SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES

     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...

       Everything happens for a reason and there is always a mission that goes with it. Sometimes we tend to get discouraged and disappointed when our plans do not turn out the way we wanted it to happen. We struggle at times and lose our direction. We fail to sometimes realize that our God is always in control and on top of everything. We should always have this mindset that He is a God who can make things happen. If it doesn't work out the way we expected things to be then be at peace that God has something better for us or the best is yet to come. What's most important is that we always pray for guidance and enlightenment from the Holy Spirit to direct us to the right path, make us sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit. If we seek God's will in our lives and consciously live out the teachings of the life of Jesus then we can be assured that we will never be led astray. Everything comes from God. All good things come from God. All blessings come from God. God p...

      Believe it or not, we still have brothers and sisters in the faith who think that God punishes and wants to see us suffer. This may not be directly implied but just the same we have the tendency to think this way. We must not forget that we are in a constant battle in this world that could be compared to a tug of war between good and evil. Sad things are not willed by God, He wills only the good things. Let us ask the Lord that we see these things with understanding and ask Him to preserve us from evil and the father of lies, promising peace when there is no peace. This is a reality that we have to keep in mind always but the greater truth lies in the fact that Jesus has won this battle. Once again we should ask ourselves the same question over and over. Will we allow Jesus to have power over us and defeat the role of evil in our life? We have our worries, fears and insecurities for a future that is planned which may never come. We must not forget what we are destin...

         One of the things noteworthy in today’s 1 st  reading is the fact that it contains one of the many biblical bases of the primacy of Peter. We can read that when Peter rose to speak the whole assembly fell silent and all disputations were settled. He emphasized that God invites all nations to the faith so that all people might be grafted on to the Lord our God. Each one of us is called to see and experience the life of joy and peace that's lasting and beyond our understanding. No one is excluded from hearing the word of God and the invitation to His kingdom. Everybody is given the same gift for we are all precious to Him. He made no distinction as clearly stated in today's 1st reading. There is a temptation that like them during that time would feel anxious and discriminate other believers. Who are we to contradict God's work as quoted and prophesied in Amos 9:11-12. God has made the Gentiles His own by the power of the Holy Spirit like branches tha...