tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193523682024-03-08T03:31:08.268+08:00Goodnews at your Fingertips BlogspotShare your Gospel reflections and and enrich others with God's Word come alive!josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.comBlogger746125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-12662857863807934942024-01-21T09:36:00.004+08:002024-01-21T09:36:21.617+08:00Higpitan ang kaugayan kay Kristo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DXnnni2QnwskjJ-zzUohWaeIAhkmUJiHoc4GP7oSzDNhJJq1nySWLLhiYn4dKoPFPFhCeqj_yvSD4N15G_UT1owdtZaZVbXTfxXd4ucUjzIz3Weqm1Q9Db5sEo5CLKAzLH8XYTVJyPB-NRrbqIrZe4h6UBII5ITy_SxXnaN3tXG8OI8fPc5O_g/s960/Slide15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DXnnni2QnwskjJ-zzUohWaeIAhkmUJiHoc4GP7oSzDNhJJq1nySWLLhiYn4dKoPFPFhCeqj_yvSD4N15G_UT1owdtZaZVbXTfxXd4ucUjzIz3Weqm1Q9Db5sEo5CLKAzLH8XYTVJyPB-NRrbqIrZe4h6UBII5ITy_SxXnaN3tXG8OI8fPc5O_g/w300-h400/Slide15.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-82375485606815837082023-12-20T17:20:00.005+08:002023-12-20T17:20:56.964+08:00JOYFUL SERVING<h3 style="text-align: left;"> 21 December<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2R5fVrSgEltkR-HoezVlxFLQzxN1N2aOGecaJuO91hWILN1Wo6Sb7di4YTK6cA5wp2LipRYAXkdQm9TmD9GWFuPJNTU7ypJFfHosKbwnF5_7o1GMNXAFZw0Pg_T0WF8SiLe1MqVaqM0UgWEL30qT6SZQLKlUIm6FJpITLUtJETGTJd7zEHTeUYA/s2400/The-Visitation-of-the-Blessed-Virgin-Mary.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2R5fVrSgEltkR-HoezVlxFLQzxN1N2aOGecaJuO91hWILN1Wo6Sb7di4YTK6cA5wp2LipRYAXkdQm9TmD9GWFuPJNTU7ypJFfHosKbwnF5_7o1GMNXAFZw0Pg_T0WF8SiLe1MqVaqM0UgWEL30qT6SZQLKlUIm6FJpITLUtJETGTJd7zEHTeUYA/s320/The-Visitation-of-the-Blessed-Virgin-Mary.webp" width="320" /></a></div>Let our prayer this day be to find joy in serving others.</h3><p>Mary began her ministry to Elizabeth. The baby in her womb leapt with joy.</p><p>That is joy. A friend patiently awaits the arrival of a dear friend. Another friend, on the other hand, feels perfect joy in serving his friend unconditionally.</p><p>Such is our life as Christians, patiently waiting with joy. When is service a joyful activity?</p><p>First, when it is done voluntarily. I am not forced to serve. It is of my own free will that I serve. There comes a time in our lives when all the services done to us are enough. It is time for us to give ourselves to others and not receive anything.</p><p>Second, when it is done unconditionally. The best opportunity to serve is when one does not owe us anything. Our reward in heaven will be great.</p><p>Third, when it is done for the complete good of others, not for oneself, when it gives us joy to see others fully alive as we are. God's joy is man fully alive.</p><p>Have we not noticed? When we serve others, we also serve ourselves.</p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-4860775240115306882023-06-17T06:07:00.004+08:002023-06-17T06:07:30.676+08:00MARY’S HEART IS PATTERNED AFTER THE HEART OF CHRIST<p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i> Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary</i></h3><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNht8AgTr5vIWrfJWNls46KQJkTg4JBlkD2U4vTyOP3xEUSZwgb8Bt30PLu4eKvy6BPPRTyMPImJIgZYZaUN6-ubF9tW4YKxb2VdFY3mGTnGs7NpBh8MmazVExYAqKkOJtRZ81tcOrSQAdZ9XiiiuYWsC1xoMEv5BjOIlmwKvH2b8M4gCaQo/s745/immaculate%20heart.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNht8AgTr5vIWrfJWNls46KQJkTg4JBlkD2U4vTyOP3xEUSZwgb8Bt30PLu4eKvy6BPPRTyMPImJIgZYZaUN6-ubF9tW4YKxb2VdFY3mGTnGs7NpBh8MmazVExYAqKkOJtRZ81tcOrSQAdZ9XiiiuYWsC1xoMEv5BjOIlmwKvH2b8M4gCaQo/s320/immaculate%20heart.webp" width="215" /></a></div><br />“Those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”</i><p></p><p><i>“His mother kept all these things in her heart.”</i></p><p>Mary’s heart is indeed the icon of Christ’s own heart. </p><p>In what way do we describe Mary's Immaculate Heart?</p><p>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Her fiat reveals an unconditional disposition to be “the maidservant of the Lord”. Without questions whatsoever, let us orient ourselves to follow Jesus, not stick on our own. </p><p>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Her servanthood is unquestionable. It is like Jesus who did the Father’s will with his whole life. May our actions and words would likewise mirror Jesus’ words and actions.</p><p>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She has a pondering heart. Her human heart, though limited in understanding, becomes limitless because of its orientation to follow her Son wherever he goes. At the end of our lives, as we review all the events that happened to us, may we discern to take the right path that leads to Jesus.</p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-43908527433458220722023-05-29T08:09:00.001+08:002023-05-29T08:09:06.360+08:00LEGACY: WITNESSING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT<h3 style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbYr6btNoEooWFDKeLerxy5_-iqXmxn-hH_AtvqRqqmivaz1Owa6u0BXV_bL5WMY3N5C6vIDY3OXgR_cVY2huS-a-z-oVBnr9p9xYE0qnRJJ0VoOKg5SXpaNYzVdTf-0zZOA-fYfkQGXqrvk6tkoRMhgxnCFPbo8KnVmK4Fb2aoMMvItsBZg/s1000/legacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbYr6btNoEooWFDKeLerxy5_-iqXmxn-hH_AtvqRqqmivaz1Owa6u0BXV_bL5WMY3N5C6vIDY3OXgR_cVY2huS-a-z-oVBnr9p9xYE0qnRJJ0VoOKg5SXpaNYzVdTf-0zZOA-fYfkQGXqrvk6tkoRMhgxnCFPbo8KnVmK4Fb2aoMMvItsBZg/s320/legacy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2023 JUN 2 FRI: ORDINARY WEEKDAY/ MARCELLINUS AND PETER, MTS </h3><p>Sir 44: 1. 9-13/ Ps 149: 1b-2. 3-4. 5-6a and 9b/ Mk 11: 11-26 </p><p>From Sirach: “Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time. But of others there is no memory, for when they ceased, they ceased.”</p><p>What legacy are we leaving the world behind? </p><p>In the Gospel, Jesus left a legacy: faithfulness to God and not of the barren world. </p><p>Whether we like it or not, we are leaving memories behind - good memories and bad memories. What memories would you like to leave behind?</p><p>Parents, what legacy are you leaving to your children? Land? Money? Or God and his values that your children will teach their children and the next generation?</p><p>Would we want to be remembered as saving only our own family or have we extended our arms to help a greater number of families, especially the poor?</p><p>Would we want to leave things that are only relevant to the world but totally useless in heaven?</p><p>We can either stay barren, or we can decide to use our lives to leave a rich legacy of the Lord's presence in the world.