FAMILY RESEMBLANCE

Cherilyn was adopted by her uncle when she was little. Her aunt and her uncle have children of their own. As the adopted one, Cherilyn suffered much from her mom. She saw discrimination from the start. She had to do the household chores, and everything they said she had to do.

As the obedient child, her mom finally saw Cherilyn’s worth. She was the one who grew up straight. Her other kids had messed up lives. She was the one who resembled them in many ways. She carries the same values that they have. The 2 of them became inseparable. In fact, her mom forbid her from getting married. She was the one who took care of her when she got sick. She was also working that time, so she could not do it 24/7. She asked the help of her sister, but she regretted it because according to her, her condition deteriorated when she took care of their mom. She died eventually, and Cherilyn is now married but no child yet.

My friends, today’s reading talk about how the Jews gloated about being descendants of Abraham. Yes, they were direct descendants of Abraham. But the family resemblance stopped there. They behaved differently from Abraham. They were so consumed with their status that they forgot they got it because of Abraham’s faith. They took pride in teaching the Torah to every Jewish child, but they failed to abide by and live it. By uplifting tradition, they missed the core of God’s message – love to all mankind.

They failed to honor and serve God as Abraham did. Abraham’s obedience to God was credited to him as righteousness, thereby God promised him descendants as many as the stars in the sky. That does not mean only the people of Israel, but everyone to the ends of the earth who would believe in God’s only begotten Son Jesus, and who will abide by Him. That was the purpose of Jesus’ birth. To bring salvation to all.

We do not hesitate to say we are Christians. But do we have a family resemblance? Do other people see Christ in us when they need help? Do we condemn our family and friends when they fall, or do we help them get back up? Do we add to gossip or do we bite our tongues? Do we offer a shoulder to cry on or do we say “I told you so”? Do we extend help when needed, or do we turn our back and walk away? Do we say words that damage our kids’ self-esteem or do we say things that would build them up? Do we have kind words come out of our mouth or curse and foul language adorn our every sentence?

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the Lent Season only has a week and 4 days to go before we celebrate Easter Sunday. Before we can see the beauty of Easter, we need to see the importance of pain and suffering Jesus had to endure for our sake. He died on the cross for our sins.

I feel guilty everytime I fall that I add more weight to the cross of Christ. But you know what? Our Lord is a forgiving, merciful God. He remembers our sins no more (Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 10:17). If we are truly Christians as we profess, then isn’t it just right that we show family remembrance by loving others, especially the poor, the sick and the needy; by forgiving those who hurt us bad just as the Father has forgiven ALL of our sins?

Brothers and sisters, let us take time to know the Lord by reading His word and listening to Him through others. When we know who He is, then we would become free from the bondage of sin. When we know that we are forgiven and free, then our hearts will transform. As we grow in our faith, the Spirit will lead us to the truth and then day by day, we would be able to show the family remembrance with God who created us in His image and likeness.

O Merciful Father, I am nothing but a sinner but I know I am forgiven through Jesus’ selfless sacrifice. Change my heart so that I may I be able to show the same mercy and love to those who need them today and everyday for the rest of my life. Amen.

MEDITATION: John 8:31-42

 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

³³ They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

³⁷ “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. ³⁸ I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.”

³⁹ They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.”

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. ⁴⁰ But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. ⁴¹ You do the deeds of your father.”

Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”

⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.

–that in all things God may be glorified

FAITH FOOTPRINT

I first read this quote at the bulletin board of Delgado Bldg. when I was working at Fil-japan Shipping Corporation:

” I shall pass this way but once; any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show – let me not defer nor neglect it,for I shall not pass this way again. “

It really made a great impact on me. I have been trying to do good already, but this one says any kindness that I can show. Single and just graduated from an elite college for girls, I had the tendency to be a snob to people I do not know or like. I remember those who do not know the real me branding me as “masungit” (mean), “suplada” (snobbish) and unreachable.

Those who like me would tell you I am the sweetest person there is. In fact, they would not believe you if I was described as one of those three. Truth of the matter is, I was and still am capable of both. In fact, we all are.

It all boils down to a matter of choice. I remember my parents accommodating everybody who ask for their help, beggars would find a place in our table, vendors would be invited to eat in our house. I grew up in that environment, but still my “collegiala” status would get the better of me. Honestly, I thought I was better than most people. I had too many suitors, most of who didn’t even have the chance to say something and the answer’s been a big NO already. I had seamen on-the-job trainee suitors but I would not even consider them. I felt they were not good enough for me. One of them is a sea captain now.

The most important things of this life, I have learned the hard way. God has been teaching me things through trials, sufferings and blessings. There is always a time and a reason for everything. We may not understand the reasons, but surely, it is for our own good.

