"Nanginbug-os ang akon kalipay"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 3:22-30)

Sabado (Enero 11)

Sa tapos sini, si Jesus kag ang iya mga gintuton-an nagkadto sa probinsya sang Judea. Nagtener sia didto sing pila ka adlaw kaupod nila, kag nagpangbautiso.

Si Juan nagpangbautiso man sa Enon malapit sa Salim, kay madamo ang tubig didto. Ang mga tawo nagkadto sa iya, kag ginbautisohan niya sila.

(Si Juan wala pa sadto nabilanggo.)

Ang iban sang mga gintuton-an ni Juan nagpakigbais sa isa ka Judio nahanungod sang pagsulondan sa pagpaninlo.

Gani, nagkadto sila kay Juan kag nagsiling sa iya, "Manunudlo, nadumdoman mo bala yadtong tawo nga upod mo anay didto sa tabok sang Jordan nga ginsugid mo sa amon? Abi mo nagapangbautiso na sia karon, kag halos ang tagsatagsa nagakadto sa iya!"

Si Juan nagsabat, "Wala sing bisan sin-o nga makaangkon sang bisan ano nga butang kon indi pag-ihatag ini sang Dios sa iya.

Kamo mismo amo ang akon mga saksi nga ako nagsiling, 'Indi ako ang Cristo, kundi ako amo ang ginpadala sa pag-una sa iya.'

Ang nagaangkon sang nobya amo ang nobyo; ang abyan sang nobyo nga nagatambong kag nagapamati, nagakalipay sa pagpamati sang tingog sang nobyo. Sa amo man nga paagi, nanginbug-os ang akon kalipay.

Dapat sia magmangindaku, pero ako magmangindiutay."

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, may I never forget the love you have poured out for me when you shed your blood upon the Cross of Calvary for my sins and for my salvation. May your love always grow in me and your hope fill me with joy as I wait for your return in glory when all of your people will be fully united with you at your heavenly banquet feast in the New Jerusalem." 

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you know the joy of the Lord? When some friends of John the Baptist complain that all the people are now going to Jesus, John in his characteristic humility exclaimed that he was not the Messiah but only the messenger sent to prepare his way. John describes the Messiah as the Bridegroom and himself as the friend of the Bridegroom. The image of the groom delighting in his bride and the joy of the wedding feast is used in the Bible as a sign or symbol of God's covenant love and joy in being united with his people, whom he calls his bride. As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you (Isaiah 62:5). Through the gift of the Holy Spirit John recognized that Jesus was the annointed Messiah, sent from the Father in heaven to reunite his people to himself. John acted as the groom's best man in arranging the marriage and in making preparations for the marriage feast. John and his disciples now rejoice that the Bridegroom has come to make his bride, the people of God, ready for the marriage feast. The New Testament tells us that Christ's blood which was shed upon the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, seals us in a new covenant between God and his people. The Book of Revelation depicts the final fulfillment and consummation of this new covenant relationship at the marriage feast of the "Lamb and his Bride" in the New Jerusalem (see Revelations 21-22). Do you look with joyful anticipation to the consummation of God's plan for his people at the end of the ages?

"Ginoo, magatinlo ako"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 5:12-16)

Biyernes (Enero 10)

Sang isa ka tion si Jesus didto sa isa ka banwa sa diin may isa ka tawo nga puno sang aro. Sang pagkakita niya kay Jesus naghapa sia sa duta kag nagpakiluoy kay Jesus, "Sir, kon luyag mo, magatinlo ako!"

Gindab-ot sia ni Jesus kag gintandog nga nagasiling, "Luyag ko! Magmatinlo ka!" Sa gilayon nadula ang aro sang tawo.

Kag ginsingganan sia ni Jesus, "Indi ka magpanugid sini bisan kay sin-o kundi kadto ka sa pari kag ipatan-aw ang imo kaugalingon. Dayon maghalad ka suno sa ginsugo ni Moises sa pagpamatuod sa mga tawo nga matinlo ka na."

Pero ang balita nahanungod kay Jesus naglapnag pa gid, kag madamo nga mga tawo ang nagdugok sa pagpamati sa iya kag sa pagpabulong sang ila mga balatian.

Pero nagkadto sia sa baw-ing nga mga duog kag didto nagpangamuyo sia.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with your love and make me clean and whole in body, mind, and spirit. May I never doubt your love nor cease to tell others of your mercy and compassion."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you seek the Lord Jesus with expectant faith? No one who sought Jesus out was refused his help. Even the untouchables and the outcasts of Jewish society found help in him. Unlike the people of Jesus' time who fled at the sight of a leper, Jesus touched the leper who approached him and he made him whole and clean. Why was this so remarkable? Lepers were outcasts of society. They were driven from their homes and communities and left to fend for themselves. Their physical condition was terrible as they slowly lost the use of their limbs and withered away. They were not only shunned but regarded as "already dead" even by their relatives. The Jewish law forbade anyone from touching or approaching a leper, lest ritual defilement occur.

This leper did something quite remarkable. He approached Jesus confidently and humbly, expecting that Jesus could and would heal him. Normally a leper would be stoned or at least warded off if he tried to come near a rabbi. Jesus not only grants the man his request, but he demonstrates the personal love, compassion, and tenderness of God in his physical touch. The medical knowledge of his day would have regarded such contact as grave risk for incurring infection. Jesus met the man's misery with compassion and tender kindness. He communicated the love and mercy of God in a sign that spoke more eloquently than words. He touched the man and made him clean – not only physically but spiritually as well.

How do you approach those who are difficult to love, or who are shunned by others because they are deformed or have some physical or mental weakness? Do you show them kindness and offer them mercy and help as Jesus did? The Lord is always ready to show us his mercy and to free us from whatever makes us unclean, unapproachable, or unloving towards others.

"Ang tanan natingala sang matahom nga mga pulong ni Jesus"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 4:14-22)

Huwebes (Enero 9)

Dayon si Jesus nagbalik sa Galilea, kag ang gahom sang Espiritu Santo yara sa iya. Ang balita nahanungod sa iya naglapnag sa sadto nga mga duog.

Nagpanudlo sia sa ila mga sinagoga kag gindayaw sia sang tanan. 

