lord. And now, You will be in our hearts, forever. Amen +
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He desperately tried to see Him. He wanted to understand why people are saying a lot of good things about Him. He wanted to know if He indeed is the John, or Elijah or one of the prophets.
His father once tried to do it. He asked the Magi to tell Him the location of the the baby born that night so "I can also pay homage". But, God knew his real intention. He wants to kill the baby so God sent the Magi to go back through another way.
Like father, like son. Both Herods sought Jesus and tried to see Him. But not to pay homage or praise Him, but to kill Him as they see Him as threat to the throne. It was a selfish act, indeed.
Are we seeking Jesus because we are just curious? Are we seeking Him just because we want to join a bandwagon? Then, you may not be unlike Herod.
Be like the Magi.
Seek Him. Understand His word. Praise Him. Obey Him. Follow His Will. And act on them. And once you found Him, keep Him in your heart forever. Always remember that being with Him and in Him is the greatest thing that can ever happen in your life.
And suddenly, your life becomes full and exciting.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, we seek You, but You have found us first. Teach us to understand the very reason why You love us. Our salvation is the greatest thing that happened in our lives. And this is because of the love of the Father shown through You. I seek and had found You, Lord. And now, You will be in our hearts, forever. Amen +
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Luke 9:6 - "They set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere".
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Honestly now; when was the last time you read a passage from the Bible? Or when was the last time you heard a mass? Or, confessed your sins to a priest? Or have shared the Good News of the Lord with anyone?
Some of you may have answered in the positive, but some may have answered on the negative. And yet still, most would not really care about these. Which is really alarming to know.
During Jesus' time, His disciples would even have to walk a distance just to share the Word of God. And they did this with the least of comfort - no money, no food and a change of clothes. They just need to rely on the generosity of the people whom they will visit or meet along the way.
Still, they were able to cover a lot of places and were able to get people to listen and be converted to the ways of the Lord. Isn't that amazing?
But today, even with the advent of modern technologies, our knowledge about the Lord and His promise of salvation is very minimal. We try to read each end every book there is that we fancy, and yet we do not even try to spend some time to read the Bible. And, even with Christian Churches within our reach, relatively very few would really hear the mass consistently at least on Sundays.
Try to spend a moment of silence now and revisit your conscience. Your physical and emotional health may be very well. But how about your spiritual health? How about a change in how you relate with the Lord?
Kneel and pray for a moment and seek Him. Let Him enter Your heart. Change for the better, and start knowing Him more. And as your relationship with Him grows, love Him and obey Him more.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, let me know You more. Teach me to grow in relationship with You through prayers, reading Your Words, loving You and obeying Your will. I thank You for all the blessings You have given me. And as we meet other people along the way, may we have the courage to share the same so they may also experience the same love and blessings as I do. Amen +
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Honestly now; when was the last time you read a passage from the Bible? Or when was the last time you heard a mass? Or, confessed your sins to a priest? Or have shared the Good News of the Lord with anyone?
Some of you may have answered in the positive, but some may have answered on the negative. And yet still, most would not really care about these. Which is really alarming to know.
During Jesus' time, His disciples would even have to walk a distance just to share the Word of God. And they did this with the least of comfort - no money, no food and a change of clothes. They just need to rely on the generosity of the people whom they will visit or meet along the way.
Still, they were able to cover a lot of places and were able to get people to listen and be converted to the ways of the Lord. Isn't that amazing?
But today, even with the advent of modern technologies, our knowledge about the Lord and His promise of salvation is very minimal. We try to read each end every book there is that we fancy, and yet we do not even try to spend some time to read the Bible. And, even with Christian Churches within our reach, relatively very few would really hear the mass consistently at least on Sundays.
Try to spend a moment of silence now and revisit your conscience. Your physical and emotional health may be very well. But how about your spiritual health? How about a change in how you relate with the Lord?
Kneel and pray for a moment and seek Him. Let Him enter Your heart. Change for the better, and start knowing Him more. And as your relationship with Him grows, love Him and obey Him more.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, let me know You more. Teach me to grow in relationship with You through prayers, reading Your Words, loving You and obeying Your will. I thank You for all the blessings You have given me. And as we meet other people along the way, may we have the courage to share the same so they may also experience the same love and blessings as I do. Amen +
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
HESUS NA AKING KAPATID
Luke 8:21 - "My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it".
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Hindi Siya namimili. Hindi dahil ikaw ay pari o relihiyoso, ay ikaw na ang Kanyang pipiliin upang makasama Niya sa langit. Hindi ganoon ang Kanyang pamantayan. Bagkus, mas pinili pa Niyang makasama ang mga taga-buwis, mangingisda, at iba pang makasalanan upang mas maipadama Niya sa kanila ang kanilang pangangailangan sa Diyos sa kanilang mga buhay.
At malinaw ang Kanyang pahayag - na ikaw ay gusto Niyang makasama bilang kapatid o ina, kung magagawa mo ang dalawang bagay:
Ang makinig sa Kanyang mga salita, ang sundin ang mga ito at isagawa ito sa ating buhay ng walang pag-aalinlangan at nang may pagtitiwala sa Kanya.
Madaling dinggin ang Kanyang salita - pagdinig ng misa, pagbabasa ng Bibliya at pagpunta sa mga Bible Study. Mula rito ay makukuha nating ang mga salita at pahayag ng Panginoon upang mabuhay tayo sa Kanyang pangangalaga.
Ngunit hindi sapat ito. Hindi maaaring paglabas natin ng simbahan, ay balik na tayo sa taliwas nating mga gawain. Hindi maaaring pagkabasa natin ng Bibliya ay nalimutan na natin ang nilalaman nito matapos lamang ang ilang minuto.
Ang Kanyang kagustuhan ay isabuhay natin ang Kanyang Salita upang mabago at mapalago hindi lamang ang ating buhay, ngunit pati na rin ang buhay ng ibang tao lalo na ang iyong mga minamahal.
Lagi nating isaisip ang mga bagay na ito. Lagi nating tandaan na ang pikikitungo sa Panginoon ay isang patuloy na pakikibaka upang hindi tayo malayo sa Kanya. At ang pakikinig at pagsasabuhay ng Kanyang Salita ang tunay na batayan ng ating relasyon sa Kanya.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, turuan mo kaming patuloy na makinig sa Iyong salita at isabuhay ang mga ito, hindi lamang upang mapalapit kami sa Iyo nang lalo pa, kundi upang mapalapit din namin sa Iyo ang iba. Hesus na aming Kapatid, huwag mong tulutan na Kami ay mapalayo sa Iyo. Patuloy Mo kaming gabayan sa aming buhay sa pamamagitan ng Iyong banal na Salita. Amen +
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Hindi Siya namimili. Hindi dahil ikaw ay pari o relihiyoso, ay ikaw na ang Kanyang pipiliin upang makasama Niya sa langit. Hindi ganoon ang Kanyang pamantayan. Bagkus, mas pinili pa Niyang makasama ang mga taga-buwis, mangingisda, at iba pang makasalanan upang mas maipadama Niya sa kanila ang kanilang pangangailangan sa Diyos sa kanilang mga buhay.
At malinaw ang Kanyang pahayag - na ikaw ay gusto Niyang makasama bilang kapatid o ina, kung magagawa mo ang dalawang bagay:
Ang makinig sa Kanyang mga salita, ang sundin ang mga ito at isagawa ito sa ating buhay ng walang pag-aalinlangan at nang may pagtitiwala sa Kanya.
Madaling dinggin ang Kanyang salita - pagdinig ng misa, pagbabasa ng Bibliya at pagpunta sa mga Bible Study. Mula rito ay makukuha nating ang mga salita at pahayag ng Panginoon upang mabuhay tayo sa Kanyang pangangalaga.
Ngunit hindi sapat ito. Hindi maaaring paglabas natin ng simbahan, ay balik na tayo sa taliwas nating mga gawain. Hindi maaaring pagkabasa natin ng Bibliya ay nalimutan na natin ang nilalaman nito matapos lamang ang ilang minuto.
Ang Kanyang kagustuhan ay isabuhay natin ang Kanyang Salita upang mabago at mapalago hindi lamang ang ating buhay, ngunit pati na rin ang buhay ng ibang tao lalo na ang iyong mga minamahal.
