Daily Reflections

September 29, 2011
ANGELS ARE AROUND

Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels; Michael (meaning “Who is like God”), Raphael (meaning “The Medicine of God”), and Gabriel (meaning “The Power of God”). Michael is known as our defender against Satan and all his evil angels. Raphael was the archangel who took care of Tobias in his journey and therefore our caregiver. And Gabriel was the one who announced to Mary that she was to be the Mother of the Son of God and therefore our wisdom and source of courage.
Early catechism tells us that each of us had been assigned by God with Guardian Angels. They were meant to make us aware and feel that God is with us and that He guides us. But we need to recognize and be open to god’s unique presence. Many of us at a certain point in our life dismiss the presence of these spirits.
Stories had already been told about some women who were in close danger of being harassed and harmed and suddenly found the courage, the action and the words needed to ward off their attackers. All because they sought the assistance of God through His angels. I, myself, felt God’s wisdom through Archangel Gabriel when I was seeking my vocation. Inspired by Mary’s experience with Gabriel, I sought the Lord and He responded to me through Archangel Gabriel. The call of God became clearer and definite for me.
It is a matter of faith. God’s ways are really mysterious and unpredictable. Others may live their faith without recognizing the presence of angels. But many, like me, who are aware of their presence and power, benefit from the angels. Hail to Michael, Gabriel and Raphael! Fr. Benny Tuazon

Reflection Question:
Do you communicate with your angesls? Do you take advantage of the help and protection they provide?

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here. Even this day be at my side to light and guide, to rule and guard. Amen.

St. Garcia, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 29, 2011
1st READING

In this passage from the Book of Revelation, we see a vision of John the Beloved in which the Archangel Michael is at war with Satan and casts him and his angels out of heaven. Having been thrown down to earth, Satan wages war against the saints and does this by accusing them before God for all their sins. While the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins and seeks to lead us to repentance, Satan only wants to discourage us and make us feel unworthy so that we do not want to come to God our Father and be forgiven.

Revelation 12:7-12 (or Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14)
7 War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, 8 but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death. 12 Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them.”

P S A L M

Psalms 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5
R: In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
1 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; 2 I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. (R) Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. (R) 3 When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (R) 4 All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth; 5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD: “Great is the glory of the LORD.” (R)

G O S P E L

Nathanael is convinced that Jesus is the Messiah and anointed one of God because Jesus says that He saw him under the fig tree. Yet Jesus informs him that he will see far greater things than that. Jesus then makes an allusion to the story of Jacob who slept and saw a ladder going up to heaven and angels ascending and descending on it. He called the place the House of God. Jesus tells Nathanael that He is the new house or dwelling of God and will in fact replace the Temple in Jerusalem.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do His will.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

John 1:47-51
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

my reflections
t h in k : While the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins and seeks to lead us to repentance, Satan only wants to discourage us and make us feel unworthy so that we do not want to come to God our Father and be forgiven.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Ezekiel 24-28

Daily Reflections

September 28, 2011
THE TIME IS NOW

Have you heard this story about how Lucifer instructed his devils to come up with plans to entice more people to go to hell?
One devil said, “I will tempt them with riches and give them all the treasures of the world. A lot of rich people easily forget God when they have all their treasures to think of. They will put their trust in their wealth instead of God.” But Lucifer said, “That may be true, but that is still not very effective. God can still reach the hearts of some of these rich people that they sometimes have a change of heart and make use of their riches to help build churches, hospitals and all sorts of things that money can buy to help the needy. Thus, they buy their way to heaven.”
Another devil proposed, “I will tempt them to put their trust in science. If they are able to produce all these things through science and technology, they will no longer feel the need for God. They will feel so powerful that they would trust no one but themselves as they make their own miracles.” The devil answered, “Well, for a time it was a cause of alarm for the Church on earth. They initially thought that science was an enemy. But eventually they were able to see how even the works of science can become a tool for evangelization.”
The third devil then said, “I think I will just convince them that there is still much time. That they can do as they please and just turn to God towards the end of their life. To make them lose the sense of urgency, I believe, is the easiest way to entice them to go to hell.” And Lucifer
agreed.
This is exactly the point of Jesus about His radical demand from those He calls to follow Him — that they feel the need to respond and not be delayed by even the most valid of human concerns. They need to have a sense of urgency that establishing God’s Kingdom must never be postponed, or the devil may just take on the task and push their evil agenda instead. “Let the dead bury their dead. Now, you follow me.” Strong words. But if we consider what is at stake, we better heed the call.Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
Are you one of those who dilly-dally in doing your work for God’s Kingdom?

Lord, fill me with a sense of urgency to respond to Your call to follow You now and not later.

St. Machan, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 28, 2011
1st READING

Nehemiah is sad and wants to rebuild his city that was destroyed by fire. His request to the king to go and rebuild it was granted. This reading tells us that we should not wallow in self-pity and remorse but trust and wait on the bountiful mercy of God.

Nehemiah 2:1-8
1 In the month Nisan of the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when the wine was in my charge, I took some and offered it to the king. As I had never before been sad in his presence, 2 the king asked me, “Why do you look sad? If you are not sick, you must be sad at heart.” Though I was seized with great fear, 3 I answered the king: “May the king live forever! How could I not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been eaten out by fire?” 4 The king asked me, “What is it, then, that you wish?” I prayed to the God of heaven 5 and then answered the king: “If it please the king, and if your servant is deserving of your favor, send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves, to rebuild it.” 6 Then the king, and the queen seated beside him, asked me how long my journey would take and when I would return. I set a date that was acceptable to him, and the king agreed that I might go. 7 I asked the king further: “If it please the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of West-of-euphrates, that they may afford me safe-conduct till I arrive in Judah; 8 also a letter for Asaph, the keeper of the royal park, that he may give me wood for timbering the gates of the temple-citadel and for the city wall and the house that I shall occupy.” The king granted my requests, for the favouring hand of my God was upon me.

