SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES

       We are a people of different colors, shapes and sizes. Each person is unique but we all have something in common that we can share. We can all hope in God. Today's 1st reading tells us of the story of St. Paul imprisoned in Rome . Paul left us a wonderful example of following Jesus even in the midst of persecution and trials. He was very focused on just one thing, to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ. It would require a whole lot of conviction and determination to carry on as he did considering the kind of situation and circumstance he is in at that time. If we are to look very closely we would just marvel at how he was able to do everything. We could only be sure of one thing, that where the Spirit of God dwells and prevails there we find abounding signs, wonders and miracles beyond our imagination . Despite his situation it did not stop him from fulfilling his mission. He continued to persevere to the end because of ...

      Trust, perseverance, doubt, frustration and anxiety are all part of one big mix of experiences that we need to go through. Just like a big cookie dough with all the bits and pieces of nuts, chocolate and all the other things that add up to its flavor and taste. We encounter these things so God can provide opportunities for us to advance in our faith and discover His perfect will in our lives. Sometimes we encounter people who belong to a different religion or same religion but different organization or prayer group. Whether you're Christian, Buddhist, Muslim or Catholic what matters most is that you respect each other's beliefs and know in your heart that each person is a child of God. Trusting God in His magnificent ways that He will reveal Himself in whatever way He deemed fit for each one of us. Sometimes our convictions and beliefs can place us in a difficult situation when we would have to be tested to the point of being forced to retract and aba...

      God permitted our present situations and for sure after all we've been through and done with much prayers and supplications that whatever may be the outcome it will always be for the best. We should always believe that if God deemed it necessary that we go through something then it is for the best. This is what most of us fail to understand when we have to go through some challenges and trials. We should thank God for the experience gained and lessons learned during these times.    Although we sometimes still feel uncertain and anxious but what should keep us going is the assurance that God is giving us daily in His word. Just like Paul who had to go through a mountain load of problems and be faced with difficult decisions and compelled to take a specific action in response to God's call we should take courage because the Lord said so. We bear the name of Jesus and with that come the courage to take each step to go forward and beyond the road where God bri...

      Sis Pat Pua shared to me before about an experience she had way back in the Philippines when she wasn't in the Charismatic Renewal yet. She said she was at that time still grieving over the loss of her mother and adjusting to married life and relocation to the hometown of her husband. She said that during her time of grief she had a vision of her dead mother wearing a brown habit and clothes like that of St. Anthony of Padua. I learned from a talk a long time ago when I was still new in the Renewal about the spiritual war which could be found in Ephesians 6:10-20. The presence of the spiritual army of evil in the heavens could take the form of dead loved ones or even be disguised as holy and divine. Those spirits could take advantage of the present state a person is in which could be grief and be used against him/her. There is really a need to always anchor ourselves firmly to God and not be easily deceived which is exactly what Paul is telling and wa...

     We are called to perform a priestly function. Just like Paul, we too are called for a mission. It may not be the same one as what he did and may be just a simple task that we do daily or it could be a very difficult one but what's most important is our commitment and consistency to carry it out and really offer it to God. It is in these situations when we are compelled by the Spirit to do something that challenges our faith and put it to the test.   In doing so, we encounter difficulties and hardships to the point of uncertainty. In the face of adversity and in this time of great trial do we bear witness to the gospel of God's grace. No matter how tough the opposition may be around us, pressing from all sides we must not waiver nor falter. Not everyone may understand or agree with our convictions and firm stand in the small or big things that we do but what matters most is that we do it for the greater glory of God. If we really claim to be God's faithful f...

     We should have an attitude and impression that everything is bound to fall into place if we strive to attain the enrichment of our spiritual life. We would just be surprised and overwhelmed by the various opportunities that come our way that manifest that we are truly blessed as God is equipping us with the necessary things for the growth and strengthening of our faith.    We should be asking ourselves the same question in today's 1st reading. The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the special strength to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Jesus Christ, in order to confess the name of Christ boldly and never to be ashamed of the cross.    And to put into word and action, the way that we live our faith. Amen. Hallelujah! Acts 19:1-8 ...“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” ...He said, "How were you baptized?" ...And when Paul laid (his) hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they ...