It was later on in my walk with Christ that I realize how wrong I was. No one is better than anybody. We are all equal in God’s eyes. He created all of us, the same sun and moon shine and the rains fall on the good and the bad. That is how much God loves everybody. He offer the same saving grace to each and everyone.

I have learned that our education, position, social stature, wealth, fame and fortune are God’s gifts to us, never to be used to look down on people, but to help and show God’s love and mercy towards others. Apart from God, we are nothing. We are only able to do things because God allows us to. The job that we have is God-given. All the money we have, the cars, properties, businesses, they are all from God. Yet, we are very stingy when we have to give back to God through church offerings and helping other people. We do not realize that what we have do not really belong to us. We are just stewards, caretakers.

What is more important, my friends is doing what the Lord wants. There may not be angels appearing before us today, but we have the bible as our guide. It is very clear that sacrifices and offerings are not what God desires, but obedience.

Today’s reading tells us about Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. He, a carpenter, an ordinary person, was chosen to be the father of God. A man of a lesser stature and faith would have backed out and left Mary, Mary would have been stoned to death as that was the punishment she deserved according to the laws of that time. Jesus would not have been born.

My friends, the Lord does not choose educated, famous and wealthy people for special missions. He always chose the unknowns, because He looks not at the appearance as man does, but He looks at the heart. David was a young, unassuming shepherd. God made him a king. Abraham was chosen to be the Father of many nations, because of his obedience to God, which was credited to him as righteousness. Those were their faith footprints.

With this, I want to leave you all a challenge and a question. Any good that you can do, do it now. For we may not pass this way again. What is your faith footprint?

Father God, we thank you for our faith models like Abraham, David and Joseph, Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa. Help us to realize that you choose ordinary people to do extraordinary things for your kingdom and I can do something as well. Teach me, mold me, guide me, let your Spirit lead me to the truth. Amen.

Meditation: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him

–that in all things God may be glorified

GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW YOU

I turned 45 last Friday, March 15^th. The day before, we signed the agreement for the 7.9 acres of land adjacent to ours that we bought. At work, about 3:00 p.m. on my birthday I was called to the Store Manager’s office and was offered a Back-up Manager position; no salary increase yet but I will be provided training and more options on the Telxon which will make me more qualified to fill up a Department Manager’s position when one becomes available. 

We had a blast at John and mine's joint birthday party last night. I had to work and my good friends cooked for me. When I came home, all I had to do was to change my clothes and eat. There were lots of food and loads of fun. Good friends came to share the day with us. I cannot thank God enough for the many wonderful blessings He bestow. 

Even though I was dead tired last night, God made me see today’s devotion from WAU- my favorite Psalm (the 23^rd) and I was given a new insight to it. It was the first time that the focus was not on Jesus as my shepherd but the conclusion – GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

My friends, for 45 years, I am a living testimony of this verse. He has blessed me immensely, protected me and gave me a lot of life’s hard-earned lessons. To enumerate some, bear with me.

 When I was 2 years old, Daddy had a most pressing trial in his life and Mamang Pendie took us under his wings. I had 2 near fatal falls from our Indian mango trees when I was in grade school. I was given good Christian education. He made me attend high school and college in all-exclusive Catholic school for girls which solidified the Christian foundation laid for me by my mom and her mother, my Inay Salud.

When I was little, I had an almost drowning experience but I was delivered from it too. He gave me friends along the way, most of whom I am away from now but still in contact with. Time and space are not boundaries when it comes to friendship. God made me reconnect with them on Facebook.

I was blessed with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends who truly care for me. I may not be rich materially but they are my wealth. I was blessed with wonderful children and husband who may be difficult at times but who loves me anyway. 

I’ve had my share of fame. I was chosen as muse of the most prestigious club in our town when I was 16. I rubbed elbows with the rich and famous when I was working in the Philippines. I can say I have led a good life. I slept in five-star hotels, visited places. In fact, on Saturday, MJ and I together with good friends will leave for Washington DC.

I may not have fulfilled my dream of becoming a lawyer but He has blessed me with 2 college degrees, must have been 3 if I pursued my MBA. But I have also learned that degrees, fame, fortune, high position and properties do not not make you a better person. Apart from God, we are NOTHING!

He has taught me humility and patience through tribulations. I have learned that no amount of money in the world can make you happy. Peace, contentment and joy comes only in knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. There is no other way.

Yes, goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. They do even if you have not decided to follow the Lord yet. But it doubles if not triples as soon as you do. Am I saying you will not have problems or suffering if you do? I don’t. But there is peace and joy in knowing that we are never alone even if our spouse, children, parents, relatives and friends abandon or desert us. God is with us. He is goodness and mercy.