Dayon si Jesus nagkadto sa Nazaret, sa diin sia nagdaku, kag sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway nagkadto sia sa sinagoga suno sa iya kinabatasan. Nagtindog sia sa pagbasa sang mga Kasulatan, kag ginhatag sa iya ang libro ni Isaias nga propeta. Ginbukad niya ini kag nakita niya ang bahin diin nasulat ang masunod: "Ang Espiritu sang Ginoo yari sa akon. Kag ginpili niya ako sa pagwali Sang Maayong Balita sa mga imol, Ginpadala niya ako sa pagbantala Sang kahilwayan sa mga bihag, Sa pag-ayo sang mga bulag, Sa paghilway sang mga ginapigos, Sa pagbantala sang tuig nga ang Ginoo Magaluwas sang iya mga tawo."

Gintakop ni Jesus ang libro, gin-uli sa manugbulig, kag naglingkod. Ang tanan sa sinagoga nagtulok sa iya.

Nagsugod sia sa paghambal sa ila, "Ini nga dinalan sang kasulatan natuman karon nga adlaw samtang ginapamatian ninyo ang pagbasa sini."

Gindayaw sia sang tanan, kag natingala sila sang matahom nga mga pulong nga iya ginhambal. Nagsiling sila, "Indi bala ini anak ni Jose?"

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and dreams. Through the gift of your Holy Spirit you bring us truth, freedom, and abundant life. Fill me with the joy of the gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal for you and for your kingdom of peace and righteousness".

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What can bring us true freedom and joy? In Jesus we see the healing power of God's love and mercy in action. Wherever Jesus went, people gathered to hear him speak about the kingdom of God and God's promise to bring freedom and healing to those who put their trust in God. His gracious words brought hope, joy, and favor to those who were ready to receive him. Jesus began his public ministry in his own land of Galilee where he was reared. His proclamation of the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah brought wonder to the people. Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those oppressed by sin and evil (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus awakened their hope in the promises of God. They, in turn, received his words favorably and wondered what would become of "Joseph's son". Their hearts were hungry for the word of life and they looked to Jesus with anticipation and wonder. Do you look to Jesus with confidence and hope in the fulfillment of all God's promises?

The word "gospel" literally means "good news". Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those who suffered from physical, mental, or spiritual oppression (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free, not only from their infirmities, but from the worst affliction of all – the tyranny of slavery to sin, Satan, and the fear of losing one's life. God's power alone can save us from dejection, hopelessness, and emptiness of life. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for everyone who will receive it. Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel?

"Magpakaisog kamo, Ako ini; indi kamo magkahadlok"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 6:45-52)

Miyerkules (Enero 8)

Sa gilayon ginpasakay ni Jesus ang iya mga gintuton-an sa sakayan kag ginpauna sila sa Betsaida sa tabok sang linaw, samtang ginpapauli niya ang mga tawo.

Sa tapos sia makapaalam sa iya mga gintuton-an nagkadto sia sa isa ka bakulod sa pagpangamuyo.

Sang pagkagab-i, ang sakayan yadto na sa tunga sang linaw, samtang si Jesus isahanon lang sa takas.

Nalantawan niya nga ang iya mga gintuton-an ginabudlayan sa pagbugsay kay sumpong ang hangin. Gani sang mga alas kuwatro ang takna sa kaagahon, nag-apas si Jesus sa ila nga nagalakat sa ibabaw sang tubig. Ligaran lang niya sila kuntani, pero nakita nila sia nga nagalakat sa ibabaw sang tubig kag naghunahona sila nga bagat sia. Gani nagsinggit sila, "Bagat!" 

Kay sang pagkakita nila tanan sa iya hinadlukan sila. Sa gilayon si Jesus nagsiling sa ila, "Magpakaisog kamo! Ako ini. Indi kamo magkahadlok!"

Dayon nagsakay sia upod sa ila kag ang hangin nagkanay. Natingala gid sila, kay wala gani nila mahangpi ang kahulogan sang pagmuad sang tinapay tungod kay nadulman pa ang ila mga panghunahona.

Prayers:

"Lord, may I never doubt your saving help and your ever watchful presence, especially in times of adversity. Fortify my faith with courage and my hope with perseverance that I may never waver in my trust in you".

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you ever feel tested or let down by the Lord? Right after Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, he left his disciples by themselves so he could go away and pray alone for a while. It was at Jesus' initiative that the disciples set sail across the lake, only to find themselves in a life-threatening storm. Although they were experienced fishermen, they feared for their lives. The Lake of Galilee was known for its sudden storms which sank many boats because of its fierce winds which swept down from the nearby mountains. The disciples must have called out for their Master to come and rescue them. Although Jesus was not with them in the boat, he, nonetheless watched for them in earnest prayer. When he perceived their trouble and heard their cries, he came out to them walking on the troubled waters. The disciples were terrified rather than joyful when they saw Jesus' presence on the water. They couldn't believe it was really him until he spoke words of assurance: "Dont give in to fear or panic, but take courage and be calm, because I am here for you and ready to help you in your need." Jesus not only calmed their fears, but the threatening waves and storm as well.

Does the Lord seem distant when trials and difficulties come your way? The Lord nevers leaves us alone, but keeps constant watch over us at all times, especially when we are tempted and feel weak or helpless. Do you look to the Lord to give you his strength and help when you are in need? Jesus assures us that we do not have to give into fear or discouragement if we put our trust in Him and remember his great love for us. He will see us through any trial that comes our way. When calamities and trials threaten to overwhelm you, do you respond with faith and hope in God's loving care and presence with you?

"Nagkaon sila tanan kag nagkalabusog"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 6:34-44)

Martes (Enero 7)

Sang pagtakas ni Jesus, nakita niya ang masyado kadamo nga mga tawo kag nagbatyag sia sing kaluoy sa ila kay subong sila sang mga karnero nga wala sing manugbantay. Kag gintudloan niya sila sang madamo nga mga butang.

Sang sirom na, ang iya mga gintuton-an nagkadto sa iya kag nagsiling, "Madulom na kag baw-ing ini nga duog.

Palakta kag pakadtoa ang mga tawo sa mga baryo ukon mga sityo sa palibot agod nga makabakal sila sang ila pagkaon."

