Gemma's Books on Amazon

Gemma's Books on Amazon
Gemma's Books on Amazon

40 Days of Reflection - Wednesday-Saturday of Holy Week

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought Jesus to their council. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God. (Lk 22: 66-69)
Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.” But they…. Said, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.” Pilate… asked whether the man was a Galilean. When he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Jesus off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer… Then Herod put an elegant robe on Jesus, and sent him back to Pilate. (Lk 23: 4-11)
As they led Jesus away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus (Lk 23:26)
As the soldiers approached to offer Jesus wine, they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” (Lk 23: 36-38)



JOHNNY CASH

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?  
Oh were you there when they crucified my Lord? 
(Ohh, sometimes it causes me to tremble) Tremble  
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
 
Were you there when they nailed Him to the cross? 
Were you there when they nailed Him to the cross? 
(Ohh, sometimes it causes me to tremble) Tremble  
Were you there when they nailed Him to the cross?
 
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? 
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? (Ohh, sometimes it causes me to tremble) Tremble  
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
 
Well, were you there when the stone was rolled away?  
Were you there when the stone was rolled away? 
(Ohh, sometimes it causes me to tremble) Tremble  
Were you there when the stone was rolled away? 

NAMASTE.

40 Days of Reflection - Tuesday of Holy Week

When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” But Peter denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man I am not!” Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. (Lk 22: 55-61)
Blame Game.

Don’t you just feel powerful if you are in the position to point fingers and blame whoever for whatsoever?

Is it really "POWER" to be able to do that?

On the other hand, PETER lives within us.. when we are enveloped with FEAR and couldn't make a stand.

.. and in the silence of our hearts and minds, we see Jesus looking at us, embracing us with His love and compassion...


For the many times we have failed you Lord, we are sorry. We are sorry for pointing fingers, for blaming others and for rejecting You in our words, thoughts and deeds.

Give us the strength to always say YES to you, even when the odds are against us, even if it is difficult, even if it cost us our lives.

AMEN.

NAMASTE.

   




40 Days of Reflection - Monday of Holy Week

After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from the disciples and kneeling. Jesus prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Still, not my will but yours be done.’ And to strengthen him, and angel from heaven appeared to him. Jesus was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. (Lk 22:41-44)



Who amongst us isn't afraid to die? Jesus was even in agony knowing his fate. I don't even want to talk about death, so let me not.

The thing is, it is inevitable, time will come we will all pass on.

For the meantime, by the words that we speak, by our actions, especially our thoughts let us not hasten our death nor the deaths of everyone in our circle.

In all the things we do, let us emulate Jesus. Despite of what was in store for him coming to Jerusalem, he embraced and soaked himself in prayer.

The same way, whenever we have to take risks and challenges, or if we are undergoing problems, suffering and heartaches, let us hold on to our faith and continually pray, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Still, not my will but yours be done."

AMEN. 


40 Days of Reflection - Fifth Week of Lent

"Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the Temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then he scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle" (Jn 8:1-3)
"The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" (Jn 8:4-5)
"The scribes and Pharisees said this to test Jesus, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with this finger." (Jn 8:6)
"But when the scribes and Pharisees continued asking him, Jesus straightened up and said to them, “Let “the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (Jn 8:7)
“Again Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. (Jn 8:8-9)

“Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She replied, ’No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do  not sin anymore.” (Jn 8:10-11)


I’ve always been a very impulsive person. The sad thing is acting on impulse and not thinking twice or thrice, cost me relationships at times. 

But Jesus in this gospel showed us the way to go, as always.


I would just love to hug Jesus and thank Him again and again for his great patience with us.


Lord, thank you for teaching us to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. To judge what is right and what is wrong but be soft in it.


NAMASTE.



80,000 coolness!

 

I was hooked at watching the recent THE BACHELOR and was engrossed with Sean and Catherine's love story.

credit

I love love love it!

I love how it rekindled the love I have for my husband too. 
 It's good to be reminded again of how grateful I am for him and all the other blessings in my life.

I mean, we've been married for 12 years now, and admittedly I could be into a lot of other things but him, Lol!

So it was nice to bring it all back in. :) 

Plus the 80,000 page views?... couldn't be anymore happier! 

Thanks much!


40 Days of Reflection - Saturday, Fourth Week of Lent

"The father said to him, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found." (Lk 15:31-32)
I love celebrations. You see, that means free food, get together and happy times! Lol!

But back to the message… when I heard this parable the first time in elementary days, I couldn’t help but feel what the older son was feeling too… he has been loyal and did his best to please his father, while his younger brother seek glamour, fame and material things! Now that he is back, the father seemed to give him some more! Wasn’t that unfair?!

But, of course, the priest would explain the values, lessons and point of the story, so that actually made me think differently. Now, I couldn’t help but admire the father, and how elated he must be feeling to see his missing son, regardless of what he did.

Just like our father in heaven, no matter how many times we have disobeyed him. He is always waiting for us to come, and we will be welcomed with open arms. ANY TIME.



NAMASTE.


40 Days of Reflection - Monday-Friday, Fourth Week of Lent

"The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.' So to them Jesus addressed this parable." (Lk 15:1-3)
 "Jesus said, 'A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation." (Lk 15:11-13)
"When the younger son had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of he local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses, he thought, 'How of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers." (Lk 13:14-19)
 "So the younger son got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son." But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began." (Lk 15:20-24)
 "The older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, "Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound." He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, 'Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.' (Lk 15: 25-30)

Thank you Lord for understanding us whenever we feel like life isn't being fair. Thank you for forgiving us even if we've turned against you. Thank you for your unconditional love and kindness.



NAMASTE.




40 Days of Reflection - Saturday, Third Week of Lent

"...it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down" (Lk 13:9)


Yes Lord, I will "bear fruit"!
Fruit, to glorify and serve you , Lord.
Lord, thank you for the time.
Time, so precious!

Yes Lord, I will bear fruit!
I will utilize, cultivate and share the gifts You’ve given me.
I will work on it, Lord; with Your loving guidance, and through the help of the people around me..
I will “bear fruit”.

Thank you for believing
Thank you for the second chance
… and for not “cutting me” just yet.


NAMASTE.


40 Days of Reflection - Friday, Third Week of Lent

"The gardener said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground it and fertilize it..." (Lk 13:8)


We must love our gardener!


The people in our lives could be our gardener, the one who pokes or who would make a way to wake us up from our sleeping slumber.


These are the people who continues to appreciate, motivate and encourage us to do something better with our lives!


These are the angels in disguise supporting us, covering for us and helping us.

Not yet, he’d say, let’s not give up yet, let’s give him more time and allow him to metamorphose in our eyes.


Just saying, our gardeners could also be our conscience, constantly whispering to us, constantly reminding us… it’s time. BEAR FRUIT!


NAMASTE.


My Dailies Collection