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.
2/17/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 17, 2020February 17, 2020 Monday
Gospel: Mark 8:11-13 "Jesus sighed from the depth of His spirit” Whenever we encounter dilemmas, sometimes we tend to ask for ‘signs’ to help with our decision-making. There can be moments when we are like the Pharisees in today’s gospel – arguing with Jesus, setting conditions before we believe. And how does Jesus react to our asking for ‘signs’? Amazingly, He sighs. It’s as if saying, “My dear, if only you knew the extent of my love. If only you believe that I will never forsake you, and all I want is what’s best for you. All I ask is for you to trust me.” Can we wholeheartedly entrust our dilemmas and uncertainties to Jesus? Mother Mary, help us to believe that God has a perfect timing for everything. #PrayVD
2/16/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 16, 2020Sunday, February 16
Mt 5:17-37 I have come to fulfill the law Actions speak louder than words. Jesus today tells everyone that He is the fulfillment of the law, not just because He knows it and not just because He is the very source of the law. But because He acts in accordance with the law, in love and compassion for others. The pharisees knew the law, teach the law but do not practice it. Jesus invites us to become examples of his law of love and mercy. Let is do our best to fulfill the law and his commandments. #PrayVD
2/15/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 15, 2020Saturday, February 15
Mk 8:1-10 How many loaves do you have? When people come to us seeking help, we sometimes ask ourselves if we can do it. Can we render unto them the help they need? That is the question Jesus is asking his disciples now. What do you have to feed the hungry people? But perhaps the deeper question he is asking, “do you have the faith and courage to offer your help? Do you believe that I can take what little you think you have, and make it sufficient enough to help those in need?” Today as we rest from the burdens of yet another busy week, let us recall the moments when God took our meager loaves and made them enough. Lord, increase our trust in you to step out in service of others. #PrayVD
2/14/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 14, 2020Friday, February 14
Mk 7:31-37 His ears were opened and his tongue was released. It is very common for deaf people not to be able to talk. And this is not only in situations with the mute. Even if one can talk, but have not been able to hear speech, it is difficult for that person to speak. Jesus today healed a deaf mute and he immediately began to preach and give testimony. When Jesus “opens our ears”, we are able to hear His word. We are able to discern His guidance to us. We are able to understand His presence in our lives. Let us then proclaim Him like the deaf mute did to tell others of how Jesus has helped us. #PrayVD
2/13/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 13, 2020Thursday, Feb 13
Mk 7:24-30 She begged Him to cast the demon out of her Have you been in desperate situations? When you are helpless and feel there is no solution to your problem? The Greek mother in the gospel today was in a similar situation. Reaching out to Jesus was her only solution and so she reached out with faith and boldness. Unlike her, we don’t fear that Jesus would turn us away but there are other kinds of fear. Perhaps the fear that He will not help us. Today He asks us to trust Him and call out to Him in our need and suffering. Lord, help us in all our problems and worries. We put all our hope and trust in You! #PrayVD
2/12/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 12, 2020Wednesday, February 12
Mk 7:14-23 These evil things come from within and they defile a man In Filipino we say “Nakasanayan na” when we see a person engaged over and over again in a bad habit. Bad habits begin deep inside us, in how we think, how we reason out. Bad habits are just our bad thoughts and attitudes turned into action. That is what Jesus is warning us today. Be careful and keep watch over our thoughts and desires. Let us make it a habit to examine and reflect in prayer so that we take hold of ourselves and be led towards the more loving way of Christ. Lord, keep us from evil thoughts and desires that we may not be hurtful of ourselves and others. #PrayVD
2/11/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 11, 2020Tuesday, February 11
Mk 7:1-13 You leave the commandment of God and hold to tradition! It is easy to fall into the trap of being self-righteous, thinking that we know the Word of God just because we study it every day or because we hold fast to our daily rituals. Indeed those are very important because they are meant to help us love and be compassionate towards others. But if these make us proud, preachy and judgmental, then we become like the Pharisees who are always quick to point out the faults of others. Let us remember always why God gave us His word and the rituals and sacraments of the Church — that we honor Him by loving others. Lord, grant us hearts and minds to understand your commandments and hands to put them into action! #PrayVD
2/10/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 10, 2020Monday, February 10
Mk 6:53-56 Those who touched his garment were made well Whether it is physical illness, emotional pain, broken relationships or addiction, all of us need healing. In the Gospel, Jesus healed the sick in Gennesaret. They came and reached out to Him and they were made well. Whatever our pain is, let us reach out to Him and ask His blessing on our ailments with expectant faith. Many times, the healing could take long. Nevertheless, He is with us in our suffering and His presence gives us relief. Lord, thank You for being with us through our difficulties. Please heal us and make us whole again. #PrayVD Feb 09, 2020 – Sunday
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth....Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds, and glorify your Father.” What does Salt do? It gives flavor to food and preserves it. It also represents Divine wisdom. So applying this concept to us being a salt in this world, we give deeper meaning to our values. At the same time, one becomes the light since you show the way out of darkness for others. Thus when one does not bring his being the salt and the light from the inside self to his office, his community, and society, he loses flavor. There must be oneness in our being Christ-like in and out of ourself: honest at home, at work and in all transactions. We are cheerful, treat others with respect, considerate, compassionate. Our behavior will show what we are inside and others will see that. Let us follow Mama Mary the way she carries herself, in all her trials, she was dignified and faithful to the Lord despite her trials; let us be children of the light. Feb 08, 2020 – Saturday
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34 “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.” Jesus got tired too, so he understood when the apostles were tired after a long journey, after a mission. So he tells them to rest....It is our duty to rest too, relieve our weariness with sleep, have a lazy day, or do less strenuous tasks. Enjoy nature, go walking, admire God’s creations. Being tired can make us aware we are human, being weak can make us humble, see that we are not invincible, or superhuman doing everything others cannot do. It also gives us time to reflect , to be with others, engage in productive conversation, paint, or read. We need that break to ensure that we don’t burn out. We need to rejuvenate our bodies and spirits or time to re-calibrate our goals. It’s okay to do nothing at all sometimes, make the mind go blank. It’s perfectly alright. |
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August 2021
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