Ex-Con

Zephaniah 3:14-18 or Romans 12:9-16
Isaiah 12:2-6
Luke 1:39-56

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. - Romans 12:12

“Wow, Sarah must be up in the clouds. She got acquitted! I wonder how much she gave as bribe to the lawyer,” a fellow inmate once said, sheer envy gleaming in her eyes.

So much time is spent by inmates of the Correctional Institution for Women talking about our yearning for freedom - especially when our parole is up for consideration at the Supreme Court. First five years pass, then 10, then 15, then 20! The yearning grows with each passing minute.

Finally, I tasted freedom. What I longed for the most was granted to me in 2005!

In the many years that I was imprisoned, it is true that I lost so many wonderful things… my looks, a chance at fame, many friends, and even my beloved husband. However, on the other hand. I also gained the best thing in life - a personal relationship with Jesus and a place as a warrior of Mary.

So am I an Ex-con? Absolutely.

Extra Concern is what I constantly receive from the Lord! Beth C.

Reflection: Whenever, wherever, what you hope for is available in His perfect time.

Grant us, Lord, the gift of hope that is everlasting.

St. Thomas Du, martyr, pray for us.

The Cup Of Life

Sirach 36:1, 5-6, 10-17
Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13
Mark 10:32-45

“Can you drink the cup…?” - Mark 10:38

Henri Nouwen, in his book Can You Drink the Cup? offers the cup as a metaphor for life. Like the cup, life is to be held first, lifted up, before we can truly drink from it.

Holding: He says, “Just living the life is not enough; we must know what we are living. Half of living is reflection on what is being lived. Reflection is essential for growth, development and change. When we drink the cup without holding it first, we may simply get drunk and wander around aimlessly.

Lifting: Just like when we make a toast before we drink wine, lifting up our life is life offering it as a blessing for others. “When each of us can hold firm our own cup, with its many sorrows and joys, claiming it as our own unique life, then too, we can lift it up for others to see and encourage them to lift up their lives as well.

Drinking: Drinking our cup means making our own everything we are living. It’s like saying, “This is my life,” as well as “I want this to be my life.” Henri says, “True sanctity is precisely drinking our own cup and trusting that by thus fully claiming our own, irreplaceable journey, we become a source of hope for many.”

God willed that our cups differ from one another so that we can be a blessing to one another. “Cheers!” Tess VA.

Reflection: Once in a while, hold and lift up your cup before drinking.

Lord, help me to see the uniqueness of my life, so that I may be able to lift it up and fully drink from it.

St. Ferdinand III of Castille, pray for us.

To Bribe Or Not To Bribe?

Sirach 35:1-12
Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14, 23
Mark 10:28-31

“But offer no bribes…” - Sirach 35:11

“Can I see your driver’s license, please?” asked the traffic policemen as I rolled down my car window. “What was my violation, sir?” I inquired. “Ma’am, no left turn po dito.”

Honestly, I didn’t notice that there was a no left turn sign. Besides, I used to pass by there before although it had been months since I last passed that road, so the policeman could be right after all.

I tried to reason out with the traffic enforcer but he kept on asking for my license. I had no choice but to give it to him. I pleaded that he let me go. He went again to the back of my car. I looked at my side mirror to check what he was doing. He was holding the booklet but the pen wasn’t touching the paper. He only appeared to be writing on something.

He eventually let me go without giving me a ticket. And I thank him profusely and uttered a blessing for him. I thank God too that I didn’t give in to the temptation to bribe him. Judith C.

Reflection: Trust in the Lord to get you out situations that are not of your own doing.

You find the right way of doing things always, Lord. May I learn to trust more readily.

St. William Arnaud, martyr, pray for us.

Believe

Sirach 17:19-27
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7
Mark 10:17-27

“All things are possible with God.” - Mark 10:27

One of the most challenging terms in my college years was when I had to take our thesis proposal subject for the second time. My groupmates and I had failed it the past term - miserably at that.

I was filled with insecurities, guilt and fear. Insecure because I felt like I wasn’t good enough to do what we were doing, guilt because I felt like I was one who slowed down our group, and fear that we would not make it again.

The week before our defense, I went to Mass regularly because that was the only time I felt solitude. Every day during that week, the priest’s homily was always about having faith, on believing in God’s powers that nothing is impossible for Him. My friends in the community also said the same thins: That I should believe that He will bring us through the defense.

Even if it was really hard for me, I asked God to strengthen my faith… and what do you know? We did not only pass our defense, but we got the highest possible score! Truly, nothing is impossible with God! Tina M.

Reflection: What impossible thing do you require God to make possible?

When I believe in Your power and not my own, things happen. Thank You, Lord.

Blessed Robert Johnson, martyr, pray for us.

