RVA Daily Reflection

Jesus Got our Backs

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil"Despite warnings of danger, I trusted God’s protection and pressed on with my mission. Today’s Gospel reminds us: that no harm can touch us when we entrust our work to the Lord. Let us persevere, undaunted, knowing Jesus has our backs."Reflection Date: November 27, 2024 Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Revelation 15:1-4; Luke 21:12-19
Years ago, I pushed through with a trip to Mindanao despite warnings about safety concerns due to terrorist threats. My priest friends advised me to cancel my flights, but I thought of the recollections I was scheduled to give to two groups. I told them that if something were to happen to me, at least I would be doing work for the Lord.
While it may have been stubbornness on my part, I truly believed then that I was in the hands of God—that whatever happens, I am under His care and watchful eye.
This is exactly what today’s Gospel is telling us. We may face danger and even be hated by family and friends because of our work for the Kingdom, but the Lord will never allow even a hair on our head to be destroyed. What could be more reassuring than that?
We may have many "what ifs" that hinder us from fulfilling our mission, but when we entrust our cares and worries to the Lord, nothing can truly harm us. May we remain undaunted and persevere in doing our mission, trusting that Jesus has our backs.
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Be fearless in your faith! Trust in God’s care and step boldly into your mission. Set aside the "what ifs," persevere in love and service, and proclaim the Gospel with courage. Jesus is with you—always.

Fear no End with Jesus

Author: Chrisma C. BangaoilWhat truly lasts? In a world where nothing is permanent, even the best things fade away. Today’s Gospel reminds us not to be deceived by fleeting pleasures or empty promises. True joy is found in Jesus and the treasure of heaven—everything else will pass. Seek what endures forever!Reflection Date: November 26, 2024 Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Revelation 14:14-19; Luke 21:5-11
We usually do not want to talk about the end. Many of us think it’s a sad, even terrible topic, especially when it relates to relationships, friendships, or anything good. We hate goodbyes. But even the best things do not last.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks about the end, emphasizing that "nothing will be left" when it comes. All that we see, all that we have, and all that we are trying to hold on to will be gone.
While this sounds frightening, especially with the great chaos of the end times, Jesus clearly assures us not to be afraid. However, He gives a clear instruction: do not be deceived by those who come in His name.
Today, we often hear phrases like, “It’s okay." Just do what makes you happy. "The Lord will understand,” or “God wants you to be happy, so just do what makes you happy.” These words are meant to deceive us.
The happiness the Lord promises is the joy of heaven, not the fleeting pleasures of this world, for nothing of this world will remain. May we seek the real treasure that outlasts the end of time. May we only seek and long for Jesus.
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Embrace the Gospel truth and fix your heart on what truly matters—Jesus and the joy of heaven. Do not be deceived by fleeting pleasures or empty promises of worldly happiness. Stay vigilant, seek eternal treasure, and live each day longing for Christ, who alone can satisfy your soul.

Giving as Sacrifice, not out of Excess

Author: Chrisma C. BangaoilTrue giving is not about excess; it's about sacrifice. Do you give from abundance or from the heart?Reflection Date: November 25, 2024 Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5; Luke 21:1-4
One of the things I am particular about when we do outreach is ensuring that we do not treat our recipients as dumpsites. We sort out donations to make sure we are not giving the poor the garbage of the donors.
What is the right way to give? Today’s Gospel speaks about giving.
The right way of giving is not to give from our excesses. We do not give just because we have extras. Nor do we give because we no longer need what we are giving.
Giving means parting with something important to us because someone else also needs it. It is sacrificing something valuable for the sake of the recipient. This is what the widow demonstrates in today’s Gospel. This is also what Jesus did on the cross.
Do you give out of abundance? Do you give because you have extra? Or do you give from the goodness of your heart?
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Give with a heart of sacrifice, not out of excess. True giving is parting with something important for the sake of others. Reflect on how you can give from the goodness of your heart, just as Jesus gave for us.