Lagi nating isaisip ang mga bagay na ito. Lagi nating tandaan na ang pikikitungo sa Panginoon ay isang patuloy na pakikibaka upang hindi tayo malayo sa Kanya. At ang pakikinig at pagsasabuhay ng Kanyang Salita ang tunay na batayan ng ating relasyon sa Kanya.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, turuan mo kaming patuloy na makinig sa Iyong salita at isabuhay ang mga ito, hindi lamang upang mapalapit kami sa Iyo nang lalo pa, kundi upang mapalapit din namin sa Iyo ang iba. Hesus na aming Kapatid, huwag mong tulutan na Kami ay mapalayo sa Iyo. Patuloy Mo kaming gabayan sa aming buhay sa pamamagitan ng Iyong banal na Salita. Amen +
Monday, September 21, 2015
GAMOT SA ATING SAKIT
Matthew 9:13 - "Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners".
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Sa ating pagkakasakit, kadalasan ay kailangan nating uminom ng gamot upang matulungan ang ating katawan na malunasan ang dahilan ng ating masamang pakiramdam. At depende sa kalubhaan ng ating sakit, mas marami o mas madalas tayong nararapat na uminom or magpunta sa doktor.
At sa oras ng ating paggaling, kailangan pa ba natin ng gamot? Hindi na marahil. Ngunit, kailangan pa rin natin ang regular na check-up, pag-inom ng mga supplement, pagkain ng masusustansyang pagkain.
At pag-iwas sa mga pagkain at bagay na makakasama sa ating katawan, tulad ng junk food, paninigarilyo, alak/alkohol at matataba o sobrang matamis na pagkain.
Sa ating buhay pang-ispiritwal, minsan ay nalalagay tayo sa isang alanganing pangyayari dulot na rin ng ating kapabayaan o pagtugon sa tawag ng Diyablo. Tayo ay nalalagay sa isang sakit na nakakaapekto sa ating kaluluwa.
Ngunit, hindi ba't napakasarap isipin na ang Panginoong Hesus ay laging nakatutok sa atin upang tayo ay gamutin. Sa katunayan, inako na Niya lahat ng ating sakit, dalamhati at kasalanan sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang kamatayan sa Krus. At patuloy Niyang ginagamot ang ating kaluluwa upang muli Niya tayong makapiling sa Kanyang butihing Pamilya.
Nawa'y sa ating paggaling, hindi na muli tayong mabinat, at magbalik sa dating sakit. Nawa'y manatili tayo sa Kanya sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggap ng mga Sakramento upang mapalago pa ang ating buhay sa Kanya.
Nariyan ang suplemento ng dasal at pag-rorosaryo, mga masustansiyang tinapay at alak ng Eukaristiya na siyang Kanyang dugo at katawan. At sa kaunting sinat, manumbalik tayo agad sa Kanya sa pangungumpisal.
Nariyan si Kristo upang tayo'y pagalingin sa ating mga ispiritwal na sakit. Tanggapin natin Siya, inumin/kainin upang sa Kanyang mga salita ay gumaling tayo at maging tunay na mga alagad Niya.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, salamat po sa Iyong pagmamahal at pagpapatawad na siyang gamot ng aming katawan at kaluluwa. Turuan Mo po kaming manatili sa Iyong piling, at tanggapin Ka namin ng buong pagtitiwala at pagmamahal. Patuloy Mo kaming gamutin, Panginoon, sa pamamagitan ng Iyong dugo na ibinuhos Mo sa Krus upang kami ay maligtas. Amen +
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Sa ating pagkakasakit, kadalasan ay kailangan nating uminom ng gamot upang matulungan ang ating katawan na malunasan ang dahilan ng ating masamang pakiramdam. At depende sa kalubhaan ng ating sakit, mas marami o mas madalas tayong nararapat na uminom or magpunta sa doktor.
At sa oras ng ating paggaling, kailangan pa ba natin ng gamot? Hindi na marahil. Ngunit, kailangan pa rin natin ang regular na check-up, pag-inom ng mga supplement, pagkain ng masusustansyang pagkain.
At pag-iwas sa mga pagkain at bagay na makakasama sa ating katawan, tulad ng junk food, paninigarilyo, alak/alkohol at matataba o sobrang matamis na pagkain.
Sa ating buhay pang-ispiritwal, minsan ay nalalagay tayo sa isang alanganing pangyayari dulot na rin ng ating kapabayaan o pagtugon sa tawag ng Diyablo. Tayo ay nalalagay sa isang sakit na nakakaapekto sa ating kaluluwa.
Ngunit, hindi ba't napakasarap isipin na ang Panginoong Hesus ay laging nakatutok sa atin upang tayo ay gamutin. Sa katunayan, inako na Niya lahat ng ating sakit, dalamhati at kasalanan sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang kamatayan sa Krus. At patuloy Niyang ginagamot ang ating kaluluwa upang muli Niya tayong makapiling sa Kanyang butihing Pamilya.
Nawa'y sa ating paggaling, hindi na muli tayong mabinat, at magbalik sa dating sakit. Nawa'y manatili tayo sa Kanya sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggap ng mga Sakramento upang mapalago pa ang ating buhay sa Kanya.
Nariyan ang suplemento ng dasal at pag-rorosaryo, mga masustansiyang tinapay at alak ng Eukaristiya na siyang Kanyang dugo at katawan. At sa kaunting sinat, manumbalik tayo agad sa Kanya sa pangungumpisal.
Nariyan si Kristo upang tayo'y pagalingin sa ating mga ispiritwal na sakit. Tanggapin natin Siya, inumin/kainin upang sa Kanyang mga salita ay gumaling tayo at maging tunay na mga alagad Niya.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, salamat po sa Iyong pagmamahal at pagpapatawad na siyang gamot ng aming katawan at kaluluwa. Turuan Mo po kaming manatili sa Iyong piling, at tanggapin Ka namin ng buong pagtitiwala at pagmamahal. Patuloy Mo kaming gamutin, Panginoon, sa pamamagitan ng Iyong dugo na ibinuhos Mo sa Krus upang kami ay maligtas. Amen +
Sunday, September 20, 2015
RECEIVE ME, O LORD
Mark 9:37 - "Whoever receives one child such as this in My name, receives me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but the One who sent Me".
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We always remember our childhood. It may be a bad one, but still we still try to squeeze out good memories out of it. I would remember the time me and my family would go out for dinner, or go to the beach, or to the park and have some picnic. It was indeed memorable and will forever be etched in my mind.
Why do we like to reminisce about about our childhood? Well, for one, it was the most happiest stage in someone's lives. We are carefree, no problems and fully trusting to our parents to provide us everything. Yes, everything, since for most of us, getting something out of love is already everything.
So, it was indeed great to be part of a family where we spend our childhood days. Our lives are full of life and very dependent to our parents.
And Jesus is speaking of the same. He wants us to be part of a larger family. A family that is dedicated to loving our Lord and God. A family that is moving to make one another focused to our Almighty Father. And as we are accepted by Jesus to His family when we were baptized, the family to which we belong rejoices in heaven.
Receive the Lord in our hearts as our Lord and Savior. And share that same love to others. And as more souls are received in heaven because of you, the more rejoicing in heaven as we dedicate our family to God, our Lord.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, thank you for accepting me in Your family. Thank You for allowing me receive You as my Lord, my Savior and my God. Continue to guide me and love me, as well as my family as we forever keep You in our hearts, fully trusting in You. Amen +
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We always remember our childhood. It may be a bad one, but still we still try to squeeze out good memories out of it. I would remember the time me and my family would go out for dinner, or go to the beach, or to the park and have some picnic. It was indeed memorable and will forever be etched in my mind.
Why do we like to reminisce about about our childhood? Well, for one, it was the most happiest stage in someone's lives. We are carefree, no problems and fully trusting to our parents to provide us everything. Yes, everything, since for most of us, getting something out of love is already everything.
So, it was indeed great to be part of a family where we spend our childhood days. Our lives are full of life and very dependent to our parents.
And Jesus is speaking of the same. He wants us to be part of a larger family. A family that is dedicated to loving our Lord and God. A family that is moving to make one another focused to our Almighty Father. And as we are accepted by Jesus to His family when we were baptized, the family to which we belong rejoices in heaven.
Receive the Lord in our hearts as our Lord and Savior. And share that same love to others. And as more souls are received in heaven because of you, the more rejoicing in heaven as we dedicate our family to God, our Lord.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, thank you for accepting me in Your family. Thank You for allowing me receive You as my Lord, my Savior and my God. Continue to guide me and love me, as well as my family as we forever keep You in our hearts, fully trusting in You. Amen +
Saturday, September 19, 2015
GOD IN OUR HEARTS
Luke 8:12 - "But the devil comes and takes away the Word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved".
