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.
7/21/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 21, 2020July 21, 2020 - Tuesday
Mt 12:46-50 “For who does the heavenly will of My Father is my brother, and sister and mother” Jesus is showing us not to become indifferent to others. Jesus said that whoever does the will of the Father is brother, sister or mother to Him. This act of Jesus become the bridge of relationship to all people. We might find other people we don’t know much, or a stranger – but Jesus declares that through Him, we have a relationship and responsibilities to that stranger because we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Mama Mary, teach so that we may enlarge our hearts capable of loving more and to see others as brothers and sisters united in the love of Christ. #PrayVD
7/20/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 20, 2020July 20, 2020 - Monday
Mt 12:38-42 “To the righteous, I will show the saving power of God” Jesus will reveal the saving power of God to whose hearts are righteous. Everytime we choose righteous decisions, God is opening a new door full of fruitfulness. Similarly, when we choose to listen to The Word of God, the door of the evangelization opens up for us and as we continuously choose righteousness, doors will open up that leads us closer to the salvation that God has promised to us. We are invited to choose righteousness in every step we take in our life. Holy Spirit, guide us in this journey of life as we choose the path of righteousness towards the salvation. #PrayVD
7/19/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 19, 2020July 19, 2020 – Sunday
Gospel: Matthew 13: 24-43 The Good Seeds in Us The task of separating the good from evil is reserved to God who sets things right in His own time. In the meantime, patience, tolerance and avoidance of social labels must prevail. In today’s Gospel, the owner of the field believes in the potential of his sown good seeds and he has shown patience and tolerance in waiting for it to bear good fruits for him in spite of the presence of the weeds. The Lord reveals Himself as the owner of the field who believes and hopes in the goodness in all of us patiently waiting for us to change for the better. Let us also ask Mother Mary to help us hope and see the goodness in all the people that we encounter. #PrayVD
7/18/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 18, 2020July 18, 2020 – Saturday
Gospel: Matthew 12:14–21 "Here is my servant, whom I have chosen." (cf. Matthew 12:18) They were so threatened with Jesus and His influence that they decided to put Him to death. Realizing that He was in danger, Jesus decided to withdraw to a secluded place. And yet as a fulfilment of the prophecy, He still accepted those who are sick and forgotten by the society. He continued to become the servant whom the Father had sent to serve and save us. Mother Mary, help us to be like Jesus in serving in spite of the judgment and condemnation of others. Amen. #PrayVD
7/17/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 17, 2020July 17, 2020 – Friday
Gospel: Matthew 12:1–8 “It is mercy I want, not sacrifice.” (cf. Matthew 12:7) Sometimes, we look in the faults of others especially when they don't follow the same rules we follow. And sometimes, we tend to unconsciously criticise others in comparing the good works and sacrifices we do for the Lord. In today's Gospel, Jesus showed both compassion and mercy towards his disciples who felt hunger in walking through a field of grain on the Sabbath as they were criticised by the Pharisees for not following the law. In this time of pandemic, we may still be encouraged to do sensible things having an attitude of mercy and compassion to all instead of judging others from being different with us. #PrayVD
7/16/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 16, 2020July 16, 2020 – Thursday
Gospel: Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to me and I will give you rest.” (cf. Matthew 11:28) This pandemic gives us a handful of worries and concerns: fear about our family’s health, anxiety of not being able to do our plans and goals, grief of losing someone we love – burdened and stressed with the things that are not in our control. In today's Gospel, Jesus invites us to come to Him assuring us that He will give us rest. It is important for us to know where or whom to go when we are burdened and weary. And it is in Jesus that we can find the peace, rest, protection and love that we need. Let us place our anxieties, fears and worries in His hands. Simply spending time with Him through prayer can give us rest and lighten our burdens. Let us also ask Mother Mary to help us to come to Jesus whenever we feel burdened with heavy loads. May we learn how to submit ourselves to the One who could give us rest. Amen. #PrayVD
7/15/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 15, 2020July 15, 2020 – Wednesday
Gospel: Matthew 11:25–27 Things revealed to the simple ones. In today's Gospel, the scribes and Pharisees consider themselves having the authority of the truth and great knowledge about God, but those considering themselves as such are not willing to hear from the Lord. The best way to know God is humility and the greatest obstacle is pride. Jesus rejoices that the Father has decided to reveal himself to the little ones and not to the proud. With this, He emphasizes humility for a true believer has an intimate knowledge of God through Him. It is His great joy to see simple people trusting God in their humble ways. Let us ask Mother Mary to teach us the attitude of simplicity and humility in knowing God even more. Amen. #PrayVD
7/14/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 14, 2020July 14, 2020 – Tuesday
Gospel: Matthew 11:20–24 Recognizing God’s miracle In today's Gospel, people did not believe despite hearing the Good News and witnessing the miracles of Jesus. In this time of pandemic, are we able to recognize God’s miracle? Or do we just focus on our worries, stress, problems, concerns and anxieties? Today, Jesus is inviting us to keep our eyes and hearts open to His miracles. Let us ask Mother Mary to help us see and recognize the little miracles and blessings that God gives us in our daily lives. #PrayVD
7/13/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 13, 2020July 13, 2020 – Monday
Gospel: Matthew 10:34–11:1 "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me, is not worthy of me." (cf. Matthew 10:38) Jesus, in today's Gospel, challenges us to know who we love first and foremost. A true disciple loves Jesus above all else and is willing to forsake all for the sake of Him. Choosing to follow Him means some hard choices in life, sometimes involving our close relationship. Even if our following of Him would mean the possibility of our family and friends criticizing us keeping us from doing what we believe God wants us to do. Mother Mary, teach us especially in this time of pandemic to put Jesus first and to follow Him in all that we do. Amen. #PrayVD
7/12/2020
Daily Guidelines: July 12, 2020July 12, 2020 Sunday
Gospel Matthew 13:1-23 "Anyone who has ears should listen!'" In this Gospel, our Lord Jesus taught us in parables. Some of the parables he taught us were not easy to understand. Like the disciples who don't know the meaning of seeds that fell on the edge of path, on patches of rock, among thorns and on rich soil. But our Lord Jesus explained it very well then they understand. We too are his disciples, if we don't know what's happening, let’s ask God. To understand our situation like today, we should be focused on one voice: the voice of our God. If we hear him, we should listen because he will explain everything. Mother Mary help us to listen to what God wants to tell us. Amen. #PrayVD |
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August 2021
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