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.
2/11/2021
Daily Guidelines: February 11, 2021February 11, 2021 Thursday
Gospel: Mk 7:24-30 "She came and fell at his feet." The woman in the Gospel shows us the way to win Jesus' heart. She begged Jesus to heal her daughter possessed by an unclean spirit. She demonstrates her humility by falling at his feet, despite the seeming denial of Jesus at first. Because of her faith and humility, Jesus is able to work the healing that she asks for. As we celebrate today the World Day of the Sick, and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, let us bring ourselves and those suffering from physical, psychological and spiritual ailments at the feet of Jesus. May we also imitate our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Lourdes' humble response, "Let it be done to me according to your word." Amen. #PrayVD
2/10/2021
Daily Guidelines: February 10, 2021February 10, 2021 Wednesday
Gospel: Mk 7:14-23 Things that come out from within make us unclean Jesus says, "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45) What we say and do, especially in our unguarded moments, reveal what is really in our hearts. What a beautiful reminder to plant and nurture in our hearts, only those that will yield good fruits: charity, generosity, joy, gentleness, peace, faithfulness, patience, modesty, kindness, self-control, goodness, chastity. These are the fruits of the Holy Spirit that cannot flourish on our own efforts alone, because of our fallen nature. We need to humbly ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit, who helps us in our weakness. Dear Holy Spirit, give us the grace to detach from ourselves that you may do your work with us. Amen. #PrayVD February 9, 2021 Tuesday
Gospel: Mk 7:1-13 "This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." We can do many things that can appear on the outside to be honoring God, and make us appear to be good Christians. But Jesus, the searcher of hearts, sees what's in our hearts that is not visible to others. He desires us to honor him not just with outward gestures, like going to Holy Mass, giving alms and donations, performing religious works and the like; but more than the gestures, He desires us to offer it with love and with the purest intentions. Lord Jesus, help us to say and do things each day, that measure up to what you do and say. Grant unto us a heart like yours that always desires to please our Father in heaven, not just to look good on this earth. Amen. #PrayVD February 8, 2021 Monday
Gospel: Mk 6:53-56 "...Many as touched it were healed." Jesus is seen walking among his people; serving them, bringing comfort, healing and restoration. Jesus is still with us, always, in Spirit. He uses the hands of our doctors, loved ones and friends, who take care of us and comfort us, when we are sick and lonely. He uses the hands of the priests to bless us, to forgive our sins, and to receive His body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the Holy Eucharist. He is in the persons who respond when we are in need. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from our Father in heaven. (James 1:17) Is there anything that pains our heart, afflicts our body, troubles our mind? Let us come to Jesus; His word has the power to bring about what it says. Mama Mary, in the midst of our adversities, grant unto us an unwavering faith like yours. Amen. #PrayVD February 7,2021 Sunday
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 “He went off to a lonely place and prayed there” Jesus was quite all over going about his mission non stop. He was preaching, casting out demons, healing the sick regardless of how late it was. Yet in the morning, he was always up early , off to a deserted place to pray. Why would Jesus need to pray? He felt the need to be always connected to God the Father. His source of strength, wisdom, affirmation. Just being with him he can openly share about his experiences with humanity. Jesus offers the same invitation to us. He is our companion, BFF. We can be authentic before him and be secured in his love for us. Come, let us go near him and pray. #PrayVD February 6,2021 Saturday
Gospel: Mark6:30-34 “Come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while” WFH (work from home) has changed and impacted much the lifestyle of so many. Setting boundary between work and home has become a blur. Sometimes, more stretched hours at work . Because of that, we were encouraged to learn how to consciously disconnect . Jesus’s practice and his teaching us to “come away and rest awhile ” is just so timely . Jesus cares for our well being - physical, mental, spiritual. Jesus desires to restore us, to commune with us so our next steps may be directed towards his best plan for us. Let us make time . God is waiting for us. #PrayVD February 5,2021 Friday
Gospel: Mark 6:14-29 “What shall I ask for?” This is one horrific scene in the gospel. Whose “head is being cut-off” today? Those unjustly accused, victims of drugs and war, slavery . Those without access to basic needs- shelter, food, education. Our trees aimlessly cut causing havoc to nature. What can we do? Would you simply ignore your conscience and let things be? Or stand up for what is right for humanity, ecology . What shall we pray for as we continue to face the challenges of the pandemic in 2021? Boldness and Courage to stand up for truth . Generosity for those who lost their means to support their family. Comfort to the weary. Let us pray for enlightenment that our eyes and heart may be guided by the Holy Spirit to direct our step to be a blessing to another. #PrayVD February 4,2021 Thursday
Gospel: Mark 6:7-13 “And he called the twelve; and began to send them” The disciples were sent out in pairs to bring the good news to everyone. Unlike in the olden times where the disciples had to walk miles to meet people, today’s technology enables us to break beyond borders. We know that at the height of the pandemic. Nothing limits us from being “sent out”. And we are to trust in God’s providence who enables and provides for us what is necessary for each moment. We need not look far, watch how you live. Our lives may be the only gospel to the people we encounter daily. Let us pray for humility, openness, mercy and compassion as bearers of the Word. #PrayVD February 3,2021 Wednesday
Gospel: Mark 6:1-6 “What kind of wisdom has been given him?” People who heard Jesus spoke were enthralled, his words penetrated their hearts. They were not mere words, rather Jesus lived it and put it into action. He spoke about God’s immense love for us, that we are all brothers and sisters. Yes, people recognize the wisdom of his teaching yet many reject him! Let us pray that despite the contrast in our midst we may recognize, listen to Jesus in the ordinary, daily encounters. In Jer29:11 Jesus desires only what is good for us. #PrayVD February 2,2021 Tuesday
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 “The favor of God was upon him” Jesus a great light, God’s gift to mankind, is presented in the temple. God’s favor resting on him as he grew in wisdom and strength. Simeon and Anna who prayed and waited in their old age recognized him and offered praises and thanksgiving to God for our redemption. May we too have the eyes and heart to recognize Jesus in surprising places and in the people in our midst . Let us be open to collaborate in God’s divine plan for all mankind. Uniting ourselves in spirit with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. For as a child of God, we too are gifted to give. #PrayVD |
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August 2021
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