Treasures in our heart

Gospel for the day: Luke 2:16-21

 

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
 

Cheers for a blessed and happy new year! Thank you Lord that I am still here!

Wow!!! It was only yesterday when 2016 had just began but I can’t believe that now 2017 has come. As we say hello to another amazing year, let us remind our own selves like what we read in the gospel to glorify and praise God for all the blessings, graces, experiences and the not so wonderful happenings we went through for all these years. Let us have a heart full of thanksgiving and give our praise to God for he deserves all of it and by doing so, he transforms each one of us to be like his son, Jesus.

 

For me, 2016 was a struggling year for my family but somehow we had learn to work and help one another in our own ways. It was not an easy start since oftentimes we would fight or misunderstand each other. It was also very hard to obey but because they knew better, we/I have to follow. Each of us had our own struggles too but then we tried to manage. Me and my siblings wanted to give up as it’s very difficult and it is impossible but our parents kept on holding on. They were trying their hardest to find ways for our existing problem. There were situations when I don’t know where to stand or to whom shall I go? Indeed God is a great provider because he has given our family enough resources to survive and maybe He is teaching each of us a lesson in life. Well the family struggle is still there, though at times we lose hope that it will be fixed but only God knows what’s in store for us.

 

This year our CFC community is proclaiming that we should stand firm in our faith for we will be facing a lot of trials, tested with struggles and of course achieving victories for our God is always with us in our journey. Through this verse maybe God is telling my family to stand firm and believe that He can do wonders for us in the midst of all impossibilities and human limitations. He is reminding us to have faith and believe that good things will still come.

 

Also in the gospel, Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. Like Mary, let us start to store up treasures in heaven for life here on earth is temporary. Let us learn to value our relationships more than the earthly possessions and trends of this world. Let us ponder deeply first before we speak or act for we may never return back the wasted opportunity because of our recklessness. Let us invest our time wisely and work productively in God’s vineyard as he is commanding us to do. May we find joy in serving God and his people even if it is very hard and challenging but through that, it is the most fulfilling thing we can achieve that makes our life worth living.

 

And for all of these, may God be praised!

Sis Sarah Lauren Lim 

Chapter 3B3 ~ CLP Batch 43

Household Head 

SFC Dubai 

God’s messenger

Sept. 24, 2016

Gospel: Saint Luke 9:43b-45.    
While they were all amazed at his every deed, he said to his disciples,
"Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men."
But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Reflection:

"If the message does not kill you then kill the messenger."

I heard this line from Father Tom as he was giving his homily last Feb. 2, 2013 at St. Mary's Church. It is a simple message but it hides a big meaning which creates a big impact behind the simple words stated. Father Tom even joked as he ended his homily stating: "If I'm not here anymore tomorrow then you know what happened.." After that everybody started laughing and it seems they got the message that the priest was trying to share. As I reflected, I realized that the reason why God is sending us this messages is for us to share the message to others and not keep it to yourself.

The gospel reading for today is reaching out to all us that we need to pay attention more when we are amazed of the great things that the Lord is telling or showing to us because He will use several ways through persons, scriptures, situations or other means to tell us of the message that he wants us to proclaim. Oftentimes the message that he transmits will not be clear for us to understand. In this case, let’s not be afraid to ask him for clarity since the Lord will surely reveal that message through several ways. When the Lord reveals the message, our interpretation should always be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Being a receiver of God message, we should be sensitive enough and ponder deeply on what the message he is trying to reveal us because if we don’t, then we might be misled to different interpretations. Let us become a vessel of His love to others by seeking the best interest for the good of all. May we allow ourselves to become God’s messenger of peace, faith, hope, mercy, grace and love to our brothers and sisters in and out of the community.

Driven by faith

Sept. 22, 2016

Title: Driven by faith

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead";  others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen."
But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.

 Reflection:

“Herod was greatly perplexed and he kept trying to see him.”

The meaning of greatly perplexed is unable to understand something deeply. When I read the gospel for today it sparkled some interest in me to research more about what happened in the past so I can further understand what it is trying to tell me. I then found out that Herod the tetrarch in our story was the son of Herod the great, the one who initiated Massacre of the Innocents when Jesus was born. So who is this Herod the tetrarch and why is it that he felt greatly perplexed as described?

I googled and read more about him and the history of this big “Herod” family. Well do we remember the time during Herod’s birthday when Salome danced and entertained his guests? In return, he offered her any request to be fulfilled as long as she asks of it. Salome followed her mother’s (Herodias) request and Herod fulfilled it which resulted in beheading John the Baptist and placing the head on the platter. I believe during that time, Herod felt powerless since he cannot take back what he has said but after hearing the current news of John being raised from the dead, he wondered even more and decided to see him if it was true.

