KerygmaFamily - didache

didache - 2009-03-12

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

TEACHER

“If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” – Luke 16:31

This morning I was led to thank God for all the teachers and “prophets” in my life. I'd just like to honor some of them: Ms. Rebecca Caisip, my prep teacher who was one of the first to teach me how to pray; Ms. Wilma Militante, the first person who praised me in public; Auntie Nonie, Tita Glo and Tita Telly, my tutors who helped me become a top 10 student. Ms. Grio: She encouraged me to speak up and participate in class; Fr. Renato Molina, my grade school religion teacher who showed me that serving God is fun and fulfilling! Bro. Javellana, my soccer coach who accepted me in the varsity team; Fr. Felix Glowicki, my seminary rector who touched me with the Lord's love; Fr. Pierangelo Quaranta, who taught me the deeper ways of the Spirit. Bro. Willy Nakar, whose teaching ministry led me to love God's Word. Bo Sanchez: A friend whose witness has encouraged me to follow Jesus more closely; Ernie & Olive Fernandez, Mike & Carla Wilson, Jim & Nancy Dornan, my life coaches whose guidance allow me to pursue my God-given dreams and mission, Mommy and Daddy, who taught me about life. They were my first and constant teachers.

I thank God for you all!Ariel Driz

REFLECTION:

Have I been listening to my mentors lately? Have I thanked Jesus for them? They are God's voice in my life.

Jesus, I thank You for the teachers You've given me! Bless them abundantly and may You continue to use them for others. Amen.

didache - 2009-03-11

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

SERVICE

“And if you want to be first, make yourself servant of all.” – Matthew 20:27

He started out in the lowest rank of the company, just like everyone else who just got accepted. I don't how much he was paid but I was sure it wasn't that much compared to the salaries people get right now. He did his job diligently, never complaining since he needed the job. Pretty soon, he got promoted and he made his way up the corporate ladder, earning a managerial position.

After a few decades in his job, he encountered some problems with some of his higher-ups but he still did not complain. Instead, he continued to do his job well. After some time, another company offered him a higher position. He accepted it, said goodbye to his old company, without any hard feelings at all.

My dad is now the general manager of an insurance company abroad. Even if he is already in a high position, he still continues to serve his company, his employees, his family, and most importantly, God. Tina Matanguihan

REFLECTION:

“Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion.... Service is what I bring to the relationship and is the reflection of my identification with the nature of God.” (Oswald Chambers)

Lord, teach me how to serve.

didache - 2009-03-10

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

THE CALL TO SIMPLICITY

“They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues... ” – Matthew 23:6-7

My husband, Chris, and I once went to a wedding reception. We shared our table with a Chinese mother and daughter whom the host graciously introduced to our family. We were only able to catch the name of the business they owned, which my husband was familiar with. Chris leaned over to whisper to me the extent of their business and ended by saying, “These people are literally billionaires.”

I scrutinized the clothes of the mother and her daughter. I looked at their bags and the jewelry they wore. Nothing there to indicate their wealth except for the expensive watches they wore. And I sat amazed not at their riches but at their simplicity. That's one thing I learned from many of the Chinese-Filipinos I have met. While others would normally flaunt their wealth, the Chinoys I know remain low-key and simple despite their massive assets.

Interacting with them is a constant lesson on the simplicity of living that Jesus calls me to. And His call goes beyond the outer trappings of extravagant clothes, expensive cars or other status symbols. It's a call that goes into my innermost core — the challenge to be humble in thoughts and in my dealings with others. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

REFLECTION:

The Pharisees had an air of pride and superiority about them. In what areas of your life are you Pharisaical?

Lord, strip me of my vanities and keep me simple in heart and mind. Amen.

didache - 2009-03-09

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

CHARITY AND JUSTICE

“For the measure you give will be the measure you receive back.” – Luke 6:38

In monitoring my personal finances, I use a simple worksheet where I log the date, amount and brief description of all my sources of funds and expenses for the month. I classify each expense item by indicating a code. For example, UTI refers to utilities, ENT for entertainment, LON for loans, ALL for food/allowance, GFT for gifts, PER for personal items/shopping, etc.

