DAY TO DAY GOSPELS……
Aug.30,0′7-To see is to believe. For some people this is their slogan. But for a true Christian believer, It is just the opposite: to believe is to have conviction in things not seen! How many things unseen fill and surround you in your everyday? What makes you have faith even if you do not see nor touch God?
Aug.29,’07-Whitewashed tombs. How are we like them: ‘On the outside looking beautiful but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of. We’re preoccupied with appearances. We make pretenses. Lord, teach me to be humble, to change whatever attitude or habit that makes me unfree.
Aug.28,’07-When King Solomon was asked what he wanted, his answer was: WISDOM. If God were to ask you now. What would you tell Him? Our dreams and choices reveal what’s most precious to us. In your life have you found that which you seek? Sometimes we don’t realize that what we look for is right there with us!
Aug.27-Someone in your life must’ve been very patient with you. Despite your many faults, someone has readily understood and accepted you. Someone has stood by quietly, unceasingly. Like St. Monica to her son Augustine. May we follow her example in not losing hope in people even if our efforts seem unsuccessful.
Aug.26-Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate our faith, not only to reflect on our lives but also to build up others’ faith and that of our community. It’s not just a time to thank God for graces given. But also time to gather ourselves, sow and share good seeds for the coming days. Make it truly the Lord’s Day!
Aug.25-When Samuel hears God’s voice in the temple it is mentioned that the sanctuary lamp is ‘not yet extinguished.’ Lighted lamps suggest watchfulness and prayerful vigil. We who wait for the God who comes and call us everyday need to pay attention and pray. As one week ends and another begins keep your lamp well lit.
Aug.24-We see Philip telling Nathanael that he has found the Messiah. He not only tells him but persuades him to see what he he has found: Come and see Philip is not a passive witness. May we too lead our friends to walk the way to Jesus not only through words but also through actions that speaks loud and clear.
Aug.23,’07-When we become proud and self-sufficient, too pleased with ourselves that we claim many things as simply ours, let’s stop and take a back set. We need to face ourselves humbly before God. He is the source of all things. Our abilities and persons are His gifts. All this is given to help us go back to Him.
Aug.22,’07-‘The Lord will give what’s good and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him and will make a path for His steps.’(Ps 84). God desires to give you life’s goodness and shower you with many blessings. Be aware of this abundance in your own life story. See how you’re called to share it.
Aug.19,’07-In many instances in the Gospels Jesus minces no words. His actions upsets some people, his remarks disturb their peace. If we take seriously the truth that Jesus speaks we can’t be at peace. They show us there’s much to be done w/ ourselves & our world. How often do you avoid these truths?
Aug.18-If prayer doesn’t always give you peace& joy, it’s OK. As we come closer to the Lord, we see deeper truths about ourselves& our world–w/c aren’t always pleasant. They disturb& upset us but also move us to hope&work for better things. Lord disturb us when we’ve become too well-pleased w/ourselves.
Aug.17-As the week ends, prayerfully gather memories of the past days; triumphs& frustrations, growth& sorrows. Offer them up to the Lord& thank Him even for things left undone. As you look forward to next week, remember; If you focus on what’s left behind you’ll never know what lies ahead.
Aug.16-It’s moving how the poor can smile& laugh heartily. Despite their material deprivation& suffering, they find it easy to celebrate life’s simple joys& be thankful. Maybe it’s because they have nothing to hide or lose so they have less to guard& fear. ARE YOU AS DEEPLY HAPPY AND THANKFUL IN YOUR LIFE?
Aug.15- As her own son’s disciple, Mary leads us in following Jesus. It’s she who tells the worried stewards at Cana; Do as He tells you.’ She follows her Son on the road to Calvary. She grieves his death but also joins other disciples gathered in the upper room. Mary, assumed into heaven, PRAY FOR US!
Aug.14-Welcoming strangers is part of Jewish sacred tradition. It’s an obligation everyone is expected to fulfill. It’s a beautiful custom that humbly reminds Jews when they were strangers in other lands. It’s good to keep ourselves grounded in our past. And to help those who now struggle as we used to.
Aug.13-Abraham sets out a journey to a far country. He has never been to this land. Nor does he know exactly where he is going. What he only knows is that God has commanded it. It is He who has promised him this land& many descendants. What is God’s promise to you? Do you hold on to this promise?
Aug.12-‘Be ready..keep your lamps lit. Pay attention.’ Jesus reminds us to be watchful& prepared for He comes anytime, even at midnight or daybreak! He shows himself to us thru the people we meet& the sights we see. He speaks thru the events of our lives& the inner workings of our hearts. Are you awake?
Aug.11- Earlier this week, we saw a mother asking Jesus to cure her daughter. In today’s Gospel, a father begs Him to cure his epileptic son. Parents will do anything for their children, earnestly hoping& sacrificing for them. As we as persistent when we pray to the Lord? Let’s pray for parents today.
Aug.10,-‘Each of you must give as you have made up your mind not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.’(2Cor 9:7)When was the last time someone asked you a favor and you willingly and happily did it? It helps to think of our actions not as favors but service, a way to share ourselves.
Aug.9-When the winds of doubt surrounds us and we question our abilities and see only dark prospects, let us stay on the boat. Jesus comes to calm our storms and steers us to safety. He always assures us: ‘Courage! Do not be afraid. It is me!’ (Mt 14:27) How do these words of the Lord speaks to you now?
Aug.8-The woman’s faith moves Jesus to heal the daughter. She is a woman, a 2nd class citizen in those days. She is Canaanite, not part of the chosen nation of Israel. Yet it is she, an ‘outsider’ who does not lack faith! The faith of those ‘who don’t belong’ can challenge and deepen our own. Listen!
Aug.7-Like the three disciples on the mountain, we have moments of ‘high” when we experience the Lord so close. We’re overjoyed and inspired to start great things. We’re reminded to go back to the reality of our everyday: to embrace both the pleasant and unpleasant, to respond to the concrete needs of one’s world.
Aug.6-‘You have been stripped of the old self and its way of thinking to put on the new, which is being renewed..’ Be aware of the many things the Lord has done ‘to put on the new’ in your life. Each day He invites you to be more: a better, fuller person. How have you become the person he dreams you to be?
Aug.5-‘Be on your guard and avoid every kind of greed for even through you have many possessions it is not that which gives you life.’ (Lk 12:15) We think that the more we have - looks, skills, goods, honors - the better we are. We turn gifts into our false gods.Are there things you tend to acquire and hoard?
Aug.4-‘Something about St. John Vianney drew hundreds to line up for confession. He wasn’t a great speaker or a very learned man. Just a good person. He was there everyday: praying, giving the sacrament, sitting down for hours sharing God’s mercy. Faithfully and consistently. How faithful and consistent are we?
Aug.3-‘Ask and it will be given to you..’ Recall the things you’ve asked from the Lord these past days. Prayerfully examine each of them and ask yourself..Are there things I have missed out, things I have not asked for which I need to name and present to the Lord? Ask Him. He waits for you.
