MyJoysComplete!

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?

Reflection Questions:1. Can I identify one person with whom I can accompany eg : a recently baptised convert, a struggling friend etc. 2. When was the last time I sat with the Lord in Adoration and experienced an "Emmaus" moment? How did that experience feel? 3. Think about who you would like to invite for a simple meal at your place and then to share your faith journey with perhaps?

After your prayer period concludes, consider answering some of the following questions:What were the significant interior movements (that is, feelings, reactions, intuitions, desires, emotions, thoughts, or insights)?What was the prevailing mood of my prayer: peace, agitation, excitement, boredom, confusion, calm?Was my prayer more about the head or the heart, or about both?What word, phrase, image, or memory meant most to me during prayer?Is there some unfinished business that I think God is calling me to return to during another time of prayer?Is there something happening in my life that is becoming part of my prayer? Do I feel moved to do something concrete in my life?Am I making the necessary preparations for my prayer? Is there anything I am doing or not doing that is getting in the way of my listening to God?The review of prayer is not homework; do not feel bound to answer each of these questions every time you journal. Instead, consider journaling as another way of praying, of going deeper to sift through the graces. Write in a style that is comfortable for you. In your journaling, feel free to write directly to God the Father or to Jesus, as if you were writing a letter or an e-mail.https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-what-how-why-of-prayer/review-prayer-by-keeping-a-journal/

Reflection Questions:1. What cross am I going through today that I can be thankful to God for? What is He teaching me through this pain?2. Am I willing to be a witness at whatever cost? What would hold me back from making this prayer of total surrender? Offer up, during this day, petitions for those martyred in many parts of the world today

An Easter Ode to My Risen MessiahBy MyJoysComplete

Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways can I embrace silence more in my life? 2. Can I make a commitment to attend a Silent Retreat at least once a year? (PM me for details)

Reflection Questions:1. How have/are my achievements and those of my family been the point of discussion with my friends/ colleagues? What am I really seeking while sharing success stories of those close to me?2. In what ways do I seek approval, recognition, praise from from others? Is the Lord inviting me to surrender this need to Him and to maybe let go of this desire?

Reflection Questions:1. When did you last felt that you were a failure? How has today's reading about Isaiah feeling the the same way resonated with your moments of despair. Journal your thoughts...2. Look at God's response to Isaiah - now imagine what the Father is telling you today regards these instances and write down His words to you. Re-read what you have written and respond to God. Reflect: I am more than my worst moment.

Reflection Questions:1. What feelings or emotions stir within me as I contemplate on the image shown in this podcast? What is my response? 2. Am I someone drowning in ministry, church work like Martha and spending less time with the Lord of the Church? How do I bring about a balance between the two ?

Reflection Questions:1. How have I coped in the past when assaulted by hurtful words? 2. What am I hearing from Jeremiah in today's reading ? 3. How can I, in such moments, turn from a place of desolation to consolation?

1. What areas am I striving to achieve higher, be better, receive recognition? What is the main thrust that is directing me in this direction? Does it align with the standards of today's gospel? 2. What is your one takeaway from today's reflection? Mine: To stop judging my performance and to start being gentle my imperfections !Music : https://pixabay.com/?next=/accounts/like/audio/14023/

Reflection Questions: 1. When last did I ask Him what He wanted of me? What was God's reply and how did I go about fulfilling God's wish? 2. What Sorrowful Mystery am I undergoing now in my life and how can I learn from our Lady's response to re-direct my gaze to God while trusting that He will take care of everything!

Reflection Questions: 1. What are the serpents that I can identify today in my life that are a challenge in my spiritual journey?2. What physical reminders can I place around, have on me etc, that will instantly bring me back to focus on the love of God? 3. What daily habits do I need to add to my daily schedule that will help me amend those areas that still need to be addressed? For example it could be silence when faced with anger, restrain when I am tempted to act impulsively etc. 4. What is that one takeaway from today's reading? Mine: Look at that one area that is disturbing my peace and find where God is inviting me to make that change!