At the end of each month, I would sort the list by code, take the sub-total for each then tabulate it in a separate monthly summary sheet. This gives me an idea of where to make necessary adjustments the following month if I had overspent.

Another code I have is CHY for charity. It includes the amount I shell out for Mass offering, stipends for the seminarians, World Vision pledge, ad hoc donations and various contributions. This way, I'm able to monitor whether I am faithfully giving my tithe or have been amiss in being generous. The words of a priest friend struck me in one of his homilies. “When we share the little of what we have, that's charity. When we give out what we have in excess, that's justice.” Marie Franco

REFLECTION:

Do you share what you have out of charity or justice or because you are banking on the promise of receiving something in return?

Father God, remove greed in this world, especially the one that resides in my heart.

didache - 2009-03-08

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

FAITH LESSONS

So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. – Mark 9:10

My nephew once asked me what an atheist is. I replied that it's someone who doesn't believe in God's existence. His young mind couldn't comprehend such a state and continued, “Why don't they believe in God?” One of the reasons I gave was the failure to seek the truth.

Many people question a lot of things about our faith such as the special place we have for Mary, the resurrection of the dead and confession. Some stop with the question mark and fall out. Others go to the wrong people to seek the answers and get half-truths, outright lies or biased, uninformed opinions. After that, they blame the Pope and the priests, point accusing fingers, never realizing that the main fault lies with the man in the mirror: themselves.

There is a saying that goes, “One who asks is a fool for five minutes. One who does not is a fool forever.” It's OK to ask questions about our faith but we must not stop there. We should seek help from a priest or religious, attend lessons in apologetics and read books from approved sources. And throughout all these, let's not forget to pray for enlightenment. Learn about your faith to keep the faith. Jun Asis

REFLECTION:

Have I been harboring doubts about the Church? Have I prayed for God's enlightenment and taken positive steps to clarify my questions?

There are a lot of things I don't know about my faith, Lord. Lead me to the right people who will show me the way.

didache - 2009-03-07

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

MaKING THE BIG dIFFERENCE

“… love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

Of all Christianity's teachings, “loving your enemies” is one of the most striking to me. In contrast to what others may think, it's one of the most sensible and logical commands. Why? Exactly because of how Jesus, our Lord, said it. Think about it. If you would only love those who love you — those who treat you well and are kind and nice to you — then what's unusual about that? Even the pagans do that! You don't have to be a Christian to act that way.

So what will set a Christian apart from the rest? Loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you.

It's tough. But Jesus who said it, did it. He died for us while we were still sinners. He loved us while we were still “enemies.” In fact, His literal enemies who crucified Him He forgave on the cross!

There's the big difference. That's what sets us apart!

Want to make the big difference? Go, call or text someone who is persecuting you. Turn that enemy into a friend and see that Christianity works!Alvin Barcelona

REFLECTION:

Is there someone persecuting you? Pray for him now. Are you persecuting someone? Ask for forgiveness now.

Dear Lord, I pray for those who persecute me. Help me to turn them into my friends again. And if I am the one persecuting someone, forgive me. Let me go to that person and ask for forgiveness. Amen.

didache - 2009-03-06

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

BEyONd dEaTH

But if the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die. – Ezekiel 18:21

A child falls, he cries, and his father soothes his tears away. A grown man falls into sin, cries to the Father for forgiveness, and when the man dies, he goes straight to his Father.

That's the story of Little Abner, a mild-mannered man. He simply radiated humility, goodness and faithfulness to his mission of bringing God's Word to as many people as he could. He would go everywhere, accept any assignment anywhere, and with humility and kindness, influence and convince everyone to love God and love one another.

Thirty years ago, Little Abner was the acknowledged “king” in his town. He practically lived in the streets, with his gang of five, lording it over the area day and night. If the neighbors were bothered by the noise of their carousing, drinking and revelry till the wee hours of the morning, no one would dare complain because they would have to face Little Abner. His name alone evoked fear and they just had to bear it.

