Taurians….

December 20, 2007-’Let it be done to me as you have said.’ (Lk 1:38) When God gives you His word can you truly say this words to him, with all of your heart? Mary, young and simple that she is, must have been taken aback. She must’ve felt uneasy. But it’s the Lord who have spoken. And that is enough to calm her fears!

December 19, 2007-An incredible event happens in the hills of Judah. Elizabeth, barren and very old, conceive a child. This only signals the many more incredible things in the story of Xmas. God Himself becomes like us so we can become like Him. Today celebrate the incredible things have happened in your life.

December 18, 2007- Jesus is the one of the most known saints yet not much is really known about him. We find his story only within the wider story of Jesus. The focus is not on him. It’s on the Child he is tasked to protect and raise. May we be known and remembered not by material success but by our connection to Jesus!

December 17, 2007-Matthew’s Gospel shows us Jesus’ family tree. It includes Abraham and David, great men who had their own mistakes. Our own family histories have their share of shadows. We have family secrets that we’d rather keep. But Jesus’ comes and enters these shadows and bright light.

December 16, 2007-Today is GAUDETE SUNDAY and the rose-colored candle of Advent is lit. It’s the sunday of joy for the Lord’s birth draws near. God only desires our joy. He so loves us that He give His very self to us. What have been your sources of joy these days? Can you honestly say they are God’s joy too?

December 15, 2007-We are usually poor waiting. We want action, we expect concrete results. When we wait we begin to see that what we await isn’t in our hands. We learn to hope, trusting it will come. Advent teaches us to wait, and grow in the spirit as we wait. It also turns our God who always waits for us.

December 14,2007-It’s 12 days before Christmas. Do you truly feel the Christmas spirit in the air? Or are you too busy to notice the passing of days? If you find yourself ‘unfeeling’ and restless, slow down. Jesus knocks on your door, looking for a warm, welcoming home. Meet Him. Make room for Him who offers you a Home.

December 13, 2007- If we want to see we have to close our eyes. If we want to stand we have to fall on our knees. If we want to touch God we have to open our hands. Christmas celebrates these–and many more–contradictions. God becomes man. Embracing weakness to give us strength. A virgin gives birth. To a king in a manger.

December 12, 2007- The image of Guadalupe shows Our Lady heavy with child. Thus she has been invoked as protectress of the unborn, she who bravely carried the child. Jesus in delicate times. Offer a prayer today for the protection of unborn children. Pray too for mothers that they will uphold the life of the innocent.

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December 11,2007- Advent is a season to return. Take a look within you and notice your ’scattered sheep’. What’s missing in your life? What has been taken away? Come before the Lord and honestly tell Him what you want to bring back in your life. Let the Lord gather you in His arms.

December 10,2007- We are the paralyzed man in the gospel. Unable to move we’re carried by others on their shoulders and led to Jesus who makes us whole again. Recall the people who have borne you on their shoulders, held you in your pain and found you a way when your crowded life just pressed on you. Pray for each of them.

December 09,2007- John the Baptist makes noise. He cries out in the desert. He tells people to change their ways. This isn’t an easy thing to do. That’s why often we’d rather not disturb the peace. We stay in a safe, quite corner and watch from afar. John shows us
that the One to come will  disturb our set ways. Listen

December 08,2007- Mary is conceived free from the stain of sin in the womb of her mother St. Anne. She is chosen and yet she is not forced to be the mother of God. She is asked and the angel awaits her answer. She says YES and God is born of her. Each of our YES is a choice for God. We let God enter into our lives, our world.

December 07,2007- The two blind men are healed. They spread the news against Jesus’ wishes. It must’ve been hard to contain their joy and excitement! How many times have been blind and our eyes opened, and we’re blinded and healed again? Each time we experience life’s miracles, does it make us see, and speak of the Lord more?

December 06,2007-The rain poursand rivers flood but the house doesn’t collapse. Because it’s built on rock. The Word of God and the values of His Kingdom are the rock on which we can solidly build our lives. What are your sources of stability? Do they truly lead you to God? Or do they just lead you deep into youself?

December 05,2007-The people were hungry. Jesus broke and gave out the loaves. Everyone ate and was full yet there were still 7 baskets left! The Lord gives abundantly. He gives and always much more. Look at yourself and see the abundance He’s given you: compassion, mercy, material gifts. It’s time to share it with those in need.

December 04, 2007-The evening sky is a
spectacle: stars scattered everywhere and shooting stars flashes in
once in a while. It gives you peaceful, humble feeling. You find
yourself wishing. And you realize: God must surely have a million more
good wishes for you that He has put all those shining stars before you.

