SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES

  In today’s 1 st  reading, Abraham was visited by 3 men whom he showed hospitality despite the fact that he had never met them before. There are times when we think negatively and consider some of the good things we have done as lost and gone. Especially if we do it to people whom we barely know, could not return the favor and could not    benefit in us in some ways. Such as these would never be the case if we consider everything we do as a form of service to God. It makes a whole lot of difference when the people we’re doing a great favor are dear and close to us. To extend hospitality to someone who is almost a stranger and could not return the favor nor expect anything from them is truly noble. Abraham was rewarded for his good deeds by God Himself who never lets anything go unnoticed especially those we offer in service to God. Since I arrived here in the  US  in May 19, 2007 I never had a single hair cut. My hair has grown so long that a lot of people...

 Today’s 1st reading speaks of God promising to Abraham that he’ll be a father of multitude. For the Jews he is the physical father and has an influence greater than anybody in the history of the world. For 75 years he was a pagan and worshipped the god of  Mesopotamia  and had not yet met God. When he met God he was transformed for all the nations of the world. It is ironic for him to be called that name for he has no children yet. His name was changed from Abram to Abraham and exactly what his name means, father of all nations. Abraham was promised that his descendants will be so great just like looking at the stars and not be able to count them. When God gave this promise, he was 99 years old  and Sarah was 90. All he did was trust God. It’s not hard to believe in a God who brought everything out of nothing. Are we going to trust or not? In Gen 18, Abraham was visited by the Lord’s angels. He exercises hospitality to them whereas Sarah laughed to herself when she ...

  We’ve got to straighten up some things about God. Who He is and what He wants for our life. What is our picture of God? It’s not surprising to know that most of us think that God doesn’t want us to have fun. It’s like all the things that we want to do with our friends that are interesting and exciting when we were young was against God’s commandments. It may seem like we have to settle for less. What’s worse is that all the faithful Catholics get less out of life. This is part of the propaganda way back in the Garden of Eden. God gave us a magnificent paradise wherein there is perfect intimacy and no shame with each other. In the Garden they have everything they need but gave just one limit, not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This is very interesting because God said, “Don’t do this because you will die.” The reason why God commands us something is because He is a loving Father who cares for us. He wants us to have the best. But then came the serpent, he di...

  Our God is incomparable for He loves us with a love greater than any other. From the moment we were conceived in our mother's womb, even before we were born, God already knows each one of us by name.  Let us always align our will, intentions, motives and actions with God. It is always good to check ourselves constantly and regularly at every given opportunity. Nothing is ever wasted nor considered useless for as long as we offer it to God. We have all been called by God for a purpose. He already had a plan laid out for us even before we were born. We are that special to God. Let us not forget our holy calling from God. Let us become the man or woman God has meant us to be and live each day of our lives in answer to this call. The readings for today continue to reflect on the Holy Servant Songs of Jesus. The mention of being called even from a mother’s womb, the 2 edged sword and polished arrow are symbols of God’s words. The Word that reaches to the ends of the earth, penetr...

  Judging from what is happening in our lives right now and if we will just look very closely, I guess, we can find ourselves saying that there is a time in our life too, when just like Abram we experienced a deep terrifying darkness which enveloped our whole being and felt very afraid. I did and it was the time when I had to make this life changing decision of mine to come and stay in the  US . It has always been God's reassuring words and promises in the scriptures and the perfectly fitted situations that go with it which helped me remain steadfast in the Lord. I have shared several times already about how the Sea of Galilee has impacted my life in a very special way while I was still in the  Philippines  and in the planning stage of coming here to the  US . Not to forget the several occasions and circumstances which I encountered and further built my confidence in the decision that I made to stay here in the  US . One of the most extraordinary situations...

  We may all come to a point in our Christian walk of faith when we are no longer sure if what we are doing is the right thing. It is so hard at times when we are confronted with people and situations that are difficult to handle. Some may look at we are doing as being impractical and inappropriate when we make decisions that are not conformed to the existing and current standard of this world which is always after personal gain and glory. No matter how confusing things may be let us continue to consult God with regards to our plans and totally entrust everything to Him. After having said and done what we are supposed to do then we ought to be always confident that God can make things work for good and turn it into a blessing. Just like in today's 1st reading, Abraham had totally given way to  Lot 's preference and is obviously not after his own personal gain. He could have done otherwise and insisted on a fair agreement that can benefit them both. But he's generosity and t...