The King and I: In a Relationship

Author: Chrisma C. BangaoilReflect on your relationship with Jesus, the King of the Universe. Are you listening to His voice and living by His truth?Reflection Date: November 24, 2024 The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the UniverseDaily Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33b-37
Today’s solemnity reminds us that we belong to a King unlike the leaders of this world. No matter how much they claim to care for the people they govern, they are often first and foremost concerned with their own interests.
But do we truly belong to Jesus, the King of the Universe? The Gospel tells us who truly belongs to Jesus: those who listen to His voice and testify to the truth.
This may be the most difficult thing to do today because we are bombarded with many fake truths. Worse, we often create our own truths to suit our whims, delusions, and convenience.
How can we listen to God’s voice? How do we know it is His voice we are hearing?
We can never hear, and therefore listen to, God’s voice if we do not know Him. If we are more attuned to the noise of the world and our own voice, we will not be able to hear His voice, much less heed it. It is crucial, then, to make an effort to know God, and that is only possible through a meaningful relationship with Him. We can nurture this relationship through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession.
How significantly have you made the Eucharist part of your life? Do you regularly go to confession and renew your relationship with Jesus?
 
Our relationship with our King is not a boss-subordinate one, nor is it about being governed as subjects. Rather, it is a Father-son relationship, where we willingly submit to the will of the Father. It is a relationship of great sacrifice and life-giving love.
What relationship do you have with Jesus? If He is your King, do you hear and heed His Word? Do you proclaim and live by His truth?
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus, the King. Are you listening to His voice amidst the noise of the world? Make time for the Eucharist and Confession to strengthen your bond with Him. Live by His truth and align your life with His will.

Worthy of Heaven

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil"Living a Life Worthy of Heaven: Aligning Faith with Action"Reflection Date: November 23, 2024 Saturday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Revelation 11:4-12; Luke 20:27-40
The question asked of Jesus was not only meant to test Him but also revealed how limited the thinking of the Sadducees was to this world. While they asked about the afterlife, they were still fixated on the realities of this world.
This could be true of us as well. While we may profess our faith in "life everlasting," much of our daily preoccupation may not reflect this faith. We often put more effort into saving this world than saving for heaven. We spend more time pampering our bodies than caring for our souls. We focus more on making a name for ourselves in this world than on making a name in heaven. So, the truth we profess does not always align with the life we live.
May we not only speak about heaven but also live lives worthy of heaven.
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Let’s reflect on our daily lives. Are we more focused on earthly matters than on eternal ones? Let’s invest in our souls, prioritize heaven, and live each day in a way that honors the faith we profess. May our actions reflect the truth of "life everlasting."

Holy Presence

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil"The Power of Reverence: A Lesson from Children in the Church"Reflection Date: November 22, 2024 Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and MartyrDaily Readings: Revelation 10:8-11; Luke 19:45-48
I was praying at the Basilica of St. John Marie Vianney in Ars, France, three days ago when five children, about 8 to 10 years old, entered the Church very reverently. Each took turns genuflecting, bowing, and making the sign of the cross. They had no adult companions. The sight stirred my soul. How beautiful to see them display such reverence!
This should be our behavior when we enter a church. The Gospel teaches us to give the highest reverence where it is due, especially in a Church. It is not just an external display but a rightful expression of reverence for the One whom the edifice represents.
May our presence inside the Church contribute to its holy atmosphere, and may we carry that reverence with us to every person we meet.
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Let us approach the Church with the same reverence as children, recognizing it as the dwelling place of the Lord. May our actions reflect our deep respect for God and inspire others to do the same.

