Matter of Faith

“Why are you so frightened?” Jesus answered. “How little faith you have!” Then he got up and ordered the winds and the waves to stop, and there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:26 GNBDK

Reflection:

Although the onus of faith is on us, the gift of faith comes from God. And just like a relationship, we are called to build our faith; which will only happen when we dwell in God's word. For it is through his word that He assures that He is with us, in all our circumstances. Therefore in good times, let us be greatful and in the not so good ones stay rooted to our faith, in the knowledge that God is with us. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to increase your faith as you dwell in his word made incarnate in Jesus Christ his son. And may his Holy Spirit always assure you of his presence in your life. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

The Kingdom and the Prime Minister

"And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven."

Matthew 16:18‭-‬19 GNBDK

Reflections:

Why would Jesus empower someone like Peter, the man who denied him? Jesus was fullfiling the prophet Isaiah (22:22) and was doing so to establish his kingdom with spiritual periphery. Christ came for sinners and so the church is made up of those people who acknowledge their sinfulness and need for Salvation that is found in Jesus Christ alone. The Church on earth is of sinners striving to be Saints, while the church in heaven is of Saints and Angels interceding for them. 

Prayer:

I pray that God Our Father gives you the grace to open up to his word made flesh in Jesus Christ his son. May you walk the narrow path leading to life in his kingdom as you are led by his Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Putting God First!!

"Those who love their father or mother more than me are not fit to be my disciples; those who love their son or daughter more than me are not fit to be my disciples. Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps are not fit to be my disciples. Those who try to gain their own life will lose it; but those who lose their life for my sake will gain it."

Matthew 10:37‭-‬39 GNBDK

Reflection:

We weren't born in this world by our will, God willed it and so it happened. As we grew in the world, the people around us and things we are attached to started getting important. But Jesus makes it very clear, although it may seem ironic that although he reiterated the commandment of honouring one's parents and loving one's neighbour. He affirms that God comes first in our lives. Who is it that is first in your life? Do you even realise that God has a plan and purpose exclusively for your life?

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to open your heart to his will. May you find strength in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour who always put God first. And may his Holy Spirit always reassure of God's presence in your life. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Understanding our 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:

These words are said, before we receive the Holy Eucharist, to strengthen our faith that although we aren't worthy to receive our Lord it is He who wants to be a part of us. However, to many cradled in the  faith, the act is only a custom; which hasn't been understood for generations. Jesus wants a personal encounter and a relationship with you? What is it that is keeping you away? 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to open your heart to Jesus his son, who gave himself up for you. May you encounter and build an everlasting relationship with our Living God as you submit to his will and are led by his Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

God's Ways

Then a man suffering from a dreaded skin disease came to him, knelt down before him, and said, “Sir, if you want to, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. “I do want to,” he answered. “Be clean!” At once the man was healed of his disease.

Matthew 8:2‭-‬3 GNBDK

Reflection:

God wants to do so many things in our lives, but we are so caught in our own selves; we fail to acknowledge our gratitude for the very gift of life. But God's ways are not our ways, for He loved us so much that He sent his only son Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. If only then we kneel before God, we can stand to anything or anyone in this world.

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to humbly submit to his will. May you emulate Jesus Christ as you live your life in accordance to his word. And may his Holy Spirit gaurd and guide your ways. Amen  

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

The Authority of Jesus

"Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do. When Judgement Day comes, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord! In your name we spoke God's message, by your name we drove out many demons and performed many miracles!’ Then I will say to them, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people!’" When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowd was amazed at the way he taught. He wasn't like the teachers of the Law; instead, he taught with authority.

Matthew 7:21‭-‬23‭, ‬28‭-‬29 GNBDK

Reflection:

The word of God is there for each one of us to interpret on our own, for in and through it we establish a relationship with God.  But a good relationship is built on a two-way communication. There are some parables that Jesus only explained to his apostles, and he did so with Authority. But why would he do so? Perhaps because they keys of his kingdom are with his keepers to whom he has given the authority to forgive sins and teach with authority. The question is; are we open to obedience or is it simply about our own doing? 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to open your heart in obedience to his will. May you accept the teachings of Jesus as you remain faithful to his word. And may his Holy Spirit help you discern the truth. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

God Knows You Well

Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.

Isaiah 49:1 NIV

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Psalms 139:13 NIV

He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.”

Luke 1:63 NIV

Reflection:

Everything about us in minute details, is know to God. He even knows the number of hairs on our head and has made our finger print so unique, that there is not a single person with an identical print. Yes, you are precious, known and loved by God that he even gave you name through your parents. Everything about you is carved in the palm of his hands. How then, will you respond to this knowing and his love? 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to reach you out and know him. May you dwell in his word, made flesh in Jesus Christ his son, as you renew your mind in accordance to his will. May you be obedient to his Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Seek and you will find

"Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it. But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it."

