​February 29, 2020 Saturday
Gospel: Luke 5: 27-32
 
Follow me.
 
Many moments in our lives, we get ashamed of following Jesus after sinning against His will. But in the Gospel today, Jesus wants us to remember and understand that He came to this world not to call the just, but sinners to penance.
 
He came to this world for all of us. For you and for me and the entire human race, as the song says.
 
Holy Father, may we never let our sins stop ourselves from following Your Son but instead make these a reason to come to Him more.
 
#PrayVD

​February 28, 2020 Friday
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15
 
the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast
 
In the Gospel today, the Pharisees challenged Jesus regarding His disciples’ fasting. Jesus wants us to learn today the same thing He told the Pharisees: there is perfect timing in everything. 
 
Currently, you may be questioning a part of your life – when will I get that promotion? When will I get that dream? Today, Jesus is telling you to stop worrying and start believing that if the bridegroom was able to stay then leave, he will surely be able to come back – In time.
 
In time.
 
Holy Spirit, continue to inspire us take heart above our life’s challenges so that we’ll be patient until the perfect time comes.

​February 27, 2020 Thursday
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25
 
If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me.
 
In many moments of our lives, we do not understand what it really means to carry our daily cross. But today, the Gospel reminds us that taking up our own cross every day is a sign of something greater than just simply persevering or thriving. It means choosing Jesus.
 
Each time we opt to go on and accept our cross, it also means we accept Jesus in our lives. It means we want Him to keep on leading us towards the Father.
 
Mother Mary, please pray for our hearts so that we’ll keep on choosing to take on our own cross more diligently.
 
#PrayVD

​February 26, 2020 Ash Wednesday
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
 
“..and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.”
 

In the age of social media, the world has trained us how to deliberately share the good parts of our lives and our activities. But in the Gospel today, Jesus challenges us to learn how to keep doing the good even more when other people can’t witness and see what we do. 
 
As we mark the beginning of Lent today, may we keep in our hearts the true meaning of doing the good as we repent on our sins and reminisce how great the love of God for each one.


Jesus, please help us make this public penance more personal as we contemplate on the real meaning of the ashes in our faith.
 
#PrayVD

​February 25, 2020 Tuesday
Gospel: Mark  9:30-37
 
 "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all."
 
We live in a world where we are all taught of the beauty of being on top. But today, Jesus reminds us what It really means to be the first, or the best. The true people on top are those who are brave enough to let others be above them.
 
When you know how to think of other people first more than yourself, it is when you become great and worthy of being called ‘first’.
 
Mother Mary, please pray for our hearts so we may be able to make space for others first.
 
#PrayVD

​February 24, 2020 Monday
Gospel: Mark 9:14-29
 
Jesus said: Everything is possible for one who has faith.
 
In the Gospel today, a man asked Jesus for help after His disciples failed to help him with his problem. Jesus’ frustration was very evident with the way He responded “Faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you?”
 
There are times that we too, get frustrated with our own shortcomings and lack of faith. But today, Jesus reminds us that everything is possible for one who has faith. That even in our low moments, we are capable of SO MUCH if we just pray.
 
Mother Mary, continue to pray for us as we try to live with hope in our faith to grow day by day.
 
#PrayVD

February 23, 2020  Sunday
Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48
“Offer no resistance to one who is evil. Be perfect.”

It is quite normal to hate someone who wronged us. Yet Jesus teaches us that perfect love is to be able to love the unlovable. Loving is made even more special when we make a conscious effort to forgive those who have hurt us and to pray for those who persecute us. It may be very difficult to do, but God assures us that through practice, we will be able to find inner peace. 

In fact, He loved us too, despite the times we offended Him. So we must give back His mercy by loving our offenders as well. Who knows? The mercy we give may save one lost soul.
​
#PrayVD

February 22, 2020  Saturday
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
“Upon this rock I will build my Church.”

Recalling St. Peter’s life really leaves one at awe. Peter was a simple fisherman who had a lot of flaws, limitations, and doubts. He denied Jesus many times. His dwindling courage caused him to sank in the water. His boldness and carelessness led Jesus to scold him a number of times. Yet, Jesus chose him as the ‘rock’ with which He built His Church. He became the first Pope and was entrusted the keys to the Kingdom.

Christ finds in Peter a trustworthy Shepherd, who despite his limitations and weaknesses, remained in Him and drew strength from Him to build the foundations of the Church.

St. Peter, teach us how to be loyal to Jesus and not to be hindered by our failures and doubts.
​
#PrayVD

February 21, 2020 Friday
Gospel: Mark 8:34-9:1
“What profit is there for one to gain the whole world?” 

There is nothing wrong when we yearn to achieve. To dream big things keeps us motivated at work and in our relationships. Yet Jesus in today’s Gospel demonstrates a radical way of living – to deny oneself, take up one’s cross and follow Him. According to Him, achievement without humility, a heart ready to embrace hardships and a desire to follow Jesus is a worthless achievement. To gain the whole world but to lose yourself in the process will not give us the real fulfillment we seek.

Dearest Mother, may we live honorable lives by standing up for the truth even if we’re standing alone, and to be able to do His will even if it leads to unpopularity.
​
 #PrayVD

​February 20, 2020 Thursday
Gospel: Mark 8:27-33
 "He spoke this openly.”

Many times when we are in crisis, or when we are rejected and suffering, we tend to put up a poker face and tell people we’re okay, while deep inside us we’re not. Jesus Himself talks about suffering and rejection so openly that Peter began to rebuke him. 

But Jesus reminds us that suffering and rejection for the sake others is indeed something to be proud of. It is a testimony of love that must be proclaimed to the world, to set example and to encourage those who are battling with difficult situations as well.

Mother Mary, help us to embrace suffering more openly like your Son.
​
#PrayVD