FAMILIARITY WITH JESUS

We can’t choose our family and relatives but we can choose our friends. It is of no wonder then that though we naturally love and value our family and blood relatives, we may be more confident to bare our hearts and souls with choicest friends.

Lazarus, Martha and Mary were Jesus’ dearest friends. It was in the privacy of their home in Bethany that Jesus many times chose to rest and be simply His natural human self, away from the heat and scrutiny of His critics and from the expectant clamor of the crowd. In our particular Gospel lesson today, we also see how Jesus was very much at home with emotions in Martha’s and Mary’s presence that He wept. In like manner, Martha and Mary were also very much at home in reflecting with Jesus their sentiments on His delay in coming to visit them, a delay that caused the death of Lazarus.

Friendship with Jesus did not save Martha and Mary from the pains, the losses and the harsh realities of earthly existence. This, I believe, is what Jesus wanted Martha and Mary to realize with His intentional delay in coming to the aid of the siblings. Friendship with God does not mean exemption from bad news. Abraham who walked with God, Moses who talked with God face-to-face, and David who had a heart after God’s heart had one common human experience: they all died.

Friendship with Jesus, like our friendship with our best of friends, however brings along a wonderful benefit: it gives us the confidence to just open wide to Him our thoughts, our emotions, our sentiments just as we have them now. We do not have to always edit ourselves; we do not have to filter our expressions so that we come across always as sublime and in control. We can just let go, and let God. Now, is this not enough to make us feel relaxed and relieved?

Of course, should Jesus decide to act in our favor, that is an add-on and much appreciated grace.Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question:
Are you at home praying to Jesus with what you really have deep inside you — your thoughts, your sentiments and feelings in a given moment? What effect has this experience of familiarity with Jesus brought to you?

Thank You, Lord, that You have called us friends. Thank You for accepting us as we are. Let me be a true friend to You, too.

Destination Heaven!

The story of the woman caught in adultery reminds us of the need to look to our own sins and deal with them before we get too involved in exposing the sins of others or casting judgment upon them. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone,” says Jesus. They all walk away slowly. What does this say to us about ourselves? Are we quick to judge others for their sins? How well do we know ourselves, and how well are we dealing with our own sinful ways?

John 8:1-11

1 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. 4 They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. 7 But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. 10 Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one  condemned you?” 11 She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

my reflections

t h i n k : Are we quick to judge others for their sins? How well do we know ourselves, and how well are we dealing with our own sinful ways?

This is such a sensitive subject, for all of us, I think. The first question that popped into my head after reading this is "Who are we to judge?" And if you only knew how close to home this message has hit me, you would probably go, "tsk, tsk, tsk." Seriously, I know I have strayed so far from the right path that sometimes I think I deserved to be punished as well. I know most of my sins are in my mind and they stretch as far as my imagination takes me. Sounds silly, but it's true. I've been my own worst enemy since I was born, I think.

But just recently, well a year or so ago, I realized that I've become such a cynic too. I don't know when it began. Probably after I left the movement; I won't elaborate on that but needless to say, it's like I've lost my faith in humanity. I'm not kidding! I know I should be more positive, since change is up to each one of us anyway, but I guess I need to get this out of my system so that I can finally let go of everything that's blocking my way and make that first bold step towards redemption.

Yes, it's been a long time coming but all this pent up emotions have been my undoing. I'm no expert but if I were to sum things up, I'd say that rash judgments against yourself and against others eat you up inside. Literally! It leaves you wounded and bare with nowhere else to turn to but God. Seriously, my faith has always been there but I am the first one to admit that my faith has had some beating as well. No, I won't blame those who have hurt me anymore. I'm moving on, after all, right. I guess the only thing left for me now is to forgive myself, accept my mistakes, forget my past sins, deny myself (including materialism, so hard!), pick up my cross, thank Jesus (and my family) for helping me carry it and walk with the Lord once more.

Simple but true. That's my goal and my eye is on the prize now. St. Paul, thank you for opening my eyes. Our prize is salvation and our goal is heaven. So please pray for me and I'll say a little prayer too.

Lord, as I pick up my cross and journey with you, may I never lose sight of our final destination, which is Heaven, and may you always be with me as I move forward. Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Everything I do from now on will be in your service. Please guide me Lord, and be my strength and provider. This I ask, in Jesus' name. Thank you Jesus! Amen.

