TOTD, September 29

Judge Two persons enter the same restaurant. One is wearing such a simple t-shirt and short pants, not branded ones. The waiter looks down on him, afraid that he doesn’t have enough money to pay. While the other one is wearing branded stuffs. From head to toe. All international designers labels. The waiter serves him in a very different way compared with the first customer. We often act like the waiter. We often judge people from their appearance only. But many times we’re wrong. If only the waiter know that the first person is richest person in town trying to get out of his lavishness of life by making a different appearance to public… He’s getting sick of the media and the lack of privacy, that's why he’s doing some ‘disguise’ thing, what would the waiter do? If only the waiter know that the second person is a con man, a person who has all of the branded things by doing evil things: cheating, credit card fraud, etc, what will he do? Too many times we judge only on the appearance…Do not judge or measure too much… We’ll be ashamed if at the end we know that we’re so wrong. (-fon-) For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. --- Matthew 7:2

TOTD, September 28

He’s not One of Us

Maybe, we’ve acted like what John did by saying to Jesus in our prayers, “ Jesus, I saw a man do this and do that in your name, but I told him to stop, because he’s not one of us.”

One of us, is that really matter? Today the homily at the church reminded me that there are a lot of denominations of Christianity out there. Not to mention other religion which is also based on love and is actively involved in social activities, such as orphanage, mass kitchen, elderly home, etc. Mass kitchen is a place where everyone can have something to eat there despite the race or religion. Let them do the good things as well and don’t see it in a cynical way even though he/she’s not one of us.

The question is, can we-the disciple of Christ- also have a Christ-like heart? Who doesn’t judge easily? And have the big heart to accept that we need to make ourselves grow in being more compassionate and full of love even to the strangers? While writing about this, I suddenly remember Mother Theresa of Calcutta… God, give us a heart like Mother Theresa who can give ministries to all the people who need help despite the race of religion. Let the world see that we got Christ's love in every act that we do (-fon-)

"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."

"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.

--- Mark 9:38-48

TOTD, September 26-27

Through Adversity with God

No one wants adversity. Nobody wants hardship. But, if they come into our life, how can we manage to handle them? Here’s a very inspiring story from Singapore:

Former teacher Carolyn Lim, 30, was struck by lightning while windsurfing three years ago. Her injuries left her unable to speak, walk and write but did not rob her of her determination or courage to live. Not only did she wrok hard to regain her speech and motor skills, she also completed her postgraduate degree in education and got married to the boyfriend who stood by her. Next month, she will be releasing her book Making Pink Lemonade, which chronicles her fight against adversity.

(The Strait Times, Saturday September 26, 2009)

I could say proudly, even though the life that we’re facing is full of adversities, don’t be afraid. We got God, He will help us and walk with us through adversities. He is faithful in accompanying us each day. Thank You, God! (-fon-)

O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them

--- Isaiah 30:19-20

Rewards

I just got an email from Bo Sanchez’s new motivational quotes web/mailing list, very inspiring, want to share with you all:

Dear Fonny, Don't give up. Life rewards those who persevere.I promise you that if you don't give up, ultimately, you will find that open door. It has been waiting for you. Your Door Opener,God P.S. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Fonny , I made you tough (God’s Whispers Club – Bo Sanchez new motivational quotes).

Nope, we’re not looking for rewards. But for those who persevere, life will give them rewards. As long as we got faith, we’ll see that God will open new doors while the others are closed. Things won’t be easy, but He will make us tough. Just stay in confidence, just keep the faith and it will be richly rewarded in His perfect time. (-fon-)

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

--- Hebrews 10:35

TOTD, September 25

Persevere to Receive His Promises

In faith we believe that if we do the will of God and do it with all our heart, we will receive what He has promised in His time. Without a doubt, we need to maintain our level of confidence in Him. Perseverance will bring us to glory as long as we’re in His track. (-fon-)

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised

--- Hebrews 10:35-36

TOTD, September 22-24

Through It All

Tonight, as I sing this song, I want to share with all of you, friends:

I will sing to You, Lord
A hymn of love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all (Through It All- Hillsongs)

His arms will always carry us and never let us go. His faithfulness reaches to the skies. He’ll never let us go, through it all. (-fon-)

For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

--- Psalm 108:4

Young People

"Lastly, it is to you, young men and women of the world, that the Council wishes to address its final message. For it is you who are to receive the torch from the hands of your elders and to live in the world at the period of the most gigantic transformations ever realized in its history. It is you who receiving the best of the example of the teaching of your parents and your teachers, are to form the society of tomorrow. (MESSAGE OF THE II VATICAN COUNCIL TO YOUTH, December 7, 1965).

