Let's DOH It!

2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Psalm 119:129-133, 135
Matthew 5:13-16

“…if salt loses its taste…” - Matthew 5:13

I remember Dr. Juan Flavier saying, “Let’s DOH it” in that popular TV ad when he was still the secretary at the Department of Health.

That particular ad has stuck in my mind until now. Not only was it made funny by Dr. Flavier, its catch phrase was… well… catchy!

It always made me think of the proverbial saying, “Practice what you preach.” Indeed, we should do what we say in order for people to believe in us. In short, if you’ve promised it, then do it. Not practicing what you preach would be like picking up a packet of salt from the grocery shelf, only to find that when you use it in your food, it had been mislabeled - it’s not salt at all but sugar!

Give honor to your words. We should set good examples for others as the “salt and light” for all the mankind. Henry Y.

Reflection: How many times have I broken my promise by failing to do what I said?

Lord, help me remember to do the things that I’m supposed to do according to Your will.

St. John of Sahagun, conferssor, pray for us.

Provision

Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
Psalm 98:1-6
Matthew 10:7-13

The laborer deserves his keep. - Matthew 10:10

When David (not his real name) started preaching, everyone could tell that he had the potential to become really famous. He had a young wife and two very young children. They lived in a poor part of town and had few material possessions. However, as his reputation for being a good speaker spread, he was slowly able to start building his own house, get a second-hand car, and live more comfortably. When this happened, tongues started wagging.

Why does he ask for a love offering when he gives a talk? Isn’t it that the Word of God should be preached without cost? He has become materialistic! Negosyo na yan!

These were the less hurtful comments he heard. The Gospel today vindicates David, I believe.

The Lord understand that we have everyday needs. And He provides for them. And because He is David’s boss, He lavishes him with the greatest benefits.

Of course, there are those who have abused the work of the Lord for their own purposes. Only the Lord knows, however, who the are. If you think you do, you may be wrong. Don’t you think we should leave all judgment to him and instead focus on how we can be His laborers where we are called? Maybe then we will deserve our keep. Victoria L.

Reflection: Are we quick to judge the motives of others?

Provide, Lord, for Your workers. And guide them well that they may not abuse Your generosity that You channel through others.

St. Barnabas, apostle and martyr, pray for us.

What They Say About The Eucharist

Genesis 14:18-20
Psalm 110:1-4
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Luke 9:11-17

“This is my body that is for you. Do this is remembrance of me.” - 1 Corinthians 11:24

“Everything in man should halt in awe. Let all the world quake and let heaven exult when Christ the Son of the Living God is there on the altar in the hands of the priest.” - St. Francis of Assisi

“I wish now to affirm that I believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in this Sacrament, truly God and truly man, the Son of God, the Son of the Virgin Mary. This I believe and hold for true and certain.” - St. Thomas Aquinas (on his deathbead)

“We cannot separate our lives from the Eucharist; the moment we do, something breaks.” - Mother Theresa

“Eucharist is… a foretaste of the fullness of joy promised by Christ… it is in some way the anticipation of heaven, the ‘pledge of future glory’.” - Pope John Paul II (Encyclical Letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia)

“Amen.” Alvin B.

Reflection: When you receive Holy Communion, do you feel and believe in the real presence of Jesus? Receive Him today.

“Down in adoration falling; Lo! The sacred Host we hail.”

St. Getulius and Companion, martyrs, pray for us.

I Offer My Life

Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20
Tobit 13:2, 6, 7, 8
Mark 12:38-44

“But she from poverty, has contributed all she had her whole livelihood.” - Mark 12:44

Our parish has been undergoing construction for almost eight years now. Yup! You read it right. Eight years. In fact I think one of these days the finance committee might run out of fund raising activities. Initially the budget was P35 million, but since eight years have passed, it now costs P250 million to complete the whole project. At some point, I know that some of our parishioners have stopped donating for practical reasons. But some still continue donating as long as their names are announced before the final blessing or are mentioned in the parish bulletin for everyone to see.

A year ago, for the first time, I invested the last few bills in my wallet to buy a booklet for a fund raising activity. All I prayed for with all my heart was for the completion of our parish church, although we’d been constantly buying the same ticket every year. And guess what? We ended up winning one of the consolation prices - one sack of rice (first class)!

Well, God is good! Sure, that was my last money, but God has His ways of outgiving us. Marissa E.

Reflection: Trust in God’s provision. He never fails!

“What can we give that You have not given, and what do we have that is not already Yours? All we possess are these lives we’re living and that’s what we give to You Lord.” (from the song “I Offer My Life”)

St. Ephrem, deacon confessor, pray for us.

College At 63

Tobit 11:5-17
Psalm 146:1-2, 6-7, 8-9, 9-10
Mark 12:35-37

“The large crowd listened to him with delight.” - Mark 12:37

Whatever happened to this large crowd who was awed by His wit, fascinated by His miracles, and entertained by His nice stories? Never heard much about them. Some might even have been with those who shouted, “Crucify Him!”

This will happens today. Many are entertained by God’s Word from celebrity preachers and “feel good” bestselling books. Truth, however, is people can be delighted but still remain lost.

I read about a man in New York City who died at the age of 63 without ever having had a job. He spent his entire adult life in college. He had acquired so many academic degrees that they looked like the alphabet after his name.

Why? When he was a child, a wealthy relative died, naming him as a beneficiary in his will. It stated that he was to be given enough money to support him every year as long as he stayed in school.

By staying in school indefinitely he turned a technicality into a steady income for life - something his benefactor never intended. Unfortunately, he spent thousands of hours listening to professors and reading books but never “doing.” His knowledge never “worked.” - Jon E.

Reflection: Question: What has the Lord spoken to you about recently? What have you done about it?

Lord, we take delight in Your Word. May this transform us into your likeness so that You may be delighted when You look at us.

Blessed Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidian, virgin foundress, pray for us.

The God Of Surprises

Tobit 6:11; 7:9-14; 8:4-7
Psalm 128:1-5
Mark 12:28-34

I have heard that this woman has been married seven times and that her husbands died in the bridal chambers. - Tobit 6:14

When I was nine-months pregnant, my husband, Obet, was so excited he didn’t accept any talk assignment just for me! He asked someone to get our car in tip-top shape so that when the baby was due, Dad would be ready.

Every night, we a 15-minute walk around our neighborhood to help “ease” my labor and have a normal delivery. In one of the those walks, Obet shared with me that it is the baby who decides the time when it wants to come out, so we kept on requesting Rob (still in my womb) not to come out till our doctor arrives from her vacation.

The day came. When our OB’s secretary told us that Doc has arrived, I experienced an uneasiness that continued to worsen. I experienced labor pains. Since the car was being fixed, Obet fetched a taxi to bring me to the hospital. After two grueling days of labor, Rob gloriously came out - by Caesarian section! He chose a meaningful birthday - it was Pentecost Sunday!

My labor experiences taught me that although we prepare, God continues to surprise us. God is God! We simply have to trust. Joie C.

Reflection: Do you feel you’re preparing in vain? Be ready for His surprise!

Do your task in due season, in His time God will reward you. (Sirach 51:30)

Venerable Thomas a Kempis, confessor, pray for us.