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Physically, we are closer to earth than to heaven. And even figuratively, the earthly things are within our arm's reach than are the things in heaven. And this even makes us lean towards worldliness more than godliness.
And the devil knows this. And so at the instant of our birth, he already tries to snatch us from the angels that were sent to guard us. And sad to say, most of the time, he succeeds. He would show us "greatness" and "good things" that are totally in opposite to what God is offering.
So, let us all be very careful. There are a lot of things that would clamor for our attention and devotion: wealth, our job, our hobbies and all the demands and distractions of life, and yes, even our families. These are things that may take the place where God is supposed to be.
Yes, they are important to us. And so, let us use them all in glorifying God, and not to replace God. Let us use our wealth to help others, especially the poor and those in needs. Work honestly and within the bounds of integrity and fairness.
And let us ensure that our family is built on foundation of love, hope and trust. Pray with them. Allow them to build relationships with others and provide and be a Godly example. Teach them to know and love God, to honor His Word and walk in His ways.
Always keep the Word of God in our hearts and push the devil away. But if you mess up, do not be discouraged - confess it, repent and keep going. What is important is on how we get up everytime we fall, and even become a stronger person. One day at a time, we can do better things with God in our hearts.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, You will be forever in our hearts. There may be so many distractions in this world, which the devil wants in order to take You away from our thoughts. But, we shall always stick with You, and use these distractions as tools to glorify You more. Forgive us, Lord, on those times when we fall, as we know that You will be in our hearts forever. Amen +
Friday, September 18, 2015
MY SOUL TO SAVE
1 Timothy 6:7 - "For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it".
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We do always take care of our belongings. We put protective casing on our gadgets, we put our money in a locked cabinet or in a safe, some would install alarm systems and CCTV's in their homes. And nothing is wrong with this. We have spent blood and tears to buy these, so it is just a good thing to take care of them. It is just but normal.
But are doing the same with our souls? Come think of it. We spend quite some time and money to clean our bodies. Some would even go to the length of undergoing operations just to maintain the glow and beauty of our skin. And don't get me wrong, there would be nothing wrong with that.
What I am saying is do we exert the same effort to ensure that we keep our souls clean and beautiful in the eyes of God?
How do we take care of our souls? How do keep it clean and free from sins of this world? As Christ has proclaimed, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul" (Matthew 16:26).
A life of prayers. Joining and participating the eucharistic celebration. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. And continually believing in Him, hoping in Him and loving Him with all our heart.
Our earthly possessions may come and go. And as we move on to another life, these things will just be taken away by others.
But our souls will be us forever, and no one, not even the devil should take it away from God. Keep it clean and beautiful, fully protected from evil.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, bless our souls. We thank You for all the gift of love you gave and continue to provide us. Help us to persevere in the commitments and promises we have made to You. Give us the strength to live up to the vocation we received in baptism, duties derived during our confirmation and to the graces and wisdom received when we commune with You. Amen +
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We do always take care of our belongings. We put protective casing on our gadgets, we put our money in a locked cabinet or in a safe, some would install alarm systems and CCTV's in their homes. And nothing is wrong with this. We have spent blood and tears to buy these, so it is just a good thing to take care of them. It is just but normal.
But are doing the same with our souls? Come think of it. We spend quite some time and money to clean our bodies. Some would even go to the length of undergoing operations just to maintain the glow and beauty of our skin. And don't get me wrong, there would be nothing wrong with that.
What I am saying is do we exert the same effort to ensure that we keep our souls clean and beautiful in the eyes of God?
How do we take care of our souls? How do keep it clean and free from sins of this world? As Christ has proclaimed, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul" (Matthew 16:26).
A life of prayers. Joining and participating the eucharistic celebration. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. And continually believing in Him, hoping in Him and loving Him with all our heart.
Our earthly possessions may come and go. And as we move on to another life, these things will just be taken away by others.
But our souls will be us forever, and no one, not even the devil should take it away from God. Keep it clean and beautiful, fully protected from evil.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, bless our souls. We thank You for all the gift of love you gave and continue to provide us. Help us to persevere in the commitments and promises we have made to You. Give us the strength to live up to the vocation we received in baptism, duties derived during our confirmation and to the graces and wisdom received when we commune with You. Amen +
Thursday, September 17, 2015
TEARS, A KISS AND A JAR OF OINTMENT
Luke 7:38-39 - "...she stood behind Him at His feet weeping and began to bathe His feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment".
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Tears. A kiss. A jar of ointment. She doesn't care if there are a lot of people around. Still, she did what she needs to do. And words that she cannot say, was clearly communicated through her actions.
"Lord, forgive me for I have sinned".
Tears - for I really repent of my sin. I have come to realize the wrongdoings I have done and how it promotes evilness among men.
A kiss - forgive me, Lord. I am just a lowly servant not even worthy of Your forgiveness and love. But, even then, You have loved me first.
A jar of ointment - my earthly wealth is nothing compared to the salvation You are giving and the promise of eternal salvation. I will "break" them all and give them up so I may receive Your promise of salvation.
In front of all self-proclaimed religiosity, this sinful woman's act of repentance and humility stood out. And, she was forgiven and her faith has saved her. Everything was already a part of her past. She is now ready to face the future. For in breaking the jar, she has broken her heart open to accept the Lord as her Lord and Savior.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I break my heart open to You, so You may enter as I fully accept You as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for the love you continually give and for the forgiveness You readily impart. I love you, Lord, as I offer my tears, kiss and jar of ointment. Amen +
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Tears. A kiss. A jar of ointment. She doesn't care if there are a lot of people around. Still, she did what she needs to do. And words that she cannot say, was clearly communicated through her actions.
"Lord, forgive me for I have sinned".
Tears - for I really repent of my sin. I have come to realize the wrongdoings I have done and how it promotes evilness among men.
A kiss - forgive me, Lord. I am just a lowly servant not even worthy of Your forgiveness and love. But, even then, You have loved me first.
A jar of ointment - my earthly wealth is nothing compared to the salvation You are giving and the promise of eternal salvation. I will "break" them all and give them up so I may receive Your promise of salvation.
In front of all self-proclaimed religiosity, this sinful woman's act of repentance and humility stood out. And, she was forgiven and her faith has saved her. Everything was already a part of her past. She is now ready to face the future. For in breaking the jar, she has broken her heart open to accept the Lord as her Lord and Savior.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I break my heart open to You, so You may enter as I fully accept You as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for the love you continually give and for the forgiveness You readily impart. I love you, Lord, as I offer my tears, kiss and jar of ointment. Amen +
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
GROWING IN LOVE WITH HIM
Luke 7:34 - "The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners'".
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"Birds of the same feather, flock together". Yes, of course. But their action is due to safety and protection. In fact, they are from the same species, and so it is just proper that they look after each other.
But saying that Jesus is a glutton and a drunkard simply because he is often seen with this people is not a true statement, especially coming from people who wants him dead.
He is seen with these people simply because of one thing - he was sent to the world not to call on the righteous, but on sinners. And even though he spent more time with them, it has not really changed Him for the worse.
In fact, those people were changed for the better and even followed Him in His mission.
We are called to a life of perfection and holiness with the Lord. And when we share the Word of God with others, it is expected that we change them and not them changing us. As Jesus has changed everyone, and even saved all of us by dying on the cross, the same is expected from us, as we change the world little by little, and making a difference to people's lives, one person at a time.
+ Let us pray: Oh Lord, thank You for changing us for the better. We are all sinners, but through You, our souls were redeemed back. May we do the same and bring back more souls back to God and not the other way around. Thank You for being with us all the time, guiding and teaching us to be like You, one day at a time. Amen +
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"Birds of the same feather, flock together". Yes, of course. But their action is due to safety and protection. In fact, they are from the same species, and so it is just proper that they look after each other.
But saying that Jesus is a glutton and a drunkard simply because he is often seen with this people is not a true statement, especially coming from people who wants him dead.
He is seen with these people simply because of one thing - he was sent to the world not to call on the righteous, but on sinners. And even though he spent more time with them, it has not really changed Him for the worse.
In fact, those people were changed for the better and even followed Him in His mission.
We are called to a life of perfection and holiness with the Lord. And when we share the Word of God with others, it is expected that we change them and not them changing us. As Jesus has changed everyone, and even saved all of us by dying on the cross, the same is expected from us, as we change the world little by little, and making a difference to people's lives, one person at a time.
