SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES

      Whenever I go running, there will be times when I feel so light and vibrant unlike some days when I feel so sluggish and lazy. It was like I was ready to run miles and go anywhere without feeling tired. There was a time when I just found myself running in a different direction and did not take the usual route. The reason I did this is because I was intimidated by a warning of this person who said not to let the dogs chase me. I got somehow affected by the comment that I decided to run in the opposite direction. This action was primarily influenced by the fact that I am always almost attacked and bitten by a dog. The thought of something like that happening made me change my route without realizing that I would end up in a much scarier path. This part of the road where I ended up running did not have any lights on and looked abandoned and bushy. I must say it looked even more frightening since it had started to get dark. Sometimes when we give in to fear we end up in...

      There are times when we reach a certain point wherein we are totally unsure of what our next move should be. All we have to do is just pray to God for guidance and light to show us the right thing to do. Although this should not be abused to the point of not assessing the situation we are in anymore or even use it as an excuse for not acting appropriately on something that should be done. Instead, this should make us follow the example in today's 1st reading when the apostles referred to scripture, convened with a group of believers, prayed and came to a decision. No matter how difficult things are right now for each one of us it will always lead us back to the truth that He is God and in control. Today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthias, the Apostle. Shortly after his election he also received the Holy Spirit along with the other apostles. He went about preaching the word of God in Capadocia and in the coasts of the  Caspian Sea  until he died as a ma...

      Paul in today's 1st reading introduces Jesus to the Greeks. He hoped to lead them to Christ as he tried to unfold the powerful mystery of Christian life. He wanted so much for all of us to see God's movement in our lives. We may be living in a material world but we ought to see beyond and grasp the spiritual as well. Life is a mystery that we have to decode it properly. It may sound like we need to borrow the skills of Alfred Hitchcock in order to solve a mystery. In Theology they call it mystagogy which means guidance into the mysteries. According to Dr. Scott Hahn, a speaker in the EWTN program entitled, "Signs of Life" our entire human body is a sacrament of the person. Our eyes, smiles, words and actions tell something about us. God calls us now to something infinitely greater. It may be complex at one level but simple at another. It could be much like the 4 seasons that each represents a distinct and particular circumstance or feature. There is a time for e...

     Unlike any other super hero that we've seen on TV, we don't have to shout Darna or Captain Barbell. We have tremendous power in our hands, great enough to cause an earthquake, open prison doors and unlock chains binding us. The 1st reading today is proof that there is power in praying and singing hymns to God. Although we do not see these things happen everyday we should always nurture this kind of attitude and disposition that every time we pray and sing to God something amazing and awe inspiring happens. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, manifests in several very unique but personal ways and never leaves us alone. No matter how trapped and imprisoned we may be feeling at the moment just like Paul and Silas, God is able to set us free. It reminds me of the broadcast of The Journey Home in the EWTN Channel about Blessed Dominic Barberi. His story was very much like what happened to Paul and Silas. He was already drafted in the military under the rule of Napoleon Bonapart...

       There are key words in today's 1st reading that we could definitely benefit a lot from. These are words we could use for our own welfare so that we, like  Lydia  could enjoy the presence of God in our life. These words start with L and O. It's easy to figure it out. All it takes is to make a conscious and committed effort to really listen and open ourselves to God. Although it may not be as easy as it may seem to be or else there would no longer be any struggles on our part.    But we know for a fact that when we Listen and Open our hearts to the Lord the consequences of these actions are unimaginable and endless. If we follow what happened to  Lydia  it was not just herself but her household as well who turned to God. Let's just give it our best shot and see for ourselves. We have nothing to fear as long as we are always worshiping and listening for God can see through our hearts. I am always filled with joy whenever I am reminde...

   Our conscience is the voice of God telling us the right thing to do. We should never fear nor doubt. God is able defend us always when we rely on Him in times of troubles and trials. An important  reflection from today's 1st reading is unstoppable. It looked like the apostles and followers of Jesus were all filled with boldness and courage to spread the Good News. They did not get intimidated nor threatened to the point of giving up their mission. They persisted, persevered and brought to this very day the legacy of this priceless faith.  You can never put a good man down. Nothing can stop the the followers of Jesus from proclaiming the Word of God. You know why? Once you've known Jesus you are compelled to do so for your experience and encounter with Him can not be contained and will inevitably overflow.  It was handed down to us from generation to generation and for thousands of years has found its way to us against all odds. Through God's grace adorned wit...