Daily Reflections

July 30, 2011
THE PROBLEM WITH PROPHETS

Prophets are the mouthpiece of God. This is the literal meaning of the Hebrew word, “nab.” Prophets are God’s gift to a nation, to a church, to a community. In the Old Testament, Yahweh always tried to bring back the Israelites to the path of righteousness through the ministry of prophets. In our Gospel, we hear how even King Herod was touched by the proclamations of John, the last prophet.
Like King Herod, though, we live to regret that we never heed the words and follow the examples of prophets. Like Herod, we tend to appreciate prophets after they are gone. As the proverbial words of the Holy Book puts it, “No prophet is acceptable in his native place.” To this we can add, “No prophet is acceptable in his own time!”
What makes prophets hard to accept?
1. Prophets are not diplomats. We want to hear about mistakes and the need to reform our ways, but we want this expressed in a gentle and kind manner. However, the prophets are often too naive, too plain and too loud with their words. They do not sugar-coat their talk. They seem to be imprudent at times, too sharp with the way they teach.
2. Prophets confront us with their ways. More than their words, prophets challenge us with their ways, their lifestyle. They reveal to us that it is not impossible to live with the ideals of humility, simplicity, truthfulness, chastity of mind and heart. They make us see that what sets us apart from our ideals is not impossibility but our lack of resolve and our compromising ways. They mirror to us the best of self that we fail to achieve.
3. Prophets make us envy their joy. We take a lot of effort and a lot of detours in trying to be happy and blessed. Prophets show us a direct way that we oftentimes fail and do not want to embrace: the way of detachment and simplicity. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
Have you known someone whom you can consider as a present-day prophet? What makes you regard this person as a prophet? What attracts you to him? What do you find difficult to follow and accept in him?

Lord, send us prophets every now and then who will challenge us to reform our ways.

St. Hatebrand, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 30, 2011
1st READING

God’s economic policy for His people was radical. On the 50th year, all debts were to be cancelled and all land and property was to return to its original owners. All slaves were to be set free as well. The huge disparity in wealth that exists today is not God’s will. We all have a responsibility to ensure that we pay our workers more than the basic wage so that they can live with true dignity as children of God.

Leviticus 25:1, 8-17
1 The LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai, 8 “Seven weeks of years shall you count — seven times seven years — so that the seven cycles amount to forty-nine years. 9 Then, on the tenth day of the seventh month let the trumpet resound; on this, the Day of Atonement, the trumpet blast shall re-echo throughout your land. 10 This fiftieth year you shall make sacred by proclaiming liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when every one of you shall return to his own property, every one to his own family estate. 11 In this fiftieth year, your year of jubilee, you shall not sow, nor shall you reap the aftergrowth or pick the grapes from the untrimmed vines. 12 Since this is the jubilee, which shall be sacred for you, you may not eat of its produce, except as taken directly from the field. 13 In this year of jubilee, then, every one of you shall return to his own property. 14 Therefore, when you sell any land to your neighbor or buy any from him, do not deal unfairly. 15 On the basis of the number of years since the last jubilee shall you purchase the land from him; and so also, on the basis of the number of years for crops, shall he sell it to you. 16 When the years are many, the price shall be so much the more; when the years are few, the price shall be so much the less. For it is really the number of crops that he sells you. 17 Do not deal unfairly, then; but stand in fear of your God. I, the
LORD, am your God.”

P S A L M

Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
R: O God, let all the nations praise you!
1 [2] May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. 2 [3] So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. (R) 4 [5] May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. (R) 6 [7] The earth has yielded its fruits; God, our God, has blessed us. 7 [8] May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! (R)

G O S P E L

St. John the Baptist died because he was unafraid to tell King Herod that in taking his brother’s wife he was committing adultery. Here we see the qualities of a true servant of God and the type of character that we desperately need in the world today when so many leaders seek only popularity and fame rather than following what is morally right.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 14:1-12
1 Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” 3 Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, 4 for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. 6 But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod 7 so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, 10 and he had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. 12 His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

my reflections
t h i n k : The huge disparity in wealth that exists today is not God’s will.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Proverbs 28-31

Daily Reflections

July 29, 2011
THE WORRIER is A SAINT

We have often been unkind to Martha, the saint whose feast we commemorate today. Preachers have the tendency to generate more sympathy and admiration for her younger sister, Mary, who opted to sit and listen to Jesus. Many times, we caricature Martha as the incessant doer, the anxious worker who tends to compare her busyness with the seemingly uncaring attitude of her sister, Mary. Biblicists say that Martha was probably the eldest of already orphaned siblings, so she was the one who took charge of things at home whenever important guests like Jesus would come.
But St. John’s Gospel story on the death of Lazarus brings us the positive side of the practical Martha. Amidst the sorrow she felt about the demise of her brother, Martha went out to welcome Jesus who arrived rather late as Lazarus had been buried for four days. It was a Jewish belief that if a person has been dead for four days, his spirit has already left the earth. Hence, any hope for resuscitation is nil. Nonetheless, Martha came out to welcome the tardy Jesus. Mary, the contemplative one, decided to stay at home, probably feeling bad about the whole event.
The practical Martha, with her concern about the daily flow of life, must have said to herself, “Lazarus is dead; life must go on.” For her, there was no room to sulk in pain and grief. Being the eldest, if indeed she was, she needed to buoy the hope and gladness of the rest of the household.
Indeed, without meaning to demean those who are prayerful, it could happen that our prayerfulness can make us detached and unrealistic about the events in life. It could happen that our inclination to meditate and contemplate can make us slow to face up to the harshness of life’s inevitable moments.
Rather than be engaged in the arguments, Martha or Mary, action or contemplation, let us ask for the gift of integration.Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
Do your faith and spirituality make you face up or gloss over your pains and trials in life? What is real faith for you?

Lord, I need Your grace to be a contemplative in action.

St. Olaf, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 29, 2011
1st READING
The sacrifices and offerings in the Old Testament remind the people that all that they have is a gift from God and it is to Him that they owe their first allegiance. God wanted the people to have a humble acceptance that He was the source of all things lest they become self-sufficient, proud and arrogant and forget God and His goodness.

Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37 (or 1John 4:7-16)
1 The LORD said to Moses, 4 “These are the festivals of the LORD which you shall celebrate at their proper time with a sacred assembly. 5 The Passover of the LORD falls on the fourteenth day of the first month, at the evening twilight. 6 The fifteenth day of this month is the LORD’s feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. 7 On the first of these days you shall hold a sacred assembly and do no sort of work. 8 On each of the seven days you shall offer an oblation to the LORD. Then on the seventh day you shall again hold a sacred assembly and do no sort of work.” 9 The LORD said to Moses, 10 “Speak to the children of Israel and tell them: When you come into the land which I am giving you, and reap your harvest, you shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest, 11 who shall wave the sheaf before the LORD that it may be acceptable for you. On the day after the sabbath the priest shall do this. 15 Beginning with the day after the sabbath, the day on which you bring the wave-offering sheaf, you shall count seven full weeks, 16 and then on the day after the seventh week, the fiftieth day, you shall present the new cereal offering to the LORD. 27 The tenth of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement, when you shall hold a sacred assembly and mortify yourselves and offer an oblation to the LORD. 34 The fifteenth day of this seventh month is the LORD’s feast of Booths, which shall continue for seven days. 35 On the first day there shall be a sacred assembly, and you shall do no sort of work. 36 For seven days you shall offer an oblation to the LORD, and on the eighth day you shall again hold a sacred assembly and offer an oblation to the LORD. On that solemn closing you shall do no sort of work. 37 These, therefore, are the festivals of the LORD on which you shall proclaim a sacred assembly, and offer as an oblation to the LORD burnt offerings and cereal offerings, sacrifices and libations, as prescribed for each day,”

P S A L M
Psalm 81:3-4, 5-6, 10-11 (or Psalms 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11)
R: Sing with joy to God our help.
2 [3] Take up a melody, and sound the timbrel, the pleasant harp and the lyre. 3 [4] Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our solemn feast. (R) 4 [5] For it is a statute in Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob, 5 [6] who made it a decree for Joseph when he came forth from the land of Egypt. (R) 9 [10] There shall be no strange god among you nor shall you worship any alien god. 10 [11] I, the LORD, am your God who led you forth from the land of Egypt. (R)

G O S P E L

Martha was the head of the household that Jesus visited with His disciples. No doubt she felt a huge responsibility to make sure all was just right for her esteemed guests. Jesus was not criticizing Martha for her loving service but was trying to help her find the right balance between service and prayer in her life. We should not neglect rightful service to our families in order to pray.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
The word of the Lord remains forever; this is the word that has been proclaimed to you.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

John 11:19-27 (or Matthew 13:54-58, or Luke 10:38-42)
19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. [Lazarus, who had died] 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

my reflections
t h in k : All that we have is a gift from God and it is to Him that we owe our first allegiance.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Proverbs 24-27

Daily Reflections

July 28, 2011
HE WANTS THE BEST FOR EVERYONE

I was assigned to be part of the team of formators for the seminary when I was a young priest. At the start of every school year, we would pray fervently that our vocations promoter would find a good number of young men who were interested in training in the seminary and had the calling. But at the end of every school year, we’d find ourselves sifting through those who have gone through the seminary formation with us and making tough decisions on whom to re-admit into the next level of training and whom to advise to go out.
Today’s Gospel makes me realize that this routine in the seminary is a microcosm of God’s work of building His Kingdom. He loves to embrace and welcome all into His “net.” However, in the end, there is also a need for evaluation and judgment. Our desire for quantity must not blind us from considering quality.
The wisdom in Jesus’ parable should be a good guide in our effort to build up our parishes, renewal groups, marriage encounter communities and so on. Much as we want to involve everyone, we also have to balance the number of members with the quality of those whom we invite into the community. The following considerations could help us:
1. Invite and retain people who can share and further our mission and vision. Persons who are convinced of the community’s vision-mission and who have the human, spiritual and material ability to work for it can take on the task of shepherding the community in the future.
2. Discern who can be leaders and those who are committed workers. Be realistic about your expectations of people based on their aptitude, personality and resources. Even St. Thomas Aquinas preached, “God’s grace builds on nature.” Community life is like the body where there are different parts with different competencies.
3. To be realistic is an act of charity. Joy comes with fulfillment; fulfillment can only be achieved according to what God has decreed. Let us not raise false hopes in others. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
Pray for the grace to combine being frank and being gentle in dealing with others, especially in your community and ministry.

Father of the Harvest, send workers to Your Kingdom.

St. Peregrinus, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 28, 2011
1st READING

The cloud that hovered over the tent of dwelling was the Sheikina glory cloud of God and was a visible sign of His presence. Only when this cloud lifted did the people pack up camp and move on. We, too, should be aware of God’s dwelling with us and be attentive to the time God wants us to move on.

Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38
16 Moses did exactly as the LORD had commanded him. 17 On the first day of the first month of the second year the Dwelling was erected. 18 It was Moses who erected the Dwelling. He placed its pedestals, set up its boards, put in its bars, and set up its columns. 19 He spread the tent over the Dwelling and put the covering on top of the tent, as the LORD had commanded him. 20 He took the commandments and put them in the ark; he placed poles alongside the ark and set the propitiatory upon it. 21 He brought the ark into the Dwelling and hung the curtain veil, thus screening off the ark of the commandments, as the LORD had commanded him. 34 Then the cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. 35 Moses could not enter the meeting tent, because the cloud settled down upon it and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. 36 Whenever the cloud rose from the Dwelling, the Israelites would set out on their journey. 37 But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward; only when it lifted did they go forward. 38 In the daytime the cloud of the LORD was seen over the Dwelling; whereas at night, fire was seen in the cloud by the whole house of Israel in all the stages of their journey.

P S A L M

Psalms 84:3, 4, 5-6, 8, 11
R: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
2 [3] My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (R) 3 [4] Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young — your altars, O LORD of hosts, my king and my God! (R) 4 [5] Blessed they who dwell in your house! Continually they praise you. 5 [6] Blessed the men whose strength you are! 7 [8] They go from strength to strength. (R) 10 [11] I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (R)

G O S P E L

In this parable we can see how God wants to include everyone in His Kingdom. The net is cast out to catch all the fish but some are found unsuitable and are thrown back to the sea. Being aware that one day we will all face the judgment seat of Christ is a good reminder for us to avoid sin and strive to grow in holiness.


ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 13:47-53
47 Jesus said to the disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. 48 When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. 49 Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 51 Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” 52 And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” 53 When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

my reflections
think: Being aware that one day we will all face the judgment seat of Christ is a good reminder for us to avoid sin and strive to grow in holiness.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Proverbs 21-23

Daily Reflections

July 27, 2011
MANY WAYS TO ONE GOD

I was a member of one of our choirs at the Paco Catholic School when I was a young student. One piece that we had to master was a song entitled “One God.” Part of the lyrics of the song goes: “Many the ways, all of us pray to one God; many the paths winding their way to one God...
One Father, loving each the same.” These words ring loudly in me as I reflect on the two parables about the Kingdom of God in today’s Gospel.
The first parable about the buried treasure highlights how God’s reign and friendship can come to someone in the midst of other preoccupations in life. The stories of a good number of the apostles illustrate the parable. These men encountered the greatest treasure in their lives — Jesus calling them — while they were engaged with their trades. The second parable, which likens God’s Kingdom to a merchant’s search for the best pearl, makes us realize that there are occasions when the treasure is found through a quest.
Whichever way the Lord God chooses to reveal His reign and friendship to us, it is important that we are receptive to the work of His spirit. More importantly, we have to know how to yield to God when He reveals His plan to us. This is usually where the struggle is — in giving our unconditional “yes” to the Lord.
The two parables teach us that the Kingdom of God demands an exchange. The man who accidentally discovered the hidden treasure in the field had to go home and sell all that he had in order to buy the field. The merchant engaged in the search for fine pearls also had to go and sell all his other pearls and gems so that he could buy and possess the pearl of the great price.
When we discover the path to God, we need to make a choice — one choice among many. The hardest choice is a choice among so many goods. Surely, the man’s and the merchant’s other possessions that they had to sell were “good things.” How ready are we to walk with God and follow the path He has chosen for us? Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
Which of the two parables today speak more about your own experience with God and with His plans in your life? Are you enjoying your life with God? What is your secret?

