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.
4/21/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 21, 2020April 21, 2020 Tuesday
Gospel: Jn 3:7B-15 Memorial of Saint Anselm, Bishop and Doctor of the Church "You do not believe Me when I tell you about the things of this world; how will you ever believe Me, then, when I tell you about things in Heaven?" The dialogue of Nicodemus and Jesus continues in today's Gospel. And in this account, we can notice Jesus saying "I am telling you the truth." as He try to explain and answer further the questions of Nicodemus. How many times did Jesus try to reiterate to His students that what He's saying is the truth? Just like Nicodemus, we too, at many moments in our lives, have asked for more assurance of the truth. Not realizing, that the Truth Himself is the one proclaiming the Good News to us. Mother Mary, please continue to pray for us so we will never forget again the Face of The Truth. #PrayVD
4/20/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 Monday
Gospel: Jn 3:1-8 "No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of the water and the Spirit" In the Gospel today, Jesus tells Nicodemus how vital the Holy Spirit is for us to gain eternal life in Heaven. While the First Reading illustrated that because the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they were able to begin to proclaim God's message with boldness. How about us? Do we let the Holy Spirit make us proclaim God's message with boldness? This just helps us understand that we need the Holy Spirit now, and always. In the same way that we can enter the Kingdom of God now in the present time. Mother Mary, continue to pray for us so we'll continue seeking for the Holy Spirit -- so we can start living our eternal life here on earth now. #PrayVD
4/12/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 12, 2020April 12, 2020- Easter Sunday
Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10 “....for He has been raised.....” Jesus lives! The Resurrection is the focal point of our Catholic faith. He triumphed over death, and suffering; giving us hope in our quest to overcome too our suffering here on earth. He is alive! Our hearts rejoice, sharing in this same triumph, over our own emptiness. We now have a purpose, our lives have been given the Light, and the Path. We are one with Mama Mary in rejoicing, together with the Apostles. Let us now be the Light, the Path, and the Joy for others. It is the joy that emanates from our inner most being, able to face trials again and again, because we know we can overcome with Christ in our hearts. During this crisis enveloping the world, let us be more resolute in our devotion to Jesus and Mary, and promise never to be separated from them. Amen. #PrayVD
4/11/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 11, 2020April 11, 2020 – Black Saturday
Reading: Hosea 6:1-2 “.....in their affliction, they shall look for Me.” On this quiet day, let us take the time to reflect on how Christ’s suffering becomes one with us. Let us relive the week and how it relates to our own suffering: the hurt in betrayal and anticipation of His arrest, perspiration with beads of blood, being flogged, a crown of thorns pushed down His head, Mama Mary’s tears of sorrow, His arms being pound with those giant nails. Don’t we see? He suffered for us, for our sins, for our apathy and indifference, making Mama Mary cry her heart out. Let us find this time to ponder on how we can make it up to Him, and to our Mother. Let us be reminded that we need them both in order to recover from the turmoil, the hurt and a renewed life through His Resurrection. #PrayVD
4/10/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 10, 2020April 10, 2020 – Good Friday
Gospel: John 18:1-19: 42 “It is accomplished.” With these words, Jesus has fulfilled His purpose on earth, what God the Father has sent Him down for, through His ultimate sacrifice. He became Man in order to save us, to redeem our lives, which could be an otherwise sinful existence which could end tragically. Through His example, we learn that life is not all about comfort, materialism, nor easy ways to living but about patience and perseverance. It’s about quiet dignity in times of suffering, always turning to prayer during difficult moments, being humble when we are humiliated or in our downfall. Lord, help us to have the strength and humility to endure these difficult moments, if it is Your will; for us to grow in character, grow in deeper faith, and in love for all. #PrayVD
4/9/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 9, 2020April 9, 2020 – Maundy Thursday
Gospel: John 13:1-15 “.....you ought to wash one another’s feet.” Today, Jesus wants us to wash one another’s feet – to serve one another regardless of our positions. He teaches us how much more is required in being a leader, in being a servant-leader. Because the higher you go, the greater your responsibility is towards others in the organization, community, society, and the other side of the world. We empthasize with their sufferings, and think of ways how we can be of help. As Christians, we too have greater duty in bringing Christ through our daily living. Let us ask the Lord and Mama Mary for fortitude, on how we can continue to live Christ’s legacy in the service of others and on how to be instruments of His teachings. #PrayVD
4/8/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 8, 2020April 8, 2020 – Holy Wednesday
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25 “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. ” Matthew here tackles the betrayal of Judas as differentiated from Peter’s denial. Peter deeply loved the Lord but was easily intimidated and feared by what others said of the Lord. Judas on the other hand, sought ways and means to bring Him to the hands of the Pharisees. Where are we in our convictions, do we seek the easy or the hard way to holiness? Do we see the lessons behind the hardships? Are we mindful of the whys of what we are going through? We pray for discernment specially now that we and the world are facing these unprecedented challenges. With faith, let us see the love of God all around us. #PrayVD
4/7/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 7, 2020April 7, 2020 – Holy Tuesday
Gospel: John 13: 21-33, 36-38 “.....you will deny me 3 times.” Isn’t it hurting when your trust is broken, specially by someone close to you? Jesus was denied 3 times by Peter, his closest confidante. In our lives, we may personally have been guilty too about not being faithful to our friends and loved ones. How about our faithfiulness to Jesus? How faithful are we to Him? Do we stand up courageously when He is maligned? Do we defend the Church, Mama Mary and the Pope? Are we consistent in being the light and the path to Jesus, when others criticize them and call God “stupid”? Let’s pray more that Jesus give us the courage to stand up and speak up openly in their defense. We are, after all, the Lord’s warriors here on earth. Mama Mary, help us develop a stronger faith and firmer convictions. #PrayVD
4/6/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 6, 2020April 6, 2020 – Holy Monday
Gospel : John 12: 1-11 “.....the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” When we love someone, we always want to give them what is best, perhaps the most expensive item we know they will love and appreciate. That was how Mary in the Gospel loved Jesus, using perhaps her most treasured oil to wash His feet. Wasn’t that truly shocking, so expensive it could have fed a number of needy people! During this Lenten time, why not give our most treasured time, attention, or belongings to someone who has loved us so much, who gave His life for us. What is it that Jesus wants you to offer to Him that you have been holding back and keeping to yourself? Jesus, teach us how to live our lives entirely devoted to you specially during these days of sacrifice. Help us understand what we need to give up now and for the rest of our lives.... #PrayVD
4/5/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 5, 2020April 5, 2020 - Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
Gospel: MT 26:14—27:66 Take and eat, this is my body. Today is the start of the Holy Week – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion – a great testament of God’s love for us. Our gospel is about the preparation of the Passover meal shared by Jesus and his disciples. As we enter this sacred time, Jesus is preparing us of what we are to receive: his body and blood. Let’s ask ourselves, “What does our heart contain right now?” and “Are we ready to take and receive Jesus in our hearts?” Mother Mary, be our model of unconditional love so we also could be ready to offer ourselves most especially to those in need. #PrayVD |
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