Thought this was something that we all go through and wanted to share. This is taken from the 28 July Meditation from Word Among Us.
Surely each of us has had tough days. Maybe even tough weeks or months. One problem after another seems to pile up—sometimes relatively inconsequential things: We oversleep and are late for work or school, we misplace something valuable, or someone else gets the attention we want. We may face much more serious setbacks: We lose our job, our health fails, or we feel alone or isolated. We may even suffer when we see those we love undergoing hardships. Our faith can be shaken to the point where we begin to question whether God really is with us.
Jeremiah has important words for us at times like these: God has not abandoned us! As a prophet of the Lord, he went through difficulty himself. Just think of how it felt when he was arrested and almost killed for speaking the word of the Lord. Or imagine what it cost him to experience in his own heart the pain that God feels when his people turn from him. In the midst of these hardships, Jeremiah cried out to God, and God comforted him. Did Jeremiah have to face his own failings and repent? Yes. Did he have to continue on despite the difficulty? Yes. But God affirmed that he would always be with Jeremiah and would deliver and rescue him.
Do you feel burdened? Do you feel that your relationship with God is not what it once was? Don’t give up! It’s precisely at those times when you don’t feel God’s presence that you need to exercise your faith all the more. Go ahead and repent if you need to. Take a deep breath, offer a silent prayer of trust, and take up your cross again. Choose to keep going, even if you are apprehensive. You will find the Lord walking with you, even if it’s in unexpected ways.
It is beyond question that God loves you. Today, take hold of opportunities to put your faith into practice. When your hope begins to waver, reread God’s promises to Jeremiah. Let the Holy Spirit comfort you so that you can walk on in confidence. God is walking right next to you. He is faithful. He will bring about his purposes in you!
“Father, help me to see that you are always with me. I believe that you have not abandoned me. I trust in your unfailing love.”
Showing posts with label reflection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reflection. Show all posts
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Do you know if you're going to reach heaven?
Many say that while they hope so, they're not sure. They're afraid they will ruin their salvation between now and the day they die. (I used to think that I had to keep doing good out of fear of going to hell, but I know better now) Jesus says in Matt 13:36-43, "The righteous will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom." This is a promise we can count on.
God isn't going to remove all the weeds from the earth just yet, but he certainly wants to remove their influence on us. This is why He has given us his own Holy Spirit. We must seek to do good, and seek God with a pure heart. I believe that God sends us angels to help us sort right from wrong, truth from deception, good seed from bad seed. We may not recognize their presence but they are capable of protecting us from the infections of evildoers as long as we remain humbly correctable.
This was also the realization over the weekend,the Gospel text of Luke 11:1-13; I have always walked away with this message "And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you." but I just realized a important message at the very end of the passage;
"If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
God isn't going to remove all the weeds from the earth just yet, but he certainly wants to remove their influence on us. This is why He has given us his own Holy Spirit. We must seek to do good, and seek God with a pure heart. I believe that God sends us angels to help us sort right from wrong, truth from deception, good seed from bad seed. We may not recognize their presence but they are capable of protecting us from the infections of evildoers as long as we remain humbly correctable.
This was also the realization over the weekend,the Gospel text of Luke 11:1-13; I have always walked away with this message "And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you." but I just realized a important message at the very end of the passage;
"If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
reflection from Gospel of Matthew
Last Weekend Jo attended a prayer retreat, at the Sunday mass homily at the close of the retreat, Fr. William Goh spoke about the importance of prayer and the need to nourish the gift that God has given us. Jo asked that we restart praying together as a family. I decided to spend lunch time this week reading the Gospel from Matthew instead of doing something else; over these few days couple of phrases caught hold of my attention and seem to be linking together, with a consistent message.
Matt 9:17 'Nor do people put new wine into old wineskin; otherwise, the skins burst, the wine runs out and the skins are lost. No;put new wine in fresh skins and both are preserved.'
Matt 13:5 ' Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up at once, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away.'
Matt 17:20 'He answered, "Because you have so little faith. In truth I tell you; if your faith is the size of a mustard seed you will say to this mountain,"Move from here to there" and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you."'