+ Let us pray: Oh Lord, thank You for changing us for the better. We are all sinners, but through You, our souls were redeemed back. May we do the same and bring back more souls back to God and not the other way around. Thank You for being with us all the time, guiding and teaching us to be like You, one day at a time. Amen +
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
MABUTING PAGSUNOD
Hebrews 5:8-9 - "Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him".
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Masakit sa puwet, at talagang maiiyak ka. Diyan kami nadisiplinang magkakapatid ni Tatay. Dadapa ka sa sopa, at mapapapikit ka na lamang habang hinihintay ang pagdapo ng sinturon. Iyon ay matapos ang mahabang litanya, kung saan ipinapaliwanag nya kung bakit ako nasa ganung posisyon.
At ang madalas na dahilan - ang hindi ko pagsunod sa mga napagkasunduan namin ukol sa aming pag-aaral, pakikipaglaro, at pakikitungo sa aking mga kapatid.
Masakit ang mapalo, lalo na kung matatanto mo na ito ay dahil na rin sa kakulitan ng iyong ulo, at pagpupumilit sa iyong kagustuhan, kahit alam mong mali at labag sa napagkasunduan. At ang luha na tutulo sa iyong mga mata ay dahil na rin sa maiisip mong nabigo mo ang iyong ama sa pagkakataong iyon.
At sa ating buhay ngayon, maaaring wala nang namamalo sa atin. Ngunit hindi ba natin naisip na pwedeng ang mga sakit at problemang nararanasan natin ngayon ay dahil na rin sa mga kasalanang ating ginagawa. Maaaring ito ang "palo" na ating nakukuha mula sa Panginoon.
At sa bawat paghihirap na ito, ano ang natututunan natin? O, meron ba tayong natututunan? O baka naman, sa oras na makalagpas tayo sa unos, ay balik na naman tayo sa dati nating taliwas na gawain.
Mabuting pagsunod, iyan ang inaasahan ng Diyos sa ating buhay. Pagsunod na naaayon sa mga napagkasunduan natin nang tayo ay binyagan, kumpilan at tanggapin Siya sa ating buhay.
Pagsunod na may kaakibat na pagmamahal sa Kanya, dahil na rin sa pagmamahal na ipinagkakaloob Niya sa atin. Kung kaya'y sa susunod na maisipan mong "maging makulit", mag-isip ka muna. Kakayanin mo pa ba ng susunod na "palo" Niya?
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoon naming Ama, patawarin Mo kami sa aming mga kasalanan na siyang nagtutulak sa aming mapalayo sa Iyo. At sa oras na kami ay maging "makulit and matigas ang ulo", nawa'y maisip namin ang aming naging pagkakamali, at muling lumapit sa Iyo at manumbalik sa Iyong piling. Masasakit ang Iyong mga palo, Panginoon, masakit sa aming kalooban dahil alam naming binigo Ka namin. Patawarin mo kami, Ama. Amen +
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Masakit sa puwet, at talagang maiiyak ka. Diyan kami nadisiplinang magkakapatid ni Tatay. Dadapa ka sa sopa, at mapapapikit ka na lamang habang hinihintay ang pagdapo ng sinturon. Iyon ay matapos ang mahabang litanya, kung saan ipinapaliwanag nya kung bakit ako nasa ganung posisyon.
At ang madalas na dahilan - ang hindi ko pagsunod sa mga napagkasunduan namin ukol sa aming pag-aaral, pakikipaglaro, at pakikitungo sa aking mga kapatid.
Masakit ang mapalo, lalo na kung matatanto mo na ito ay dahil na rin sa kakulitan ng iyong ulo, at pagpupumilit sa iyong kagustuhan, kahit alam mong mali at labag sa napagkasunduan. At ang luha na tutulo sa iyong mga mata ay dahil na rin sa maiisip mong nabigo mo ang iyong ama sa pagkakataong iyon.
At sa ating buhay ngayon, maaaring wala nang namamalo sa atin. Ngunit hindi ba natin naisip na pwedeng ang mga sakit at problemang nararanasan natin ngayon ay dahil na rin sa mga kasalanang ating ginagawa. Maaaring ito ang "palo" na ating nakukuha mula sa Panginoon.
At sa bawat paghihirap na ito, ano ang natututunan natin? O, meron ba tayong natututunan? O baka naman, sa oras na makalagpas tayo sa unos, ay balik na naman tayo sa dati nating taliwas na gawain.
Mabuting pagsunod, iyan ang inaasahan ng Diyos sa ating buhay. Pagsunod na naaayon sa mga napagkasunduan natin nang tayo ay binyagan, kumpilan at tanggapin Siya sa ating buhay.
Pagsunod na may kaakibat na pagmamahal sa Kanya, dahil na rin sa pagmamahal na ipinagkakaloob Niya sa atin. Kung kaya'y sa susunod na maisipan mong "maging makulit", mag-isip ka muna. Kakayanin mo pa ba ng susunod na "palo" Niya?
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoon naming Ama, patawarin Mo kami sa aming mga kasalanan na siyang nagtutulak sa aming mapalayo sa Iyo. At sa oras na kami ay maging "makulit and matigas ang ulo", nawa'y maisip namin ang aming naging pagkakamali, at muling lumapit sa Iyo at manumbalik sa Iyong piling. Masasakit ang Iyong mga palo, Panginoon, masakit sa aming kalooban dahil alam naming binigo Ka namin. Patawarin mo kami, Ama. Amen +
Monday, September 14, 2015
EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
John 3:14-15 - "And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life".
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A cross without the image of Jesus nailed on it. Others would argue that an empty cross should be the right manifestation of the cross. For them, Christ has already risen and ascended to heaven. Therefore, there is already no need to put Christ on the cross, even His image.
Well, a "picture" without the image of your loved ones who died would not be a picture. It would just be a piece of paper. A "box of chocolate" would not be called such without the chocolates - it would just be a box.
And so, the cross would not mean anything without Jesus nailed to it. It would just be a normal cross, wherein a lot of prisoners before Him were nailed on to.
The cross, or the crucifix that we look up to goes beyond the horizontal and the vertical that intersects. The crucifix is the the cross with the image of Christ nailed into it. It is NOT the cross of Dimas or Hestas or Peter. It is the Cross of Jesus that represents the love of God for mankind.
The next time we pray and subject our mind and spirit to the Crucifix, always remember the ultimate sacrifice that the Son has given so we may all be saved. The cross is just the instrument, but the image of Christ on that cross is the true manifestation of the love.
And as we look up the crucifix, we are reminded to also bear our own crosses daily, and to help others bear their crosses, out of love for God.
+ Let us pray: Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that He might draw the whole world to Himself. Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen +
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A cross without the image of Jesus nailed on it. Others would argue that an empty cross should be the right manifestation of the cross. For them, Christ has already risen and ascended to heaven. Therefore, there is already no need to put Christ on the cross, even His image.
Well, a "picture" without the image of your loved ones who died would not be a picture. It would just be a piece of paper. A "box of chocolate" would not be called such without the chocolates - it would just be a box.
And so, the cross would not mean anything without Jesus nailed to it. It would just be a normal cross, wherein a lot of prisoners before Him were nailed on to.
The cross, or the crucifix that we look up to goes beyond the horizontal and the vertical that intersects. The crucifix is the the cross with the image of Christ nailed into it. It is NOT the cross of Dimas or Hestas or Peter. It is the Cross of Jesus that represents the love of God for mankind.
The next time we pray and subject our mind and spirit to the Crucifix, always remember the ultimate sacrifice that the Son has given so we may all be saved. The cross is just the instrument, but the image of Christ on that cross is the true manifestation of the love.
And as we look up the crucifix, we are reminded to also bear our own crosses daily, and to help others bear their crosses, out of love for God.
+ Let us pray: Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that He might draw the whole world to Himself. Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen +
Sunday, September 13, 2015
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE
Mark 8:34 - "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me".
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Isn't it hard? Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. But in the first place, do you really know what it means?
Deny yourself. Humbling yourself. Yes, you need to spend some time to yourself, but not everytime. You need to also deny your selfishness and look also at the needs of others. You need to deny that fact that you are great, and humble yourself, be with others in their needs and accept the will of God in your life. Deny yourself - living without sin and not in it, through constant communication with God and showing compassion to others.
Take up your cross. Being obedient to the end. God will not give you a cross that you cannot carry. His Son has already carried a big chunk of that already. But as you carry your cross, do not give up. God's blessings does not only comes through good things, it also entails sacrifice and sufferings so we may get back to our own self ad stop us from entering sin and entertaining temptation.
