​August 12, 2020 – Wednesday
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
“when two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.”
In the beginning of the Gospel reading, it connotes forgiveness and reconciliation; speaking with each other on the issue or matter of concern. If one committed a mistake, we speak first with him, also referred to as “fraternal correction,” not condemning or shaming the other.
We become conscious too that the effort is to forgive the other, not to begrudge the other or put him down, worse if we ostacize or exclude the other.

Differences are normal in any community, family or organization. But when we correct one another, for the betterment or for peace in the family or organization, it is following what Jesus said, that if we do this in His name, He is among us.
Lord, teach me too to be humble in accepting if I need to be corrected, and that I become an nstrument of your peace and reconciliation.
#PrayVD

August 11, 2020 – Tuesday
Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
“Whoever becomes humble like this child, is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven..”
How do we view a child? Open, innocently happy, attentive to our every word, frank and  honest... adores us, loves us holds no judgment nor grudges. That’s what Jesus wants us to be! Aside from the children, He means the little ones to also be the poor – those who have nothing, those who have been lost, or have turned their backs on the Church and God.
The little ones are those not socially important as they do not belong to the world of the powerful. But the disciples had to become like these little ones. They must grow down and toward the periphery, where the poor and the little ones live. In this way, they will be greater in the Kingdom!
Lord, teach us to be more humble, open and giving, that we may be better servants of the poor, and the lost.

#PrayVD

​August 10, 2020 – Monday
Gospel: John 12:24-26
“....if it dies, it will bear much fruit....”
Jesus is illustrated here as the wheat whose death will bear much fruit for the rest of us. Following His life and knowing the meaning of His Resurrection will give us the roadmap to Eternal life. We are the fruits of His suffering and death as long as we follow Him. 
Not every wheat grain will germinate – without the right conditions, a grain will lie dormant and never bear fruit. The grain needs sun, rain, nutrients before it can begin to grow.
Is my faith dormant? Or am I nourishing it so that it will yield an abundant harvest? What needs to die in me, that I may live more fully? Lord, help us to be like you, open and all-giving.

#PrayVD

​August 9, 2020 – Sunday
Gospel: Mt 14: 22-23

Truly, you are a Son of God!

Today’s gospel brings us the strong conviction that God is above everything. No matter how strong the wind and waves are, he will always be under control. Peter was afraid of the water and cries for help, but Jesus responded to him, “Man of little faith, why did you doubt?”

God is with us even if we feel overwhelmed with our situations. Jesus is with us when we feel afraid and lost with the things we are carrying in our hearts. He only needs our full cooperation and trust.

Mama Mary, we pray for increased faith and trust, so we are truly convinced that Jesus is with us, the son of God.
#PrayVD

​August 8, 2020 – Saturday
Gospel: Mt 17: 14-20

Nothing will be impossible for you.

Our gospel today is about a man who has a son that suffers from his mental state. Nowadays, we are surrounded by a lot of suffering: physically, mentally, spiritually. Jesus has one message for all of us, “Nothing will be impossible for you.” Even if we have a faith like the size of a mustard seed, we must believe our faith can surpass anything as we continue to pray for the healing of everyone.

Mother Mary, we pray that we may believe in our capacity to help through our little ways for the healing of the hearts and relationships surrounding us.

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​August 7, 2020 - Friday
Gospel: Mt 16:24-28

Take up your cross and follow Him.

Following Jesus is never an easy task. In our gospel today, we heard Jesus telling his disciples that whoever wants to follow Him must take up his own cross. I wonder, will it be satisfying and comfortable for us if we do it?
Let us strive not to avoid sufferings as Jesus wants us to embrace our crosses so we can live like Him, facing our own cross that we may truly live our life with love as He did when he saved us from our own sins.
Mama Mary, accompany and be with us as we take the courage to carry our own cross and live our identity following Jesus as our friend and savior. Amen.

#PrayVD