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.
4/9/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 9, 2020April 9, 2020 – Maundy Thursday
Gospel: John 13:1-15 “.....you ought to wash one another’s feet.” Today, Jesus wants us to wash one another’s feet – to serve one another regardless of our positions. He teaches us how much more is required in being a leader, in being a servant-leader. Because the higher you go, the greater your responsibility is towards others in the organization, community, society, and the other side of the world. We empthasize with their sufferings, and think of ways how we can be of help. As Christians, we too have greater duty in bringing Christ through our daily living. Let us ask the Lord and Mama Mary for fortitude, on how we can continue to live Christ’s legacy in the service of others and on how to be instruments of His teachings. #PrayVD
4/8/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 8, 2020April 8, 2020 – Holy Wednesday
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25 “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. ” Matthew here tackles the betrayal of Judas as differentiated from Peter’s denial. Peter deeply loved the Lord but was easily intimidated and feared by what others said of the Lord. Judas on the other hand, sought ways and means to bring Him to the hands of the Pharisees. Where are we in our convictions, do we seek the easy or the hard way to holiness? Do we see the lessons behind the hardships? Are we mindful of the whys of what we are going through? We pray for discernment specially now that we and the world are facing these unprecedented challenges. With faith, let us see the love of God all around us. #PrayVD
4/7/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 7, 2020April 7, 2020 – Holy Tuesday
Gospel: John 13: 21-33, 36-38 “.....you will deny me 3 times.” Isn’t it hurting when your trust is broken, specially by someone close to you? Jesus was denied 3 times by Peter, his closest confidante. In our lives, we may personally have been guilty too about not being faithful to our friends and loved ones. How about our faithfiulness to Jesus? How faithful are we to Him? Do we stand up courageously when He is maligned? Do we defend the Church, Mama Mary and the Pope? Are we consistent in being the light and the path to Jesus, when others criticize them and call God “stupid”? Let’s pray more that Jesus give us the courage to stand up and speak up openly in their defense. We are, after all, the Lord’s warriors here on earth. Mama Mary, help us develop a stronger faith and firmer convictions. #PrayVD
4/6/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 6, 2020April 6, 2020 – Holy Monday
Gospel : John 12: 1-11 “.....the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” When we love someone, we always want to give them what is best, perhaps the most expensive item we know they will love and appreciate. That was how Mary in the Gospel loved Jesus, using perhaps her most treasured oil to wash His feet. Wasn’t that truly shocking, so expensive it could have fed a number of needy people! During this Lenten time, why not give our most treasured time, attention, or belongings to someone who has loved us so much, who gave His life for us. What is it that Jesus wants you to offer to Him that you have been holding back and keeping to yourself? Jesus, teach us how to live our lives entirely devoted to you specially during these days of sacrifice. Help us understand what we need to give up now and for the rest of our lives.... #PrayVD
4/5/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 5, 2020April 5, 2020 - Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
Gospel: MT 26:14—27:66 Take and eat, this is my body. Today is the start of the Holy Week – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion – a great testament of God’s love for us. Our gospel is about the preparation of the Passover meal shared by Jesus and his disciples. As we enter this sacred time, Jesus is preparing us of what we are to receive: his body and blood. Let’s ask ourselves, “What does our heart contain right now?” and “Are we ready to take and receive Jesus in our hearts?” Mother Mary, be our model of unconditional love so we also could be ready to offer ourselves most especially to those in need. #PrayVD
4/4/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 4, 2020April 4, 2020 - Saturday
Gospel: JN 11:45-56 Jesus stayed with his disciples The Pharisees and Jews mocked Jesus’ doings and restrained him from doing more to the people. However, Jesus responded with nothing but an action of love. He went out to the wilderness and stayed with his disciples after all the happenings. We are stuck in our own homes right now because of the quarantine as means to fight the virus. We are in the wilderness with Jesus during this Lent. As we stay home, let us continue to be more faithful because Jesus stays with us as well amid uncertainty. Mother Mary, help us to stay with Jesus as we continue to live in this trying time. Amen. #PrayVD
4/3/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 3, 2020April 3, 2020 - Friday
Gospel: JN 10:31-42 Know that the Father is in me and I in the Father In our gospel, Jesus experienced rejection from the Jews. However, he stood his ground and anchored his faith firmly in his Father’s promise of protection. “Again, they tried to arrest him, but Jesus escaped from their hands.” Putting our trust completely to God is something easier said than done especially in this current crisis that we are facing. But Jesus continues to invite and inspire us to trust even more firmly and to be rooted in the love of God to us and to all his people. Mother Mary, may we be able to survive the challenges that we are facing and continue to trust more and firmly into God’s love for the humanity. Amen. #PrayVD
4/2/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 2, 2020April 2, 2020 - Thursday
Gospel: JN 8:51-59 I know Him and I keep His word! The message of Jesus to his disciples talks about his confidence and full trust to the Father. “I know him and if I were to say that I don’t know him, I would be liar like you. But I know him and I keep his words.” Jesus is obedient to the Father’s will. What are the things that God might be challenging you to leave behind in order to know him more and keep his words? Mother Mary, continue to invite us to walk with trust in our hearts so that Jesus can lead me to the Father in this Lenten journey. Amen. #PrayVD
4/1/2020
Daily Guidelines: April 1, 2020April 1, 2020 - Wednesday
Gospel: JN 8:31-42 The truth that I learned from God the Father Our gospel today is about the conversation of Jesus with disciples on how we can be true disciples. One may say, “I have faith” through words but how are we to prove our faith? Jesus shared the truth that He learned from God the Father: our faith must be backed up by our own actions and not just merely words. How does our own faith create a difference in the world we live in today? Mother Mary, help us as we create change daily no matter how small it is. May our faith be transformed into concrete actions for the betterment of everyone. Amen. #PrayVD |
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August 2021
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