Deny yourself, take up your cross. Humility and obedience. Two central virtues that is very important in our life with the Lord. Two central virtues shown by the Saints and the Prophets. Two central virtues as shown by the Blessed Virgin Mary, so we may experience the love of God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Come, follow Him. It may not be easy, but when you understood what it means of following Him, then it will come easy, for that is our true nature - to be humble and obedient, no matter what.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, let me follow You. Let me deny myself and renounce selfishness by being humble in helping others through You. Let me carry my cross and be obedient to Your will to the end, as You have been obedient to Your Father by carrying Your own cross so we may be saved. It would really be hard to do, but through constant prayers and by Your loving mercy, it will come easy following You, as we become humble and obedient to the end. Amen +
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Isn't it hard? Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. But in the first place, do you really know what it means?
Deny yourself. Humbling yourself. Yes, you need to spend some time to yourself, but not everytime. You need to also deny your selfishness and look also at the needs of others. You need to deny that fact that you are great, and humble yourself, be with others in their needs and accept the will of God in your life. Deny yourself - living without sin and not in it, through constant communication with God and showing compassion to others.
Take up your cross. Being obedient to the end. God will not give you a cross that you cannot carry. His Son has already carried a big chunk of that already. But as you carry your cross, do not give up. God's blessings does not only comes through good things, it also entails sacrifice and sufferings so we may get back to our own self ad stop us from entering sin and entertaining temptation.
Deny yourself, take up your cross. Humility and obedience. Two central virtues that is very important in our life with the Lord. Two central virtues shown by the Saints and the Prophets. Two central virtues as shown by the Blessed Virgin Mary, so we may experience the love of God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Come, follow Him. It may not be easy, but when you understood what it means of following Him, then it will come easy, for that is our true nature - to be humble and obedient, no matter what.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, let me follow You. Let me deny myself and renounce selfishness by being humble in helping others through You. Let me carry my cross and be obedient to Your will to the end, as You have been obedient to Your Father by carrying Your own cross so we may be saved. It would really be hard to do, but through constant prayers and by Your loving mercy, it will come easy following You, as we become humble and obedient to the end. Amen +
Saturday, September 12, 2015
A FOUNDATION OF LOVE AND TRUST
Luke 6:48 - "That one is like a person building a house, who dug deeply and laid a foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it has been well-built".
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The West Valley Fault has recently been mapped, to serve as reference for residential owners and real estate developers. By looking at the map, they would know where not to build houses and buildings due to the risk of being damaged in case the fault moves and cause an earthquake.
However, even if the house built is made of first-class materials with good foundation, it would still be at risk of crumbling down if built on top of the fault. Therefore, they must examine first the location and refer to this map so they will not be affected later on.
Our life in the Lord should also be rooted in good foundation. As we grow in our spiritual life, we develop a strong "house" for the Lord, that is our well-being so it will not crumble down in case of life disasters like temptations, sufferings, illnesses and problems.
We strengthen our being through constant communication with Him through prayers. As we pray, we open our hearts to Him and let Him know how we feel, what we need and thank Him for all the blessings He provided.
We also read the Gospel and apply it to our lives. And then, share those we learned and experienced with others, so they may also experience that same love and blessings.
It is our daily relationship with God that will strengthen our life's foundation. so that when that time comes that we are battered by storm of problems, we can hold on knowing and trusting in God that we can go through these as we totally surrendered our lives to Him forever.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, strengthen me. Teach me to build my life in a strong foundation that is You and Your love. Teach me to continue building up my life in You, as I totally surrender my life in You. Teach me to share the same love with others, as together, we build a community that is rooted in Your love, fully trusting in You, forever. Amen +
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The West Valley Fault has recently been mapped, to serve as reference for residential owners and real estate developers. By looking at the map, they would know where not to build houses and buildings due to the risk of being damaged in case the fault moves and cause an earthquake.
However, even if the house built is made of first-class materials with good foundation, it would still be at risk of crumbling down if built on top of the fault. Therefore, they must examine first the location and refer to this map so they will not be affected later on.
Our life in the Lord should also be rooted in good foundation. As we grow in our spiritual life, we develop a strong "house" for the Lord, that is our well-being so it will not crumble down in case of life disasters like temptations, sufferings, illnesses and problems.
We strengthen our being through constant communication with Him through prayers. As we pray, we open our hearts to Him and let Him know how we feel, what we need and thank Him for all the blessings He provided.
We also read the Gospel and apply it to our lives. And then, share those we learned and experienced with others, so they may also experience that same love and blessings.
It is our daily relationship with God that will strengthen our life's foundation. so that when that time comes that we are battered by storm of problems, we can hold on knowing and trusting in God that we can go through these as we totally surrendered our lives to Him forever.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, strengthen me. Teach me to build my life in a strong foundation that is You and Your love. Teach me to continue building up my life in You, as I totally surrender my life in You. Teach me to share the same love with others, as together, we build a community that is rooted in Your love, fully trusting in You, forever. Amen +
Friday, September 11, 2015
NINE-ELEVEN
Psalms 16:1 - "Keep me, O God, for in You, I take refuge".
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It happened 14 years ago. It was a series of four coordinated attacks on the United States. It did sent a chilling effect on all people all over the world. If this can happen in the most powerful country, then how about us? How safe are we? What can we do to prevent this?
Truly, there are too many questions and the answers are so few.
And events like this can really push us to seek God's refuge and protection. Yes, it is normal for everyone to feel fear, dread, horror and panic. But the Lord, Himself, has told us - "Do not be afraid... I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand".
Start with a prayer. Do it daily. Surrender all your fears and disappointments to Him. Admit that you are nothing without Him. Admit that you are powerless to save yourself, and only Him can deliver and save us from all the horrors that men can do to his fellow men.
Everyday is a battle for all of us. Everyday, we encounter temptations, evil, horrors, sufferings. But always remember that this battle is not ours, but of God. Only in Him can we fully attain peace of mind and joy in our hearts.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, we surrender all our fears to You. We are powerless without You. We seek Your refuge and protection so You may save us from evils and sufferings of this world. Protect us, O Lord and calm our heart, mind and spirit. For only You is our strength. Amen +
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It happened 14 years ago. It was a series of four coordinated attacks on the United States. It did sent a chilling effect on all people all over the world. If this can happen in the most powerful country, then how about us? How safe are we? What can we do to prevent this?
Truly, there are too many questions and the answers are so few.
And events like this can really push us to seek God's refuge and protection. Yes, it is normal for everyone to feel fear, dread, horror and panic. But the Lord, Himself, has told us - "Do not be afraid... I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand".
Start with a prayer. Do it daily. Surrender all your fears and disappointments to Him. Admit that you are nothing without Him. Admit that you are powerless to save yourself, and only Him can deliver and save us from all the horrors that men can do to his fellow men.
Everyday is a battle for all of us. Everyday, we encounter temptations, evil, horrors, sufferings. But always remember that this battle is not ours, but of God. Only in Him can we fully attain peace of mind and joy in our hearts.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, we surrender all our fears to You. We are powerless without You. We seek Your refuge and protection so You may save us from evils and sufferings of this world. Protect us, O Lord and calm our heart, mind and spirit. For only You is our strength. Amen +
Thursday, September 10, 2015
PAGPAPATAWAD AT PAGMAMAHAL
Luke 6:27 - "Love your enemies"
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Mahalin ang kaaway.
Napakahirap gawin, lalo na kung ang taong ito ang siyang dahilan ng iyong dalamhati o paghihirap sa ngayon. Paano mo nga naman mamahalin ang isang taong minsan ay itinakwil mo at isinumpa.
Ngunit yan ang isa sa mga makabagong kautusan ni Hesus na taliwas sa itinadhana sa lumang tipan ("Mata sa mata, ngipin sa ngipin"). At sa Kanyang kamatayan habang Siya ay nakabayubay sa krus, ito ay Kanyang ipinakita sa lahat - "Diyos Ko, patawarin mo sila dahil hindi nila alam ang kanilang ginagawa." Tunay na makahulugan ang utos na ito.
Kaya mo bang gawin?
Bakit kaya hindi natin subukan? Idaan mo muna sa pagdarasal. Humingi ka sa Kanya ng lakas at linaw ng pag-iisip. Isipin mong ang magiging bunga nito sa iyong buhay at sa buhay ng iyong kaaway.
At sa huli, hindi ba't ang nalinang at napagbago ng Diyos ay ang iyong puso? Di ba't ang napatawad na tunay ay ikaw dahil tinanggap mo ng tuluyan ang Kanyang utos at salita?