A Lesson in Humility and Obedience

God has demonstrated the wonder of His power in the past and He will do so again in our days. All He is looking for to do this is a people who are obedient to His word and humble of heart. He does not want us to take the glory for His work as He knows this will lead to our — not His — destruction. Humility and obedience often go together and are essential components of any work of God. Let us seek to develop them so that we will see God work His will in and through our lives and our community of faith.

Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 (3)

R: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

1 When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

My weekly time with God

SABBATH PAUSE

My weekly time with God

THANK YOU LIST

Things to be grateful for from the past week

Lord, I am grateful for the gifts of life, love, my family and friends, and for your unwavering love and support for me.

No matter how far I have strayed, you are always there, guiding me, giving me comfort, sending your special instruments into my life. Even in the midst of my trials and confusion, no matter how dark things may seem, you are always there to shine your light for me. This Lenten season, I offer you my undying gratitude Lord Jesus for coming her to save us, to save me, sinner that I am. Thank you Lord Jesus for all your blessings and for guiding me every single step of the way. Thank you for giving me glimpses of heaven in the lives of saints, especially in the life of your earthly father, St. Joseph. Thank you for giving us your Blessed Mother, to become our Blessed Mother. I thank you everyday for sending Mama Mary to be our light in this big old world, where things aren't always how we want them to be. Thank you for the stars and the moon, the sun that always shines every single day, for the people around me who continue to inspire me to be better, to do better, for the birds and the bees, well, I'm glad that bee didn't sting us this morning. Thank you for being the light at the end of our dark tunnel, for changing missed chances into opportunities, for showing me that love is all around, if I only take the time to stop and see the beauty of nature, all of your creation. I praise you Jesus for always being there for me, for my family, for my friends. Thank you so much Lord Jesus!

SPECIAL NEEDS

Things to ask God for in the coming week

As another week begins, Lord Jesus, I pray for guidance and direction, for courage and protection, for love to reign in the hearts of all men and women, for strength to live out our faith in you, for hope to never fade, for joy and good cheer to spread all around us, for the enlightenment, discernment and wisdom so that we can make the right choices, for happiness to abound in every family, for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to work in each one of us, believers and non-believers alike, may you continue to use me to build your Kingdom here on earth. Lord Jesus, I pray that every single one of my spiritual blocks be revealed so that I may renounce them all and serve you fully in spirit, mind, body and soul, I offer everything in Your service Lord Jesus. Please show me the way to be a better servant Lord. This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

HIDDEN TREASURE

Most important word God told me this week

Two things come to mind -- humility and obedience. Lord, please guide my steps so that I may not falter and I may continue to live out my life in pattern with yours -- with utter humility and total obedience. Thank you Jesus! I love you Jesus! Amen.

Faith Declaration

For Singles Who Want To Be Celibate

“I’m happily single. Because God is with me, I declare that I’m complete. I’m whole. I’m happy! And God is guiding me to my best path. God’s goodness and blessings follow me all the days of my life. He is guiding my decisions. And I believe I’m being prepared for greater service as a single person. I’m being trained to be a parent to a larger family. God has blessed me with the greatest friends. I’m no longer searching for the right partner because I’ve made Christ my lifelong companion. By becoming the best person I can become, I’m attracting so many wonderful blessings into my life. My future is in God’s big hands. He is now filling my future with abundance, joy, and love.”

Thank You Lord Jesus!

Ok. So I'm still sick and feeling quite blue today. Bad and very dry cough, headache's getting better, cold is almost gone so yay! Praise the Lord! Been crying out Jesus' name all day, my family must think I've gone bonkers or something but hey, twas worth it. I'm so glad things are settling down a bit. My first day at my new full-time job was quite a success, even though I must've had the flu yesterday. Today was even better coz we got to work on our own and dig into google for research. Not really nerve-wracking, just a bit overwhelming as we had to go through a truckload of information. No complaints here, just reviewing the past couple of days.

I have a whole lot to be grateful for today but I'll try to squeeze it into a few paragraphs coz I still need to rest. I need to take some time out to thank Jesus for guiding me today.

First, I am grateful for the gifts of life and love, family and friends, most of all for God's immeasurable love for all of us. Life's a rollercoaster and sometimes the lows can get me down but I'm not giving up! The highs are worth it so it's only right to give thanks and praise where they are due. Thank you Jesus! Praise you Jesus!