P S A L M
Psalms 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
R: Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!
1 By the streams of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. 2 On the aspens of that land we hung up our harps. (R) 3 Though there our captors asked of us the lyrics of our songs, and our despoilers urged us to be joyous: “Sing for us the songs of Zion!” (R) 4 How could we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land? 5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand be forgotten! (R) 6 May my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember you not, if I place not Jerusalem ahead of my joy. (R)

G O S P E L
Ezekiel 21-23
The reading tells us that when Jesus calls us to follow Him, we should not dilly-dally and give excuses for postponing our journey of discipleship. He can call us at any stage of our life — in our youth, in middle age, or even in our old age. What is important is that we are ready to follow Him any time He calls us.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 9:57-62
57 As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” 59 And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” 60 But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” 62 Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

my reflections
t h i n k : What is important is that we are ready to follow Him anytime He calls us.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Ezekiel 21-23

Daily Reflections

September 27, 2011
NEVER GIVE UP ON ANYBODY

John the Evangelist mentions in 4:9 the enmity between Jews and Samaritans. Hence, the rejection that Jesus and His disciples got from the people of Samaria was really expected. This makes us wonder why in today’s Gospel He still decided to pass through that town which has nothing but hostility for them.
This will lead us to understand an essential Christian norm which Jesus has clearly shown in how He conducted Himself in the midst of this bind: that we need not give up on anybody.
Jesus surely had not given up on the Samaritans. They may have been hostile to Him and His kind but He just wouldn’t give up on them. His disposition hinged on the possibility that they may still have a change of heart. Unfortunately though, the risk didn’t work in their favor. But even if His attempt at entering the lives of the Samaritans didn’t pay off, He still had the tenacity not to think ill of them for He desired no harm for them. By rebuking His disciples who wanted to cause destruction to the Samaritans, He made it clear that even as they left Samaria, this unwelcoming lot would be given another chance.
This benevolent attitude of Jesus towards the people of Samaria should serves us all well. We know that no matter how far off we may have wandered away from Him, He will never give up on us. He will continue to make us feel His presence as He attempts to enter our lives. May we be found welcoming when He makes the move. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
Is there someone in your life that you want to give up on? Wait. Jesus is at work in him.

Lord, grant me patience and compassion for the difficult people in my life. May I learn to accept them as they are, trusting that You are working in them. Amen.

St. John Mark, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 27, 2011
1st READING

The prophet Zechariah looks forward to a time when Israel will be the spiritual center of the world. While in a spiritual sense this has happened with the coming of Christ, it still awaits a more literal fulfillment when, as St. Paul tells us, the whole of Israel will be saved. That will usher in the fulfillment of the Messianic Kingdom and bring about a world of peace.

Zechariah 8:20-23
20 Thus says the LORD of hosts: There shall yet come peoples, the inhabitants of many cities; 21 and the inhabitants of one city shall approach those of another, and say, “Come! let us go to implore the favour of the LORD”; and, “I too will go to seek the LORD.” 22 Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to implore the favor of the LORD. 23 Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men of every nationality, speaking different tongues, shall take hold, yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of his garment and say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”

P S A L M

Psalms 87:1-3, 4-5, 6-7
R: God is with us.
1 His foundation upon the holy mountains 2 the LORD loves, the gates of Zion, more than any dwelling of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! (R) 4 I tell of Egypt and Babylon among those that know the LORD; Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia: “This man was born there.” 5 And of Zion they shall say: “One and all were born in her; and he who has established her is the Most High LORD.” (R) 6 They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: “This man was born there.” 7 And all shall sing, in their festive dance: “My home is within you.” (R)

G O S P E L

As Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem to begin the final weeks of His earthly life, He visits a Samaritan village. The people do not welcome Him as they know He is traveling to Jerusalem and they have a lot of hatred and resentment to the authorities there. James and John want Him to call down fire from heaven upon them in revenge. Jesus rebukes them as His mission is to invite people to repentance and new life, not to force it onto them.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Luke 9:51-56
51 When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, 52 and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, 53 but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” 55 Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they journeyed to another village.

my reflections
t h i n k : Jesus’ mission is to invite people to repentance and new life, not to force it onto them.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Ezekiel 17-20



Ezekiel 17-20

Daily Reflections

September 26, 2011
INNOCENCE OF A CHILD

As a new director of our parochial school, I go around during breaks to meet the children. I look forward to the discoveries and joys in every encounter. One school day, after their break, I saw a young boy near the canteen crying. I approached him and ask him why he was not in his class. He said that the classes were too long and they keep changing teachers! It turned out that he was a grade one student and was experiencing a period of adjustment from his preparatory school where classes were relatively short and there was only one teacher in charge. I brought the boy to the Guidance Counselor’s Office and they told me that it was a natural occurrence for grade one pupils.
Oh, the innocence of a child! This lies at the heart of Jesus’ message in today’s Gospel. He used this to respond to the disciple’s reluctance in accepting somebody who does what they do. But the Lord answered that whoever is not against you is for you! The person is a child of God because he does good. He was not doing anything offensive to God.
That was our situation when we were children. We might have done some mischief, naughtiness or mistakes but we were always candid and free. There was always the intention to achieve the best and do what is good. Our limitations and weakness sometimes bring us to failures and worse, ill actions. Nevertheless, before the eyes of God, we are still good.
God wants us to be perfect because He is perfect. He expects us to strive to give our best. He encourages us to make use of everything He had bestowed on us. He does the rest! As creatures, we are wanting. But our dependence on Him and humility allow us to be completed and complimented by God. With this attitude, we can never go wrong. We will never be against God. Fr. Benny Tuazon

Reflection Question:
Trust in God’s goodness in you. Draw from the gifts He has given you and be a blessing to your world today.

Lord, make me perfect like You —not in the sense of being free from failures or mistakes but in letting You fill in what I lack. Amen.

St. Senator, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 26, 2011
1st READING

God says that He is jealous for His people. That is, He will ultimately come to our aid and vindicate us even when we have been wrongly treated. Though at times it seems that evil prevails, it is an illusion and will only endure as long as God permits. Ultimately all that God has ordained will come about and nothing will prevent His purposes from being realized.

Zechariah 8:1-8
1 This word of the LORD of hosts came: Thus says the LORD of hosts: 2 I am intensely jealous for Zion, stirred to jealous wrath for her. 3 Thus says the LORD: I will return to Zion, and I will dwell within Jerusalem; Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain. 4 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women, each with staff in hand because of old age, shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem. 5 The city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in her streets. 6 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Even if this should seem impossible in the eyes of the remnant of this people, shall it in those days be impossible in my eyes also, says the LORD of hosts? 7 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Lo, I will rescue my people from the land of the rising sun, and from the land of the setting sun. 8 I will bring them back to dwell within Jerusalem. They shall be my people, and I will be their God, with faithfulness and justice.