My Visitors

Acts 2:1-11
Psalm 104:1, 24, 31, 34, 29-30
Romans 8:8-17 or Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13
John 14:15-16, 23b-26 or John 20:19-23

“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” - John 14:23

I would like to imagine that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are my visitors.

How do I treat them?

I dare not say that I am always a hospitable hostess. There are times, yes, when I am fully aware of their presence. I meet them regularly in my prayer time, in daily Mass, in the sacraments. But there are times when I don’t even pay attention to them. How many times have I failed to listen to their persistent knocking at my door and I pretend to be sleeping? Or how many times have I looked the other way when they wanted me to see some situation where I could help?

It is not easy to be a perfect hostess when one’s visitors are God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Human as we are, we will always fail. One thing never changes, though. No matter how unwelcoming we may sometimes be, our God never tires of wanting to dwell in us. Tess VA.

Reflection: Ho do you welcome the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in your life?

May I be Your perfect host always, Lord.

St. Frederick, bishop, pray for us.

Candidate #1

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
Psalm 11:4, 5, 7
John 21:20-25

Peter asked Jesus. “What about him, Lord?” - John 21:21

May I take a stab at explaining Filipinos’ penchant for beauty pageants? I believe that our inordinate fondness for these programs stem from our natural tendencies to find fault.

“Oh my God! Candidate 21’s thighs are bigger than mine - and I’m a varsity soccer player!”

“Candidate 32 should thank Funeraria Paz for her makeup.”

“Candidate 43’s gown reminds me of home - it’s made from the same material as our curtains!”

Admit it: In our humanity and frailty, there’s this natural high in feeling one is better whenever the chance to compare arises. There’s just this innate tendency in most of us to compare ourselves with others.

Take Peter for example. He had just told Jesus he loved Him three time to make up for his three-time denial days before. Yet he already had the nerve to ask Jesus what the fate of John would be.

Step Four of the 12-Step Recovery program states, “We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. “Let’s cease from either taking comfort in comparing ourselves with someone worse off than we are or be envious of people who are making progress. Only when we focus on our own issues will our spiritual progress take place. Roy M.

Reflection: Made fun of anyone lately?

Forgive me, Father, for my penchant to criticize and judge others.

St. Becan, hermit, pray for us.

The Crying Room

Acts 25:13-21
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
John 21:15-19

Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” - John 21:17

I was deeply moved and saddened when Pope John Paul II died. After he passed away, I felt orphaned. We did not simply lose a leader, we had lost a spiritual father. As we waited for white smoke to come out of the Sistine Chapel, we also learned about the richness of tradition and history surrounding the election of a new Pope. One of the things that struck me the most was the news that when a cardinal is elected as supreme Pontiff by his peers, he is first asked if he accepts the responsibility (to the very end, the leap of faith is every person’s choice to make!). If he does, he walks his way to a room called the Crying Room - the Room of Tears - and there, he is fitted with his vestments before he is presented to the waiting world. I bet any man who walks in there, realizing the overwhelming task before him, would be moved to tears! Habenus Papam! We have a Pope! Shortly after, a formal inauguration takes place, with the choir chanting, “Tu es Petrus,” the words Jesus spoke to Peter when He asked Peter to feed his sheep and called him the Rock upon which he would build His church.

Friends, let us pray for our Holy Father, as the strives to do the task of feeding us, his sheep. Coltics C.

Reflection: How has Jesus called you to love Him today?

Lord, we pray for our Holy Father. Strengthen him as he carries Your burden here on earth.

St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzim pray for us.

Falsely Accused

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
John 17:20-26

…he was being accused… - Acts 22:30

My dad was the manager, cashier and in-charge of catering services of a popular restaurant during the 50s and 60s. Using his innate management and marketing skills, he was able to run the operations of the restaurant smoothly and bring in a lot of good business to the company. That may be the reason why the restaurant owner entrusted him with great responsibilities.

One day, my dad was called in to the owner’s office. The owner told him that he received a report that my dad was referring customers to another restaurant where my dad’s brother working as a cook. My dad denied the allegations and declared that he was innocent. But the owner remained suspicious oh him.

My dad resigned. He found another job in a cosmetics firm.

But after a few months, his previous employer asked him to come back and work for him again.

My dad learned that when he left, the restaurant has been mismanaged because no one was capable of handling his job. Besides, everyone found out who had spread the malicious report about my dad. God was good and just. My dad was proven innocent and got his job back. Judith C.

Reflection: Do you take care not to falsely accuse others?

When I am unjustly rated, be my justice, Lord.

St. Afra, martyr, pray for us.