My thoughts so far; I have become aware of the Gifts that God has given us through the pilgrimage, sharing, retreat, faith community and trial. Having been made aware of these gifts I cannot continue to think, live etc the way I had in the past or the new wine in the old wineskin will be lost. Need a new wineskin to preserve this new wine. Cannot continue living and doing things the way I had in the past or this gift from God will diminish and be lost unless I change to grow and strengthen this gift in a new disposition. Similar the message about the sower dropping seed on patches of rock, again speak to me the same: that initial energy on finding the gift again, do a lot initially but then because lack roots dry-up when the sun comes out. Besides having a new disposition and roots, need to keep trust and hope with the faith that the Father has given me. Over this year I have become lazy and it is time now to renew my prayer life and continue to grow & appreciate the gift I have.
Praise the Lord for his patience, persistence and sending reminders.
Matt 9:17 'Nor do people put new wine into old wineskin; otherwise, the skins burst, the wine runs out and the skins are lost. No;put new wine in fresh skins and both are preserved.'
Matt 13:5 ' Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up at once, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away.'
Matt 17:20 'He answered, "Because you have so little faith. In truth I tell you; if your faith is the size of a mustard seed you will say to this mountain,"Move from here to there" and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you."'
My thoughts so far; I have become aware of the Gifts that God has given us through the pilgrimage, sharing, retreat, faith community and trial. Having been made aware of these gifts I cannot continue to think, live etc the way I had in the past or the new wine in the old wineskin will be lost. Need a new wineskin to preserve this new wine. Cannot continue living and doing things the way I had in the past or this gift from God will diminish and be lost unless I change to grow and strengthen this gift in a new disposition. Similar the message about the sower dropping seed on patches of rock, again speak to me the same: that initial energy on finding the gift again, do a lot initially but then because lack roots dry-up when the sun comes out. Besides having a new disposition and roots, need to keep trust and hope with the faith that the Father has given me. Over this year I have become lazy and it is time now to renew my prayer life and continue to grow & appreciate the gift I have.
Praise the Lord for his patience, persistence and sending reminders.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
today's gospel - the paralytic and the faith of his friends
The Gospel that tells of the paralytic being helped by the strength and faith of his friends to overcome obstacles to bring him to Jesus always will be special to me. This was the Sunday reading for 22 Feb 2009; I clearly recall the fellowship and Divine Mercy Novena at Michael Chua's house on the 21 Feb. I also recall the support and strength of friends, pilgrims, faith community, family throughout this period of time. Thank You and God Bless. I like to share this reflection I read with you;
(Source: Good News Ministry)
Look at the obstacles faced by the paralytic in today's Gospel reading (Matt 9:1-8). A more detailed description of this event is given in Luke 5:17-26. The crippled man needed a healing, but his first obstacle was his disease. He could not get to Jesus by himself. So, he accepted the help of his friends. He accepted their rather bizarre method of solving the problem. Was he worried about what others would think if he let his friends chop up a roof that didn't belong to them? No, all that mattered was getting to Jesus, regardless of any obstacles.
How often do we remain in misery because we don't feel comfortable accepting help from others? Or because we don't like their methods? How readily do we give up because the task seems impossible or the dream unrealistic? How stuck are we behind regulations and policies that in general are good but now they're hurting an individual?
If the task or the dream is a calling from God, no obstacle is insurmountable. It merely requires innovation and determination! The paralytic's friends thought "outside the box" of what's familiar and comfortable and acceptable. In doing this, they faced the most intimidating obstacle of all. It's the same obstacle that Amos faced. Jesus faced it, too, when he forgave the man of his sins in front of the critical eyes of the scribes. "What will people think of me? Will they disapprove?"
The paralytic's friends were about to damage someone else's property. Would they be stopped by people who were more concerned about the value of the house than the value of the man?
The real question is: What did God want them to do? When you face the disapproval of others, how does Jesus feel about you? Does he approve of what you're doing? That's all that really matters!
We cannot face obstacles alone, at least not well. We all need a support group of Holy Spirit-filled friends who will help us identify what's paralyzing us and will carry us forward when we're too weak to move on our own. We need friends who will help us discern God's will and find innovative ways around obstacles. We need prayer partners who are not afraid of the consequences of obedience. Do you belong to a community like this? If not, get over the obstacles that are keeping you from it.
(Source: Good News Ministry)
Look at the obstacles faced by the paralytic in today's Gospel reading (Matt 9:1-8). A more detailed description of this event is given in Luke 5:17-26. The crippled man needed a healing, but his first obstacle was his disease. He could not get to Jesus by himself. So, he accepted the help of his friends. He accepted their rather bizarre method of solving the problem. Was he worried about what others would think if he let his friends chop up a roof that didn't belong to them? No, all that mattered was getting to Jesus, regardless of any obstacles.
