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.
7/6/2019
Daily Guidelines: July 6, 2019July 6, 2019 Saturday
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17 “Do not put new wine into old wineskins” – cf Matthew 9: 17 As we get to know Jesus deeper through prayer, there are aspects of our lives that we may be called to purify to become more Christ-like. Sometimes our rigidity and resistance to change prevent us from truly accepting and recognizing the transformation we need to do from within. In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that genuine prayer will lead us to become a new creation, and we must welcome the total transformation of our lives, from inside and out, in order for us to become the best wine which will enrich others as well. Mother Mary, teach us to welcome the newness our faith in Christ brings. #PrayVD
7/5/2019
Daily Guidelines: July 5, 2019July 5, 2019 Friday
Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13 “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” – cf Matthew 9:13 As the Good Shepherd, Jesus leaves the rest and looks for that one lost sheep. It’s such a consolation to know that no matter how great we seem to have wandered off, no matter how far we’ve distanced ourselves from God, His love is so overflowing that He will leave the rest in order to look for us. Hence we are being invited by Jesus to do the same to others as well. That however greatly they have hurt, betrayed or distanced from us, we must still recognize that they are God’s beloved and are still worthy of our love as well. #PrayVD
7/4/2019
Daily Guidelines: July 4, 2019July 4, 2019 Thursday
Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8 "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” – cf Matthew 9:2 Is there a moment in your life when you’ve felt paralyzed? When the mind is willing, but the flesh is weak? Were there times when you felt stuck or unfruitful? In today’s gospel, Jesus is teaching us the key elements to combat this paralysis: (1) courage, to be able to overcome laziness or shyness and become proactive (2) mercy, to feel God’s loving gaze, urging us to keep moving forward despite our frailties and failures, and (3) the power of community- like the people who carried the paralytic to be able to go near Jesus, our community can carry us to reach Him when we feel incapacitated. #PrayVD
7/3/2019
Daily Guidelines: July 3, 2019July 3, 2019 Wednesday
Gospel: John 20:24-29 "Stop doubting and believe.” - cf Jn 20:27 St. Thomas has been otherwise known as the “Doubting Thomas” in today’s gospel account. Like him, we too sometimes fall to this trap. We set conditions for a lot of things before we believe (e.g. unless it will be beneficial for me..., unless you give me proof..., unless I see you as a credible source..., etc.) On the other side of the spectrum, at times we also become too gullible - believing in gossips and hearsay by other people without searching for the truth. But today Jesus reminds us that despite our volatile minds, His fidelity never dwindles. He is ready to show us His wounds anytime, in order for us to believe that He loves us, despite our doubts. #PrayVD
7/2/2019
Daily Guidelines: July 2, 2019July 2, 2019 Tuesday
Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27 "Then He got up...and there was great calm” - cf M6 8:26 There are certain things in life that are beyond our control -- natural calamities, unexpected illnesses, the kinds of people we will be working with, the family situation we are in, etc. The fact that we have no control over them makes it very difficult to handle or accept. But Jesus reminds us that no matter how fierce and tremendous the storms in our lives are, there is Someone bigger and more powerful who will restore peace and calmness in all these trying moments. Mama Mary, teach us how to trust in Him fully and to have radical faith. #PrayVD
7/1/2019
Daily Guidelines: July 1, 2019July 1, 2019 Monday
Gospel: Matthew 8:12-22 "Let me go first..." - cf Mt 8:21 Sometimes in our following of Jesus we tend to prioritize our own will first. Even though our reasons seem justifiable for us, still Jesus is inviting us to follow Him first and to let Him take care of the rest. As we try to rely on ourselves less, we begin to trust in Him more deeply. Hence, we are being called to pray sincerely and listen to what He wills, instead of hearing only our own hearts’ desire. Mother Mary, as someone who entrusted your life entirely to God’s will, please guide us. #PrayVD
6/30/2019
Daily Guidelines: June 30, 2019June 30, 2019 Sunday
Lk 9:51-62 "When the days drew near, he set his face to go to Jerusalem." How resolved are we to do the mission God has for each of us? If it means hardship and difficulty will we continue doing it? As Jesus continued his mission throughout Gallilee, He could very well have stopped and stayed somewhere. He could have refused to continue on to Jerusalem knowing what awaited him there. But the Gospel says that he “set his face”. The Greek translation literally means He was steadfast. He trusted that all was in Gods control and that all was according to God’s plan. When we feel afraid to continue on, let us pray for the same determination as Jesus! #PrayVD
6/29/2019
Daily Guidelines: June 29, 2019June 29, 2019 Saturday
Matt 16:13-19 "On this rock, I will build my church." To build a house, you need a good foundation. Knowing all his weaknesses, you would not have chosen Peter as the foundation of the Church. But Peter’s admission of faith is the sign that he could do the job. Because he acknowledged that it is God who is the true Savior and that it is not our work that will be done. It is God’s work and our faith in Him is the rock, the foundation. Let us humbly seek God’s grace in whatever we do, knowing that He is our rock. #PrayVD
6/28/2019
Daily Guidelines: June 28, 2019June 28, 2019 Friday
Lk 15:3-7 "He will go after the one which is lost until he finds it." A friend recalled when his son got lost in the supermarket. He ran around each aisle shouting his name, until every other customer was looking at him. Finding his son was all that mattered. When we are lost, Jesus is like my friend. He loves us so much he cannot bear to lose us. But the other thing is to let Him find us. My friend’s son stopped walking and instead waited for his dad to find him. He trusted that his father would look for him. Let us trust our Father who wants us always to be found! #PrayVD
6/27/2019
Daily Guidelines: June 27, 2019June 27, 2019 Thursday
Matt 7:21-29 "The house did not fall because it had been founded on the rock." Storms happen in our life and when strong rains and wind of our problems hit us, we may be tempted to give up. Jesus encourages us today that if we trust and believe in His love and His promises, no matter what storm occurs in our life, we will make it thru. He is our rock of salvation and strength. Lord, help us to hold on to your love and your Word as our firm foundation! May it keep us faithful in trying times. #PrayVD |
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