3. We should not limit God’s saving presence.
• The phrase "We should not limit God's saving presence" emphasizes that God's power, love, and ability to save are infinite. God's grace isn't confined by our limited understanding or expectations; it extends to all people, in every situation, and at all times. No matter how dire circumstances may seem, or how far someone may feel from God, His saving presence is always available.
• Biblical context: Isaiah 59:1 declares, "Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear," affirming that God's power and care are boundless. This emphasizes that God's ability to save isn't restricted by our circumstances, our past actions, or our current feelings of unworthiness; His reach is limitless.
• Practical meaning: We sometimes limit our understanding of God's power. We might doubt His ability to intervene in our lives or mistakenly believe His grace is reserved for certain people or situations. The idea that "we should not limit God's saving presence" challenges this narrow view. It reminds us to trust that God can work beyond our limited imaginations and understanding. We should avoid restricting who God can save, where He can act, or how He can move. Essentially, it's a call to have a more expansive faith, recognizing the boundless nature of God's love and power.
In essence, it’s a call to expand our faith and trust in God’s limitless presence and mercy.
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2. We need to imitate the short prayer of "sinking Peter.” (Gosper of Matthew 14:22 – 33).
• The story: Seeing Jesus walk on water, Peter asks to join him. He walks for a time, but then, noticing the wind, fear and doubt cause him to sink. He cries out to Jesus, who immediately rescues him, asking, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
• The meaning: This story offers a powerful lesson about the nature of faith and the importance of trust in God. Peter's initial walk on water symbolizes the incredible things that become possible when we place our complete trust in God's power. It demonstrates the potential we have to transcend our perceived limitations and achieve what seems impossible, as long as our faith remains strong. However, Peter's sinking illustrates the fragility of faith and how easily it can be undermined by doubt and fear. When Peter shifted his focus from Jesus to the raging storm around him, his fear grew, and his faith faltered, causing him to sink. This highlights the constant struggle we face between faith and doubt, and how easily we can be distracted by the challenges and uncertainties of life. Jesus reaching out to save Peter is a powerful reminder of God's unwavering love and support. Even when our faith weakens, even when we succumb to doubt and fear, God's grace is always available to us. If we turn to Him in our moment of need, He will be there to lift us up, to renew our strength, and to guide us through the storm. The story isn't about never doubting; it's about knowing that even in our doubt, God's love and help are always within reach..
• Imitation: To "imitate" this story means acknowledging that, like Peter, our faith will be tested by challenges and doubts. We should strive to cultivate a strong trust in God, keeping our focus on Him even amidst life's distractions and "storms." When our faith weakens and we falter, we should immediately seek His guidance and help.
1. We need to call Jesus in the storms facing the Church and our lives.
When life's storms rage and threaten to shake our faith, Jesus Christ remains our unwavering beacon of hope. Like a lighthouse in the darkest night, He guides us through turbulent waters, offering solace and strength. Just as He calmed the storm-tossed sea, He calms the storms within our hearts, whispering peace into the chaos and reminding us we are never truly alone. Even when the waves crash and the winds howl, He is there, a steadfast presence, an anchor in the storm. Have faith in His boundless power, for He is greater than any challenge. He can transform our trials into triumphs, our pain into purpose, using the storms of life to draw us closer and reveal the depths of His love and the promise of His grace. So, when the storms gather, call upon His name. Open your heart to His unwavering love, and let Him lead you to the calm beyond. He is our refuge, our strength, and our hope, now and forevermore.
But this mission cannot be accomplished alone. It requires the generosity, the compassion, the unwavering support of individuals like you. Your gifts, whether of time, talent, or treasure, become the lifeblood of this vital work. You become a partner in shaping the future of faith, a collaborator in building a world where love and compassion prevail. You become an inspiration to these young men and women, showing them that their call is not only heard by God, but also supported by a caring community. You become a living example of what it means to truly follow Jesus. Join us, and together, let us answer the call, let us embrace the challenge, and let us celebrate the profound joy of saying, "Yes, Lord, I will follow you."
Our vision for the Philippines is ambitious, yet deeply rooted in faith: to support 1,000 students, empowering them to answer "Come, follow me" with courage and unwavering dedication. We provide scholarships, not just for tuition, but for room and board, recognizing that a true formation requires a nurturing environment. We understand that these students are not just pursuing an education; they are answering a call, a divine invitation to dedicate their lives to serving others. They are the seeds of hope, the future shepherds of their communities, the beacons of light in a world often shrouded in darkness.
This mission resonates deeply with the spirit of service exemplified by individuals like Father John, whose tireless work with marginalized communities has inspired so many, and Brother Luis Bio, whose commitment to education has transformed countless lives. Their examples remind us that following Christ's call often involves great personal sacrifice, but also brings immeasurable rewards.
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The OLE Foundation, inspired by Jesus's call, stands as a testament to this principle. We are dedicated to nurturing vocations, recognizing the vital role spiritual leaders play in our world. We believe that by supporting those who feel called to serve, we are not only strengthening the Church, but also contributing to the betterment of society as a whole. We see the faces of future priests, nuns, and lay leaders in the bright eyes of the students we support in Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, and now, with hearts full of hope, in the Philippines. We recognize the urgent need to address the growing shortage of clergy, to fill the gaps left by aging and retiring leaders. We understand that if we are to continue sharing the message of love and hope, we must invest in those who will carry that message forward.
When considering how to best serve the community's needs, we might think of Sister Christine, whose dedication to the less fortunate is truly inspiring, and perhaps even Father Padre, whose spiritual guidance could be invaluable. It's in those moments of reaching out to others, in acts of kindness, in volunteering our time to those in need, that we truly embody the spirit of "Come, follow me." It's in these moments, often when giving is most challenging, that our faith becomes most alive.
What is the secret?