Lord God, maker of heaven and earth. I could never thank you enough for the gift of life, and for the gift of your son Jesus Christ who assured us that we can have life when this one is over. May I not defer from offering help when needed, may I continue to follow you and share your love with others any way I can. I know that only goodness and mercy shall follow me all the day of my life and I shall dwell in your house forever. Amen.  

Meditation: Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

--that in all things God may be glorified

THROUGH THE EYES OF GRACE

It is easy to say we love God and we believe in God. Anybody can say that. However, the way we conduct ourselves say more than what comes out of our lips. 

I encountered this true story last year. I could not remember if I heard it on the radio or read it in a book. But let me summarize it for you.

A Christian lady sought the advice of her spiritual director. She told him that she's been saved for a long time but something is still not right. She said she's been trying to walk the walk. She attends church regularly, give tithes, try to be nice to strangers and highly participate in socio-civic activities.

However, she said there is still something missing. When the spiritual director prodded her with questions, he was able to detect where the void was. Apparently. the lady had had a falling-out with her mother ten years ago and even though they've been in good terms already, she still held a grudge against her. She has not totally forgiven her in her heart.

She was counseled by her spiritual advisor to talk things over with her mother, tell her how she feels, just let it all out once and for all. She needed to forgive her totally, Then she had to ask for forgiveness for holding on to her unforgiveness for so long.

The lady prayed about it, did what she was advised to do, and she couldn't believe how things have changed. There were no more clouds in her horizon. She felt a big burden was lifted up and that felt so good. Her trip to the doctor even decreased dramatically.

My friends, unforgiveness can make us sick. When we hold on to the negative feelings, they permeate our system and so manifest themselves in illnesses. Most of what's wrong with us are psychosomatic.

When someone does us wrong and hurt us badly, our initial reaction was to get mad. Then we want to get even. Those very bad acts against us that we take to court, even if the prosecutor, judge and the jury say we need to have justice for closure, there is a very faint voice whispering to us "set it free!" 

True closure comes not in achieving justice the human way (a tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye [Matthew 5:38-39 ) but in forgiveness. I know it is not easy. In fact, that is the hardest thing to do. Everytime you see the person who did you wrong, you remember all the things that he or she did and then the pain becomes raw all over again.

But if you want to set yourself free from the prison of anger, rage and unforgiveness, you have to try harder. First, you can set aside your pain for a while and try to think of all the possible reasons why he or she acted that way. Trust me, if we look past our hurts, we will see that there is always a reason. 

Sometimes the reason is one that we can not understand, but let us go deeper than that. Persons who continually cause other people pain do so because they themselves were victims of painful circumstances, most probably in that crucial stage of self-esteem development that damaged their characters eventually. 

As our highest goal as Christians is to be like Jesus, we need to remind ourselves not of what Jesus would do but of what Jesus did in similar situations. He did not match their sneers with a sneer; He looked at them through the eyes of grace instead. Remember what He said when He was almost out of life in that cross? "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY WERE DOING" (Luke 23:34)

That statement is the truth. If they did, they would not have condemned Him to die on the cross. They were blinded by their greed, jealousy and hardened hearts.

So next time your blood is boiling just thinking of that person who's hurt you over and over again, make a mental note: I think he is more pitiful than I am because he is lost, confused and blinded.

Father, I was told to love my enemies and pray for my persecutors. I could not do it by myself for I am another sinful human being. Help me to love the unlovable, reach the unreachable and to do the impossible -- to FORGIVE. Amen."

Meditation: Matthew 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
“Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive him?
As many as seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.
That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who decided to settle accounts with his servants.
When he began the accounting,
a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.
Since he had no way of paying it back,
his master ordered him to be sold,
along with his wife, his children, and all his property,
in payment of the debt.
At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said,
‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’
Moved with compassion the master of that servant
let him go and forgave him the loan.
When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants
who owed him a much smaller amount.
He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,
‘Pay back what you owe.’
Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him,
‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’
But he refused.
Instead, he had him put in prison
until he paid back the debt.
Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened,
they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master
and reported the whole affair.
His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant!
I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,
as I had pity on you?’
Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers
until he should pay back the whole debt.
So will my heavenly Father do to you,
unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

--that in all things God may be glorified

JAVY — BETTER THAN MOST….

Javy was a healthy baby boy when he was born. After 2 years, he was diagnosed with some type of a seizure disorder. He was never the same anymore. His mental growth was repressed.

His parents, Donald and AnnaFe were sad about it but the Lord gave them strength. Anafe had to quit her job so she can be a hands-on mother. She gave Javy all the love he can get. So did Donald and their elder son Yuan.

