COVID LESSON 9: CHOOSE GODLY MEDIA

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4 

How do you spend your extra time these days?
If you’re not part of the front liners or of other agencies who bravely continue delivering services amidst COVID-19, I guess, you have few (if not more) extra time for yourself.

In my case, I find myself doing carpentry, steel works, and writing.
My wife? Cooking and baking. (so I also eat most of the time)
And my kids- they watch, play (so I watch and play too) and helping on household chores.

How about you, what makes you busy?

Whatever your answers are, chances are these things are already a hobby on your part or things that helps you to fight possible boredom due to quarantine and lockdown. (you can also try challenges here in Facebook if you want)

Why I’m asking you this?

Four simple reasons.
First – your hobbies (like habits) are driven by your repeated actions
Second – your repeated actions are affected by your words
Third – your words are influenced by your media
Last – therefore, choose your media!

With the extra time that you have, chances are you find yourself reading books/e-books (there’s a lot of it for free now), listening to music, browsing net (like facebook and twitter), watching TV, movies or vlogs and the like. 

And you know it, these media have the capacity to influence your words (words you utter to others and words you tell to yourself AKA “thoughts”) especially when you consume it day and night 24/7. And so, with good media (good films, good songs, good books, good pictures, and anything that is good) you will fill your life with good words.

And this is very important!

Jesus said: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

If you will read it well, Jesus would like us to understand that, it is not only food that nourishes our body, it is also words – particularly godly words.

Such as…
You’re beautiful
You’re amazing!
I love you!

How does it feel after reading?

Now, try this.

You’re ugly!
You’re idiot!
I hate you!


I will no longer ask you what you felt.
Instead, I’ll just be asking you-
What words would you like to fill your life with?

With your extra time,
Choose godly words
Choose godly media.

Let us pray (silence)


Generous Father,
Thank you for today.
Thank you for nourishing our body and giving us a new life.
Help us to discipline ourselves in terms of what we read, see and hear.
Help us to use our extra time wisely.
Help us to spread inspiration and positivity. In Jesus name, Amen.


Guide question for reflection:

1. What do I do with my extra time nowadays? Can I say that I am using my time properly?
2. What words/message I get from the media that I am enjoying nowadays?
3. In general, what word/message I would like to spread with my posts in my social media accounts nowadays?

COVID LESSON 8: Listen to Your Body

“Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” Lk. 12:23

Our body can heal itself.
This is what we learned from the past
And is now learning again through COVID-19.
(I hope we will take the lesson now seriously)

So far, doctors say that we don’t have a cure for COVID-19.
(We pray that in soonest possible time, there will already be)
But we are not clueless in fighting it.
The best they can prescribe-
Make our immune system strong.
(This is also what survivors are telling us)

For a good read about immune system and how we can help our body to make it strong- click the link- https://www.abc.net.au/…/can-you-boost-your-immune…/12085036

Is this not also what our Creator told us long time ago?

Avoid stress- “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” Lk. 12:22

Laugh a lot - “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Prov. 17:22

Exercise well – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Heb.12:11-13

Eat fruits and vegetables a lot – “And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.” Gen. 1:29

Rest- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Sleep well - His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." Jn. 11:4

Pray - Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

Speak well - Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (More on this next time)

Be generous – “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Tim. 4:7-8

Indeed, there’s no better doctor than our loving Creator!
And the fact is, He makes our body like The Medical City.
Today, let’s listen and follow its prescriptions.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Generous Father,
Thank you for today.
Thank you for putting food in our table and protecting us from sickness. Pardon us for the times we neglect our body as your temple. Help us to protect it. So in return, it also has enough strength to protect us. In Jesus name. Amen.

Guide Questions for reflection
1. How do I take care of my body?
2. What are things I need to do more to improve my immune system? When I will be starting to do it?

COVID LESSON 7: GOD IS GOOD!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

We end last time with some questions.

“Why is God allowing these things (COVID sickness, suffering and death) to happen?” What is He doing up there? If He is really in control, why not just He stop all these things?”

Throughout history, man has been asking these questions- and until this day, the answer remains a mystery.
But this doesn’t mean we cannot understand – it’s just that we cannot FULLY understand.

Even Jesus did not escape from this man’s multi-billion puzzle:
His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” John 9:2
His close friends uttered, “…if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John. 11:21

Our reflection today cannot promise you a finite answer – but let us see and be inspired by how Jesus solve the mystery.