P S A L M

Psalms 102:16-18, 19-21, 29, 22-23
R: The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
15 [16] The nations shall revere your name, O LORD, and all the kings of the earth your glory, 16 [17] when the LORD has rebuilt Zion and appeared in his glory; 17 [18] when he has regarded the prayer of the destitute, and not despised their prayer. (R) 18 [19] Let this be written for the generation to come, and let his future creatures praise the LORD: 19 [20] “The LORD looked down from his holy height, from heaven he beheld the earth, 20 [21] to hear the groaning of the prisoners, to release those doomed to die.” (R) 28 [29] The children of your servants shall abide, and their posterity shall continue in your presence. 21 [22] That the name of the LORD may be declared in Zion; and his praise, in Jerusalem, 22 [23] When the peoples gather together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. (R)

G O S P E L
Imagining Jesus reigning over a worldwide Kingdom with Jerusalem as its capital, the disciples no doubt were all keen to have the highest places of honor and authority. Here they are arguing as to who is the greatest and therefore warrants the highest position. Jesus shows them the foolishness of their thinking by placing a small child in their midst and telling them that the one who is most like the child will be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. The values of the Kingdom overturn those of our world.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 9:46-50
46 An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. 47 Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” 49 Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

my reflections
t h i n k: he values of the Kingdom overturn those of our world.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Ezekiel 13-16

13-16

Daily Reflections

September 25, 2011
DO OUR ACTIONS MATCH OUR WORDS?

Promises cannot take the place of performance. Fine words are never a substitute for fine deeds. This is how William Barclay describes the main thrust of this parable. The son who has shown great courtesy by submitting himself to the will of his father in words is edifying. But his courtesy and verbal assent to his father’s will proved worthless since it was never translated into action.
Let’s examine ourselves. Consider the many amusing words we utter to God. We participate in the Sunday liturgy and we profess our faith in our Triune God, our Church and the mysteries we hold as true. How are we able to translate these promises of belief in our own lives? We say we believe in our Father who created all things, but we destroy His creation by our lack of concern for the environment. We make our faith in the Son known by the creed we confess, but we refuse to accept His teachings that will enable us to join Him in heaven. We profess our faith in the Spirit, but we close our hearts to its promptings and stirrings to live a life that is pleasing in God’s eyes.
We sing songs of praise, but we utter lies and engage in dishonest deals to get by in our daily grind. We exult God in our Alleluias even as we debase people in our minds and make evil schemes against people who have offended us. Come to think of it, our liturgies are nothing but emulative words to a God whom we see as overflowing with goodness and worthy of all our praise. In this regard we are surely never wanting. Fine words to God, we are overflowing with. But fine deeds? Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
Do you walk your talk? It’s time to start being true to your words.

Lord, help me to be true to the faith that I profess, to bring my faith into action, and to talk less but act more.

Sts. Paul and Tatta, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 25, 2011
1st READING

It seemed unfair to the Jews that God did not just put our good deeds on one side of a scale and our evil deeds on the other. Many people still think that this is how God acts — that if our good deeds outweigh our evil deeds, we would go to heaven; if it’s the other way around, we go to hell. God says no, and that what matters is the state of one’s soul when one dies. If one repents of one’s sins, he is forgiven even at the moment of death.

Ezekiel 18:25-28
25 Thus says the LORD: You say, “The LORD’s way is not fair!” Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair? 26 When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. 27 But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; 28 since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

P S A L M

Psalms 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R: Remember your mercies, O Lord.
4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 6 Remember that your compassion, O LORD, and your kindness are from of old. 7 The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not; in your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O LORD. (R) 8 Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R)

2nd READING
In the Incarnation, we see the true humility of God in His coming to us as man. Some interpret this to mean that Jesus was not God but just an angel or prophet. Let us not lose sight of the true nature of Christ as fully God and fully man. Only if Jesus is God can He reveal the Father to us and truly save us.

Philippians 2:1-11
1 Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others. 5 Have in you the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, 6 Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. 7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, 8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

G O S P E L

In this parable, Jesus emphasizes that it is not our words that are most important but our actions. As the saying goes, “words are cheap.” Love is shown more in deeds than in words. Let us endeavor today to put our love into action in practical deeds rather than just in words or intentions.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 21:28-32
28 Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

my reflections
t h i n k : What matters is the state of one’s soul when one dies.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Ezekiel 9-12
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

September 24, 2011
SUFFERING MAKES US BETTER PERSONS
By Father Sandy Enhaynes

When I was a newly ordained priest in our diocese, I was immediately assigned to be part of the formation team in the seminary. Since I was fresh out of the seminary, most of the seminarians were about my age. This helped me a lot in leveling with them. I was more like a brother and companion to them rather than an authority figure who was always on the lookout for offenses they would commit — something that they really detested.
While the setup really worked for them and me, I still managed to instill discipline and decorum among the seminarians even if I knew that by doing so, they would see me differently from how they would want me to be. In these situations, I would always tell them, “The friend that you see in me wants to make your life here in the seminary more bearable, with less difficulties, with so much fun, or with no “suffering,” so to speak. But if I am to be your real friend, I cannot just allow that to happen. I know that if I will make your life here troublefree, I will be doing you more harm than good. All the difficulties, discomforts and sufferings you experience here all contribute to make you better persons and priests in the future. To make your life devoid of all these may make you weaklings. Worse, with that kind of formation, if ever you become priests you won’t be strong enough to make it to your second year.”
Sufferings are part and parcel of life. And even if we don’t want to admit it, without them we just cannot make it in this world. A man who has acquired wealth with much ease or without difficulty is bound to lose it in no time. We get to appreciate our blessings if we know how hard we have worked to achieve it. That is an inescapable rule of life. And the same is true with faith. That is the path Jesus trod and it will surely give us great benefit if we travel the same route. Travelling by way of the cross will surely lead us to the glory of the resurrection. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
How do you consider sufferings and difficulties in life? Do you immediately want to get rid of them? Or do you try and see what lessons you can learn from them?

Lord, I cling to You in times of difficulties. I know that You allow them in my life because I can learn from them.

St. Bercthun, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 24, 2011
1st READING

God has always intended and longed to be among His people. When they journeyed out of Egypt, God traveled with them in a glory cloud over the tabernacle. When Solomon consecrated his temple, God’s presence and glory came to the Holy of Holies. In this text, God says that He will dwell in the midst of His people. For us, God dwells not just in our midst but in the depths of our hearts through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15
5 I, Zechariah, raised my eyes and looked: there was a man with a measuring line in his hand. 6 I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered, “To measure Jerusalem, to see how great is its width and how great its length.” 7 Then the angel who spoke with me advanced, and another angel came out to meet him, 8 and said to him, “Run, tell this to that young man: People will live in Jerusalem as though in open country, because of the multitude of men and beasts in her midst. 9 But I will be for her an encircling wall of fire, says the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.” 14 Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. 15 Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you.

