... the one who gives us security with you in Christ. – 2 Corinthians 1:21

       My husband, Raul, and I went first. We were strapped to a harness attached to what looked like a huge bright-colored parachute connected by a rope to the boat.

       The boat began to move, the rope started to unwind from the spool, and we were blown away by the wind to the skies. It was then that I realized how unprepared I was for this adventure.

       I knew we were several hundreds of feet above the sea when our son Peevee was hardly visible on the boat. I was gripped with fear. I could stay frozen that way for the rest of the 15-minute flight or I could let go and embrace the whole experience. Knowing that there was absolutely nothing I could do at that point, I chose to surrender and let the Lord take control.

       And then it happened. I was overtaken with an overwhelming sense of peace and serenity. I was like a bird gliding on air, relishing a panoramic view of the pristine waters of Boracay. I felt secure. My favorite passage came to life: “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Mari Sison-Garcia (mari_sison_garcia@yahoo.com)

Reflection:Is anything bothering you today? Surrender all to Jesus.

Lord, take control of my life that I may have peace and security in my heart.

St. Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Paul reminded the Corinthians of his God-given mandate to proclaim the Gospel. He expected the Corinthians to respect him as founder of their community. Paul is not after praise and honor — he just wanted the people of Corinth to listen to God’s wisdom. Paul tried to form them as disciples of Jesus and requested them to listen with their mind and heart to his words. We need people to lead us in our faith. Let us listen to the wisdom of others every chance we get.

18 Brothers and sisters: As God is faithful, our word to you is not “yes” and “no.” 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not “yes” and “no,” but “yes” has been in him. 20 For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him; therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory. 21 But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; 22 he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

R: Lord, let your face shine on me.

129 Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. (R) 130 The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. (R) 131 I gasp with open mouth in my yearning for your commands. (R) 132 Turn to me in pity as you turn to those who love your name. (R) 133 Steady my footsteps according to your promise, and let no iniquity rule over me. (R) 135 Let your countenance shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. (R)

We Christians stand out in a crowd because we are witnesses of the Gospel. But non-Christians can do everything a Christian can do. However, it is how we do things that make others take notice. Christians will always act with love and mercy – virtues at the heart of the Gospel message.

Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

13 Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. 16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

think: How bright is the light of your life shining? How can you make it shine more brightly?

Read the Bible in one year 1 Kings 18-20

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

thank You, Lord, for: ______________________________________________________

THE SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Paul knows that receiving the grace and seal of the Holy Spirit is essential. He knows that without the Holy Spirit we will be powerless to live and proclaim the Gospel. He has personally experienced this in his own conversion with the revelation of the truth of the Gospel by the Holy Spirit. This revelation was so compelling to Paul that he immediately begins to proclaim the Gospel to those around him. Yes, he goes off and studies for a number of years under a teacher, but when he returns it is with a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the Gospel as evidenced by his success in evangelizing and the content of his many letters.

       The Church today needs to rediscover the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who will convict us of the truth of the Gospel, remove the doubts that often linger when we rely only on our own understanding. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us with His gifts so we can combat the temptations of sin and the world in proclaiming the Gospel to the nations. It is the Holy Spirit who draws us more deeply each day into the experience and knowledge of the transforming power of the love of God.

       The biggest question we all need to answer is: “Am I ready to surrender to the Holy Spirit like Paul did?” Faith is not about being hesitant and uncertain in our beliefs and practices; it is believing and acting on them at every possible opportunity. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

Do you tend to be half-hearted in your commitment to living and proclaiming the Gospel? Are you ready to change and ensure that you are fully committed to the Gospel?

Holy Spirit, I need Your help and inspiration to be a better disciple of Jesus. Help me to become utterly convinced of the truth of the Gospel and to be fully committed to living it in its entirety. Amen.