To his disciples, he said: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." John 9:3

To his close friends, he revealed: “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4

And for us- what are His lessons?

First- sickness, suffering, and death are not God’s punishment to man (as what the old testament usually portrayed).

Second- sickness, suffering, and death are God’s instrument to make us know Him better (as what the new testament revealed).

To reflect further, if you will be reading the whole gospel from John 4 – you’ll know that Jesus is the LIGHT amidst darkness. And from John 11 – Jesus is the RESURRECTION, amidst death.

Indeed, in sickness you will know God is your greatest health. In suffering, God is your loving comfort. And in death, God is your sure Resurrection.

In plain words, we will really know God’s glory through our difficulty.

And as a result:

Third- sickness, suffering, and death (when carried with God) leads us (man) to Godly blessing. And the apex of these blessings is the RESURRECTION (as what the old and new testaments promised us until this day).

In a nutshell - through sickness, suffering and death you’ll not only know God better – you’ll also know yourself (Godly-self) better.

Try to look at these:

A dormitory owner offered his rooms to house medical front liners.
A soldier invented a washing area for public motorist for free.
A barangay chairman using his own vehicle to disinfect the whole barangay.
A nurse giving her free service to aid PUI patients.
A doctor who died trying to sustain life of COVID-infected people.

These are Godly self being revealed to us day in and day out due to these world-wide pandemic. And these ( and many other opportunities) are what sickness, suffering, and death can give us.

And this is why I believe God allows these things to happen.
It may not be perfect as the way you and I see it.
But we need them.

For about few seconds, just imagine.
Without work – how can we earn?
Without tiredness- how can we rest?
Without destruction – how can we build?
Without death (of animals/plants) – how can we feed ourselves and live?

Suffering is really an amazing and very inspiring mystery.
God even revealed it to us from the old days.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3: 1- 11.

Again, we may not fully understand everything (that's why FAITH is more polished in times of difficulty) but he assured us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

He even said- “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

And he even reminded us: “but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Amen! There’s no other best way to understand the “WHY and HOW” of sickness, suffering, and death than to see (and worship) Jesus- the God who suffered and died in the CROSS and through all these- also RESURRECTED for and with us!

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Matthew 16:21

Today, let us again entrust to God all our difficult moments (personal and social). Tell them to God (don’t continue reading without you first telling them to the Lord, He’s waiting to talk with you personally).

Now, remember, God allows sickness, suffering and death to give us blessings- (not to play with them, God is not a masochist God who enjoyed himself when he see us suffer) which sometimes we can’t understand and fully enjoy in times of abundance. And these blessings are to know Him and to know our Godly-self more.

In the end- still we can say:
For better or worse.
For richer and poorer.
In times of sickness and in health,
God is God, and God is still good.
To God be the glory!

Let us pray. (Silence)

Generous Father,
We thank you for today.
Thank you for supplying our needs and sustaining us with health.
Understand us for the moments we doubted you.
For the times we question your will for our life.
Today, amidst COVID-19, increase our faith. Increase our hope.
And increase our love for you and our neighbor. In Jesus name. Amen.

Guide questions for reflection:
1. How do I see sickness, suffering and death around the globe today? What God wants me to understand in all these things?
2. What is my Godly words (biblical verse) in times of difficulty? How do these words sustain my hope in God?

COVID Lesson 6 : We're Not in Control

“Form a plan, it shall be thwarted; make a resolve, it shall not be carried out. For God is with us” Is. 8:10

I plan to create a basketball board yesterday morning.
But the kids made me sit down and watch Jurassic World with them. Actually, we watched the movie already a lot of times.
But it's only yesterday that I learned the lesson of the story well – We’re NOT in control!


According to one of its characters, Simon Masrani (the owner of the Jurassic Word) “The key to a happy life is to accept that you are never actually in control!”
This I believe, is also what COVID wants to teach us.
We’re NOT in control!


My sister booked her flight going back here in the Philippines- cancelled!
Our school scheduled our final examinations this week- cancelled!
I supposed to give a Lenten recollection this coming weekend- cancelled!
Our graduation is already set on April 3- cancelled!

A mother’s first birthday party for her son – cancelled!
A boy’s first anniversary date with his girlfriend – cancelled!
A business man opening his new restaurant branch- cancelled!
A devotee’s plan to visit churches this coming holy week-cancelled!