Lord God, give me the courage to say “yes” to Your call for my life. And when I have said my “yes,” help me fulfill it to the best that I can. Amen.

Blessed Titus Brandsma, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 27, 2011
1st READING
Paul contrasts this glory that shone on the face of Moses with the glory that will be ours as we gaze at the face of Christ. Moses’ glory faded while ours will grow stronger. His was the glory of the Old Covenant, which failed to save; ours is the glory of the Eternal Son who triumphed over Satan and all his realm. When we gaze on Jesus in adoration, our faces will begin to shine.

Exodus 34:29-35
29 As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the LORD. 30 When Aaron, then, and the other children of Israel saw Moses and noticed how radiant the skin of his face had become, they were afraid to come near him. 31 Only after Moses called to them did Aaron and all the rulers of the community come back to him. Moses then spoke to them. 32 Later on, all the Israelites came up to him, and he enjoined on them all that the LORD had told him on Mount Sinai. 33 When he finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. 34 Whenever Moses entered the presence of the LORD to converse with him, he removed the veil until he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the Israelites all that had been commanded. 35 Then the children of Israel would see that the skin of Moses’ face was radiant; so he would again put the veil over his face until he went in to converse with the LORD.

P S A L M

Psalms 99:5, 6, 7, 9
R: Holy is the Lord our God.
5 Extol the LORD, our God, and worship at his footstool; holy is he! (R) 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, and Samuel, among those who called upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. (R) 7 From the pillar of cloud he spoke to them; they heard his decrees and the law he gave them. (R) 9 Extol the LORD, our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for holy is the LORD, our God. (R)

G O S P E L

People who collect rare items, such as stamps, coins or art works, are always on the lookout for something special, something of great rarity and value. At auction houses, huge sums of money are paid for great art works because they are so prized. Jesus tells us in this parable that the greatest prize and treasure that we can attain in this life is the Kingdom of God and, if need be, we should sell all we have in order not to miss out on all that it offers us.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
I call you my friends, says the Lord, for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 13:44-46
44 Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

my reflections
t h i n k : When we gaze on Jesus in adoration, our faces will begin to shine.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Proverbs 17-20

Proverbs 17-20

Daily Reflections

July 26, 2011
GOD ’S GOODNESS AT WORK

It is unfortunate that we do not have official biblical materials on the lives of members of the human family of Jesus. The Gospel writers, working under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, simply wrote about Jesus, His person and His ministry, with some related mention about Joseph and Mary. Perhaps this is the Holy Spirit’s way of keeping our faith focused on the essential: Jesus.
As we honor today Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus, we can however apply the short Gospel passage on Joachim and Anne by accommodation. Joachim and Anne were not just privileged in the sense that it was from their bloodline that the Incarnate Jesus came. They were blessed with a long life — long enough to witness the fulfillment of the prophecies about the coming Messiah, long enough to have held Jesus in their arms, as did Simeon in the Temple.
I remember two related experiences: First, I used to hear my maternal grandmother mention to our relatives and friends that part of her daily intercession before God is to ask for the blessing of being able to live long enough to see us, children of her only offspring, graduate college. Second, I recall that whenever I solemnize a wedding, one beautiful part of the nuptial blessing is to ask God to let the newly-wedded couple “live to see their children, and their children’s children... in their happy old age.”
Our Gospel proclamation makes us realize: long life and happy old age are not simply prayer requests for oneself. To live long happily is a grace to see God alive and at work in our descendants. To live long and age graciously is to be given the grace to praise and worship God concretely for all His goodness to one’s family. To live long and age graciously is to be blessed with a vocation to lead one’s family to deeper spirituality and prayer. So, start invoking this blessing now — for yourself and for your family.Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
What are your earnest prayers for yourself and the rest of your family?

Father God, I pray for my family. May all of us be an instrument to bring one another closer to You. Amen.

St. Valens, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 26, 2011
1st READING

Contrary to what many people think, God in the Old Testament reveals Himself as a God who is full of mercy and compassion, willing to forgive and to bless for a thousand generations. The problem is not God’s willingness to forgive but our willingness to admit our sins and seek His mercy.

Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5-9, 28 (or Sirach 44:1, 10-15)
7 The tent, which was called the meeting tent, Moses used to pitch at some distance away, outside the camp. Anyone who wished to consult the LORD would go to this meeting tent outside the camp. 8 Whenever Moses went out to the tent, the people would all rise and stand at the entrance of their own tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses entered the tent, the column of cloud would come down and stand at its entrance while the LORD spoke with Moses. 10 On seeing the column of cloud stand at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise and worship at the entrance of their own tents. 11 The LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as one man speaks to another. Moses would then return to the camp, but his young assistant, Joshua, son of Nun, would not move out of the tent. 34: 5 Moses stood there with the LORD and proclaimed his name, “LORD.” 6 Thus the LORD passed before him and cried out, “The LORD, the LORD, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity, 7 continuing his kindness for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness and crime and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but punishing children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for their fathers’ wickedness!” 8 Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship. 9 Then he said, “If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company. This is indeed a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own.” 28 So Moses stayed there with the LORD for forty days and forty nights, without eating any food or drinking any water, and he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

P S A L M

Psalm 103:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13 (or Psalms 132:11, 13-14, 17-18)
R: The Lord is kind and merciful.
6 The LORD secures justice and the rights of all the oppressed. 7 He has made known his ways to Moses, and his deeds to the children of Israel. (R) 8 Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. 9 He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever. (R) 10 Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. (R) 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. (R)

G O S P E L

In this parable of the seed, Jesus shows that the world is not Satan’s domain but that of God. The evil seed is sown in the Kingdom and is removed at the end of time by the angels. Here we see that Satan is the usurper of God’s reign and has no rightful place in this world, which is God’s.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to Him will live forever.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 13:36-43 (or Matthew 13:16-17)
36 Jesus dismissed the crowd and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, 38 the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 Just as weeds are collected and burned [up] with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

my reflections
t h i n k : The problem is not God’s willingness to forgive but our willingness to admit our sins and seek His mercy.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Proverbs 13-16