Matthew 7:13‭-‬14 GNBDK

Reflection:

Everyone wants happiness, nobody wants pain. But you can't have a rainbow, without a lil rain. Life pulls each one of us different directions, but we ought to choose wisely, in order to live well. Just because a majority does things or promotes a belief; it doesn't make it the truth. It is up to us to seek and find the truth, and once we know the truth, it will set us free. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to dwell in his word  as you seek the truth. May your search lead you the truth, the way and the life in Jesus Christ, Lord and Saviour. And may his Holy Spirit guide and guard your path. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Look Within

"You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

Matthew 7:5 GNBDK

Reflection:

These sharp words from Jesus were not only to the Pharisees, but all those who loathe themselves in rightousness. Each one of us is a sinner, and is in need of salvation. There is a tendency to look at the other in a condescending judgement, especially when we're journing in the light, but let these words serve as a reminder that we are only accountable for our own sins. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to regularly introspect your life and examine your conscience as you emulate his son; Jesus who often took time alone to pray. May his Holy Spirit search your heart and mind revealing to you the areas for God's grace in your life and renew you. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Bearing Witness to Christ

"For those who declare publicly that they belong to me, I will do the same before my Father in heaven.  But if anyone rejects me publicly, I will reject him before my Father in heaven."

Matthew 10:32‭-‬33 GNBDK

Reflection:

In the world we want to talk about everything else, except God. Yes it is important to be just and inclusive, but it is also important, that the moral grounds we hold are based on the moral law and not on our own convenience. Today, even the Christmas narrative is all about festivities, and not about the birth of our 'Saviour'. Perhaps we feel that it is our intellect and our endeavours that will get us to heaven. But Jesus has made it very clear, we who are saved are called to bear witness. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to proclaim to the world all the wonderful deeds he has done for you. May you a accept his gift of Salvation that he gives you through his son Jesus Christ. And may his Holy Spirit bless you to be bold and courageous as you proclaim Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Called to be Joyful

He 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: 

The occasion is joyful because Mary and Joseph found Jesus, but even more joyful as Jesus establishes his relationship with God; that of being his Father. It's also that moment where the onus of knowing God is now on him, which until then was with his earthly parents. What is our personal relationship with God and how much of it have we shared, especially with our children? Each one of us wants to be joyful, but that unending joy only comes from knowing and growing in the love of God. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to know him as you dwell in his word, made flesh in Jesus Christ his son. May you grow in wisdom and understanding as his Holy Spirit reveals to you the unconditional love of God and makes your life joyful. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :) 

Give it all Jesus

"Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28 GNBDK

Reflection:

The invitation to rest is always open. Jesus is constantly calling us out. However, the cares of this world often filter out his voice. Though at times we take a step towards him, we tend to take two steps back. No one in this world, not single person; can give you that, what fills your heart. So, no matter where you are and what you are going through, give it all to Jesus and he will turn your sorrow into joy. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to reach out to his son Jesus who awaits you with arms wide open. May you find the rest, peace and the unconditional love that you've always been looking as you walk on the path led by his Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Called to Forgive

"If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done."

Matthew 6:14‭-‬15 GNBDK

Reflection:

In teaching us how to pray, Jesus gave us the words himself and the part that he emphasizes on, is forgiveness. And how important it is? To forgive is to set a prisoner free, only to realise that prisoner is you. People may have done you wrong, people may not have lived to your expectations. People you love and cared the most about may be the reason of your hurt. But you have to forgive.

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to forgive those who have hurt you. May you emulate Jesus who prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified him and may his Holy Spirit bring to your mind all those you need to forgive. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Seeking God's Reward

"When you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. And when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you."

Matthew 6:3‭, ‬6 GNBDK

Reflection:

Our actions are often motivated by sense of gain. What is in it for me, we might ask? But Jesus invites us to journey within, for we do not belong to this world but are preparing for his kingdom. And If we are seeking to gain our rewards here, then how will we gain what God has preparing for us? 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to journey within as you submit to him as the clay does to a potter. May Jesus Christ his son, take away your old ways, making you a new creation in him and may his Holy Spirit lead you on to become God's masterpiece. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Giving Like Jesus

"When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something, lend it to him."