</p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-61069990718918464762023-05-29T08:06:00.002+08:002023-05-29T08:06:44.421+08:00FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: FAITH<h3 style="text-align: left;"> 2023 JUN 1 THU: JUSTIN, MT M <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0YmzscJsADTdPqLbjcrGy_bWt16geh2B-UOlz2tyEC36AhgcPERCLaitBm9-FJcJC6CKy3etUlM8P3k-HqfK_dUDH5FFjjTmad59omBO91pSxrgx0_8Ky4OPSxxdCOn_mkB6gJsroHS27fmAs32gQOuHbUBWLSOvOXSXrDMMQs2kWs0St_U/s900/justin%20martyr.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="900" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0YmzscJsADTdPqLbjcrGy_bWt16geh2B-UOlz2tyEC36AhgcPERCLaitBm9-FJcJC6CKy3etUlM8P3k-HqfK_dUDH5FFjjTmad59omBO91pSxrgx0_8Ky4OPSxxdCOn_mkB6gJsroHS27fmAs32gQOuHbUBWLSOvOXSXrDMMQs2kWs0St_U/s320/justin%20martyr.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /></h3><p>Sir 42: 15-25/ Ps 33: 2-3. 4-5. 6-7. 8-9/ Mk 10: 46-52 </p><p>What image can we give to faith? There are many, among them, the Star of David, an anchor, or even a dove. But what caught my attention was the image of a butterfly. Even the butterfly I suppose doesn’t know it is such. From being a selfish caterpillar, it must enter its metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. </p><p>Jesus said to the blind man, “Your faith has saved you.” What kind of a powerful gift of the Holy Spirit is faith to us? </p><p>Faith is simply a product of our relationship with the Divine Master; our ability to detect his presence.</p><p>Faith involves entrusting oneself to the Master as one does to a friend. "I believe in you" means we have total faith in him before all else. That is faith.</p><p>Finally, faith is the realization of the envisioned restoration. "Amen" is our firm conviction that God is in control of all things and He will bring it to completion. Our action then is our response in faith. We will serve the Lord. </p><p>Quote from St. Justin, martyr: “We used to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate with people of another race or country. Now, because of Christ, we live together with such people and pray for our enemies.”</p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-11501908000132734322023-05-29T08:04:00.004+08:002023-05-29T08:04:29.159+08:00THE HOLY SPIRIT IN MARY: DAUGHTERSHIP<h3 style="text-align: left;"> 2023 MAY 31 WED: VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2D0-Afns6hUtx1T4zU6sM-bf9T9_vwZKFACTr3BmOxqc3GuHFYMwkJsWLaGOlaM1hfdnpVyEjIE4Q3iu-WfatiNoQSZNAjSvcYNVo-AWL23Ek3w3xaVb_zVuSRcCSIaAZZzFJovOW1yCfsfXocx0GnWy5q6KxNiDh9ElVSEG4HX-EBc8q7Q/s1000/visitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2D0-Afns6hUtx1T4zU6sM-bf9T9_vwZKFACTr3BmOxqc3GuHFYMwkJsWLaGOlaM1hfdnpVyEjIE4Q3iu-WfatiNoQSZNAjSvcYNVo-AWL23Ek3w3xaVb_zVuSRcCSIaAZZzFJovOW1yCfsfXocx0GnWy5q6KxNiDh9ElVSEG4HX-EBc8q7Q/s320/visitation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></h3><p>Zep 3: 14-18a or Rom 12: 9-16/ Is 12: 2-3. 4bcd. 5-6/ Lk 1: 39-56 </p><p>Zep 3: 14 mentions "Daughter of Zion" and "Daughter of Jerusalem"; they are instructed to shout aloud and rejoice for the following reasons, and their reasons can be attributed to Mary and to us as well: </p><p>First, because of their intimate and unbreakable relationship with the Father. Mary said, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Learn to deepen the mystery of our special relationship with the Lord.</p><p>Second, because the Father has forgiven them. "The Almighty had done great things for me"; there is nothing in our human lives that doesn’t come from God. He is the Author of Life. He brings us to life through forgiveness.</p><p>Third, because they respond to the Father also in love. Mary recognized the work of the Father towards the poor and fulfillment of God's promises. Elizabeth appreciated Mary's prompt service. Let's be faithful to the mission entrusted to us.</p><p>Mary is the daughter of God; she is our inspiration in becoming sons and daughters of the Lord.</p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-70478331891888378062023-05-29T08:02:00.002+08:002023-05-29T08:02:11.907+08:00THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: JOYFUL FOLLOWING THE LORD<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO_N4GfiDMZFyLrOmg5oCG7-o8lHZVQKXTaaH0W6rB5OdYWkFVIlQhaUNtyIhd7nvvJoFgsBgWyMVmCP9ocbVE3W12RNRl9Pjcyo1dvVQSZYdObgu2Vwnk-vK859hS0Y4AwzUNrkPAbdCovmYamTnMo-z4RqEsWWIMz8sm0iXiVVVRcydiQ4/s1000/follow%20lord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1000" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO_N4GfiDMZFyLrOmg5oCG7-o8lHZVQKXTaaH0W6rB5OdYWkFVIlQhaUNtyIhd7nvvJoFgsBgWyMVmCP9ocbVE3W12RNRl9Pjcyo1dvVQSZYdObgu2Vwnk-vK859hS0Y4AwzUNrkPAbdCovmYamTnMo-z4RqEsWWIMz8sm0iXiVVVRcydiQ4/s320/follow%20lord.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> 2023 MAY 30 TUE: ORDINARY WEEKDAY </h3><p>Sir 35: 1-12/ Ps 50: 5-6. 7-8. 14 and 23/ Mk 10: 28-31 </p><p><br /></p><p>How do we detect that we are responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit?</p><p>First, we are observing the law as oblation or self-offering to God. Obedience is a difficult task, but it is a powerful gift of the Holy Spirit – to abide by the precepts of the Law of the Lord rather than follow one’s caprice.</p><p>Second, in works of charity. In Sirach, it says, “In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms, he presents his sacrifice of praise” (Sir 35: 1 – 23). Let us integrate sacrifice with mercy as the Lord always wants. </p><p>Third, to refrain from evil. Avoid any acts of injustice. </p><p>If we are doing these things, we are not only sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are following the Lord with joy and humility. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-5607405715235595032023-05-29T06:14:00.003+08:002023-05-29T06:14:35.277+08:00THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9huDlZccwZTXRR1TZPgap3lOJEDwOn-xxu9SAQ8j8jNtcunCmWjU5-uxi2jq2Va7ha653hD7zbRqnTYbDJTZV2hJztDO6qHqzFoMgSXwCwizEi8USb8nW-h2BFJmeTGU64u__vVzYZ-w-zStUlUxD5dKqSp5MjYkz-LZIorRQBl21RE-IuwY/s450/mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9huDlZccwZTXRR1TZPgap3lOJEDwOn-xxu9SAQ8j8jNtcunCmWjU5-uxi2jq2Va7ha653hD7zbRqnTYbDJTZV2hJztDO6qHqzFoMgSXwCwizEi8USb8nW-h2BFJmeTGU64u__vVzYZ-w-zStUlUxD5dKqSp5MjYkz-LZIorRQBl21RE-IuwY/s320/mary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> 2023 MAY 29 MON: ORDINARY WEEKDAY (EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME), MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH</h3><p>Sir 17: 20-24/ Ps 32: 1-2. 