July 12, 2012 (Daily Reflection)

Our first reading from the book of the prophet Hosea gives us a picture of a God who never relent his goodness but continues to be faithful even His people are running away from Him. This kind of relationship in which God portrays wonderfully depicts a gracious God whose generosity, love and forgiveness are never dwindling. 

In our gospel from Matthew, Jesus commissions his apostles to share God’s graciousness to others by acts of charity, preaching, healing and exorcism. They are commissioned to begin the work of evangelization – “to preach the Kingdom of God.”  Jesus said, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” We have to reach for others without expecting any return or reward. “No walking stick, no sandals, no extra tunic, no sacks, gold or silver.” When we are commissioned by the Lord we have to set aside our material concerns, instead trust in God’s providence for he will send us people who will provide us our need.

July 13, 2012 (Daily Reflection)

What does it mean to evangelize? Who is called to be an evangelist? As we ponder the word of God today we are invited to reflect on the new evangelization. How can we participate in evangelization and how can we evangelize people? 

 To evangelize means to bring the good news of the Lord to the people. It is to bring people encounter the Lord who is “the way the truth and the life.”

All of us in virtue of our baptism are called to become evangelists. We are all called to support and promote the new evangelization. “Do not worry about what you speak...” With this Jesus assures us of his guiding presence among us.  Let us then be courageous to be witnesses in God’s love and become active agents of this new evangelization. Yes, there may be times when we are afraid to speak of our faith, not sure of our faith whether they are enough to inspire people. We may doubt our words, or the sacredness of our lives, yet we are invited to set aside all our doubts and fears.  It is the Lord who gives us our words to speak. It is the Holy Spirit who guides our actions. 

 Today let us renew our commitment to evangelize in words and deeds. In our families, offices, in relationships and faith communities and society, may we be faithful witnesses of our faith in Jesus. “Do not be afraid” for the Lord is with us.

Have a blessed day!

July 11, 2012

“The Kingdom of God is at hand.”

Central to Jesus’ mission is the building up of the kingdom of God. It sums up his ministry, life, passion, death and resurrection. The Kingdom of God is at hand! This is not simply propaganda but an imminent truth to the world - a direct proclamation of God’s plan for the salvation of the world and humankind.

The choosing of his twelve apostles etches a universal dimension of God’s action in the world. He appoints men (or women) to be his companion in the mission. In other words, God is not alone. He invites people, worthy or unworthy, mostly simple and ordinary ones for his missionary journey. This is a wonderful gift for it is God who offers us; a God who never deceives and therefore worthy of our faith. May our lives become beacons of faith, hope and love in building God’s kingdom here on earth.

July 11, 2012 - daily reflection

“The Kingdom of God is at hand.”

Central to Jesus’ mission is the building up of the kingdom of God. It sums up his ministry, life, passion, death and resurrection. The Kingdom of God is at hand! This is not simply propaganda but an imminent truth to the world - a direct proclamation of God’s plan for the salvation of the world and humankind.

The choosing of his twelve apostles etches a universal dimension of God’s action in the world. He appoints men (or women) to be his companion in the mission. In other words, God is not alone. He invites people, worthy or unworthy, mostly simple and ordinary ones for his missionary journey. This is a wonderful gift for it is God who offers us; a God who never deceives and therefore worthy of our faith. May our lives become beacons of faith, hope and love in building God’s kingdom here on earth.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few."
As baptized Christians, we share the three-fold mission of Christ as prophet, priest and king. this reminds us of our responsibility as co-prophets, co-priests, and co-kings of the Lord. These are Christ's special gifts to us his children not to be kept but to share with others "to bear much fruit."

Unfortunately, many of us spared much of time in our personal whims, dreams and ambitions disregarding our main purpose in life. If there is concern, it is too shallow and lacking in commitment and love.

Today, the world needs people who are willing to sacrifice for the greater glory of God, willing to labor for the awaiting great harvest. Just like Jesus, we can be instruments of healing, hope, service, peace and love to others.

Today's gospel reading reminds us of a God who heals and gives life. The two powerful stories  assures us that if we have such faith, even how little and insignificant, everything becomes possible. Moreover, the God who heals and gives life create in us a sense of security for we know God will never abandon us. He is our protector and shield. He is a God who always seeks for our own benefit; attends to all our concerns, even to the smallest iota.

thus, in our daily concerns in life, in business, career, family and relationship, we know that even how much struggles and trials come our path, God's hand is always there present ready to carry us, to give hope, healing, forgiveness and love.