Taurians….

Oct.31,’07- What comes as a series of misfortunes can help us discover life’s treasure. St. Alonso Rodriguez lost his father early so he head to quit school. He got married but then his wife and three kids died one after the other. His cloth business failed. Much later, at 37 he decided to become a Jesuit brother. See how life being recovered when you trust God in everything and dedicate your life.

Oct.30,’07-A mustard seed is so small and insignificant. Yet when fully grown it develops far-reaching branches and birds come and rest on them. We must not belittle the small acts of kindness we do. Sown and nurtured in the hearts out and bear fruit in ways we don’t expect.

Oct.29,’07-Jesus cures a woman crippled for 18 long years by a spirit. He calls to her, lays his hands on her and says: You are set free of your infirmity. Is there anything crippling your spirit now, making your life ‘bent over’ and incapable of standing erect’? The Lord wants you to stand up straight and walk free!

Oct.24,’07-St. John Bosco is known for establishing the Oratory which sheltered and educated poor boys, many of whom were orphans, streetkids and slum dwellers. While others saw despair and worthless living, he saw much promise and energy in their grimy faces. Do you see beyond appearances that don’t appeal easily to you?

Oct.23,’07-We are to be servants whose belts are fastened around our waists and our burning lamps in our hands. We must be wide-awake and ready for our Master comes and calls us in the most unexpected place and times, through most ordinary people in our midst. Find Him in the quiet cry for help that you might hear today.

Oct.22,’07-What do we do when life’s harvest is good? Do we willingly share our abundance to others, especially those in great need?  Or do we pile up these goods and keep them to ourselves? One can grow rich for himself. Or one can grow rich in the sight of God. Where do you honestly see yourself right now?

Oct.21,’07-In Luke’s Gospel the widow tirelessly pleads with the judge. She knows he is the only one can help her. We are taught to beg earnestly and persistently in prayer, knowing that God alone is our hope. Jesus says: Will not God then do justice to his chosen one who calls out to him day and night?

Oct.20,’07-When we are in deep inner turmoil, hungering for things that are fleeting and focused only on our selves, we are in desolation. It isn’t simply a ‘negative feeling, but a movement that draws us away from things of the spirit and from God Himself. What are the things pulling you away from a life in God?

Oct.18,’07-Today, Thursday, we meditate on the mysteries of Light when we pray the Rosary. We begin with Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan when the Spirit descends and the Father calls Him His beloved Son. Consider your own experiences of light. Where have you felt God’s presence shining most brightly in your life?

Oct.16,’07-Sometimes we think that we’re okay because we do good. That we’re good because we don’t do anything bad. But the story of the rich man and Lazarus tells us that this is not enough.  Let us examine ourselves: What have I NOT done for other’s? Many times our indifference to others’ situation makes us sin.

Oct.14,’07-Ten leapers are held but only one returns to thank Jesus. We can recall times of need when we ask the Lord to take pity on us. When we have obtained the grace we pray for, do we pause to thank the Lord? A way to give thanks is to share the goodness one has received. Do others a favor with Joy!

Oct.12,’07-Yes it’s Friday! (Did you just sigh? Weekends are ‘downtimes’. These are opportunities to roll our sleeves up, sit back and slow down. Like Mary in Bethany, we can simply sit down and listen, relishing the Lord’s presence in our lives. Lord teach me to be still and to choose ‘the better part.’

Oct.11.’07-On your own you are weak and limited. But know that you are not alone in your daily effort. God has given you power. St Paul says: ‘I invite you to fan into flame the gift of God you received..For God didn’t confer on us a spirit of bashfulness but of strength, love and good judgement’ (2Tim 1:6-7)

Oct.10,’07-Pay attention as Jesus tells Martha: ‘You worry and are troubled about many things’. The Lord’s gentle admonition maybe for you too. Think of the concerns and preoccupations you have these days. Clarify them before the Lord. At times we worry unnecessarily. We trouble ourselves with things not important.

Oct.9,’07-The Good Samaritan assists the wounded man. Not out of social expectation nor for personal gain but that it’s the right thing to do. At times we can be the priests or Levite. We don’t want to be inconvenienced nor to be lose precious time. The challenge: do the good even the world doesn’t look!

Oct.8,’07-In the desert, manna falls on the ground. God sends this bread from heaven to the starving Israelites. When we’re starving in need God always has a way to reach for and rescue us. What saves us are not the earthly things but the gift of His life-giving Word. Let your hungers lead you to what truly gives life.

Oct.7,’07-The apostles tells Jesus: ‘Increase our faith. ‘ (Lk 17:5) It’s an honest, humble recognition of their lack of faith, and a sincere request to have more. Say it to the Lord, too, as you begin the week. Be aware of the areas of yourself that need conversion and a deepening of God’s Word in it.

Oct.6,’07-The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary on Saturdays invites us to reflect on our own glorious mysteries. These are moments when we encounter God’s splendor and beauty: a quiet, sunny morning, scenic mountains, a baby sleeping. Allow these occasions that have filled you with awe to make you grateful.

Oct.3,’07-Before he became a Jesuit priest, St. Francis Borgia was a duke. The experience of seeing a noblewoman’s rotting corpse hit him hard. All beauty, all wealth, all things worldly are passing. And so began his search for what’s lasting. What has ‘hit’ you these days? God is telling you something through it

Oct.2,’07-Happy Feasts of Guardian Angels! Angels are bearers of God’s news. They assure us of God’s unceasing presence. Look back at the past weeks or months and see how you’ve been attended by God’s special presence in your life. It’s your turn: Are there people in your life you need to be more present to?