P S A L M

Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12, 13
R: The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
10 Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, proclaim it on distant isles, and say: He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together, he guards them as a shepherd his flock. (R) 11 The LORD shall ransom Jacob, he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror. (R) 12 Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the LORD’s blessings. (R) 13 Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows. (R)

G O S P E L

Since the Apostles held to the popular ideas about what the coming Messiah would do, they could not conceive that this great King in the line of David would die a shameful death at the hands of their oppressors. This was directly opposite to their expectations. Even though Jesus told His disciples many times that He would die, they found it impossible to accept.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Our Savior Christ Jesus destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Luke 9:43-45
43 While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

my reflections
think: God dwells not just in our midst but in the depths of our hearts through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

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 Baruch 5-8

Daily Reflections

September 23, 2011
WHO IS JESUS FOR YOU?

I was studying at the Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila University for a post-graduate course in Sacred Theology when I met a Buddhist monk in one of my Christology classes. While I was aware that Ateneo accepts students from other faith affiliations, I was still surprised to learn that someone who is not even a Christian would take a difficult course in Theology that specifically dealt with Christ and His teachings.
I was even more flabbergasted when I learned that he passed the subject with flying colors. One major realization that I got was that even non-believers can know Christ, or take interest in Him, and even acquire a great knowledge of Him. Jesus in today’s Gospel asks His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” His disciples were quick to respond. They have lived with those people; they have heard their stories, yes, even what they had been thinking and saying about Jesus.
Jesus knew that question was an easy one, something His disciples could answer effortlessly. So He asks them further, “But you? Who do you say that I am?”
He wants something more from His disciples: You already know me based on the things that they have been telling you about me, so now tell me: for you, who am I? How do you experience me? What is your personal knowledge of me? What am I to you? What makes your knowledge of me different from the knowledge that a Buddhist monk acquired about me?
Each one of us must be able to answer this question. And we can do this by looking into our hearts and describing how we get to experience Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This is knowledge stored in the heart, borne out of faith, something nonbelievers cannot have, something only we, Christians, can articulate. So, for you, who is Jesus? Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
If Jesus were to ask you this question personally, “Who am I to you?” what would your answer be?

Jesus, increase my desire to know You and love You more each day of my life. Amen.

St. Cissa, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 23, 2011
1st READING

When the people looked at the new Temple and thought back about the old one of Solomon, the new one seemed to be rubbish in comparison. It must have been quite discouraging for them. They had only recently returned from exile and so did not have the huge wealth and resources that Solomon had to build his temple. God assures them not to worry as He will ensure that the Temple is so glorious that the old one will no longer be remembered. This points to the coming of Christ who is the New Temple of God. Now, in His risen and glorified body, this new Temple’s glory far outstrips all the glory of even Solomon’s temple.

Haggai 1:15-2:9
15 In the second year of King Darius, 2: 1 on the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: 2 Tell this to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak, and to the remnant of the people: 3 Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem like nothing in your eyes? 4 But now take courage, Zerubbabel, says the LORD, and take courage, Joshua, high priest, son of Jehozadak, and take courage, all you people of the land, says the LORD, and work! For I am with you, says the LORD of hosts. 5 This is the pact that I made with you when you came out of Egypt, and my spirit continues in your midst; do not fear! 6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: One moment yet, a little while, and I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. 8 Mine is the silver and mine the gold, says the LORD of hosts. 9 Greater will be the future glory of this house than the former, says the LORD of hosts; and in this place I will give you peace, says the LORD of hosts.

P S A L M

Psalms 43:1, 2, 3, 4
R: Hope in God: I will praise him, my savior and my God.
1 Do me justice, O God, and fight my fight against a faithless people; from the deceitful and impious man rescue me. (R) 2 For you, O God, are my strength. Why do you keep me so far away? Why must I go about in mourning, with the enemy oppressing me? (R) 3 Send forth your light and your fidelity; they shall lead me on and bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling-place. (R) 4 Then will I go in to the altar of God, the God of my gladness and joy; then will I give you thanks upon the harp, O God, my God! (R)

G O S P E L

It seems strange, isn’t it, that having asked the disciples who do they say He is and upon answering Him that He is the “Christ of God,” Jesus orders them to tell no one. The reason for His reticence to have Himself designated as the Christ of God was because of the people’s common understanding that He would be a conquering hero who would deliver them from the Roman occupation. Jesus’ mission was not to bring about political but spiritual freedom. Hence He preferred the title “Son of Man,” which emphasizes His ministry of service to God.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 9:18-22
18 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”


my reflections
t h i n k : Jesus’ mission was not to bring about political but spiritual freedom.

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 Baruch 1-4

Daily Reflections

September 22, 2011
CONSCIENCE CHECK

The thought of Him bothered his working days, but He disturbed his sleep as well. Herod just couldn’t dismiss this man and put Him out of his mind. He must have heard people talking about Him, or he may have heard Him himself. He couldn’t help but be drawn to Him, so he sought Him. “Who is this man?”
Then he thought of something he had done in the past — about another man who gained illustriousness and renown because of his lifestyle and preaching, someone who spoke against his immoral ways, someone he silenced. Could He be the same one? “But John I myself beheaded,” he said as he dismissed the thought of the baptizer going back to life.
According to John Ayto, conscience comes from the Latin prefix com, meaning “with or together” and scire, meaning “to know.” Hence, “to know something with oneself,” or “a moral awareness, a mental differentiation between right and wrong.” Herod may have escaped the rule of law by going scot-free or even guilt-free with his execution of John. But what the rule of law was not able to reach, his conscience was able to invade. It had finally caught up with him.
Joseph Donders wrote, “Herod can be our example in one way: his bad conscience makes him want to see Jesus. When we are in bad conscience it would be a good thing for us to have the same desire—not for the reason Herod had, but in view of an admission of sin, orgiveness, conversion, and also to get rid of the constant anxiety of that bad conscience.” How’s your conscience? Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
Is your conscience bothering you? Consider what it is saying to you. Is it a sin, or guilt, or a need to forgive someone? Listen to it.

Lord, speak more loudly in my conscience when I need to repair something that I have done or failed to do.

Sts. Digna & Emerita, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 22, 2011
1st READING

When the children of Israel returned to their land after their exile in Babylon, they had to rebuild their houses and establish their livelihood in order to begin their lives again. However, this became their sole preoccupation and so God sent His prophet, Haggai, to call them to reassess their priorities and to make the building of His Temple a priority. He indicates to them that many of their endeavors have not gone well because of their neglect to make His work a top priority. We, too, need to reassess our priorities to ensure that we give priority to our service to God.

Haggai 1:1-8
1 On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak: 2 Thus says the LORD of hosts: This people says: “The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.” 3 (Then this word of the LORD came through Haggai, the prophet:) 4 Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? 5 Now thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! 6 You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; you have drunk, but have not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; and he who earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it. 7 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! 8 Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory, says the LORD.

