Inspirations at your Fingertips!

Feast of the Archangels John 1:47-51 The first reading from the Book of Daniel obviously shows the grandeur and power of God with all else serving Him.  It also mentions the Son of Man possessing the same power, kingship, and magnificence.  This is the true picture of heaven. As we celebrate the feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, it is our firm belief that the description of the Book of Daniel is true; and that heaven, God, and that angels are real.  Pushing our faith further, pray that we may also see heaven here on earth.  Every family, every community, and the Church itself could be a picture of heaven.  What does it take for us to see heaven in the midst? First, let us enliven our faith by learning about it and staying close to Jesus, the way to the Father.  Allot time, talent and treasure to invest in heavenly things. The angels are the representations of God.  Michael (who is like God), Raphael (medicine of God),...

Can a Catholic not be a disciple?  The true essence of a Catholic is precisely in being a disciple. As we celebrate the feast of St. Matthew, let us learn how to live the life and ways of an apostle or disciple. In the gospel, Jesus to him, "Follow me" and immediately he followed him.  A disciple is a follower of Jesus.  May we have the courage and the eagerness to be Jesus' disciples. A disciple is formed according to Jesus' heart in the course of following him.  He is filled with love; the same united love of the Triune God. A disciple is a good steward for the gifts God has given him and he uses them to lead others to Christ. Whether the gifts be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastors, or teacher, he uses use all these to build up the body of Christ. Finally, a disciple is a healer.  By proclaiming Jesus' Good News , this world wounded by sin becomes an instrument of grace for all.

Tuesday of week 24 in Ordinary Time, I Luke 7:11-17 A good servant is a joy to others. This is the mark of a true Christian.  Everywhere he goes, whatever he does, he is a joy to the Lord and to others. Paul's letter to Timothy narrated the various qualities of a good leader and deacon.  They should be of impeccable character, a model of family life, and an example to the community. The Christian should also have the same qualities - godly, caring, and sharing.  He or she should be a joy to others and much more to the Lord. In the gospel, Jesus returned the boy's life back to the mother.  He must have known that the son is the only life of the widow.  And now that he's gone, who would take care of the mother?  Jesus felt strongly for the mother.  He is that loving son who gives joy to the mother.  He is the loving Lord who takes care of us. Let us imitate Jesus and devote all of ourselves to be a source of joy to others and to Him....

The Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary Matthew 1:1-16,18-23 Happy Birthday, Mama Mary! Celebrating birthdays are always magical moments for us.  When we were children we couldn't do away with balloons, birthday hats and cakes, and gifts.  It's a time of new beginnings us who go to church to thank the Lord for granting another year in our lives.  When our birthday comes, it's a time to renew ourselves to become better persons. Celebrating Mary's birthday is a time of new beginnings in the Church and in our faith.  When Mary was conceived, it signaled the time of renewal for humanity and the call to be "new creation in Christ." As St. Paul said in Rom 5: 17, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" Church tradition tells us that Mary is the new Eve, the...

Thursday of week 22 in Ordinary Time Luke 5:1-11 St. Paul addresses the situation of Colossian Church.  The main issue is the faithfuls' ability to carry anything with the strength of the Lord after being instructed about the faith.  It means having the capacity to bear all things in Christ. This is the process leading to Christian maturity.  It's also the story of St. Peter, who was initially called Simon, a fisherman.  Although he was hard-headed there is a space for listening.  And he got a lot of fish after listening to Jesus.  His life of conversion started. For Christian maturity to happen we need three things: First, the capacity to see and aim for what is good.  "You shall be a fisher of man" was the aim Jesus gave Peter.  What is our life's goal?  It should transcend our lives on earth.  It should enable heaven to open. Second, the capacity to start from where we are.  Salvation starts with Peter's humble admitt...

Tuesday of week 22 in Ordinary Time Luke 4:31-37 This day, Jesus manifested his authority over the evil one.  In the first reading, St. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to live in the light.  What does "light" mean? Light, in contrast with darkness, simply gives us the power to see.  Light is an array of color while darkness implies the absence of it. Light is attributed to God who is the only source of light; while any absence of it is from the evil one who destroys anything that comes to be.  Anyone who treats things as light other than God is not worthy of His love. Light is reflected in the conduct of Christians, both inwardly and outwardly.  Inwardly, it entails purity of heart patterned after the very heart of God.  Outwardly, they manifest God's power and majesty.  Our Christian dispositions are reflected in what lies in our hearts and manifests and in our actions.