Nagsabat si Jesus, "Kamo mismo ang maghatag sa ila sing pagkaon." Nagpamangkot sila, "Gusto mo bala nga maglakat kami sa pagbakal sing tinapay nga nagabili sing ₱200 agod nga mapakaon sila?"

Gani si Jesus nagpamangkot sa ila, "Pila bala ka bilog ang inyo tinapay? Abi tan-awa ninyo." Sang mausisa nila, nagsiling sila, "Lima ka bilog nga tinapay kag duha ka bilog nga isda."

Sa gilayon ginsugo ni Jesus ang iya mga gintuton-an sa pagpalingkod sang mga tawo sing hinut-onghut-ong sa hilamon.

Gani ang mga tawo naglingkod nga nahut-onghut-ong sa tag-ginatos kag tag-singkuwenta.

Dayon ginkuha ni Jesus ang lima ka bilog nga tinapay kag ang duha ka bilog nga isda, nagtangla sia sa langit, kag nagpasalamat sa Dios. Iya ginpamihakpihak ang tinapay kag ginhatag sa iya mga gintuton-an agod nga ila ipanagtag sa mga tawo. Iya man ginparti-parti ang duha ka bilog nga isda.

Nagkaon sila tanan kag nagkalabusog.

Dayon gintipon sang mga gintuton-an ang nagkalabilin nga tinapay kag isda kag napuno ang dose ka mga alat.

Ang kadamuon sang mga lalaki nga nagkalaon 5,000.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus Christ, you satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts and you feed us with the finest of wheat (Psalm 81:16). Fill me with gratitude for your blessings and give me a generous heart that I may freely share with others what you have given to me."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What can satisfy the deepest hunger you experience? When Jesus saw people in hunger and want, he gave them more than they ever expected. Do you approach the Lord with the expectation that he can satisfy you as well? Of all the miracles Jesus did, the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes is the only one which is repeated in all four gospels. A great crowd of people had gathered to hear Jesus because they were hungry for God's word. Jesus’disciples wanted to send the crowd away at the end of the day because they did not have the resources to feed them. They even complained how much money it would take to feed such a crowd -- at least six month’s wages! Jesus did the unthinkable. He took the little food they had -- only five loaves and two fish -- and giving thanks to his heavenly Father, distributed this small portion to the whole crowd. To the amazement of all, there was more than enough food for everyone present. And they ate until there were satisfied of their hunger. The twelve disciples took up what was left over, twelve baskets full of fish and loaves, so that nothing would be wasted.

What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This food foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers. Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness towards us. In the multiplication of the loaves and fishes we see a sign and a symbol of what God always does. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to share with others, especially those who lack what they need. God takes the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others. Do you trust in God's provision for you and do you share freely with others, especially those who are in need or want?

"Ang mga tawo nga yara sa kadudolman makakita sang daku nga kapawa"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 4:12-17,23-25)

Lunes (Enero 6)

Sang mabatian ni Jesus nga ginbilanggo si Juan, nagpa-Galilea sia.

Si Jesus naghalin sa Nazaret kag nagkadto sa pagpuyo sa Capernaum ang banwa sa higad sang Linaw sang Galilea nga sakop sang Zabulon kag Neftali.

Nahanabo ini agod matuman ang ginsiling ni Isaias nga propeta: "O duta sang Zabulon, O duta sang Neftali, Sa higad sang baybayon, Sa tabok sang Jordan, Galilea sang mga Gentil.

Ang mga tawo nga yara sa kadudolman Makakita sang daku nga kapawa! Sa mga nagapuyo Sa madulom nga duta sang kamatayon Ang kapawa magasilak!"

Sugod sadto nga panahon si Jesus nagbantala sang iya mensahi, "Magbiya kamo sang inyo mga sala kay ang Ginharian sang langit malapit na!"

Si Jesus naglibot sa bug-os nga Galilea; nagpanudlo sa mga sinagoga, nagwali sang Maayong Balita sang Ginharian, kag nagpang-ayo sang tanan nga sahi sang mga masakit kag balatian sang mga tawo.

Ang balita nahanungod kay Jesus naglapnag sa bug-os nga duta sang Siria, sa bagay nga gindala nila sa iya ang tanan nga mga masakiton, kag ang mga nagaantos sang ila mga balatian: ang mga ginagamhan sang mga yawa, ang mga kuyapon kag ang mga paralitiko. Gin-ayo sila tanan ni Jesus.

Madamo nga mga tawo ang nag-upod kay Jesus halin sa Galilea, sa Decapolis, sa Jerusalem, sa Judea kag sa duta sa tabok sang Jordan.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, your ways are life and light! Let your word penetrate my heart and transform my mind that I may see your power and glory. Help me to choose your ways and to do what is pleasing to you".

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel? John the Baptist’s enemies had sought to silence him, but the gospel cannot be silenced. As soon as John had finished his testimony Jesus began his in Galilee. Galilee was at the crossroads of the world and much traffic passed through this little region. It had been assigned to the tribes of Asher, Naptali and Zebulum when the Israelites first came into the land (see Joshua 9). For a long time it had been under Gentile occupation. Isaiah foretold (see Isaiah 9) that the good news of salvation would be proclaimed in this land and reach to the Gentiles. Jesus begins the proclamation of the gospel here to fulfill the word of God. The Old Testament prophets spoke of God’s promise to send a Redeemer who would establish God’s rule. That time is now fulfilled in Jesus.

Jesus takes up John’s message of repentance and calls disciples to believe in the good news he has come to deliver. What is the good news which Jesus delivers? It is the good news of peace (restoration of relationship with God), of hope (the hope of resurrection and heaven), of truth (God's word is true and reliable), of promise (he rewards those who seek him), of immortality (God gives everlasting life), and the good news of salvation (liberty from sin and freedom to live as sons and daughters of God). The gospel is the power and wisdom of God: power to change and transform our lives and wisdom to show us how to live as sons and daughters of our Father in heaven. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit the Lord makes it possible for us to receive his word with faith and to act upon it with trust.