5. 6. 7/ Mk 10: 17-27 </p><p>It was St. Maximillian Kolbe who gave a beautiful theological reflection on the relation of the Most Holy Trinity with Mary: “Who are you, O Immaculate Conception? Who is the Father? What is his essence? Because He begets the Son from eternity…the Father’s essential attribute is begetting. Who is the Son? He is the begotten One; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father. And who is the Spirit? He is the fruit of the love between the Father and the Son. Now, the fruit of created love is a created conception. Therefore, the fruit of divine love, the prototype of all love, is the first conception. The Holy Spirit is, therefore, the Divine Uncreated Immaculate Conception” (Maximillian Kolbe). </p><p>As we begin our reflections after Pentecost, we venerate Mary, the fruit of the Holy Spirit:</p><p>First, Mary and the Holy Spirit: “From the first moment of her existence, Mary was perfectly filled and transformed by the Holy Spirit. Kolbe says: It is the union of her being with the being of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in her from the first instance of her existence, and he will reside within her eternally” (cf. Holy Family School of Faith, https://schooloffaith.com/rosary-archive/sacrament-holy-spirit#:~:text=From%20the%20first%20moment%20of,will%20reside%20within%20her%20eternally.>).</p><p>Second, Mary as the sacrament of the Holy Spirit: “If the Holy Spirit is the Uncreated Immaculate Conception and Mary is the created Immaculate Conception, then Mary is the visible sign that makes the maternal mission of the Spirit present and effective to form Christ in Christians. Mary is the Perfect Human Expression of the Spirit. Mary is the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit.”</p><p>Third, Mary is the sacrament of the Church: “The Catechism 1131 defines the sacrament as having Three essential parts: Sacraments are efficacious signs instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church by which divine life is dispensed to us.” Mary is an efficacious sign of the Holy Spirit. Mary is the perfect human expression of the maternal and educational mission of the Spirit to conceive and form Jesus in us. Mary is also a sign that makes the maternal mission of the Spirit effective; the presence of Mary makes the mission of the Spirit happen to form Jesus in us.”</p><p>The whole Church is secured in Mary’s maternal care; she is the Mother of the Church. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-90258290208254852712023-05-27T00:40:00.004+08:002023-05-27T00:40:45.243+08:00THE GOOD NEWS OF CONTINUING THE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY<h3 style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qWDrPDTXYWp4_sQXpL45Fup3QCc4MSR-QQeXt5Rbobgk2GlYfFb-TkFI1djfjL9muTPB1ARBOJGqt_UFQFV0V32nrwtu6MK2yBj1JUTqoy2l41UH7-7Sc4Kzx-VJUOHRN8bp_PhUSiQf92sywbAWbAl45CsfbXxlJYtvenLpSc-vA4_HapU/s1000/graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qWDrPDTXYWp4_sQXpL45Fup3QCc4MSR-QQeXt5Rbobgk2GlYfFb-TkFI1djfjL9muTPB1ARBOJGqt_UFQFV0V32nrwtu6MK2yBj1JUTqoy2l41UH7-7Sc4Kzx-VJUOHRN8bp_PhUSiQf92sywbAWbAl45CsfbXxlJYtvenLpSc-vA4_HapU/s320/graduation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2023 MAY 27 SAT: EASTER WEEKDAY/ AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BP, R, MS </h3><p>Acts 28: 16-20. 30-31/ Ps 11: 4. 5 and 7/ Jn 21: 20-25 </p><p>Don’t we love graduations? They symbolize the attainment of something which is a product of years of hard work, </p><p>They also symbolize a moving on from one stage to another. They give the affirmation that now is time to serve and make a difference in life. </p><p>We are at the end of both Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of St. John. We are also at the end of the Easter Season. We may appear to be graduating, but we are moving from one stage of life to the other - from being students to teachers, from being listeners to proclaimers, and from receiving to giving. </p><p>We are now empowered to teach the Good News and make disciples of all nations.</p><p>We must continue what Jesus started and what the apostles continued. We must initiate the world into the life of the Holy Trinity. </p><p>We must teach others what Jesus taught. We must proclaim the Gospel of the Lord with renewed hearts. Finally, we need to inspire others to be willing disciples as we are. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-51875924459217696042023-05-25T23:17:00.001+08:002023-05-25T23:17:08.307+08:00THE GOOD NEWS OF FOLLOWING THE LORD<h3 style="text-align: left;"> 2023 MAY 26 FRI: PHILIP NERI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtOgrSx4vDkyiptkiIsFH7BymzycGKd4sSLGVPf4dLbkPBYJbj8B3SWZy-mvER3DdC88Th6sQdlgIE_cdPF1P7reNjTriipZ8dRd4HPmhy3X-MpG7tYIe6KLi7PlKHc131CHOY-pSnrtHetocsuw-gjtCmvvW5s6fUvNFohoCKRlODVFvg3s/s1280/philip%20neri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtOgrSx4vDkyiptkiIsFH7BymzycGKd4sSLGVPf4dLbkPBYJbj8B3SWZy-mvER3DdC88Th6sQdlgIE_cdPF1P7reNjTriipZ8dRd4HPmhy3X-MpG7tYIe6KLi7PlKHc131CHOY-pSnrtHetocsuw-gjtCmvvW5s6fUvNFohoCKRlODVFvg3s/w400-h225/philip%20neri.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></h3><p>Acts 25: 13b-21/ Ps 103: 1-2. 11-12. 19-20ab/ Jn 21: 15-19 </p><p><br /></p><p>We are nearing the end of the Acts of the Apostles with King Agrippa and Festus recommending to send Paul to Rome to face trial. The mission to proclaim the Good News to the ends of the earth was realized when Paul was sent to Rome, the center of the earth. </p><p>In the Gospel, after Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" and Peter responded positively, he told him, "Follow me." The relationship between the disciple and the Master was restored. How do we become resolute in our desire to follow the Lord?</p><p>First, love eternally. Love with a love that reaches heaven by following Jesus.</p><p>Second, reflect God’s love. As we receive love, we are to give back love.</p><p>Third, seek the perfection of love. Perfect love is found in offering one’s life for the sake of others.</p><p>We become God’s good news if we follow Jesus. </p><p>St. Philip Neri: Cast yourself into the arms of God. Be sure that if he wants anything from you, he will fit you for the work and give you strength.