Helping Someone Be Strong

Acts 20:28-38
Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35, 35-36
John 17:11-19

By working hard in this way, we must help the weak. - Acts 20:35

I worked hard to provide for my family and send my younger sister Cherry to college. I wanted her to finish her studies like any normal students do. However, I expected Cherry to study at my pace and not her own. I overlooked one important fact - Cherry has a short-term memory deficiency, is slightly deaf and has speech problems. She was diagnosed to have dyslexia. I was angry with her for being so dependent. I berated and belittled her, which made her more insecure.

As I grew in my relationship with Jesus, I became more compassionate with Cherry. It is not through my efforts. I believe it is His grace that made me love and accept my sister’s weakness. When Cherry saw the changes in me, she became open with her feelings and freely expressed her anger and joy. I am witnessing now how my sister is gaining confidence.

St. Paul’s words struck me hard. I must not only work to provide material things for my family. I must work doubly hard to bring them to Jesus. In Him, we can bare our weaknesses and still be accepted. RosAnn J.

Reflection: Do you need to encourage someone today?

Forgive me for treading down on the weak instead helping them become strong.

St. Didier, bishop, pray for us.

Focus

Acts 20:17-27
Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21
John 17:1-11

…he raised his eyes to heaven… - John 17:1

In the little book The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis details the training correspondence between a chief demon (Screwtape) to a junior demon (Wormwood). It’s a very witty, deep and interesting book - I was able to understand it better since I read the comics version. He he. In it, Screwtape says when the human prays, “Make sure that he only concentrates on the corner of the ceiling or crucifix.” Focus on the object, he stresses.

I’ve wondered about this: Why do we look up to heaven when we pray? Is this instinctive? Reading back into John 17 we get a glimpse of Jesus actually saying a long prayer. Notice how he starts though. Verse 1 says, “He raised his eyes to heaven.” I’m not a literal Bible reader but I know that’s literal - and not symbolic.

We take after Jesus then, when we arise our eyes to heaven to pray alone, as he did. When done inside the house however, it doesn’t matter if we are looking at the corner of the ceiling, as long as our minds are in heaven. Remember though, it’s not in the looking in the direction of heaven that counts. It’s in the placing of our minds and hearts in heaven. Jomar H.

Reflection: When you pray and your mind strays, do you re-align to God repeatedly? Or just give up?

For our sustenance, we look to You alone.

St. Bobo, hermit, pray for us.

Superhero

Acts 19:1-8
Psalm 68:2-7
John 16:29-33

“But take heart, I have overcome the world…” - John 16:33

As a kid. I’ve always wanted to be invincible. I’ve always dreamt of having the strength of Superman, the cool contraptions of Batman and telekinetic abilities of Aquaman. But I later realized that my comic book heroes did not have absolute invincibility. Each one has a weakness. Superman melts before Kryptonite. Batman is useless without his utility belt. Aquaman is powerless without water.

Let me introduce you now to a Superhero that I came to know when I was 12 years old. He has been my Superhero ever since. Yes, He is invincible. He made Kryptonite. He doesn’t need a utility belt and He walks on water. In fact, of all the Superheroes I know, only He claimed to have conquered the enemy. And the nice thing about this is that He is for real.

Jesus, my Superhero. He knows all my problems. He accepts me as I am. He laughs with me, cries with me, comforts me, heals me and He never leaves me. And when I am overrun by problems and the pressure of day to day living. He reminds me to “take heart” for He has overcome the world.

Are you looking for a Superhero? Try Jesus, He’s just a prayer away. Randy B.

Reflection: Have I put my trust in other heroes only to be disappointed? Is Jesus my Superhero? Do I call on Him for help?

Jesus, you are my Superhero. Teach me to trust you in everything I do today. And when I am overwhelmed by challenges of today, remind me that You “have conquered the world.”

Blessed Eugene de Mazenod, pray for us.

Legacy Of Hope

Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23
Luke 24:46-53

“Why are you standing here looking at the sky?” - Acts 1:11

On the last dat of my father’s funeral in 1989, I felt a sudden surge of sadness knowing that I would never see him again. I stayed for as long as I could near his casket and gazed at his lifeless body. I didn’t want him to go. It was just too difficult.

Later, after the burial, a few of my father’s friend approached me and consoled me, saying that my father loved me so much and he was so proud of me. It was indeed a consolation and I held on to it to help me move on.

Jesus’ ascension is not supposed to be a sad occasion. It was a great miracle and the basic foundation of our faith as Christians. Jesus did not leave us empty-handed. He sent us the Holy Spirit to guide us in moving on in life as we await for the day when we will see Him again. Jane G.

Reflection: It is time for us to “stop gazing” and get to work for the Lord.

Bless me, Lord, that I may be a good witness.

St. Anastasius XIII, bishop, pray for us.

