My take on daily Scripture readings... in the ordinary sense of the Word!

Weekend Reflection:* What are some new insights I have learned from this spiritual reading on the aspect of suffering? * What area of pain and suffering that I am going through now can I unite with the Cross? * How is my attitude towards suffering going to change from now onwards? What steps can I take to make this a norm ?

Reflection Questions: (From Catholic Life)Do I view purgatory as a place of mere punishment, or as the intense, purifying fire of God's merciful love preparing the soul to enter Heaven? Since nothing unholy can enter the presence of God, how can I actively detach myself from venial sins and worldly attachments here on earth?

Reflection Questions: (AI Gen)Before Elijah departs, he asks Elisha what he wants. Elisha asks for a "double portion" of his mentor's spirit. If God asked you what you needed to fulfill your calling or purpose, what would you ask for? Transitions are inherently scary. When you face an ending or a period of massive change, do you try to hold onto the past or boldly step into the future God is creating for you?

Reflection Questions (AI Gen)When you examine your own daily flaws and need for grace, how does it change your perspective on the faults of others?Is it harder for you to accept God's forgiveness or to extend forgiveness to the people who have hurt you?Do you actively remind yourself of the grace God gives you daily, and how does this impact your response to those who wrong you?

Reflection Questions: (AI Gen)What drives your actions: What wounds, fears, or desires push you to control situations rather than trusting God?Your sphere of influence: How are you utilizing your voice, resources, and leadership to positively impact those around you?Receptivity to feedback: How do you respond to correction, accountability, or when people say "no" to you?

Reflection Questions (AI Gen)The "Why Me?" Question: God specifically chose Israel despite them being the "fewest of all peoples." How does realizing that God's love isn't based on your merit, size, or strength shift your perspective on your own identity? Being a Treasured Possession: What does it practically mean for you to view yourself as a "holy people" and a "treasured possession"? How does this truth alter how you walk through your daily life? Unmerited Favor: Consider the things God has given you that you had no right to receive. How can making a list of these unearned blessings cultivate deeper humility and gratitude?

Today we shall pray some prayers on spiritual warfare - a periodic necessity every now & then

Questions to Evaluate Your PrioritiesWhom (or what) are you ultimately serving? If you are wavering between worldly desires and a committed spiritual or moral path, ask yourself if you are trying to serve two masters. What is the outcome of your delayed choice? Sometimes deciding not to choose is a choice in itself. How is your current hesitancy affecting your closest relationships or your own mental well-being? What does the crowd want? It is easy to go with the flow of popular culture or peer pressure. Are you avoiding a decision because it is unpopular with the crowd?AI Generated

Salt goes inward to bring out flavor and prevent decay, representing your internal character and daily impact. [1, 2]In what ways are you acting as a positive, preserving influence in your workplace, family, or neighborhood? How are you actively "adding flavor"—such as joy, peace, and reconciliation—to the environments you are in? What causes a Christian to "lose their saltiness" or become ineffective in today's society, and are there areas where this has happened to you? AI Gen

Reflection Questions: How do you define true success? Do you rely on your own self-reliance and competency, or do you recognize your complete spiritual dependence on God? Are you heartbroken over your own shortcomings and the brokenness of the world, or have you become immune to constant bad news? How can this grief drive you to seek God's comfort? The world values power and control. How do you respond when you feel you need to take control or manipulate a situation? How can you practice gentle strength in your daily interactions?AI Genhttps://scheduler.zoom.us/joyce-stellusFeel free to fill up this schedule form if you would like a chat, share a prayer or simply just talk about life~

Reflection QuestionsWhat am I truly feeling right now? Often, anger or frustration masks deeper feelings like hurt, exhaustion, or feeling unappreciated. Am I trying to be right, or am I trying to be understood? Assess whether the goal is constructive collaboration or "winning" the argument. How did I contribute to the escalation? Consider whether you used a harsh tone, interrupted, or made assumptions about the other person's intentions. Is this argument worth having? Ask yourself if the issue will matter next year, or if your energy is better spent elsewhere. (AI Gen)

* By escaping world corruption, we partake in the divine nature. What specific "evil desires" or worldly distractions are actively hindering you from reflecting God's nature today?AI GeneratedWhat one spiritual habit can I commit myself to practice each day ?https://scheduler.zoom.us/joyce-stellus/30-mins-with-joyce-be5x30en

Research shows that the types of questions you ask yourself during reflection make a massive difference. Ask "What" instead of "Why": Asking "Why am I feeling this way?" can lead to overthinking, rumination, and self-blame. Instead, ask "What specifically triggered this feeling?" or "What steps can I take to handle this?".Journaling and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practices create the mental space needed to observe your inner processes without judgment. Solitude: Disconnecting from daily distractions allows your mind to settle and process your experiencesAI generated

In what areas of your life (time, finances, relationships) are you acting like the rightful owner rather than a tenant entrusted with God's gifts? Where might you be resisting Jesus' authority in order to maintain control or avoid accountability?Vince MillerWhat's New?Schedule a 30-minute chat with Joyce at a time that works best for you. We can talk about the readings, life and share a prayer if you have any need. Or even if you don't have a reason , it doesn't matter.

