Sharing God's presence

The story is told about a man who was elated with a satellite dish he bought for only P500. The dish, when connected to his television set, would give him access to unlimited satellite-fed programs. There was one hitch though: he had to direct the dish toward the exact location of the satellite and for that, he needed to buy a telescope that cost about P50,000, to be able to find the satellite! —————- In today's Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20), the Lord tells us to direct our attention to fraternal correction, a difficult but an important aspect of our Christian life. We cannot just overlook or deny the reality and the need to correct mistakes and mend broken relationships. Are there people you need to correct? Are there truths you need to point out? The truth hurts, and the process of pointing out the truth is painful, but the truth does set us free. How far easier to mind one's own business. How far simpler indeed to just let things be. However, we all have a prophetic calling to speak up and stand up for truth and goodness, not out of self-righteousness or pride, but out of love and obedience to God who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Christianity is not just about me and my God, but about me, my neighbor, and our God. Indeed, the Kingdom of God is not just within us but between us, and among us. Going to heaven is not some contest wherein the holiest among us will get the first place. Rather; it is the joining of hearts and hands, and the helping of each other so that we all will get there somehow. Have you brought anybody closer to God? Have you shared your faith to others? Have you made other people feel and experience God's love? Or have you been too focused on yourself, and too selfish of your God? Our God is a God who wishes that His love be made known to all through you, and even in spite of you. What have you done about this, and what are you doing the rest of your life about it? We all know that prayer is powerful, but what we need to know more is the power of shared prayer. The Lord reminds us today: 'If two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.' Why is there not much change in our country today? Perhaps, it's because we are not praying enough, and we are not praying much as a people and as a country. Right here, right now, we pause, say a prayer for our country, and for our people. Amen! Let us ask Mama Mary, especially on her birthday, Sept. 8, that she may lead us into ways and situations that will eventually bring about lasting peace and unity in our land. Happy Birthday Mama Mary! Please help us, Mama Mary. Sept. 8 is the birthday of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). We were founded in 1875 by a simple German priest, Arnold Janssen. His favorite prayer was: 'May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace, and may the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all.' Saint Arnold Janssen, through the Arnoldus Family (SVDs, the SSpS and the Pink Sisters), continues to make Jesus present all over the world. Please don't forget that we all are missionaries whoever we are, whatever we do, and wherever we go. Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD, continues to spread the Word of God through his new book 'Conversations in 60 Seconds' It is a collection of one-minute ('Usapang Saglit Lang') inspiring faith reflections and conversations, that will help busy people connect with the Lord and His people. Good Christmas gift! Now available through Logos Publications Inc. (+632-87111323; email logospublications@yahoo.com.ph). Also in Lazada and Shopee. Let us all be GEMs, i.e. God-Encounter-Makers. When people encounter us, may they experience the love of God by our kindness, joy, humility, and goodness. Spread the light. Spread God's presence and love. A moment with the Lord: Lord, help us to share Your presence and love whoever we are; whatever we do, and wherever we go. Amen. momentswithfrjerry@gmail.com