Daily Reflections

July 25, 2011
MOTHERS AND OUR VOCATION STORIES

The story of James and John in our Gospel today is an interesting account about their mother’s intervention with Jesus. It reminds me of my own vocation story. My mother played a great role in motivating me. When I was young, my mother used to bring me along to her devotional practices.
Every Sunday, she and Papa would lead us to church in our Sunday’s best. And every night, she would gather the whole family around our altar for the recitation of the rosary. When I was of age to be admitted as an altar server, she and my godmother introduced me to the kind Belgian priests who were then administering the Parish of San Fernando de Dilao. I then moved on to become a lector, a commentator and even a song leader for the Masses.
I believe that the seed of my vocation came from my mother. I love to repeat in my sharings: “Perhaps if there was an opportunity for women to train inside the seminary as aspirants to the ministry, my mother would have been among the first applicants!” She, more than my father, had the greater desire for me to be a priest. When I was finally ordained in April 3, 1988, my mama was most touched. She cried more than any of us in the family. The day was the answer to her many prayers.
While we thank the Lord God for fathers who provide for our families and who give our families a sense of stability, we do acknowledge that, for the greater number of us, our mothers formed our hearts, souls and spirits. Our mothers greatly molded the gentler side of our life orientation.
Like the mother of James and John, our mothers could have been the ones who really encouraged us into certain advocacy and values that we now find deeply embedded in us. Of course, like the mother of James and John, our mothers may at times come across as too strong and emphatic about their convictions. But we are sure of one thing: Their prayers are always for our well-being and for our success.
So, today, let us say, “Hooray” for mothers!Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
Recall the goodness of life that came to you through your mother. Spend some time praying for the intentions of your mother.

Lord Jesus, help me to respect, obey and take care of my mother as You would want me to, given my state of life.

St. Cucuphas, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 25, 2011
1st READING

St. Paul describes the paradoxes of the Christian life. Even though he was under great trials and suffered greatly for his faith and witness to Jesus, he knew that the mighty power of Christ is within him, sustaining him and working through him. Death, pain and suffering for the Christian are always to be seen through the lens of Jesus’ death and resurrection so that death gives way to new life, suffering to joy, and pain to fruitfulness.

2 Corinthians 4:7-15
7 Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we too believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. 15 Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

P S A L M

Psalms 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
R: Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
1 When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

G O S P E L

Jesus does not condemn James and John for their desire to have a high place in His kingdom but puts clearly before them the cost of their aspiration. By His own example and life, Jesus shows to all the Apostles that true greatness is found in humble and loving service of others, particularly service that goes unnoticed and unappreciated.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
I chose you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 20:20-28
20 The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 21 He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” 23 He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. 26 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; 27 whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 28 Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

my reflections
t h i n k : True greatness is found in humble and loving service of others, particularly service that goes unnoticed and unappreciated.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Proverbs 9-12
verbs 9-12

Daily Reflections

July 24, 2011
NO TWO LOVE STORIES ARE THE SAME

Three years after my ordination to the priesthood in 1988, I began to get involved in the Marriage Encounter Weekend. This experience equipped me with tools for conflict handling and resolution. Over the years, I realized that no two relationships are the same and every love story is unique.
Jesus brings down to the level of His audience His teaching about the Kingdom of God which, by the way, is all about the “reign of God” in our lives. He used parables to illustrate this and the entire 13th chapter of Matthew is devoted to this. It is interesting to note that the treasures have varied stories. The treasure hidden in the field was a surprise for the person who found it. The pearl of great price was one that came to the merchant’s possession through his diligent and deliberate search for something valuable. The marvelous catch of fish was a blessing enjoyed by the fisherman through a combination of his untiring efforts and Divine Providence. Overall, Jesus was driving home the point that our stories of faith and love for God defy stereotypes. This is so because we, humans, are not only unique, but because God Himself is a God of all possibilities.
When I was young, my mother gave me an illustrated book on the lives of saints. I first fell in love with the beautiful pictures of the Apostles, martyrs, virgins, religious priests and nuns who have been officially recognized by the Church as models of holiness. As I read their lives, I marveled at how they all came to one common point: the saintly witness. They were men and women who had their own lives — some serene, some colorful and tumultuous, and so on — but each one had a personal encounter with God who changed them and made them fall in love with Him. St. Augustine, one of my favorites, led a life of pleasure and decadence until God transformed him. Later, in his autobiography entitled Confessions, he wrote, “Oh late have I loved Thee, Ancient Beauty ever new.”Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
To what will you liken your story of faith and love for God? Based on your walk with God, try to make your own parable about the Kingdom of God.

Lord, help me to trust that my walk with You is unique and what’s important is that You are the one leading the way.

St. Lewina, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 24, 2011
1st READING
God appears to King Solomon at the commencement of his reign and offers him one request, like a wish we might make at a birthday party. What will he ask for? This is his big chance to get riches, fame, power and glory for himself. Instead Solomon asks for wisdom to rule the people of God right. We, too, need wisdom to know how to best conduct our lives. St. James tells us that if we lack wisdom we should ask God for it and He will grant it to us.

1Kings 3:5, 7-12
5 The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered: 7 “O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. 8 I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” 10 The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. 11 So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this — not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right — 12 I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.”

P S A L M

Psalms 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130
R: Lord, I love your commands.
57 I have said, O LORD, that my part is to keep your words. 72 The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (R) 76 Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. 77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. (R) 127 For I love your command more than gold, however fine. 128 For in all your precepts I go forward; every false way I hate. (R) 129 Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. 130 The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. (R)

2nd READING
God has predestined us to be made in the perfect image of His Son Jesus. That is God’s goal and purpose for our lives. Consequently, God, by His infinite power, is able to order all the events of our lives to attain this end.