How often do we remain in misery because we don't feel comfortable accepting help from others? Or because we don't like their methods? How readily do we give up because the task seems impossible or the dream unrealistic? How stuck are we behind regulations and policies that in general are good but now they're hurting an individual?
If the task or the dream is a calling from God, no obstacle is insurmountable. It merely requires innovation and determination! The paralytic's friends thought "outside the box" of what's familiar and comfortable and acceptable. In doing this, they faced the most intimidating obstacle of all. It's the same obstacle that Amos faced. Jesus faced it, too, when he forgave the man of his sins in front of the critical eyes of the scribes. "What will people think of me? Will they disapprove?"
The paralytic's friends were about to damage someone else's property. Would they be stopped by people who were more concerned about the value of the house than the value of the man?
The real question is: What did God want them to do? When you face the disapproval of others, how does Jesus feel about you? Does he approve of what you're doing? That's all that really matters!
We cannot face obstacles alone, at least not well. We all need a support group of Holy Spirit-filled friends who will help us identify what's paralyzing us and will carry us forward when we're too weak to move on our own. We need friends who will help us discern God's will and find innovative ways around obstacles. We need prayer partners who are not afraid of the consequences of obedience. Do you belong to a community like this? If not, get over the obstacles that are keeping you from it.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
30 June
Hi everyone. Been a few weeks since I have accessed my blog. Been enjoying the generosity and friends. Has a good 3 days break in Kuching, Sarawak. Spent 2 nights in the mountain retreat center of Mount Singai. Fresh air and back to basic. Spend most of time, meditation, Qigong and relaxing. Thanks Fr. Edward. Fr. Richard Ng was generous to bring us to the best Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee and driving us around.
Been trying out the bio-resonance seat at Nancy and Stephen's place. They have been so generous and accommodating. Both Jo and I feel good after each session and get a very sound sleep.
Jo and I were talking over breakfast, then I read today's Gospel and Reflection, the same subject came up. Matt 8:29 “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” In general we observe that people tend to put their faith into a compartments and open it when they go to church or when they attend a church meeting/gathering. We believe in God but our actions and thinking many times do not reflect our faith. We tend to be individualistic and do things that does not reflect our faith. We believe that we can put off many things we should do till later because the end of time is not near. Similar to the Gospel, we sometimes behave like the 2 demons in today's Gospel, doing what we like and the way we want things as if there is no tomorrow and that we will only worry about making a change closer to the end time/appointed time. (Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?)
Let us try to be constantly reminded to see and act through the eyes of Jesus to our partner, family and others we meet. Let us not compartmentalize our faith but try to make it who we are in the things we do, the way to thing and behave. Let this faith cover us and not be like the demoniac at the tombs. Are we living in our tombs closed-in, sealed-off areas of our hearts where life in the Spirit of God has died because we haven't let Jesus minister to us through others and Himself?
I Thank God for his love, the family and friends that he has surrounded me to heal and keep me from closing-in and sealing off but to enjoy His love. Thank You Father for the people You have put in my life.
Been trying out the bio-resonance seat at Nancy and Stephen's place. They have been so generous and accommodating. Both Jo and I feel good after each session and get a very sound sleep.
Jo and I were talking over breakfast, then I read today's Gospel and Reflection, the same subject came up. Matt 8:29 “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” In general we observe that people tend to put their faith into a compartments and open it when they go to church or when they attend a church meeting/gathering. We believe in God but our actions and thinking many times do not reflect our faith. We tend to be individualistic and do things that does not reflect our faith. We believe that we can put off many things we should do till later because the end of time is not near. Similar to the Gospel, we sometimes behave like the 2 demons in today's Gospel, doing what we like and the way we want things as if there is no tomorrow and that we will only worry about making a change closer to the end time/appointed time. (Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?)
Let us try to be constantly reminded to see and act through the eyes of Jesus to our partner, family and others we meet. Let us not compartmentalize our faith but try to make it who we are in the things we do, the way to thing and behave. Let this faith cover us and not be like the demoniac at the tombs. Are we living in our tombs closed-in, sealed-off areas of our hearts where life in the Spirit of God has died because we haven't let Jesus minister to us through others and Himself?
I Thank God for his love, the family and friends that he has surrounded me to heal and keep me from closing-in and sealing off but to enjoy His love. Thank You Father for the people You have put in my life.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
8 June 2010
Lord, let your face shine on us.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
Tremble, and sin not;
reflect, upon your beds, in silence.
