My Gospel Reflections for May 28 Friday: Mark 11:11-25

My Reflections:
Is it bad to get angry? Yes it is bad to be angry for the wrong reason/s—however if we get angry for the right reason/s then it’s not bad.

In the gospel reading for today we see Jesus got angry for the right reasons twice: first when He cursed the fig tree and the second one was when He went to the temple and He saw that the temple was not being used for worship instead it was being used as a venue for money changers and other commercial things.

Anger per se is not bad for so long as we can rightly justify the origin of our anger—let us remember that Jesus Himself got angry.

Let us ensure that the anger that we’ve felt will not stay long in our hearts for at the end of the gospel reading Jesus tells us to forgive anyone against whom we have a grievance so that our heavenly Father may in turn forgive us of our transgressions. ...

Life Is Like A Cup of Coffee - Inspirational Video Movie

My Gospel Reflections for Wednesday May 19: John 17:11-19

My Reflections:Anyone who knows that he will be permanently leaving the people that he loved will only wish the best for them.

In the gospel Jesus knew that the hour for His arrest is near and He knew very well that He will be permanently leaving His followers. That’s why He commanded them to God the Father for the Father to take care of them-that’s how much Jesus loved us He only want the best for us. He wants us to always be connected with God and be aware of His abiding love for us.

But the puzzle is this: there are some who purposely ignore the love of God—they know that the right way is to follow the way of God. But they choose to follow their own ways that leads them to sin.

We pray for their enlightenment that they would choose to embrace the love of God that is always there for them thru the celebration of the Holy Mass and thru the Sacrament of Confessions. ...

My First reading Reflections for Tuesday May 18: Acts 20:17-27

My Reflections:
In the first reading Saint Paul talks about the trials and difficulties in following Jesus—in spite of these odds Paul continued and he never allowed himself to be deterred by the trials. Until his death he remained true to his calling: To be a faithful servant of the Lord.

Some people have this misconception that the moment we decided to follow Jesus it will be a bed of roses already for our lives. It doesn’t work that way—the moment we decide to follow Jesus expect trials that would test the mettle of our discipleship.

We must be faithful no matter the hardship and trials for there will be a reward for us if not in our lifetime it surely will happen in our afterlife. …

My Gospel Reflections for Saturday May 15: John 16:23-28

My Reflections:
If we ask the Father though Jesus with faith we shall certainly receive it. However there are instances that God gives us answers that are somewhat hard for us to comprehend. However as we are enlightened by the Holy Spirit we shall realize that the incomprehensible was actually a blessing in disguise.

Think of the temporary setbacks that we encounter as we move forward with our lives—God gives us setbacks not to weaken us but to further strengthen us as we move-on with our lives.

Let us not waiver in asking God for guidance and help through; let us continue to trust our all knowing God for He knows what is best for us. …

My Gospel Reflections for Monday May 10: John 15:26-16:4

My Reflections:
Is it hard to testify on behalf of Jesus? It’s hard for some for some its not—those who can boldly bear witness has the Advocate in them to strengthen them.

How then can we have the presence of the Advocate in our lives? It is thru the deepening of our faith on Jesus. Based on my experience the Advocate or the Holy Spirit manifest its presence in our lives after we’ve known Jesus deeply after which we are enlightened to feel the presence of the Advocate in our lives.

It is therefore paramount that we exert effort to know Jesus deeply; let us not be content with the knowledge about Jesus that is feed to us. Let us exert personal effort to have a first hand knowledge about Jesus. ...

My Gospel Reflections for Tuesday May 4: John 14:27-31

My Reflections:
Peace is what is missing in most part of our world right now; peace is what is missing in some of the families now; peace is what is missing in some of us right now.

Who then can address the absence of peace? It’s Jesus! He gives us peace that nobody in this world can give us. even if life is hard once we have Jesus in our hearts there would be peace within us.

Even if life is uncertain we shall have peace because we’ve already accepted Jesus as our Lord and personal savior. …

When Jesus Said, “No”

Please click on this link:

http://blog.adw.org/2010/04/when-jesus-said-no/

Mass on the Move: The Hidden Mass on the Road to Emmaus

Please click on this link:

http://blog.adw.org/2010/04/mass-on-the-move-the-hidden-mass-on-the-raod-to-emmaus/

SPIRITUAL RECOLLECTION PICTURES: ENGTEK PRECISION PHILIPPINES INC. MARCH 27, 2010

Please click on this link:


http://spiritualrecollectionpictures.blogspot.com/2010/04/spiritual-recollection-pictures-engtek_08.html

The Only Cure for Our Spiritual Blindness is Holiness

Please click the link:

http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/the-only-cure-for-our-spiritual-blindness-is-holiness/

The Seven Deadly Sins: Memorize and Understand Them...

Please click on the link:

http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/the-seven-deadly-sins-just-memorize-them/

Learning the Lessons of Lazarus and the Rich Man by: Msgr. Charles Pope

Please click on the link:

http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/learning-the-lessons-of-lazarus-and-the-rich-man/

SPIRITUAL RECOLLECTION PICTURES: ENGTEK PRECISION PHILIPPINES INC. At CANOSSA HOUSE OF SPIRITUALITY AGUINALDO H-WAY TAGAYTAY CITY.

Please click on this link:

http://spiritualrecollectionpictures.blogspot.com/2010/04/spiritual-recollection-pictures-engtek.html

The five finger prayer...

Make the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Christ, be our Light...

The Little Grain of Gold by: Rabindranath Tagore

I had gone begging from door to door in the village path, when a golden chariot appeared in the distance and I wondered who was this King of all kings!

