God so loves the world

God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 GNBDK

Reflection:
Disobedience to the law is liable for punishment, and each one of us at some point have broken the law of God. But God knows and understands our human fragility. That is why He sent his only begotten son to save us, because God loves us like no other.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be open to the grace he pours out in you through his son Jesus. And may you always be obedient to the calling of his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Called to a Purpose

Jesus answered them, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?”
Luke 2:49 GNBDK

Reflection:
Our Happiness is in God alone, for he created us for him. Once we understand this fundamental truth, life on earth will then be meaningful as we will journey in accordance to our purpose; of knowing, loving and serving God,  just like Jesus.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to understand that you belong to him. May you grow in wisdom and knowledge as yiu walk in the path of Jesus his son and may you always be led by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Call to Obedience

If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him. those who say that they remain in union with God should live just as Jesus Christ did.
1 John 2:3‭, ‬6 GNBDK

Reflection:
Jesus lived in complete obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross. God's commandments are very clear; Love for God and love for neighbour, you can't do just one, it's value is like the coin, you have to do both. And we who claim to know God, are we obedient to his commandments?

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be obedient to his calling just like Jesus his son. And may his Holy Spirit help you discern his voice. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Forgiveness in Jesus name

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.
1 John 1:8‭-‬9 GNBDK

Reflection:
The truth is we are all sinners and the biggest lie the enemy will tell you; 'that is not a sin, it's ok'. For that is how even Eve was tempted. But God's ways are not our ways, though Adam and Eve sinned God came looking for them and likewise is looking for us. All we need to do is humbly acknowledge our sin.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to humbly accept Jesus Christ his son as your Lord and Saviour. May you receive the promised forgiveness his name, and may all your actions be led by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Believe

Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.
John 20:8 GNBDK

Reflection:
We might run to prayer centres and retreat houses seeking God, but the do we really believe and is the belief temporary or do we make it our way of life. The disciple John gives us an example that we are called to be closed to Jesus, and this will happen only when we truly believe.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to believe in his son Jesus as you live the true Christian life. May his Holy Spirit lead you alongside your every endeavour. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

God is with us

"For my sake you will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to tell the Good News to them and to the Gentiles.  When they bring you to trial, do not worry about what you are going to say or how you will say it; when the time comes, you will be given what you will say."
Matthew 10:18‭-‬19 GNBDK

Reflection:
While yesterday we celebrated a joyful occasion, today's gospel seems to be on sharp contrast. But the truth is Jesus was born to die, and in dying he has overcome even death so that we can live for all Eternity. And no matter what your circumstances are, know that God is with you at all times, for he has given us his word.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be open to his word made flesh in Jesus Christ his son. May you always stand firm in your faith assured by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Jesus is the Word of God

In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son.
John 1:1‭, ‬14 GNBDK

Reflection:
Jesus is the word of God. By this word was the world made, by this word the world was saved. Jesus is what the prophets prophesied, the fulfillment of the old testament, Jesus is the New covenant. Let us then place our hope, our trust and joy in Jesus for he is the word of God.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father give you the grace to trust in his word, made flesh in Christ Jesus his son. And may his Holy Spirit reveal to you the mysteries of his word. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

On this Joyous occasion I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!!! May the good Lord always be close your hearts and may you always experience his presence, warmth and unconditional love.

                                                             ~ Ashford

Trusting the will of God

"Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?"
2 Samuel 7:5 NIV

Reflection:
Often at times we think we can do things by our own strength and perhaps we can, but in doing so are we really discerning the will of God? Everything we have is what God has given to us, as we live our lives, let us always be humble and grateful for all we have received and pray to God for his will to be done in our lives.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to accept his will for your life. May you be like Jesus always trusting, praying and thanking the father. And may his Holy Spirit be with all the days of your life. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Called to reach out

Why should this great thing happen to me, that my Lord's mother comes to visit me?
Luke 1:43 GNBDK

