Inspirations at your Fingertips!

Authentic conversion Matthew 5:43-48  We are reflecting about genuine conversion.  We have talked about three movements of conversion: selfishness to communion, individualism to sharing, and from self to God. The gospel tells about a more authentic conversion - that of being converted to according to the very heart of Christ. Not only does it say, "Do not kill"; now, we are to love and pray for our enemies.  The very basis of conversion is Jesus Christ. In this Eucharist, Jesus converts us to Himself constantly in mind, heart, and being.  He molds our thoughts according to how he sees mankind; his heart and being to be filled with mercy.  Thus, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.  And our actions? Filled with the compassion of God. We should see this world in a new light.  Seeing at it through the eyes of the Lord that indeed, this world is worth saving.

True fasting Matthew 9:14-15 When was the last time we fasted?  Do we really mean it when we fast? In the Old Testament, the Israelites fast as a sign of penance.  In the book of Isaiah, God demands not simply fasting, but works of social justice as a sign of penance - letting the oppressed grow free, sharing bread with the hungry, and helping the homeless poor. Jesus further perfected the motive of fasting to manifest one's relationship with God and more specifically with the saving action of Jesus. Let us ponder whether all our actions fasting or any other activity possess this very intention of loving God and aligning ones life to the saving work of Jesus.  Only this way can we truly ascertain that every action is consecrated - that is, duly offered to the Lord.

Real prayer Mark 7:1-13 Solomon's prayer shows his utmost respect to God and his temple.  However, in the Gospel, it seems that the Pharisees have lost all sensitivities to God's presence.  Instead, they relied on age-old written tradition. Faith in God is not simply based on tradition.  Rather, it depends on a dynamic relationship with the living God. The Eucharist is also not a series of rubrics.  Rather, each moment opens us up to the real presence of Jesus who now involves us in His own sacrifice.  We must adjust to a living, dynamic form of prayer that is truly reflective of an active relationship of love with God.  The Word of God read to us symbolizes that deep intention of God to remove the blindness from our eye, deafness from our ears, and hardness from our hearts caused by sin.  The Liturgy of Eucharist if Jesus' way of celebrating His incarnation, that in a way, after the whole celebration, He is incarnated in each one of us. ...

How do we wish to be remembered? Mark 6:14-29 If we are to imagine a time when our loved ones, family and friends, would give a eulogy to us, what do you think would it be? David in the Old Testament was presented with a litany of accomplishments.  In the New Testament, a lot of characters were mentioned, but their names are passed on in infamy.  Again, how do we want to be remembered? We want to be remembered for our good deeds.  But more than than, we would want to be remembered as humble disciples of Jesus and not as hard-headed Christians who define salvation according to what we want and not what God wants.  And third, that we are used totally by the Lord that all fruitfulness of life is because of the direct action of God in our lives and people experienced heaven in the midst because we allowed it to happen. Good deeds may be good; but they are not enough.  Unless we succumb to be instruments and servants of the Lord, all actions and accomplish...

Pass on! Mark 6:7-13 It would be nice to learn from David's life.  After all the weaknesses and sinfulness, at the end of the day, it will still redound to passing on the knowledge and love of God. In the Gospel, knowing that he would not stay in the world for long, but eventually would pass on his very presence in all generations, he instructed the Twelve and sent them to proclaim his Good News. We are sent to pass on to others and to the next generation all the things that we have experienced from Jesus.  There is so much to share from the love of Jesus. All goodness and sharing; memories that will last forever, especially ones that will lead all people to heaven. Stop passing on sin and hatred.  Pass on the Lord.