Lordie, God's Message For You Today, February 4, 2012

Daily Bible Reflections for February 4, 2012 Dear Lordie, Be filled with God?s joy this Saturday. Praying for you, Bo Sanchez PS. Do you live in the Philippines? Sign up for Bo's weekly  cellphone message. This is FREE. (That is why you have to live in the Philippines to sign up for this service.) Text:   BOSEZ_<your full name>_ <your email address> and send to any of the following numbers: Globe (09178494444); Smart (09088949999); Sun (09228945555) And you'll start receiving Bo's inspiring message to encourage you, guide you, and bless your week.   4 February Saturday TODAY'S READINGS: DIDACHE | COMPANION | SABBATH DIDACHE   CONFESSIONS OF A WORKAHOLIC   “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31   I once thought that rest was synonymous with doing nothing — and that was bad. That’s because my Lolo Ino, my maternal grandfather, taught me that “an idle mind is the devil’s playground.” He explained that when you don’t have anything to think about, you are likely to do something bad. And so doing nothing was a no-no for him. Every time he was around, I kept busy — reading, doing my homework, dusting our narra sofa even if it was already squeaky, gleaming, shimmering clean. That was good discipline — until I turned out to be a workaholic. Because when I had nothing to do I could hear Lolo Ino drumming the devil line into my ear. Then I heard a talk of lay preacher Bo Sanchez about having a rest. He said resting from work does not mean doing nothing. It means doing something else — going on a trip, having fun with our loved ones, or, as Jesus said in today’s reading, going to a quiet place and, yes, getting some rest. So I have resolved to have a regular rest time. Promise, I am working on it. Cynthia Santiago (cusantiago@gmail.com)   REFLECTION: Remember the cliché: Work while you work. Play while you play. That’s the way to be happy and gay.   Lord, be with me at my work time and play time.   St. Joseph of Leonissa, pray for us.   Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top COMPANION   1st READING   Solomon chooses wisdom and the Lord blesses him with it together with wealth and fame. Let us reflect upon our past and examine whether or not we have chosen the humble path when given the opportunity, or if we have chosen the way of fame and wealth. It is very difficult to resist the temptations of wealth and fame, but it is necessary to choose humility if we want to acquire true wisdom, and thus, be able to serve God in righteousness and holiness.   1 Kings 3:4-13 4 Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. 5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” 6 Solomon answered: “You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David, because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne. 7 O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. 8 I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. 11 So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this — not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right — 12 I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you. 13 In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.   P S A L M   Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 R: Lord, teach me your statutes. 9 How shall a young man be faultless in his way? By keeping to your words. (R) 10 With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands. (R) 11 Within my heart I treasure your promise, that I may not sin against you. (R) 12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. (R) 13 With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth. (R) 14 In the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches.   GOSPEL   Being a prayerful person is essential if we want to know and do God’s will. It is essential if we want to grow in holiness and be an example for others to follow. Jesus retires to a lonely place for prayer in order to be strengthened from within by God, His Father. If it was necessary for Him, then it will be necessary for us. Let us not be afraid to show that we know we are dependent on God for our strength and courage.   GOSPEL ACCLAMATION My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.   Mark 6:30-34 30 The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. 32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. 34 When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.   1st READING 2nd READING think: Let us not be afraid to show that we know we are dependent on God for our strength and courage.   