Second, I thank God for curing some of my ailments. It's not easy working while you're under the weather but I'm grateful cuz at least my runny nose is dry now and even though the cough and headache are still there, praise Jesus for giving me kind mentors and co-workers. So this is a double thank you -- for the healing and for the nice people who I've been working with all day. Thank you God for the early break too! :)

Third, I am thankful for the messages from friends and for the daily Gospel which brightens my day. I read it a bit too late but still applicable. I am also grateful for the chance to relax after work and have a snack that's filling and tasty. And I am grateful for everything else in between.

Yes, the confusion remains (along with the cough and headache) but I'm sure that tomorrow will dawn bright and beautiful. Way sapot ron so yehey! Hihihi. Thank You Jesus! Praise You Jesus! Amen.

Thank You Lord Jesus!

Ok. So I'm still sick and feeling quite blue today. Bad and very dry cough, headache's getting better, cold is almost gone so yay! Praise the Lord! Been crying out Jesus' name all day, my family must think I've gone bonkers or something but hey, twas worth it. I'm so glad things are settling down a bit. My first day at my new full-time job was quite a success, even though I must've had the flu yesterday. Today was even better coz we got to work on our own and dig into google for research. Not really nerve-wracking, just a bit overwhelming as we had to go through a truckload of information. No complaints here, just reviewing the past couple of days.

I have a whole lot to be grateful for today but I'll try to squeeze it into a few paragraphs coz I still need to rest. I need to take some time out to thank Jesus for guiding me today.

First, I am grateful for the gifts of life and love, family and friends, most of all for God's immeasurable love for all of us. Life's a rollercoaster and sometimes the lows can get me down but I'm not giving up! The highs are worth it so it's only right to give thanks and praise where they are due. Thank you Jesus! Praise you Jesus!

Second, I thank God for curing some of my ailments. It's not easy working while you're under the weather but I'm grateful cuz at least my runny nose is dry now and even though the cough and headache are still there, praise Jesus for giving me kind mentors and co-workers. So this is a double thank you -- for the healing and for the nice people who I've been working with all day. Thank you God for the early break too! :)

Third, I am thankful for the messages from friends and for the daily Gospel which brightens my day. I read it a bit too late but still applicable. I am also grateful for the chance to relax after work and have a snack that's filling and tasty. And I am grateful for everything else in between.

Yes, the confusion remains (along with the cough and headache) but I'm sure that tomorrow will dawn bright and beautiful. Way sapot ron so yehey! Hihihi. Thank You Jesus! Praise You Jesus! Amen.

Thank You Lord Jesus!

This is going to be short cuz honestly, I'm kind of feeling under the weather right now. Migraine, cold, cough, sore throat, my body is trying to tell me something... slow down, I guess. Must be stress-related or something. Sigh!

Oh well, now that I'm done complaining, I'm determined to jot down the heaven-sent gifts for which I am truly grateful.

First, just reading my blog post from yesterday, I am reminded of God's indescribable love! No matter how down and out or out of sorts I feel today, I know that God is still there all around me. That alone is worthy of a whole page but since I'm sick and all, please pardon me if I stick to just a few sentences.

Second, I am grateful for yet another day added to my life and my loved ones' life as well. I'd like to insert a small prayer too. Lord Jesus, please guide my Uncle's journey. May he travel in still waters and come home happy and may his trip be safe all the way.

Third, I am grateful for new opportunities and yet another chance to challenge myself and the gifts God has given me. Honestly, I am quite aware that this was not his plan for me originally and I know that my disobedience has a price that's why I'm going to stop complaining about my ailments. God will heal me, and that is enough for me.

Fourth, I am thankful for all the gifts God has showered me. I know I am blessed and this sadness is passing. I believe that God has a great plan for me so no matter what happens, I am secure in the knowledge that I have already surrendered to Jesus and will do so every single day of my life. Yet another prayer... Lord Jesus, I am ready to deny myself and take up my cross. I will follow you Lord Jesus, my God, my Savior, and nothing will ever change that. Thank you Lord Jesus for your love and your guidance. I know you are with me every single day and I will worship you every single day of my life. I love you Lord Jesus. Thank you Jesus! Amen.

Fifth, thank you Lord Jesus for surrounding me with loving family and loyal friends who have stood by me in spite of everything that has happened. I am forever grateful. Praise you Jesus! Thank you Jesus! Amen.

Thank You Lord Jesus!

This is going to be short cuz honestly, I'm kind of feeling under the weather right now. Migraine, cold, cough, sore throat, my body is trying to tell me something... slow down, I guess. Must be stress-related or something. Sigh!