What are your plans/activities that has been cancelled due to COVID? I’m very sure, you have yours.
We plan, we prepare, we predict and so we try to manipulate.
That’s why we create high-technologies (like in Jurassic World) - To CONTROL EVERYTHING.

It will NEVER HAPPEN! (Cause the truth is, we cannot even fully control ourselves) We want things and even people (very sad) to go always our way. We would like to be the Alpha (the one controlling the dinosaurs) and even the Omega.
But again, COVID is reminding us.
We’re NOT in control.


The bible said:
“Form a plan, it shall be thwarted; make a resolve, it shall not be carried out. For God is with us” Is. 8:10

Yes, we’re not in control. God is.
Yes, we’re not the owners of this world. God is.
We’re not the Alpha and the Omega. God is.




Let us now learn not to depend much on our technologies.
Instead, let us always learn to be humble and still ask God to bless our plans.
He says: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Prob.16:9

And from the beginning to the completion of our activities- whether we’re successful or not. Let us learn to submit our free will to God’s eternal will.

Actually, this is what Jesus did:
“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” Mt. 26:42


Let us follow Jesus and pray (silence)

Generous Father.
We thank you for today.
Thank you for giving us meals to share.
And for giving us health to enjoy.
Help us to use these blessings according to your will, not according to our ways. Help us to trust in you more in this moment of uncertainty. Help us to adjust.
Help us really to pray- May your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen!


Guide questions for reflection:

1. Is there someone / something in my life I want to control? What do I feel whenever I feel I’m not in control of him/her/it?

2. What do I usually do if I lost control of him/her/it?

3. What is God’s message for me in these situations?


P.S. But maybe you ask? If God is in control, why is He not just stop everything? Is He allowing these things to punish us? These and more we reflect in the upcoming COVID lessons. Until we meet again. Stay safe and stay in faith!

LESSON 5: Love Your Parents

Even to your old age and gray hairs 

I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Is. 46:4

I took vacation yesterday in my parent’s house in Cavite.
(Don’t worry, it’s just one fence away from our home.)
The main purpose is to attend some errands-
Fixing the TV antenna and putting some baseboard in their bedroom.

It took me almost a day of working.
But it was also a great day of caring.

My mother prepared me merienda (a very delicious French toast)
And as a plus, she gave us also our dinner (a bunch of lumpiang shanghai)
My father, assisted me in cutting the boards.
He also cleaned my mess (he loves cleaning so much)

I came to express my care for them.
But actually, I felt being cared by them more.

They are very consistent.
When they gave birth to me.
When they send me to school.
Whey they allow me to go to seminary (and go out)
When they send me again to school (my schooling is really long)
When I got married.
When their grandchildren were born.
Yes, from my birth until now-
My parents continuously cared, support and prayed for me.

And now, more than ever- It’s my time to return the favor.
Indeed, it’s the circle of life.

God said and promised-
Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Is. 46:4

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Prov.23:22

God reiterated this in the new testament .

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Col. 6:1-3

And now, COVID has its own version.

- Elderly, most at risk from the Conona Virus -
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-elderly-older-people-health-risk/ (this is a good read on how you can take care of elderly and of yourself from the virus)

Let’s take care of elderly parents.
Let’s give time to them.
Just listen.
Be patient.
Forgive.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Generous Father.
Thank you for today.
Thank you for giving us our bread and sustaining our health.
We ask you to help us particularly our elderly to be safe from danger.
Help us also to be more generous with our time and patience to express our love and gratitude for them. In Jesus name. Amen.

Guide questions for reflection
1. In what way/s I’m expressing now my love and gratitude to my parents?
2. Are there things I need to change in my schedule so I can give quality time to my parents? What are they?


P.S. A good read in how to take care of your elderly parents.
https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/god-cares-for-you-while-you-care-for-your-aging-parents-11616672.html

LESSON 4: Go Home and Plant Kamote!

“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Ez. 47:12


“Go home and plant kamote!”
If you’re a Filipino, you know what this means.
If you’re a Filipino, it’s now time to take this seriously.
If you’re a Filipino, it’s now time to take this literally!

It’s very moving to see people angry as they exchange points to authorities just to allow them to pass through checkpoints to go to their work. Obviously, without working, they cannot earn. At the end, “how can I feed my family?!!” They explained with teary eyes.

There is even one rider who wish to pass through so he can collect his salary from his employer. Half of the 13th month pay are also being suggested. And yesterday, someone drop-by the house to ask assistance because her husband (a painter) was also laid from work due to community quarantine.