It’s amazing to read the writings of the Late Pope, John Paul II. He had young people at his heart. And He saw the importance of the young people’s role to form the society of tomorrow.

Never underestimate yourself even though you’re young. Even the Bible reminds us that God will pour His spirit on all His people. The sons and daughters will prophesy and young men will see visions. He also put the young men’s role in such an important way. Even though we’re young, we can do lot of things to build this world for a better life. For a better future. Amen. (-fon-)

In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.

--- Acts 2:17

Rejoice with Him

God wants us to know that He is glad and rejoice with all of us. And He asks us to be glad and rejoice with Him. So, put aside your problems, take them to Him and try to enjoy this life. Rejoice with Him! (-fon-)

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

--- Philippians 2:17-18

TOTD, September 18-21

Abundant Showers

According to the Bible, the Lord our God has given us the autumn rains in righteousness. He also sends us abundant showers in this life, both autumn and spring rains, as before. So, with His faithfulness, we need not be afraid. Just rejoice, He will shower us with His Love abundantly. (-fon-)

Be glad, O people of Zion,

rejoice in the LORD your God,
for he has given you
the autumn rains in righteousness.
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.

--- Joel 2:23

Sunday Reflection by Fr. Gerry Keane, SJ

Peter thought he had “got it” where his companions came up short. Christ for them was just another at those mighty characters from biblical history. But in a flash of inspiration, in which revelation is found, Peter saw the truth as no other. Suddenly he experienced a clear conviction of mind and heart that Christ was the “ Son of the living God” – the unique Saviour of the world.

A few moments later Peter was being termed as a ‘satan’ – an enemy of the truth. His consolation was snuffed out with a reminder of that cranky and unpopular reality – the ever present and redeeming cross. Why this unpleasant and mysteriously necessary phenomenon? This we will never understand but will reluctantly admit that we sense its inevitable place in life. Christ may well be the Saviour of the world. But did He have to be so in the manner He chose?

Only love can provide us with the answer as Peter learned when his later threefold confession of singular love was demanded of him. Perhaps what we all need to pray for is a belief in love and the courage to trust in what we are really innerly convinced of – that love is ultimately all that matters, because it makes all things possible.

(Mark 8: 27-35)

Abba, We Pray…

ABBA, give me the grace
to invite others to your banquet.
Help me always to deepen
my understanding of the gospel of your Son.
Grant me the wisdom
to judge myself rightly
and to challenge others compassionately.
Amen.

- Christopher Maricle
The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits (source: The Upper Room’s website)

So, Abba Father, these are our prayers. I’m sure you’re listening, because you are Abba, Father. (-fon-)

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."

--- Galatians 4:6

Dreams and Visions

he said, "Listen to my words:
"When a prophet of the LORD is among you,
I reveal myself to him in visions,
I speak to him in dreams.

--- Numbers 12:6

When the Lord spoke to the Prophets, He will reveal Himself in visions and speak in their dreams. That’s according to the book of Number. But today, as we keep on pursuing our dreams and need to develop visions in this life, we can ask for His guidance. Here’s a good short article about dreams and visions:

CHRIST, MY SERVANT LORD, I seek to do your will, yet I am so often discouraged by what I see and what I know. What I experience often beats me down, driving out my joy and dreams and even the sight of you. But your faithful Spirit dwells with me, stirring my heart and my mind. And so I pray that you who are the Dreamer, the Joy, and the Hope of the Ages would sow in me dreams and visions of what is yet to be, that what is may never so fill my seeing that I am unable to see you, so conquer my knowing that I cease to know you, or so paralyze my doing that I fail to serve you. Amen.

- Minerva G. Carcaño
Rhythm & Fire: Experiencing the Holy in Community and Solitude (source: the Upper Room’s website).

He will sow us dreams and visions through the faithful Spirit. We need to trust Him more. (-fon-)

TOTD, September 17

Who is Wise and Understanding?