My hopes rose high and  I thought my evil days were at an end, and I stood waiting for alms to be given unasked and for wealth scattered on all sides in the dust.

The chariot stopped where I stood. His glance fell on me and he came down with a smile. I felt that the luck of my life had come at last. Then all of a sudden he extended his right hand and said to me: What can you give me?’

Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open his palm to a beggar like me. I was confused and stood undecided, and then from my wallet I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to the King of all Kings.

But how great my surprise when at the day's end I emptied my bag on the floor to find a least little grain of gold among the poor heap. I bitterly wept and wished that I had the heart to give to him my all.

The Prayer of Saint Francis...

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

“O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.”

From the Imitations of Christ...

Do not worry about who is and is not on your side: simply make sure that God is with you in all you do.

Have a clear conscience, and God will defend you. For if God chooses to help you, no malice can do you harm.

If you know how to suffer in silence, without doubt you will receive the help of the Lord. He knows when and how he will free you, so resign yourself into his care. It is for God to give help and give freedom from trouble.

For the sake of humility it is often good for others to know our weaknesses and tax us with them.

When a man holds himself humbly because of his weakness, it is easy for him to please others and calm those who are angry with him.

God protects and frees the humble, loves and consoles them. He leans down to the humble, he bestows great grace on them, he lifts them from their lowliness into glory.

God calls the humble gently to him, and to them he reveals his secrets.

If a humble man is humiliated, he is happy enough and at peace, because his support is God and not the world.

Do not count yourself as having made progress until you feel yourself inferior to everyone.

A peaceable man is of more use than a learned man.

If you are a slave to your feelings, you will see good actions as bad, and you will easily believe the worst; a good and peaceful man will see good in everything.

Whoever is truly at peace is not plagued by suspicion. Whoever is discontented and disturbed will be blown about by gusts of suspicion: he cannot rest and will not let others rest either.

He often says what he should not say, and fails to do what it would be best to do.

He knows what other people ought to do, but not what he should be doing himself.

Worry about your own behavior first; you can worry about other people later.

You are good at making excuses for your own behavior and showing it in the best light, but you do not want to accept the excuses of others. It would be fairer for you to accuse yourself and excuse your brother.

If you want other people to put up with you, put up with them first.

The Fern and the Bamboo...

One day, a small business owner decided he’d had enough. Enough of the unremitting workload, enough of the lack of response, enough of the crushing loneliness.

He went into the woods to have one last talk to God. “God,” he said. “Can you give me one good reason why I shouldn’t quit?”

The answer took him by surprise. “Look around you,” it said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes,” the man replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo, I took very good care of them. I gave them both equal amounts of food and water. I gave them sunlight in spring and protected them from the storms in autumn. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant fronds soon covered the forest floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year, the fern grew even more splendidly than before but nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. Still I would not quit.”

“Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But day by day the sprout grew. First a shoot, then a seedling, and finally a cane. Within six months, the bamboo cane had risen to a height of 100 feet. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.”

“Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have been growing? Growing the roots that you need to produce your fruit. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will not quit on you.”

“Don’t compare yourself to others. All of my creations have different purposes, different journeys, and different timescales. The bamboo had a different purpose from the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come. You will rise high.”

“How high should I rise?” the man asked.

“How high will the bamboo rise?” asked God in return.

“As high as it can?” the man questioned.

“Yes,” God replied. “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”

The small business owner left the forest. And never went back.

If nothing seems like it is happening in your life, despite all the work you’re putting in, remember that you’re probably growing roots not fruit. Stick with it. One day not far from now, there’ll be a fantastic harvest.

1Reflections for December 13: third Sunday of Advent Luke 3:10-18

Reflections for Sunday December 16, Third Sunday of Advent, Luke 3:10-18 (12-15-12)

Gospel:

The crowds asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?" He said to them in reply, "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He answered them, "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed." Soldiers also asked him, "And what is it that we should do?" He told them, "Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages."

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

                                                       + + + + + + +

(1) Reflections

A boy was taught by his father that there was only one way to be happy and it was none other than to accumulate wealth. He imbibed his father’s teachings so he studied very hard and he eventually became one of the very rich in their town. On his quest to acquire worldly treasures he stepped on the toes of many people, he created many enemies on his way up and upon reaching the pinnacle of his ambition he became greedy and he subsequently discovered that it was very lonely at the top.  

He was on his quest once again to find the magic formula to happiness so he went to a wise old man in the mountain to seek his advice. The wise old man gave him only one advice: Learn to share whatever you have for it is in sharing that you will find happiness. He followed the wise advice and he felt happiness as he had never felt it before.

In our gospel the crowds asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?" (This was in response to John’s call for them to repent) John said to them in reply, "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise." Perhaps the crowds were becoming self-centered already. They only cared for their own needs and never on the needs of their fellowmen.

The season of Christmas is not about what we will receive. It is about what we can freely share. The real essence of Christmas is in sharing not in receiving. Let us try to wholeheartedly share and we will feel the highest degree of happiness that we would not be able to feel when we accept gifts.

On this third Sunday of advent John the Baptist message is loud and clear it is about learning to share no matter how little so long as it comes from the bottom of our hearts. Let us share to the poor, to those who are badly in need, let us share to those who cannot pay back our generosity. There are many of them in poor communities and in places affected by disasters and calamities. Like our brothers and sisters who were badly affected by the devastating  typhoon named Bopha or Pablo in Mindanao.

  

Let us bring Jesus to them by generously sharing whatever we can give.