October 24, 2019 Thursday
Gospel Luke 12:49-53

 "How I wish it were already kindled.” cf 12:49
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Today’s gospel is quite disturbing as Jesus tells His disciples that He has come to bring division rather than peace. What He really means is that He wants to disturb those with complacent hearts who are just passive and permissive to the evil that is happening. Should we just keep silent as we watch poor and innocent people get killed? Should we just sit by letting others blatantly rob other people of their rights? Jesus knows how cunning and active the evil forces are. So we are being called to face them head on and fight with Him for what is right and just.
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October 23, 2019 Wednesday
Gospel Luke 12:39-48

 "Be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”  cf Luke 12:40

Life indeed is full of surprises. Despite prophesies and technological advancements, no one can still accurately predict what lies ahead. Similarly, in our personal lives, we can never be entirely prepared for the next big crisis or perhaps a beautiful opportunity about to enfold. So how can we be ready?
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Jesus teaches us that this can be done by making the most of what is entrusted to us- our life, our talents, our capacities, and our relationships. Does every moment spent in our very limited time on earth a moment spent for His Kingdom? Let us be prepared.
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​October 22, 2019 Tuesday
Gospel Luke 10:1-9

 "The Lord sent them...where He Himself was to go."  cf Luke 10:1

Have you ever questioned why you are stuck in a particular situation, or with a difficult person, or with a seemingly impossible task? Jesus tells us in today’s reading, “Courage! I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” Indeed, sometimes we may see the world as a very dark place- filled with corruption, with people who take advantage or betray, or with situations that may cause disillusionment. Still, Christ tells us that we are being sent where He Himself will go. Rest assured He is collaborating with us to be the salt of the earth and light amidst the darkness.
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October 21, 2019 Monday
Gospel Luke 12:13-21

"For even though you have many possessions, it is not that which gives you life." Cf Luke 12:15

If we reflect deeper in search of the root cause of most conflicts, we may infer that majority are because of material possessions. Sometimes, human as we are, we get too blinded by greed for earthly wealth that we fail to realize how insignificant these are compared to broken relationships these conflicts cause.

Jesus reminds us in today’s gospel to guard our hearts against blinding greed. And that even in the smallest gifts we share, as long as we give it willingly and with love in our hearts, we may be able to give life, and give Christ Himself, to others.
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October 20, 2019 Sunday
Lk 18:1-8

Will not God vindicate His elect?

God is not indifferent to our needs. Like the widow, may we have the same persistent attitude in prayer.
Have you experienced waiting on God for a long time to answer your prayers? Trust and hope in God!

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October 19, 2019 Saturday
Lk 12: 1-8

The Holy Spirit will teach you what to say

The first time I had to deliver a retreat talk, I had everything planned out in a script. When the time came, I couldnt find it. The Spirit gave me the words and I was able to deliver the talk. Are we afraid of speaking up for God whether in one on one chats or big gatherings? Remember, when God provides us an opportunity to minister, many times there wont be a script. We just have to trust as the Spirit leads.

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October 18, 2019 Friday
Lk 10:1-9

Peace be to this house!

First impressions make a big difference in our relations with people. First impressions give people a glimpse of who we are and can either bring connection or rejection. Hence, when the disciples met people for the first time, the first thing they did was to make a greeting of peace. What first impression do we give people? Do people immediately see the working of Christ in us?

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​October 17, 2019 Thursday
Lk 11:47-54

Do not lose the key of knowledge

In today’s reading, Jesus calls out the Pharisees for their double standards and spiritual blindness. When we ourselves stop listening to God’s word and heed only our thoughts, that is when we lose wisdom, the key of knowledge. We ourselves become spiritually blind and resort to condemning others.  Lord, help us to cling to Your words so as to gain true wisdom.

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​October 16, 2019 Wednesday
Lk 11:42-46

You yourselves do not touch the burdens with your fingers

Negastars -- that's  what we call people who complain, blame and keep passing responsibilities to others. But they themselves will not help in solving the problems they complain about or pass on.  Perhaps there have been times we ourselves have been like this, like the Pharisees.  Jesus knew the reason:  the Pharisees thought too highly of themselves and looked down on others.  

Lord, wake us up when we become too proud or aloof or uncaring.  Help us to lift our fingers to help rather than complain.

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October 15, 2019 Tuesday
Lk 11:37-41

Give for alms those things that are within.

The greatest gifts we can give are often intangible. When my father passed away, I recall the comfort and peace which I received through the kind words and encouragement that friends and family provided.

Today, let us recall those times when we gave hope, happiness and consolation to others through our positive words and actions for these reveal how clean our hearts are.

Lord, help us to nurture and keep our hearts clean and pure that we may give the best of ourselves always.

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