</p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-74965517990837445202023-05-25T15:31:00.003+08:002023-05-25T15:31:58.027+08:00THE GOOD NEWS OF BEING PERFECTLY LOVED BY GOD<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background: rgb(68, 114, 196); border: 3pt solid rgb(68, 114, 196); padding: 0cm;"><h1 style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border: medium; color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 16.866667px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-transform: uppercase;"><span lang="EN-US">2023 MAY 25 THU: EASTER WEEKDAY/ VENERABLE BEDE, P, R, DR/ GREGORY VII, PP, R/ </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></h1></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi, v, r </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11/ Ps 16: 1-2a and 5. 7-8. 9-10. 11/ Jn 17: 20-26</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background: rgb(217, 226, 243); border: 3pt solid rgb(217, 226, 243); padding: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4k40ZH_mxBPDKRCR-yM3cY4C9PkqXZJz2o8N-B2UQhh8qsJt08GwNOQUzFCqZ9EU64Kra1CABL4UMMBI0zNz8VMNWKP4K6rlZ0VUCJKFg1KQCsNBmWWHFmNqgGa2Pjl356h27sfVEg8thnrG9mWQytGNu1zrR51DI9cZ7IrPyonHLZCLcs0Q/s1000/IMG_0216.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4k40ZH_mxBPDKRCR-yM3cY4C9PkqXZJz2o8N-B2UQhh8qsJt08GwNOQUzFCqZ9EU64Kra1CABL4UMMBI0zNz8VMNWKP4K6rlZ0VUCJKFg1KQCsNBmWWHFmNqgGa2Pjl356h27sfVEg8thnrG9mWQytGNu1zrR51DI9cZ7IrPyonHLZCLcs0Q/s320/IMG_0216.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-transform: uppercase;"><br /></h2></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US">One of the traumas of life is being left by others. Being alone is the loneliest existence in this world. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US">We are a people with a great need to belong with others. That’s why the family is the most potent means of belongingness. We also need friends to stand by us in joy and sorrow. As the Scripture says, He who finds a friend finds a treasure. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Let us be consoled that from the beginning of time, this God wishes to be friends with his creation, man and woman, and that they share in his kingdom. Though sin separated us from God, Jesus linked it back again by becoming the perfect sacrifice of man to God. We are united with God once more in the bond of love. How do we maintain this unity with God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US">First, believe that God wishes us to be united with him. Be free from every stain of evil and sin and be consoled with the thought that not even once would God think of separating us from him. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Second, try hard to remain united to God. The sacrament of reconciliation is the best medicine for linking us back to the Father through the forgiveness of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Third, always glorify the Lord. If our thought, word, and deed reflect the glory of God, that is heaven in our midst.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US">These three are the fruits of real love. As God loves us with an unbreakable bond of love, let us love the Lord with the same love he has for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-78181654463089327122023-05-20T06:47:00.003+08:002023-05-20T06:47:14.907+08:00ACTIONs THAT IMPLORE THE LORD AT ALL TIMES<p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUv9bHCYXEYVeT1OGwVXAPIyt60YgWFooPmQCiIsCxFZmgsaA7ddH6HkQnpL6LD52jMnBbSB0MyJbOzhUSdyO_GCzFikPdWLo_1W5SXVtIewm7ecqQ9yyRUZQXUGnNJjtwmVgpSECqTQGdqjxG965YIU9h3cTtI3QqbPNI62bqngUDKkNc9E/s1500/maslow-s-hierarchy-of-needs--scalable-vector-illustration-655400474-5c6a47f246e0fb000165cb0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1500" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUv9bHCYXEYVeT1OGwVXAPIyt60YgWFooPmQCiIsCxFZmgsaA7ddH6HkQnpL6LD52jMnBbSB0MyJbOzhUSdyO_GCzFikPdWLo_1W5SXVtIewm7ecqQ9yyRUZQXUGnNJjtwmVgpSECqTQGdqjxG965YIU9h3cTtI3QqbPNI62bqngUDKkNc9E/s320/maslow-s-hierarchy-of-needs--scalable-vector-illustration-655400474-5c6a47f246e0fb000165cb0a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2023 MAY 20 SAT: EASTER WEEKDAY/ BERNARDINE OF SIENA, P, R, MS </h3><p>Acts 18: 23-28/ Ps 47: 2-3. 8-9. 10/ Jn 16: 23b-28 </p><p><br /></p><p>Abraham Maslow came up with a theory of the Hierarchy of Needs. His contribution to psychology was welcomed by people till today. Men’s needs are like a pyramid, with a hierarchy as follows: physiological needs, security, belongingness, accomplishment, and transcendence. Granted that all below are met, only then could we think of transcendental needs like spirituality. </p><p>In the world of faith, this is different. Faith calls us to God at whatever hierarchy we are in: whether it be material, social, or spiritual needs. The Our Father shows us how to pray:</p><p>First, that in all things God may be glorified.</p><p>Second, that we don’t hesitate to call to Him for all our needs, starting with food. </p><p>Third, that we forgive others as God forgives us. </p><p>Fourth, to deliver us from the evil one.</p><p>The prayer of Our Father is complete. It is a prayer of commendation to the Father of who we are.</p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-67358745927449029032023-05-19T18:12:00.000+08:002023-05-19T18:12:00.794+08:00Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga<h3 style="text-align: left;"> GoodNews at your Fingertips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvFTfUzwAxKW4ptCoTatJFYZP8b7_CnIfhWVax8BiTRirjI3367E_6UWJkdyuNe6Mbl11tbLC4hr-cCjTxRcspOWiznwWGmRUMnVUDF18pdJnXiFL9XO2HWBJ7haBX7G1sNfauu0lz2HKfSkO64xAR5I0EURlnormPyOehGio3AK7GcnsMqQ/s1000/beef%20stew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvFTfUzwAxKW4ptCoTatJFYZP8b7_CnIfhWVax8BiTRirjI3367E_6UWJkdyuNe6Mbl11tbLC4hr-cCjTxRcspOWiznwWGmRUMnVUDF18pdJnXiFL9XO2HWBJ7haBX7G1sNfauu0lz2HKfSkO64xAR5I0EURlnormPyOehGio3AK7GcnsMqQ/w400-h266/beef%20stew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></h3><p>2023 MAY 19 FRI: EASTER WEEKDAY </p><p>Acts 18: 9-18/ Ps 47: 2-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Jn 16: 20-23 </p><p>"Kung may tinanim, may aanihin." </p><p>This has been a very popular Filipino proverb which means “What we sow is what we reap.” What have we sown lately? </p><p>Then again, there’s another term in Tagalog, “Nagtanim ng sama ng loob”, which means “to harbor a grudge”, a kind of planting, but not of goodness, but of evil. Soon, that grudge would turn into revenge, fighting evil with evil. We have sown evil; we have reaped evil. </p><p>The Lord called us to accept our tears and sufferings because in due time, our sorrow will turn into joy. There’s another proverb worth reflecting on, “Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga” (If there is patience, there will be food or stew).