My prayer goes to these people today.
And I invite you to pray for them too.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Generous Father,
Thank you for today.
Thank you for sustaining us with food and health.
In a special way, we remember those people who can’t work these days. Sustain their family with enough nutritious food in their table. Guide us also, especially our government leaders, so they can come up with plans and resources to distribute, so those who are in great need will be assisted well. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thank you for praying with me.
Today, let us also offer our activities for them.

If we will really pay attention to what we’re experiencing now,
COVID is teaching us to till the soil.
To grow food in and from our backyards (and share them to our neighbors).
To bring back gardening in the activities of our students.
And not to convert agricultural lands to malls and condominiums (instead we should do the reverse)
Yes, to give natural resources on top of our priorities.
Yes, to love our most closest neighbor – The Mother Earth.

Why COVID wants us to learn this?
Because COVID wants us to understand that
Money CANNOT give us security. Food CAN! (Nutritious food)
Without FOOD SECURITY, all kinds of security are INSECURITIES! 

The bible said:
“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Ez. 47:12

If you go back to situations I shared to you above,
The lesson is hidden from their (and our) predicament.
We need to go out from our homes to work.
We need to go out from our homes to earn money.
We need to go out from our homes to buy food.

So there’s the problem why there are still people trying to violate authorities. Why still social distancing is difficult to observe. Why still we all need to go out!

Go home and plant kamote!

Imagine if all of us will grow food inside our backyards.
(Just sing “Bahay Kubo” for you to have an idea what to plant)
Yes, we will don’t depend much on our money!
Yes, we will don’t depend much on our employers!
Yes, we will don’t depend much on malls, supermarkets and gasoline!
Yes, we will find more time to enjoy our family in safety and abundance of our homes!
(And still observe bayanihan, panunulungan, tumbang preso at taguan)

I know what you’re thinking.
"Is this still possible?"
"Or you’re absurd bro!" (I guess the second is more true)

Maybe yes.
But is this not the kind of society we have before we welcome much industrialization and commercialization into our agricultural country? We were cheated! And we keep allowing money makers to continuously cheat us!

Listen, and think about this well.
They make money, we lost our lands.
We lost our lands, we lost our food/water. (they still make money – and get much of our food/water)
We lost our food, we depend much on their money (to buy “Fake foods”)
When we depend much on their money, (they become our “lords”
We find ourselves working outside our home. (because they have our lands)


Go home and plant Kamote!

Open your eyes, open your heart. (and let dirt touch your hands also)

We cannot eat our money.
What we really need is why we keep on earning money, and improving business and salaries-  Food! Nutritious food! 
This is what we really need!

That is why Jesus taught us to pray - give us this day our daily bread! - Mt. 6:11 

Let’s really pay attention! COVID is a voice from our Mother Earth, telling us to not only to see what’s happening now but also to learn from the past so still we can save the future. The future of our children’s children.

Let’s us now learn the COVID lesson well.
Go home and plant kamote!

Let us pray. (Silence)

Generous Father,
Again, thank you for today.
Thank you for giving us a good weather.
Help us to examine our conscience, if there are times we hurt our Mother Earth. Help us to regain our being Filipino by protecting our agricultural lands.
Starting from our backyards to our farm lands and fishery waters. In Jesus name. Amen.

Guide questions for reflections
1. How do I take care of my Mother Earth?
2. Is there a way I can plant fruits or vegetable in my backyard or near my place? What fruit/vegetables will I plant? How can I sustain it?

Lesson 3: Think of Others

“For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 Jn. 4:20-21 

COVID-19 is definitely here to teach us to think of others.
It is giving us the greatest choice and fight of our lives –
COmpassion Versus InDifference

What are you choosing?
What do you think Filipinos are choosing?

Spreading authentic advisory or creating fake news?
Donating alcohol and facemasks or hoarding them?
Supporting small business or killing them?
Observing ceasefire or spreading terrorism?
Praying for government leaders or bashing them?
Self/community quarantine or strolling?
Obedience or quarrels?
Worshiping or worrying?

You can add an ending list of options.
But again,
What are you choosing?
What do you think Filipinos are choosing?

Listen, God’s message for us through COVID-19 is very clear.
“Love your neighbors as you love yourself.” Mark 12:31

Yes, your love for yourself cannot be separated for the betterment of your neighbors.
Otherwise, your love for yourself is fake!