Prayers For A Servant God

Acts 18:23-28
Psalm 47:2-3, 8-9, 10
John 16:23-28

“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.” - John 16:24

I’m not guilty of “not asking in His name.” Ever since I learned that this priest friend of mine was on the brink of falling in love with a woman, I stormed heaven with prayers. Prayers for his enlightenment and guidance and, most of all, that he experience an inner conversion making Jesus his number one, and not number two, in his life. I offered my daily Masses for him as well as a daily novena to St. Therese of Lisieux, prayed one thousand “Hail Mary’s,” did an overnight vigil before the Blessed Sacrament…among many other prayers and sacrifices. I bet God wanted to answer my prayers because “the harvest is great and the laborers are few.”

But He will always honor what that priest wants to do with his life. As of this writing, he’s still a priest but I lost touch and I don’t know scores higher in his life right now. But I believe that the outcome of all this will be what is best - for him as well as for the church because, as the next verse says, “Ask and you will receive.” Cristy G.

Reflection: Are you asking in His name?

“Lord, those who are bowed down with burdens You lift up, and they do not fall because You are their support.” - excerpt from the “Confessions” by St. Augustine.

Blessed Peter Wright, martyr, pray for us.

God Will Make A Way

Acts 18:9-18
Psalm 47:2-7
John 16:20-23

“…Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.” - John 16:23

We were on our way to a healing session by a Filipino priest who was known to have raised someone pronounced clinically dead. I was going to meet my six-year-old son and his nanny in the church so that my son could be prayed over. However, all roads going to the church were blocked and cars were parked everywhere. My husband and I decided to turn back. When I called the driver with my son to instruct him to turn back also, it was too late - the nanny and my son had gone inside the church to look for me.

The nanny was shocked to find the church jam-packed with people from the door to the altar. She didn’t know where to begin looking for me. Suddenly, two women approached her and told the people to let her through. The women led her to the very front where the priest was doing the healing.

Our other friends waited for hours for their turn to be prayed over while my son who just arrived was done in less than 20 minutes!

A lot of times we think that God doesn’t know what’s happening with us. The truth is He is thinking of us every single moment. He knows what we need ever before we ask. Ronna L.

Reflection: Have we surrendered all the desires of our heart to God?

When trials block my way, guide me, Lord, that I may reach the Promised Land.

St. Felix of Spoleto, bishop and martyr, pray for us.

Backseat Driver

Acts 18:1-8
Psalm 98:1-4
John 16:16-20

If you are lost, you yourselves must take the blame for it! - Acts 18:6

“We are lost - again,” I told the company driver assigned to me.

My driver was new. The one he replaced, who had been my driver for nine years, resigned because he found a better job abroad. Being my driver for such a long time, he knew the routes to the places i frequented. So I just read in the car and left the driving to him.

When the new driver took over, I presumed he knew the places I went to, so I read in the car, as had been my habit, and left the driving to him. But in the first week, we often got lost. Much as I didn’t want to, I became a backseat driver for a month or so, until my new driver became familiar with the routes.

When it comes to my own life, I’m responsible for where I go. While the Lord is there to lead me, I’m the driver and so I should know where I am going and be familiar with the routes I have to take toward a happy life here on earth and on to heaven. If I get lost, as the reading today points out, I have only myself to blame. Cynthia S.

Reflection: Do you know how to take responsibility for you own actions?

Lord, guide me; don’t let me go astray on my way to You.

St. Adrio, martyr, pray for us.

Look Around

Acts 17:15, 22 - 18:1
Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
John 16:12-15

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. - Acts 17:24

Did you know?

The average human body contains enough iron to make a three-inch nail, sulfur to kill all fleas on an average dog, carbon to make 900 pencils, potassium to fire a toy cannon, fat to make seven bars of soap, phosphorous to make 2,200 match heads and water to fill a ten-gallon tank.

Snails produce a colorless, sticky discharge that forms a protective carpet under them as the travel along. The discharge is so effective that they can crawl along the edge of a razor without cutting themselves.

Ginger has been clinically demonstrated to work twice as well as Dramamine for fighting motion sickness, with no side effects.

There are more stars in space than there are are specks of sand on the Earth.

What a wonderful world we line in! I’ve voraciously read facts and trivia about science since I was a kid and I’m still learning new things every day. Although I was taught in school about Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, I think it’s foolish to believe that all things are just a result of an accident of nature, humans included. For me, such beauty and order can only be the result of a generous Creator who loves us so much that He provides the best for us! Cecille L.

Reflection: Look around you and see all of God’s wondrous creations.

I am surrounded by the beauty of Your creations. Thank You, Lord.

St. Adam, hermit and abbot, pray for us.