T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________   _______________________________________________________   God’s special verse/thought for me today________________ _________________________________________________________   READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Acts 25-28   GOSPEL PSALM TODAY’S BLESSING LIST   Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top SABBATH   ABOVE ALL, A DISCERNING HEART   Imagine no less than God Himself, offering to grant you anything you ask. What a privilege! Sky’s the limit — and remember, God is more powerful and generous than any genie fulfilling your wishes. This is exactly the situation with Solomon in today’s First Reading. He didn’t ask God at all “for long life for [him]self, nor for riches, nor for the life of [his] enemies.” Instead, he asked God for “an understanding heart to judge [his] people and to distinguish right from wrong,” adding a comment on the difficulty of governing the Israelites as his reason for such a request. Solomon’s entreaty pleased God. He said to him, “I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.” God even added a bonus: “In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.” If we were Solomon, what would we have asked from God? To emphasize further the value and importance of a discerning heart over riches and longevity, Jesus in today’s Gospel exemplifies it. Despite a hectic and tiring schedule, He still could muster enough compassion and care for the weary crowds, so as to minister to them even more. If we were in such a situation, we probably would have easily blown our top in anger and annoyance. But Jesus has a heart that is so perceptive and sympathetic. Despite His weariness, He still saw the crowds as deserving of His care, “for they were like sheep without a shepherd.” King Solomon was also a selfless shepherd, preferring to be kind-hearted and just towards his people. We perhaps are more like the weary sheep who would endlessly seek Jesus for healing and consolation. But thank God there are still persons who are like extensions or instruments of God for us, persons who do not seek their own glory but our benefit instead.  Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB   REFLECTION QUESTION: What do you need from Jesus at this point in your life?   Lord Jesus, I place my needs at Your feet. You know which ones would be best for me — grant them as You please.     Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top

Do You Want Your Friend To Receive This Email? Friend's Email: 1.  KERYGMA TV now airs every Sunday at 8 a.m. on IBC 13. 2.  The FEAST is the one of the happiest places on earth. Find one near you! PICC Sunday (3 sessions) 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PICC, Roxas Blvd.   Pasig Sunday (2 sessions) 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Valle Verde Country Club (beside The ULTRA)   Quezon City ( 2 sessions) Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 12 n.n. Convention Hall, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Visayas Ave., Q.C. Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. GT-Toyota Asian Center, Magsaysay St. cor. Katipunan Ave.   Alabang (4 sessions) Sunday       11:00 a.m - 12:30 p.m.          1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.          4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.   Wednesday  7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   2/L X-site Entrance, Festival Mall, Alabang  Tel. No. 659-8299                        Laguna Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 12 n.n. Cinema 1, SM City Sta. Rosa, Laguna   Cavite Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Cinema 5, Robinson's Mall, Imus, Cavite   Taytay (2 sessions) Sunday  8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.             10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Valley Fair Arcade, Ortigas Ext. Taytay, Rizal Valenzuela Sunday 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cinema 1, SM Valenzuela, Valenzuela Contact no. 09175789554   Ortigas (2 sessions) Monday 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cinema 3, Robinsons Galleria, F. Ortigas Ave., Pasig City   Makati (2 sessions) Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. AIM Conference Center, Benavidez cor Paseo de Roxas Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon Cinema 2, Makati Square   Manila (2 sessions) Friday, 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m             7:00 p.m.. - 10:00 p.m. Cinema 4, SM Manila (near City Hall), Manila              Marilao (3 sessions) Friday  5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Barcelona Academy, Marilao, Bulacan Saturday, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.                7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cinema 2, SM Marilao, Bulacan    Sucat Friday 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Cinema 2, SM Sucat   Baliuag Saturday 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cinema 4, SM Baliuag, Bulacan Contact no. 09175332756/2920044   Cardona Saturday 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Queen Mary Help of Christians Hospital, National Road, Calahan, Cardona Bonifacio Global City Saturday 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mercato Centrale, 8th Ave. cor 34th St. BGC   Antipolo Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Eduardo's Taptapan Restaurant Circumferential Road Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City CEBU Tuesday 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. CAP Auditorium, Cebu City Contact nos. 4128142/09212413801/09232908009   DAVAO  Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 4/L Alexian Brothers Health and Wellness Center, Matina, Davao City Contact nos. 0822865081/0922251822  3. Need Counseling?  