In announcing the good news, Jesus made two demands: repent and believe! Repentance requires a life-change and a transformation of heart and mind. The Holy Spirit gives us a repentant heart, a true sorrow and hatred for sin and its consequences, and a firm resolution to avoid it in the future. The Holy Spirit gives us grace to see our sin for what it is – rebellion and a rejection of the love of God. God’s grace helps us to turn away from all that would keep us from his love. Faith or belief is an entirely free gift which God makes to us. Believing is only possible by grace and the help of the Holy Spirit who moves the heart and converts it to God. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the mind and makes it easy for us to accept and believe the truth. To believe is to take Jesus at his word, to believe that God loved us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to redeem us from the slavery of sin and death. God made the supreme sacrifice of his Son on the cross to bring us back to himself. Do you know the love of God that surpasses all else and that impels us to give him our all? God wants to change our way of thinking and transform our lives by the power of his word.

"Nagluhod sila kag nagsimba sa kay Jesus"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 2:1-12)

Domingo (Enero 5)

Sang natawo na si Jesus sa banwa sang Betlehem nga sakop sang Judea sa panahon nga si Herodes ang hari, may nag-abot nga mga tawo sa Jerusalem halin sa sidlangan, nga nakatuon sang mga bituon.

Nagpamangkot sila, "Diin bala ang bata nga natawo nga manginhari sang mga Judio? Nakita namon ang iya bituon sang pagsubang sini sa sidlangan, kag nagkari kami sa pagsimba sa iya." 

Sang pagkabati sini ni Haring Herodes natublag gid sia kag amo man ang tanan nga mga tawo sa Jerusalem.

Ginpatawag niya ang tanan nga pangulo nga mga pari kag ang mga manunudlo sang Kasugoan kag nagpamangkot sia sa ila, "Diin bala magapakatawo ang Cristo?"

Nagsabat sila, "Didto sa banwa sang Betlehem, sakop sang Judea, kay amo ini ang ginsulat sang propeta: 'Ikaw, O Betlehem, sa duta sang Juda, Indi ikaw ang pinakakubos Sa mga pangulo sang Juda, Kay sa imo magagikan Ang isa ka pangulo Nga magatuytoy sa akon mga tawo Nga Israel.' "

Dayon ginpatawag ni Herodes sing tago ang mga dumoloaw halin sa sidlangan kag nagpamangkot sia sa ila kon san-o gid nagsubang ang bituon.

Dayon ginpakadto niya sila sa Betlehem kag ginsingganan, "Lakat kamo kag pangitaa gid ninyo ang bata, kag kon inyo sia makita pahibal-a ninyo ako, agod makakadto man ako kag magsimba sa iya."

Sang makasiling sini ang hari naglakat sila. Sa gilayon nakita nila ang bituon nga nakita nila anay sa sidlangan, kag nag-una ini sa ila kag nagdulog sa ibabaw sang duog sa diin nahamtang ang bata.

Nagkalipay gid sila, sang makita nila ang bituon!

Nagsulod sila sa balay kag nakita nila ang bata kaupod sang iya iloy nga si Maria. Nagluhod sila kag nagsimba sa bata. Dayon ginbuksan nila ang ila mga dala, kag nagdulot sila sa iya sang bulawan, insyenso, kag mira.

Ginpaandaman sila sang Dios sa damgo nga indi sila magbalik kay Herodes; gani nagpauli sila paagi sa lain nga dalan.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for bringing salvation to all the nations. May the gospel of salvation be proclaimed to every nation today and to every person on the face of the earth. Help me to be a good witness of the joy of the gospel to all I meet."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

If Jesus truly is who he claims to be, the eternal Son of God and Savior of the world, then why is he not recognized by everyone who hears his word and sees his works? John the Evangelist states that when Jesus came into the world the world knew him not and his own people received him not (John 1:10-11). Jesus was born in obscurity. Only the lowly shepherds recognized him at his birth. Some wise men also found their way to Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn King of Israel. These men were not Israelites, but foreigners. They likely had read and discussed the Messianic prophecies and were anxious to see when this Messianic King would appear. God led them by means of an extraordinary star across the desert to the little town of Bethlehem where Jesus was born.

John Chrysostom (347-407), in his homily on this passage from Matthew 2, explains the significance of the star of Bethlehem:

"Note how fitting was the order of events: the wise men saw the star, were received by the Jews and their king; they heard prophecy to explain what had appeared; the angel instructed them; and then they journeyed from Jerusalem to Bethlehem by the guidance of the star. From all this we learn that this was not an ordinary star, for no other star has this capacity to guide, not merely to move but to beckon, to “go before them,” drawing and guiding them along their way. The star remained after bringing them to the place, in order that the child might also be seen. For there is nothing conspicuous about the place. The inn was ordinary. The mother was not celebrated or notable. The star was needed to manifest and illumine the lowly place, until they had reached their destination at the manger." [The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 7:3]

In their thirst for knowledge of God, the wise men from the East willingly left everything, their home and country, in pursuit of that quest. In their diligent search they were led to the source of true knowledge – to Jesus Christ, the Light and Wisdom of God. When they found the newborn King they humbly worshiped him and gave him gifts fitting for a king. How could they recognize this infant as both divine and a human king - born of flesh yet sent from heaven? The early church fathers taught that only divine revelation could open the minds and hearts of people to recognize and receive Christ as their King and Savior. Chromatius (died 406 or 407), a contemporary bishop and friend of Ambrose, Jerome, and John Chrysostom, wrote:

Let us now observe how glorious was the dignity that attended the King after his birth, after the magi in their journey remained obedient to the star. For immediately the magi fell to their knees and adored the one born as Lord. There in his very cradle they venerated him with offerings of gifts, though Jesus was merely a whimpering infant. They perceived one thing with the eyes of their bodies but another with the eyes of the mind. The lowliness of the body he assumed was discerned, but the glory of his divinity is now made manifest. A boy he is, but it is God who is adored. How inexpressible is the mystery of his divine honor! The invisible and eternal nature did not hesitate to take on the weaknesses of the flesh on our behalf. The Son of God, who is God of the universe, is born a human being in the flesh. He permits himself to be placed in a manger, and the heavens are within the manger. He is kept in a cradle, a cradle that the world cannot hold. He is heard in the voice of a crying infant. This is the same one for whose voice the whole world would tremble in the hour of his passion. Thus he is the One, the God of glory and the Lord of majesty, whom as a tiny infant the magi recognize. It is he who while a child was truly God and King eternal. To him Isaiah pointed, saying, “For a boy has been born to you; a son has been given to you, a son whose empire has been forged on his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6).” [Tractate on Matthew, 5:1]

The Lord of the universe who revealed the star of Bethlehem to the Gentiles of the East so they could come and worship Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and King of Kings (Revelations 19:16), gives each one of us the same light of revelation to recognize and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to us. It is through the help of the Holy Spirit, who moves the heart and opens the eyes of the mind, that we are able to understand, accept, and believe the truth which God has revealed to us through his Son, Jesus Christ. In faith, the human will and intellect cooperate with grace. "Believing is an act of the intellect assenting to the divine truth by command of the will moved by God through grace" (Thomas Aquinas).