The Holy Sitter

Acts 16:22-34
Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 7-8
John 16:5-11

“But if I do go away, then I will send him to you.” - John 16:7

I was amazed: How could a baby move that fast? I was watching my friend’s five-month-old girl on the bed while her mom quickly used the bathroom. “Keep your eyes on her. Don’t leave her for a second,” she instructed…and it wasn’t long before I knew why. As soon as the mom turned her back, the infant started rolling with lightning-fast speed towards the edge of the bed. If I hadn’t jumped in her general direction to act as a human roadblock, she would’ve had one of her first tastes of excruciating pain. Babies, because they are not yet fully aware of danger, do not realize that thrilling activities sometimes end in disaster. Responsible parents that and caregivers know this and never leave babies unattended.

God knows me. He knows that half the time. I have no idea why I make unwise decisions. He can see the bigger picture so He knows when I’m headed for a major bump or pothole in the road. In many ways, I am just an infant, reliant on someone bigger.

A very long time ago, Jesus almost didn’t want to leave His flock but because He knew He had to go, he had a backup plan - He called on the babysitter of babysitters, the ever-present guide who does not take His eyes away from those in His care. Today the Spirit is still very much available to all those who are afraid to fall off the edge. Anna dG.

Reflection: How often do you call on the third member of the Trinity?

Holy Spirit, watch over me and protect me from harm.

St. Andrew, martyr, pray for us.

The Biggest Loser

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
Psalm 113:1-8
John 15:9-17

…the lot fell upon Matthias… - Acts 1:26

Barsabbas must have felt like the biggest loser. I mean, it was his chance to become one of “The Twelve/” And they had to pick Matthias. Now he would go down in history as having been “The Unchosen One.”

Look, I sincerely doubt if Barsabbas thought that way. He wouldn’t have been in the running to fill the 12th Apostle’s shoes if he had an attitude problem. He would have understood that Matthias possessed the talents and gifts to become No. 12 while he had other talents and skills.

But have you ever felt that way? That others are picked out for more prominent positions than you are? That their work is recognized while yours is not? That they become famous and get all the fame?

There was this girl that worked with us in Shepherd’s Voice. She thought it was unfair that Bo (yes, Bo Sanchez) would be lavished upon with so much attention and so many gifts while we, the rest of the full-time staff, were never even seen. (Huh?!) Needless to say, she left the company many years later still bitter and always comparing the lot she had with what others had.

Abraham Lincoln once said, and I paraphrase: “A lot of things can be accomplished if nobody cared who got the credit.” Are you this kind of person? Or are you like my ex-co-worker? Victoria L.

Reflection: What are your skills and abilities? How can they best be used for God’s glory and not your own.

Tame any envy in my heart and help me recognize the talents You are already using in me.

St. Boniface, bishop, pray for us.

Paradox Of Life

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23 (or Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20)
John 14:23-29 or John 17:20-26

“Peace I leave with you…” - John 14:27

Isn’t it amazing how life seems to be a paradox? Let me enumerate:

- The skies seem to be clearest after a rampaging typhoon.
- The most beautiful diamonds come from pitch-black carbon and are formed by heat and intense pressure.
- The death of a seed brings forth a new plant.
- A caterpillars “dies” to transform itself into a new butterfly.
- Gold is refined by fire.
- Opposite poles attract. This may apply only for magnets.
- They say that a woman is most beautiful after giving birth. After all the ugly pain. it somehow brings out that fresh womanly radiance.

In the paradox of life, wholeness comes after brokenness. For us to have the peace that surpasses all understanding and the peace that the world cannot give, Jesus went to through the most unpeaceful situation the world had to offer: rejection, anxiety, ridicule, humiliation and all the negative psychological stress combined!

This peace is free. All I need to do is ask and it’s mine.

He did the hard part. Thank God! Ariel D.

Reflection: Wholeness comes after brokenness.

This peace is free. All I need to do is ask You and it’s mine. You did the hard part. Thank You, God!

St Agnes of Poitiers, abbess, pray for us.

Instructions

Acts 16:1-10
Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5
John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” - John 15:18

As a grade five student, I knew how it felt not to belong. I was only one in our class with thick, geeky black framed eyeglasses. I was ranked the fourth heaviest boy in our batch. (Gee, I really thought I was the fifth.) And while all of my classmates wore all long pants, I was wearing my Grade 4 shorts. So when I got to high school I vowed to myself that I will never again be mocked. I made sure I wore the latest fashion. Never mind if I looked like an uncooked sausage in my stretch pencil-cut pants. And of course, I mastered the art of tucking in my tummy, taking full breaths only when nobody is looking.

Sigh! The things we do just to gain the world’s approval.