P S A L M

Psalms 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9
R: The Lord takes delight in his people.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful. 2 Let Israel be glad in their maker, let the children of Zion rejoice in their king. (R) 3 Let them praise his name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. 4 For the LORD loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory. (R) 5 Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches; 6 let the high praises of God be in their throats. 9 This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. (R)

G O S P E L
Herod was a tetrach (meaning, he ruled over a fourth part of a Roman region) and was totally dependent on the good opinion of Rome for his position. Hence he was paranoid about his position and so anxious to maintain it. Having put to death John the Baptist, who had challenged his adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife, Herod is concerned that he may have risen from the dead and come to take revenge.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the father except through me.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 9:7-9
7 Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; 8 others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 9 But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

my reflections
t h i n k : W e need to reassess our priorities to ensure that we give priority to our service to 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 Baruch 4-6

Daily Reflections

September 21, 2011
FAITH IN WHAT WE CAN BECOME

If I am going to form my own organization, I will carefully choose its members. They have to be among the cream of the crop, the most respected ones in society, people whom I will definitely be proud to be with and who could contribute much to the stature that I wish my organization would be known for.
As regards their qualification, they should be men who would be real assets to my organization, people who probably even have connections in high places to facilitate easy access to bureaucratic procedures. I would even consider people who are well-loved, or at least easy to love, so that they won’t cause interpersonal conflicts within our organization.
Those who wish to join my organization must have a good moral and educational background, people who have no skeletons hiding in their closets so that whenever their characters are checked, they would pass muster.
But then, that’s me.
Good thing Jesus chose to have different standards. Had He used mine, then we would have no Matthew to begin our present Scripture compilation. We would never know the genealogy of Jesus. We would never have known the most important book that anyone would ever read.
The reason is simple. Jesus’ ways are different from mine or yours. We judge on peripherals, He discerns the potentials. So instead of being bogged down by who Matthew was, He was inspired by the great disciple that Matthew would become. Now, just look at how the church has been because of him. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
Do you judge people by their external appearances? Or do you have faith in what they can become?

Lord, may I be worthy of Your trust in what I can become and may I also not lose hope in the good that can come out of even the worst of situations or people. Amen.

St. Alexander, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 21, 2011
1st READING

One thing that St. Paul constantly emphasized to his communities was that they should maintain unity. This is an important sign of the action of the Spirit as the evil spirit is always seeking to bring about conflict and division. Jesus, too, prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane for us to be one as He and the Father are one. Unfortunately, Church history is a sad tale of divisions and conflicts. Let us pray and work for reconciliation between all communities that believe in Jesus as God’s Son and Savior of the world.

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13
1 Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, 3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 11 And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.

P S A L M

Psalms 19:2-3, 4-5
R: Their message goes out through all the earth.
1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)

G O S P E L

Jesus calls Matthew who had a rather unsavory job as a tax collector for the Roman authorities. Matthew responds to the call of Jesus and holds a banquet so that all his friends can meet Jesus as well. Many dishonest and questionable characters gather at Matthew’s house and the Pharisees complain that Jesus is sharing a meal with them, seemingly condoning their evil behavior. Jesus responds that He is there as a doctor for the sick — He comes not to condemn but heal them by His acceptance and love.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company
of Apostles praise you.
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Matthew 9:9-13
9 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. 11 The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. 13 Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

my reflections
t h i n k : Let us pray and work for reconciliation between all communities that believe in Jesus as God’s Son and the Savior of the world.

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 Baruch 1-3

Daily Reflections

September 20, 2011
OUR KINSHIP WITH JESUS AND MARY

“My mother and brothers are those who listen to the words of God and do it.” These were Jesus’ words when some people tried to get His attention by telling Him that His Mother and brothers were looking for Him as he was speaking to some eager listeners. Far from other people’s belief that Jesus dismisses His Mother by saying so, He actually extols His Mother with those words. For His mother was the first one who heard God’s words and believed them. She listened to God’s words and really looked forward to seeing its fulfillment in her life.
She knew, as exhibited by her words during the visitation, that what just happened to her was a fulfillment of the promise—God’s words of old — that would be realized in and through her. With those words, Jesus said something like, “Look at my Mother here. Yes, she is so blessed for giving birth to me, but more blessed is she for having listened to My Father’s words and believing that they would be realized in her. Look at her, a perfect example of what I am telling You. She becomes more of a mother to me because of her continuous receptivity and obedience to God’s words spoken through Me.”
Those words of Jesus should encourage us. For with those words we have been made eligible to this divine kinship that we may perhaps be thinking is exclusive to Mary, Joseph or even the Apostles. Now we know that we can be “related” to Christ. And the way to enter this relationship is by hearing the words of God and obeying them. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
How much of a Mary do you have in you? Do you listen to God’s words for you? Do you obey them?

Lord, may my heart be always open to receive Your word and my will always ready to obey and act on them. & nbsp;

St. Lawrence Imbert, pray for us.

Daily Reflections

September 20, 2011
OUR KINSHIP WITH JESUS AND MARY

“My mother and brothers are those who listen to the words of God and do it.” These were Jesus’ words when some people tried to get His attention by telling Him that His Mother and brothers were looking for Him as he was speaking to some eager listeners. Far from other people’s belief that Jesus dismisses His Mother by saying so, He actually extols His Mother with those words. For His mother was the first one who heard God’s words and believed them. She listened to God’s words and really looked forward to seeing its fulfillment in her life.
She knew, as exhibited by her words during the visitation, that what just happened to her was a fulfillment of the promise—God’s words of old — that would be realized in and through her. With those words, Jesus said something like, “Look at my Mother here. Yes, she is so blessed for giving birth to me, but more blessed is she for having listened to My Father’s words and believing that they would be realized in her. Look at her, a perfect example of what I am telling You. She becomes more of a mother to me because of her continuous receptivity and obedience to God’s words spoken through Me.”
Those words of Jesus should encourage us. For with those words we have been made eligible to this divine kinship that we may perhaps be thinking is exclusive to Mary, Joseph or even the Apostles. Now we know that we can be “related” to Christ. And the way to enter this relationship is by hearing the words of God and obeying them. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
How much of a Mary do you have in you? Do you listen to God’s words for you? Do you obey them?

Lord, may my heart be always open to receive Your word and my will always ready to obey and act on them. & nbsp;

St. Lawrence Imbert, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 20, 2011
1st READING

Finally after 70 years in exile, the people of Israel are able to return to their own land and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem that had been destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This meant they could restore the temple sacrifices and worship and also celebrate the Passover, thus renewing the covenant that God had made with them through Moses. Let us pray today for all Christians who suffer persecution or are in prison and cannot partake of the Eucharist.

Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20
7 King Darius issued an order to the officials of West-of-Euphrates: “Let the governor and the elders of the Jews continue to work on that house of God; they are to rebuild it on its former site. 8 I also issue this decree concerning your dealing with these elders of the Jews in the rebuilding of that house of God: From the royal revenue, the taxes of West-of-Euphrates, let these men be repaid for their expenses, in full and without delay. 12 I, Darius, have issued this decree; let it be carefully executed.” 14 The elders of the Jews continued to make progress in the building, supported by the message of the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, son of Iddo. They finished the building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus and Darius and of Artaxerxes, king of Persia. 15 They completed this house on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. 16 The children of Israel — priests, Levites, and the other returned exiles — celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. 17 For the dedication of this house of God, they offered one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, and four hundred lambs, together with twelve he-goats as a sin-offering for all Israel, in keeping with the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 Finally, they set up the priests in their classes and the Levites in their divisions for the service of God in Jerusalem, as is prescribed in the book of Moses. 19 The exiles kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. 20 The Levites, every one of whom had purified himself for the occasion, sacrificed the Passover for the rest of the exiles, for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.

P S A L M
Psalms 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5
R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
1 I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD.” 2 And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. (R) 3 Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. 4 To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD. (R) According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. 5 In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. (R)

G O S P E L
Jesus is busy ministering to many people who are in need and is told that His mother and brothers (cousins) are there so He should stop what He is doing and attend to their needs. Jesus responds that all who do the Father’s will are His mother and His brothers, so He is obligated to them all and not just His blood relatives. Mary is Jesus’ mother first in her faith and obedience to God’s will and then, as a result of this, through the conception of the Son of God.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.
R: Alleluia, alleluia
ntations 1-5
Luke 8:19-21
19 The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. 20 He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” 21 He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

my reflections
t h i n k : Let us pray today for all Christians who suffer persecution or are in prison and cannot partake of the Eucharist.

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 Lamentations 1-5

Daily Reflections

September 19, 2011
HIDDEN CATHOLICS

I will never forget an incident that I witnessed in a fast food chain. A young family with two kids in tow was about to start eating their “happy meal.” The father was going to take a big bite when the younger kid said, “Dad, we still have to pray (say grace).” But the father said, “Shhhhh, there are plenty of people here. We’ll just pray later at home.” The innocent kid retorted quite loudly, “Ahhh, so it’s only in the house that we are to pray before eating.” The father had to hush his son as he turned pale, embarrassed by the whole thing.
This is not something that rarely happens. In a country with a population that’s 85 percent Catholic, how do we explain the small turnout of Sunday Mass goers? Majority of us are Catholics by name only, nominal Catholics we call them. We gain membership simply by baptism, some become lights on lampstands that others see, some remain under bushel baskets that do not give even the faintest light or are simply far from other people’s sight.
If some of us who are already Sunday Mass goers sometimes excuse ourselves from doing the external exercises of the faith, can we blame the nominal Catholics for remaining obscure or even unseen? Belief in Christ must never be concealed. It should always be conspicuous. Believers should never be ashamed to let other people know that they profess faith in Christ. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
Are you like the majority of Catholics who are hiding their beliefs and practices, afraid to let others see them?

Lord, make me bold enough to proclaim and let the whole world see that I am a Catholic not only by baptism but by conviction.

St. Maria de Cerevellon, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 19, 2011
1st READING

The Prophet Jeremiah had prophesied that the children of Israel would be in captivity in Babylon for 70 years and after this time would return to their homeland. This text from Ezra tells us of the proclamation of King Cyrus of Persia in allowing the exiles to return to their land. Just as in the exodus from Egypt the Israelites were assisted by their captors, so here the king commands the people to assist them with gold and silver. In this story we can see how God’s plans are wonderfully fulfilled and how He goes before His people.

Ezra 1:1-6
1 In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD inspired King Cyrus of Persia to issue this proclamation throughout his kingdom, both by word of mouth and in writing: 2 “Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia: ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD, the God of heaven, has given to me, and he has also charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Therefore, whoever among you belongs to any part of his people, let him go up, and may his God be with him! 4 Let everyone who has survived, in whatever place he may have dwelt, be assisted by the people of that place with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, together with free-will offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ ” 5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and Levites — everyone, that is, whom God had inspired to do so — prepared to go up to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors gave them help in every way, with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, and with many precious gifts besides all their free-will offerings.

P S A L M
Psalms 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
R: The Lord has done marvels for us.
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 ejoicing. (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
God gives us His law and His wisdom for us to use and put into action in our lives. We should not hide our gifts. Rather, we should use them to bring glory to God. When we share our knowledge and gifts they increase; if we keep them hidden they eventually perish. So let us be active in seeking ways to share God’s message of love and be generous in the use of our gifts and talents.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 8:16-18
16 Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

my reflections
t h i n k : When we share our knowledge and gifts they increase; if we keep them hidden they eventually perish.

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 Jeremiah 50-52

Daily Reflections

September 18, 2011
WHAT MATTERS IS THE MOTIVATION

This parable offers us a lot of lessons.
First, it teaches us to be charitable. Slaves and servants are better off because they can eat with or after their masters. But day laborers only get to eat when they earn from a day’s work. Their presence in the marketplace, still searching for work at the final hour of day, reflects desperation. So even if it would mean that the household owner would be in the losing end, he still hired them. What matters for the household owner was that the jobless have something to get by for the day.
Second, it teaches us to be humble. The household owner represents God and the workers are the beneficiaries of God’s benevolence. In the end, it is not about what we think we deserve but what God thinks we deserve. If we are to understand how the workers who came early in the day reacted, we will see that their minds were operating on the premise that they have done much and therefore should be paid as much. But we have to accept the fact that, as creatures of God, we are just at the receiving end. We need to be humble in accepting what God would deem fit for us.
Next, it teaches us to be more accepting of others, especially those who came much later than we do. This clearly speaks to the old-timers who act as if they own the church, who develop pride simply because they were the pioneers and as such have the right to everything. It also teaches us how to understand and value the work that we do for God. The first group worked because they knew that they would be given the compensation agreed upon. The workers who were invited last didn’t have to agree to anything. They just worked and left their fate to the household owner. This tells us that, in the end, it is not the work that we do for God that matters but what motivates us. Do we serve Him because we know we will be justly compensated in the end? Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
What is your motivation for working in the Lord’s vineyard?