Call a friend for counseling at  09228407031, 7266728, 7264709, and 7259999 Mon-Fri 24-hrs, Sat 6am-5pm, Sun 6am-10am.  4. Free Kerygma Magazine (the one on paper) from Bo. If you're a KerygmaFamily member who regularly supports this ministry with at least P300 or US$20 a month - you'll be receiving a one-year subscription of the KerygmaMagazine in the mail-automatically! If you haven't signed up for KerygmaFamily, join now! http://www.kerygmafamily.com 5. Its now easy to DONATE using the new GlobeTelecom GCASH at http://kerygmafamily.com. 6. DONATE using SMART MONEY - type KFAM_amount and send to 270 7. Put Preacher in Blue Jeans in your Blog or Friendster! Just copy the text in under next to the EMBED keyword under the video. Just like YOUTUBE! 8. Did you receive this email from someone else? To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await. 9. To change your KerygmaFamily member/email settings. Please click here 10. To enter the Audio & Video Teachings, Please click here 11. Forward these to your friends - so they too can read God's Word and be invited to join the KerygmaFamily. They'll Thank you for opening this mountain of blessings to them! 12. Contact Person: Tina   (+632) 9312711 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (+632) 9312711      end_of_the_skype_highlighting    or   + 639178424101 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              + 639178424101      end_of_the_skype_highlighting    or support@kerygmafamily.com

Lordie, God's Message For You Today, February 3, 2012

Daily Bible Reflections for February 3, 2012 Dear Lordie, May you be guided by His directions this Friday! Praying for you, Bo Sanchez PS. Do you live in the Philippines? Sign up for Bo's weekly  cellphone message. This is FREE. (That is why you have to live in the Philippines to sign up for this service.) Text:   BOSEZ_<your full name>_ <your email address> and send to any of the following numbers: Globe (09178494444); Smart (09088949999); Sun (09228945555) And you'll start receiving Bo's inspiring message to encourage you, guide you, and bless your week.   3 February Friday TODAY'S READINGS: DIDACHE | COMPANION | SABBATH DIDACHE   WITH EVERY DEED   With his every deed he offered thanks to God Most High, in words of praise. With his whole being he loved his Maker and daily had his praises sung. – Sirach 47: 8   For St. Therese of Lisieux, it was the way of simplicity and perfection in doing small things and daily duties. For Brother Lawrence, it was cooking in the kitchen. Dr. Joseph Moscatti’s way was practicing medicine. Rod is an IT Manager. Renato is financial consultant. Regina is a housewife. Elma is a teacher. The saints and the lay people have one thing in common. For each one, everything they do is for the Lord, an offering, a means to praise God. We usually take our routines for granted, those daily things we do. We dismiss them as irrelevant, even unspiritual. That is why you often see people who grumble and complain about what they do. They feel miserable and make those around them feel gloomy, too. But, as many saints and everyday people have discovered, every little thing that we do can be our own form of worship. When we do our best with the task at hand, we honor God. When we offer our efforts and work, we adore God. Today, let everything you do be an offering of praise. Jun Asis (mabuting.balita@gmail.com) 3 REFLECTION: What is my attitude toward my work and duties?   Lord, take the work of my hands as my gift to You. May they sing out the love I feel in my heart for You.   St. Blasé, bishop and martyr, pray for us.   Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top COMPANION   1st READING   It seems that God blesses particular individuals in extraordinary ways. However, there is another way to look at this. Perhaps it is the openness and depth of surrender of these particular individuals that determine the extraordinary way grace is at work in their lives. In other words, I believe that God wants to use us in ways beyond our understanding and expectation. The problem is that we are not willing to surrender our lives to His will sufficiently.   Sirach 47:2-11 2 Like the choice fat of the sacred offerings, so was David in Israel. 3 He made sport of lions as though they were kids, and of bears, like lambs of the flock. 4 As a youth he slew the giant and wiped out the people’s disgrace, when his hand let fly the slingstone that crushed the pride of Goliath. 5 Since he called upon the Most High God, who gave strength to his right arm to defeat the skilled warrior and raise up the might of his people, 6 Therefore the women sang his praises, and ascribed to him tens of thousands. When he assumed the royal crown, he battled 7 and subdued the enemy on every side. He destroyed the hostile Philistines and shattered their power till our own day. 8 With his every deed he offered thanks to God Most High, in words of praise. With his whole being he loved his Maker and daily had his praises sung. He set singers before the altar and by their voices he made sweet melodies. 9 He added beauty to the feasts and solemnized the seasons of each year 10 So that when the Holy Name was praised, before daybreak the sanctuary would resound. 11 The Lord forgave him his sins and exalted his strength forever; he conferred on him the rights of royalty and established his throne in Israel.   P S A L M   Psalm 18:31, 47, 50, 51 R: Blessed be God my salvation! 