Mahalin ang iyong kaaway... tunay na mahirap gawin. Subalit, sa pagsasagawa nito, mas luminis ang iyong puso, at nawala ang mga pag-aalinlangang dulot ng galit at napalitan ng pagpapatawad, na mismong Diyos lamang ang makapag-bibigay.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, turuan mo akong maging mapagpatawad, lalo na ng aking mga kaaway at mga taong nakasakit sa akin. Turuan mo rin po akong maging mapagkumbaba, at matuto ring humingi ng kapatawaran sa aking mga pinagkaka-utangan. Nawa'y maunawaan kong sa gawing ito, mapapanatag ang aking isipan at puso at mapuspos ito ng ispiritu ng pagpapatawad, na siyang turo Mo sa amin. Amen +
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Mahalin ang kaaway.
Napakahirap gawin, lalo na kung ang taong ito ang siyang dahilan ng iyong dalamhati o paghihirap sa ngayon. Paano mo nga naman mamahalin ang isang taong minsan ay itinakwil mo at isinumpa.
Ngunit yan ang isa sa mga makabagong kautusan ni Hesus na taliwas sa itinadhana sa lumang tipan ("Mata sa mata, ngipin sa ngipin"). At sa Kanyang kamatayan habang Siya ay nakabayubay sa krus, ito ay Kanyang ipinakita sa lahat - "Diyos Ko, patawarin mo sila dahil hindi nila alam ang kanilang ginagawa." Tunay na makahulugan ang utos na ito.
Kaya mo bang gawin?
Bakit kaya hindi natin subukan? Idaan mo muna sa pagdarasal. Humingi ka sa Kanya ng lakas at linaw ng pag-iisip. Isipin mong ang magiging bunga nito sa iyong buhay at sa buhay ng iyong kaaway.
At sa huli, hindi ba't ang nalinang at napagbago ng Diyos ay ang iyong puso? Di ba't ang napatawad na tunay ay ikaw dahil tinanggap mo ng tuluyan ang Kanyang utos at salita?
Mahalin ang iyong kaaway... tunay na mahirap gawin. Subalit, sa pagsasagawa nito, mas luminis ang iyong puso, at nawala ang mga pag-aalinlangang dulot ng galit at napalitan ng pagpapatawad, na mismong Diyos lamang ang makapag-bibigay.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, turuan mo akong maging mapagpatawad, lalo na ng aking mga kaaway at mga taong nakasakit sa akin. Turuan mo rin po akong maging mapagkumbaba, at matuto ring humingi ng kapatawaran sa aking mga pinagkaka-utangan. Nawa'y maunawaan kong sa gawing ito, mapapanatag ang aking isipan at puso at mapuspos ito ng ispiritu ng pagpapatawad, na siyang turo Mo sa amin. Amen +
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
I TRUST IN YOU
Luke 6:20 - "Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours."
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The child and the poor - the greatest in Heaven. And you would ask, "why?"
First, the child. Carefree, full of life and action. He doesn't have any problems as he totally rely on his parents for his needs. He knows that from the moment he wakes up until the moment he lies down again to sleep, he is fully protected and all his needs are met.
Which is the same thing that God wants from us - to totally rely on Him for our needs. And to trust in Him that everything will be provided.
And the poor? Well, they may not have all the things in life with them. They would even scavenge or work harder to have at least one full meal. But, still, they have totally surrendered their life to God, fully knowing that He alone provides, either through his hard work or the help of others.
Trust - yes, this is the virtue that has made "the child" and "the poor" the greatest in heaven. Trusting God is believing that He loves you, that he will provide for You, that He will help you.
Surrender your life to God. Leave all our dreams, burdens and sufferings in His capable hands. And as we kneel in prayer in the morning and before closing our eyes in the evening, cry out to Him and tell Him that you totally trust in Him. Then, rest your weary heart and let God do the rest.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, we trust in You. Let me totally give my life in Your capable hands, like the child and the poor in our midst. Care for us each and every day, as we rest our weary hearts in Your loving presence, Amen +
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The child and the poor - the greatest in Heaven. And you would ask, "why?"
First, the child. Carefree, full of life and action. He doesn't have any problems as he totally rely on his parents for his needs. He knows that from the moment he wakes up until the moment he lies down again to sleep, he is fully protected and all his needs are met.
Which is the same thing that God wants from us - to totally rely on Him for our needs. And to trust in Him that everything will be provided.
And the poor? Well, they may not have all the things in life with them. They would even scavenge or work harder to have at least one full meal. But, still, they have totally surrendered their life to God, fully knowing that He alone provides, either through his hard work or the help of others.
Trust - yes, this is the virtue that has made "the child" and "the poor" the greatest in heaven. Trusting God is believing that He loves you, that he will provide for You, that He will help you.
Surrender your life to God. Leave all our dreams, burdens and sufferings in His capable hands. And as we kneel in prayer in the morning and before closing our eyes in the evening, cry out to Him and tell Him that you totally trust in Him. Then, rest your weary heart and let God do the rest.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, we trust in You. Let me totally give my life in Your capable hands, like the child and the poor in our midst. Care for us each and every day, as we rest our weary hearts in Your loving presence, Amen +
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA MARY
"Blessed are you, holy virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God."
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She was conceived without sin. Yes, it was an immaculate conception, free from the original sin by virtue of the foreseen merits of his Son, Jesus. What a great saving grace this is, as God prepares her for greatness.
She was obedient to the end. She accepted to be "handmaid of the Lord" and accepted to conceive and from her, born a Son who will be our Lord and Savior. From the start, she already knew the sufferings she and her Son will experience for the salvation of all, and she remained obedient to the end.
She is the mother of all. At the foot of the cross, before His death, Jesus has given us His mother, to be the mother of us all. Jesus has been obedient to His mother, as he grows up and until His first miracle in Cana. And with Mary as our mother, may we never forget to obey also our parents and love them at all times.
She is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Taken up like her Son, she is crowned in heaven as our Queen Mother, as the angels and saints rejoices. It was the culmination of her total obedience and love, that she wants to also give to all of us, through her Son, Jesus Christ.
And today is her birthday. The beginning of a life that is full and holy. May we seek the same and be holy as our Lord is holy.
+ Let us pray: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray of us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen +
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She was conceived without sin. Yes, it was an immaculate conception, free from the original sin by virtue of the foreseen merits of his Son, Jesus. What a great saving grace this is, as God prepares her for greatness.
She was obedient to the end. She accepted to be "handmaid of the Lord" and accepted to conceive and from her, born a Son who will be our Lord and Savior. From the start, she already knew the sufferings she and her Son will experience for the salvation of all, and she remained obedient to the end.
She is the mother of all. At the foot of the cross, before His death, Jesus has given us His mother, to be the mother of us all. Jesus has been obedient to His mother, as he grows up and until His first miracle in Cana. And with Mary as our mother, may we never forget to obey also our parents and love them at all times.
She is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Taken up like her Son, she is crowned in heaven as our Queen Mother, as the angels and saints rejoices. It was the culmination of her total obedience and love, that she wants to also give to all of us, through her Son, Jesus Christ.
And today is her birthday. The beginning of a life that is full and holy. May we seek the same and be holy as our Lord is holy.
+ Let us pray: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray of us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen +
Monday, September 7, 2015
LAWS OF LOVE
Luke 6:9 - "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath, rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?"
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Through our lives, we are subject to a lot of laws, rules and regulations. As we are growing-up, there are those "my parent's rules", then, the school rules and regulations that we need to follow, else, we will be grounded or suspended.
And of course, during our working life, we have the company rules, the rules of the country and even the rules in the area or barangay wherein we live. And violating each and every rules warrants fine and punishment.
We can memorize each and every rules that exist, so we may not forget. But, no one really does that. Moreover, what we can do is just remember the most important rule of all - "Love one another as you love yourself".
Jesus has shown this through today's Gospel. He doesn't care whether it is the Sabbath day. He doesn't care whatever things the others would say. He doesn't care whether He would be punished. But healing a man with a withered man is showing more love than just remembering the Sabbath.
Love should persist, above and beyond, in everything that we decide to do. If only everyone would remember this, then perhaps, the would would be a peaceful place to live in today. Let it start with you.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Sabbath. Your love is above anything else. Teach us to have that same love and impart the same to those in needs. Teach us to obey Your commandments as well as the rules of this land, but may we always remember that we shall always do this with loving in mind as we work to make this world a better place to live in. Amen +
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Through our lives, we are subject to a lot of laws, rules and regulations. As we are growing-up, there are those "my parent's rules", then, the school rules and regulations that we need to follow, else, we will be grounded or suspended.