To know and to encounter Jesus Christ is to know God personally. In the encounter of the wise men with Jesus we see the plan of God to give his only Son as King and Savior, not just for the Jewish people but for all the nations as well. The Lord Jesus came that both Jew and Gentile might find true and lasting peace with God. Let us pray today that Jew and Gentile alike will find the Lord and Savior on their journey of life. Do you bring the light of Jesus Christ to those you meet through the witness of your life and testimony?

"Nakita namon ang Mesias!"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 1:35-42)

Sabado (Enero 4)

Sang madason nga adlaw, yadto didto liwat si Juan kag ang duha sang iya mga gintuton-an, sang makita niya si Jesus nga nagalabay. Nagsiling siya, "Yari ang Cordero sang Dios!"

Ang duha niya ka gintuton-an nakabati sang pagsiling niya sini, kag nagsunod sila kay Jesus. 

Nagbalikid si Jesus, nakita niya sila nga nagasunod sa iya, kag nagpamangkot siya sa ila, "Ano bala ang ginapangita ninyo?" Nagsabat sila, "Sa diin bala ikaw nagapuyo, Rabbi?" (Ini nga tinaga nagakahulogan "Manunudlo.")

Nagsabat siya, "Kari kag tan-awa ninyo." Gani naglakat sila upod sa iya kag nakita nila kon diin sia nagapuyo, kag nagpabilin sila upod sa iya sadtong adlaw. (Mga alas kuwatro na sadto ang hapon.)

Ang isa sang duha nga nakabati kay Juan kag nagsunod kay Jesus amo si Andres nga utod ni Simon Pedro. 

Sa gilayon ginpangita niya ang iya utod nga si Simon kag ginsugiran niya sia, "Nakita namon ang Mesias." (Ini nga tinaga nagakahulogan "Cristo.")

Dayon gindala niya si Simon sa kay Jesus. Si Jesus nagtulok sa iya kag nagsiling, "Ikaw si Simon, anak ni Juan. Pagahingalanan ikaw Cefas." (Pareho man ini sang ngalan nga Pedro nga kon sayuron "Bato.")

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may joyfully seek to do your will in all things."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Who is Jesus for you? John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt and from the plague of death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28). It is significant that John was the son of the priest, Zachariah, who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). In Jesus John saw the true and only sacrifice which could deliver us from bondage to sin, death, and the powers of hell. How did John know the true identity of Jesus, as the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 1:29)? The Holy Spirit revealed to John Jesus' true nature, such that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us freely of his Spirit that we may comprehend – with enlightened minds and eyes of faith – the great mystery and plan of God to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

John in his characteristic humility was eager to point beyond himself to the Christ. He did not hesitate to direct his own disciples to the Lord Jesus. When two of John’s disciples began to seek Jesus out, Jesus took the initiative to invite them into his company. He did not wait for them to get his attention. Instead he met them halfway. He asked them one of the most fundamental questions of life: “What are you looking for?” Jesus asks each one of us the same question: “What are you searching for? Do you know the meaning and purpose for your life?” Only God, the Father and Author of life, can answer that question and make our purpose fully known to us. That is why the Lord Jesus invites each one of us to draw near to himself. He wants us to know him personally – to know what he came to do for us and what he wants to offer us. "Come and see" is the Lord's invitation for each one of us to discover the joy of friendship and communion with the One who made us in love for love. Saint Augustine of Hippo reminds us that it is God our Creator and Redeemer who seeks us out, even when we are not looking for him: “If you hadn’t been called by God, what could you have done to turn back? Didn’t the very One who called you when you were opposed to Him make it possible for you to turn back?” It is God who initiates and who draws us to himself. Without his mercy and help we could not find him on our own.

When we find something of great value it's natural to want to share the good news of our discovery with our family, friends, and neighbors. When Andrew met Jesus and discovered that he was truly the Messiah, he immediately went to his brother Simon and told him the good news. Andrew brought his brother to meet Jesus so he could "come and see" for himself. When Jesus saw Simon approaching he immediately reached out to Simon in the same way he had done for Andrew earlier. Jesus looked at Simon and revealed that he knew who Simon was and where he came from even before Simon had set his eyes on Jesus. Jesus gave Simon a new name which signified that God had a personal call and mission for him. Jesus gave Simon the name "Cephas" which is the Aramaic word for "rock". Cephas is translated as Peter (Petros in Greek and Petrus in Latin) which also literally means "rock". 

To call someone a "rock" was one of the greatest compliments in the ancient world. The rabbis had a saying that when God saw Abraham, he exclaimed: "I have discovered a rock to found the world upon". Through Abraham God established a nation for himself. Through faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was – the Anointed One (Messiah and Christ) and the only begotten Son of God. The New Testament describes the church as a spiritual house or temple with each member joined together as living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5). Faith in Jesus Christ makes us into rocks or spiritual stones. The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith to know the Lord Jesus personally, power to live the gospel faithfully, and courage to witness the truth and joy of the gospel to others. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to draw us to himself. Do you seek to grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus Christ?

"Yari ang Cordero sang Dios"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 1:29-34)

Biyernes (Enero 3)

Sang madason nga adlaw, nakita ni Juan si Jesus nga nagapakadto sa iya kag nagsiling sia, "Yari ang Cordero sang Dios nga nagakuha sang sala sang kalibutan!

Amo ini sia ang akon ginsiling nga magakari nga ulihi lang sa akon, pero labaw pa siya sa akon, kay sa wala pa ako natawo, yara na siya.

Wala ako makahibalo kon sin-o gid siya, pero nagkari ako nga nagabautiso sa tubig agod nga mapakilala ko siya sa Israel."

