Dear friends: It pleases me to share these passages, images, and remembrances which I have received and that I know you will appreciate. Those whose authors are known have the pertinent credit reflected; your comments and feedback through the forums that are reflected here will be valued. The distribution of these materials is free and without any commercial purpose. Nonetheless, those of you who do not wish to continue receiving them can note your desire in the appropriate space in this message. It is my intent, however, to promote culture and traditions in a positive manner. Regards, Demetrio Pérez Jr. Listen to Demetrio Pérez Jr’s commentaries, which are broadcast each day on WAQI 710 AM and on

A young man was about to graduate from high school. In the time leading up to his graduation, this youngster became enamored with a sports car that he had seen at a local auto dealership. He knew that his father could afford the car and he told his dad that the car was all that he wanted.

On graduation day, the young man’s father called his son into then den. The father told his son how proud he was to have such a good son and how much he loved him. The father had in his hands an elaborate gift box.

The young man was curious, albeit disappointed, as he opened the box to find a beautiful leather bound Bible with his name engraved on the cover in gold letters. The son said: “With all the money that you have, you only gave me this Bible?” The son then left the house in a rage, never to return.

Many years passed and the young man became a successful businessman. He had a beautiful home and family.

The father and son had not seen each other since that graduation day, but when the son learned that his father was very ill, he thought about visiting him.

Before the son was able to go to see his father, he received a telegram informing him of his father’s death and notifying him that he was the sole heir to his father’s estate, which required that he immediately go to his father’s home to settle the estate.

Upon arriving at his father’s home, he began to sift through the belongings that were there. His heart filled with sorrow and regret when he came across the Bible that his father had tried to give him.

With tears in his eyes, the son opened the Bible and flipped through the pages. His father had carefully highlighted Matthew 7:11, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

As the son read the passage, a pair of car keys slipped out of the Bible. There was a card from an auto dealership attached to the keys. The card had the date of his graduation and the words: “Paid in Full.”

Reflection: How many times have we rejected and lost God’s blessings because they do not come wrapped in the beautiful packages that we expected?

Remember: Jesus came to give us abundant life. He gave us the gift of salvation, there is no greater treasure. We only need to accept the gift. John 3:16 – 1:12.