Reflections of Faith
Read and be inspired by a reflection based on today's Gospel made by members of the Verbum Dei Family in Manila.
3/11/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 11, 2020March 11, 2020 Wednesday
Gospel: Matthew 20:17–28 “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” (cf. Matthew 20:28) Being above us all, Jesus did not live proud and boastful of His identity but instead He became an example of humility by becoming a servant. The greatness of one’s life is measured how he or she dedicated his or her life into service for the goodness of others. And God delights to the ones who live their life for others. Today let us ask Mother Mary to help us live a life of service and humility. #PrayVD
3/10/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 10, 2020March 10, 2020 Tuesday
Gospel: Matthew 23:1–12 “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” (cf. Matthew 23:12) In today's Gospel, Jesus moralized the crowds and his disciples into humility by inspiring them into service for others. There is nothing wrong with being proud of our lives and works but when one’s pride starts to degrade others, it is the time when one is doing too much. A righteous man might be dignified by many because of his great deeds and yet hehumbly acknowledges the works of the One behind him – God. Let us ask Mother Mary to help us find ourselves humble andgrateful to the works of God in our lives. #PrayVD
3/9/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 9, 2020March 9, 2020 Monday
Gospel: Luke 6:36–38 “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (cf. Luke 6:36) As we are children of God, Jesus invites us to be like our Heavenly Father - merciful. People who have a merciful heart are blessed to live a graceful life because the people around them reflect the goodness of their lives. Let us ask Mother Mary to guide us in living a life full of mercy.
3/8/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 8, 2020March 8, 2020 Sunday
Gospel: Mt 17:1-9 “Rise, and do not be afraid” How do you live in the midst of the changes around -- Taal Eruption, nCov Virus impacting global economy? Perhaps everyone has a story to tell about the many changes that are happening in one's life right now. In the Gospel, Jesus takes His disciples up the mountain and tells them of the impending change to come. In the midst of that, they have witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus before God. Lent is a season focused on change. An opportunity for us to take a stock of ourselves, look inwardly and embrace one’s vulnerability. We hear many voices around us. Transfiguration reminds us to listen to only one voice. For this we pray for openness, awareness, attentiveness and courage to act on his Word which gives hope, healing, peace and life . #PrayVD
3/7/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 7, 2020March 7, 2020 Saturday
Gospel: Mt 5:43-48 “If you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?” We are called to imitate God of whom we are “made into his likeness”. But is it reasonable to care, pray and love our enemies? How can we possibly do that when the “enemy” harms us in some way. God is love. That is His very nature. Many people believe in him and many are also opposed to him. Yet, He treats each one the same. He is our model and we are to imitate Him. His life is for loving and so is ours. For if we care only for those we like, how can we truly be an image of His likeness? Holy Trinity and Mother Mary help us understand and stretch our capacity to love. Amen. #PrayVD
3/6/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 6, 2020March 6, 2020 Friday
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26 “Be reconciled with your brother” “If someone says he loves God, but hates his brother, he is a liar” 1 John 4:20. So no matter how much you pray and make offerings, if you have conflict with a brother; it is no use. The commandment is clear “love one another as I have loved you”. The first reading reminds and guarantees us of God’s mercy if we repent for the wrongdoings we have done. Therefore, let us “rid ourselves of all the offenses we have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit” Ezekiel 18:31 #PrayVD
3/5/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 5, 2020March 5, 2020 Thursday
Gospel: Mt 7:7-12 “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you” The things we do can reveal our relationship with God and our neighbors, our values and wants. God gives only “good things” to those who ask Him. For He cares of the well-being of His children. If such is God to us, surely we too are expected to be equally caring and loving to others too. However, our human limitations hinder us from consistently doing “good things” for other people. Thus we pray that God would reveal to us what keeps us away from Him. God, draw us near to you and cleanse our motivations. Amen. #PrayVD
3/4/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 4, 2020March 4, 2020 Wednesday
Gospel: Lk 11:29-32 “The sign of Jonah” “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign.” In those days, Jonah went about telling everyone about repentance and conversion. In today’s time, Ash Wednesday was the sign reminding us of a loving and merciful God. We are encouraged to pray and approach Him in the sacrament of reconciliation to repent for our sins and receive healing. He awaits us with open arms. Always forgiving, such is his love for us. Holy Trinity and Mama Mary, we pray for courage and boldness to approach Jesus through confession in this season of lent. Amen. #PrayVD
3/3/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 3, 2020March 3, 2020 Tuesday
Gospel: Mt 6:7-15 “This is how you are to pray” A part of the three pillars for the Lenten Season is prayer. Jesus has taught us how to pray with the “Our Father”, where there is a series of declaration and petitions affirming our relationship with God. In the part “And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sinned against us”, do we truly recognise and realise that as we ask for God’s forgiveness, the same is asked from us? That we should also be able to increase our capacity to forgive those who hurt us. Challenging, sin't it? Forgiveness includes reconciliation. Yet, this is most liberating -- the fruit is inner peace. Today, we pray for all the people who have hurt us directly or indirectly. We ask for the gift of forgiveness, healing of relationships and peace . #PrayVD
3/2/2020
Daily Guidelines: March 2, 2020March 2, 2020 Monday
Gospel: Mt 25:31-46 “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Both the readings today remind us on how to conduct ourselves with one another. The first reading reminds us what “not" to do while the Gospel Reading tackles what to “do” to others. One American actor posted a video of himself last Ash Wednesday at FB encouraging his followers to everyday holiness. He asked, “What will you give up this Lenten Season?” One answered “Give up on plastic”. The actor then replied with an encouragement -- Let’s “DO MORE” acts of kindness, giving, loving.” How about you, what will you #DoMore ? We ask you Holy Trinity and Mama Mary, to open our eyes and ears. To lead and guide us where and how our loving is most needed today. Amen. #PrayVD |
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