Finding Peace

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil"Finding True Peace: Ordering Our Priorities Around God"Reflection Date: November 21, 2024 Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary TimeMemorial to the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin MaryDaily Readings: Revelation 5:1-10; Luke 19:41-44
Today, we hear many people longing for ‘me time,’ which is often interpreted as a desire for peace, but even expensive ‘me time’ can be elusive.
The Gospel today reminds us that the peace we long for is not something we can buy or that the world can provide. Peace comes from ordering our priorities and making God the center and focus of all our undertakings. When we lose focus on God, everything crumbles into chaos.
It is a good time to review our lives and assess our priorities. Two practical suggestions are to examine our daily schedules and our expenses. 
Where is God in them? How much do we spend on prayer time, including visits to the Blessed Sacrament and Mass? How much time do we dedicate to being Christ to others? Compare this with the time spent on mundane pursuits. Where do we spend our money? Is it all for us? Do we invest a significant portion in our bodies or our souls?
May we have the grace to order our priorities and find peace in the Lord.
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Peace is not found in "me time" or worldly pursuits, but in ordering our lives with God at the center. Review your daily schedule and expenses—where is God in them? Invest in prayer, Mass, and serving others, and spend wisely on what nourishes your soul. May we have the grace to align our priorities and find true peace in the Lord.

Grow God’s Investment

Author: Chrisma C. BangaoilTeaser Text: "Investing in Your God-Given Gifts: A Call to Faithful Mission and Service"Reflection Date: November 20, 2024 Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Revelation 4:1-11; Luke 19:11-28
Anything that is good requires hard work and patient waiting. Nothing truly great comes by chance. The same is true for holiness—it requires great sacrifice and dependence on God’s Providence.
The good news is that the Lord has given us the capital to do hard work and bear good fruit. He wants us to use our gifts and invest them in our daily mission so that we may grow them, not only for our benefit but so others may also benefit from the fruit of our hard work.
When we take our mission seriously, we will face many obstacles. There is much self-giving, emptying, and sacrifice involved. We may question ourselves with 'what ifs' and doubts, especially since we don’t always see immediate results. But the Lord always sees our holy efforts. In the end, He will hold us accountable for how we used all the blessings He entrusted to us to bless others.
How have you invested in your God-given gifts? Do you use them for your own good or for the good of others? Remember, it is in sharing our gifts that we grow God’s investment in us.
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Holiness requires hard work, sacrifice, and trust in God’s Providence. Are you using your gifts for your benefit or to bless others? Embrace your mission with faith, overcoming doubts and obstacles. By sharing your gifts, you grow God’s investment in you. How will you invest your gifts today?

Faith beyond Lip-service

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil"Is your faith more than words? Clear the way to truly see Jesus and live your faith in action."Reflection Date: November 19, 2024 Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22; Luke 19: 1-10
It is not the first time the Gospel speaks of Jesus being with sinners and seeking the lost. Today’s Gospel, where Jesus enters the house of Zacchaeus, is just one example of this.
Often, we see churchgoers feeling as though they have a monopoly on Jesus’ love and attention, shunning others, especially the poor, from the Church. Salvation is not the monopoly of the few; it is for all believers who act on their faith.
Zacchaeus did not merely profess his faith in Jesus. His faith moved him to a conversion of heart and into action.
We often profess our faith in Jesus, but do we truly see Him? Perhaps things are blocking our clear view of Jesus. Are we willing to go beyond the ordinary, as Zacchaeus did, to get a clearer view of Him?
May we clear our way so that we can have a closer and clearer view of Jesus? It is only when we clearly see Him that the faith we profess becomes a powerful force, compelling us to go beyond mere lip service. Only then can we truly live out and act on our faith.
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Clear the obstacles in your life to see Jesus more clearly. Let your faith move you to action, beyond words, to truly live out the love and grace He offers. Take a step today to deepen your relationship with Christ and share His love with others.

Unshaken Faith

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil"To Believe is to See: A Faith that Overcomes All Obstacles"Reflection Date: November 18, 2024 Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5; Luke 18:35-43
We often hear people say, “To see is to believe.” We ask for evidence; we look for signs. Otherwise, we find it difficult to believe.
But in today’s Gospel, we hear the reverse: “To believe is to see.” The blind man saw because he believed. His faith saved him.
What kind of faith did the blind man show? It was a faith undeterred by outside obstacles. It was a faith that was not concerned with “what others may say” or “what others may think.” It was a faith that was not silenced by other voices.
A call to action for Catholic living: Do we have such faith? Do we continue to believe and live our faith despite the many obstacles and voices that ridicule us, or do we give in to the pressure to follow the crowd and conform to the dictates of the majority?