Inspirations at your Fingertips!

A pure heart Mark 1:21-28 In the first reading, the priest Eli hinted that Hannah may be drunk for offering her child if the Lord would grant her request but she defended that she wasn't.  In full control of her intentions, she said what she meant.  And the Lord granted her the request. In the gospel, Jesus taught with authority and he expelled demons with great authority.  What could be the secret behind Jesus' authority?  The secret is the same as Hannah's - a pure heart. We might be asking from the Lord, but a pure intention moves us to a deeper level - we would like first and foremost to consecrate our lives to Him and to offer ourselves to serve Him. These are the marks of a pure heart.  They manifest in words and actions that reveal the power and authority of God himself. Let us pray that we may possess a pure heart in our service to God.

We as stars of Jesus Jn. 3: 22 - 30 As Christmas officially ends, our absolute relationship with him is our primary concern. As John gave himself totally to Jesus, we need to also do the same. The only star is a life lit by God in Jesus Christ make complete our unbreakable bond with him. For John, who committed to giving all of himself for God's work, now sees Jesus baptising.  He said, "You know I am not the Messiah, but I testify to Him who I now see.  Now, I must decrease while he must increase." How do we see our new selves as stars of the Lord for others?  First, establish our relationship not based on functions but on an unbreakable bond with the Lord; second, aim to be transformed to be Christ-like; third, give witness to Jesus through the conduct of life.

True love Mark 6:34-44 In the Philippines, a recent hit of the couple "Aldub" composed of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza Tandem confirmed that Filipino are truly love-oriented people.  But how many of us actually know what real love is? The first reading tells of the mystery of love, "God is love."  Moreover, real love is not our love for God but God's love for us through his Son. The Gospel qualifies more what true love means.  It is Lover practicing mercy upon the Beloved.  Jesus is the epitome of love itself.  He was so filled with mercy for the large crowd that not only did he teach them, he actually commanded his disciples to feed them as a fruit of that love. Love, to be authentic, should always be on the giving end.  The rest of the action words "take", "raise", "bless", "break", "give back", "share" are all manifestations of a love as pure as Jesus. Let us live out this love anywhe...

How do we know which come from God? 1. test the spirit 2. acknowledge Jesus 3. follow his word

light Luke 2:22-35 Let's focus on the light.  According to a common dictionary, light either refers to that which makes things visible.  Materially speaking, we are referring to the light bulbs as examples of light sources.  Another definition is what is happening inside the human disposition: an understanding of a problem or mystery. What John is referring to as light? Jesus himself is the light of life.  So, if anyone is not living according to the light of Christ, he is in darkness, especially when he hates his brother / sister. In the gospel, Simeon also talks about the light whom he can now see and he can now rest.  But the second one is this: through Jesus, all actions would be laid bare.  He will always be a sign of contradiction for many.  And that all thoughts may be laid bare. Thus, we are talking of two lights: one that refers to Jesus, and another that lays bare the secret longings of the heart whether we are for or against Christ...

Remedies to violence Matthew 10:17-22 A day after Christmas and we are exposed to violence: the death of Stephen and the warning of Jesus.  It shows us that this is the world Jesus entered and saved from sin.  It would entail also the offering of his life.  This is our Christmas as well. In the face of violence and in front of non-God-fearing people, the best remedies are trust in the Lord, commitment to serve him, and perseverance in faith. Trust in the Lord because when the time comes, it is the Lord who will speak through us. Be committed to serve him despite all odds, so that when we face our accusers, we can face them with clear consciences. Last but not the least, persevere in faith; in time, we will reap the fruits of this perseverance: the conversion of our brothers and sisters.

Our home in Jesus LK 1:26-38 In the first reading from the book of Zechariah, "Rejoice o daughter Zion, for the Lord will make his dwelling upon you." In the gospel of Luke, Jesus made his dwelling in Mary.  The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe reflects this. Let's reflect on our dwelling place.  It can be a house where we live.  But the real essence is the home, where relationships and warmth exist.  Those who live in it is now called "a family". God offers this kind of home.  Mary is the picture of this home as Jesus is in her.  But this home is really Jesus, the source of the warm love of God. Let's also make our home in Jesus, with love and mercy enveloping us.  Salvation is found in this kind of real home and family.