A Birthday Reflection (2009)

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Link to blog post: http://raffysaldana.blogspot.com/2009/11/birthday-refection-2009.html

It's my birthday today.

It's time for me to pause and reflect.

Have I done more good things than bad ones?

Have I made positive contributions to society and humankind?

Did I strive for excellence and service?

Did I make other people happy or sad?

Did I contribute to environmental protection or did I contribute to environmental degradation?

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Did I contribute to the development of my country and people?

Have I been good to my parents and loved ones?

What are the things that I need to improve?

What are the bad habits that I need take out of my system?

Did I use my talents to improve the lives of other people?

Have I been true to myself and to other people?

Have I been a good servant of God?

Another year... another year older... and hopefully, another year wiser.

I thank all loved ones, relatives, friends, colleagues, and everyone who remember me on this special day.

I pray for humility, honesty, sincerity, faith, hope, and charity.

Bless me Lord.

Raffy Saldaña

11 November 2009

Relevant Link: http://positivepause.com/

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Gospel Reflection (Mark 1, 29-39), Sunday, 2/8/09

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Link to Raffy's World: http://raffysaldana.blogspot.com

* Sunday, 8 February 2009

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Jerome Emiliani

Link: http://www.dailygospel.org/www/main.php?language=AM&ordo=&localTime=02/08/2009

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Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1, 29-39.

On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.

Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.

The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.

Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come."

So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
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Reflection:

1. In today's Gospel we see several aspects of our Lord Jesus Christ: (a) Jesus is a healer, (b) Jesus is a preacher, (c) Jesus can drive away demons, and (d) Jesus prays.

2. Jesus cures various diseases: In our country and in our world there are millions of people who are sick not only physically but also spiritually. Let us pray that sick people will be cured of their illnesses.

3. Jesus preaches the Good News: Let us pray that the Good News tranforms us into doing what is good and avoiding what is bad.

4. Jesus drives away demons: Let us pray that demons (of all forms) would be driven out not only in Galilee but also in our country and the world today.

5. Jesus prays: Like Jesus let us make it a habit to pray.

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