In our life there are situations that make us feel greatly perplexed in which we have no control and sometimes we question God why it is happening to us. There are everyday circumstances wherein it is difficult for us to understand or accept some happenings because it exceeds our capacity unlike God who created everything. When we feel that we are in a perplexed situation, let us remember that we cannot change it but we can change our perception towards it. We can change how we think and act according to the will of God. We should always have faith and constant prayer in believing that God always know what is best for us, he will provide what we need even if we don’t ask it and everything is possible for Him.

John the Baptist lived his life fulfilling the mission that God created him to do while King Herod was powerless and doubtful of his beliefs. As members of this community and as Roman Catholics, it is never easy to choose the better part in everything but we walk by faith and not by sight. We may not understand but God willingly allows it to happen because of a greater purpose behind it. By his grace, he will reveal that purpose to us through the Holy Spirit as we continue journeying with him. We are anointed and called by God through our names and each of us has a mission to fulfill while we are here. We are not an accident and God has planned all of this before we are born. Let’s be reminded that everything here on earth is temporary but our God and His love is permanent. Let’s walk and be driven by our faith for God will lead to us to where he has destined us to be. Take courage and find that purpose you we can live a life pleasing to God and in turn bring back the glory that He alone deserves.

And for all of this, may God be praised.

Share and Give thanks to God!

Sharer: Sarah Lauren Lim, Batch 43

Gospel (John 6:1-15)
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

6 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up,9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there).11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

------------------------------- 

The story about Jesus feeding the five thousand is not new to us. In fact we heard it several times but do we apply it in our personal lives? This story teaches us that with God nothing is impossible. In the story, the boy shared what he had and after doing that, people imitated him by sharing what they also had which resulted to having plenty of leftovers. It also teaches us to give thanks to God for all the blessings he has given us like what Jesus did. Let us focus with sharing our blessings and giving thanks to God.

I asked my best friend, Ayette about the question: “Why do you share?” Her response is that “Sharing makes me happy because I feel that I am so blessed that God gave me this kind of opportunity to share the blessings he gave to others too. One reason why I share is because the feeling of knowing that I shared to someone gives an impact that can be contagious. It’s like the one whom you shared with, will also find ways to share to others because deep within his heart it is a nice feeling. Then it will create a ripple effect that will go on and on.” Several friends also agreed that it gives them a nice feeling after sharing.

We are blessed to have a generous, merciful and loving God. He is teaching us to do the same to our neighbors no matter how difficult and challenging they can be. Our Lord is an amazing God that even before we ask, He already knew what to give to us even beyond what we deserve. As he extends his hand and blesses us with much, he is also expecting us to bless others with the blessings he gave. The joys in our heart after sharing like experiencing heaven on earth. This unexplained feeling of happiness and contentment is different and can only be experienced through sharing and through the grace of God. 

Sharing your blessings doesn’t refer to money alone. Sharing can be through your time, talent or treasure. Sharing is blessing, is caring and is loving. In sharing, we also give thanks to God because He is the source of all this and by doing that, we give glory to His name. Let us continue to share what we have because God’s generosity cannot be undone and that the more we share, the more we gain and also the more people will experience the same. As followers of Jesus, may we become an instrument of God’s love to the people we encounter by sharing and being a blessing to others so that they too can experience heaven on earth and will also do the same to others.

And for this may God be praised!

Be God’s Chosen One

Date: January 3, 2015

Sharer: Sarah Lim

CLP Batch: 43

Gospel: John 1:29-34 New International Version (NIV)

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’

31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.

33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’

34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

Reflection:

In the Bible we have heard a lot of chosen people of God and the first would be Adam and Eve. Despite their sinfulness, still God was merciful enough to forgive and give them the chance to live. After our first parents, God then chose people from different families. To name some they were Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Noah, Moses, Israelites, Joseph the dreamer, David, Samson, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Joseph and Mary. Jesus the Messiah is God’s Chosen One and after His legacy a lot has followed. After Jesus was Peter being the first Pope, the disciples, John the Beloved, Mary Magdalene, the conversion of Paul, the apostles, the followers, Stephen who was the first saint and all other saints, priests, nuns, missionaries and that includes individuals like you and me.

Everyone is God’s chosen one because our presence on earth is not a mere accident. You, existing on earth is not a joke and in God’s eyes you are very special. Can you imagine the love He has for us that He gave Jesus for our salvation? All of us were called by name for a purpose and that is to fulfil the plan of God in our life. We may be ordinary individuals but God has prepared the best for us to experience life on earth and therefore we should not waste the opportunity. There’s a saying that goes: “God doesn’t call the qualified because He qualifies the called.” We are called and our duty does not end by answering yes but by doing our best to do the mission entrusted to us. God wants us to say Yes to His call and of course it includes action as well. God is ever faithful for He’ll never leave us in times of difficulty.