Romans 8:28-30
28 Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

G O S P E L

The Kingdom of God according to Jesus is the greatest gift and treasure that we can attain in this life. Even if we become as rich as Bill Gates but do not have this gift, we would still be poor. To have the Kingdom of God is to be possessed and filled with the love of God, which is a transforming fire that sets ablaze our whole lives.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Blessed are you Father, Lord of heaven and earth; for you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 13:44-52
44 Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes
and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. 47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. 48 When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. 49 Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 51 Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” 52 And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

my reflections
t h i n k : To have the Kingdom of God is to be possessed and filled with the love of God, which is a transforming fire that sets ablaze our whole lives.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Proverbs 5-8


SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
________________________________________________________________
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
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________________________________________________________________
HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
_________________________________________________________________
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Daily Reflections

July 23, 2011
TO BE GODLY, BE COOL

In today’s Gospel, we read about the wonderful disposition of the owner of the field. Even if he realized that the culprit behind the growth of weeds among his wheat crops was “an enemy,” he did not react as I would have reacted. Had I been the owner, I would have immediately instructed my tenants to pull out the weeds and called in mercenaries to do something against the “enemy” who maliciously planted the weeds.
Beyond the great message about God’s mercy and magnanimity, today’s Gospel teaches us a lesson for day-to-day living. That is, one way to make the best of the life given us is to remain cool in good and bad times. Reactionary ways, even in situations when one is clearly disadvantaged, lead to:
1 . Waste of our time: Instead of moving on and accomplishing more important tasks, our efforts to avenge the wrong done to us eat up our time.
2. Waste of our energies: Bent on punishing the enemy who did us wrong, we spend our intellectual abilities and even our material resources negatively.
3. Waste of our emotional drives: We need passion to do good and to pursue our plans. Instead it is spent on planning and pursuing our revenge.
The option of the owner of the field to just let things be until harvest time, when wheat and weeds will be pulled out anyway, is not just symbolic of God’s magnanimity. It is wisdom. The owner refuses to be enslaved by negativity.
Without trying to be a political analyst, I feel that what actually pulled us down as a nation during the post-Marcos era was because we were so bent on pursuing justice for all the supposed transgressions of the previous leaders. We regressed into past pains and hurts, and we failed to follow the path of transcendence. Late did we find out that justice is always imperfect in this life anyway! Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
How do you take oppositions and attacks in your life? Do you spend so much time trying to get even with those who do you wrong? What is today’s Gospel personally challenging you to do?

Lord, give me a magnanimous heart to be able to accept criticisms.

St. John Cassian, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

july 23, 2011
1st READING
When Moses returns to the people from Mt. Sinai, he conveys to them God’s commandments and they promise to keep God’s law. He then makes an altar and, sacrificing an animal, seals their promises with its blood. We, too, have made a covenant with God through the blood of Jesus and are called to be faithful to those promises.

Exodus 24:3-8
3 When Moses came to the people and related all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all answered with one voice, “We will do everything that the LORD has told us.” 4 Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and, rising early the next day, he erected at the foot of the mountain an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then, having sent certain young men of the Israelites to offer holocausts and sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD, 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls; the other half he splashed on the altar. 7 Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, “All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do.” 8 Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”

P S A L M

Psalms 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15
R: Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
1 God the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. (R) 5 “Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6 And for the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge. (R) 14 “Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High; 15 then call upon me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me.” (R)

G O S P E L

Many times we see in the history of the Church how leaders have broken away from the one church to create another one, hoping that it will be more like the primitive church of the Apostles. Yet this is not what Jesus is telling us to do in this parable. There will never be a perfect church on earth. Rather, we should not judge others but seek instead to live the truth ourselves (as St. Francis of Assisi did) and bring renewal and life to that which is dying.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 13:24-30
24 Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds. “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. 26 When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. 27 The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
Proverbs 1-4
my reflections
t h i n k : There will never be a perfect church on earth.
God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Proverbs 1-4

Daily Reflections

July 22, 2011
APOSTLE OF THE HEART

“Apostle to the Apostles.” This has been the traditional title given to Mary Magdalene since the early Church. Although she did not belong to the important group of “The Twelve,” which is regarded as the formal group of leaders in the early church, Mary Magdalene is reported by the Gospels as the privileged one to whom was entrusted the story of the empty tomb — the story, therefore, of the Resurrection of Jesus. With this, she was the bearer of the glad tidings about the Risen Jesus to the Twelve.
Why did the divine plan favour Mary Magdalene as the “Apostle to the Apostles”? Our Gospel reading for today’s feast underlines a sterling quality of the woman from Magdala — her undeniably strong love for Jesus as her teacher. She called Him “Rabbouni,” which literally means “dearest teacher.” In fact, the Gospel story shows that her love for Jesus is stronger than even death itself! She loved to stay in vigil at the tomb of Jesus. For her, whether Jesus was dead or alive, He remains her “number one.”
That the bearer of the Gospel is a person who loves Jesus is of great importance. It is not enough that one brings the Gospel to others with logic and remarkable reasoning. It is not enough that one proclaims the Gospel to others with brilliant eloquence. What moves people is the heart. Heart talk penetrates, inspires, leaves long-lasting impression and speaks to the heart of the other. Heart talk melts opposition. The language of the heart enables us to speak about our faith with all candidness and conviction.
To speak with love and out of love is effective not only for evangelization but for all other human exchanges and transactions. Even in marketing and business deals, faithful clients are gained not simply with impressive sales presentations and superior products. Many a times, connections and friendships count. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
What is your own unique way of bringing the Good News to others? Honestly, have you been effective with your style? Recall moments when you were able to touch people not so much with your arguments but with your appeal that come straight from the heart.

Lord, give me the courage to speak more boldy, but with love, about my faith with others.

St. Movean, pray for us.

Daily Reflections

July 22, 2011
APOSTLE OF THE HEART

“Apostle to the Apostles.” This has been the traditional title given to Mary Magdalene since the early Church. Although she did not belong to the important group of “The Twelve,” which is regarded as the formal group of leaders in the early church, Mary Magdalene is reported by the Gospels as the privileged one to whom was entrusted the story of the empty tomb — the story, therefore, of the Resurrection of Jesus. With this, she was the bearer of the glad tidings about the Risen Jesus to the Twelve.
Why did the divine plan favour Mary Magdalene as the “Apostle to the Apostles”? Our Gospel reading for today’s feast underlines a sterling quality of the woman from Magdala — her undeniably strong love for Jesus as her teacher. She called Him “Rabbouni,” which literally means “dearest teacher.” In fact, the Gospel story shows that her love for Jesus is stronger than even death itself! She loved to stay in vigil at the tomb of Jesus. For her, whether Jesus was dead or alive, He remains her “number one.”
That the bearer of the Gospel is a person who loves Jesus is of great importance. It is not enough that one brings the Gospel to others with logic and remarkable reasoning. It is not enough that one proclaims the Gospel to others with brilliant eloquence. What moves people is the heart. Heart talk penetrates, inspires, leaves long-lasting impression and speaks to the heart of the other. Heart talk melts opposition. The language of the heart enables us to speak about our faith with all candidness and conviction.
To speak with love and out of love is effective not only for evangelization but for all other human exchanges and transactions. Even in marketing and business deals, faithful clients are gained not simply with impressive sales presentations and superior products. Many a times, connections and friendships count. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
What is your own unique way of bringing the Good News to others? Honestly, have you been effective with your style? Recall moments when you were able to touch people not so much with your arguments but with your appeal that come straight from the heart.

Lord, give me the courage to speak more boldy, but with love, about my faith with others.