Ini amo ang panaksihon nga ginhatag ni Juan, "Nakita ko ang Espiritu nga nagkunsad gikan sa langit subong sang isa ka pating, kag nagpabilin sa ibabaw niya.

Wala pa ako makakilala sa iya, pero ang Dios nga nagpadala sa akon sa pagbautiso sa tubig, nagsiling sa akon, 'Makita mo ang Espiritu nga magakunsad kag magapabilin sa isa ka tawo. Ina nga tawo amo ang magabautiso sa Espirito Santo.' "

Kag nagsiling pa gid si Juan, "Nakita ko ini kag nagasiling ako sa inyo, nga siya amo ang Anak sang Dios."

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit and let me grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may know and love you more fervently and strive to do your will in all things."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites in Egypt from slavery and death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28). It is significant that John was the son of Zachariah, a priest of Israel who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). John recognized that Jesus was the perfect unblemished lamb offered by the Father in heaven as the one and only sacrifice that could cancel the debt of sin, and free us from death and the destruction of body and soul in hell.

When John says he did not know Jesus (John 1:31,33) he was referring to the hidden reality of Jesus' divinity. But the Holy Spirit in that hour revealed to John Jesus' true nature, such that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us his Spirit as our helper and guide who opens our hearts and minds to receive and comprehend the great mystery and plan of God - to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Do you want to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ? Ask the Lord to pour his Holy Spirit upon you to deepen your faith, hope, and love for God and for the plan he has for your life.

Si Kristo sa tunga ninyo

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 1:19-28)

Huwebes (Enero 2)

Ang mga pangulo sang mga Judio sa Jerusalem nagpadala sing mga pari kag mga Levita sa pagpamangkot kay Juan kon sin-o sia.

Si Juan nagsabat kag nagpahayag nga wala sing lipudlipod, "Indi ako ang Cristo."

Ginpamangkot nila sia, "Kon amo, sin-o ka? Ikaw bala si Elias?" Nagsabat si Juan, "Indi ako si Elias." Nagpamangkot sila, "Ikaw bala ang Propeta?" Nagsabat si Juan, "Indi."

Nagsiling sila, "Sugiri kami kon sin-o ka agod may isabat kami sa mga nagpadala sa amon. Ano ang masiling mo nahanungod sa imo kaugalingon?"

Si Juan nagsabat: "Ako amo 'ang tingog sang isa Nga nagasinggit sa desierto: Maghimo kamo sing tadlong nga dalan Nga pagaagyan sang Ginoo!' " (Amo ini ang ginsiling ni Isaias nga propeta.)

Ini nga mga sinugo ginpadala sang mga Fariseo.

Ginpamangkot nila si Juan, "Kon indi ikaw ang Cristo, ukon si Elias ukon ang Propeta, ngaa bala nga nagapangbautiso ka?"

Nagsabat si Juan, "Ako nagapangbautiso sa tubig, pero sa tunga ninyo may isa nga wala ninyo makilala.

Ulihi lang siya sa akon, pero indi ako takos sa paghubad sang higot sang iya sandalyas."

Ini tanan nahanabo sa Betania, sa tabok sang Suba sang Jordan sa diin nagapangbautiso si Juan.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus Christ, make me a herald of your word of truth and grace. Help me to be a faithful witness of the joy of the gospel and to point others to you as John did through his testimony."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you recognize the presence of the Lord Jesus in your life? John the Baptist did such a great job of stirring the peoples’ expectation of the Messiah’s arrival, that many thought he might be the Messiah himself, or at least the great prophet Elijah who was expected to reappear at the Messiah’s coming (see Malachi 4:5, Deuteronomy 18:15). John had no mistaken identity. In all humility and sincerity he said he was only a voice bidding people to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah King. John the Baptist bridges the Old and New Testaments. He is the last of the Old Testament Prophets who points the way to the Messiah. He is the first of the New Testament witnesses and martyrs. He is the herald who prepares the way for Jesus and who announces his mission to the people: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! John saw from a distance what the Messiah came to accomplish – our redemption from slavery to sin and our adoption as sons and daughters of God, our heavenly Father. Do you recognize your identity as an adopted child of God and a citizen of God's heavenly kingdom?

John was the greatest of the prophets, yet he lived as a humble and faithful servant of God. He pointed others to Jesus, the Messiah and Savior of the world. The Christian church from the earliest of times has given John many titles which signify his prophetic mission: Witness of the Lord, Trumpet of Heaven, Herald of Christ, Voice of the Word, Precursor of Truth, Friend of the Bridegroom, Crown of the Prophets, Forerunner of the Redeemer, Preparer of Salvation, Light of the Martyrs, and Servant of the Word. Do you point others to Jesus Christ by the testimony of your witness and example?

"Ginhingalanan sia kay Jesus"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 2:16-21)

Miyerkules (Enero 1)

Gani, nagdalidali sila sa pagkadto sa Betlehem kag nakita nila si Maria kag si Jose, kag ang bata nga nagahigda sa isa ka pasungan.

Sang makita nila ang bata, ginpanugid nila ang ginhambal sa ila sang anghel nahanungod sini nga bata.

Ang tanan nga nakabati sini natingala gid sang ginpanugid sa ila sang mga manugbantay sang karnero.

Pero gintipigan ni Maria ini nga mga butang kag ginpamalandungan sa iya kaugalingon.

Ang mga manugbantay sang karnero nagbalik nga nagahimaya kag nagadayaw sa Dios tungod sang tanan nga ila nabatian kag nakit-an; subong gid ini sang ginhambal sa ila sang anghel.

Sa ikawalo nga adlaw, sang mag-abot na ang tion nga pagatulion ang bata, ginhingalanan sia kay Jesus, ang ngalan nga ginhatag sa iya sang anghel sa wala pa sia ginbusong sang iya iloy. 

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus Christ, I exalt your name above every other name. For in you I have pardon, mercy, grace and victory over sin and death. You humbled yourself for my sake and for the sake of all sinners by sharing in our humanity and by dying on the cross. Help me to always praise your holy name and to live for your greater glory."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What's the significance of a name? For the Jewish people the giving of a name had great importance. When a name was given it represented what that person should be in the future. An unknown name meant that someone could not be completely known. To not acknowledge someone's name meant both denial of the person, destruction of their personality, and change in their destiny. A person's name expressed the reality of his or her being at its deepest level. A Jewish child was named at the time of circumcision, eight days after birth. This rite was instituted by God as an outward sign to single out those who belonged to the chosen people. It was a sign of the covenant that God made with Abraham and his posterity.