Reflection:
While Mary had the privilege to be the Mother of Jesus, she didn't demand or seek attention for herself, instead she reached out to her cousin who was in need for help. Often we feel that life is unfair to us, but a closer look at our faith will teach us that we are called to deny ourselves, pick up our cross willingly and serve God as we reach out to our neighbours.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to reach out his love to all that come across your path. May Jesus be your source of strength and joy in all you do and may his Holy Spirit bless you with wisdom and understanding. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

The Joy of Eternity

Mary said, "My heart praises the Lord;  my soul is glad because of God my Saviour..."
Luke 1:46‭-‬47 GNBDK

Reflection:
Mary's heart was full of praise and soul filled with joy. For God was dwelling within her, as she held the lil babe Jesus in her womb. And this privilege is given to us at the Eucharist; every time we receive Holy Communion; Jesus gives himself to us. Do we experience the same joy or are we simply participating in a practice?

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be aware that you are set apart as his child. May you in all humility receive his son Jesus just like his mother Mary did. And may his Holy Spirit reveal to you the joy and happiness of eternity. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Submit to God's Plan

"How happy you are to believe that the Lord's message to you will come true!"
Luke 1:45 GNBDK

Reflection:
God has a plan for each one of us, but many of us are not aware, while some don't believe, some make their own. But we can look up to Mama Mary who leads us by example, as the handmaid of the Lord. If you are looking for happiness, know that God has a plan, and you are called to submit to it.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to submit to his will as you walk in the light and path of Jesus his son and may his Holy Spirit always be by your side to guide and govern your ways. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

The Devotion to Mary

And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
LUKE 1:28

Reflection:
For sometime now the devotion to Mother Mary has always been a debate and this is primarily because of human intellect. But God's in his infinite wisdom has given us a clear perspective through his word. The Rosary then leads us to God through his word.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace and wisdom to live like Jesus and his mother Mary, living the word of God. And may his Holy Spirit teach you ways of God. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Perfect Timing

But the angel said to him, “Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You are to name him John. "So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit
to take away my disgrace before others."
Luke 1:13, 25 GNBDK

Reflection:
God is never early or late, his timing is perfect. As his people we ought to trust him and his ways. And scripture bears witness to it from Abraham to Jesus, God worked his way. When you leave everything in God's hands, He will make all things beautiful, in his time.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to trust his timing and ways. Like Jesus may you always Thank and acknowledge God for everything that happens in your life and may his Holy Spirit reveal to you the mighty plans God has for you. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Trust God to keep His Promises

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23 NIV

Reflection:
Every prophecy of God in the old testament was fulfilled by the coming of Jesus . And his coming  was not just a religious account, it is a historical fact that is documented. So know that in every sphere of your life God is with you through his son Jesus Christ

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be open to his word as you trust him to keep his promises. May you always be obedient like Jesus his son as you are led by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Christ Our First Hope

So then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, and fourteen from David to the exile in Babylon, and fourteen from then to the birth of the Messiah.
Matthew 1:17 GNBDK

Reflection:
The hope for a Messiah was there is since long. But God in his infinite wisdom, perfectly timed the birth of Jesus. So also, we may find ourselves in a circumstance for Hope. As Christians then, our first hope is in Christ- a promise fulfilled by God in his time.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father bring to fruition all the plans he has for your life as you submit your will to him, just like Jesus his son did. And may his Holy Spirit assist you along the way. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Joyful in the Lord

May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 GNBDK

Reflection:
Many a times we get stuck in our everyday lives, limiting our lives to this earth. But we our God's people, made in his image and likeness. Made by him, for him, for all eternity. When you know and understand who you are in God, joy becomes your nature. And no matter the situation around you. No one can take away this Joy! Are you then, joyful in the Lord?

