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.
11/4/2019
Daily Guidelines: November 4, 2019November 4, 2019 Monday
Gospel: Luke 14:12–14 “Fortunate are you for they cannot repay you.” (cf. Luke 14:14) It’s a normal custom for people to invite for meals only those they know like friends and relatives. No one would sit at table with a stranger; he would sit at table only with persons whom he knows. This was the Jewish custom and even now we practice the same. Many times, we have preferences, we are selective to share only with those whom we like or go along with our interests. But Jesus acts differently, he invites the strangers and the unknown. It’s something unusual in his time. Today Jesus challenges us to invite the least and the poor – people who cannot give nor repay us. Who are those who cannot repay you back? Inviting these people means to feed them faith, believing that it is the Lord who will give us the eternal reward. #PrayVD
11/3/2019
Daily Guidelines: November 3, 2019November 3,2019 Sunday
Gospel: Luke 14:12-14 “When you give a feast, invite instead the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.” It would definitely be exciting to be seated at the table with Jesus! Who doesn’t want to be in the VIP table? Well, nothing wrong with that. On the other hand, Jesus calls us to mind those who are without the advantages and privileges we enjoy . Jesus wishes the same blessings for them too. Pray and ask what you may do to express your gratitude to God by blessing others too today. Jesus thank you for helping us realise we are all brothers and sisters . That we are all loved unconditionally by you . Teach us to love just the same towards one another. Amen! #PrayVD
11/2/2019
Daily Guidelines: November 2, 2019November 2,2019 Saturday
Gospel: John 6:37-40 “Whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall live eternal life.” What an incredible promise from Jesus! How can we see Jesus? He makes his presence known when we read the Word, in the breaking of the bread, through the Church - his people! The Lord reveals himself to us in countless ways to those who seek him with the eyes of faith. So let’s us be joyful, pray unceasingly and be grateful! We pray that we might live, grow and persevere in faith to the end . Amen! #PrayVD
11/1/2019
Daily Guidelines: November 1, 2019November 1,2019 Friday
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 “Fortunate are those who are poor in Spirits” Jesus began his sermon with words that seems to contradict each other . Indeed, God’s way are not man’s way. You must be willing to give when others take, to love what others hate. To serve and not be served. These Beatitudes are not optional to the followers of Christ . They describe what the followers should be like. Holy Trinity and Mama Mary, teach us to yield to your teaching . Amen! #PrayVD
10/31/2019
Daily Guidelines: October 31, 2019October 31,2019 Thursday
Gospel: Luke 13:31-35 “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” As Jesus continues his mission he is met with threat and rejection by the Pharisees. Nevertheless, Jesus did not feel daunted, rather journeying forward despite the great danger he is walking. Motivated by love, which overcomes fear and brings forth courage. He is love, who overcomes all. Lets us pray with hope that as we too continue to journey and do missions, may our hearts be full of compassion that will not waver in any situation. EMMANUEL- God is always with us! #PrayVD
10/30/2019
Daily Guidelines: October 30, 2019October 30,2019 Wednesday
Gospel: Luke 13:22-30 “Do your best to enter by the narrow door” “Lord, is it true that a few people will be saved?” Here we see Jesus re-directing the thoughts of the people to what is more essential . Spending time with him alone does not give us a sense of entitlement. Rather, how deep and wide have we loved our neighbours . I AM Love . To love is to live, that should be our motivation and gate pass to enter by the narrow door. Lord, teach us to love others as you do. Make our eyes open and ears hear the cry of the poor around us. Move our hearts to take action where we are most needed. Amen! #PrayVD
10/28/2019
Daily Guidelines: October 28, 2019October 28,2019 Monday
Gospel: Luke 6:12-16 “He chose twelve of them to be apostles” A Few Good Men. Yes, Jesus named the twelve apostles he chose to teach and train to continue to minister to others when he goes back to heaven. Jesus did not just chose anyone . We see that Jesus prepares himself. “He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” We often think of the twelve as the only disciples of Jesus. He actually had hundreds and more other disciples. But out of them he chose twelve for “Coaching” and “Mentoring”. And out of these are the many men and women in the church we encountered today who continues to teach not just to religious , the lay people too! For we are called to spread the good news! Today, we honour and pray for our Priest, Nuns, Missionaries and Lay leaders who through their YES and self-giving enabled us to receive God. #PrayVD
10/27/2019
Daily Guidelines: October 27, 2019October 27, 2019 Sunday
Gospel Luke 18:9-14 “The tax collector... beat his breast and prayed.” cf Luke 8:13 According to theologians, pride is the gateway through which all the other deadly sins enter. Indeed, as we get consumed by the sin of pride, we tend to become too full of ourselves that it is difficult for the grace of God to enter. Hence, Jesus gives this gentle reminder that genuine prayer entails becoming vulnerable and weak before God. Because in the midst of powerlessness, it is the Almighty who will exalt us way beyond our own human capabilities. Let us also try our best effort not to look down on others, recognizing that each one is created in God’s own image. #PrayVD
10/26/2019
Daily Guidelines: October 26, 2019October 26, 2019 Saturday
Gospel Luke 13:1-9 “Perhaps it will bear fruit from now on.” cf Luke 13:9 In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is teaching us about the real image of our Father. He debunks the misconception that God punishes us for our wrongdoings. Instead, He likened Him to a gardener, who gives His time and energy to a barren tree, patiently digging and adding fertilizer, hoping that it will bear fruit someday. Like our Father, we ought to give second chances to others who have wronged us. Also, we ought to give second chances to ourselves, especially when we feel that we have dried up and have nothing to give. Let our gentle Father nourish and rejuvenate us. #PrayVD
10/25/2019
Daily Guidelines: October 25, 2019October 25, 2019 Friday
Gospel Luke 12:54-59 “Don’t you know the meaning of this present time?” cf Luke 12:56 Many people seem to dwell and be haunted by their past to the point that they’re stuck and unable to move on. Little do they realize that every waking hour of the present time is filled with opportunities to repent, to change and to improve oneself. Despite what other people say about us because of something we did in the past, let not our past define who we are at present. Instead, let us be open to be further molded by the Potter into the best version of ourselves. Mother Mary, make us fully aware of the importance of living in the present moment. #PrayVD |
Archives
August 2021
CategoriesAll Daily Guidelines Reflections On The Word Of God School Of The Word Thoughts From A Disciple |