Taurians….

We easily give up on people who are against our own values. Maybe  we’ve learned from experience that we cannot really expect genuine change from those have hurt us. But the Gospel tells us that God is slow to judge and give us every opportunity for conversion. Indeed, God’s mercy is limitless.

July, 19, ‘08- Salt not only seasons –it also preserves. Where hope is lost, or when fervor is lacking, we are  called to be like salt to enhance the lives of many. Lord Jesus, help me not to lose my zest for life. May I always see your goodness in my
daily life, even in moments that I feel bland or bitter. Amen.

July 18, ‘08- Sometimes we become too preoccupied with religions practices that we forget their real meaning. Fasting and sacrifice are important  only insofar as improving our lives. It is not our hunger that Jesus wants. Rather, the Lord asks us to always improve the quality of our love and the way we love others.

July 17, ‘08- We will never run out of problems. Very often, we are easily swamped by obstacles. Such experienced of hopelessness can be terrifying. But are also opportunities for us to be move aware of the Lord’s active presence in us. Unburden yourself before the Lord. Find stillness and rest in Him.

July 16, ‘08- We can get entangled with the many what-ifs in our lives–what are you what–ifs? To hold onto them is to dwell in the past, to live in regret and longing for what is to feed our fears. Remember that as a door closes, another one opens for us. Let  us not miss this door.

July 15, ‘08- The name of our God is Compassion. Those who feel low, He lifts up. Those distant, He draws to His side. The hungry, He fill with good things. The scattered, He gathers. God’s heart goes out to people who are weak and in despair. May we be inspired to be as compassionate and kind to all.

July 13, ‘08- Jesus challenges us to look into our hearts. We know what makes us not see. We know what hinders us from giving ourselves more fully to God. But why is that we continue to hold on to objects and desires that take us father away from Him? Today, beg the Lord to teach you how to give in.

It’s very easy to have faith and to trust in the Lord when our lives are well. During trying moments, it becomes difficult to believe that Christ continues to love and care for us. Lord , may I never doubt your love. Amidst difficulties that may come, teach me to always trust in you.

July 09, ‘08- God’s Kingdom is marked by much life and abundance. The weak life are made strong and the wanderers are brought together. Those without blessings are invited to join. Do you do the same? God has given you countless gifts, and always remember, they are meant to be shared and given away.

We take pity on those we consider unfortunate. But in God’s eye even those who look unfortunate are still lucky. God invites us to see the world with fresh eyes, to see how He makes things new. What have you been the misfortunates in your life? More importantly, have they led you to your real fortune?

July 6, ‘08- ‘Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest’. Jesus constantly lays this invitation before us. But many times, we don’t want to let go of our burdens. We’re afraid to entrust them them to Him. What are the things that hinder you from enjoyinh God’s promised peace of mind?

July 5, ‘08- ‘Don’t put new wine on in old wineskins. If you do, the wineskins  will burst and the wine be spilt.’ Jesus makes many things new in us. Following Him means abandoning our old ways. If we welcome Him and want to truly belong to Him, we have to say no to our many comforts and attachments. The Lord offers more!

July 4, ‘08- Jesus asks Matthew the tax collector to follow Him. In the next scene, Matthew is with Jesus who is sorrounded by many tax collector and other sinners–a reminder for all of us. To follow Jesus is to look for those lost, to go out of our way to reach those far away. ‘What  I want is mercy not sacrifice.’

July 2, ‘08- Jesus’ words comfort and console us. But they also disturb us sometimes. That’s why Pharises do not like Him. Other people drive him away. Let’s honestly look at ourselves. What in us tends to turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to God’s Word? Is there something in our lives we need to pay attention to?

June 29, ‘08- Through the centuries, the Church has been hit by turbulent times and led by some leaders whose lives are far from Holy. Yet she continuous to produce saints and guide many in the path of goodness and truth. Anything from God will always prevail–He keeps His word. Let’s find much strength in this.

June 28, ‘08- The rainshowers of June feel like graces God continues to pour on us. They fall on all, flowing from God’s boundless goodness despite who we are. We cannot really give anything back to God that does not come from Him. Lord, teach me to always give thanks, to freely give away what I have. AMen.

June 27, ‘08- A lepers to be made clean. He goes to the Lord who heals him. We have to be grateful for life’s many afflictions, too. They make us long for the Lord and draw us closer to Him. But we must remember: it is the Lord who has longed for us first. He reaches  out His hand to touch us and make us whole.

June 26, ‘08- We feel restless sometimes. We feel this ache within us, the deep yearning for something unnamed. And we thirst for this something to fill us. In prayer, in the quiet of our hearts, we realize that ‘both what we run away from and what we yearn for are found within us.

June 25, ‘08- We find ourselves in the most trying and unsettling situations. But it’s our choice to be defeated or not. David was too small for Goliath. Abraham had to start new life in a land totally unknown to him. The good news is: our lives are not just about us and, in God, things are possible.