How can we be God’s Chosen One? Well let’s strive to be a blessing to others in many simple and small ways. We are called to make a difference. We are called to become an Alter Christus (Alter Christ) to those whom we meet. We are called not to be Christian thinkers nor talkers but doers of Catholic faith and teaching. We are called to love because love is understood in God alone for God is love and love is God. Love is expressed not in words but in deeds. So let’s love more. We are called to proclaim the good news and evangelize the people of this world. We are called to be ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ and when that happens, all tongue shall give praise and all knees will bend to Him.

We are called. You are called. I am called. Why? Simply because we are God’s beloved. We are special and beautiful in His eyes.  We are highly favoured and blessed like none other. We were paid for a price because He loved us dearly. He assures us through His promises that He won’t leave nor forsake us. God is calling us not to be successful but to be faithful just as He is. So now, God is waiting for our Yes in action and let’s allow His plan to unfold in our lives. When all else fails and just so you may forget, remember and be proud to say that “I’ll be the ONE” because YOU and I is God’s Chosen One.

Soli Deo Gloria! (Glory to God alone!)

God bless us all! Happy New Year!

Worry not, Trust God!

Daily Manna: OCTOBER 7, 2014 - TUESDAY

Gospel for the day: Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Reflection:

Oftentimes when we struggle too much our prayer would go like this, “Lord don’t you care? Help me.” Of course the Lord knows everything about us which includes our thoughts, actions, joys, pains, feelings, sickness, prayers, struggles, problems, heart desires and all emotions within us. The big question: Does He care? The answer is a big yes! Such situations like that are made to happen because of a purpose and a reason behind that will soon be revealed to us. Life won’t be exciting as it is if there’s only joy without pain or suffering. God designed our life the way He wanted us to live by fulfilling the purpose and plan He has planted in us. Our job now is to find and discover that purpose and allow God’s will to be done.

The gospel today teaches us that worrying and being upset is not good enough. Sometimes we have to lean unto God when all our efforts have been done and let Him be in control. A year ago, I confidently left my job because I was not happy anymore. God allowed me to be accepted in a job that’s thrice the salary offered than the previous job. I immediately grab the opportunity but because of conflicts I had to let go of that job. I thought that maybe it wasn’t for me and so I tried to face the loss yet hurt and burdened. I remained still and confident knowing God will provide the job that I have been praying for. Deep within there’s a voice telling me to leave, go on, be brave and take the risks.  

I left claiming God’s assurance that He will grant me the desires of my heart. After leaving my job then a problem came and I had a 6 months labor ban. Upon hearing that after Christmas, my confidence began to sink and I found myself crying, hopeless, worried and afraid. I was so depressed and even thought it was the end of me. There I was experiencing a deep, dark and very emotional moment. For the first time in my life I felt being abandoned, lost and alone. Being away made me feel so weak and powerless but good thing my family, friends and the community was there to build me up. Slowly, I began to be back on track. I held on to my faith and restored my prayer time with God.   

Struggle after struggle, we learn and become stronger. I never thought of the consequences that I had to face by being jobless for 4 months. I was worried and frustrated but God was there to erase all those things in my head. I continuously allowed His will to be done in my life like the song “Lord please have your way in me”. He never failed to provide me with the resources I need. He continued to assure me that He is God and He is in control of everything. God’s time is never too late and He fulfilled His promise and my faith was strengthened. Through the grace of God I found a job and all the blessings started to pour. 

Everything was a preparation for me and here I am testifying how great and wonderful He is. He took away the unnecessary things because He was preparing me for greater things that He thinks I deserve. I feel so loved and blessed beyond measure because I am God’s favorite and His beloved! 

All I can say is thank you Lord and Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

#iamBBM #DeoGloria

Like Jesus, Like Peter

Daily Manna sharing for June 29, 2014

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Reflection:

 

Who is St. Peter?
We often hear these famous names derived from St. Peter which meant “rock”. Some of the common names were Peter, Pedro, Pete, Petra, Cephas, Simon Peter etc. Peter was the first pope of the Catholic Church to which God entrusted the keys of heaven. Before Peter met Jesus he was a fisherman. He was the first disciple because the moment Jesus called the fishermen they immediately left their nets to come and follow Him. Jesus wanted them to become “fishers of men” and to proclaim the good news to the people. Peter loved Jesus and his life changed because of that love for the Messiah.
 

What do we remember about Peter?