Reflection Questions: (AI gen)The righteous man is described as "inconvenient" to the ungodly because his life opposes their actions. Do I live in such a way that my choices create discomfort for those who behave unethically, or do I blend in?How can I better live out my Christian values as a "counter-witness" to the prevailing, often toxic, values in my workplace or community?The wicked are offended by the righteous person's "strange ways" and their boast of being a child of God. Is my faith public enough to invite misunderstanding or scrutiny, or do I hide it to make life easier?When I face mockery or "insult" because of my integrity, do I react with vengeance, or with the gentleness and patience mentioned in verse 19?The passage reveals that the ungodly believe they can force God to prove his power. Am I demanding that God save me from all discomfort, or am I willing to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel?

Reflection Questions: (AI gen.)1. St. Joseph is a saint of few words, known for quiet, selfless protection. Do I seek recognition for my good works, or can I serve God through "silent obedience" behind the scenes? 2. When Joseph embraced the Christ child, he accepted a role he didn't plan for, note Catholic Daily Reflections. What is the "unexpected gift" or difficult responsibility God has placed in my life that I need to accept with more gratitude? 3. As the guardian of the Redeemer, St. Joseph showed how to protect what is holy. How can I better act as a guardian of faith, virtue, and love within my own family?

Reflection Questions: (AI gen)Who do I need to forgive, and what specifically have they done that I am still holding onto?When I recall a hurt, does it still have a "sting"? If so, do I need to ask for more healing?Am I mistaking "forgiving" for "forgetting"?What "torturers" (anger, resentment, self-hatred) are in my life because I have not forgiven?How can I begin to treat the offender with kindness, as Christ commanded?

Stand up. As a believer, you have the strength to move forward, and you have a lot to give. Build your life and ask Jesus to give you the courage to recover your energy to walk ahead. https://digitalmissioners.com/2024/03/john-5-1-16-3/

What now are we taught by these things? Not to wait for miracles, nor to seek pledges of the Power of God. I see many persons even now become more pious,4 when during the sufferings of a child or the sickness of a wife they enjoy any comfort, yet they ought even if they obtain it not, to persist just the same in giving thanks, in glorifying God. Because it is the part of right-minded servants, and of those who feel such affection5 and love as they ought for their Master, not only when pardoned, but also when scourged, to run to Him. For these also are effects of the tender care of God; “Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth,” it says, “every son whom He receiveth.” (Heb. 12:6.) When therefore a man serves Him only in the season of ease, he gives proofs of no great love, and loves not Christ purely.St. John Chrysostom's Homily

The Jewish confession of faith Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad! “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one!”  This is known as the Shema – the most central prayer in Judaism. It is considered the main confession of Jewish faith. As such it is different to our Christian confessions, which usually are expressed in multiple series of declarations: “We believe, …” The Jewish confession, however, is not so much a “we believe” statement but a divine command to hear, to listen to the voice of God regarding who He is – the one true God. The Shema has such a sanctified status, that for many rabbis the short phrase “Shema Yisrael” is equal to the very name of God, many times just symbolized with the Hebrew letter ש [shin]. https://www.icej.org/blog/hear-o-israel/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17224557502&gbraid=0AAAAAChbkRh_iMViA02KLPoDcZa0AaDXQ&gclid=CjwKCAjwyMnNBhBNEiwA-KcguxXl6yE2OpvKt-39dqt-2QcIZfwE2B-CEAQ2yC5UjpmILQdDuBxuhxoCSswQAvD_BwE

Jeremiah 7:23-28 delivers a blistering rebuke to Judah, emphasizing that God desires heartfelt obedience over empty ritualistic sacrifice. God states that true covenant relationship ("I will be your God, and you shall be my people") requires walking in His ways, yet the people are condemned for their stubborn, persistent disobedience and for acting worse than their ancestors. 

Reflection Questions: * Azariah acknowledges that God is just in allowing their punishment (exile). Do I struggle to believe that God is fair when I am suffering, or can I humbly accept His discipline?* Azariah asks that his suffering be accepted like a sacrifice. What "sacrifices" of pride, ego, or comfort am I holding onto, and how can I offer them to God?

Questions: (AI Gen)1. Naaman was a "mighty man" but he had leprosy. What is your "hideous birthmark" or "leprosy"—the weakness or hurt you try to conceal while maintaining an impressive outward appearance?2. How has your own weakness or "thorn in the flesh" served to humble you and bring you closer to God in a way your strengths never could?3.