The bible reminds us that whoever is wise and understanding in this life must show it by a good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.
Becoming a wise and understanding person is not easy, but it’s not impossible either. Let’s start becoming a wiser person and a more understanding one. Let’s start it now.
(-fon-)

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
--- James 3:13

TOTD, September 16

The Lord Do Not Change

In just a few weeks, I’ll experience another change. Changing country somehow is a big thing. It will never be easy since there’ll be a lot of adjustments to make. The mixed up feelings like a little bit of worried while at the same time exciting as well fill my heart.
Changes can’t be avoided anyway, so I decided to face it bravely with God. I believe that God will never change. So, whatever the changes that I’m going to face, I’ll try to be more relax because the never-changing God is with me. Everywhere I go, every step I make, He’ll guide me. Amen. (-fon-)

"I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.
--- Malachi 3:6

TOTD, September 15

Mary’s Songs

This song is forever. This song isn’t only in the top chart of top 40 in MTV or any other musical media. This song of Mary has shown us her humbleness, her faith in God, and her act of surrender. Let’s listen and pray along as we go through each verse of it…
(-fon-)

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
--- Luke 1: 46-44

TOTD, September 14

Undivided Heart

Right now it’s not easy to focus on Jesus, Samuel Mulia in his article in Kompas today has written that he has seen so many things inside the church. From person who’s busy with his Blackberry all the time until another person who’s just came in for a second to the church and then suddenly went out to talk to his friends outside. Chit chat and kept on talking.

I’m just wondering, is it so hard to concentrate on Jesus even though for one hour or maximum 1.5 hours each week on Sunday Mass? If we find it difficult, how about the rest of our life? Is it so easy to distract us from our focus on God? Can we have an undivided heart? A heart that’s really focus on Jesus alone…
And let’s start it in our prayers, mass, or other religious programs. It’s all about Jesus and not about us. Give us undivided hearts, O Lord! (-fon-)

Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
--- Psalm 86:11

TOTD, September 13

Fruit Paradise

Just came back from Orchard Road. One of the new mall there got this Fruit Paradise outlet. This outlet sells fruit tarts. Very interesting and looks yummy. You can have the blueberry, grapes, mango, orange, banana pie. The fruits are very fresh and even though some of the comments I read in the internet shows that many people don’t like the cream inside of it, but at least people will just take a look at it and eventually buy it, because of its appearance.

Now, talking about the fruit of the Spirit. It contains love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and goodness. Also faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How can we make other people see the fruits inside of us as something good? How can we make our life as a fruit paradise. Fruit of the spirit’s paradise which can show other people that we are really God’s disciples.
Let’s try to make our life as a fruit paradise! Fruitful in the Spirit to bless others, to bless this life. (-fon-)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
--- Galatians 5:22-23

TOTD, September 12

Help from the Lord

Sometimes in desperate times, we really need someone to help us. But not all of the time that special someone is available. Your husband is on business trip, your wife is in the middle of picking your daughter from school, your best friend is in the middle of meeting, everyone is in the middle of something.
But, the good thing is we can get help from our Lord. He’s online for 24 hours, His hotline service is always available through prayers. Then, if we just believe in Him, He’ll send someone- somewhere – somehow, to come to our way. He’s able to do that. He’s the Maker of heaven and earth! (-fon-)

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth
--- Psalm 121:1-2

TOTD, September 11

His Faithfulness is Amazing

Do you have a best friend in this life? Few best friends maybe? Well, your best friends will definitely stay with you and stick with you even in the midst of joy or sorrow. They are faithful friends.
Talking about God, our Lord, His faithfulness is even more. His Faithfulness is like no other. Amazing!
He will accompany us in this journey of life, until the end of time. Until we’re old and having gray hairs, He’ll be there. And moreover, He’ll be there until eternity. He will carry us, sustain us, and rescue us.
Let’s celebrate each day as an adding up to His faithful days in our journey of life.
(-fon-)

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
--- Isaiah 46:4

TOTD, September 10

Self-Controlled

When we’re young, we tend to be a bit reckless. It’s often hard to maintain self-control.
The Bible reminds us to be self-controlled, even though we’re young. Hopefully we can maintain it until we’re old.
Let’s pray to God and ask Him to guide us to control ourselves. (-fon-)

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good
--- Titus 2:6-7

TOTD, September 09

Salvation

Salvation from God is special, because He sent His only Son to save us, the sinners.
And that’s why we need to delight in Him, rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed us with the garments of salvation. (-fon-)

I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels
--- Isaiah 61:10

TOTD, September 08

Alienated

I just remember an old song from Sting, titled English Man in New York, here’s part of the lyrics:

I don't drink coffee I take tea my dear
I like my toast done on one side
And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
I'm an Englishman in New York

See me walking down Fifth Avenue
A walking cane here at my side
I take it everywhere I walk
I'm an Englishman in New York

I'm an alien I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York
I'm an alien I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York


