NECESSARY ROUGHNESS

"But if it dies, it produces much fruit." - John 12:24 

We live in the countryside surrounded with beautiful sceneries of farmlands, lakes and forests. One morning, I read the announcement in our local newspaper about a forest fire. Enraged, I asked my husband, "Why are they burning down the forest?" Nonchalantly, he replied, "It's a necessary fire and it's a controlled one." He said it's a natural part of forest growth, as some type of trees, like pine, need fire to regenerate. Seeds inside the pine cones can only be released when exposed to extreme heat, hence, the need for fire.

Hardships, sufferings and failures are essential parts of human life. And oftentimes, vulnerability overcomes us that we tend to give up. But tough times are meant to heal and strengthen us, to give us an opportunity to learn and mature in our spiritual life. Let us not be conquered by trials. We should learn to fight back and recognize the blessings behind our sufferings. They are meant to make us better, stronger and wiser, so that when troubles come our way again, we would know how to handle them well. - Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

Reflection: We are being challenged not to be defeated but to have renewed faith.

Oh God, heal my brokenness and renew my strength that I may rise victorious and proclaim Your greatness. Amen. 

LOVE FINDS A WAY

"I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me." - John 7:29 

A grouchy elderly gentleman had just secured the door for the night with four locks, two deadbolts, and a chain latch. Later, he noticed a small white envelope stuck beneath the door. On the envelope was a large sticker in the shape of a heart. It was a valentine. Love had found a way.

What makes Christianity different? Simple: It's about God's pursuing us to draw us to Himself, while other religions desperately pursue the favor of their god through compliance of strict standards and incomprehensible rituals.

The God I know is crazy about me. He seems desperate to show His love. He woos me back with His unending love - until my heart is melted again - to love Him back. In The Hound of Heaven, Francis Thompson writes that as he fled from God, he couldn't outrun "those strong feet that followed ..... with unhurrying chase and unperturbed pace."

My friend, you can run away from God the farthest you can. But I'm not worried the least bit. You'll get tired. Then His love will catch up with you. His love will find a way to bring you back. - Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

Reflection: Much is to be understood on how much God loves you. Seek Him today.

Father, today, may I know more of the love You have for me. Amen.