St. Movean, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 22, 2011
1st READING
God gives to His people the Ten Commandments so that they can live in the truth of who they are as sons and daughters of God. While the law itself cannot free us from sin, when we allow the power of the Holy Spirit to control our lives we are then able to fulfill the commandments out of love for God. And so we experience the blessings of a life anchored on God’s will for us, thereby avoiding much sorrow, pain and fruitless suffering.

Exodus 20:1-17 (or Song of Songs 3:1-4 or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17)
1 In those days: God delivered all these commandments: 2 “I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery. 3 You shall not have other gods besides me. 4 You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth; 5 you shall not bow down before them or worship them. For I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation; 6 but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation, on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not leave unpunished him who takes his name in vain. 8 Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. 9 Six days you may labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD, your God. No work may be done then either by you, or your son or daughter, or your male or female slave, or your beast, or by the alien who lives with you. 11 In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. 12 Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you. 13 “You shall not kill. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or ass, nor anything else that belongs to him.”

P S A L M

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 (or Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9)
R: Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
7 [8] The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 8 [9] The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 9 [10] The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just. (R) 10 [11] They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (R)

G O S P E L

In the garden of Eden, Eve loses the gift of fellowship with God and is driven out into the wilderness. Now, in another garden, another woman who has suffered greatly from the effects of Eve’s sin, weeps with longing for the Lord of Life who had forgiven her. Jesus appears to her and asks, “For whom are you weeping?” Jesus asks this of us, too. He alone can comfort our hearts and fulfill our deepest yearnings.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way? I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

John 20:1-2, 11-18 (or Matthew 13:18-23)
1 On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 11 Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. 17 Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary of Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.

my reflections
t h i n k : J esus alone can comfort our hearts and fulfill our deepest yearnings.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 146-150

Daily Bible Readings

July 22, 2011
1st READING
God gives to His people the Ten Commandments so that they can live in the truth of who they are as sons and daughters of God. While the law itself cannot free us from sin, when we allow the power of the Holy Spirit to control our lives we are then able to fulfill the commandments out of love for God. And so we experience the blessings of a life anchored on God’s will for us, thereby avoiding much sorrow, pain and fruitless suffering.

Exodus 20:1-17 (or Song of Songs 3:1-4 or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17)
1 In those days: God delivered all these commandments: 2 “I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery. 3 You shall not have other gods besides me. 4 You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth; 5 you shall not bow down before them or worship them. For I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation; 6 but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation, on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not leave unpunished him who takes his name in vain. 8 Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. 9 Six days you may labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD, your God. No work may be done then either by you, or your son or daughter, or your male or female slave, or your beast, or by the alien who lives with you. 11 In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. 12 Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you. 13 “You shall not kill. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or ass, nor anything else that belongs to him.”

P S A L M

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 (or Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9)
R: Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
7 [8] The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 8 [9] The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 9 [10] The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just. (R) 10 [11] They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (R)

G O S P E L

In the garden of Eden, Eve loses the gift of fellowship with God and is driven out into the wilderness. Now, in another garden, another woman who has suffered greatly from the effects of Eve’s sin, weeps with longing for the Lord of Life who had forgiven her. Jesus appears to her and asks, “For whom are you weeping?” Jesus asks this of us, too. He alone can comfort our hearts and fulfill our deepest yearnings.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way? I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

John 20:1-2, 11-18 (or Matthew 13:18-23)
1 On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 11 Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. 17 Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary of Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.

my reflections
t h i n k : J esus alone can comfort our hearts and fulfill our deepest yearnings.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 146-150

Daily Reflections

July 21, 2011
LEARNING IS ALSO A MATTER OF THE HEART

Disciples of the Dominican theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas, and those of the Father of the Church, St. Augustine, are often locked in argument. St. Thomas Aquinas used to say, “The more you know, the more you love.” St. Augustine of Hippo, however, presented a seemingly contradictory view: “The more you love, the more you know.” In reality, the two are both true. It is true that more knowledge enables us to lovesomeone more. Knowledge brings understanding, which in turn opens our heart to compassion and empathy. On the other hand, it is also true to say that a loving heart is more open to understand and comprehend.
As Jesus explains to the disciples why He had to speak in parables, His logic combines that of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine. His teachings and demands are not simply understood by thinking and critical minds. His teachings and demands are accessed by persons whose hearts have love and faith. Unfortunately many of the Jews had nothing in their hearts but hate and suspicion for Jesus. As such, their hearts disabled their minds from truly relishing the good and liberating revelations of Jesus about God’s true plan.
Ignorance is not the block against learning. Bias, pride and pretensions are. These things activate a lot of defenses in a person’s thoughts and feelings to the point that the person may harden up. Worse, no gesture of goodness could touch his heart. The person wallows in an ocean of self-righteousness.
To understand and journey with today’s X-Y-Z generation, for instance, you need to give them a lot of respect and open up to them. Brought up and schooled in the ever evolving world of digital communications, their reason and imagination have become accustomed with expressions that combine letters, numbers, symbols (like @, www, http://), colors, pictures, anime and avatars. But most older people tend to shoot down their creative expression. Pope John Paul II, who grew old with a heart for young people, had a very important expression: “Open wide. Do not be afraid.” Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
How do you take new things that you encounter? Are you challenged or threatened?

Lord, grant me an open heart and mind to accept new things

St. John of Edessa, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 21, 2011
1st READING
The meeting of God with His people in the Old Testament was such a fearful and awe-inspiring event that even nature could hardly endure it. In contrast, under the New Covenant sealed in the blood of Christ, God comes to us humbly in the form of bread and wine. But just because God humbles Himself does not mean we should be complacent and overly familiar with the greatness and awesomeness of this gift. Rather, we should revere and treasure it in our hearts and in our actions towards the Blessed Sacrament.

Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20
1 In the third month after their departure from the land of Egypt, on its first day, the children of Israel came to the desert of Sinai. 2 After the journey from Rephidim to the desert of Sinai, they pitched camp. 9 When Israel was encamped here in front of the mountain, the LORD told to Moses, “I am coming to you in a dense cloud, so that when the people hear me speaking with you, they may always have faith in you also.” When Moses, then, had reported to the LORD the response of the people, 10 the LORD added, “Go to the people and have them sanctify themselves today and tomorrow. Make them wash their garments 11 and be ready for the third day; for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people.” 16 On the morning of the third day there were peals of thunder and lightning, and a heavy cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. 17 But Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stationed themselves at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was all wrapped in smoke, for the LORD came down upon it in fire. The smoke rose from it as though from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19 The trumpet blast grew louder and louder, while Moses was speaking and God answering him with thunder. 20 When the LORD came down to the top of Mount Sinai, he summoned Moses to the top of the mountain.

