Taurians….

Today we celebrate the life of the one who prepares the way; John the Baptist. He is not the Light–he only leads others to it. John reminds us that our lives are to witness the Light: Jesus. We must use our time and talent, our energies and efforts to show others, especially those lost, the Way to Jesus.

June 21, ‘08 - Take time to look back at the past week and honestly examine yourself the many things that have preoccupied you: your desk and daily planner, your morning and evenings. How much have you spent for others and the Lord? For your own self-centered pursuits? Honestly think about who or what has ruled your life?

It is not very easy to open up about our needs and accept we are needy. To pray the Our Father is to face the Lord in all humility. We are also in deep need of mercy and forgiveness, of love and wholeness. We are only dependent on God’s kindness. We are reminded not  to ever let go of God.

A way to keep ourselves humble is to give ourselves fully and serve quietly. Not to look for recognition or praise, but accept it modestly when it comes. Remember that all this is for God. He is our End, His glory our life’s goal. We are merely His servants entrusted with these gifts.

To pray for our enemies is most difficult and painful, yet most Christian. These are people who’ve caused us pain, who are difficult to love and who we’d rather stay away from. Jesus prays, ‘Father forgive them for they do not know what they do,’ Can you recite this prayer too?

June 16, ‘08 - We’re guilthy of hurting others in ways we don;t see. But when you’re the one hurt, what do you do? Do you fight back? Or plot against the one who’s wronged you? Jesus tells us we can be more than this. How can you uphold what’s due you without causing more wounds? Look at the Lord–He can show you how.

June 15, ‘08 - Jesus calls apostles whose backgrounds are shady and whose weaknesses easily stand out. But what’s important is that Jesus chooses them and uses their faults to give strength to all. No matter how weak and unworthy we are. the Lord works His wonders through us. The question is: Do we allow Him?

For you one thing is lacking. Go sell what you have and give the money to the poor and you’ll have richesh in heaven. Then follow me.’ (Mk 10:21). Take to hear Jesus words today. What is one thing lacking in your life? Is there something that you keep that limits you from truly following Him?

June 13, ‘08 - On Calvary, Jesus bore the weight of the world when He  carried the cross. Someone form the crowd, Simon of Cyrene, bothered to unburden Jesus when the weight made Him fall. He didn’t just stand there and watch, he came out of the crowd. We need more Simons who’ll bother to unburden others weighed down.

June 12, ‘08 - In our lives, we experience peaks and drops. But for the most part, we have flatlands. Our everyday is filled with ordinary, bland and exciting. This is where we find our faith life challenging. What do we do when prayers have become routine, our work almost meaningless, our friends uninspiring?

June 11, ‘08 - Like the disciples, we sometimes spend the whole day at sea but find no catch. Tired and discouraged, we go ashore and dock our boats. But Jesus asks to set out once more, leave our safe, still shores and row into the far and deep, facing strong winds and battling storms. He is with us on our boat. Trust Him!

June 10, ‘08 - Save More. We associate this with buying more and spending less, getting our money’s worth and not straining our pockets too much. But in our faith life, shouldn’t this be our motto: Save More? This is the goal that Jesus Himself had. In our daily efforts - big and small like our Lord, may we Save More.

June 7, ‘08 - It’s not the amount of money we give but the amount of love we put in what we give and what we do. This is the lesson that the widow at the temple teaches us. Love is not about material gifts. More than these, it’s giving ourselves, when we give till it hurts, and when we give till it hurts no more.

June 6. ‘08 - The painter Vincent van Gogh said that there is a great fire in each of us. Yet the passerby do not come to warm themselves around the fire as they only see a wisp of smoke. How are you tending your inner fire? Do you take time to nurture your holy desires - your yearning for what’s good and true?

The greatest commandments is a simple command: Love your neighbor as yourself. But we know how difficult it is to follow. It comes naturally for us ti think of ourselves first. But Jesus says and thinks otherwise: others are first, I am last. May we always think and act like Him. Always.

June 4, ‘08 - We always for many more things for ourselves. And it happens that we forget the many blessings bestowed on us here and now. We become too focused on our goals and dreams that we fail to see what’s right i our hands. Lord, help me to live in the present. Teach me to say thanks each day.

June 3, ‘08 - ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ Very often we expect to be given what is due us. But have we also asked ourselves: How much do we give the Lord what is due Him? Give extra effort today to give God more of your time and energy.

We are given God’s vineyard to cultivate and protect. Everything we need is there. We are entrusted with so many gifts. This includes the freedom to choose the way we want to live. We’re always invited to work with Him so that we can bear much fruit. He assures us that our labor won’t be in vain.

May 31, ‘08 - Two women exchange greetings. The baby in the womb leaps. Many sings of praise to God. The hills of Judah sound with joy! For the Lord has done many wonderful things to His people and done much favor for His little ones. End this month by celebrating the wonderful things the Lord has worked for you.