My Daily Nourishment

The roses in our garden. It is still blooming until now. Below is a beautiful scenery taken as we went walking last weekend in our place. such a beauty of nature!
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It is important that we all learn to regularly practice penance in our lives. Penance helps us to remember the Passion and suffering of Jesus. It unites us to His suffering in a unique way such that our lives become a part of the work of salvation for others.

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 16 “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

my reflections
t h i n k I : t is important that we all learn to regularly practice penance in our lives.
from kyregma

Hello folks! How are you doing? I hope all is doing great out there. Here I am again to give you a little update. I am getting very busy both online and offline since the past days. I still need to do some household cleaning before I go for another Europe adventure next month.

For my special entry today; I am glad to share about the advantage of online shopping. I did had a lot of experiences about online shopping and I always find it very convenient. I don’t need to line in the check-out counter anymore. The goods are delivered right in front of our door. I don’t need to drive and also avoid the stress and traffic while driving. What else? Don’t you know that there is also a thing called online auction? It is some sort of buying and selling items online. Sometimes you can find good deals and prices in this kind of shopping. Some items are also unique because some individuals are the ones selling it. Sad to say, I don’t have enough money for shopping this time. You know why? I am touring with a friend in Europe again! Have fun shopping!

A DOUBLE PORTION

It used to be always fun to have second servings of everything: food, drink, favors received. Seconds always give one a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. Every mother knows what it means when the vendor offers a little “dagdag” (extra).

Even Elisha asked for a double portion from Elijah. His request was granted. He was given much more than he bargained for. We all can report similar experiences of “graced moments” like those of Elisha. We beg the Lord for something and before we know it, we receive more than we asked for — grace upon grace — “siksik, liglig, at naguumapaw” (pressed down, shaken together and running over). I come from the boonies of Cavite, which used to be known as the less progressive “upland” as distinct from “lowland Cavite.” Coming as we did from one of those farming towns, we had less in every way.

There was only one recurrent request that came out as fervent prayer from both my parents — that all of us, their nine children, would have a solid education. Needless to say, we all received double portions from the Lord. Our parents did not do too badly in that regard. But deep inside us, we knew that it was not only because of who they were and what they did for us. It was mostly on account of who God was for them and us, and what He did for us. Credit is due to Him who acted historically in Elijah, Elisha and so many other prophets and leaders, including our hardworking parents.

People of faith don’t simply pay lip service to such truths. They live it on a day-to-day basis. The religious hypocrites mentioned in today’s Gospel merely go through the motions. But their heart is far from the conviction that when God gives, He does so with prodigal generosity. For the essentials that were basically invisible to the eyes, they settled for a shallow show of piety.
We ought to aim high. We cannot be satisfied with shallowness a n d superficiality. We need to get close to a God of double portion — God who loves us without bounds.

Thanks to Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB for this very nice sharing.

Reflection Question:
Recall the many blessings in your life. Give thanks to God for them.

Our loving God, thank You for my life. Thank You for all the blessings — both the seen and unseen — that You have poured upon my lap.

Blessed Guy Vignotelli, pray for us.

Elisha’s desire seems very similar to that of King Solomon when he asks for the gift of wisdom with which to rule the People of God. It is a choice that is selfless and indicates a man worthy to lead God’s people. Let us all seek to live lives as selfless and full of service as these holy men of God (and all the angels and saints for that matter) as they are the true examples of discipleship that we should follow.

2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
1 When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 6 Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here; the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live,” Elisha replied, “I will not leave you.” And so the two went on together. 7 Fifty of the guild prophets followed, and when the two stopped at the Jordan, stood facing them at a distance. 8 Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, which divided, and both crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” 10 “You have asked something that is not easy,” he replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” 11 As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two. 13 Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle which had fallen from him, and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. 14 Wielding the mantle which had fallen from Elijah, he struck the water in his turn and said, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over.

email forwarded by Kyregma

I always love watching the skies. That is also the reason why I love taking images of it. Here is an image I took near Neumarkt in Germany. Have a lovely and safe weekend to all! Take care folks!
Feel free to visit and join these wonderful memes; Skywatch Friday,Looking at The Sky Friday, Scenic Sunday and Wordless Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for sharing these wonderful memes in the blogosphere.

Feel free to visit and join these wonderful memes; World Tuesday, Watery, Wordful, Outdoor Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for sharing these wonderful memes in the blogosphere.

In loving memory of Joyce D. Hasan, her son and her parents including their driver who passed away during a car accident in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last Wednesday July 7, 2010. May all your souls rest in peace with your Creator. Our deepest condolence and sympathy to Jonathan, Joyce only brother and my batchmate back in high school days in Notre dame of Midsayap. May Jojo and the rest of his family be given all the courage, acceptance, more strength and faith in this most difficult times. God bless you all! with love and prayers!

Joyce images in his facebook profile with her son Hope. may all their soul rest in peace!

We will miss you Joyce! God bless you and your family always!

Anybody can share about the signs of aging? I guess can start a bit. I have been complaining of shoulder pain the past days. Worst was four years ago wherein I always complain about pains in my back. I am thankful that I stop working now because doing heavy jobs only caused the pains in my back. I also notice that there are little warts growing on my neck. Dark spots are also forming around my eyes. Some wrinkles are slowly building too. I need to read about wrinkle cream reviews to be informed on how to eradicate wrinkles. What else? Well, during my vacation in the Philippines, I saw two white hairs on my head. I immediately pulled it away. Am I slowly getting old? I guess yes, but age still doesn’t matter as long as we always feel young! lol!

G O S P E L

Jesus willingly heals the daughter of the ruler who comes to Him with that request. We are not told who the ruler is, whether he is Jewish or not; we are told nothing of his origins. What does this tell us about God’s love? It tells us clearly that God gives His love and salvation to all people regardless of who they are. God is not going to choose one person over another; neither should we as we seek to proclaim the Gospel to all men and women.

Matthew 9:18-26
18 While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. 20 A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” 22 Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. 23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. 25 When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. 26 And news of this spread throughout all that land.

my reflections
think: God is not going to choose one person over another; neither should we as we seek to proclaim the Gospel to all men and women.

forwarded email from Kyregma