30 [31] God’s way is unerring, the promise of the Lord is fire-tried; he is a shield to all who take refuge in him. (R) 46 [47] The Lord live! And blessed be my Rock! Extolled be God my savior. (R) 49 [50] Therefore will I proclaim you, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing praise to your name. (R) 50 [51] You who gave great victories to your king and showed kindness to your anointed, to David and his posterity forever. (R)   GOSPEL   This is a horrible story to reflect upon in that John’s beheading is the result of a woman’s anger who was chastised because of sin. It is an ugly reflection of where sin leads if we do not cut it off when we can. The longer we play around with sin, the greater the danger we will find ourselves in. Sin is a horrible way to express our love for God – it is the antithesis of love.   GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.   Mark 6:14-29 14 King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” 17 Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 20 Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. 21 Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” 23 He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 26 The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. 27 So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.   think: God wants to use us in ways beyond our understanding and expectation. The problem is that we are not willing to surrender our lives to His will sufficiently. John 19-21 T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________   _______________________________________________________   God’s special verse/thought for me today________________ _________________________________________________________   READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Acts 17-20   LIST Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top SABBATH   TAKING OUR PICK AMONG GREAT MEN   Our liturgy for today presents to us various men whom we can hold as paragons of virtue and value. Whether it is King David (as praised in the book of Sirach in the First Reading), or John the Baptizer (as narrated in the Gospel), or Saints Blaise or Ansgar (from the optional liturgical memorials of today) — they all deserve our admiration and emulation. The diversity among such men gives us more access and possibility to venerate and imitate them. David was of royalty while John the Baptist was like a revolutionary in the desert. St. Blaise was a bishop in Armenia while St. Ansgar evangelized the Scandinavian countries. This variety only shows that righteousness and holiness know no bounds, and that the call to holiness is for all, regardless of state of life, social ranking, ethnicity, etc. It’s as though we can take our pick! In the end, it all redounds to God’s greatness and glory, anyway. As our Responsorial Psalm today puts it, “The Lord lives! And blessed be my Rock! Extolled be God my savior... You who gave great victories to your king and showed kindness to your anointed...” Having such brilliant models is reason enough to praise and magnify Him: “Therefore I will proclaim you, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing your praise to your name.” Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB   REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Who among the saints do you want to imitate? Which of their virtues do you want to develop in your life?   Lord Jesus, grant me perseverance to pursue a life of holiness in the midst of sinfulness around me. Amen.   Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top

Do You Want Your Friend To Receive This Email? Friend's Email: 1.  KERYGMA TV now airs every Sunday at 8 a.m. on IBC 13. 2.  The FEAST is the one of the happiest places on earth. Find one near you! PICC Sunday (3 sessions) 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PICC, Roxas Blvd.   Pasig Sunday (2 sessions) 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Valle Verde Country Club (beside The ULTRA)   Quezon City ( 2 sessions) Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 12 n.n. Convention Hall, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Visayas Ave., Q.C. Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. GT-Toyota Asian Center, Magsaysay St. cor. Katipunan Ave.   Alabang (4 sessions) Sunday       11:00 a.m - 12:30 p.m.          1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.          4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.   Wednesday  7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   2/L X-site Entrance, Festival Mall, Alabang  Tel. No. 659-8299                        Laguna Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 12 n.n. Cinema 1, SM City Sta. Rosa, Laguna   Cavite Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Cinema 5, Robinson's Mall, Imus, Cavite   Taytay (2 sessions) Sunday  8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.             