Donald had to go overseas in order to earn more for his family. He wanted to be able to afford the best treatment for Javy. He has plans of getting them next year. But the Lord has another plan in mind. He called Javy back home today. He would have been 8 on the 10th this month.

To the human mind, it’s a pity that Javy had to have that condition, and that he passed away very young. I am sure everyone who saw him wished that life for him was different.

But you know what? Truth of the matter is — Javy’s life’s been better than yours and mine! Javy was SINLESS save for the original sin that he inherited from Adam and Eve. But that was gone, too! I attended Javy’s baptismal party.

Javy was pure, blameless and innocent. He is to be envied because He did not sin at all. No foul language ever escaped his mouth. He brought only joy and happiness to his family and those who love him.

I believe that when Javy passed on from this life to the next, He went straight into Jesus’ loving arms. He felt the ultimate love one can ever feel. And I can say without a doubt that he is 100% happy and truly home, praising God in heaven. He has no condition at all over there; he is healthy, happy and joyful. He is better than most if not all of us.

To all who love Javy, I issue this challenge. If you want to see Javy again, you better make sure that you are saved. Because only those who are saved can enter the Kingdom of God in heaven.  The same challenge goes to all who read this. If you want eternal joy and happiness and not fire and damnation, accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, repent of your sins and confess Jesus as the Lord of your life. The choice is yours.

Heavenly Father, author of life, we thank you for almost 8 years of having Javy with us. We praise Your holy name for the blessing of his condition which ensured that he was blameless in Your eyes. May you bring healing, strength and hope to all those who are greatly affected by Javy’s passing and may they realize how fortunate and blessed is he. Amen.

Meditation: Luke 18:15-17

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

– that in all things God may be glorified

GOD WILL MAKE IT RIGHT

I do not think highly of myself because I am but a sinner. But I know what I am capable of. God has blessed me with a quick mind and a lot more talents than I could ever ask for. And I acknowledge that I could not do anything without God, and that without Him, I am nothing.

I applied for a higher position in my job but I did not get it. Since I did not want to be jobless before Christmas, I accepted their offer even though it gave me a pay cut of $4.58 per hour. I work hard and I pick-up fast, so modesty aside, I feel it is unfair whenever I see those who got higher positions that look lost almost everyday because they do not know what they were doing. It feels funny for sometimes I have to show my bosses how to do things instead of the other way around.

But God has answered my silent questions in today’s reading. It shows how the poor and those who suffer are closest to God’s heart. Of all the parables Jesus told, this is the only one that He named a character – Lazarus. In the others, He called one a prodigal son, another a rich young man, the vineyard owner, the sower. All nameless.

So why was Lazarus very important? It’s because of who and what he symbolizes. A poor beggar, his life on earth was spent begging at the table of the rich man who couldn’t probably finish all the food laid on their tables. Yet, he couldn’t spare him a decent meal.

When they both died, Lazarus found solace at the bosom of Abraham while the rich man went to hell. God righted the injustice brought about by the rich man’s lack of love, mercy and compassion to a fellow in need. It surely would not hurt him to spare some to help Lazarus but he CHOSE not to.

This is a very important lesson Jesus wants to tell all of us. When God created the world, He meant for it to be a perfect one. But man sinned. That fall from grace cost us death. But Jesus paid for that with His own life. It is only but natural that we do good any way that we can. We should not just think of ourselves and how we could make money all the time. We must not turn our backs on those who need our help.

We have a duty as Christians to show love to EVERY human being within our reach that needs it.

Jesus looks at our HEART because to Him, LOVE is the most important thing. A whole chapter defined it and as the last verse of 1 Corinthians 13 says “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

I know that all the things that happen to my life have reasons, most of them I could not understand until He reveals them to me. But I have hope as I have faith in God’s love, whatever there are that to me seems so unfair right now, He will make it right in His time.

“Lord God in heaven, You are the fairest, loving God of all. Help us to understand that we may suffer injustice right now but You will make them right in the proper time. May we always thank You for the many many blessings we sometimes take for granted. In the mighty name of Jesus, with the Holy Spirit I pray. Amen.”

Meditation: Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees:
“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen
and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps
that fell from the rich man’s table.
Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died,
he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried,
and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off
and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames.’
Abraham replied, ‘My child,
remember that you received what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;
but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.
Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established
to prevent anyone from crossing
who might wish to go from our side to yours
or from your side to ours.’
He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him
to my father’s house,
for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them,
lest they too come to this place of torment.’
But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them listen to them.’
He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham,
but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
Then Abraham said,
‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded
if someone should rise from the dead.’“

–that in all things God may be glorified