Matthew 5:42 GNBDK

Reflection:

In the world today, the most valuable possession is our time, we are so occupied in our busyness that we don't seem to have time for our own family, let alone our friends or colleagues. Which is why the world today is so introverted, that we are reduced to our devices. We were made for community; to live and share our lives in friendship and fellowship. Jesus is telling us to give and we give of ourselves as Jesus gave himself to us. We do it not on our own accord but from Christ who strengthens us. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to open your hearts to his will as emulate Jesus. May you reach out to those that God puts your way as you are led by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Consuming Jesus

Jesus said to them, “I am telling you the truth: if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves. This, then, is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread that your ancestors ate. They later died, but those who eat this bread will live for ever.”

John 6:53‭, ‬58 GNBDK

Reflection:

When you see a cute little baby, what you do feel? The general tendency is to 'bite the baby,' off course not in a cannibalistic way. Perhaps it's way we don't fully comprehend as an expression, but we are trying to consume. And we do this because consummation makes us one. So what does Jesus imply when he says eat my body and drink my blood? Isn't it an invitation for us to be one with him in the ultimate expression of love. And how do we accept this invite? Do we even believe in his body and blood?

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to open your hearts to his son Jesus who gives himself to you; body and blood, soul and divinity. May you be led by his Holy Spirit to the understanding of this consummation and the fullness of life. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

What was and What is...

"You have also heard that people were told in the past, ‘Do not break your promise, but do what you have vowed to the Lord to do.’ But now I tell you: do not use any vow when you make a promise. Do not swear by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by earth, for it is the resting place for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King."

Matthew 5:33‭-‬35 GNBDK

Reflection:

The Sermon at the mount are in essence of God's ways as Jesus teaches the difference between what was and what is. God has revealed himself to us and has told us his truth. He has shown us the way. The choice to choose and accept the truth and walk in his way lies with us. What are we going to do then? Will we choose God willingly?

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to choose willingly his word, made flesh in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. May you walk in his truth, way and life as you are led by his Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Being Aware

"If your right-hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It is much better for you to lose one of your limbs than for your whole body to go to hell."

Matthew 5:30 GNBDK

Reflection:

This teaching is not meant in its literal sense, but needs to be understood in the context of it being said. We often stress on bigger sins rather than smaller ones. A plain cloth with a coloured dot cannot be called spotless and so it is with sin. While there is a commandment against adultery, Jesus warns that it begins in our hearts and minds. Therefore, we ought to be aware of our being. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to acknowledge even the smallest sin you may have committed, as you give it all to Jesus may he make you a new person in Himself. And may his Holy Spirit take deep root within you and help you bear good fruit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

The commandment of Love

And Jesus said to them: "whoever is angry with his brother will be brought to trial, whoever calls his brother ‘You good-for-nothing!’ will be brought before the Council, and whoever calls his brother a worthless fool will be in danger of going to the fire of hell."

Matthew 5:22 GNBDK

Reflection:

The sixth commandment warns us of murder, and what Jesus does is reach out to its root. It begins in the heart and mind when we begin to grudge, resent and hate those around us, especially those who have done us wrong. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, it is He who makes all things new. Therefore, let us humbly submit to him and his commandment of Love.

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace, to remain in his word made flesh in Jesus Christ his son and may your obedience be blessed by his Holy Spirit as you bear good fruit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Jesus the fulfillment of scripture and law

Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true."

Matthew 5:17 GNBDK

Reflection:

When we turn to scripture we got to see it through the eyes of Jesus and his teachings through his authority the church which he established. For the word of God is not infallible, but we as humans are. Therefore, when we individually interpret the law, each one can come up with our own understanding, but Jesus assures, that he is the fulfillment of the law. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you grace to understand his word made flesh in Jesus Christ his son. May you emulate Jesus by obedient submission to all that you are lead too, by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Let your Faith lead you...

She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.

1 Kings 17:15‭-‬16 NIV

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:15‭-‬16 NIV

Reflection:

We've all had a prayer answered at some point in time, and what do we do post that? We go on our way, keeping God at the sidelines. But God's presence in our lives illuminates us so much, that we are no longer the same. Therefore we ought to bear witness to others in darkness, so that they too can glorify God for every answered prayer. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father, gives you the grace to glorify his name by your deeds, just as Jesus his son did. May your life be testimony to those in tests as you boldly witness God's goodness lead by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Called to be Obedient

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:3 NIV

Reflection:

In the teaching of the beatitudes Jesus gives a consolation for our present times and a definite hope for our future. 'Blessed' denotes a present continuous tense which means it's on going. And the assurance that 'theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven' is the assurance of what is to come. And for us to gain or inheirit these promises we just have to be obedient to this teaching. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be obedient to his word made flesh in Christ Jesus his son, may you become of model of your Christian faith by doing the good works emulating Christ as you are lead by his Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Love in Action

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life."