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the wisdom and understanding that surpasses all earthly knowledge as you rejoice in his son Jesus Christ. And may his Holy Spirit reveal to you all his graces. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Preparing away for the Lord

“Elijah is indeed coming first,” answered Jesus, “and he will get everything ready. But I tell you that Elijah has already come and people did not recognize him, but treated him just as they pleased. In the same way they will also ill-treat the Son of Man.”
Matthew 17:11‭-‬12 GNBDK

Reflection:
The metaphor for John the Baptist was in reference to his work, that like Elijah, he too was preparing a way for the Lord. Likewise, God sends Elijah  and John our way so that we can prepare well, do we recognise these instruments of God or are we too busy in our everyday lives?

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to recognise his prophets and works in your life. May Jesus Christ his son help you turn to God's ways and may his Holy Spirit guide and govern your path. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Faith in God

"Now, to what can I compare the people of this day? They are like children sitting in the market place. One group shouts to the other, ‘We played wedding music for you, but you wouldn't dance! We sang funeral songs, but you wouldn't cry!’"
Matthew 11:16‭-‬17 GNBDK

Reflection:
Children can get stubborn and rigid with their demands and the same thing can happen to us, especially when it comes to matters of the faith through the Gospel. The revelation of the truth is given by God to whom he chooses; And God's ways are not like our ways. So let it be done to us according to our faith.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to open to his wisdom that comes to you through his words made flesh in Christ Jesus his son. And may his Holy Spirit teach you to discern the word as you humbly submit your will to God. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Choosing God

"I assure you that John the Baptist is greater than anyone who has ever lived. But the one who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John.  Listen, then, if you have ears!"
Matthew 11:11‭, ‬15 GNBDK

Reflection:
While the virtues of the world has many things to offer, we ought to know and remember that our final destination is eternity. And where we spend our eternity is entirely dependent on the choices we make on earth. Are we listening to God? or doing as we please ?

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to choose wisely as you accept his son Jesus. And may his Holy Spirit help you discern the voice of God in your life. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

The will of God

"For there is nothing that God cannot do."
Luke 1:37 GNBDK

Reflection:
There is nothing that God cannot do, everything is possible with God. When you know and believe this you are submitting yourself to his will, just like Mary did. God has a plan for each one of us and for each one the plan is different. Let us look at our own lives then, and know that God is with us through it all as we humbly accept his will for our lives.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be open to his will. May Jesus Christ his son be your source of strength and inspiration. And may his Holy Spirit be with you at all times. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

The lost sheep

"What do you think a man does who has 100 sheep and one of them gets lost? He will leave the other 99 grazing on the hillside and go and look for the lost sheep. In just the same way your  Father in heaven does not want any of these little ones to be lost."
Matthew 18:12‭, ‬14 GNBDK

Reflection:
God is always by our side, but it's sin that takes us away from him. Just like Adam we begin to hide from God knowing that we are sinners. And here is when the enemy tells you the lie, that your not worth it. So that you can distance yourself from God even more. The truth however is, one step of genuine repentance like the prodigal son, and God will come running to you,  for he is always on the lookout for the lost sheep.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to acknowledge your shortcomings as you accept Jesus Christ his son as your Lord and Saviour. May his Holy Spirit teach you the ways of God. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Call to Forgiveness

I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralysed man, “I tell you, get up, pick up your bed, and go home!”
Luke 5:24 GNBDK

Reflection:
Every time we profess our faith, we proclaim we believe in the forgiveness of sins. But we can be forgiven only when we acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a Saviour. Our Faith so beautifully leads us to the sacrament of reconciliation, through the penitential rite at mass and through confessions, are we willing to accept the forgiveness that Jesus gives us?

