​April 30, 2019 - Tuesday
Gospel: John 3:7-15

"So must the Son of Man be lifted up."

We usually feel “lifted up” whenever you are on top, at the top of your game.  Jesus talks about a different kind of being on top — in humble, sacrificial, loving service to others.  It is a “lifting up” that does not call attention to the self.  When we are on top, do we focus only on ourselves or do we take the opportunity to love?  Lord, may we always remember that you lift us up so that we may serve others.

#PrayVD

April 29, 2019 - Monday
Gospel: John 3:1-8

"..that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

The saying goes “you are what you eat.” When Jesus tells us to be born anew, He is telling us to allow the Spirit to enter our hearts and minds. Then we are nourished by the Spirit and everything that comes out of us is inspired by the Spirit. What we pass on to others reveals how much the Spirit influences and changes us. Thank You Jesus for inviting us to a new baptism!

#PrayVD

​April 28, 2019 – Sunday
Gospel: John 20:19-31

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:29)

That applies to us, the modern day Christians. Is our faith so strong that we believe despite not seeing Jesus? Do we live out His teachings as if He has spoken to us directly? Do we live out our faith by doing good works ? 
Do we live out our faith by words only? By action? Or is it only in our minds? How well do we know our Catechism that our life itself is an expression of our faith, an integration of all our Christian beliefs?

Let us call on Mama Mary to teach and show us how to live Christ’s life on a daily basis.

#PrayVD

​April 27, 2019 – Saturday
Gospel: Mark 16:9-15

“Go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Despite having heard that the Lord has risen, some apostles did not believe the Good News. But Peter and John the Beloved continued on boldly speaking about Jesus, even under threat by the authorities.

It is with this same confidence, that when we speak about the Lord, we are emboldened and given courage by God’s grace. Although we have not seen Him nor heard Him directly, we cannot help but speak of how we were transformed , how we/others can be saved, to correct our errors, to seek peace through his Word, and be a light to others.

Mama Mary, help us keep the light, faith and love just like the Apostles.
#PrayVD

​April 26, 2019 – Friday
Gospel: John 21:1-14

“It is the Lord” (John 21:7)

When Jesus showed Himself again to the apostles the third time, He was far, standing on the beach. He asked them if they have caught any fish since it was getting dark, to which they answered, None yet. He tells them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. They caught so much and their nets couldn’t handle it.

Do we see Jesus in all our undertakings? Is it too dark due to sin and pride, that we are unable to see Him, hear His word, and refuse what He is saying to us?

Yet when we are enlightened, our eyes spark, our hearts leap with joy, our shoulders erect, smiles on our faces, we say “It is the Lord!” 
Look closely, it  is Him with you now.  
#PrayVD

​April 25, 2019 – Thursday
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

“ Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36)

Jesus presents Himself to the disciples with all his wounds, and they were terrified ! The fear they had when He first showed himself to them is now replaced with joy and hope. The Lord has truly risen and will remain with them til eternity!

Even now, He is with us, in our Tabernacles, in the Holy Eucharist. Our hearts are at peace knowing that He is constantly with us, constantly available wherever we go. 

Let us visit Him on every occasion in the Blessed Sacrament. We ask Mama Mary to teach us her fidelity to Jesus.

#PrayVD

​April 24, 2019- Wednesday
Gospel: Luke 24 : 13-35

“Were not our hearts burning when He spoke to us” (Luke 24:32)

When Jesus started to speak to these two men about the Scriptures, they were enlightened, which brought back their faith and hope, their joy and love. Before which, they were discouraged by the Crucifixion and death of Jesus. They thought they have lost all hope.

Let us keep turning back to the Lord once we feel that we are losing hope. Let us keep opening our hearts and let Him inflame us again and again. We need to be faithful and we will be showered with all the blessings and graces He sees fitting for us.

Stay with us, Lord, in our moments of darkness that we may not stray from You.

#PrayVD

April 23, 2019 – Tuesday
Gospel: John 20:11-18

“Woman, why are you weeping?” “Whom do you seek?” (John 20:13)

When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, she was crying so deeply, her sorrow and tears blinding her so that she didn’t recognize Jesus standing in front of her. But when He calls her name, she immediately reconizes the familiar voice and she falls to His feet with joy.
Christ is alive! He continues to live in our midst. He calls us by our name, do we hear His familiar voice? Is our vision clouded by doubts, fears, and tears? Do we seek Him at all times, sad and happy times?
Let us be like Mary Magdalene who devotedly sought the Lord. Let us ask Mama Mary’s help for us to persevere until we find and rest in Him.

#PrayVD

April 22, 2019 - Monday
Gospel: Matthew 28:8-15

“Greetings!” He says, and they paid Him homage.” (Matt 28:8-9)

Rejoice for the Lord has Risen! Tis the season of joy.. “I will give you joy which no one will take from you...” (John 16:22) There’s joy when we know that at all times, as long as we cling to Him, we have a refuge who will not forsake us, feeling secure despite trials, like lifelong friends.

There will always be highs and lows in our lives, but without faith, sadness and discouragement takes charge. Let Christ be our life and we will not succumb to despair. We are assured of a Christian youthful spirit that’s always pushes us to keep rising after each fall. It is our duty then to share that joy with others
Let’s call on Mama Mary to help us find hope and grace in this season of joy!

#PrayVD

April 21, 2019 - Easter Sunday
Gospel: Jn 20: 1-9

He saw and believed - Jn 20:8

Today we celebrate Easter Sunday, when Jesus had risen from the dead. Today’s gospel reveals that Mary Magdalene discovered Jesus body missing in the tomb. She told the disciples, but they were hesitant to see it for themselves. Later, they went one by one and believed what they saw. Today, we are invited to let our faith witness the risen Lord in our life. Let the renewal and newness that we received from this one week of intense prayer and reflection be our living proof to believe that Jesus won over us. Jesus lives in our hearts and will continue to reign in our life.

#PrayVD