Listen more.
For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1Jn. 4:20-21

Yes, your greatest expression of love for God is to love and be generous to your neighbors. Otherwise, your love for God is fake!

In a nutshell – your love of God (lesson 1) and your love for yourself (lesson 2) is not separated for your love for others (lesson 3)
If these three are not in unison (triune) – our love is FAKE!

Let’s pause for a while and reflect…

Is my Love for God, for myself, and for others integrated to each other?
What experience/s of mine nowadays can I see the integration of the three?

Before you continue reading, I invite you to pray and sing this song.
Play it. 

Now, whatever your answers are, let’s pray that the Lord will teach us to think of others - na tutuan Niya tayong maging bukas-palad (to teach us to be generous).

Because in this new and very difficult moment of our lives,
Our normal tendency is to secure ourselves,
To secure our own families,
To secure our own job,
To secure our own businesses,
Etc.

But hear this well.
The more we think only of ourselves (Dr. DeMarco calls this, contraceptive mentality) the more COVID-19 spreads.

The more we think only of our own security, the more we cannot surpass this pandemic
After all, I believe COVID-19 is not really the enemy – it is SELFISHNESS

St. James already warned us.
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” – James 3:16

Filipinos, I invite you- let us fight selfishness.
Let’s choose COmpassion Versus InDifference
This is only what can truly save us from this worldwide pandemic.

Let’s Pray
(Silence) 

Generous Father,
We thank you for today.
Continue to sustain us and protect us from harm.
Help us also sustain and protect the lives of our neighbors.
Help us to give what we can give. In Jesus name. Amen.
`
Points for reflections
1. What can I share today to help others?
2. How can I spread generosity nowadays?

LESSON 2: IT IS OK TO BE ALONE
"In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” Mk. 1:35

When was the last time you find enough time to practice solitude?
When was the last time you converse well with yourself?

Social distancing is giving you these opportunities.
Grab it!

Why not?
There are a lot of good things that can learnt better in a distance.
Yes, when you spend some moments with yourself alone.

This is what social media, internet, concerts, online games, and the like sometimes deprive us. And the truth is, a lot of young (even old) people find it difficult to be alone and be silent nowadays.

This is very true to some recollections/retreat I facilitate.
When it’s time to observe silence, some participants insist to talk.
When ask to distant themselves from one another,
Some participants will still find time to stick with his/her classmate.
When ask to read their bibles, they will open their phones and text.

Do you have the same difficulty?
Practice Social Distancing!
Not primarily because you want to be separated from others,
But mainly because you want to be truly close with yourself.




When you're alone, you can reflect more.
When you're alone, you can plan better.
When you're alone, you can pray longer.

As a result, the better you discover who you are and how you will be dealing with other people and your daily activities. 

Jesus promotes this.

In many occasion, Jesus would slip away to the wilderness to pray alone. (Lk. 5:16)
Before he chooses his 12 disciples, He prayed alone. (Lk. 6:13-13)
Before he carries the cross, He prayed alone. (Mt. 26:36)

Remember, It’s OK to be alone.
These days… and every day, take advantage of it!

Let us pray…

Silence

Generous Father,
Thank you for today.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be alone with you.
To have myself being quarantine by your love.
To be lock down in your care and mercy.
Help me to understand and appreciate myself more.
So I can also learn to truly understand and appreciate others.
In Jesus name. Amen.

Guide Questions for Reflection
1. How do I usually converse with myself? How is my self-talk affecting me?
2. What do I want to tell to myself now? Why?
3. What can I do to find enough time to practice solitude/silence?

LESSON 1: ENJOY GOD MORE

“We no longer believe because of what you told us; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is the Savior of the world.” Jn. 4:42


Facebook is full of news (authentic and fake), reminders, sentiments, and even funny anecdotes about COVID-19. As I observe, it is also full of prayers and inspirations to trust God more in this difficult moment of our lives.

Obviously, this 19-day COVID-FREE online retreat is also in that tone.But I’m not just here to invite you to pray… or to trust God that everything will be well,(not even trying to scare you and remind you that the end of the world is near.)


What I intend for us to do here for the next 19 days is to enjoy God.Yes, we’re here to enjoy God more!This is the first lesson I learned from COVID-19.



As masses and other communal worship being cancelled,COVID-19 is giving us the chance to worship God afresh- in a personal and intimate way.And this is what I mean by ENJOY GOD MORE- that more than we observe worship as an obligation and bunch of rituals, we worship God in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.


