Inspirations at your Fingertips!

Encountering Jesus Mark 6:17-29 Pope Francis in almost all of his messages would stress on the importance of encountering Jesus. Jesus is not in the ready prayers that we memorize; or simply in the 10 commandments that we learned when we were children, or even in the religious practices we are accustomed to doing. Jesus is present in flesh and blood, in the emotions caused by what we see and hear that are brought about by an authentic encounter, and in committing ourselves to experience the crucified and risen Lord in day-to-day life. The grace to ask is the wisdom to determine where Jesus is and to encounter him concretely. The first place of encounter is the Church, the living body of Christ.  Remember Pope Francis when he urged parishioners not to engage in useless gossips or in any action that defiles the very body of Jesus. The Church is composed of people in direct contact with Jesus through Catechesis and instructions.  But we need to devote time, talent,...

A community of saints Matthew 24:42-51 When we launched the Basic Ecclesial Communities in the Parish of Sto. Rosario de Pasig some 4 years ago, I don't know if they they actually knew they are being prepared to be communities of living saints here on earth as stated in St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians? What does it mean to be a community of saints here on earth?  It is to actually realize that all the things the community are doing are in accord with God's plan.  The signs of a healthy community of saints are as follows: 1. They are filled with the Holy Spirit - they are aware that they are touched, purified and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. 2.  They are bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit - as preachers, teachers, etc. 3.  They are faithful to the Holy Spirit through and through - even when the "Master" is away, they remain faithful to their tasks, knowing that one day they shall meet Him. May these things move us to strengthen our resolve...

Docility Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14  The readings are about docility, i.e., the capacity to be taught. Don't be hard-headed.  One thing I realized in my years of faith is that God cannot be put in a box.  He is not a set of beliefs.  One thing is sure - He always leads us to a better understanding about life and about Himself. Let me point out the pattern.  Once we are taught the 10 commandments. But even the Jewish people who followed the 10 commandments to the letter were reprimanded by Jesus for giving more emphasis to it rather than on the spirit of the law. Second instance - we were taught that if we pray hard and resolve hard, the Lord will grant us our prayers.  But again, things are not that simple.  If ever prayers are not granted, we come to realize that God is still hearing our prayers. Third instance - we were taught to pray the usual prayers, but sometime in the future, no matter how hard we pray, it seems that we are not reaching...