When the renewed and redeemed Little Abner died, people came in droves, deeply saddened. But in their hearts, they knew that Little Abner had not died; he surely lives.Chelle Crisanto

REFLECTION:

When you fall into sin, do you kneel before Him and seek His forgiving love, promising not to sin again?

Lord, each time I sin, please forgive me and bring me back into Your loving arms.

didache - 2009-03-05

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

PRayERS aNd aTTITUdES

“Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you.” – Matthew 7:7

Months before we take a trip abroad, we start praying for ideal conditions. When we went to see the autumn colors in the American West Coast in October a few years ago, they said we'd be too late to see the hues of fall. But autumn came late in that area, as if it was waiting for us to come. Friends also said that we would miss the thrilling boat ride to the bottom of the Niagara Falls but we caught the last voyage of the Maid of the Mist for the season.

But when we got to Washington DC, it rained hard during our stay. Still, it wasn't enough to dampen our excitement. After all, we don't always get all our prayers answered the way we want it to.

But the fact that we had put our trust in the Lord made us feel good about everything that happened during that trip, unfavorable conditions included.

In any situation, good or bad, the important thing is that we know that God is with us.Rolly España

REFLECTION:

Do you grumble at what life brings? Or do you find that trusting God makes your world a better place to live in?

Lord, we put our trust in You. Your grace is sufficient for us.

didache - 2009-03-04

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

a MOdEl OF PaTIENCE

“For at the preaching of Jonah they reformed…”– Luke 11:32

Being first timers in New York, its urbanity and our unfamiliarity with the place brought us anxiety. Our cab dropped us off in downtown Manhattan in the morning after we had agreed that he'd pick us up at the same spot in the evening. When pick-up time came, our anxieties heightened because the roads around our meeting point were closed because of a flea market that was temporarily erected on the streets. Hoards of shoppers filled the streets and traffic was snarled. Thirty minutes had passed since our agreed rendezvous and we wondered how our cab driver would find us.

After a short prayer, he finally found us. We expected him to be worried or even mad but So Yong, our Korean cab driver, had a joyful disposition.

The 40-minute ride back to New Jersey stretched to two and a half hours because of traffic. But the delay didn't bother the Korean who turned out to be a Christian. We had a wonderful time sharing about God's glory in our lives.

Our anxieties had been unfounded after all and So Yong taught us a neat lesson on the virtue of patience. The Lord sent this angel and turned our worries to repentance for not trusting Him enough. Donna España

REFLECTION:

Anxieties bring useless worries. Turn to God in prayer and He will take care of all your concerns.

Lord, teach me to seek Your presence during my anxious moments. I repent for the times I didn't put my trust in You for every worrisome situation.

didache - 2009-03-03

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

SIlENCE SPEaKS

“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.” – Matthew 6:7

Sometimes, when I pray, I simply don't know what to say, especially when I'm extremely sad, or angry or even happy. When those moments come, I ask God, “Lord, is it OK if I just stay here? I just want to be with You.” Then I feel the Lord smile and nod. Somehow, I know He enjoys those moments of simply being together as much as I do.

So much of our day is consumed by words and noise. Even when we are alone, we need some “ambient noise” — from TV, computer games and MP3 players. Seldom are we comfortable in silence, with simply “being.” When we pray, how I wish we could be more like people in love. They don't need to talk to enjoy each other's company. Just gazing into each other's eyes is enough. No words are needed; simply being together is enough.

Our prayers do not always need to be full of words. The Lord enjoys our presence, even if we sometimes do not know what to say. He understands our silence, and listens to our hearts. He loves us in our entirety. Sometimes it's in silence that the most important things are said and heard. Cess Cosico

REFLECTION:

Spend some time in silence when you pray today. Just enjoy being with the Lord.