</p><p>That patience is Christ’s patience here on earth. He carried our crosses with so much patience that he died for it. But his patience bore fruit not only in his resurrection but in ours as well.</p><p>As we still travel here on earth, may our patient endurance to proclaim the Good News of Jesus bear fruit in due time – the eradication of sin with love, the salvation of our brothers and sisters, and our redemption in Christ.</p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-66632809933394935612023-05-18T11:20:00.004+08:002023-05-18T11:20:33.161+08:00ACTIONS THAT LEAD TO HEAVEN<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGVKTXFGDJiZ1hZGZh7HTWn3ENnkfUg-eko7hYQqp8BX602knq4eE_NsFMYRLNzxfBu8ktYI-O4gRqKG_d9Jr9gRaoRjoZFS1KcRAZQ0JMJ9yPW09GjG6gnz2iB3z5ZcpcQAG66L8wd-viaoV70VNnOuNjaxkPP9Ih5JUdChLiu4iiTalv5I/s1000/CHARITY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGVKTXFGDJiZ1hZGZh7HTWn3ENnkfUg-eko7hYQqp8BX602knq4eE_NsFMYRLNzxfBu8ktYI-O4gRqKG_d9Jr9gRaoRjoZFS1KcRAZQ0JMJ9yPW09GjG6gnz2iB3z5ZcpcQAG66L8wd-viaoV70VNnOuNjaxkPP9Ih5JUdChLiu4iiTalv5I/w400-h266/CHARITY.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />2023 MAY 18 THU: EASTER WEEKDAY/ JOHN I, PP, MT <p></p><p>Acts 18: 1-8/ Ps 98: 1. 2-3ab. 3cd-4/ Jn 16: 16-20 </p><p></p><blockquote>‘Because I am going to the Father.’</blockquote><p></p><p>In a little while, we shall be celebrating Ascension Sunday. From here on, we shall not see Jesus until his second coming. But he will give us the Advocate to guide us in our daily decisions and actions. </p><p>Jesus said, “I am going to the Father.” I am going up to heaven, he says. Let’s reflect if our actions lead to heaven.</p><p>We know our daily existence – food, work, personal, social, family, and community. </p><p>We know our weekly and monthly existence – salary, going to malls and churches, and family bonding. But which of these activities add up to heaven?</p><p>First, the heavenly actions or those that lead people and self to holiness of life lead us to heaven. Those activities that help fill us with knowledge of the divine amidst our busy schedule – prayer, bible, Eucharist.</p><p>Second, actions the build people’s lives lead us to heaven – acts of kindness to help the poor, those who are alone, the elderly, and others. </p><p>Third, actions that purify us and the world lead us to heaven. Here we enter persecutions in our loyalty to Jesus and abhorrence to worldly things. We suffer persecution because others could not believe that we could live holy lives. </p><p>Let’s not be fixated with day-to-day affairs. The Lord provides for our daily needs. Let’s be more concerned if our lives journey up to heaven or not. Then we shall know if our actions make sense, in that they lead us to God. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-52694068040780063052023-05-17T08:08:00.004+08:002023-05-17T08:08:38.438+08:00ACTIONS BASED ON TRUTH<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GS_oxWU4Yf1bQL_doMrYtZ5j3C7jaY70cqlWzl1qQftbYBTObJ74l4E0ImZgTrPrqUkprNeCK55u_RO5RGJwity-feRonh-vjS2-ujDaQOmFl7RzySyTQQwKZY9ZrrZLolebHFCR7R7uysbWdofWFLVSuESHPVqcM8GxKGHpQVoP8xJyrVI/s1000/TRUTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1000" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GS_oxWU4Yf1bQL_doMrYtZ5j3C7jaY70cqlWzl1qQftbYBTObJ74l4E0ImZgTrPrqUkprNeCK55u_RO5RGJwity-feRonh-vjS2-ujDaQOmFl7RzySyTQQwKZY9ZrrZLolebHFCR7R7uysbWdofWFLVSuESHPVqcM8GxKGHpQVoP8xJyrVI/w400-h248/TRUTH.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />GNF FOR 2023 MAY 17 WED: EASTER WEEKDAY <p></p><p>Acts 17: 15. 22 -- 18: 1/ Ps 148: 1-2. 11-12. 13. 14/ Jn 16: 12-15 </p><p><br /></p><p>John 16:12-15 </p><p>In theory, we must always adhere to the truth. But in practice, it’s hard to do it. Especially if we’re accustomed to living a lie, one of false hope. An example of false hope is “Money could bring me true happiness.” We would soon discover the vanity of this statement. We need to discern what is eventually true and adhere to it. For truth shall set us free.</p><p>The truth is that God exists. Nothing could be farther from this truth. Creation itself attests to the glory of God.</p><p>The truth is that Jesus resurrected from the dead. From the actual witnesses till today, Christians give witness to the resurrected Lord. We believe that Jesus died and rose again; death has no power over him. And he will redeem us from our sins. </p><p>The truth is that the Holy Spirit guides us to the truths of God and inspires us to live holy lives. Also, the Holy Spirit inspires us to fulfill our mission to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and give life to those who are dead in sin. </p><p>The truth is that we are all called to be sons and daughters of the Lord and to be with him for all eternity.</p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-80131239832256100352023-05-16T08:28:00.004+08:002023-05-16T08:28:36.701+08:00 Each day with the Lord<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background: rgb(68, 114, 196); border: 3pt solid rgb(68, 114, 196); padding: 0cm;"><h1 style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border: medium; color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 16.866667px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-transform: uppercase;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YBcKd3uhtaRk4nBdn2Ynx_joixKUrb9c_kLioK9PplCqR26xrOH_21OAFCT4OORjE8xI6HRn0zqhOB3iGAuj1FrKTnS642nrRQ5pKS207lfMqkmooyYzipENrRhEnGWVlHp-Tu0d1btuP_MCMD1rt_qBO3vjnN2IuCKUUFt0P3QU6Kps4ro/s1000/IMG_0214.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YBcKd3uhtaRk4nBdn2Ynx_joixKUrb9c_kLioK9PplCqR26xrOH_21OAFCT4OORjE8xI6HRn0zqhOB3iGAuj1FrKTnS642nrRQ5pKS207lfMqkmooyYzipENrRhEnGWVlHp-Tu0d1btuP_MCMD1rt_qBO3vjnN2IuCKUUFt0P3QU6Kps4ro/s320/IMG_0214.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2023 MAY 16 TUE: EASTER WEEKDAY <o:p></o:p></h1></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;">Acts 16: 22-34/ Ps 138: 1-2ab. 2cde-3. 7c-8/ Jn 16: 5-11<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tuesday of the 6th week of Eastertide</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">John 16:5-11<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The Holy Spirit guides us each day, revealing to us the presence of the Lord and teaching us how to stay close to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">This is what happened to St. Paul and his companions. Though subjected to all sorts of persecutions, they didn't cease to preach the Good News. They were honest. They didn't escape prison although they could have done it. This caused the conversion of the gaoler.