Lord, let your face shine on us.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
Tremble, and sin not;
reflect, upon your beds, in silence.
Lord, let your face shine on us.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
8 april 2010 - Thursday of Easter
Felt helpless, unable to help Daniel. I was hoping that he would respond to my sms and we could discuss his plans and decision. I pray that he will continue to Trust in God and pray for direction and healing.
These quotes stood out to me this morning as I was reading; (may they help you too)
‘Peace be with you!’ (the first word that Jesus said to the apostles)
Without faith in God, our lives will only be one of bleakness and fear. But, with deep faith in God we will find deep peace, hope and joy because we are never alone; God is always with us, to give us meaning, strength and fulfillment in life.
Who will climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who will stand in his holy place?
The one who is innocent of wrongdoing and pure of heart,
who has not given himself to vanities or sworn falsely.
He will receive the blessing of the Lord
and be justified by God his saviour.
This is the way of those who seek him,
seek the face of the God of Jacob.
wish each of you Angels and Saints the Peace of the Risen Christ.
These quotes stood out to me this morning as I was reading; (may they help you too)
‘Peace be with you!’ (the first word that Jesus said to the apostles)
Without faith in God, our lives will only be one of bleakness and fear. But, with deep faith in God we will find deep peace, hope and joy because we are never alone; God is always with us, to give us meaning, strength and fulfillment in life.
Who will climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who will stand in his holy place?
The one who is innocent of wrongdoing and pure of heart,
who has not given himself to vanities or sworn falsely.
He will receive the blessing of the Lord
and be justified by God his saviour.
This is the way of those who seek him,
seek the face of the God of Jacob.
wish each of you Angels and Saints the Peace of the Risen Christ.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Luke 22:31-34
Luke 22:
31 10 11 "Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat,
32 but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers."
33 He said to him, "Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you."
34 But he replied, "I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me."
This was part of last Sunday's Gospel, Jo and I looked at each other when this was read. Honestly both of us could not recall ever reading verse 31 and 32 before. But what a beautiful reminder for all of us to turn back and that He has prayed for us to have the strength to turn back and strengthen our brothers.
following up from the initial post, I got this from today's 30 Mar reflection from the Jesuit's Shalom reflection; I found it complementing and most appropriate...
A sad moment in the Gospel: a double betrayal. First, that of Judas. Judas is no outsider but one of the inner circle of the Twelve. Jesus announces solemnly: “One of you is going to hand me over.” The statement comes like a bombshell. For all their weaknesses, they cannot imagine any one of them planning such a thing. Jesus hands over the morsel to Judas, a symbol of sharing. This is an act of friendship which makes the coming betrayal doubly treacherous. The bitterness of the morsel is also significant. As soon as he has left, it is no wonder that the evangelist comments:“Night had fallen.” Yes indeed. It was a moment of utter darkness.
Now Peter, well-meaning but weak, swears that he will go all the way with Jesus, even to death. It is the second betrayal. Worse in some ways. At least Judas made no wild promises. What will save Peter will be the depth of his repentance and later conversion. We too have betrayed Jesus and those around us so many times.
We have broken bread with Jesus in the Eucharist and then turned our back on him by the way we treat those around us. We have promised at confession with his help never to sin again and then gone and done what we have just confessed. Let us pray that we, like Peter, may weep bitterly for all the wrongs we have done and all the good left undone.
31 10 11 "Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat,
32 but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers."
33 He said to him, "Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you."
34 But he replied, "I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me."
This was part of last Sunday's Gospel, Jo and I looked at each other when this was read. Honestly both of us could not recall ever reading verse 31 and 32 before. But what a beautiful reminder for all of us to turn back and that He has prayed for us to have the strength to turn back and strengthen our brothers.
following up from the initial post, I got this from today's 30 Mar reflection from the Jesuit's Shalom reflection; I found it complementing and most appropriate...
A sad moment in the Gospel: a double betrayal. First, that of Judas. Judas is no outsider but one of the inner circle of the Twelve. Jesus announces solemnly: “One of you is going to hand me over.” The statement comes like a bombshell. For all their weaknesses, they cannot imagine any one of them planning such a thing. Jesus hands over the morsel to Judas, a symbol of sharing. This is an act of friendship which makes the coming betrayal doubly treacherous. The bitterness of the morsel is also significant. As soon as he has left, it is no wonder that the evangelist comments:“Night had fallen.” Yes indeed. It was a moment of utter darkness.