In fulfilment of this precept, Mary's newborn child is given the name Jesus on the eighth day according to the Jewish custom. Joseph and Mary gave the name Jesus because that is the name given by God's messenger before Jesus was conceived in Mary's womb. This name signifies Jesus' identity and his mission. The literal Hebrew means the Lord saves. Since God alone can forgive sins, it is God who, in Jesus his eternal Son made man will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). In the birth and naming of this child we see the wondrous design and plan of God in giving us a Savior who would bring us grace, mercy, and freedom from the power of sin and the fear of death. The name Jesus signifies that the very name of God is present in the person of his Son who became man for our salvation. Peter the Apostle exclaimed that there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved (Acts 2:12). In the name of Jesus demons flee, cripples walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised. His name is exalted far above every other name (Philippians 2:9-11). The name Jesus is at the heart of all Christian prayer. It is through and in Jesus that we pray to the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians have died with one word on the lips, the name of Jesus. Do you exalt the name of Jesus and pray with confidence in his name?

"Ang tanan nga mga tawo nga nagahulat sang pagtubos sang Dios sa Jerusalem"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 2:36-40)

Lunes (Disyembre 30)

May propeta nga babayi nga si Ana nga anak ni Fanuel gikan sa tribo ni Aser. Ini sia isa ka tigulang nga pito ka tuig lang ang ila pagpuyo sang iya bana kag mabalo sia.

Otsentay kuwatro na ka tuig nga nabalo sia kag sa sini nga kalawigon wala gid sia makagwa sa templo. Sa adlaw kag gab-i nagaalagad sia sa Dios kag nagapuasa kag nagapangamuyo.

Sa sadto gid nga takna nag-abot sia kag nagpasalamat sa Dios, kag nagpanugid sia nahanungod sang bata sa tanan nga mga tawo nga nagahulat sang pagtubos sang Dios sa Jerusalem.

Sang natuman na nila ang tanan nga ginasiling sang kasugoan sang Ginoo, nagbalik sila sa Galilea sa ila kaugalingon nga banwa nga Nazaret.

Ang bata nagdaku kag nagbakod, nga napun-an sang kaalam, kag ang grasya sang Dios yara sa iya.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, may I never cease to hope in you and to trust in your promises. Inflame my zeal for your kingdom and increase my love for prayer, that I may never cease to give you praise and worship".

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What do you hope for? The hope which God places in our heart is the desire for the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness. Hope grows with prayer and perseverance. Anna was pre-eminently a woman of great hope and expectation that God would fulfill all his promises. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she was found daily in the house of the Lord, attending to the Lord in prayer and speaking prophetically to others about the Lord's promise to send a redeemer. She is a model of godliness to all believers as we advance in age. Advancing age and the disappointments of life can easily make us cynical and hopeless if we do not have our hope placed rightly. Anna's hope in God and his promises grew with age! She never ceased to worship God in faith and to pray with hope. Her hope and faith in God's promises fueled her indomitable zeal and fervor in prayer and service of God's people. How do we grow in hope? By placing our trust in the promises of Jesus Christ and relying not on our own strength, but on the grace and help of the Holy Spirit. Does your hope and fervor for God grow with age?

"Ang anghel sang Ginoo nagpakita kay Jose sa damgo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 2:13-15, 19-23)

Domingo (Disyembre 29)

Sang makahalin na sila, ang anghel sang Ginoo nagpakita kay Jose sa damgo kag nagsiling, "Bangon ka, dalha ang bata kag ang iya iloy kag magpalagyo kamo pa Egipto. Pabilin kamo didto tubtob magsiling ako sa inyo nga magbalik na kamo, kay si Herodes magapangita sang bata sa pagpatay sa iya."

Gani sa sina gid nga gab-i si Jose nagbangon kag gindala ang bata kag ang iya iloy pa Egipto, sa diin sia nagpuyo tubtob nga si Herodes napatay. Ini nahanabo agod matuman ang ginsiling sang Ginoo paagi sa propeta, "Gintawag ko ang akon anak nga lalaki halin sa Egipto."

Sang mapatay na si Herodes, ang anghel sang Ginoo nagpakita kay Jose sa damgo didto sa Egipto kag nagsiling, "Bangon ka, dalha ang bata kag ang iya iloy kag balik ka sa duta sang Israel kay patay na ang mga nagahingabot sa kabuhi sang bata."

Gani si Jose nagbangon, gindala ang bata kag ang iya iloy, kag nagbalik sa duta sang Israel. 

Pero sang pagkabati ni Jose nga si Arquelao amo ang nagbulos kay Herodes nga iya amay subong hari sang Judea, nahadlok sia magkadto didto. Sa tapos sia mapaandaman sa damgo, nagkadto sia sa duta sang Galilea.

Didto sia nagpuyo sa banwa nga ginatawag Nazaret, agod matuman ang ginsiling sang mga propeta, "Pagatawgon sia nga Nazareno."

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, make me a faithful servant of your word and guardian of your truth. Help me to obey you willingly, like Joseph and Mary, with unquestioning trust and with joyful hope."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Like all godly Jewish parents, Joseph and Mary raised the child Jesus in the reverence and wisdom of the Lord. Joseph was given a unique task as the guardian and protector of Mary and of Jesus. What can we learn from the example and witness of Joseph? Joseph is a man of God, a man of unquestioning obedience and willing service. He is a man of prayer and a man of God's word. Through faith he recognized the hand of God in the mystery of the Incarnation — the Son of God taking flesh as the son of the virgin Mary. Joseph is a man of action, diligent in the care of his family and ready to do the Lord's bidding. Joseph fearlessly set aside his own plans when God called him to "take to the road" and to leave his familiar surroundings — his home, friends and relatives, and the security of his livelihood in order to pursue a hidden mission God entrusted to him as the guardian of the newborn King.

