We are again once reminded to consciously and continually decide for our faith, with or without the habit of convenience and live by it on a daily basis in the context of our own ways of poverty, purity and holiness.
Huwebes, Hulyo 28, 2011
Decide for Our Faith
We are again once reminded to consciously and continually decide for our faith, with or without the habit of convenience and live by it on a daily basis in the context of our own ways of poverty, purity and holiness.
Martes, Hulyo 26, 2011
Our Calling
We may be so convinced of the continuity of the Church from the intention and action of Jesus but the same Holy Spirit, who leads us to such wisdom, calls us to be united with our brothers and sisters amidst our differences, through our attitude of respect and loving patience, especially to those who oppose or challenge us in our belief and in our faith.
(The Church)
Must Strengthen our Faith
WE ARE THEN CALLED TO EXAMINE THE BASIS OF OUR BELIEF, OR EVEN OUR OWN SHARE OF DOUBT AND UNBELIEF, REPEL THAT WHICH IS HERETICAL TO OUR FAITH, WHILE WE SHOW A DOCILE, LISTENING HEART TO THE TRUTH. LET US GUARD OURSELVES FROM THE DECEPTION OF RELATIVISM, AND THE TEMPTATION OF PURE SUBJECTIVISM IN OUR CHOICES. LET OUR COMMITMENT BE DEDICATED TO THE TRUTH. AFTER ALL, ARE WE NOT ALL SERVANTS TO THE TRUTH?
(THE CHURCH)
Service
Jesus said He “did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Christ’s supreme act of service was dying on the cross so we might have eternal life. Our Savior calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him through sacrificial service to others (Luke 9:23). As we embrace a lifestyle of humility and servanthood, we will bring glory to our heavenly Father.
In our culture, success is based on achievement. We admire those who perform well in athletics, business, and the arts. However, greatness in God’s kingdom is found in a life of obedience. Are you following His plan and helping others as Jesus did? Have you shared with them the good news of Christ?
Sacrifice
(http://www.southerngospel.com/Daily-Devotional/11653954/)
Salvation
Jesus bore our sins upon the cross and died in our place so we could be reconciled to God and receive eternal life.
(http://www.southerngospel.com/Daily-Devotional/11653954/)
The Meaning of the Cross
The theme of God’s redemptive plan runs through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. At its heart is Calvary, the place where Jesus died so we could be forgiven. As we read the Scriptures, we see that the cross symbolizes . . .
Salvation
Sacrifice
Service
Sabado, Hulyo 23, 2011
Today is Sunday......
Mt 13:44–52 (or Mt 13:44–46)
Jesus said to the crowds, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. The one who finds it buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field.
“Again the kingdom of heaven is like a trader who is looking for fine pearls. Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net let down into the sea, in which every kind of fish has been caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore. Then they sit down and gather the good fish in buckets, but throw the worthless ones away. That is how it will be at the end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just and throw them into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth.”
Jesus asked, “Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered. So he said to them, “You will see that every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom is like a householder who can produce from his store things both new and old.”
God gives us a precious gift - his wisdom and knowledge - to
do great things for His greater honor and glory!
Let us be convinced that our calling and consecration are not
privileges but a challenge to do our ultimate purpose in life.
BLESSED SUNDAY TO ALL
Jesus said to the crowds, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. The one who finds it buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field.
“Again the kingdom of heaven is like a trader who is looking for fine pearls. Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net let down into the sea, in which every kind of fish has been caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore. Then they sit down and gather the good fish in buckets, but throw the worthless ones away. That is how it will be at the end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just and throw them into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth.”
Jesus asked, “Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered. So he said to them, “You will see that every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom is like a householder who can produce from his store things both new and old.”
God gives us a precious gift - his wisdom and knowledge - to
do great things for His greater honor and glory!
Let us be convinced that our calling and consecration are not
privileges but a challenge to do our ultimate purpose in life.
BLESSED SUNDAY TO ALL
The Parable of Good Samaritan
Luke 10:30-37
Jesus answered, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’ Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?" He said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Jesus answered, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’ Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?" He said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Gospel for Today
Saint Matthew 13:24-30.
He proposed another parable to them. "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field.
While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.
When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.
The slaves of the householder came to him and said, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?'
He answered, 'An enemy has done this.' His slaves said to him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
He replied, 'No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.
Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, "First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn."'"
Huwebes, Hulyo 21, 2011
The Parable of the Seed
Luke chapter 8: 4-21
"And when a great multitude were coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: 'The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road; and it was trampled under foot, and the birds of the air ate it up. And other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it, and choked it out. And other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great.'
As He said these things, He would call out, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear.' And His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable might be. And He said, 'To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, in order that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.
Now this parable is this: the seed is the word of God. And those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved. And those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light. For nothing is hidden that shall not become evident, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light. Therefore take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him shall more be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.' And His mother and brothers cam to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. And it was reported to Him, 'Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside wishing to see You.' But He answered and said to them, 'My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.'"
Miyerkules, Hulyo 6, 2011
You have to pass through a dark night of the soul.
Everyone does, including you. A time comes when what you
have always believed is true melts away underneath you.
When you cast in doubt even the most obvious, the most simple.
When it seems that dark night is all around, and you are all
alone. Take heart, this journey through abyss is the final barrier
before your emergence into the heavenly light of a new synthesis of
your being.
God is waiting for you on the other side.
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