1. Is my parish community/ home real houses of worship where 1 Peter 4: 7-11 comes alive? What is my role here and what steps am I taking to contribute to this spirit? 2. In what ways am I being actively engaged in service and worship, both in the Church and my home

Reflection Questions:When Bartimaeus began to shout, the crowd rebuked him and told him to be quiet. What "crowds" or external voices in your life pressure you to stay silent or back down when you are seeking God? Instead of quieting down, Bartimaeus shouted all the louder. How does your faith respond when you face obstacles or resistance in prayer?How does it make you feel to know that Jesus stopped in the middle of a busy journey to address Bartimaeus's cries?AI generated

Activity :1. Draw out your family tree to the 4th generation and give each one names. Take turns in praying for each one. (Purchase the Book Devotion to the Holy Souls in Purgatory -easily available online for a reasonable price)2. Today, take some time to enter this road to Jerusalem with Jesus. What would you like to discuss with Jesus - your fears, your anxieties, your doubts etc. Talk to the Lord about this.

Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways do I need to change my attitude towards suffering in my life? How open am I to accepting my daily crosses? 2. Speak to the Holy Spirit of your fears and allow Him to speak into your life on the blessings that come with suffering

Reflection Questions: Where do I see the Holy Spirit moving in my life today compared to this time last year?What is one concrete way I can be a blessing to others this week using my unique gifts?The Upper Room

Reflection Which of the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit (e.g., patience, peace, joy) do I see most actively operating in my life right now?Which fruit do I feel I am currently lacking, and what is one concrete way I can invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate it in me today? Word Press

Reflection Am I willing to say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," even if it requires stepping out of my comfort zone?Which of the Fruits of the Spirit (e.g., patience, joy, self-control) do I most need to invite into my daily interactions and challenges today?Catholic Minute

Where am I trying to "go it alone" rather than seeking God's will for my next steps?Am I a source of sound advice and loving counsel for my family and friends when they face difficulties? https://www.facebook.com/FatherSimOne/posts/new-year-novena-mother-of-perpetual-help-novena-day-7intention-for-double-portio/1217914517153318/

Do I simply know God's teachings, or do I actively relish and find joy in them?Are there areas in my life where I struggle to see God's hand or plan? How might the Holy Spirit be asking me to shift my perspective?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La7eGWDYVD8

Reflection; Do I prioritize earthly things, successes, or opinions, or do I evaluate their true value based on how they relate to God? How does this gift help me know God better, and more importantly, understand myself and my true purpose in serving Him?My Catholic Life

In what areas of my life am I currently feeling rushed, frustrated, or desperate for an immediate answer? How can I allow the Holy Spirit to replace my anxiety with a peaceful, enduring patience while I wait for God's perfect timing?Ascension Press

* Does your prayer feel like a burdensome chore, or a delightful conversation with a loving Father? How can you find more joy and satisfaction in your spiritual practices today?* Do you willingly and lovingly submit to God's will, even when it is difficult? In what areas of your life are you struggling to let God take the lead?Source: Catholic Dailies

Reflection:* Do I come to God just purely out of love for Him or do I have a secret agenda? How can I change this? * Which gifts do I seek most from the Holy Spirit this season of my life? Speak to the Holy Spirit about this

Reflection* Are there any dark areas in my life that I would like the Holy Spirit to shed His light into?* Make a weekend confession to be cleansed of these dark areas

Reflection:* How important is the Holy Spirit in my life ?* What can I do on a daily basis to involve the Holy Spirit more in my decision-making and clarity of actions?

Reflection: * Which group or community do I belong to that meets together to pray and witness Jesus, both being salient features of a thriving community. If I do not belong to a group which does BOTH of these, then seek to align myself to a group like this - like the early followers of Jesus!

Reflection:* For this weekend, besides spending some extra time listening to the Lord and just adoring Him, find out what exactly He wants me to do as His friend and anointed. Write down whatever impressions you receive and take it from there!