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to humbly acknowledge your shortcomings as you seek refuge in Jesus Christ his son. May our ever loving God grant you pardon and bring you eternal joy and peace in mind and body. And may his Holy Spirit always teach you to keep a humble and a contrite heart. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Salvation from God

As it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: “Someone is shouting in the desert: ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel! Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain levelled off. The winding roads must be made straight, and the rough paths made smooth. The whole human race will see God's salvation!’ ”
Luke 3:4‭-‬6 GNBDK

Reflection:
One would need a jar to draw out water from a well, likewise a cup is needed below a coffee vending machine. And so it is with Salvation, although it is a free gift from God, it requires our consent, it requires a yes from our free will. And when we repent and give up our old ways. We will see the what God has for us.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to walk in the light of Jesus Christ his son. May you willingly submit to God's will in your life as you are assisted in every endeavour by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Lead us to Jesus, your loving son...

“I am the Lord's servant,” said Mary; “may it happen to me as you have said.” And the angel left her.
Luke 1:38 GNBDK

Reflection:
God's word is at the very foundation of the world, and so it should be the at the very core of our lives. Every move we make and every step we take should be according to God's word. And Mama Mary shows us the way, that we must thread on.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to listen and follow his word made flesh in Christ Jesus his son. And may his Holy Spirit teach you God's ways. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Faith in Jesus

Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Let it happen, then, just as you believe!”
Matthew 9:29 GNBDK

Reflection:
Everyday something unique happens in our lives. Some people consider these happenings as luck while some would consider them as blessings. What happens then is what we believe in, and the question we need to ask ourselves is, do we believe in Jesus?

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to believe in his son Jesus who gave himself up as a sacrifice, so that you can inherit God's kingdom. And may his Holy Spirit always lead you on. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Emphatic God

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away without feeding them, for they might faint on their way home.”
Matthew 15:32 GNBDK

Reflection:
You may think that God is aloof to all our emotions, but Jesus exclaims, "I feel".  No matter what you are going through, surrender it to God. Jesus empathizes with us, and knows every depth of our being. Can we then trust our God who has so wonderfully made us.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be open to his love as you call on the name of Jesus with utmost confidence, knowing that your prayer has been answered. May his Holy Spirit bless you with faith and wisdom. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Growing in Christian Maturity

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
Luke 10:21 NIV

Reflection:
The analogy of the Children in the verse above is to do with trust. Little children trust their parents immensely, because they do not know anything. And in return their parents teach their ways. And children become responsible adults, it the same thing with God, when we obey, we grow to become mature Christians.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be obedient to his word. May you learn the ways of Christ as you grow in wisdom and understanding blessed by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Faith

The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed."
Matthew 8:8 NIV

Reflection:
Every time at the Eucharist before communion, we recite the centurion's reply as a pray, but we need to ask ourselves, that is our faith so strong. That we believe Jesus can do the impossible, or are we overwhelmed by the anxieties of life? As we pray, let us pray in Faith, knowing that everything is possible with God.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to bold in your faith as you proclaim that Jesus is Lord and Saviour. May his Holy Spirit bless you with wisdom. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Hope

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more and become as great as our love for you.
1 Thessalonians 3:12 GNBDK

Reflection:
The prayer of the apostles was that the people of God should walk in the light. And this ray of hope comes from Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. It was the love of God that made us, and God's love that saved us through his son. If we call ourselves Christians, let us then live like Christ, with a life full of Love.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to walk in the light of his son Jesus as you take the good news of Hope to all those around you. And may his Holy Spirit be with you in every endeavour of yours. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Preparing For Jesus

“Be on your guard! Don't let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you  like a trap. For it will come upon all people everywhere on earth.  Be on the alert and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34‭-‬36 GNBDK

Reflection:
Too often we focus on the things that our temporary. We are created for Eternity, this was God's plan. But man rejected it by disobedience. So God came down himself in the form of man to bring us Hope for an eternal life. As we enter the season of Advent let us prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord, for God himself will us to be with him for all Eternity.

Prayer:
I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to prepare well to welcome his son Jesus in your heart and life. May your life be renewed with abundance, joy and Love. And may his Holy Spirit bless you with his fruits and gifts. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)