John 3:16‭-‬17 GNBDK

Reflection:

God's love was expressed by a significant action, He sent Jesus for our Salvation. God could have saved us just by saying it, what was the need to send his son to die? That's because love cannot be only in words, it has to be expressed in action; we cannot claim to love God and yet live our old lives, we ought to change our ways. We got to allow him to bring about that change, and when we can love those around us as ourselves, we know then God's love in us, is being expressed. 

Reflection:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to accept his love, as you accept Jesus Christ his son as your saviour. May his Holy Spirit transform you, making you a new creation in Christ as you reach out and express this love you've received to all you encounter this day on. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Give it all

'I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith.'

2 Timothy 4:7 GNBDK

Jesus called his disciples together and said to them, “I tell you that this poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others. For the others put in what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, put in all she had — she gave all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:43‭-‬44 GNBDK

Reflection:

Each one of us has been uniquely made. The combination of our gifts, talents, mind and heart are only ours. And what do we do with these blessings that we have received? We are called to give and not just for the sake of giving, but giving it our all. For Christ gave himself up for the Church and as part of his body, we too are called to do the same. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to live purposefully in accordance to his will. May you emulate Jesus his son and give it you all in all that you do. May his Holy Spirit bless you with courage, strength and wisdom. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

The Christian view of Suffering

"My persecutions, and my sufferings. You know all that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, the terrible persecutions I endured! But the Lord rescued me from them all. Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

2 Timothy 3:11‭-‬12 GNBDK

Reflection:

We'd seldom talk about Christian suffering, because the world seems to be focused on prosperity. Now both aren't wrong, but we've lost a sense of balance. Jesus came that we have a life of abundance, then why did he have to suffer? And if justify his suffering, aren't we called Christians because we follow Christ. Hardships don't come from God, it's a consequence of the choices we've made, and sometimes it's enemy trying to deceive you that God doesn't care for you. But know that God will not allow more than what you can bare and through it all his grace is always sufficient. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to submit to his will knowing that it is sufficient, just as it was for Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. May you always find your comfort in his Holy Spirit who is your gift and promise from God. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

God First

“To love God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, is more important than to offer animals and other sacrifices to God.”

Mark 12:32‭-‬33 GNBDK

Reflection:

We often tend to bargain with God with what we do and have to offer him, but He doesn't need our offerings or sacrifices, it is we who need him. God loves us so much that He has given us the ability (free will) to choose  or reject him. And God doesn't want to be a part of our life, he wants to be the heart of our life. Are we willing then to put God before all else? 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to out him first making him the very core of your being, just as Jesus his son did. May you give him honour, praise and all glory through everything you do. And may his Holy Spirit help you with understanding and wisdom. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Journeying Inward

'For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.'

2 Timothy 1:6‭-‬7 NIV

Reflection:

At baptism we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit that helps grow in virtues, and as we confirm our faith, we are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. And St. Paul reminds us, that, it is we who need to 'fan the flame' of God's Spirit that dwells within us. For the Spirit of God will then lead us to our true calling. And there is no other joy than in doing the will of the Father. Are we then journeying inward or is our focus simply outward?

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to journey within as you seek to do his will, just as Jesus his son did. And as you do so may you manifest the gifts of his Holy Spirit transforming your life and of those around you. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Preparing Ourselves for the Day of the Lord

As you wait for the Day of God and do your best to make it come soon. Look on our Lord's patience as the opportunity he is giving you to be saved.

2 Peter 3:12‭A, ‬15A GNBDK

Reflection:

There is a tendency to take God's grace for granted; and assume his forgiveness. But God knows our hearts and minds, He knows us inside-out. He has given us this gift of life on the earth for his plan and purpose. What are we doing with our lives then? Are we doing his will or simply pursuing ours? 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace that stirs your heart on fire for his word, made flesh in Jesus Christ his son. May you seek and do his will for your life as you submit wholly and humbly to his Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Mary, the Mother of God

They gathered frequently to pray as a group, together with the women and with Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers.

Acts 1:14 GNBDK

Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there; so he said to his mother, “He is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “She is your mother.” From that time the disciple took her to live in his home.

John 19:26‭-‬27 GNBDK

Reflection:

It is said that nothing on earth can replace a mother's love, perhaps that is why the word of God points out to this episode where Jesus gives his mother to us. And it's Mary who was in the upper room keeping all of them together. Just as at Cana she must have lead everyone in prayer to listen and do whatever Jesus said.  

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 be transformed in the renewing of your mind as you dwell in his word. May you seek good counsel and understanding from his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)