Even an English man could feel that he’s an alien in another country like US.
How about the alien (refers to alienated) version of the bible itself? The bible said that we’re alienated from God and enemies in our minds because of our evil behavior. But once we’ve reconciled by Christ’s, we don’t need to feel like an alien. Don’t feel that you’re alienated from God, because Jesus has given His life in order for us to be free without blemish and reconcile with God. Thank you, Jesus! (-fon-)

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation
--- Colossians 1:21-22

TOTD, September 05-07

Your Faith Has Healed You

Faithless, scared, worried. Maybe that was your previous condition or your present one. All you can do is just think and think, without getting any solution. Maybe it’s about sickness, maybe it’s about financial problem, maybe it’s about finding someone special in your life.
Without faith, it’s hard for us to carry on joyfully in this life. So, let’s brace ourselves, be strong, and ask for more faith in Him. Hopefully we can get the faith like a lady from Matthew 9:22, so that Jesus can say, “ Your faith has healed you.” (-fon-)

Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
--- Matthew 9:22

Don’t be Lazy!
One Sunday morning, maybe you’re too lazy to go to church. You’ve had a party on the day before, and you think that you might want to sleep some more. But then, the voice in your heart keeps telling you to go to church and finally the voice won! You go to church.
Once you’re there, you see this lady, old-with the help of her helper- and more importantly she’s on a wheel-chair, is concentrating on her prayers. Then, suddenly you feel ashamed of yourself. Even in such condition, the lady is still going to church diligently. While you’re in a very healthy and normal condition forget or neglect to do so.
The bible reminds us not to be lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what he has been promised.
Well, laziness could affect many areas of our life, to stop it we need to say No, do something good and fight it. Yes, laziness will come and go and it’s very normal, but we need to stay in a better attitude. Set aside the laziness, change it into diligent attitude. (-fon-)
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
--- Hebrews 6:12

Sunday Reflection by Fr. Gerry Keane, SJ
*** taken from St. Ignatius Church Singapore

How much we need our senses to be educated. “ Lord that I may see” is not necessarily the prayer at the physically blind alone. The eye can be greedy, envious, cynical and a host of other attitudes blinding it from the truth.
How much do I understand of the spoken word? How much of the other is gathered in the gaps between their spoken words? And when I speak what truth is expressed in the process? How much of the real me is expressed in my language? And what of touch? Is there healing, life-giving, as there was in Christ, in my hands and my embrace?
Where and how do I find beauty? Is it more available and obvious in the gilted “Celeb” than it isn in the despised and marginalized rag and bone man? Which would I more readily invite to dinner?
Today’s readings make for a humbling examination of conscience. Rarely do I consider my senses as windows of the soul. Windows that are in sad need of regular cleaning to admit and reflect the beauty of God’s word and, above all, to show me the inner loveliness of the unattractive poor. For them I can find compassion because I find my own poverty in the abuse of my senses.

Readings: Is 35: 4-7a, Jas 2: 1-5, and Mk 7:31-37

TOTD, September 04

He Will Teach and Direct Us


Don’t know what to do, don’t know where to go?
Don’t worry, our God is an awesome God who is able to teach us and direct us in the way we should go.
Sometimes we feel helpless or hopeless, only to find that if He has something planned beautifully for us, He will empower us. Not only that, He’ll also teach us and direct us all the time. He’s our God. Thanks be to God. (-fon-)

This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
--- Isaiah 48:17

TOTD, September 03

Firm Pillars

Today when I read the status of my friends in Jakarta through Facebook, I can see that they’re trembling, shaking, due to the earth quake. Lots of stories behind it, lots of things happened within that period of time. My deepest sympathy for the victims, who lost their life, who lost their houses, who lost something in this disaster.

Earth quake is unavoidable, it will come some day in parts of this world. But the Psalm gave us assurance, even though the earth and all its people quake, it is God who hold its pillars firm. We should be thankful to have such firm pillars in Him.
(-fon-)


When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
--- Psalm 75:2-4

TOTD, September 01

Our Lord is Great

Our Lord is great, amazing, awesome. The Psalm has shown us that He is the King above all gods. In His hands are the depths of the earth, the mountain peaks belong to him, the sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
He can do all things. In Him all things are possible. Without Him, we’re nothing. So, let’s be thankful for Him. And turn to no other, just turn to Him. No need to find psychic, fortune teller, or some magical things to secure your future. You are safe in His hands.
(-fon-)

For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
--- Psalm 95:3-5

TOTD, September 02

Shine!

What do we need for life?
According to the bible, His divine power has given us everything we need for life. We need to develop more knowledge of Him so that we can imitate His goodness, kindness, and glory.
Let’s shine in this world! Shine in the power of God. (-fon-)

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
--- 2 Peter 1:3