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.
9/15/2020
Daily Guidelines: September 15, 2020September 15, 2020 Tuesday
Gospel Luke 2:33-35 Behold Today we are celebrating the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. In the Gospel, this is the time when Jesus Christ was crucified. As a mother, it was not easy for Mary to see her Son crucified. But before Jesus died He never forgot his family and disciples. He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” then to his disciples "Behold, your mother". And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. In this time many of us are sad because of the effect of the pandemic to each one of us. But just like in the Gospel, Jesus invites us to turn to each other. This is the time to stop our selfishness and to be humble in front of one another. Behold as we help each other be united in Jesus. If we do that, our sorrows today can become happiness tomorrow. Oh Lord God we are here to ask for your protection and healing of this world against the virus. #PrayVD
9/13/2020
Daily Guidelines: September 14, 2020September 14, 2020 Monday
Gospel: John 3:13-17 That whoever believes in Him should not perish As Christians, we know that Jesus is our savior. But do we truly believe in him? Knowing Jesus doesn't mean we believe in him. The Gospel today is telling us that if we believe in Jesus, we should follow what he teaches us and through that we will not perish. Do you believe in Jesus? Do you listen to what he teaches you? #PrayVD September 8 2020 Tuesday
Gospel: Matthew 1: 1-16, 18-23 "God is with us." This is the most comforting statement that we can hold on to during this time of pandemic: "God is with us." But where is God when it hurts? The Gospel today tells us about the coming of Jesus, our Savior, who died on the Cross to save us from sin. On the night of His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples, "As the Father has sent me, I also send you." Jesus has no body now, but ours; No eyes, no hands, no feet on earth, but ours. As baptized Christians, we are meant to be like Christ; to be His eyes that look upon the world with love and compassion; to be His body, hands and feet that cares in this time of great need. Mama Mary, thank you for staying with us and comforting us in this time of great testing. Amen. #PrayVD September 7 2020 Monday
Gospel: Luke 6: 6-11 Which is lawful on the Sabbath? In today's Gospel, Jesus heals a man suffering from a paralyzed hand on the Sabbath day, which was against the law. Jesus acted on the basis of the commandment of love and compassion, which is the essence of law. Jesus' response is an invitation for us, to reflect on our own attitude and behavior, towards those who commit violations among our family members - at home, in our workplace, organization, community. Do we give utmost importance to the rigidity of rules and laws, or we give more value to the welfare and dignity of the person? Lord Jesus, you are the model of our faith. Please help us, especially those in positions of power and authority, to act with love and compassion in the observance of rules and laws, more so, during this time of pandemic. Amen. #PrayVD September 6,2020 Sunday
Gospel: Matthew18:15-20 “Whatever your forbid or permit on earth will be forbidden or permitted in heaven” Jesus’ guidelines were meant for us to live a happy and joyful co-existence with everyone. However human as we are, our diversity in values and beliefs could sometimes get us into conflict. Among us believers, we can be guided by prayer and discernment. We may also approach and seek guidance from our elders in the family or church. Let it be that our primary purpose and desire is to create an environment of peace and respect so we can all live in harmony . Jesus, we pray for peace and healing of our world today. No more wars, just love . Amen! #PrayVD September 5,2020 Saturday
Gospel: Luke6:1-5 “The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath” Everything we know about the world today follows certain rules – be it at home, work and community. Jesus has broken through these limiting beliefs and showed us that human needs is more important than sets of rules. The “Lord over the Sabbath” has authority to overrule human laws. And Jesus gave us this commandments- “Love your God with all your heart, soul and mind . Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). Let’s stick to that and live a little sparkle every opportunity we can by giving and receiving. That way we heal our world little by little. Jesus, teach us how to love as you loved. Amen! #PrayVD September 4,2020 Friday
Gospel: Luke5:33-39 “New wine must be stored in new wine skin” In this newness of time we are made to adapt to the “new normal” in order to thrive else we die! Our church is no exemption, new approaches to service and ministries were introduced . Allowing a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit. In these times of uncertainties, let us be open that our hearts does not become attached to the old ways and remain rigid preventing us from accepting new ways. We need to keep our hearts pliable so we can continue to accept Jesus in this new time . #PrayVD September 3, 2020 Thursday
Gospel: Luke5:1-11 “Go where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish” This was the disciples’ second call. Although they have witnessed Jesus at the first time heal the sick, drive out demons, they still went back to fishing. Jesus then respected their work and understood their needs. Seeing their difficulty, he showed them the way the second time! Jesus met them where they were, in their current reality. Realising how much Jesus is interested in our needs and salvation, the disciples left their nets and followed Jesus. “The harvest is plenty but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). The same thing is true today, He invites each one of us again and again - “ push it out into the water” further and deeper, let us catch more fish! #PrayVD September 2, 2020 Wednesday
Gospel: Luke4:38-44 “The touch of his hand healed everyone” People came to Jesus with all kinds of diseases and healed each one. Today we are confronted with more complex diseases - physical, mental, financial, political to name a few. Faced with difficulty in this “newness”, what comforted you the most? Prayers, kind words, faith sharing, connecting with family and friends online? These simple acts of gestures mean a lot to those weary and in pain. In healing the sick and driving demons, Jesus had demonstrated that he could heal with just a word of authority. Yet, we also see that the touch of Jesus’ hand healed the sick. In your current reality, does someone need a “touch” from you today? Jesus, we pray for eyes that see and a heart of compassion to the people we encounter today. Use us to recognise their need and be a channel of your touch to heal their brokenness .Amen. #PrayVD September 1, 2020 Tuesday
Gospel: Luke4:31-37 “What authority and power this man possess!” People were amazed at Jesus’ authority to drive out demons – he faced many demons during his time on earth and he always exerted authority over them. No doubt darkness permeates our world even to this day. We need not be fearful! For Jesus’ power is far greater! Recognise that Jesus has authority over all the earth. So have courage, we too can overcome “In the name of Jesus!” Thank you, Lord Jesus, ever present ! For your protection, faithfulness and compassion to us! Amen.” #PrayVD |
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