He was one of the disciples to witness the miracle of casting their nets and catching a lot of fish. We remember him as the one who walked on water with Jesus but because of his doubt and little faith, he slowly sink and Jesus lifted him up. Peter has witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. We remember him during the Last supper when Jesus washed their feet and he wanted to be washed all over his body. We remember Peter as the one who protected his master when He cut off the ear of the soldier when they were in Gethsemane before Jesus surrendered to the high priests. We remember him who denied Jesus three times. Peter was also the one who entered the tomb during the third day after Jesus’ death. Peter became the alter Christus of their time after Jesus ascended in Heaven. He continued Jesus’ mission.

Why Peter?

Among his disciples, Jesus would have chosen anybody but why Peter? It makes me think and wonder why. He could have chosen John the beloved disciple or Matthew the former tax collector. And yet He picked Peter the fisherman because Jesus loved him. Peter with his love, passion, determination and faith lived his life doing the mission that was entrusted to Him. Even if it meant him to be martyred still he chose the difficult path ahead of him. He tried escaping but he knew he had to face being crucified the opposite way as to what His master had experience for he knew he wasn’t worthy to be crucified the same as Jesus did. True indeed that Jesus was never wrong as to why He chose Peter and look at to where the Catholic faith and church has spread now?

 Like Jesus, Like Peter

Jesus taught us on how we should live our life and we are like Peter because we are the rock wherein Jesus has built the church. We are the church because we are the Alter Christus of this new generation. Like Peter, we are sinful and unworthy yet we were called by God for a purpose. Jesus was not joking when He picked us and He didn’t call the qualified because like Peter, He qualified him to become the Pope that will lead His church. Like Peter there are times we doubt, we lose hope, we make mistakes, we tend to be afraid and we deny Jesus not just three times but several times. Like Peter we are also strong, dedicated, faithful, driven, empowered and full of love. Becoming like Jesus and following Him is a difficult choice but a life changing experience. Let us strive to become like Jesus, like Peter and nurtured by Mary so that we can become effective witnesses and proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth.

Happy Feast day to St. Peter and St. Paul.
The 2 Pillars of the Catholic Church
June 29, 2014

Deo Gloria! May God be praised!

#iamBBM

Testify and See

TESTIFY AND SEE (January 3, 2014) from Daily Manna

Gospel for the day: John 1:29-34

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”[a] ~John 1:29-34

We have heard this statement that says "To see is to believe." People nowadays are concerned more in seeing and if they do, then they'll believe. Here's a funny situation that proves it wrong. How do you know if you have a brain? Can you see it? No? So since you don't see it then you're brainless? How about your heart? You know what it looks like? Have you seen it? No? So you're heartless? The people during the time of Christ need not see because they know that if they believe, they will see how far God's wonder may lead them to. Blessed are those who were physically blind that time for they truly seek Jesus and indeed they testified, witnessed a miracle and even saw Him in all His greatness, power and majesty.  

I suddenly realized a better statement: To see is to believe but to feel and experience is better than seeing." Believing is a different thing and seeing is not everything. We can't see emotions but we can feel them. We can't see knowledge and wisdom but we can express them freely. We can't see sickness but the symptoms are there to indicate that there's something wrong. We can't see technology or communication but the gadgets are there to show how it works. We can't see the childhood beliefs we had like the existence of tooth fairy, Easter bunny, etc., but story books were there to prove they do when in reality they don't. Being able to see is not an assurance that things are real because sometimes the eyes can be deceived. 

However there are supernatural things that the eye can't see but the heart can feel. We can't see love but our hearts can express, feel love and also pain. We believe in God but do we see Him? No, but because we have faith then it makes all things possible. Yes, God is real and we can definitely feel His presence. We may not see Him physically but we can see Him in other people and through the situations that are happening to us. We can testify that we have seen Him in all areas of our life and that He never left us especially in times that we needed Him.

Our God is an amazing God and He will find a lot ways to make us feel blessed, loved, treasured, provided, cared for, assured, answered, embraced, healed, comforted, honored, supported, worth fighting for, saved, forgiven, spared, inspired, motivated and a lot more! He is our Everything. He hears and sees every event in our lives and sometimes we fail to notice that because we believe in seeing than that of experiencing Him. May we realize that testifying is seeing God at work in our life and that may we continue to obey and witness especially when it doesn't make sense.

Prayer: Lord, may You teach us to have more faith in You. Allow our eyes to see things beyond our capacity so that we could testify, experience, and feel more of your grace and love. Lord in Your name, we trust! Amen!

Sis Sarah Kailyn Lim 
Chapter 2B3 - CLP Batch 43

Household Leader - SFC Dubai