December 03,2007-In his lifetime St Francis Xavier many called him alegria: the cheerful one. He was an ever cheerful man, always the life of the party. Joy speaks much of one’s state of soul, one’s deep inner experience. It’s a gift of the Holy Spirit. Today make an extra effort to bring the gift of joy to all.

December 02,2007-In church and in our homes we prayerfully gather around the Advent wreath and light the 1st candle. It asks us: Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Is 2:5) Let us go into our hearts and examine them. What areas are made dark by suffering and sin? Invite the Lord’s healing and forgiving Light in
                                                                                                                             I found a post about Advent from one of my blogger friends..Put the cursor on the picture,right click and then click the option ‘open link in a new window’ you’ll see an expanation about what advent and all those candles stands for from Vicki’s blog.

               
December 01,2007- How was your work? Recall the times which filled you with life and hope. And those which brought you sadness and pain. Can you thank the Lord for all of them? It’s the last day of the liturgical year. Tomorrow the Advent season opens. ‘Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord’(Ps 31:24).

November 30,2007-Why catch fish when you can catch people? Jesus’ personalized promo catches Andrew and Simon’s attention and catches them forever. They have plans of thier own but hear of a Plan hard to ignore. So they leave everything and follow Jesus. What are your plans? Listen: the Lord may have other plans for you.

November 29,2007- Like Daniel we find ourselves in dark, threatening dens. (Pause to recall an experience like this). But we have a choice: Either so stare at or curse the dark. Or look up above and set our eyes on the Light. Whatever dark dens we find ourselves in, God’s morning will come. We will pull through.

November 28, 2007- St. Catherine Labourne, to whom Our Lady gave the Miraculous Medal, lived in the convent with out her co-Sisters knowing she was the priviledged one. She quietly  worked. She did menial jobs like the rest. She reminds us that life isn’t about honor and status. The Lord after all worked hard–without fanfare.

November 27,2007-How do you learn persistence? Look at the heroes of our faith–Abraham,Joseph, Mother Teresa. They stood still even if the situation was unsetting. You can look even more: See how God stayed and stood with them even in the most unsetting moments. And now look at yourself: See God hasn’t given up on you!

November 26,2007-A widow loses name and benefit when she loses her husband. Poor and powerless she is at the mercy of the society. Yet she readily gives up to her small coins. It must’ve hurt since it is her last and her bare means and the only thing she has. But she gives still! Ponder your own giving and the gifts you give God and others.

November 25,2007-Perhaps the hardest to conquer on earth isn’t any land but something much smaller and closer: the human heart. It insists on self-rule. But the more it stubbornly follows its own way the less free it is. Honestly look at your own heart. Christ your King invites you to lay down your arms before Him.

November 24,2007-Amont the 117 martyrs of Vietnam is St. Agnes Thanh Thi Le, housewife and mother of 6 who bravely carried letters from priests in prison. She was imprisoned and tortured. At her execution she requested to wear beautiful clothes to ‘meet the Divine Bridegroom.‘Thanh’ in Vietnamese means successful.

November 23,2007-Blessed Miguel Pro was a Jesus martyrd in 1927 in the persecution in Mexico. Even as a kid he was known for his jokes and pranks. Because religion was banned he had to wear many disguises (as old woman, clown,husband) so he could avoid the police and say Mass. Yes we can serve God with a sense of humor!

November 22,2007-Say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander and malice of every kind.’(Eph 4) Start your day with a sincere resolve to be better. Self-conquest isn’t easy. But right intention and best effort matter much.

November 21, 2007-A mother eagle teaches her young to fly by taking them far up in the air and dropping them from there. In between gasps for air, they flap their wings  and learn to glide in the wind. All through this the mother eagle stays close by to save anyone in peril. God is ever near us. We are in the shadow of His wings!

November 20,2007-Zacchaeus is another man who doesn’t see. Not because he’s blind but because he’s small. His wealth and power have so sorrounded and dwarfed him. But he climbs a tree to see Jesus! We may be stunted by our sinful patterns. We fall short of our own expectations of ourselves. But we can rise above them.

November 19,2007-The blind beggar is on the roadside but Jesus notices him. Jesus stops and restores his sight. The man is able to see and walks after Jesus. From begging on the roadside he, now follows Jesus on the road. In following our Lord we are to look at the roadside, help others find their way and make them see.

November 18,2007-We all have fears, some of them sensible, some unnecessary. What is it that you fear most? Reflect before you scroll down. We’re afraid of storms and earthquakes, fires and road accidents, diseases and suffering. But are we ever afraid of losing our relationship with God? What matters is life that lasts!