Lord, let my silence be a prayer to You.

didache - 2009-03-02

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

PITIaBlE

“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40

The man looked pitiable in his shabby clothes and melancholic air. The limp and cane added to the forlorn picture he made. He tried to go inside the jeep I was riding in but because of his limp and cane, he found it difficult to do so. So he rested at the first rung of the door then, after a while, hoisted himself up to take the nearest seat. I felt something squeeze my heart when I saw that.

So I decided to pay for his fare — just over P20 really. When I refused to take his money and told him I was going to pay for his fare, the man was surprised and thanked me profusely as I stepped down the vehicle. I didn't really feel I was doing him a favor because I wouldn't have been at peace unless I did that little act.

Afterwards, I realized that in a far, far greater way Jesus must have felt for us in a similar way. He felt compelled by His love and mercy to die for us on the cross, the “payment” God the Father would accept. What little we can do for our suffering brethren is just that — little — because the Lord first had pity on us, His least brother. Joy Sosoban

REFLECTION:

“If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” (Mother Teresa)

Lord, show me those who are in need around me and enable me to reach out with a helping hand.

didache - 2009-03-01

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

RECyClING FlOPS

“For Christ also suffered… that he might lead you to God…” – 1 Peter 3:18

So many people tell me that I've succeeded so much in my life. And everything I've set my mind on happens. But then people only see one chapter of the entire story.

Here's something they don't know: my other dreams that have nose-dived and crashed to the bottom of the sea. I can write a 30- volume encyclopedia entitled The Failures of Bo Sanchez. And that's just the index. When

I failed, people didn't mince words. I was criticized, ridiculed, lambasted, fried, roasted, grilled, baked, sautéed, stewed and eaten alive. But God knows how to use failures. He has mastered the art of recycling flops like me.

We are all wounded. But wounds are necessary for His healing light to enter into our beings. Without wounds and failures, frustration and defeats, there will be no opening for His brilliance to trickle in and invade our lives.

Failures in life are courses with very high tuition fees. So I don't cut classes and miss my lessons: on humility, on patience, on asking others for help, on listening to God, on trying again.

All these, I know, will lead me to do better what God has tasked me to do in my life. Bo Sanchez

REFLECTION:

Do you easily give up when you fail?

Let the knowledge that You never give up on me inspires me to continue.

didache - 2009-02-28

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

aSTHMa

“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.” – Luke 5:31

I have asthma. Years back, it was difficult to admit it because it went against my macho image. So I spent all my energies at hiding my sickness. I worked out ‘til I looked like a pit bull and spouted macho stuff. My enemies didn't know that to destroy me, all they had to do was to steal my asthma inhaler.

When I was still courting my wife, Joie, I hid my asthma from her parents. I performed the age-old tradition called paninilbihan — doing chores, fetching water and carrying loads — until the unexpected happened. I had an asthma attack and I didn't have my maintenance medicine. My mother-in-law brought me to the hospital and my father-inlaw went all the way to the city just to buy medicine. It was so embarrassing!

Many people are like me. They spend all their energies hiding their “sickness” — the more fatal one called sin. So let's confess our sins and avail of the healing powers of the Divine Physician. Only those who are repentant can receive grace and mercy.

Friend, you are not your sickness, or your temptation or your sin. You are a child of God, worthy of love and a second chance. Obet Cabrillas

REFLECTION:

When you lie, you have to cover it up with 15 more lies. Kids know it best: Liars go to hell. Confess.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a contrite heart You will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)

didache - 2009-02-27

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

a GOOd TURN daIly

“…. not turning your back on your own.” – Isaiah 58:7

The old man tearfully offered his cell phone to the hospital cashier. “Isasangla ko na lang po ito,” (“I'll just pawn this to you,”) he said. My sister was paying her bill in another counter. She saw the old man write a promissory note with a distraught look on his face. Meanwhile, the cashier held on to the phone.

After paying her bill, my sister couldn't help herself. She approached the old man. “Do you have a problem?” The man replied, “I have no more money to bring my brother out of the hospital. He didn't make it.” My sister quickly asked, “How much was your bill?” “P668.00,” the man said. My sister, with mixed emotions, offered, “Let me settle your bill.” And she proceeded to the counter.