Is it pride? Is it popularity? Or is it simply being able to serve God, trusting that He knows best how to reward us? Lord, purify my motives in serving You.

St. Ferreolus, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 18, 2011
1st READING

Every day we should seek God and His presence and grace. That means that we should try to keep an awareness of God with us throughout the day and not just when we are praying. It can be helpful to have a picture of Jesus or a crucifix near us so that we are reminded of God’s presence with us. Praying the Angelus and the rosary during the day can help us keep our minds and hearts attuned to God’s presence.

Isaiah 55:6-9
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near. 7 Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9 As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.

P S A L M

Psalms 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
R: The Lord is near to all who call upon him.
2 Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. (R) 8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. 9 The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. (R) 17 The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (R)

2nd READING

St. Paul, who had visions of heaven, knew how wonderful it would be to leave this world and be with God forever. Hence, he is caught between two good things — to depart and to be with God or to remain on earth and continue his ministry to the Christian communities. Either way, Paul wanted his life to be an offering to the Lord and to bear fruit for God’s Kingdom. The value of a life is not in its length but in the love of God that it reveals.

Philippians 1:20-24, 27
20 Brothers and sisters: Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.21 For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. 22 If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. 23 I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. 27 Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.

G O S P E L

The parable of the landowner teaches us that God calls men and women to serve in His vineyard, His Kingdom. Whether we are called when we are young or old is not important; what is important is that we serve God and do His will. Each person who faithfully serves God, whether for many years or just a short time, will receive the reward of eternal life in heaven. Let us be faithful to the call God has placed on our lives so we each can receive our reward.

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

Matthew 20:1-16
1 Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ 5 So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. 6 Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ 8 When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ 9 When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. 10 So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ 13 He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14 Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? 15 Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

my reflections
t h i n k : The value of a life is not in its length but in the love of God that it reveals.

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 Jeremiah 47-49
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

September 17, 2011
BE A WILLING SEED

This parable is commonly known as the Parable of the Sower. But while the main character is the sower, it’s the soil that received the seeds that the sower scattered that assume the major role. It mentions that there are different kinds of soil that receive the seeds.
This parable gets the distinction of being one of the very few whose meaning was clearly explained by Jesus. The seeds are the words of God and the soil represents the hearers of God’s Word. There are different kinds of soil that receive the seeds as there are many kinds of hearers of the Word. The parable is therefore really about the soil, or about us who hear the Word of God. When I give retreats, I always remind my listeners to allow the Word of God to penetrate their hearts. Being participants in a spiritual exercise, you might expect that they would be already receptive to what they hear. But you’d be surprised that some are like cushions or trampolines. Something touches them but the message just bounces off them.
They hear great teachings about forgiveness and say, “This is applicable to my neighbor whose heart is as hard as stone.” Or a teaching about love and say, “I wish my friend would hear this so she can be filled with love.” Instead of allowing God’s Word to speak to them, they see others as needing them more than they do.
The Word of God is like seeds. They can grow and bear fruit when the soil receives them. Unless we develop a great amount of openness to God’s Word, we will never see it bear fruit in our lives. We need to be humble in recognizing that when His words are sown in us, we need them. Instead of simply dismissing or thinking that others need them more than we do, we have to allow His words to really come and take root in our hearts and eventually bear fruit. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
How open is your heart to receive God’s Word? Do you bounce it off to other people? Or do you allow it to sink in your heart?

Father, make me a good soil to receive Your Word and let it bear fruit in my life.

St. Justin, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 17, 2011
1st READING
St. Paul uses the courage and example of Jesus’ testimony under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to inspire Timothy to also bear courageous witness for his faith. The lives and examples of the saints and martyrs are inspiration for us as well to not deny our faith even when being true to our beliefs would upset people and cause us to suffer.

1 Timothy 6:13-16
13 Beloved: I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession, 14 to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ 15 that the blessed and only ruler will make manifest at the proper time, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

P S A L M

Psalms 100:1-2, 3, 4, 5
R: Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; 2 serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song. (R) 3 Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. (R) 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; give thanks to him; bless his name. (R) 5 For he is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations. (R)

G O S P E L

Jesus often used images from everyday life to illustrate a spiritual truth. Here, He uses the familiar image of a sower sowing seeds. The seed, or the Word of God, is good and, as Isaiah tells us, will always bear fruit. However, it needs the right soil if it is to be really fruitful. Our hearts can become hardened at times and we need to turn it over to God if we want His Word to enter in and bear fruit. By repentance we allow our hearts to become receptive to God’s Word and to be fertile soil.

Luke 8:4-15

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

4 When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. 6 Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. 7 Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8 And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” 9 Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. 10 He answered, “Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that ‘they may look but not see, and hear but not understand.’ 11 This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. 12 Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of trial. 14 As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. 15 But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.”

my reflections
t h i n k : By repentance we allow our hearts to become receptive to God’s Word and to be fertile soil.

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 Jeremiah 43-46

Daily Reflections

September 16, 2011
BREAKING THE BARRIERS

When I met the new recruits for the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, I was not surprised to find that they came from different sectors of the community. The invitation that was sent out was for able-bodied Catholic men aged 39 years and above to consider serving God in His church as Eucharistic ministers or what we used to call lay ministers. So all kinds of men came: a doctor, two lawyers, a former public official, three tricycle drivers, a family driver, and ordinary men with bluecollar jobs. It was amazing to see these people with different backgrounds exhibiting so much ease in dealing with one another and with nothing but willingness to serve Christ and His Church. That was one miracle brought about by Jesus Christ.
Today’s Gospel speaks of a woman with a dark background — someone who was healed of evil spirits and diseases. Who would have thought that she would be found in the company of a lady of the court? Mary of Magdala and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, were from different ends of the social spectrum, yet they were there, with Christ, serving Him and attending to His needs out of their own resources. “It is one of the supreme achievements of Jesus that He can enable the most diverse people to live together without in the least losing their own personalities or qualities” (W. Barclay).
This is really a great miracle that all Christians should recognize. This in itself is a feat that we all should be pleased about. But in the EMHC experience I mentioned above, there was a plus. During the comissioning of the recruits, it was heartwarming to see the driver dispensing communion to the wholefamily he was working for. It was as if the driver would bring his “bosses” to their earthly destination during weekdays and then bring them closer to their heavenly destination, their real Boss, on Sundays.
The barriers that we put between us and others have already been broken down by Christ. How come some of us still try to reconstruct them? God has made us one, and one we should always be. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
How ready are you to rub elbows with those not from your own class?

Lord Jesus, take away from my heart any trace of discrimination. Help me to truly embrace everyone as my brother/sister in You. Amen.

