faithblocks

Get started reading the Bible, when there’s no time.

I have so much to do already. Where do I find time to read the Bible? I moaned. “But you find time to eat,” said that little voice inside me. Sigh, that was true. No matter how busy I get, I eat. Simply because an empty stomach triggers my Migraine. But it got me thinking. If I skip my meals, I get sick. If I do it regularly,I will eventually get weak and die. “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of the Lord.” Matthew 4:4 The Bible is God’s […]

3 TIPS to help you focus reading the BIBLE

We know Bible reading is essential to nourish our soul. And yet, most of us struggle with various aspects of it regularly. In these series of posts I will tackle them one by one with practical tips you can use right away. Unable to focus while reading the Bible? Here are 3 practical tips to help you: 1. Read Aloud: I’m serious. Remember how as kids we were encouraged to read aloud and learn coz it helps us retain and understand better. Well, it also helped to focus and concentrate. And no, you don’t have to do it […]

DO YOU EVER RUN AWAY FROM GOD?

I do. There are times when I feel this intense intimacy with Him and want to dwell in His presence. And yet there are times when I find myself drifting away. Drifting into my busyness, drifting into keeping up with schedules and routine, drifting into ‘more important things’, drifting into ‘doing’ more. I can sense myself wandering, finding excuses, justifying myself. I feel a little lost, disconnected and restless. In the back of my mind, I also know the answer. To pause, to breathe, to be quiet and soak in His presence. But I avoid it. I put it off. […]

Why confess when I’ll do it again?

I don’t believe it when I say, “With your help, I will sin no more” Do you? I’ve been saying it every time I go for confession. Have I ever meant it? Do I really believe I will not have to return? Here’s my honest confession: NO In fact, every time I walk out the confessional feeling refreshed, calm and back into intimacy with the Lord, I don’t really believe I won’t sin again. In fact, I try so hard to stay ‘clean’ that I sin even sooner. Then why confess? Sound like you? Please tell me it isn’t just […]

Should you do the Consecration to St. Joseph?

Has it crossed your mind that the Holy Family together experienced every threat and situation mankind ever possibly could. A threat to the babe’s life, to fleeing and living like refugees, to not have a stable roof on your head, struggling to earn a living, relocating, losing a spouse, losing a son, losing a friend, betrayed, ridiculed, mocked, stripped off clothes, go through intense suffering of body and mind, sentenced to death and many ‘whys’ unanswered. Of all the three, the Patron of the Universal Church is hardly mentioned in the gospels. Much greater is his silence. If God took […]

Hello, St. (write your name here) in training

All Saints day! The day we remember the ones who loved God to the fullest on earth and are now with Him in Heaven. Who is your favorite saint? I have too many. St. Padre Pio, St. Joseph the Carpenter, St. Michael, St. Medard, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Paul II, St. Rose of Lima, St Josemaria Escriva, St. Anthony, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Francis to name a few. Don’t forget to list your favorite saints in the comments… At different points of my life each of them have inspired, challenged, encouraged and consoled me. Through their words […]

Did the Mother of the Son of God, pray?

Mother Mary, the one kept without sin. The one chosen to bear the Son of God. The one whom the angel visited to give the Good news. The one who said yes and braced the uncertainty of her yes. The woman who crushed the head of the serpent. The woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. The woman who fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, She who came as the second Eve. She whose heart was pierced seven times. She who was […]

An interview with Esther Joann Phillips

Hello and welcome! Meet 17 year old, Esther Joann Phillips—The One-der Woman Band—she plays not 2 or 3, but 5 instruments together! Phew. She likes to be called Joann, is the youngest of four, and a quiet, typical high school student. You don’t meet too many her age who have their goals and priorities so clear. Let’s get to know her a bit more. What is the greatest blessing in ur life?Joann: Apart from family, the community (Joann’s family is part of the ICPE mission). It’s great you mention that coz I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be the […]

A parent’s greatest praise

While Jesus was speaking,a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,“Blessed is the womb that carried youand the breasts at which you nursed.”He replied,“Rather, blessed are thosewho hear the word of God and observe it.” This is the gospel reading on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.At first, reading Jesus’ reply might seem odd.Why does He deny that His mother is worthy of praise?Why is He changing the topic away from mention of His mother?Why couldn’t He just acknowledge it?Or does He?When you look closely, you realize Jesus was actually talking about Mary.Who other than Mary […]

God our Father—the ideal parent

Who is God, the Father? For a long time the only understanding I had was from Sunday school; the First Person of the Trinity. The man with a long white beard and wise eyes. And any reference to Him in the Old Testament made me feel very cautious of Him. God the Father sounded like a disciplinarian, the one with strict rules, laws, punishment and severe consequences. He definitely wasn’t someone I wanted to mess with and so I stayed far away from Him hoping to not bother Him unnecessarily. Jesus as a brother and friend was a better relationship […]