Now Peter, well-meaning but weak, swears that he will go all the way with Jesus, even to death. It is the second betrayal. Worse in some ways. At least Judas made no wild promises. What will save Peter will be the depth of his repentance and later conversion. We too have betrayed Jesus and those around us so many times.
We have broken bread with Jesus in the Eucharist and then turned our back on him by the way we treat those around us. We have promised at confession with his help never to sin again and then gone and done what we have just confessed. Let us pray that we, like Peter, may weep bitterly for all the wrongs we have done and all the good left undone.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Do you want to be well? John5:6
Today's Gospel Jn. 5:1-16 and reflection made me think. Jesus is the master of asking the obvious!
He goes to the pool and One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him,“Do you want to be well?”
If I read this reading 2 years ago (before mid-2007), to me it would be that God can heal. It would be more of mind than heart. I can say then, that I believe in God in my head but not yet in my heart. I had not discovered or spend enough time to seek Him and know Him as a person, as a Father. The pilgrimage in 2007 started me seeking and wanting to know God as my Father in my heart not only my head.
Ask me today, I will say that God Can Heal both spiritually and physically. He has been by my side and asking me this question. He has sent angels and saints to support me, He has sent doctors to treat, He has provided the money for the treatments, He has provided the spiritual food and strength to believe and trust in Him, He has put my spouse and family to be there with me. Do I want to be well? Am I grateful ? Yes! I want to be well and Yes! I am grateful.
What about you?
Around the pool are large numbers of people — blind, lame and paralysed. These are the ailments that we Christians often suffer from: blindness, we cannot see where Jesus is leading us; lameness and paralysis, perhaps we can see but have difficulty walking or even moving along Christ’s Way. During this Lenten season let us hear Jesus asking us the question he puts to the man: “Do you want to be well again? Do you want to be made whole again?” Jesus wastes no time. “Rise up! Pick up your sleeping-mat and walk.” The man is immediately cured and walks away. Again we have in the words of Jesus the intimation of resurrection to new life of which Jesus is the Source: “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” Later, Jesus and the man meet in the Temple.The man is told to complete his experience of healing by abandoning a life of sin, bringing body and spirit into full harmony and wholeness. This is not to say that Jesus is implying that the man had been a cripple because of his sin. But what he is saying is that physical wholeness needs to be matched by spiritual wholeness, the wholeness of the complete person.
Take time next week to be healed, make use of the sacrament of reconciliation that will be held in preparation for Easter, our resurrection from the dead.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
25 Feb 2010 - dedicated to Joanna
I received a prayer request yesterday in my email from a friend to pray for her friend and aunt. I prayed for them this morning and at lunchtime today, got a SMS that the doctor had called and the friend is in her last hour. We all prayed and what we ask for may not be what is the best that God has planned for us. Appropriately the reading and Gospel for today is about prayer. Prayer of Esther in distress, surrendering to God and The Gospel about how we should pray with expectation that God will answer our prayer and His response will be with so much more love compared with our earthly father & friends. I have included the scripture for today and also the reflection from Shalom (Jesuit publication). Do not be dishearten, know that we are loved. He wants to take away our suffering and pain.
Scripture for Thur 25 th Feb 2010, 1st Week of Lent
Reading I
Est C:12, 14-16
Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish,
had recourse to the LORD.
She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids,
from morning until evening, and said:
“God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.
Help me, who am alone and have no help but you,
for I am taking my life in my hand.
As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers
that you, O LORD, always free those who are pleasing to you.
Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you,
O LORD, my God.
Gospel
Mt 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets.”
Shalom reflection
In today’s first reading Queen Esther prays fervently for herself and her nation for deliverance from the mortal danger of being exterminated by Haman. When we meditate upon the two readings we discover three important conditions of the prayer of petition.
The first of these conditions is faith. It is faith that tells us that there is God — the Lord of all and the Father of mercies, our Creator and Redeemer who never is tired or bored with our prayers. Only people who believe ask God, seek His presence and knock at the door of His graciousness.
The second condition is trust in God. God who is our loving Father not only can help us but He will certainly give us the graces that we need. God’s help is not a theory but practice — work and action. God is always faithful to His promises. His love is eternal.