And of course, during our working life, we have the company rules, the rules of the country and even the rules in the area or barangay wherein we live. And violating each and every rules warrants fine and punishment.
We can memorize each and every rules that exist, so we may not forget. But, no one really does that. Moreover, what we can do is just remember the most important rule of all - "Love one another as you love yourself".
Jesus has shown this through today's Gospel. He doesn't care whether it is the Sabbath day. He doesn't care whatever things the others would say. He doesn't care whether He would be punished. But healing a man with a withered man is showing more love than just remembering the Sabbath.
Love should persist, above and beyond, in everything that we decide to do. If only everyone would remember this, then perhaps, the would would be a peaceful place to live in today. Let it start with you.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Sabbath. Your love is above anything else. Teach us to have that same love and impart the same to those in needs. Teach us to obey Your commandments as well as the rules of this land, but may we always remember that we shall always do this with loving in mind as we work to make this world a better place to live in. Amen +
Sunday, September 6, 2015
OPEN OUR EYES AND EARS
Mark 7:37 - "They were exceedingly astonished and they said, 'He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear, and the mute speak.'"
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The Catholic Church has always been in the forefront of issues that would significantly impact the Christian belief as wells as things that would affect the masses especially the poor. Yes, It has Its own issues, internally, but that would be taken care of, with extensive reforms along the way.
And together with this, we are asked to join Its cause, recently on the issue of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. But, most of us would rather choose to ignore the call and just leave it to fate whatever will happen.
Most of us just played deaf and blind to it, but would readily attack the same Church on its mistake and lapses. We would be blind to all the great things it is doing, but instead, be deaf to all its cries not to vote for candidates that would make our lives more miserable.
But the Church would not punish us for doing so. The Church would not excommunicate us. Instead, on all days of the year, the Church would pray for us all, and hope that someday, we will heed Its call, hear the mass and contribute so It may serve more of the poor.
Let us open our ears. Let us open our eyes. We may criticize; we may ignore Its calls. But still, we belong to the same Church that Jesus established so we may all join Him in praising our God. Open our ears and eyes as well as our hearts and accept the Lord and His teachings wholeheartedly, expressing the same love to others and for all.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You have formed Your Church so we may know You more and more, to praise You and bless You and to thank You for all the blessings You have imparted to all of us. We would sometimes be deaf and blind to these things, simply because we are selfish and just look at things and people, that we forget that it is You whom we should follow. Teach us to love You more, as we open our eyes and ears to Your unending love and serve You now and in eternity, Amen +
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The Catholic Church has always been in the forefront of issues that would significantly impact the Christian belief as wells as things that would affect the masses especially the poor. Yes, It has Its own issues, internally, but that would be taken care of, with extensive reforms along the way.
And together with this, we are asked to join Its cause, recently on the issue of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. But, most of us would rather choose to ignore the call and just leave it to fate whatever will happen.
Most of us just played deaf and blind to it, but would readily attack the same Church on its mistake and lapses. We would be blind to all the great things it is doing, but instead, be deaf to all its cries not to vote for candidates that would make our lives more miserable.
But the Church would not punish us for doing so. The Church would not excommunicate us. Instead, on all days of the year, the Church would pray for us all, and hope that someday, we will heed Its call, hear the mass and contribute so It may serve more of the poor.
Let us open our ears. Let us open our eyes. We may criticize; we may ignore Its calls. But still, we belong to the same Church that Jesus established so we may all join Him in praising our God. Open our ears and eyes as well as our hearts and accept the Lord and His teachings wholeheartedly, expressing the same love to others and for all.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You have formed Your Church so we may know You more and more, to praise You and bless You and to thank You for all the blessings You have imparted to all of us. We would sometimes be deaf and blind to these things, simply because we are selfish and just look at things and people, that we forget that it is You whom we should follow. Teach us to love You more, as we open our eyes and ears to Your unending love and serve You now and in eternity, Amen +
Saturday, September 5, 2015
RECONCILED IN HIM, FOREVER
Colossians 1:21-22 - "You were once alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds; God has now reconciled you in the fleshly Body of Christ through His death.."
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The "original sin" - this is the only sin that is "contracted" by us. We inherited this because of Adam's disobedience of God's command not to eat the fruit of Tree and Knowledge. And until we are baptized, we would continue to bear this "sin of the fall of man".
And after baptism, and as we grow up and gain intelligence and more choices, God expects us to always be pure. But for most, if not all of us, we failed to achieve this. Men falls again into sin for the second time, the third and so on.
But God would not forsake us again. Time again and again, He would always seek for us, like the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7). He would unceasingly knock at our hearts, so we may, once and for all, renounce sin and forever follow His command, trust in Him and love Him.
Do you feel lost today? Do you feel yourself to be "dirty" and not worthy of God's grace and mercy? Then, stop worrying and start praying. God is waiting for you, as He already sacrificed His Son so we may all be saved the second time, the third time and so on.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, great is Your love that You even sacrificed Your son so we may all be saved. May we forever keep this in our mind and in our hearts. May we forever keep You in our hearts, a we continually go through this journey in life under your protection, love, blessings and mercy. Amen +
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The "original sin" - this is the only sin that is "contracted" by us. We inherited this because of Adam's disobedience of God's command not to eat the fruit of Tree and Knowledge. And until we are baptized, we would continue to bear this "sin of the fall of man".
And after baptism, and as we grow up and gain intelligence and more choices, God expects us to always be pure. But for most, if not all of us, we failed to achieve this. Men falls again into sin for the second time, the third and so on.
But God would not forsake us again. Time again and again, He would always seek for us, like the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7). He would unceasingly knock at our hearts, so we may, once and for all, renounce sin and forever follow His command, trust in Him and love Him.
Do you feel lost today? Do you feel yourself to be "dirty" and not worthy of God's grace and mercy? Then, stop worrying and start praying. God is waiting for you, as He already sacrificed His Son so we may all be saved the second time, the third time and so on.
+ Let us pray: Almighty Father, great is Your love that You even sacrificed Your son so we may all be saved. May we forever keep this in our mind and in our hearts. May we forever keep You in our hearts, a we continually go through this journey in life under your protection, love, blessings and mercy. Amen +
Friday, September 4, 2015
MAKABAGONG BUHAY SA KANYA
Luke 5:38 - "Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wine skins."
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Dahil na rin sa mga makabagong teknolohiya tulad ng smartphones at pocket internet, madali na tayong makalikom ng mg impormasyon, kahit saan man tayo naroroon.
Ngunit, upang magawa ito, kailangan natin ng mga bagong gadgets at hindi uubra yung tinatawag na "cellphone" na ating ginagamit mga sampung taon na ang nakaraan. Hindi nito kakayanin ang mga makabagong "standard" ng komunikasyon na maisasakatuparan lamang sa paggamit ng smartphones at tablets.
Nang dumating si Kristo sa lupa, binago Niya ang pananaw ng mga tao hinggil sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa Diyos. Hindi na lamang ito nakaatang sa panlabas na kaanyuan at gawain, o sakripisyo at kaparusahan sa bawat pagkakamali.
Bagkus, ito ay nakabase na sa tuwirang relasyon natin sa Diyos at kung paano ang ating puso at isipan ay sumasalamin sa Kanyang kagustuhan at gawain.
Kung kaya't ang pagtingin sa isang babae nang may pagnanasa ay isa nang pakikiapid. Hindi lamang mga kaibigan ang dapat pakisamahan, kundi pati na rin ang ating mga kaaway. Hindi na natin dapat saktan ang ating sarili upang makamit ang kapatawaran - ang lubos na pagtanggap sa Kanya bilang ating Panginoon at Diyos ay sapat na, dahil tinubos na Niya tayo sa kasalanan.
Hindi ito naunawaan ng mga tao noon dahil suot pa rin nila ang "lumang damit" kung kaya't hindi pumapasok sa kanilang puso ang katotohanan.
Isuot natin ang "bagong damit" ng buhay, upang matanggap natin ang Katotohanang ito ng walang alinlangan. Baguhin natin ang ating puso upang makamtan natin ang buhay na walang hanggan.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, salamat sa Iyong pag-ibig. Nawa'y maisabuhay namin ang mga makabagong utos na nagmula sa Iyo, at tunay na tanggapin ang Iyong mga kagustuhan. Sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pagtitiwala sa Iyo, nawa'y makamtan namin ang buhay na walang hanggan na Iyong ipinangako, Amen +
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Dahil na rin sa mga makabagong teknolohiya tulad ng smartphones at pocket internet, madali na tayong makalikom ng mg impormasyon, kahit saan man tayo naroroon.