Sometimes, we grumble that we don't have enough money to buy this and that. What we don't know is that there are people whose lives depend on the price of a cell phone, a new dress, a new pair of shoes or even a meal. Must we continue looking in the other direction?Tess Atienza

REFLECTION:

Remember how we were taught to do a good turn daily in grade school? We're not too old to go back to doing that.

Lord, give me a sensitive and compassionate heart to do something good for others each day.

didache - 2009-02-26

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

My MOM, THE dISCIPlE

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

My grandmother had lived with us since the day I was born. Mom is her eldest child and the doctor of the family. As far as I can remember, Lola had depended on her for everything.

For Mom, Lola was never wrong. She always obeyed and we always had to give in to what Lola wanted. Our schedules revolved around Lola's preferences and desires. And no matter how difficult Lola could be at times, Mom always made it a point to remain respectful.

When I was much younger, I admit, I resented this setup. But as I grew older, I realized that the whole thing was about love. Self-denial. Sacrifice. Something I didn't understand at first but now want to learn in full.

Mommy woke up every day, attended to Lola, denied herself, sacrificed her own comfort and desires, turned away from worldly pleasures and simply loved Lola. She loved her in the true sense of the word. She died to herself for Lola's sake.

Jesus lived a life of love. Mommy followed Him closely. Every single day, ‘til the day Lola went home to God. George Gabriel

REFLECTION:

Who do you need to die (or live) for today?

Lord, You laid down Your life for me. Help me lay it down for others as well.

didache - 2009-02-25

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

ASH WEDNESDAY

BEST GIFT

“… that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” – Matthew 6:4

I rarely give alms because of an unpleasant experience I had in college. Back then, I would set aside some coins from my meager allowance to give to an old blind man with a little kid. That amount, though small, meant I had to skip snack in school.

One day, as I passed by their usual spot, I saw the little boy holding sticks of cigarettes. To my dismay, the boy handed them to the blind old man!

Can you imagine how I felt? All those months of no break-time snacks just so these beggars could afford to pay for their vice! I swore I wouldn't be that naïve again! But after years of skepticism, I met someone who altered my perception. This 60-plus-year-old woman who frequents the FX station where I catch a ride asking for help was like many others who begged. But instinctively, I knew that there was something different about her.

In spite of the contempt she received from me and the others, she still managed to utter, “May the Lord bless you.”

That experience not only made me start giving alms again; it also made me more sensitive to those in need around me. Annette Abad-Flores

REFLECTION:

Have you been giving cheerfully or just out of responsibility?

Holy Spirit, bless me to be a cheerful giver.

didache - 2009-02-24

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

do you underSTand?

Mark reveals to us a grim picture of the disciples of Jesus. They are often seen as dull, ignorant and just plain stupid! Jesus' patience often seems tested — but He loves them nevertheless. Mark reveals to us in his Gospel a “human” Jesus working with a broken and vulnerable people. Many times we hear Jesus telling the disciples about His fate and destiny — His arrest, death and rising up again. Jesus had to put up with their misunderstanding and failure to recognize the ultimate truth.

We are like the disciples. We fail to understand the ways of the Lord even when they seem most obvious. We fail to comprehend why God is doing whatever He is doing in our lives. We fail to recognize His truth and wisdom in the events of our lives. Admit it! “I don't understand You, Lord. I cannot see beyond. I fail to see You in my life. I don't get it!” The Lord is kind, unfailing in His tenderness and compassion. He understands our failure to understand completely. Sometimes we need to beg the Lord for wisdom and insight.

God is a mystery. Life is a mystery. Is our lack of understanding perhaps a way in which we try to understand? Perhaps we do understand the ways of the Lord but we don't want to because we are afraid of what will be revealed to us. I think this is something of the tension of the disciples. They were with Jesus for a number of years. They could see the tension rising — unless they were totally stupid. They witnessed the persecution and rejection of Jesus. They knew He would face suffering, cruelty, and ultimately, death, but maybe their failure to understand was their way of coping with the inevitable. Their lack of understanding was a sense of security. They wouldn't get hurt, they wouldn't be responsible, they could hide in the popularity of the moment — if they didn't understand. Their failure to understand, in a sense, was their own way of living the dream of success and popularity.