November 17,2007-Because the widow keeps coming to the merciless judge to plead  for her case, he finally gives in. In prayer we learn persistense. In reality we do not get all that we want, e.g., material needs. But something changes in us when we ‘cry to Him day and night.’ We grow in trust. We persist in God.

November 16,2007-St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches us to find God in all things, to see that everything around us and in us is gift. But mant times we get caught up with the gifts that we forget the Giver. It’s exactly 40 days before Christmas. How can you be more aware of the Giver who comes to give Himself to you each day?

November 15,2007-For us sign-seekers we search for the Kingdom far and wide. We ask where, when and how. But Jesus tells us: Look here it is! There it is! See the Kingdom is among you.’ What we do, where we are and how we live are opportunities to find and live God’s Kingdom on earth. Are you in the Father’s business?

November 14,2007-A leper loses privileges and relationships due to his illness. To be Samaritan and leper is to be 2x disadvantaged and allienated, shunned all the more by Jews. Often it’s when we accept our humble condition that we become appreciative and grateful. Of the 10 lepers, only the Samaritan leper went back to thank Jesus! 

November 13,2007- A good servant knows his place. He belongs to his master. He follows him and attends to his needs. He stay within reach so he can go when he’s needed. We are good servants. Through our talents and gifts we become aware of the roles and responsibilities He entrusts to us. So how are you serving
your master?

November 12,2007- If others have wronged you do you fight them head-on? Or do you treat them as if they don’t exist? The Gospel offers a little note on kindness: ‘If your brother offends you rebuke him and if he’s sorry forgive him.’ (Lk 17:3) The Lord who has been so kind to you asks you to be kind to others too.

November 11,2007-Jesus comes to give us new life. The signs and wonders He works all speak of life. This Sunday relish and ponder the experience of life. What has given you much life thesew past days or weeks? What has drained you?   See how in these moments the Lord seeks to renew you and give you the  fullness of life.

November 10,2007-How much have you thought of others this past week? Close your eyes and reflect. ‘Do to no one what yourself dislike. Give to the hungry some of  your bread and to the naked some of your clothing.‘ (Tob 4:15ff). It’s 45 days before  Christmas. What can you do for those most in need in your community?

November 9,2007-Queen Isabella tells St. Anthony Claret: Everyone always asks favors from me. Is there anything you’d like for yourself? The saint promptly replies: Let me resign as your confessor. We know how interiorly free one is by how ready and willing he is to let go of the honor and power he enjoys. How free are you?

November 8,2007-The shepherd is restless when 1 of his 100 sheep is lost. He braves the treacherous terrain to look for the 1 gone astray. Finding it he gently, joyfully carries it on his shoulders back home. How have you experienced God’s shepherding these days? Relish the many moments when He led you back home.

November 7,2007-To hate one’s parents and family and one’s own life doesn’t mean to treat them cruelly. ‘To hate’ is an expression in Jesus’ time which means to put one thing in second place. We’re reminded there’s One who is our first place: Jesus. In all things we must seek Him. All things must lead you and me back to Him.

November 6, 2007- We are all invited to God’s great banquet. No exception-rich and disabled. But often we refuse this invitation because we’re occupied by many personal affairs and possessions. God desires to share His abundance with you. What in your life keeps you from your keeps you from accepting his invitation?

November 5, 2007- Only when grain falls to the ground and dies does it bear fruit. Jesus teaches us not only how to live but also how to die. We truly live and share life when we give up our selfish joys, focus on others and less on ourselves. Lord falling to the ground scares me. But help me see it’s your life-giving Way.

November 4,2002-Obstacle get in our way to the Lord. Ponder the ‘crowds’ that overwhelm you now., Don’t let them push you down. The Lord is near.

November 3,2007-How does one behave oneself at table during a feast? The Pharisees jostle for the best seats and best places. Jesus has a simple table rule. Occupy the last, least and lowest. For it’s better to be told ‘Move up!’ than ‘Move down!’ The Lord raises up the lowly. It’s they who are first in the Kingdom.

November 2,2007- We prayerfully remember today all our faithful departed. In many ways this feast is for us the living. As we recall the lives of our departed, we quietly, honestly reflect on our own. Where are we on our own earthly pilgrimage? Where are we headed? How faithful–or not faithful–have we been?

November 1,2007- Happy All Saints Day! We have patron for youth and expectant mothers, laborer and athletes, lovers and the hopeless. This only shows us that holiness is found in our-daily ordinary tasks and concerns. Our daily struggles are occasions to become who we truly are in God. Saints offer much comfort: We can!