P S A L M

Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
R: Glory and praise for ever!
29 [Dan 3:52] “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; and blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.” (R) 30 [Dan 3:53] “Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.” (R) 31 [Dan 3:54] “Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” (R) 32 [Dan 3:55] “Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” (R) 33 [Dan 3:56] “Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.” (R)

G O S P E L

Jesus spoke in parables in order to encourage those with faith to seek the truth while those with no interest would remain in the dark. It was only to His disciples that He entrusted the deeper mysteries of God and His kingdom as these were precious truths not to be treated lightly or with contempt.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 13:10-17
10 The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. 12 To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.’ 14 Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: ‘You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. 15 Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. 17 Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

my reflections
t h i n k : God comes to us humbly in the form of bread and wine. How do we revere and treasure the Blessed Sacrament?

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 141-145

Daily Reflections

July 20, 2011
PARABLE OF THE GOOD SOWER

On May 8, 2010, Sr. Natividad Valdez, whom we call Apo Madre or Apo Miliang, of the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit celebrated her 70th year in the religious life. Then on May 26, 2010, her family members and friends joined her in celebrating the Eucharist to thank the Lord for her 100th birthday, not just for giving Apo Madre a long life but a quality life as well. She remains alert and has a joyful disposition.
Wherever she was assigned, Apo Madre went and served with all her heart. Her fellow nuns say that she was capable of a terrible temper now and then, but she was also one who could readily laugh at herself and blend with everyone. And yes, she was one who accompanied everything with a deep sense of prayer. Apo Madre had no room for discouragement. She just went on and on... and she reaped a harvest of contentment and joy.
Our Gospel today is called the Parable of the Sower. The real lesson we must focus on is not from the type of soil but on the person of the Sower who went on scattering the seeds. In the end, his good disposition gave him a harvest: some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, some a hundred-fold. Experts who study agriculture in Palestine say these results were miraculous since the average yield with the type of soil in Palestine is 7.5 percent.
Jesus narrated the parable to the first disciples so that they, like Him, should remain optimistic even as they face hardships and challenges in serving God and others.
Different kinds of soils —different types of character, levels of enthusiasm and receptivity, cultural adaptabilities — are encountered in mission. The difference, though, does not just depend on soils. The difference can also be created by the healthy and positive outlook of evangelizers. As many organizational and human resource experts today would put it: Amidst the challenges of work and the environment, one may either be simply reactive or proactive. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
How do you take initial failures and rejections in your work, in your community? To which element of the parable are you more drawn to meditate: the soils, or the indefatigable character of the sower?

Lord, may I be like You who never tire of sowing good work, in season and out of season. Amen.

St. Severa, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 20, 2011
1st READING

God wants to teach the people to trust in Him, but when faced by trials they grumbled, complained and wished they were back in Egypt, in the place of slavery and sin. Often, like the Israelites, we seem to prefer our sins, bondages and addictive patterns over the freedom that God offers us. Let us follow the example of Moses and trust in God and in His provision for our deepest needs.

Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15
1 The children of Israel set out from Elim, and came into the desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. 2 Here in the desert the whole assembly of the children of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The children of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died at the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt, as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread! But you had to lead us into this desert to make the whole community die of famine!” 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will now rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not. 5 On the sixth day, however, when they prepare what they bring in, let it be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” 9 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole congregation of the children of Israel: Present yourselves before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.” 10 When Aaron announced this to the whole assembly of the children of Israel, they turned toward the desert, and lo, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud! 11 The LORD spoke to Moses and said, 12 “I have heard the grumbling of the children of Israel. Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread, so that you may know that I, the LORD, am your God.” 13 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp. In the morning a dew lay all about the camp, 14 and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desert were fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground. 15 On seeing it, the children of Israel asked one another, “What is this?” for they did not know what it was. But Moses told them, “This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.”

P S A L M

Psalms 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28
R: The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
18 They tempted God in their hearts by demanding the food they craved. 19 Yes, they spoke against God, saying, “Can God spread a table in the desert?” (R) 23 Yet he commanded the skies above and the doors of heaven he opened; 24 he rained manna upon them for food and gave them heavenly bread. (R) 25 Man ate the bread of angels, food he sent them in abundance. 26 He stirred up the east wind in the heavens, and by his power brought on the south wind. (R) 27 And he rained meat upon them like dust, and, like the sand of the sea, winged fowl, 28 which fell in the midst of their camp round about their tents. (R)

G O S P E L

The Gospel invites us to reflect on the state of our hearts. How are we responding to the Word of God? Does it bear fruit in our lives? Or have the cares and concerns of the world suffocated the plants that God is trying to grow in us?

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 13:1-9
1 On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. 3 And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, 6 and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. 7 Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. 8 But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. 9 Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

my reflections
t h i n k : How are we responding to the Word of God?
God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 136-140

Daily Reflections

July 19, 2011
“Ka mag-anak, Incorporated”

When reports came that Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was most likely the winner in the Philippines’ 2010 presidential elections, an issue began to circulate: “To what extent will his relatives influence the running of state and economic affairs?” Many Filipinos believe that the Aquinos and the Cojuangcos, collectively referred to by many as “Kamag-anak, Inc.,” benefitted materially during the presidency of Corazon Aquino, Noynoy’s mother. Though the veracity or extent of this impression was never objectively investigated, a number voiced apprehensions that the same could happen with a Noynoy presidency.
In the Gospel, we read that even Jesus had to level with issues regarding the interference of His relatives in His work. It is but human — and Jesus participated this — that family members express and show concern for a family member, not only in matters that are personal. Our families played a great part in our growing up, in our education, in our aspirations, in our discernment of careers and life orientations, and even in the choice of life partners. In a way, we are who we are also because of the contribution of our families of origin.
A very important lesson from Jesus’ story, however, is this: Jesus knew at what point He had to stand up for Himself. He knew He had a mission to accomplish — one that makes Him accountable to the Heavenly Father. He knew that the time for this mission was limited. Hence, for Him, His family members, including the Blessed Mother, should help Him to be faithful to His God-given task and appointment. And the Gospel indicates that Mary was truly Jesus’ first disciple. She was there for the first miracle of Jesus at Cana. She was there when Jesus finally brought His mission to completion at the Cross of Calvary. Mary was one with Jesus in His lifelong faithfulness to the will of the Father. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
Sit down and think about the ways your family showed you great support in your life decisions. Thank God for the great gift of a supportive family. Outline concrete ways to acknowledge your family’s great support for you and your life mission.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of a supportive family.

St. Macrina the Younger, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 19, 2011
1st READING

When God delivered Israel from the power of Pharaoh, He did not depend on the power and strength of the Israelites to gain victory. When we are faced with the power of evil, let us call upon the Lord to fight for us and to win victory.

