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.
6/16/2018
Daily Guidelines: June 16, 2018June 16, 2018 – Saturday Gospel - Mt 5:33-37 “All you need to say is Yes if you mean Yes, No if you mean No....”
Truth and transparency are what Jesus mean here, when taking an oath, or just simply saying what we need to say. To take an oath is calling on God to witness what we are saying, and should not be taken lightly. Thus to give our word is a guarantee of truthfulness, and honesty, even in little things. There is never a white lie; it is either a lie or it is true. We need to know what we are saying: is it the truth (or hearsay)? Is it a fact (or fake news)? When we release our word, it is a commitment. We simply do what we said. We also have duties and responsibilities to comply with: at home, at work, in business, as a citizen. He who is faithful in the little things is also faithful on big things. Let’s ask Mama Mary, Virgin most faithful, to help us be loyal and faithful in everything we need to do and say. #PrayVD
6/15/2018
Daily Guidelines: June 15, 2018June 15, 2018 – Friday
Gospel - Mt 5:27-32 “You shall not commit adultery....”
Jesus talks about purity of heart--the source of all human acts; the depths of our soul and spirit. The heart symbolizes what is most intimate in the person. Thus if we have a close relationship with the Lord, the thoughts, actions, and plans coming from one’s heart are pure and pleasing to the Lord. We do not give in to temptations, we do not entertain lustful thoughts, we are guarded and avoid places of sin. We guard our eyes, our ears, our senses. Our deepest thoughts are concern for a clean life, and prioritize on what is critical to living devoutly with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We reject moments of infidelity, but focus on searching where more joy, peace and harmony will be found and cultivated. We pray to Mama Mary to not abandon us in our moments of weakness; lean on her as a source of strength and a role model for chastity and faithfulness. #PrayVD
6/14/2018
Daily Guidelines: June 14, 2018June 14, 2018 – Thursday
Gospel - Mt 5:20-26 “Leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first. ...’
Having to seek reconciliation is always difficult to initiate, and will be a test of one’s humility. Reconciliation demands acceptance and understanding, maturity on both parties, and openness of mind to whatever outcome. But the more important part is the initial breaking of the wall. Conflicts are normal in families, between siblings/family members, among schoolmates, workmates, within organizations or communities. Thus a mechanism is observed in order to resolve the tension immediately, and not allow this to fester and breed resentment. Companies have union councils, parents sit the siblings together to talk and mediate, etc. Let’s pray that we may put all means to forgive and not dwell on ill feelings; that God grant us the grace to forgive and forget, in order to improve relationships and achieve peace. #PrayVD
6/13/2018
Daily Guidelines: June 13, 2018June 13, 2018 - Wednesday
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19 I have come not to abolish the law but to complete itThe Gospel is about how the coming of Jesus is the fulfillment of the law of Moses, rather than its abolition. He was being questioned as to his fidelity to the law, but he refutes this by saying that his coming is the completion of the first law, that there is continuity between the Old and the New laws.
We too are called to continue Jesus' mission by being the “salt and the light” in our communities, teaching others the Way, and showing by example the main objective of our lives: the practice of love. We pray for clarity in our purpose, strength to carry on despite challenges, and when we feel discouraged, we see the Light in the horizon to keep us going. When we teach, we may be considered “to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven”. Send us your Spirit, Lord that we may teach the truth, and guide our actions. #PrayVD
6/12/2018
Daily Guidelines: June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 - Tuesday
Gospel - Mt 5: 13-16 “You are the salt of the earth... |
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