SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES

  Moses sent out spies to check out the promise land and when they returned in Numbers 14 they were full of discouragement. They came back and reported that the  Land  of  Canaan  is too strong to conquer but Joshua & Caleb, trusted God. They didn’t look at the problems of the walls of the  Canaan . But the people believed the spies and concluded that it’s impossible to overcome these barriers. They wanted to choose new leaders and kill Moses & Aaron and go back to slavery in  Egypt . Due to their unbelief the whole generation never entered  Canaan  only the new generation with both Joshua & Caleb did. The goal is to enter into rest in the  land  of  Canaan  but they refused because they believed their fears rather than believe what they’ve already seen in God’s miracles in  Egypt . Let us no longer complain and believe that the best is yet to come. Today we must realize that the lesson of their story does not just apply to the Israelites. It also applies to the Church and

  How we live our life in each passing day is a testimony of how we follow the will of God in our lives. There is a need to constantly and regularly connect to God everything that we do. If we make a conscious effort to do this everyday then we'll surely find it easier to obey the things that God wants us to do and be more sensitive in knowing the will of God in our lives. If we will just honestly and sincerely seek God then we will surely find Him. As we do this we will eventually discover a lot of things that we need to know in order to live our faith in accordance to God's will and be able to overcome all trials and difficulties that come our way.    It is really important that we know and follow the instructions of God. Amen. Hallelujah. Exodus 16:2-4. 12-15 ...Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not...“This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.” The Lord has alrea

  Sometimes we come to a point where we are confronted with difficult situations. We find it hard to handle it well in order to arrive at sound decisions. This could be due to the fact that it can impact the lives of other people especially those who have become close to us. But in whatever decisions we make it will surely help if we will always be reminded of what the 1st reading today is telling us. Amen. Hallelujah! Leviticus 25:1. 8-17 ...Do not deal unfairly, then; but stand in fear of your God. I, the LORD, am your God.”  God has indeed demonstrated his love and mercy to us in so many ways for always. Sometimes we tend to overlook and take it for granted. What I have been writing and sharing these past years since 2007 made me realize to not overlook nor take for granted the very obvious fact that God never leaves, forsakes nor abandon us 100% of the time.  Just looking back at what happened from the moment I started to commit to writing reflections up to the present makes me see

  I have shared about church activities in honor of the feast of saints and really felt the impact and importance of such celebrations.    These festivities that we observe and celebrate have become an important and significant part of our being a Catholic. It has helped us remember and look closely at the good example of the life of these faithful followers of God. It also strengthens our faith and make us more appreciative, full of gratitude and commemorative of the great things that God has done for us and our ancestors who came long before for us and the coming generation. Amen. Hallelujah!   Leviticus 23:1. 4-11. 15-16. 27. 34b-37 1 The LORD said to Moses, 4 “These are the festivals of the LORD which you shall celebrate at their proper time with a sacred assembly. It is indeed another confirmation that today's psalm also speaks of solemn feast. It is a blessing to have the time to enjoy and celebrate these special occasions in our faith which has formed part of the Holy Tradit

    Sometimes we feel guilty about something that we didn't directly or indirectly cause. Or we feel responsible for the actions of other people especially those who are close to us. We must keep in mind that we are not supposed to own the decisions and actions of other people since there are certain limits to this and must know up to where our responsibilities extend. In the same way we must not blame other people for things we ourselves have caused. We must be brave enough to accept the consequences of our actions and not point fingers. We have to be clear about these things for God said that sins will be punished accordingly in its appointed time. So while we still have the time let us see to it that everything is in the right order before it gets too late. Exodus 32:15-24. 30-34 ...So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Ah, this people has indeed committed a grave sin in making a god of gold for themselves! 32 If you would only forgive their sin! If you will not, then strike

There are times in our life when we are confused and don't know what to do. But most of the time too we are just making things more difficult and worse than it really is. God will always show us the right way to go there is no doubt about that. Sometimes the problem is not knowing what to do but not doing what we're supposed to do. If only we would only take time to look around us and assess our situation then all the signs will surely point us to the right direction. We've been given the faculties as a human being all the senses that enable us to see, hear, feel, taste, smell and think. Even those who lack one or two of these senses have developed a keen sense in the other senses. An example is a blind man although blind have a very keen sense of hearing and smelling that compensates for the loss of sight. All of these and the other capacities and capabilities as man have made us fully equipped and wonderfully created by God. Sometimes we have a lot of excuses and alibis.

    Moses as we all know based on the previous readings we've had is considered a friend of God and was able to talk to God face to face. These should further inspire not only me but the rest of us in maintaining and constantly conversing with God to improve our relationship with God in each passing day. We often get disappointed when we look at the rate we are going and find ourselves still lacking. But what's most important and of great consolation is the fact that God never gives up on us. Despite our shortcomings He continues to stir us to our eternal goals in every possible way especially through the people whom we meet. Today’s 1st reading brought back memories of Sister Carmen Julia and Monica and our very interesting and grace filled conversation that centers most on vocations. When Sis Marcy asked Sister Carmen Julia what made her decide to enter the convent and become a nun, she simply answered that she felt it all along in her heart even when she was still very young

  In October 10, 2007, I encountered this bible passage from the book of Habakkuk 2:2-3 which inspired me to write bible reflections . "Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision Clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late." In response and also in line with it   I organized my reflections in a way that I can easily access them in relation to a specific bible passage. The readings for today brought me back to my reflection many years ago which is about an issue of The Tidings newspaper with a front page photo that caught my attention. This is a painting by Italian Baroque painter Carlo Maratta of Mother Mary with 3 beautiful cherubims lovingly looking at the newborn baby Jesus. It has a main headline entitled, "Reason To Hope" which is the Christian message 2008 of Cardinal Roger M. M

 The miracle that took place in the 1st reading today is one of the forerunners of the New Testament specifically in today's gospel. It proves only one thing that despite the impossibility of the situation God is able to make things happen. When the Lord said so then it shall be done. Do you have a word of God that you are holding on to firmly with faith and confidence in your heart, mind and soul? If yes then consider it done. Amen. Hallelujah! 2 Kings 4:42-44 ...“How can I set this before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” Elisha insisted. “For thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and there shall be some left over.’ ” 44 And when they had eaten, there was some left over, as the LORD had said. There is really none like our God. We can have all the things that this world can offer but in the end we will still be wanting and not satisfied if we do not have God in the center of our life. The Lord has always been faithful and not a single moment would He ever not be. We sh