Reflection:* In What ways need I abide and latch myself to the Main vine more?* How could I have better radiated the joy of Christ in the past when things were not going very well in my life?

Please listen from 2.30 onwards. Thank you Reflection:* Do I take the time to study some writings of the early Church Fathers each week and to increase my knowledge in Church apologetics?* In my prayer time - do I listen or talk more? What steps do I need to take in order to make this more effective.

Reflection Points:* Think about the last trial that you had to go through. Thank the Lord for the specifics of this particular trial. * Rejoice and be glad - You are highly favoured! Thank God for the next trial in your life - yes, you read that right! * Tell Jesus exactly what you feel about trials and tribulations and listen to what He has to convey to you regarding this. Journal this.

Time to Ponder:* In what ways can I make my family life simpler, less packed and less cluttered.* How am I speaking Jesus to the people outside my circle?

* Picture the scene of creation in your mind - notice where you are and observe the Trinity in this drama. Are you laughing and enjoying this grand spectacle with them? Does Jesus invite you to join in? Get into the scene and journalApologies for the quality of the recording. Will be looking into it. Hope the main 2 messages were grasped:1. Subdue the earth but do not overcome it. 2. We are created in the image and likeness of God so embrace and be comfortable with ourselves!

Reflection Questions: * In what ways am I looking outward and where is the Lord directing me to serve? * Think of one way in which I can think less of myself and offer my opponent forgiveness

Reflection: * Think of one area where you are harnessed to darkness - what do you need to do immediately to come out of it?* How can you bind yourself more to the Trinity and be entwined through the day with the Lord

Reflection :* In my own little way, how can I reach out to the neighbouring Churches and show them we are all one.* Where is it that Jesus is calling me to lay down my life, make that extra effort, to show another that I care?

Reflection Questions:* In what major area have I retraced my steps and keep going back to an addictive pattern? Bring this to the Lord* What were the Lord's words to me - recollect and spend a few moments reflecting on them? If you can't remember , ask the Lord to speak now!

Reflection Questions: * What is stopping me from being used by God to expand His Kingdom? (not limited to whatsapp forwards only....)* When was the last time I head a prompting to share my testimony with another? * How am I equipping myself to share the gospel when the right moment arrives?

Reflection Questions: * On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the strongest) where do I stand in comparison with the early Church community?* What is that ONE thing that I can do now to get into Missionary Apostle mode? * What is that ONE way I can improve my prayer starting today.

Refection Questions: * How does this narrative on the first martyrdom give me a new purpose especially during the times when I am faced with opposition? * Looking back at the most recent confrontation in my life, how could I have handled it better - in light of this episode on the end of St. Stephen? * What is the one thing that I would like to change about my reactions when in a conflict?

Reflection Questions: * Look around me and notice my excesses - what do I really need and what do I just keep for the "just in case" events?* In what ways am I doing the real work that the Lord has assigned me to? (Do not include sessions which I attend.... )* How am I going out to fulfil the Beatitude commands? My takeaway: Get cracking Joyce!!!!!

Reflection Points:* Give myself the space to go away - despite the challenges - the experience is worth every sacrifice. * this weekend find some time to spend in front of the Blessed Sacrament to just sit and gaze

Reflection Questions:* Where is my opportunity to share and give testimony about Jesus in the coming week? * What one lifestyle change do I need to make in order to seen as someone worth listening to?

Reflection Questions:* In what areas has sin slowly slid into my life and I am now in bondage of a particular habit which my conscience tells me needs to be kicked? * God is a loving Father who does not condemn but embraces - when was the last time I saw myself running into His arms in helplessness when life gets too much....

Reflection Questions: * What is my response to today's reading on how the early community lived? * How am I living this out in my life alongside the community that I am called to be in?

Reflection Questions: * How has my post- Easter spiritual mood been? Am I empowered with a new zeal? Why or why not? * How important is Evangelization to me? How am I working this out in my daily life? * Where is Jesus in my life today? Is He just my Cosy Corner or One whom I working alongside with to bring back lost souls

Reflection Questions: 1. What is/are the old habits that I keep returning to? What is the pull and what is causing this return to my former habits? 2. What is the Lord's desire for me? What plans does He have for me? 3. What is the root cause of the fears that I harbour in my life? Bring this to the Lord

Reflection Questions:1. Imagine yourself in this scene? Where are you in the room? Look at what's happening, hear the noise and the happiness - how are you reacting? What does the Lord invite you to do? 2. Share this resurrection experience with someone you encounter today? What would be that one thing you would emphasize in your message?