Ngunit, upang magawa ito, kailangan natin ng mga bagong gadgets at hindi uubra yung tinatawag na "cellphone" na ating ginagamit mga sampung taon na ang nakaraan. Hindi nito kakayanin ang mga makabagong "standard" ng komunikasyon na maisasakatuparan lamang sa paggamit ng smartphones at tablets.
Nang dumating si Kristo sa lupa, binago Niya ang pananaw ng mga tao hinggil sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa Diyos. Hindi na lamang ito nakaatang sa panlabas na kaanyuan at gawain, o sakripisyo at kaparusahan sa bawat pagkakamali.
Bagkus, ito ay nakabase na sa tuwirang relasyon natin sa Diyos at kung paano ang ating puso at isipan ay sumasalamin sa Kanyang kagustuhan at gawain.
Kung kaya't ang pagtingin sa isang babae nang may pagnanasa ay isa nang pakikiapid. Hindi lamang mga kaibigan ang dapat pakisamahan, kundi pati na rin ang ating mga kaaway. Hindi na natin dapat saktan ang ating sarili upang makamit ang kapatawaran - ang lubos na pagtanggap sa Kanya bilang ating Panginoon at Diyos ay sapat na, dahil tinubos na Niya tayo sa kasalanan.
Hindi ito naunawaan ng mga tao noon dahil suot pa rin nila ang "lumang damit" kung kaya't hindi pumapasok sa kanilang puso ang katotohanan.
Isuot natin ang "bagong damit" ng buhay, upang matanggap natin ang Katotohanang ito ng walang alinlangan. Baguhin natin ang ating puso upang makamtan natin ang buhay na walang hanggan.
+ Manalangin tayo: Panginoong Hesus, salamat sa Iyong pag-ibig. Nawa'y maisabuhay namin ang mga makabagong utos na nagmula sa Iyo, at tunay na tanggapin ang Iyong mga kagustuhan. Sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pagtitiwala sa Iyo, nawa'y makamtan namin ang buhay na walang hanggan na Iyong ipinangako, Amen +
Thursday, September 3, 2015
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE
Luke 5:10b - "And Jesus said to Simon, 'Do not fear; from now on you will be catching men'".
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Ordinary folks. Ordinary fishermen. They would just go by their way, everyday, catching and selling fishes. Like most of us, they may have dreams, but most probably, at that time, they are satisfied to just doing those, again, just like most of us. We stopped dreaming and just do what we do.
But, God has better plans for Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John. He has seen something in them that would make them far greater than most, if not, all of us. He has seen that in Mary and Joseph and all of the prophets.
He has seen in their hearts - humility and obedience.
They followed what Jesus told them, that is, to cast again the nets. There were some apprehensions, but they followed Him. And the reward is immense. Two boat-full load of fishes. And instead of being proud, Simon would go to Jesus as ask for forgiveness for doubting Him.
And from that time on, they followed and believed in Him and became "fishers of men".
We too are called to do the same. And with the same humility and obedience, we should heed that call. We may be very busy with life, but without Jesus, we will just "catch nothing" in the end. Believe in Him and let us deepen our trust in Him. For He alone knows what is best for us.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, let me follow You and be a "fisher of men". I may have been busy and totally ignoring Your call, but You do not give up. You continue to knock on my heart, that I may finally heed Your call and allow You to enter my heart. Sorry, Lord, for those times when I do not believe in You. May I finally realize Your will, with a humble and obedient heart. Amen +
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Ordinary folks. Ordinary fishermen. They would just go by their way, everyday, catching and selling fishes. Like most of us, they may have dreams, but most probably, at that time, they are satisfied to just doing those, again, just like most of us. We stopped dreaming and just do what we do.
But, God has better plans for Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John. He has seen something in them that would make them far greater than most, if not, all of us. He has seen that in Mary and Joseph and all of the prophets.
He has seen in their hearts - humility and obedience.
They followed what Jesus told them, that is, to cast again the nets. There were some apprehensions, but they followed Him. And the reward is immense. Two boat-full load of fishes. And instead of being proud, Simon would go to Jesus as ask for forgiveness for doubting Him.
And from that time on, they followed and believed in Him and became "fishers of men".
We too are called to do the same. And with the same humility and obedience, we should heed that call. We may be very busy with life, but without Jesus, we will just "catch nothing" in the end. Believe in Him and let us deepen our trust in Him. For He alone knows what is best for us.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, let me follow You and be a "fisher of men". I may have been busy and totally ignoring Your call, but You do not give up. You continue to knock on my heart, that I may finally heed Your call and allow You to enter my heart. Sorry, Lord, for those times when I do not believe in You. May I finally realize Your will, with a humble and obedient heart. Amen +
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
HOLY ONES
Colossians 1:4 - "for we have heard of your faith in Jesus Christ and the love that you have for the holy one, because of the hope reserved for you in heaven"
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Ever since our conception, we are already destined for holiness. And during our baptism, the original sins of Adam and Eve were taken away from us, and heaven rejoiced as it welcomes us to the Christian world.
But, something happened, and continues to happen along the way.
We sinned and have taken the wrong path away from God.
And for some of us, they thought that it is the end of the world. That in committing sin, they are already doomed to be in hell. And so, some of them would just continue on sinning while for others, it would be taking their own lives, as they cannot forgive themselves.
But forgiving is not really ours to give. It is through grace and mercy of God that we are forgiven. Ask for it through confession. Ask for it through fervent prayers. Ask for it by seeking God's mercy and compassion and keeping His love in our hearts.
We are all destined for holiness with the Lord. Do not let sin take this away from us. For God is always willing to take us back under His fold, like that lost sheep, or that prodigal son.
Seek His mercy. Seek His compassion. Seek His forgiveness.
Seek His love. For we are all the holy ones of God.
+ Let us pray: Lord God, I am sorry for diverting from the life of holiness that we are destined to have. In Your mercy, forgive me Lord and teach me to understand that Your love is infinite and more than willing to accept me again under Your fold. Lead me, Lord to a life of holiness until that time when I join You in the place You reserved for me in heaven, Amen +
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Ever since our conception, we are already destined for holiness. And during our baptism, the original sins of Adam and Eve were taken away from us, and heaven rejoiced as it welcomes us to the Christian world.
But, something happened, and continues to happen along the way.
We sinned and have taken the wrong path away from God.
And for some of us, they thought that it is the end of the world. That in committing sin, they are already doomed to be in hell. And so, some of them would just continue on sinning while for others, it would be taking their own lives, as they cannot forgive themselves.
But forgiving is not really ours to give. It is through grace and mercy of God that we are forgiven. Ask for it through confession. Ask for it through fervent prayers. Ask for it by seeking God's mercy and compassion and keeping His love in our hearts.
We are all destined for holiness with the Lord. Do not let sin take this away from us. For God is always willing to take us back under His fold, like that lost sheep, or that prodigal son.
Seek His mercy. Seek His compassion. Seek His forgiveness.
Seek His love. For we are all the holy ones of God.
+ Let us pray: Lord God, I am sorry for diverting from the life of holiness that we are destined to have. In Your mercy, forgive me Lord and teach me to understand that Your love is infinite and more than willing to accept me again under Your fold. Lead me, Lord to a life of holiness until that time when I join You in the place You reserved for me in heaven, Amen +
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
GIVING AND FORGIVING
1 Thessalonians 5:5b-6 - "We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober."
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Today is the first day of September which is also the first day of the "-ber" months. And in the Philippines, it is also the start of the longest Christmas season celebration, as we wait and prepare for the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The days that would follow will be marked by shopping, preparing to decorate the house, Christmas songs playing and parties. Yes, Christmas is still four months away, but the the happiness and smiles on every Filipino's face is simply unexplainable.
But, as we await the great day, may we not also forget the true meaning of Christmas and the true reason for the Season.
It is the Season of giving.
It is the Season of forgiving.
Let us mark our waiting not only with happy faces but also with true joy in our hearts. Let us remember that the birth of Jesus marks the start of our Salvation, and the forgiveness and love extended to us, we must also share with others, especially to those who needs them most.
+ Let us pray: Lord Jesus, as we anticipate Your second coming, may we always be on guard, awake and ready to accept You. May we keep our hearts pure, as always and be joyful to know that You are coming again to rule all over the heaven and earth. Continue to guide us, Lord, and may the celebration of Your birth bring us hope, love, joy and peace. Amen +
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