The third condition of prayer of petition is perseverance. We must ask, seek and knock unceasingly and let God decide when and how we shall receive His divine help. Perseverance helps us also to prepare our hearts for the reception of God’s gifts with gratefulness.
There is also one more thing we should remember when asking God for His grace. As God is merciful and always ready to help us so we ought to be loving and generous towards our neighbours. “So always treat others as you would like them to treat you.”
Lord, strengthen my faith and trust in You that I may ask, seek and knock with perseverance. Open my heart, eyes and hands to the needs of others.
Scripture for Thur 25 th Feb 2010, 1st Week of Lent
Reading I
Est C:12, 14-16
Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish,
had recourse to the LORD.
She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids,
from morning until evening, and said:
“God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.
Help me, who am alone and have no help but you,
for I am taking my life in my hand.
As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers
that you, O LORD, always free those who are pleasing to you.
Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you,
O LORD, my God.
Gospel
Mt 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets.”
Shalom reflection
In today’s first reading Queen Esther prays fervently for herself and her nation for deliverance from the mortal danger of being exterminated by Haman. When we meditate upon the two readings we discover three important conditions of the prayer of petition.
The first of these conditions is faith. It is faith that tells us that there is God — the Lord of all and the Father of mercies, our Creator and Redeemer who never is tired or bored with our prayers. Only people who believe ask God, seek His presence and knock at the door of His graciousness.
The second condition is trust in God. God who is our loving Father not only can help us but He will certainly give us the graces that we need. God’s help is not a theory but practice — work and action. God is always faithful to His promises. His love is eternal.
The third condition of prayer of petition is perseverance. We must ask, seek and knock unceasingly and let God decide when and how we shall receive His divine help. Perseverance helps us also to prepare our hearts for the reception of God’s gifts with gratefulness.
There is also one more thing we should remember when asking God for His grace. As God is merciful and always ready to help us so we ought to be loving and generous towards our neighbours. “So always treat others as you would like them to treat you.”
Lord, strengthen my faith and trust in You that I may ask, seek and knock with perseverance. Open my heart, eyes and hands to the needs of others.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Faith, Trust and Peace
Jesus got into the boat followed by his disciples. Suddenly a storm broke over the lake, so violent that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But he was asleep. So they went to him and woke him saying, ‘Save us, Lord, we are lost!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened, you who have so little faith?’ And then he stood up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. They were astounded and said, ‘Whatever kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ (Matthew 8:23-27)
Jesus is telling us not to lose our peace when are faced with challenging situations in life .
How strong is our faith and trust in Jesus? Although He did not promise that we will not face pain, sorrows or troubles in life, He assured us that He will be there for us always .
Have you experienced that Jesus is always dependable in times of your needs? If yes, do continue to deepen your trust in Him. If not, perhaps, you are trying too hard to take charge of your life and not allow God’s Spirit to protect and provide for you .
Jesus is telling us not to lose our peace when are faced with challenging situations in life .
How strong is our faith and trust in Jesus? Although He did not promise that we will not face pain, sorrows or troubles in life, He assured us that He will be there for us always .
Have you experienced that Jesus is always dependable in times of your needs? If yes, do continue to deepen your trust in Him. If not, perhaps, you are trying too hard to take charge of your life and not allow God’s Spirit to protect and provide for you .
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Ascension of the Lord
These signs will accompany those who believe:in my name they will drive out demons,they will speak new languages.They will pick up serpents with their hands,and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17)
How much do we believe in the Holy Spirit in us?
How much do we believe in the Holy Spirit in us?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
God as our Center
I would have expected that these weeks I will have spent more quiet time, however with the new routine I have actually spent less. I used to send Nicole to school and spend some time in the adoration room at Risen Christ, but since I started my treatment, my good neighour has been sending my daughter to school in the morning. I wake up a little later, and eat breakfast and go off to work. The traffic is heavier and so I have excused myself for not taking the detour to church or spend some quiet time with my Father. I will change this, I want to and I miss the quiet time. John 14:2-3 In my Father's house, he has prepared a room for me and Jesus has said that He will come and take me with Him. How can I not spend time with my Father and say I am a son. How can I be ready if I do not focus on making God my center.
I attached a reflection from Shalom today ;
If our lives are compared to a wheel our activities would be at the periphery and our centres would be at the axle. They would be connected by spokes, our activities and prayer forms. But, if our axle was not still, centred, properly placed the wheel could not move properly. So too, if our lives do not have a mystical centre there will not be a healthy relationship with our active lives. There will be alienation.
