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.
2/23/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 23, 2020February 23, 2020 Sunday
Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48 “Offer no resistance to one who is evil. Be perfect.” It is quite normal to hate someone who wronged us. Yet Jesus teaches us that perfect love is to be able to love the unlovable. Loving is made even more special when we make a conscious effort to forgive those who have hurt us and to pray for those who persecute us. It may be very difficult to do, but God assures us that through practice, we will be able to find inner peace. In fact, He loved us too, despite the times we offended Him. So we must give back His mercy by loving our offenders as well. Who knows? The mercy we give may save one lost soul. #PrayVD
2/22/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 22, 2020February 22, 2020 Saturday
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19 “Upon this rock I will build my Church.” Recalling St. Peter’s life really leaves one at awe. Peter was a simple fisherman who had a lot of flaws, limitations, and doubts. He denied Jesus many times. His dwindling courage caused him to sank in the water. His boldness and carelessness led Jesus to scold him a number of times. Yet, Jesus chose him as the ‘rock’ with which He built His Church. He became the first Pope and was entrusted the keys to the Kingdom. Christ finds in Peter a trustworthy Shepherd, who despite his limitations and weaknesses, remained in Him and drew strength from Him to build the foundations of the Church. St. Peter, teach us how to be loyal to Jesus and not to be hindered by our failures and doubts. #PrayVD
2/21/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 21, 2020February 21, 2020 Friday
Gospel: Mark 8:34-9:1 “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world?” There is nothing wrong when we yearn to achieve. To dream big things keeps us motivated at work and in our relationships. Yet Jesus in today’s Gospel demonstrates a radical way of living – to deny oneself, take up one’s cross and follow Him. According to Him, achievement without humility, a heart ready to embrace hardships and a desire to follow Jesus is a worthless achievement. To gain the whole world but to lose yourself in the process will not give us the real fulfillment we seek. Dearest Mother, may we live honorable lives by standing up for the truth even if we’re standing alone, and to be able to do His will even if it leads to unpopularity. #PrayVD
2/20/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 20, 2020February 20, 2020 Thursday
Gospel: Mark 8:27-33 "He spoke this openly.” Many times when we are in crisis, or when we are rejected and suffering, we tend to put up a poker face and tell people we’re okay, while deep inside us we’re not. Jesus Himself talks about suffering and rejection so openly that Peter began to rebuke him. But Jesus reminds us that suffering and rejection for the sake others is indeed something to be proud of. It is a testimony of love that must be proclaimed to the world, to set example and to encourage those who are battling with difficult situations as well. Mother Mary, help us to embrace suffering more openly like your Son. #PrayVD
2/19/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 19, 2020February 19, 2020 Wednesday
Gospel: Mark 8:22-26 "He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside.” Many of us, knowingly or unknowingly, may be blinded at some points in our life: blinded by the flash of wealth or admiration, blinded by our pride, blinded by the expectations of others, blinded by self-pity, or blinded by doubt. Whatever causes our blindness to the Truth, Jesus is always willing to reach out, take us by the hand, and lead us to a clearer vision of His kingdom. He yearns to restore our sight that we may find the genuine joy He promises. Mother, may we allow Jesus’ touch as He lay His hands on us to enable us to see clearly His will. #PrayVD
2/18/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 18, 2020February 18, 2020 Tuesday
Gospel: Mark 8: 14-21 "Do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand?” There are many ups and downs in every man’s journey of faith. There are instances when we see God’s hand at work in our lives – when impossible cases become possible through Him. On the other hand, there are also times when we forget the wonders Christ has done and we tend to be narrow-minded and focused only on what is lacking. Jesus reminds us to be watchful, to recognize the times when we tend to forget that He is in control. As the first reading also encourages us: “Blessed is he who perseveres in temptation.” Dearest Mother, increase our perseverance through the ups and downs of our faith. #PrayVD
2/17/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 17, 2020February 17, 2020 Monday
Gospel: Mark 8:11-13 "Jesus sighed from the depth of His spirit” Whenever we encounter dilemmas, sometimes we tend to ask for ‘signs’ to help with our decision-making. There can be moments when we are like the Pharisees in today’s gospel – arguing with Jesus, setting conditions before we believe. And how does Jesus react to our asking for ‘signs’? Amazingly, He sighs. It’s as if saying, “My dear, if only you knew the extent of my love. If only you believe that I will never forsake you, and all I want is what’s best for you. All I ask is for you to trust me.” Can we wholeheartedly entrust our dilemmas and uncertainties to Jesus? Mother Mary, help us to believe that God has a perfect timing for everything. #PrayVD
2/16/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 16, 2020Sunday, February 16
Mt 5:17-37 I have come to fulfill the law Actions speak louder than words. Jesus today tells everyone that He is the fulfillment of the law, not just because He knows it and not just because He is the very source of the law. But because He acts in accordance with the law, in love and compassion for others. The pharisees knew the law, teach the law but do not practice it. Jesus invites us to become examples of his law of love and mercy. Let is do our best to fulfill the law and his commandments. #PrayVD
2/15/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 15, 2020Saturday, February 15
Mk 8:1-10 How many loaves do you have? When people come to us seeking help, we sometimes ask ourselves if we can do it. Can we render unto them the help they need? That is the question Jesus is asking his disciples now. What do you have to feed the hungry people? But perhaps the deeper question he is asking, “do you have the faith and courage to offer your help? Do you believe that I can take what little you think you have, and make it sufficient enough to help those in need?” Today as we rest from the burdens of yet another busy week, let us recall the moments when God took our meager loaves and made them enough. Lord, increase our trust in you to step out in service of others. #PrayVD
2/14/2020
Daily Guidelines: February 14, 2020Friday, February 14
Mk 7:31-37 His ears were opened and his tongue was released. It is very common for deaf people not to be able to talk. And this is not only in situations with the mute. Even if one can talk, but have not been able to hear speech, it is difficult for that person to speak. Jesus today healed a deaf mute and he immediately began to preach and give testimony. When Jesus “opens our ears”, we are able to hear His word. We are able to discern His guidance to us. We are able to understand His presence in our lives. Let us then proclaim Him like the deaf mute did to tell others of how Jesus has helped us. #PrayVD |
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August 2021
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