Reflections of Faith
Read and be inspired by a reflection based on today's Gospel made by members of the Verbum Dei Family in Manila.
11/25/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 25, 2020November 25, 2020 Wednesday
Gospel: Luke 21: 12-19 YOU SHALL BE HATED FOR MY NAME'S SAKE Being a follower of Jesus means making unpopular choices sometimes. We know that this may be viewed by other people as irrelevant, impractical, obsolete - simply killjoy; even hypocritical. But why do we endure? Why do we persevere? Only those who have experienced inner peace, joy, and contentment from God's love profoundly working in our lives will understand why suffering for Christ's sake is sweet. The call for us then is to share this blessing to others by helping them to partake in this amazing experience. Lord Jesus, give us a share of your endurance to persecution and help us not to despair nor be afraid, but to trust in your loving care, as we bear witness to the Good News of salvation. Amen #PrayVD
11/24/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 24, 2020November 24, 2020 - Tuesday
Gospel: Luke 21: 5-11 THERE SHALL BE GREAT SIGNS The signs of Jesus' Second Coming continues to happen in our time, and there are moments that it may create fear among many of us. Jesus loves His friends – and if we are friends of Jesus, our faith shall be greater than our fear and anxiety in our hearts. Like Lazarus, the dear friend of Jesus whom He brought back to life, death will not have a final say for us. We have heard the Good News of salvation and we believe. When Christ comes again, those who belong to Him will be raised to life. "In Christ all of us will be made alive again." Mama Mary, please see us through as we face whatever evils may beset this world. Help us to remain faithful to your Son Jesus, so in the end, we may share in His glorious Resurrection. Amen. #PrayVD
11/23/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 Monday
Gospel: Luke 21:1-4 SHE HAS PUT IN ALL SHE HAD The story of the poor widow, who offered all that she had in the treasury of God's temple, reminded me of St. Teresa of Calcutta's saying, "To give until it hurts. This is the meaning of true love." When I responded to God's call to mission and to evangelize, I realized that more than offering material things, I also need to go beyond my comfort, give up my other plans and heart's desire in order to follow God's will. Most of all, my response entails offering to God what pleases Him the most, albeit difficult and often times a struggle to have -- a pure and clean heart emptied of pride, self-righteousness, unforgiveness, and other wrongful desires. Lord Jesus, please strengthen us as we share in building up Your Kingdom, knowing that our sacrifices are nothing compared to the reward that awaits for us in heaven. Amen. #PrayVD
11/17/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 17, 2020November 17,2020 Tuesday
Gospel: Lk19:1-10 “today I must stay at your house” Jesus takes the initiative to find us. Just like the story of Zacchaeus. A man living a life of fortune and influence, yet unhappy. He heard about Jesus and was on the lookout for Him in the crowd. Jesus found him and invited himself to be a guest at his house. In great excitement and joy, Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into life and he was never the same. Do you desire healing, peace, joy and abundance? Jesus is always on the lookout. Standing at our door, patiently knocking until we open and let him in. Not easy though, it takes humility to recognise our shortcomings and acknowledge our ways. Only then shall we find ourselves before his merciful gaze. He welcomes us into his open and loving arms. Now is the time, let us come to Jesus. #PrayVD
11/17/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 16, 2020November 16,2020 Monday
Gospel: Lk18:35-43 “What do you want me to do for you?” Have you at one point gone through a desperate moment in your life and begged for help? This 2020 is never quite like any year in our lifetime. We see “beggars” of all kinds – mental, relational, financial, physical. COVID-19 and the various calamities have brought degradation and hopelessness to humanity all over the world! On the other hand, today, we see Jesus went about his missions in Jerusalem- preaching, healing people. Then, a loud shout from nowhere called him. He HEARD him and STOPPED. Right next to the beggar, he ASKED him, “what do you want me to do for you?” You see, when no else is there, turn and talk to Jesus. If you call out in faith, he will be there for you. Thank you Holy Trinity and Mama Mary for sending our way people who are gifted to give. Your incarnated love manifested through them. There is hope, peace and love as we keep our gaze on you. Amen. #PrayVD
11/9/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 9, 2020November 9, 2020 Monday
Gospel: Jn 2:13-22 “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” In the Gospel today, Jesus gave the Jews an answer to the sign they are looking for – proof of God’s dominion over life and death. Many times in our lives, we can be like the Jews – never realizing that the only and greatest sign we need is right in front of us: our savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ. When was the last time you challenged life for a sign and forgetting that the one sign you need can be found in your heart? Holy Trinity, help us always remember that Your power goes beyond what we can understand and decipher. Help us never forget that in everything, you still are the greatest sign of Love. Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen. #PrayVD
11/8/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 8, 2020November 8, 2020 Sunday
Matt 25:1-13 Five of them were foolish, five of them were wise. The five foolish maidens who failed to bring oil for their lamps were unprepared when the bridegroom arrived. What could have been the reason? It could have been laziness, procrastination, or complacency. It could be they thought their fellow maidens would bail them out of the situation. All of these are reasons why we ourselves may miss out on welcoming the coming of the Kingdom! We ourselves may become lazy or complacent. Let us keep watch always for none of us know the day or the hour when Christ comes again for us. #PrayVD
11/7/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 7, 2020November 7, 2020 Saturday
Lk 16:9-15 Who will entrust to you the true riches? Once I was on the road to Tuguegarao, wrapped up in my thoughts about work. Until my companion told me to look out the window and I saw an incredible view of the Cordillera Valley. In today’s reading, Jesus warns us not to be too busy with the world that we lose out on the true riches of a relationship with Him. I almost missed a spectacular view but that is nothing compared to missing out on the deep anf inexhaustible riches of God’s grace. Lord help us keep our eyes on true riches you offer! #PrayVD
11/6/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 6, 2020November 6, 2020 Friday
Lk 16:1-8 My master is taking my stewardship away from me What responsibility and accountability have you been given by the Lord? It doesn’t matter whether we perceive it to be small or large. What matters is that we fulfill it to the best of our ability and keeping faithful to God. In today’s parable, a dishonest steward was about to lose his job. To save it he resorted to still more dishonest means. Our stewardship was given by God and, unlike the steward in the parable, we should keep always on the straight path in our stewardship. But there is one thing we can learn from him: how much we should value this stewardship such that we strive never to lose it! #PrayVD
11/5/2020
Daily Guidelines: November 5, 2020November 5, 2020 Thursday
Lk 15:1-10 I have found my sheep who was lost I remember getting lost in the mall when I was a child. When my mom finally found me, I was incredibly relieved, but my joy was nothing compared to my mom’s. When we get lost in the midst of our life, we too feel a sense of panic, the feeling is not right. That is why when Jesus finds us and brings us back to Him, we feel redeemed. But more so the happiness of our Lord in finding us. Let us reflect today on His great love for us which searches for us whenever we are lost. #PrayVD |
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