Lessons From

Awareness and change ♥️

Choose growth over comfort, faith over fear, and kindness over indifference. In the end, our choices define the person we become.

Parents, be a safe space for your children. Make them feel unconditionally loved, secure, and able to share their feelings without fear of judgment.

Ang nasa ubos, ipataas.

TODAY’s GMRC | Begin Each Day With Prayer

Before the day becomes busy—before school, work, or the many tasks that await you—take a moment to kneel before the altar in your home and speak to God.

Prayer at the beginning of the day reminds us that we are not walking alone. When we invite God into our day, we ask Him to guide our decisions, protect us from harm, and help us do what is good.

A simple prayer is enough: “Lord, be with me today. Guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions.”

When we start the day with God, our hearts become calmer, our choices become wiser, and our actions become kinder.

The Bible reminds us: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

So make it a habit: begin each day with prayer, and let God walk with you in everything you do.

Your happiness, success, and the life you experience are not determined by circumstances, but by your attitude, the choices you make, and the actions you take every day.

TODAY’s GMRC | Serve with a Christian Heart

In many offices today, we sometimes see employees who serve people with impatience, irritation, or indifference. Some appear unhappy and treat customers as a burden rather than as persons who need help. This attitude is not good—and it is certainly not Christian.

Of course, we understand that some employees may be carrying personal problems at home—family worries, financial struggles, or other difficulties. These burdens can affect their mood and behavior. But while these struggles may explain such attitudes, they should never become an excuse for treating others poorly.

For a Christian, work is not only about finishing tasks or earning a salary. It is also an opportunity to serve others with dignity and kindness. Every person who approaches our desk may be carrying a problem or a worry. A simple smile and a little patience can already make a big difference.

The Bible reminds us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23)

And Jesus says: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

When we serve people with respect and kindness, we are not only doing our job—we are serving Christ Himself.

HAPPY 112th BIRTHDAY VENERABLE TEOFILO CAMOMOT!
"God is in the heart." ❤

Teofilo Camomot was born in Cogon, Carcar, Cebu, to Luis and Angela Bastida. He lived up to his name, which means lover of God, dedicating all of his life on earth to serving and loving God and humanity.

HOMILY | Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Luke 6:36–38

The Gospel today reminds us of something very important: the heart of Lent is not so much about what we give up, but about what we give out.

Jesus gives us three very simple, but very challenging, calls:
Do not judge.
Forgive.
Give.

And all of these flow from one clear invitation: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

That is the true measure of Lent.
Not our sacrifices.
Not our achievements.
But our mercy.

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First: Stop judging, start understanding

Jesus says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.”

Let us be honest—judging comes very easily to us. One mistake, one weakness, one story we hear, and we quickly put a label on a person.

But Jesus reminds us today: we only see what is outside; God sees the whole heart.

Lent invites us to slow down before we criticize.
To ask ourselves:
What might this person be carrying?
What pain or struggle do I not see?

Mercy begins when we choose understanding over judgment,
and patience over condemnation.

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Second: Choose forgiveness over resentment

Jesus continues, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to live. Some wounds are deep. Some hurts have stayed with us for years.

But here is the truth Lent teaches us:
holding on to anger does not heal us—it only weighs us down.

Forgiving does not mean forgetting the pain. It does not mean saying that what was done was right. It means placing the hurt in God’s hands and choosing freedom for our own hearts.

This Lent, we can gently ask ourselves:
Whom do I need to forgive—maybe slowly, maybe imperfectly, but sincerely?

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Third: Live generously, not fearfully

Finally, Jesus says, “Give, and gifts will be given to you.”

So often we live with clenched fists—
afraid to give time, compassion, attention, or care. We worry that if we give too much, we will have nothing left.

But Jesus assures us: a generous heart is never empty.

Lent calls us to open our hands: to give a second chance, to offer encouragement,
to share what we have with those in need.

God’s mercy is abundant. And He invites us to reflect that same generosity in our lives.

⸻
Final Words

Lent is not about becoming perfect. It is about becoming merciful.

When we judge less,
forgive more,
and give generously,
we begin to resemble our Father in heaven.

And Jesus makes us a beautiful promise:
the mercy we give will return to us—
pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing.

May this Lent soften our hearts and teach us the mercy that heals, frees, and saves.

Suppressed emotions resurface later as anxiety, physical illness, or intense emotional outbursts.

So, it’s important to express and process your emotions right away. How? Identify and name your feelings, practice mindfulness, write your journal, engage in sports, talk it out, identify your triggers, and seek God’s guidance.

Kaya kaayo na nimo!