In our prayers today let us: ‘Look back and thank God, Look forward and trust God, Look around and serve God, Look within and find God!’
Happy Mother's Day 10th May 2009.
I attached a reflection from Shalom today ;
If our lives are compared to a wheel our activities would be at the periphery and our centres would be at the axle. They would be connected by spokes, our activities and prayer forms. But, if our axle was not still, centred, properly placed the wheel could not move properly. So too, if our lives do not have a mystical centre there will not be a healthy relationship with our active lives. There will be alienation.
In our prayers today let us: ‘Look back and thank God, Look forward and trust God, Look around and serve God, Look within and find God!’
Happy Mother's Day 10th May 2009.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
7 May 2009
: I know the ones I have chosen
- We have Jesus’ assurance that if we “welcome Him into our lives” more fully, we will be His messengers of His Resurrection of True Hope to all peoples including ourselves, especially in difficult times .
- Is there a greater assurance and surer hope in life than to have the Risen Christ within us? Ponder on this truth and try to sense how God’s Spirit is challenging you in your present life.
Jeremiah expressed it well when he spoke God’s word to Israel, and so to each one of us: “I have loved you with an everlasting love, and so I am always constant in my affection for you” (Jeremiah 31:3). Fr. Terence brought up during the pilgrimage and several times in the community sharing and I will always treasure.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Forgive my impatience and my lack of trust
When Abram prostrated himself, God spoke to him:"My covenant with you is this:you are to become the father of a host of nations.No longer shall you be called Abram;your name shall be Abraham,for I am making you the father of a host of nations.I will render you exceedingly fertile;I will make nations of you;kings shall stem from you.I will maintain my covenant with youand your descendants after youthroughout the ages as an everlasting pact,to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.I will give to youand to your descendants after youthe land in which you are now staying,the whole land of Canaan, as a permanent possession;and I will be their God."
God also said to Abraham:"On your part, you and your descendants after youmust keep my covenant throughout the ages."Genesis 17:3-9
Thought this reflection was so close to heart that I should share it with everyone.
If you had to wait a long time for somethiing, even for something important, would you have the patience of Abraham and Sarah? At 75, God promised to make Abraham a great nation spring from him, even though he was childless. At 99 and Sarah is 90, God is telling them to get ready! Then at the right time, Isacc is born and from him and his descendents came God's chosen people.
Some waiting is filled with eager expectation. However having to wait for something that we really want can be distressing, especially if we are uncertain if or when it will happen. We grow restless. anxious and doubtful, feel trapped and impatient.
Waiting on the Lord is not suppose to be an exercise in frustration; it's an opportunity to exercisr our faith. Abraham put his trust in God and saw beyond his circumstances believing that God could accomplish whatever he promised. We have inherited this promise, which God fulfilled for us by raising his only Son from the dead. Nothing is impossible, sometimes it takes a bit longer.
what are you waiting for right now? if you have done what you can, trust God to do the rest. You may not see what you are looking for right away, but that does not mean God has abandoned you. He is working even now, forming you more deeply during this time of waiting. He knows what is best for you. God's time is always the appointed time. 2 April 2009
God also said to Abraham:"On your part, you and your descendants after youmust keep my covenant throughout the ages."Genesis 17:3-9
Thought this reflection was so close to heart that I should share it with everyone.
If you had to wait a long time for somethiing, even for something important, would you have the patience of Abraham and Sarah? At 75, God promised to make Abraham a great nation spring from him, even though he was childless. At 99 and Sarah is 90, God is telling them to get ready! Then at the right time, Isacc is born and from him and his descendents came God's chosen people.
Some waiting is filled with eager expectation. However having to wait for something that we really want can be distressing, especially if we are uncertain if or when it will happen. We grow restless. anxious and doubtful, feel trapped and impatient.
Waiting on the Lord is not suppose to be an exercise in frustration; it's an opportunity to exercisr our faith. Abraham put his trust in God and saw beyond his circumstances believing that God could accomplish whatever he promised. We have inherited this promise, which God fulfilled for us by raising his only Son from the dead. Nothing is impossible, sometimes it takes a bit longer.
what are you waiting for right now? if you have done what you can, trust God to do the rest. You may not see what you are looking for right away, but that does not mean God has abandoned you. He is working even now, forming you more deeply during this time of waiting. He knows what is best for you. God's time is always the appointed time. 2 April 2009
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