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">We may do a lot of things, but only with the Holy Spirit can we make each day special. What can our typical day be like?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">First, each day is an opportunity for us to be sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit – a kind word or deed from another is enough to acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Second, each is an opportunity to respond to the Holy Spirit – to respond also in kindness and truth. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Third, each day is an opportunity to endure sufferings for love of God, instead on wallowing in revenge or focus on our own rights and entitlement. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Rejoice then, for the Lord continues to be with us!<o:p></o:p></span></p>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-46149527242393404802023-05-15T20:55:00.001+08:002023-05-15T20:55:10.079+08:00THERE’S NO STOPPING GOD’S WORK.<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background: repeat rgb(68, 114, 196); border: 3pt solid rgb(68, 114, 196); padding: 0cm;"><h1 style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border: medium; color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 16.866667px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-transform: uppercase;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-LMrZSpEQc4rpAUiqQcKYi5vLvrbtfvdLuvUNZZ86C--QffqAlMHASYsV1-qSUBfMrLM30AXIX8ljZb3YuDQp8D5vJqlhgA2gLn64Vya3hvUyMIJR_m__8Bd8vUWfhvM0MTmg2LUloFvQVVVvHXiDonZpsM2wPfwHCfpdvp5zlk-F3BvPks/s1000/IMG_0213.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1000" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-LMrZSpEQc4rpAUiqQcKYi5vLvrbtfvdLuvUNZZ86C--QffqAlMHASYsV1-qSUBfMrLM30AXIX8ljZb3YuDQp8D5vJqlhgA2gLn64Vya3hvUyMIJR_m__8Bd8vUWfhvM0MTmg2LUloFvQVVVvHXiDonZpsM2wPfwHCfpdvp5zlk-F3BvPks/s320/IMG_0213.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2023 MAY 15 MON: EASTER WEEKDAY/ ISIDORE THE FARMER, MM <o:p></o:p></h1></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 10pt -0.25pt;">Acts 16: 11-15/ Ps 149: 1b-2. 3-4. 5-6a and 9b/ Jn 15: 26 -- 16: 4a<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><o:p></o:p></p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background: repeat rgb(217, 226, 243); border: 3pt solid rgb(217, 226, 243); padding: 0cm;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm;">“I have told you this so that you may not fall away.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm;">“If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm;">One of the blessings the Lord gave us is the gift of work. We work to live. We live to work. We work to repair, to link, to build, to produce, and to be fruitful for ourselves and others. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm;">There’s no stopping of work. Even after every calamity, we pick up the pieces, and we start working after the destruction.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm;">We may be subjected to trials, but work is like therapy. We don’t wallow in helplessness. We continue building, creating, healing, and filling up for the life of all. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm;">Such is God’s action. Amid the enveloping sin, separation, destruction, the Lord continues to build, goodness abounds, and love triumphs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm;">The work of Jesus continues. It is the work of salvation. Let’s continue to work for God and realize the fruit of work – the salvation of all. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332px; margin: 5pt 0cm 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-74943813537251468602023-05-11T19:28:00.004+08:002023-05-11T19:28:15.723+08:00THE SHEEP IS LED TO THE SLAUGHTER.<h3 style="text-align: left;"> 2023 MAY 13 SAT: EASTER WEEKDAY/ OUR LADY OF FATIMA <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhZgUKwfsvDt-4xdhQIm45FRYDsH43UdOWLAo21Wm1HTuvYxCOV_IJtafRs97pPf3hLHfbptoQOVmz4MzCQrs0QxlncmnTgSKwdV4cSrwrKL8rOAAnH87zM2_fu2QqVae91LfKe-HlyvFYIgqutExMauPfda6zmST8yU5goFUDxeUtu0H-zM/s1024/slaughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1024" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhZgUKwfsvDt-4xdhQIm45FRYDsH43UdOWLAo21Wm1HTuvYxCOV_IJtafRs97pPf3hLHfbptoQOVmz4MzCQrs0QxlncmnTgSKwdV4cSrwrKL8rOAAnH87zM2_fu2QqVae91LfKe-HlyvFYIgqutExMauPfda6zmST8yU5goFUDxeUtu0H-zM/w400-h235/slaughter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></h3><p>Acts 16: 1-10/ Ps 100: 1b-2. 3. 5/ Jn 15: 18-21 </p><p>Saturday of the 5th week of Eastertide</p><p>A drawback in Christian life for some would be in carrying the cross. No one wants to carry any cross. That’s why we pray – so that the Lord would remove the crosses of our lives. </p><p>But eventually, every sheep is led to the slaughter. It may be sad for the sheep, but that is its destiny!</p><p>Jesus had to go through all the pains as a human being. All sins of humankind were heaped upon him, but he continued to love us. By his passion, death, and resurrection, he was able to redeem us from the consequences of our sinfulness.</p><p>Let us carry our crosses with love. Let us also assist in carrying the crosses of others. When we can stay with the person in the lowliest point of his/ her life, we are capable of true love. </p><p>Second, the path Jesus took is through the cross, not through the path of comfort or power. By experiencing most deeply our humanity, Jesus joined his humanity with ours – till death. </p><p>Third, as Jesus resurrected from the death, he would also resurrect us from our deaths. The story of our redemption would be complete in Jesus. </p><p>Without the cross, Jesus would not have saved us. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-41477903920278856752023-05-11T18:56:00.003+08:002023-05-11T18:56:16.202+08:00THE SHEPHERD’S LOVE KEEPS THE SHEEP ALIVE<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I-oTjnSE8yr8a2vCt_1CKK3k7llVZnXlBDZuc_tMVrkJWqIwjb1pow9L2_K8_UQKKFPfuW6RBpKxdcgdZIx5kvm3ejk_sNo6i-FXFdbNr0E9nOpDCbhipnLaAbfha0p339YBQtHN8W68-kIX4R_v2nubRgqB6qKyrAulXus2YP8zbddU50E/s1000/mothers%20day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1000" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I-oTjnSE8yr8a2vCt_1CKK3k7llVZnXlBDZuc_tMVrkJWqIwjb1pow9L2_K8_UQKKFPfuW6RBpKxdcgdZIx5kvm3ejk_sNo6i-FXFdbNr0E9nOpDCbhipnLaAbfha0p339YBQtHN8W68-kIX4R_v2nubRgqB6qKyrAulXus2YP8zbddU50E/w400-h250/mothers%20day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Your Good News at your Fingertips (GNF) for May 12, 2023, Friday of the 5th Week of Easter</h3><p>Acts 15: 22-31/ Ps 57: 8-9. 