God's Word and Daily Life
Discipleship
By Judith Ayo
Discipleship is the act of being a disciple. Biblically, a disciple is somebody who studies about Christ, a student who believes and follows the teachings of Christ. He has his mission and that is to continue and fulfill the Lord’s work by spreading the Good News, witnessing for Him, and recruiting other disciples in Jesus’ name.
Discipleship carries with it a sincere meaning of commitment for Christ’s mission of LOVE and TRUTH. Social standing does not matter for only a real love for Jesus and His people is required. Whether a person is rich or poor, young or old, he is called for this sacred task. And he can always avail of the many ways offered these days to enrich discipleship like holy retreats and recollections, bible study, liturgical celebrations and many more.
However, it is the VIRTUOUS man who is likely to be a true disciple; the man who answers the call of the times; the man who shares his resources to those in need; the man who teaches about the faith and serves in humility.
The present time and even in Christ’s time, the meaning of discipleship does not vary. The challenge is the same: to live Christ’s life and hope to reach its fullness when the time comes.
Coping with the New Normal
By: PATRICIA ANGELA C. TAMESIS
Jesus’ disciples gave up everything to follow Him because they believed that He was the Son of God–the Messiah–promised in the Old Testament. But when Jesus died, they were left in fear, despair, and disappointment: the one that they hoped would save them was crucified and had died. The disciples had to gather in secret within closed doors to pray. The looming fear of being arrested, tortured, killed by the Jews was the new normal for the disciples. However, Jesus did not abandon them; 50 days after Jesus died, He sent the disciples the Holy Spirit, which freed them from their fear of going out and enabled them to preach zealously in different languages. Their environment remained dangerous, but the disciples experienced a change within them that gave them the courage to follow Christ even after He had died.
I have also experienced the same emotions as Jesus’ disciples because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have felt afraid of my loved ones getting sick, felt despair as I watched the number of cases and deaths increase, and felt disappointed that I could not spend my last few months of senior year with my classmates and friends at school. For a while, I was upset that this was the new normal. I was questioning God why all of this had to happen and why at a time when I was supposed to experience important events in my life such as my high school graduation and preparing for the start of my college life.
Ora et Labora, today’s way of life
St. Benedict’s ideal is a balanced life of prayer and work - "Ora et Labora", fraternal charity, work and rest.
Being Missionaries of Faith
Giving up something big, even life for the greater good and for somebody else is martyrdom. Everybody is called for this “self-sacrifice” attribute but people seldom answer.
Remembering our fathers
This coming Sunday is Fathers’ Day. Let us remember our Papa, Tatay, or Daddy this weekend by giving them a simple gift or message of thanks.
Pandemic, a time for BECs
Today’s blog entry of Fr. Bernard Holzer focuses on our ways of worship that have transformed from churches to within the family. The present pandemic has not stopped Filipino families in showing our devotion to God and to communciate with our loved ones.
Frontliners – new heroes during this time of pandemic
This month Living with Christ pays tribute to our new heroes. The Philippines will celebrate its Independence Day on June 12 but not all heroes fought with conquistadors. Many are still fighting the unseen enemy. Join us in prayer as we remember our frontliners- medical practitioners and government authorities, as they continue to fight with the pandemic.
The Importance of Communication in Faith
We are called to be one in faith thru digital media. May our faith never wither as we continue to fight with the pandemic’s ill effects. Let’s continue to communicate with our family and loved ones to draw inspiration from each other.
St. Isidore Labrador, a farmer: model of simplicity
Let us remember the efforts of all our laborers as they serve our community being on the frontlines. May God grant them the courage and strength by keeping them safe in this pandemic.