Sometimes doing what God wants requires us to make unpopular decisions. Many times following Him means saying yes when the world say no; telling the truth even when it is more convenient to lie; and keeping a promise even if it means going out of our comfort zones.

Today’s reading reminds us that Jesus went through the humiliation, persecution and rejection long before us. Are you being despised for the sake of the Gospel? Rejoice, you are in good company. Randy B.

Reflection: When faced with a choice between the approval of the world and doing God’s will, what will I choose?

Lord, give me the character and strength to choose you over the approval of the world. Make me strong in my commitment to do Your will amidst the opposition and the temptations of the world. Amen.

St. Dominic de la Calzada, hermit, pray for us.

Flexible

Acts 15:22-31
Psalm 57:8-9, 10, 12
John 15:12-17
“It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities.” - Acts 15:28
A friend’s son was put in charge of monitoring tardiness for Monday morning flag ceremonies at school. He was happy to the work but one day, a friend of his came two minutes late for the proceedings and asked if he could be excused just this once. “You see,” the guy explained, “my father died in the middle of the night and my mother was only able to return to us at 6 a.m. That’s why I am a little late.”
My friend’s son was in a quandary. Should he excuse his friend? He was in violation of the rules. After a week’s agony, he decided to excuse his friend. And he was at peace.
Rules are good. They give us guidance. They are made to help us lead less chaotic lives. However, a rigid and unbending attitude towards these rules may add burdens on others. Instead of the rules working for the good, they could become limiting, constricting, and a tool for fault-finding.
Do you find yourself prone to rigidity? Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Love. You may find Love teaching you to have more Mercy. Victoria L.
Reflection: Do you find it difficult to discern when to be or not to be flexible? Talk to someone about it.
May Love be the only unbreakable rule in my life.
St. Mamertus of Vienne, archbishop, pray for us.

Love, Faithfulness and Obedience

Acts 15:7-21
Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 10
John 15:9-11

“If you keep my commandments…” - John 15:10
I love my son purely and unconditionally. He enjoys my love tremendously. But sometimes he gets it wrongly. He thinks my love allows him to do everything that he likes even if it can hurt him - like playing violent computer games or eating too much or staying out in the sun too long.
Let me get it straight. He’s playing Counter Strike at times or bringing on pork chops and barbecue or burning his skin while playing at noontime does not remove my love for him. But if he continues on disobeying me (and his mom, especially) he will “damage” himself seriously.
Every time my son obeys us, the more he becomes open to the pureness of our love. But when he disobeys, he closes and shuts himself off to that true love meant for him.
Jesus loves us purely and unconditionally. But that love doesn’t mean we can do anything we want because he’ll continue to love us anyway. Nope! Doesn’t work that way. We need to be faithful and follow his commandments. Why? Because if we don’t, we will seriously hurt ourselves. And Jesus, who loves us so much, wouldn’t want that to happen.
Keeping His commandments is for us. It beautifully opens us more to His pure love.
Love. Be faithful. Obey! Alvin B.
Reflection: Does your love to God translate into faithfulness and obedience? Or do you understand God’s love as license to do anything you want?
Lord, I want to be more open to Your love by following Your commands. By Your grace make me faithful and obedient. Amen.
St. Alphius, martyr, pray for us.

Yes, Lord!

Acts 15:1-6
Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5
John 15:1-8

“If you remain in men and my words remain in you, ask whether you want and it will be done for you.” - John 15:7
I was elected as vice-president for finance in our village association. Last Easter I was able to organize our first-ever egg hunt. With the help of some friends I was able to solicit goods for the children. Well, I decided to lift up everything to God. And voila! I only asked five people for donations, each person to donate two packs of assorted candies and every time they called me back for pick up, they would hand me at least six packs! Suddenly, generous donors from nowhere donated eggs and plastic eggs too for the candies… but best of all, we were able to ask Jollibee to donate some burgers.
I accepted God as my personal Lord and Saviour last 1993. Not all my experiences have been like the one above, but even with trials from time to time, I try to treat them as God’s way of letting me know that I have a “big guy” to back me up. Now that is what I call a blessing! Marissa E.
Reflection: Are you ready to entrust your life to God?
Lord, beginning today I fully entrust my life into Your hands. You’ve always known what’s best for me. Thank You for answering our prayers.
St. Beatus of Vendome, missionary, pray for us.

