January 27, Friday, 3rd Week in Ordinary Time [ "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." Mark 4:26-34] In religious life, I also go through growing. The formation process, especially my initial formation has helped me discover and identify the aspect of myself that needs to grow. But how should I know if I am growing maturely? Some practical questions that I should honestly answer… Can I hold my words when I get angry at people around me? Can I be quiet, be silenced when I am bothered by something/ someone so I can reflect what is going on inside me? Can I listen and be in touch with my negative feelings and thoughts? Can I acknowledge and be at peace with them? If I can answer all these questions with resounding ‘YES’ (to some degree), then I am on my way to growing maturely. So help me God.

January 26, Thursday, 3rd Week in Ordinary Time [“To those who have, more will be given.” Mark 4:21-25] Almighty God, help me to see how much you give me. Open my eyes to see you as a lavish God who never holds back anything when giving me your grace. Help me to be as generous as you are so that I can serve you with all my heart, and to go beyond my moments of laziness and discouragement. Amen.

January 25, Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul [‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-18] Conversion of the heart is ‘two-way-process’; God’s grace coupled with personal cooperation and willingness to change. Lord, grant me the grace to answer your call for a greater cause. Amen. St. Paul, pray for us!

January 24, Tuesday, 3rd Week in Ordinary Time. “Whoever does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to me.” [Mk 3:35] What makes it difficult to follow God’s will? Over-certitude, self-doubt, fears, stubbornness of heart, and many more you can add to the list. From my personal experience, it takes a lot of discernment to be able to know God’s will in my life. The discernment itself requires humility and courage to bend my will to His and be open to His promptings. Thus, I continuously pray to the Lord to have a discerning heart and the grace of courage to do His will in my daily life. Amen.

January 23, Monday, 3rd Week in Ordinary Time ["Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" - for they had said, "He has an unclean spirit." Mark 3:22-30] Lord, I pray for the grace of openness to God’s Spirit. Help me distinguish the promptings of the good Spirit from the voices of evil. Amen.