Allow me to simplify things by asking you some questions.

When was the last time you find time to allow God to talk to you in silence? 
When was the last time you open, read, and marvel on your bible? 
When was the last time you truly examine your conscience?When was the last time you really give to a needy from the heart?


(silence)


Sometimes, when done unconsciously, public worship deprives us of these moments.Particularly when we’re there talking to God out of obligation or as a chore.When we just wait for someone to open the bible, read it, and explain it to us (while we nap).
When we try to equate going to church to being religious.


Listen, religiosity is more than rituals and going to churches.It is a relationship! Therefore, a daily commitment.

And with the adjustments due to COVID-19,your worship depends more on your spiritual commitment. It depends now on your own freewill and availability. You are now more free to decide when, where, why, what, how, and to whom to pray and help (this is worshiping God in Spirit and Truth). I invite you, take advantage of it. Take charge of your prayer life.

After all, according to a friend, prayer (our relationship with God and his relationship with us)- is the best mask that we can wear to cover ourselves with.


Hear this well.Take advantage to open your heart to God as your church closes.Take advantage of silence as laud singing and vocal prayer ceases.


Believe me, it is only in meeting God personally (and intimately) that you can truly worship Him, truly serve Him, and truly love Him.Moreover, it is only in letting God to personally meet you each day, that you can experience how much he cares, serves, and loves you.


This is what many Samaritans experience in our reading (Jn. 4:1-42). 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF7ma1yoLNk

They exert effort to meet and listen to Jesus. In the end, they no longer depend on the testimony of the Samaritan woman. Their personal encounter with Jesus made them believe that He is really the savior of this world.


This is also the blessing that I want you to receive through this 19-day COVID-FREE online retreat. That in the end. With or without the presence of other people, with or without the testimony of your church leaders and pastors (even without my testimonies and reflections) your personal experience with God can be a living proof of His security, healing, and saving to us all.

Let us pray…

(Silence)
Generous Father,Thank you for today.Thank you for inviting me and establishing an intimate relationship with me.Help me to value this relationship. Help me to always enjoy your presence in my life.Wherever I am and whatever I do.In Jesus name. Amen.


Guide Questions for Reflections

1. What is the challenge of Lesson 1 in my life today?
2. What do I want to do today so I can enhance my personal and intimate relationship with God?
3. What is my most memorable encounter with God this year?

ENJOY GOD

“We no longer believe because of what you told us; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42

Are you really happy with God?
Do you really enjoying your relationship with Him?

Don’t continue reading unless you find enough time to answer the questions above in silence.

If you believe in God, enjoying Him and letting Him enjoy you is what will make you truly secured (not only during this trying times, but every day of your life) and fulfilled.

Today, I invite you- ENJOY GOD!

With this blessing, kindly join me in a 19-day COVID-FREE Online Retreat.







Our THEME- 19 Very Inspiring Lessons from COVID-19

Our main GOD'S MESSAGE -  "We no longer believe because of what you told us; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42

Our PURPOSE – To grow in our relationship with God, with ourselves and with others amidst the challenges of COVID-19

OUR PROCESS – Lessons and reflections will be posted daily in this blog and also in my Fb  account ( https://www.facebook.com/richard.vergara.33 ). Reflections will be available as early as 4:30 am each day (starting March 16, 2020) to give you and me enough space for silence before we begin our daily activities. I will also link bible readings and inspiring videos/reflections to enhance your spiritual experience. In the end, I invite you to answer guide questions. If you wish, you may share your answers, reflections, and prayers in the comment box to inspire one another. Sharing this 19-day COVID-FREE Online Retreat with others is greatly appreciated.


Let’s begin with a prayer.

(Enjoy a moment of silence and tell God your personal intentions)

Let’s pray…

Generous Father,
Today, we thank you for our life.
Thank you for sustaining us with your love and abundant blessings.
Help us to always LOVE so we can overcome our fears.
Forgive us and help us to forgive each other.
And in this most trying days of our lives,
Give us our daily bread and protect us from harm.
In a special way, we entrust to you our 19 days of inspiring moments and reflections with you.
Bless our efforts so it will truly lead to our intimate relationship with you, with ourselves and with others. In Jesus name. Amen.


Thank you friend for praying with me.
See you tomorrow for our first SESSION.
Stay safe and stay in faith!