Rodents Don't Fly

Acts 14:19-28
Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 21
John 14:27-31

Peace I leave with you… - John 14:27
The pilot of a plane was flawlessly scraping the blue sky with his fluid maneuvers and near perfect turns, when suddenly, he heard a weird noise coming from where the engine and its vital wires were. The gauges one by one started malfunctioning and he immediately engaged the autopilot to take a peek at what could be going wrong. His head doubled its size when he saw a rat gnawing on the wires and it was actually nearing hydraulic tubes. He knew it would be the end of his flying days, and of his life, if the rodent got to the hydraulic tube.
He had an idea.
He pulled the plane up to maximum altitude. The big rodent then dropped dead.
Because rodents can’t survive extremely high altitudes
The peace of God to what used to be troubled hearts is something that the world can never know. We can, if we allow Him to take us “up” there. Jon E.
Reflection: Are you troubled? Scared? Overwhelmed by life? Buckle up. Soar in the wings of prayer. God can blow out the rodents of worry, fear and guilt in your heart.
Lord, all the world offers are temporary and fleeting rat pleasures that its decaying nature recognizes. Bring me up to the “peace that surpasses all understanding.” Amen!
St. Wiro, bishop, para for us.

The Power Within

Acts 14:5-18
Psalm 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16
John 14:21-26

"The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in My name - He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." - John 14:26

I was scared to death. It was my turn to present a report in my masters' class. Our instructor was from UP and I was told that she has high standards and worse, that some of my classmates were hyper-critical. All the previous reports had been great. I started imagining what could happen: my teacher would frown in dissatisfaction and I might make a booboo and everyone would laugh.

Before I vanished in fear, I also remembered many things: it's my attitude towards the problem that worsens the problem; experience is just 10% of what happens and how I respond makes up the 90%; my husband, Obet, assured me that my report would be great; I have been speaking in prayer meetings since my youth: and that, "perfect love casts out all fear." (1 John 4:18)

Then I felt the fresh surge of confidence washing out my nervousness. I gave the report and did it well. My teacher nodded in approval.

Jesus was right, "the Holy Spirit... will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." (John 14:26). Let Him bring out the best in you! Joie C.

Reflection: Imagine what could you accomplish if you were not scared?

The One Who is in you is greater than the one who is the world! (1 John 4:4)

Blessed Rose Venerini, pray for us.

Reflecting His Love

Acts 14:21-27
Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
Revelation 21:1-5
John 13:31-33, 34-35

"This is how all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."- John 13:35

When my son Rob was about two years old, he was as energetic as four kids combined. Our reward was his sweetness.

His smile can captivate anyone's heart. Without a warning, he would give a hug and a kiss. Every time I arrive home and he sees me, his eyes will beam with delight, he'll shout with glee, run towards Daddy, give me a hug and I forget the whole world. For a full five minutes or more he would embrace me tightly with his ear pressed on my chest as if listening to my heart. After that he will play around the house pulling me wherever he goes.

Somebody taught me that a "heart to heart" position when dad carries his baby creates an intimate relationship. Well, I didn't know he would be this sticky. I can't understand why he behaves this way until I seem to hear a voice that tells me, "If you want to understand your kid, don't use your close-minded adult mind. You have to be a kid, too."

Then, it dawned on me that in the eyes of Rob, Daddy means love. When Daddy is near, I will be carried, hugged, admired and cared for. Daddy is love. Rob just gave me my new life mission - to incarnate Jesus' very own love. By God's grace, may I fulfill it! Amen. Obet C.

Reflection: To the world, you might be one person; but to one person, you might be the world.

As I purify my heart to see You, Jesus, may others see You in me. Amen

Blessed Edward Jones, martyr, pray for us.

You've Got Connections!

Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
John 14:7-14
"If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it." - John 14:14

"Brother," this very kind man came up to my husband, "if you need anything in Makati, you know where to find me. Just mention my name to anybody in the bureau."

Boy I tell you, I wanted to blurt out, "Thank you so much, bro. Please don't resign anytime soon."

The man said it with so much assurance; I felt my husband could "conquer" the city!

Perhaps you have found yourself in situations like this.

A friend at this institution offers help so you won't need to queue. An acquaintance knows someone in the municipal hall who can expedite documents.

It surely pays to have "connections." Now, my Heavenly Connection should make me gazillions of times more confident about anything I ask for!

I can feel the certainty with which Jesus speaks. I can almost see His eyes looking straight into mine - "You need anything? You want to ask my Dad? You've got me! Ask in My name, and it will be yours! I'm telling you - anything!"

And the even greater thing is, because the One we ask loves us like nobody else can, we can be prepared for the perfect answers to our prayers. Lallaine G.

Reflection: My friend, how good are you at asking?

Thank You Lord that I can run to You and ask! You are the Perfect Answer to my every prayer.

St. Aventinus, hermit, pray for us.

One Way - Jesus

Acts 13:26-33
Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11
John 14:1-6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life." - John 14:6

When I was a young preacher, I was invited to give a talk in a community located in the outskirts of Manila.