10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Valley Fair Arcade, Ortigas Ext. Taytay, Rizal Valenzuela Sunday 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cinema 1, SM Valenzuela, Valenzuela Contact no. 09175789554   Ortigas (2 sessions) Monday 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cinema 3, Robinsons Galleria, F. Ortigas Ave., Pasig City   Makati (2 sessions) Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. AIM Conference Center, Benavidez cor Paseo de Roxas Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon Cinema 2, Makati Square   Manila (2 sessions) Friday, 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m             7:00 p.m.. - 10:00 p.m. Cinema 4, SM Manila (near City Hall), Manila              Marilao (3 sessions) Friday  5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Barcelona Academy, Marilao, Bulacan Saturday, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.                7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cinema 2, SM Marilao, Bulacan    Sucat Friday 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Cinema 2, SM Sucat   Baliuag Saturday 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cinema 4, SM Baliuag, Bulacan Contact no. 09175332756/2920044   Cardona Saturday 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Queen Mary Help of Christians Hospital, National Road, Calahan, Cardona Bonifacio Global City Saturday 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mercato Centrale, 8th Ave. cor 34th St. BGC   Antipolo Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Eduardo's Taptapan Restaurant Circumferential Road Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City CEBU Tuesday 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. CAP Auditorium, Cebu City Contact nos. 4128142/09212413801/09232908009   DAVAO  Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 4/L Alexian Brothers Health and Wellness Center, Matina, Davao City Contact nos. 0822865081/0922251822  3. Need Counseling?  Call a friend for counseling at  09228407031, 7266728, 7264709, and 7259999 Mon-Fri 24-hrs, Sat 6am-5pm, Sun 6am-10am.  4. Free Kerygma Magazine (the one on paper) from Bo. If you're a KerygmaFamily member who regularly supports this ministry with at least P300 or US$20 a month - you'll be receiving a one-year subscription of the KerygmaMagazine in the mail-automatically! If you haven't signed up for KerygmaFamily, join now! http://www.kerygmafamily.com 5. Its now easy to DONATE using the new GlobeTelecom GCASH at http://kerygmafamily.com. 6. DONATE using SMART MONEY - type KFAM_amount and send to 270 7. Put Preacher in Blue Jeans in your Blog or Friendster! Just copy the text in under next to the EMBED keyword under the video. Just like YOUTUBE! 8. Did you receive this email from someone else? To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await. 9. To change your KerygmaFamily member/email settings. Please click here 10. To enter the Audio & Video Teachings, Please click here 11. Forward these to your friends - so they too can read God's Word and be invited to join the KerygmaFamily. They'll Thank you for opening this mountain of blessings to them! 12. Contact Person: Tina   (+632) 9312711 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (+632) 9312711      end_of_the_skype_highlighting    or   + 639178424101 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              + 639178424101      end_of_the_skype_highlighting    or support@kerygmafamily.com

Lordie, God's Message For You Today, February 2, 2012

Daily Bible Reflections for February 2, 2012 Dear Lordie, Follow Him all the way this Thursday. Praying for you, Bo Sanchez PS. Do you live in the Philippines? Sign up for Bo's weekly  cellphone message. This is FREE. (That is why you have to live in the Philippines to sign up for this service.) Text:   BOSEZ_<your full name>_ <your email address> and send to any of the following numbers: Globe (09178494444); Smart (09088949999); Sun (09228945555) And you'll start receiving Bo's inspiring message to encourage you, guide you, and bless your week.   2 February Thursday TODAY'S READINGS: DIDACHE | COMPANION | SABBATH DIDACHE   Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 92.5 PERCENT   “He will come to judge like one who refines and purifies silver.” – Malachi 3:3   I craft religious themed fashion accessories using semi-precious stones. The accents I use are silver beads, spacers, charms and pendants. Many of these I buy in supply stores in Quiapo. The pieces I make are not spectacularly unique because other crafters use them. The thin silver coating also fades or chips in time, exposing the plastic or low quality metal underneath. To fashion one-of-a-kind, high quality pieces, I use sterling silver accents. I get them from a silver jewelry export company. They are not found in the local market. Some are even custom-made for me. Although they tarnish in time, a dab of silver polish brings back the luster because they’re 92.5 percent silver. At the end of our lives, we will be judged like these silver accents. Will we be deemed silver-plated — a person with a thin veneer of goodness overlaid on a selfish, sinful core? Or will we be deemed sterling silver — an extraordinary life refined by the fires of sacrifice, love and mercy; strengthened by an alloy of prayer and service? May we allow the Lord to purify usuntil we are sterling like silver. Lella Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com) 2 REFLECTION: Do I look at my trials as burdens or as character-forming opportunities?   Father, cleanse me from all the impurities that tarnish my soul.   