10 and 12/ Jn 15: 12-17 </p><p>A parent’s love for his/ her child can never be measured. This is evident as the child grows to maturity. </p><p>I have been a witness to the growth of children in various ways when I was director of a Pre-school. I noticed after a year or two how children develop. Some children who were cared for by paid nannies became introverted and lacked confidence. But those who were cared for by their parents developed to be confident children. </p><p>God lavished us with so much love; he gave us all our hearts’ desires, forgave all our offenses, and saved us through the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is God’s love that saves us each day, not his condemnation.</p><p>Now, he commands us to love one another. I don’t think that that would be too much to ask – to love one another as Jesus loves us. We can do this by doing exactly what Jesus did and continues to do for us. </p><p>First, let’s try our best to provide for the needs of others. </p><p>Second, lets also forgive others as Jesus forgives us. </p><p>Third, let us save others through the same path Jesus went through – by means of our day-to-day passion, death, and resurrection. </p><p>In ways like these could people detect that our love is as noble as God’s love. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-7392161942559843722023-05-10T06:12:00.006+08:002023-05-10T06:12:49.347+08:00THERE IS LOVE IN THE SHEEPFOLD OF THE LORD<h3 style="text-align: left;">Your GNF for May 11, 2023, THU: EASTER WEEKDAY <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNfoORW_TLJRTaPALXXEVuCRnaWAQBnOrYRM3EftbpVHUWR4uUykOT6n5cmKFNMTN931zZsBkSd-d2l4rrsmSqmnTLRBl74G6n2Id85vSNKTUlXfNRP_S-DdUunOnwvOnR--RH8voUvzlsxK6x-OOVmNqbLHlRrja_ttZkcZ_idyxBLMKeEI/s1000/mother%20and%20child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNfoORW_TLJRTaPALXXEVuCRnaWAQBnOrYRM3EftbpVHUWR4uUykOT6n5cmKFNMTN931zZsBkSd-d2l4rrsmSqmnTLRBl74G6n2Id85vSNKTUlXfNRP_S-DdUunOnwvOnR--RH8voUvzlsxK6x-OOVmNqbLHlRrja_ttZkcZ_idyxBLMKeEI/w400-h265/mother%20and%20child.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></h3><p>Acts 15: 7-21/ Ps 96: 1-2a. 2b-3. 10/ Jn 15: 9-11 </p><p><br /></p><p>There’s a saying, “If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.” Negatively, the poem starts with: “If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.”</p><p>We adults are responsible for the formation of the next generation. Unfortunately, we can only share what we have.</p><p>It is fortunate that the Lord declared the unconditional and unwavering love of God while the rest of mankind continue to find fault in others and the world. God remains steadfast in his love. His love eventually saves us from sin, from ourselves, and from others.</p><p>Love eradicates sin: Jesus’ offering on the cross is far greater than all sin combined.</p><p>Love saves us from ourselves: It gives us the opportunity to look beyond ourselves and realize God’s love everywhere.</p><p>Love saves us from others: It helps us focus not on the condemnation of others but rather, helps us to fulfill our mission to save others through God’s love. </p><p>Love is eternal. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-64996050219562970812023-05-09T17:19:00.003+08:002023-05-09T17:19:32.604+08:00THE SHEEP CLING TO THE SHEPHERD<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwByJyt0nF6Lt9Hc1gifE0HCsHZ0b7ojrDZRAy8_GrfEq98x4mh5fKyeg_je6W_6LpL6FDt1x3kRy465yv5smHBghb6ni13iTAwD7GggkvtI-I9PBO5Q4ntPOgmAQmkByHlmB95afcOvORYNrM9LrujHwBsB7gDHM8Q0hG5PL4inCHmwJiD9g/s1000/vine%20branch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwByJyt0nF6Lt9Hc1gifE0HCsHZ0b7ojrDZRAy8_GrfEq98x4mh5fKyeg_je6W_6LpL6FDt1x3kRy465yv5smHBghb6ni13iTAwD7GggkvtI-I9PBO5Q4ntPOgmAQmkByHlmB95afcOvORYNrM9LrujHwBsB7gDHM8Q0hG5PL4inCHmwJiD9g/s320/vine%20branch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />GoodNews at your Fingertips for May 10, 2023</h3><p>Acts 15: 1-6/ Ps 122: 1-2. 3-4ab. 4cd-5/ Jn 15: 1-8 </p><p>The image of the vine and the branches says it all: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” You cannot bear fruit. Totally useless, it is thrown away to be burned. </p><p>We are the branches. Jesus is the vine. As the sheep need to cling tightly to the shepherd for their survival, we need to cling most tightly to Jesus as branches to the vine. </p><p>First, it is because God is the source of all our actions, thoughts, and words. Though this is hard to understand at first, even our capacity to think can only be possible simply because the Author of life made us capable of thinking. </p><p>Second, our fruitfulness in this world depends on our close relationship with the Master. Otherwise, our fruitfulness is measured according to the measure of the world and not of God. Self-fulfillment becomes what it truly is – a vain attempt to be self-absorbed while being totally empty of the love of God. </p><p>Third, the useless, withered branch, cut off from the vine, is left to die and thrown into the fire to be burnt. Despite the many things that we have accomplished given our length of stay on earth, we haven’t done anything because we haven’t done what the Master wanted us to do in this world. </p><p>Only on our dependence on God could we find ourselves alive. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-51977725705386731332023-05-09T16:52:00.005+08:002023-05-09T16:52:52.160+08:00THE SHEEP REST PEACEFULLY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE SHEPHERD<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm4gbTgySxbUWO9asIWPQkNBPfs6KSswzejNvUz92QxbP93mVEc12zFT9AYS4ahpjr34hY49SF7lOskMI1Mo1OByY7-zAH8qrBxbDkI2elNsZooKjyzKa8VQOlFgaETY1-71Xttr0tNOI7ymDs5N4Z5Osfca0MmXsS9eTmHZ4rl4ZlTqyWQY/s1000/sheep%20sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1000" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm4gbTgySxbUWO9asIWPQkNBPfs6KSswzejNvUz92QxbP93mVEc12zFT9AYS4ahpjr34hY49SF7lOskMI1Mo1OByY7-zAH8qrBxbDkI2elNsZooKjyzKa8VQOlFgaETY1-71Xttr0tNOI7ymDs5N4Z5Osfca0MmXsS9eTmHZ4rl4ZlTqyWQY/s320/sheep%20sleep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>GoodNews at Your Fingertips for May 9, 2023, TUE: EASTER WEEKDAY <br /></h3><p>Acts 14: 19-28/ Ps 145: 10-11. 