I was driving along and I remembered it was drizzling that night. At first, it was a little bit of a challenge searching for the place. But when I missed a turn, fear really got the better of me.

I kept on driving for nearly two hours, not knowing where to go. I kept on asking people for directions, but the more I asked, it seemed the farther I got from the place. I was becoming frustrated and tired. I wanted to go home. But couldn't. I was lost, remember?

I reckon I sang all the songs I knew that night. I sang even the songs that I didn't know, just to keep my sanity.

Then, it happened.

All of a sudden, without warning a van almost cut me off the road. It was a white, used van. I got furious. But when I saw the big bold words at the back of the van - "I AM THE WAY..." I knew it was God's guidance.

So I followed it, and I was right! It led me right to where I wanted to go.
That night, I gave the shortest but most powerful talk of my life. Arun G.

Reflection: Thank God for the challenges He allows in your life. For these are ways by which He reveals Himself anew.

Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life.

St. Sacerdos, bishop, pray for us.

North Of The Moral Compass

1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5,
John 14:6-14

Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

I tinkered with the T9 dictionary on my first ever Nokia cell phone and concluded it was useless. And irritating. I typed in W-H-E-N and all I got was gibberish. So I turned off the dictionary for good and typed in my messages in the traditional way: 1 click for W, 2 clicks for H, 2 clicks for E and 2 clicks for N. Or to shortcut, I just typed in W-E-N. Now that's the way to text.

But one day, a geeky friend of mine said that the dictionary on the cell phone was the easiest thing to use. In fact, it makes texting much more efficient. He pulled me aside and taught me how to use it.

Oftentimes, that's how we are with many things in life. We don't know the whole truth about the matter so it's easy to make wrong judgments.

That's why Jesus says He is the Truth. Without Him as the north of our moral compass, right and wrong would be relative - subject to whoever is making the judgment. In our world of grays and compromises, He is the Voice that says, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21). Rissa S.

Reflection: Who is your ultimate authority when it comes to truth?

Lord, I set You as the absolute Truth in my life. Let me live according to the Truth today. Amen

St. Adalsindis, abbess, pray for us.

Ear Nut

Acts 12:24 - 13:5
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
John 12:44-50

"I came into the World as Light..." - John 12:46

Do you know what an ear nut is? In Filipino it's a pakaw. That's right. The little piece of metal that holds a stud earning in place. Well, one day, I dropped an ear nut under the bed.

The next morning, I tried to look for the thingy. Unfortunately, the bed was wedged between two immovable barriers. And I didn't have a flashlight. I thought I was stumped for sure until I remembered that my cell phone had one of those features that was 10x better that a flashlight. In no time, I found my the ear nut. I also found under the bed were the shoes I thought I'd lost, a shirt that had been missing for months, and layers of dust that could coat a mountaintop the size of Apo.

Jesus as Light of the World came to help us find our lost ear nut. I like to think that this lost item is the image and likeness of the Father that is built into each of us. It's not easy because it's buried under so much baggage. Many think that the way to get to the ear nut is to ignore the baggage. I doubt that Jesus thinks this way. He knows that the only way is to look through His eyes into the darkness that surrounds us and then find our precious real selves. When we do this, we can start cleaning up. And then maybe, just maybe, our original selves will start to grow. Victoria L.

Reflection: What baggage do you have to get rid of? If you can't answer that, I suggest you look to the Light.

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, that I may see the real me that You created me to be.

St. Ultan, abbot, pray for us.

Is He The One?

Genesis 1:26 - 2:3 or Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24
Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 12-13, 14, 16
Matthew 13:54-58
"A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house." - Matthew 13:57

Marie wants to know if her suitor Clem is "the one" for her life.

He's mestizo. He's sweet. He's also very good with words. Marie would always blush when Clem spoke his one liners. (Example: "If a star fell every time I thought of you, the sky would be empty.")

But her parents warn her, "He's a bum. He doesn't have work!" And she defends him, "But he's free-spirited and can't be boxed in."

And her cousins tell her, "Marie, he's a playboy. Here's a list of the names of women he fooled." And they hand her the phone directory. Again, she says, "But he's just friendly by nature. They misinterpret him."

And her friends tell her, "Don't you notice the needle marks in his arm? He's an addict." And she says, "No, he tells me he's gotten into cross stitching lately."

It's true. Many times, God speaks to us through ordinary people.

We want our prophets to come from a high mountain far away, wearing a shiny robe, a long beard, and a halo around their heads.

We don't like prophets who are two inches from us, wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

Too bad. They could save Marie a great deal of heartache. Bo S.

Reflection: Common sense is not so common. Listen to people who you know have lots of common sense.

Lord, show me the prophets You send to me. Help me to discern Your voice in theirs.

St. Andeolus, martyr, pray for us.