St. Eugenia, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 16, 2011
1st READING
Many people allow themselves to enter into rivalries and arguments with others, including lawsuits that ultimately are futile and only fill them with turmoil and anger. This is not what God wants for His children. The endless pursuit of money and possessions will not bring peace and joy to our hearts. Rather, Paul tells us to be content with what we have and pursue holiness, which has an eternal reward.

1 Timothy 6:2-12
2 Beloved: Teach and urge these things. 3 Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching 4 is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, 5 and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain. 6 Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. 8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. 9 Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. 11 But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. 12 Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.

P S A L M

Psalms 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20
R: Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
5 [6] Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round? 6 [7] They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. (R) 7 [8] Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God; 8 [9] too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough 9 [10] to remain alive always and not see destruction. (R) 16 [17] Fear not when a man grows rich, when the wealth of his house becomes great, 17 [18] for when he dies, he shall take none of it; his wealth shall not follow him down. (R) 18 [19] Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed, “They will praise you for doing well for yourself,” 19 [20] he shall join the circle of his forebears who shall never more see light. (R)

G O S P E L

While Jesus chose 12 disciples to be His closest associates, many other people also followed Him and were part of His apostolic band. These included a number of women who provided for Jesus and His Apostles out of their own resources. Hence, we see that each of us can have a part in promoting the work of God. It is up to God what our role is. What matters is that we be obedient and faithful to what the Lord asks us to do.

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

Luke 8:1-3
1 Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

my reflections
t hink: What matters is that we be obedient and faithful to what the Lord asks us to do.

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 Jeremiah 39-42

Daily Reflections

September 15, 2011
Sorrows Are Opportunities

This feast refers to the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Mother of God. It gives the message that Mary, as a mother and a disciple, was not spared from pains and miseries. And if the Mother of God herself experienced them, then we, too, will experience sorrow in following the will of God. But we know, as in the case of the Blessed Virgin, that this is not the end by itself but an opportunity to show our faith in God. Her seven sorrows provide the milieu for the exposure of the devil’s ways and how it will be defeated by faith and God’s power. In all her sorrows, Mary encountered a lot of temptations to abandon the mission given to her by God. The temptation to just get away from these sorrows was very attractive. But Mary endured them all. She stuck to her commitment that God’s will be done. And so, together with her Son, they came out victorious!
We will encounter thousands of sorrows in our lifetime. But there are some sorrows which are crucial in our lives. We, like Mary, must show our faithfulness to God through our sorrows. Rather than be affected by them, let us use them against the very source of those sorrows.
One of my sorrows was when the donor of the main door of our church backed out because I did not grant his request to put the names of his late relatives along the edges. I told him about the consequences of his request. That instead of being honored, his relatives might be dishonored by comments of others who don’t think it’s appropriate. I also reminded him of the real essence of giving, that is, to ask for nothing in return. But my explanations were not enough for him. I was sad because we lost a donor, but happy because we stood by our principles. I gave that donor the opportunity to do an authentically good deed but he declined.
I did not lose hope. I knew that God will provide. And true to my hope, a group of people decided to raise the money for the door among themselves. They heard about what happened between me and the donor and they agreed with my decision. And they committed to provide the money needed. Sorrow turned into joy! Fr. Benny Tuazon

Reflection Question:
Recall some of your recent sorrows. How have you made use of them as opportunities to show your faithfulness to God?

Lord Jesus, help me to always believe that our sorrows will turn into joy — in Your time.

St. Ribert, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings

September 15, 2011
1st READING

Timothy was a young man and had a great deal of responsibility. Some may have been tempted to look down on him because of his youth and inexperience in life. The Apostle Paul encourages him to be a good example and to use his gifts in his teaching and preaching ministries to strengthen the Christians’ faith. Each of us has a spiritual gift that we should also use in our God-given ministries to build His kingdom.

1 Timothy 4:12-16 (or Hebrews 5:7-9)
12 Beloved: Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. 13 Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate. 15 Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. 16 Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

P S A L M

Psalms 111:7-8, 9, 10 (or Psalms 31:2-3, 3-4, 5-6, 15-16, 20)
R: How great are the works of the Lord.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; sure are all his precepts, 8 reliable forever and ever, wrought in truth and equity. (R) 9 He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. (R) 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it. His praise endures forever. (R)

G O S P E L

Mary stood at the foot of the cross during the hours of Jesus’ most painful passion. How profoundly did Mary feel and enter into the sufferings of her Son for the salvation of the world. Having experienced the depths of human suffering, she is able to enter also into our suffering and bring her motherly comfort and succor. Let us invite Mary to take up abode in our hearts and bring us her comfort and consolation.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

John 19:25-27 (or Luke 2:33-35 or Luke 7:36-50)
25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

my reflections
t h i n k : L et us invite Mary to take up abode in our hearts and bring us her comfort and consolation.

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 Jeremiah 35-38

Daily Reflections

September 14, 2011
The Cross Is Victory

Today’s feast brings meaning not only to the recovery of the parts of the Cross but to its real essence as the main symbol God used in saving us. The Cross, representing the most scandalous, absurd, painful and difficult way to die, had become a symbol of love, life and salvation. A miracle (at least for the faithful of St. Alphonsus Parish in Magallanes Village, Makati City) happened when our parish church got burned. The fire gutted everything except for the wooden cross at the church entrance. The cross wasn’t spared by the fire but its main features were still visible. Many saw it as a miracle, another triumph of the cross against destruction. It was the triumph of the cross for the faith!
While the new church was being constructed, the cross was placed in the bahay kubo, our makeshift church. It served as our cross for all the Masses held there. Everyone going to Mass, recognizing what it had gone through, would pass by it, utter some prayers, kiss it, or hold it. It has become a source of strength for everyone, an inspiration for all the challenges and sufferings we encounter in life. The cross is a living testimony to the power of God!
When the new church was finished, it was placed on the side where people can have access to it. It was hard to decide where to put it, but where it is now seems to be the perfect place. People continue to visit it and others, in fact, had developed a devotion to it. Today, whenever I look at that cross, I remember the difficulties we had in the reconstruction of our church. Sometimes I ask myself how I was able to go through them. The cross gave me the answer. Sufferings, challenges and even death are not the ultimate destiny of life. We will all go through them and more. In the same way that the Lord Jesus defeated death on the cross, we, too, in faith and with the Lord, will also be victorious over all. The cross no longer represents defeat but triumph, not death but life, not hate but love, and not damnation but salvation! Fr. Benny Tuazon

Reflection Question:
What does the Cross of Christ mean to me?

Lord, we cannot bear our life’s crosses without You. With You, we know we will always be victorious.

St. Crescentian, pray for us.