Oh well, now that I'm done complaining, I'm determined to jot down the heaven-sent gifts for which I am truly grateful.

First, just reading my blog post from yesterday, I am reminded of God's indescribable love! No matter how down and out or out of sorts I feel today, I know that God is still there all around me. That alone is worthy of a whole page but since I'm sick and all, please pardon me if I stick to just a few sentences.

Second, I am grateful for yet another day added to my life and my loved ones' life as well. I'd like to insert a small prayer too. Lord Jesus, please guide my Uncle's journey. May he travel in still waters and come home happy and may his trip be safe all the way.

Third, I am grateful for new opportunities and yet another chance to challenge myself and the gifts God has given me. Honestly, I am quite aware that this was not his plan for me originally and I know that my disobedience has a price that's why I'm going to stop complaining about my ailments. God will heal me, and that is enough for me.

Fourth, I am thankful for all the gifts God has showered me. I know I am blessed and this sadness is passing. I believe that God has a great plan for me so no matter what happens, I am secure in the knowledge that I have already surrendered to Jesus and will do so every single day of my life. Yet another prayer... Lord Jesus, I am ready to deny myself and take up my cross. I will follow you Lord Jesus, my God, my Savior, and nothing will ever change that. Thank you Lord Jesus for your love and your guidance. I know you are with me every single day and I will worship you every single day of my life. I love you Lord Jesus. Thank you Jesus! Amen.

Fifth, thank you Lord Jesus for surrounding me with loving family and loyal friends who have stood by me in spite of everything that has happened. I am forever grateful. Praise you Jesus! Thank you Jesus! Amen.

Thank You God!

It’s been a while since I wrote down the things I’m grateful for; this should’ve been a daily habit that’s why I’m still berating myself but hey, there’s no use crying over spilt milk. Life goes on and so does this journal. I have a lot to be thankful for, God has blessed me with so much, it's surprising why I mope around sometimes.

I am grateful for:

• The gifts of life and love, loving family and friends.

• The gifts of faith, hope and most important of all, love.

• The gifts of the Holy Spirit and the inspiration that comes with it.

• The gifts of wisdom, enlightenment and discernment.

• The gifts that come from a good confession, as well as the trials that may follow. It may be a contradiction of sorts but after reading today’s Gospel and reflection, I realize that temptations and trials are part of life.

To quote today’s Gospel reflection, “The publishers of the New American Bible put as title above the first part of the Letter of James, ‘The Value of Trials and Temptation.’ Yes, you have read correctly: the value of temptation, it says. Temptations are valuable and important. They are tests that will show whether we love God, whether we are able to show our love by loving obedience. They come, especially when you least expect them to come.”

Wow! Such an amazing and eye-opening revelation! I thought that after a good confession, life would be peaceful. Oh how wrong I was. True, my confession was sincere and heartfelt but I guess dealing with your past and accepting it isn’t as easy as I thought. I guess the key is to lift everything to Jesus and allow Him to work wonders from within. The silver lining is His constant presence. That’s the best part about wanting to grow closer to God… He responds in the same way. The most inspiring part about this experience is that not only does God respond He also sends His instruments to help us along the way! And for that, I am forever grateful.

• The gifts of second chances, reconciliation, new opportunities, blessings old and new.

• The light at the end of dark tunnels, the flickering embers of love that never dies out, the flickering light of guidance and the bright light that always replaces the darkness that threatens to engulf us sometimes.

• Most important of all, I am grateful for God’s unwavering presence in my life and for our Blessed Mother’s constant love and support. Believe it or not, her presence was tangible last Friday after mass. My aunt and charismatic sisters and I were engulfed in such fragrance that all I could say was, “whose perfume is that?” and my sister replied, “That’s the blessed virgin! She is always with us.” Honestly, that nearly brought tears to my eyes. I can’t believe that Mama Mary would still accept me, sinner that I am. I guess it was her way of saying that now that I am finally ready to accept and carry my cross she will be with me all the way. I guess it’s just my pride and anger that stand in the way of true joy and peace of mind. All I know is, that night, I felt God’s embrace; and in the midst of the tears and doubts and the fact that I give in to some residual anger sometimes; it is of great comfort to know that God loves me in spite of my weaknesses and sinful nature. And so I am happy and at peace. Hopefully, as I gain spiritual maturity, this journal will grow too.

There's so much to be thankful for so I'm hoping that each day I will get the chance to tend to this journal and watch how God's love is helping me grow in every aspect of life. Thank you Jesus, for every single blessing!