Do you understand? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:

How do I seek to understand the ways of the Lord in my life? Is my failure to understand a means of security and hiding from the truth that might be revealed to me?

Lord, help me to know You, to love You and to follow You. Give me wisdom and understanding to know You more and more in my life. Amen.

St. Ethelbert of Kent, King, pray for us.

didache - 2009-02-24

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

dUTIES TOWaRd GOd

… prepare yourself for trials. – Sirach 2:1b

“A servant is tested in times of adversity….” That was my input during the Leadership Training Seminar I was running. I knew that my coordinators in the different depressed areas of the parish had to be forewarned. I had noticed that my weak servants fell when the going got tough.

There was Ana (not her real name) who couldn't be faithful in holding the weekly bukluran, a gathering to share the Word of God, because of some family problems. Or Ricky (not his real name) who dropped out from the team because another prayer group needed his services as a guitarist. In another area, I had to take over running the weekly bukluran because the leader would cancel the meeting with every slight excuse until the members stopped attending.

The Lord, speaking through Sirach, reminds us today that as we serve Him, we must be “prepared for trials,” “steadfast” and “in crushing misfortune… patient.” He knows our work for Him is a test of perseverance, among others. Let this be a constant reminder for us.Cristy Galang

REFLECTION:

Am I serving the Lord? If so, will I have a passing grade if He gives me a report card?

Thank You, Lord, for reminding me how to serve You well. Please give me the grace to be steadfast, patient and committed in my ministry. Amen.

didache - 2009-02-23

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

REBUKING THE dEvIl

“This kind can only come out through prayer.” – Mark 9:29

I never go to bed without blessing my children with holy water as I make the sign of the cross on their foreheads and pronounce a blessing over them. One night, as I blessed one of my daughters who was burning with fever, she moaned as she slept soundly. I was then led to sprinkle her whole body with holy water. Suddenly, she bolted up and started screaming as if in extreme pain. She turned away from me and tried to climb the wall by her bedside as though she was trying to escape. Every time the holy water touched her skin, she would scream excruciatingly. I began to rebuke the evil spirit that was oppressing her. I continued to pray in tongues until she calmed down and fell asleep again.

The next day, she woke up without any recollection of what happened the night before. Also, her fever was gone. It was neither my prayer that did it nor because I was “spiritually strong.” Praying just aligned me with the will of God, which allowed Him to work through me.

Yes, Jesus still casts out demons in this day and age through us who believe in His sovereignty over all. Ronna Ledesma

REFLECTION:

The Lord contends with him who contends with you and He shall save your children.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise that You will be with us until the end of the age.

didache - 2009-02-22

Bo Sanchez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0800

aN aCT OF GOd

They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” – Mark 2:12

“I need you to call your brothers and gather them at home,” my dad's sister explained to me over the phone. “Your family will be evicted from your house by noon tomorrow. The three of you should tell your dad tonight.”

I was shocked. How will we break the news to Dad? Where will we live? “Lord, have mercy on our family,” I prayed with tears.

The sheriff, together with the creditor, came at 10 the next morning. Our request for more time to look for a new home and to raise the P5 million to buy the house back fell on deaf ears. But God stepped in. He touched the hearts of three generous and selfless individuals who raised the P5 million in cash in a matter of two hours. He sent a young lawyer who helped us negotiate and draw up the needed documentation for free. My cousin even flew in from Cebu to give moral support.

God must have heard the prayers of my friends who kept vigil through the night. He must have seen my family's helplessness as a chance to manifest His glory. He blessed us with prayer warriors who came to our aid and brought us face to face with Jesus. Dina Pecaña

REFLECTION:

Desperation has no place in the hearts of those who believe in Him.

Merciful Lord, I believe You will come to my aid in my time of need. Give me the grace to let You rescue me.