12-13ab. 21/ Jn 14: 27-31a </p><p><br /></p><p>The sheep are in good condition. They rest peacefully in the presence of the shepherd. They are not in want. </p><p>The peace God offers is far different than the peace the world offers. For the world, there is peace as long as you’re moneyed. Take away money and you’ll end up worried. </p><p>But the peace that God offers is a lot different. All men and women, rich or poor, can have this peace. And it is a peace that is brought about by entrusting oneself to God.</p><p>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is a faith that believes that God is the source of all things and that he provides for all things.</p><p>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is a faith that believes that God trusts us so that we can take care of his gifts and make them fruitful. </p><p>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is a faith that believes we can support each other, and we don’t have anything to worry about. </p><p>We would always feel secured in the arms of the Good Shepherd. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-72794509212615951722023-05-09T16:46:00.005+08:002023-05-09T16:46:58.895+08:00THE SHEEP RESEMBLE THE SHEPHERD<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQYVuq0U0t9D8_fTQ2buIkKDPFne4eKz8MiB2_Lt_71pLJxYJcdN1UzJ7A1ULl0fJcY5bRk8rwUqmv2-cSgfcBeQ235_wU3gGS-rStPcf2RZE31SzufuXadcNSBzYRSRXDpVFoQPvUe8YxLdSk0pFRJHpijQ55fBUYwtQw6Tq7wlDbqnDlDA/s1000/sheep%20shepherd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQYVuq0U0t9D8_fTQ2buIkKDPFne4eKz8MiB2_Lt_71pLJxYJcdN1UzJ7A1ULl0fJcY5bRk8rwUqmv2-cSgfcBeQ235_wU3gGS-rStPcf2RZE31SzufuXadcNSBzYRSRXDpVFoQPvUe8YxLdSk0pFRJHpijQ55fBUYwtQw6Tq7wlDbqnDlDA/s320/sheep%20shepherd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">GoodNews at Your Fingertips for 2023 MAY 8 MON: EASTER WEEKDAY </h3><p></p><p>Acts 14: 5-18/ Ps 115: 1-2. 3-4. 15-16/ Jn 14: 21-26 </p><p>The sheep might not become a shepherd, but there is a semblance that the sheep will be formed in love as the shepherd loves them. </p><p>This love entails a whole process of the meeting of worlds. The person who is exposed to God will be godly; those who are exposed to the world will be worldly. It just is not possible that the worldly will turn out to be godly. </p><p>To resemble the shepherd:</p><p>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We need to follow the shepherd’s every move. Obedience is the key.</p><p>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We need to understand that God’s scope of love goes beyond our small circle of family or friends. It reaches out to everyone, even our enemies and the whole world. </p><p>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We need to relate with those who are also loved by the Lord let them join the sheepfold.</p><p>We would utilize our whole lives to resemble the love of the shepherd. </p><div><br /></div>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-80005461093876488622023-04-07T11:11:00.000+08:002023-04-07T11:11:03.712+08:00Jesus, in emptying himself, can forgive us. <h2 style="text-align: left;">First word: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."</h2><p>Jesus has the capacity, the space, and the heart to forgive us. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">unforgiveness</h3><p>Before we can forgive, we need to know what happens when we not forgive. </p><p>In unforgiveness, there are many things inside our hearts, "Why should I forgive, the other did not ask for forgiveness or he/ she was insincere."</p><p>Thus, we are not empty. </p><p>Call it baggage. The Church calls it: enslavement to sin. We are unfree when we unforgive.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">God forgives</h3><p>We need to take a leap of faith to forgive. </p><p>Like in the documentary, "His death would not bring my dead daughter back to life." The parents found in their hearts to forgive. Because the love they have for their daughter is greater than any of the sins done against her. </p><p>What happens when we forgive? We are freed from our enslavement, ill feelings, anger, envy, and hatred. Every negative emotion is replaced by love. and love frees.</p><p>Secondly, it is a direct mirror of God. it is not important what I feel or how i feel it. What's more important is that forgiveness is coming of God. It is an attribute of God. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">forgive, then</h3><p>How do we develop an attitude of forgiveness then?</p><p>First, realize that this world is wounded by continuous sins. Even the Church is wounded. That's why the church is likened to a hospital. We join the Church not because we are perfect, but because we are wounded. Day and night, we will be confronted by situations of sin, ill feelings, hatred, division, and hurts. But don't worry; accept all of these as opportunities of forgiveness.</p><p>Second, make a commitment to forgive. It takes time to forgive. We are not as perfect as Jesus is. We treat healing in terms of antibiotics received is regular times a day, and number of days needed for us to heal. </p><p>Finally, attribute all forgiveness to God. Only God can forgive. And He forgives in us. </p><p><br /></p>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19352368.post-73065393824777843842022-08-19T23:21:00.005+08:002022-08-19T23:21:38.532+08:00Fire of our unity in God<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCs11gIoeNEWEy9LG6g0XMLzRKvH0cN0mTib02gr62Kvo2CtoIGCrltY4JYS_C3jL-YbBcvzXkuVvsQkrzjgiEpJwEbzFCJcoSXTtjAVLC5PPt6ykf9EMpzwtuNUs6iavuBkkXZ1_W9DbwU_OMUVa-qjnHk1svxbIWEa-c6mdL_QzHJxKpjU/s600/1644476671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCs11gIoeNEWEy9LG6g0XMLzRKvH0cN0mTib02gr62Kvo2CtoIGCrltY4JYS_C3jL-YbBcvzXkuVvsQkrzjgiEpJwEbzFCJcoSXTtjAVLC5PPt6ykf9EMpzwtuNUs6iavuBkkXZ1_W9DbwU_OMUVa-qjnHk1svxbIWEa-c6mdL_QzHJxKpjU/s320/1644476671.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">19th anniversary of the Diocese of Pasig</h2><div>August 21, 2022</div><p></p><p>1 Kings 8: 55 - 61: May we walk in his ways.</p><p>Eph 1: 3- 14: He chose us in Him before the world began. </p><p>JOhn 17: 20 - 26: So, at they may be one as you and I are one. </p><p>Reflect: From the beginning of time, we were already united in God. Unity implies that we are one in following his ways, one in heart and mind, with God, with righteousness, in Christ, and with one another. </p><p>Share: What have I contributed to unity in the Diocese of Pasig?</p>josephdreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05903229903663200243noreply@blogger.com1