Exodus 14:21-15:1
21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD swept the sea with a strong east wind throughout the night and so turned it into dry land. When the water was thus divided, 22 the children of Israel marched into the midst of the sea on dry land, with the water like a wall to their right and to their left. 23 The Egyptians followed in pursuit; all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and charioteers went after them right into the midst of the sea. 24 In the night watch just before dawn the LORD cast through the column of the fiery cloud upon the Egyptian force a glance that threw it into a panic; 25 and he so clogged their chariot wheels that they could hardly drive. With that the Egyptians sounded the retreat before Israel, because the LORD was fighting for them against the Egyptians. 26 Then the LORD told Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may flow back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and their charioteers.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea flowed back to its normal depth. The Egyptians were fleeing head on toward the sea, when the LORD hurled them into its midst. 28 As the water flowed back, it covered the chariots and the charioteers of Pharaoh’s whole army which had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not a single one of them escaped. 29 But the children of Israel had marched on dry land through the midst of the sea, with the water like a wall to their right and to their left. 30 Thus the LORD saved Israel on that day from the power of the Egyptians. When Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the seashore 31 and beheld the great power that the LORD had shown against the Egyptians, they feared the LORD and believed in him and in his servant Moses. 15: 1 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD: I will sing to the LORD, for he is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea.

P S A L M
Exodus 15:8-9, 10, 12, 17
R: Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
8 At a breath of your anger the waters piled up, the flowing waters stood like a mound, the flood waters congealed in the midst of the sea. 9 The enemy boasted, “I will pursue and overtake them; I will divide the spoils and have my fill of them; I will draw my sword; my hand shall despoil them!” (R) 10 When your wind blew, the sea covered them; like lead they sank in the mighty waters. 12 when you stretched out your right hand, the earth swallowed them! (R) 17 And you brought them in and planted them on the mountain of your inheritance — the place where you made your seat, O LORD, the sanctuary, O LORD, which your hands established. (R)

G O S P E L

When Jesus says, ”Who are my mother and my brothers?” He is not saying that His relatives are not these but all those who, like Mary, hear the Word of God and keep it. Here, Jesus reveals the true nature and glory of the Virgin Mary — that it was in her heart that she conceived the Son of God through her faith and humble surrender to the will of God.
Psalm 131-135
ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 12:46-50
46 While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” 48 But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

my reflections
t h i n k : When we are faced with the power of evil, let us call upon the Lord to fight for us and to win victory.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 131-135

Daily Reflections

July 18, 2011
Changed Hearts: The Greatest Miracle

May 20, 2010. A few weeks before the opening of the school year 2010- 2011, I joined the Oasis of Love Charismatic Community in a Mass for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. They conducted a two-day “Life in the Spirit Seminar” for the teachers and the staff of the Holy Child Catholic School in Tondo, Manila. It was a humid day and the air conditioning units were of little help. There were around 150 participants and 50 facilitators. Just before I celebrated the Eucharist, one of the facilitators candidly shared to the coordinators the apparent lack of attention and restlessness of the participants.
The actual moment of praying over for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is usually melodramatic, with all the outpouring of emotions. The condition of the seminar room and the time constraint to finish the activity made me decide to scrap an earlier plan to have the participants prayed over individually. Even then, the invocation to the Holy Spirit and the praising in tongues that followed were truly inspiring. As the saying goes: “The Holy Spirit blows where it wills.” As I reminded myself, the true measure of success of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit was not just that morning but what happens with the lives of the participants days and years after.
Jesus stresses in the Gospel: Wonder works and mighty deeds by God are not for the satisfaction of the curious. The miracle of Jonah led to a concrete and lasting fruit: the conversion of the king and the citizens of Nineveh. The wise teachings of Solomon were not just for the listening pleasure of the Queen of Sheba. Rather, the wisdom of Solomon made the Queen of Sheba a believer.
As I went home that night, I prayed, “Jesus, thank You for making me an instrument for the baptism in the Spirit of the participants. They are now Yours. Let them feel Your transforming touch in their lives.”Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
What concrete fruits do you look for in your works of evangelization? What particular things do you tend to regard as measures of success in your ministry and apostolate in Church?

Lord, keep me humble in my work of evangelization and apostolate. Help me to always remember that I am a mere instrument in Your hands.

St. Theneva, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

July 18, 2011
1st READING

This Exodus story shows us how fear drives out faith. When the children of Israel see Pharaoh and his chariots pursuing them, they tell Moses they would have been better left in Egypt to die. Fear leads to despair and unbelief. In contrast, Moses hears the word of God for him and the people in this crisis, and then moves in obedience and faith to see God work a mighty miracle.

Exodus 14:5-18
5 When it was reported to the king of Egypt that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants changed their minds about them. They exclaimed, “What have we done! Why, we have released Israel from our service!” 6 So Pharaoh made his chariots ready and mustered his soldiers — 7 six hundred first-class chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt, with warriors on them all. 8 So obstinate had the LORD made Pharaoh that he pursued the Israelites even while they were marching away in triumph. 9 The Egyptians, then, pursued them; Pharaoh’s whole army, his horses, chariots and charioteers, caught up with them as they lay encamped by the sea, at Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. 10 Pharaoh was already near when the Israelites looked up and saw that the Egyptians were on the march in pursuit of them. In great fright they cried out to the LORD. 11 And they complained to Moses, “Were there no burial places in Egypt that you had to bring us out here to die in the desert? Why did you do this to us? Why did you bring us out of Egypt? 12 Did we not tell you this in Egypt, when we said, ‘Leave us alone. Let us serve the Egyptians’? Far better for us to be the slaves of the Egyptians than to die in the desert.” 13 But Moses answered the people, “Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the LORD will win for you today. These Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” 15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. 16 And you, lift up your staff and, with hand outstretched over the sea, split the sea in two, that the Israelites may pass through it on dry land. 17 But I will make the Egyptians so obstinate that they will go in after them. Then I will receive glory through Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots and charioteers. 18 The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I receive glory through Pharaoh and his chariots and charioteers.”

P S A L M

Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
1 I will sing to the LORD, for he is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea. 2 My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. He is my God, I praise him; the God of my father, I extol him. (R) 3 The LORD is a warrior, LORD is his name! 4 Pharaoh’s chariots and army he hurled into the sea; the elite of his officers were submerged in the Red Sea. (R) 5 The flood waters covered them, they sank into the depths like a stone. 6 Your right hand, O LORD, magnificent in power, your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy. (R)

G O S P E L

The Scribes and Pharisees demand of Jesus a sign, not because they want to believe in Him, but to challenge Him and His authority. What greater sign could God have given them than coming to them in the person of His Son? We do not need signs to have faith. Rather we should place our whole confidence in Christ for in Him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells and is given to us each time we receive holy communion.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 12:38-42
38 Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 40 Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. 41 At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. 42 At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

my reflections
t h i n k : We do not need signs to have faith.


God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 125-130