St. Joan de Lestonnac, pray for us.   Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top COMPANION   1st READING   I wonder what we all understand by the term “covenant.” A covenant is normally a two-way commitment made between individuals or communities/ corporations. An example of this is marriage. The covenant God makes with His people is both similar and dissimilar. God does all the work of salvation and our contribution is really only gratitude for what has been done for us. It is in no way a relationship between equals. God gives us the gift of salvation – we respond to the gift.   Malachi 3:1-4 1 Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. 3 He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord. 4 Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.   P S A L M   Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10 R: Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord! 7 Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! (R) 8 Who is this king of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. (R) 9 Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! (R) 10 Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts; he is the king of glory. (R)   2ND READING   Jesus’ experience of temptation must have been real or this text is lying to us. Jesus, in His time in the desert and in many other instances of His life and ministry, experienced the attraction and seduction of temptation. He knows from experience what we have to deal with. This is good for us to know as we can look to the example of His life for the means to overcome temptation.   Hebrews 2:14-18 14 Since the children share in blood and flesh, he likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. 16 Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; 17 therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.   GOSPEL   Jesus does not place Himself outside the Law. He is not an anarchist. Neither should we be anarchists. The law is important for the smooth functioning of human society, and to ensure there is a means by which people will be justly treated. Yes, there are loopholes in this system, not the least of which is the better access the rich have. The only consolation here is that those who have been given more will be expected to share more with others.   GOSPEL ACCLAMATION A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.   Luke 2:22-40 22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, 24 and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 — and you yourself a sword will pierce — so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.   think: God does all the work of salvation and our contribution is really only gratitude for what has been done for us.   T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________   _______________________________________________________   God’s special verse/thought for me today________________ _________________________________________________________   READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Acts 17-20   PSALM TODAY’S BLESSING LIST   Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top SABBATH   LIGHTBEARERS LIKE MARY   Flashback: Jubilee Year 2000, February 2. It was a beautiful and sunny morning, on the tail end of the winter season. There I was, so blessed to be able to attend and participate in the Pontifical Mass in St. Peter’s Square on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. It was the Jubilee for the Consecrated Life. It was probably the single largest gathering of religious sisters, priests and brothers ever. I will forever be grateful for the chance to take part in it. But apart from the numbers and the solemn rituals during that singular event, let’s not forget that the Feast of the Presentation is also a Marian celebration. Even if it focuses on Jesus as a child, there is an unmistakable Marian and Filipino character to it. In fact, this happens to be the feast as well of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. The term has something to do with candles, and this is because of the special ceremony preceding the Holy Mass on this feast today. The famous statue in Jaro, Iloilo, in fact, depicts our Blessed Mother also holding a candle with her right hand. The lighted candle reminds us today of the One who came to be the Light of the world — the light of those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and a revelation for the people of God and for all the nations. As a person consecrated to God through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, a religious sister, brother and priest are “candle holders” as well. They bear the light of Christ, letting it shine through a world still perhaps in darkness. Say a special prayer today for all religious men and women all over the country, all over the world. May our Blessed Mother herself be their guide.  Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB   REFLECTION QUESTION: Remember five religious men and women who have touched your life and say a prayer for them.   Father, I commend to You all religious men and women all over the world. May Your light continue to shine through them. Amen.   Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top

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