God has a plan for each one of us. With the plan God gives grace and the assurance of his guiding hand and care. Do you trust your heavenly Father for his plan for your life? Are you willing to sacrifice your own plans for the sake of God's plan? Are you willing to give God unquestioning service and to pursue whatever mission he gives you?

"Si Raquel nagahibi tungod sa iya mga kabataan"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 2:13-18)

Sabado (Disyembre 28)

Sang makahalin na sila, ang anghel sang Ginoo nagpakita kay Jose sa damgo kag nagsiling, "Bangon ka, dalha ang bata kag ang iya iloy kag magpalagyo kamo pa Egipto. Pabilin kamo didto tubtob magsiling ako sa inyo nga magbalik na kamo, kay si Herodes magapangita sang bata sa pagpatay sa iya."

Gani sa sina gid nga gab-i si Jose nagbangon kag gindala ang bata kag ang iya iloy pa Egipto, sa diin sia nagpuyo tubtob nga si Herodes napatay. Ini nahanabo agod matuman ang ginsiling sang Ginoo paagi sa propeta, "Gintawag ko ang akon anak nga lalaki halin sa Egipto."

Sang mahibal-an ni Herodes nga ginpalapaw sia sang mga dumoloaw gikan sa sidlangan, naakig gid sia. Nagmando siya nga pamatyon ang tanan nga mga bata nga lalaki sa Betlehem kag sa iya sini palibot nga mga banwa halin sa duha ka tuig paidalom, suno sa tion nga iya nahibal-an sa mga dumoloaw.

Sa sini natuman ang ginsiling ni Jeremias nga propeta: "Isa ka tingog ang nabatian sa Rama, Ang tingog Sang panalambiton kag paghinibi. Si Raquel nagahibi Tungod sa iya mga kabataan, Nagahibi sia kag indi gid malugpayan, Kay sila tanan nagkalamatay."

Prayers:

"Lord, you gave your life for my sake, to redeem me from slavery to sin and death. Help me to carry my cross with joy that I may willingly do your will and not shrink back out of fear or cowardice when trouble besets me."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Who can explain suffering, especially the suffering of innocent children? Herod's massacre of children who gave their lives for a person and a truth they did not know seemed so useless and unjust. What a scandal and stumbling block for those who can't recognize God's redeeming love. Why couldn't God prevent this slaughter? Suffering is indeed a mystery. No explanation seems to satisfy our human craving to understand. What does Paul the Apostle mean when he says: We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called to his purpose (Romans 8:28)? These innocent children and their parents suffered for Christ. Suffering, persecution, and martyrdom are the lot of all who chose to follow Jesus Christ. There is no crown without the cross. It was through Jesus' suffering, humiliation, and death on a cross, that our salvation was won. His death won life – eternal life for us. And his blood which was shed for our sake obtained pardon and reconciliation with our heavenly Father.

Suffering takes many forms: illness, disease, handicap, physical pain and emotional trauma, slander, abuse, poverty, and injustice. Jesus exclaimed that those who weep, who are reviled and persecuted for righteousness sake are blessed (Matthew 5:10-12). The word blessed [makarios in the Greek] literally means happiness or beatitude. It describes a kind of joy which is serene and untouchable, self-contained and independent from chance and changing circumstances of life. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way. Do you know the joy of a life fully surrendered to God with faith and trust?

Juan una nag-abot sa lulobngan, nakakita sia kag nagtuo

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 20:1a, 2-8)

Biyernes (Disyembre 27)

Aga pa gid sang nahauna nga adlaw sang simana nagdalagan sia kag nagkadto kay Simon Pedro kag sa gintuton-an nga hinigugma ni Jesus, kag ginsugiran sila, "Ginkuha nila ang Ginoo sa lulobngan, kag wala kami makahibalo kon diin nila sia ginbutang!"

Dayon si Pedro kag yadtong isa ka gintuton-an nagkadto sa lulobngan.

Nagdalagan sila nga duha, pero yadtong isa ka gintuton-an madasig pa sa kay Pedro kag una sia nakaabot sa lulobngan.

Nagsid-ing sia kag nakita niya ang tela nga lino, pero wala sia magsulod.

Si Simon Pedro nga nagasunod sa iya, nag-abot man, kag nagsulod sia dayon sa lulobngan. Nakita niya ang tela nga lino nga nahamtang didto, kag ang tela nga ginsambod sa ulo ni Jesus. Wala ini nahamtang upod sa mga tela nga lino, kundi nabalulon.

Dayon yadtong gintuton-an nga una nag-abot sa lulobngan nagsulod man. Nakakita sia kag nagtuo.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus Christ, you have triumphed over the grave and you have won new life for us. Give me the eyes of faith to see you in your glory. Help me to draw near to you and to grow in the knowledge of your great love and power."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What was it like for those who encountered the Son of God in human form? John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, wrote his gospel as an eye-witness of the Word of God who became flesh and dwelt among us, and who died and rose for our salvation. John was the first apostle to reach the tomb of Jesus on Easter Sunday morning. Like the other disciples, he was not ready to see an empty tomb and to hear the angel's message, Why do you seek the living among the dead (Luke 24:5)? What did John see in the tomb that led him to believe in the resurrection of Jesus? It was certainly not a dead body. The dead body of Jesus would have disproven the resurrection and made his death a tragic conclusion to a glorious career as a great teacher and miracle worker. When John saw the empty tomb he must have recalled Jesus' prophecy that he would rise again after three days. Through the gift of faith John realized that no tomb on earth could contain the Lord and giver of life. 

John in his first epistle testifies: What we have seen, heard, and touched we proclaim as the word of life which existed "from the beginning" (1 John 1:1-4). John bears witness to what has existed from all eternity. This "word of life" is Jesus the word incarnate, but also Jesus as the word announced by the prophets and Jesus the word now preached throughout the Christian church for all ages to come. One thing is certain, if Jesus had not risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples, we would never have heard of him. Nothing else could have changed sad and despairing men and women into people radiant with joy and courage. The reality of the resurrection is the central fact of the Christian faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives us "eyes of faith" to know him and the power of his resurrection. The greatest joy we can have is to encounter the living Christ and to know him personally as our Savior and Lord.

"Ang nagapadayon tubtob sa katapusan maluwas"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 10:17-22)

Huwebes (Disyembre 26)

Mag-andam kamo kay may mga tawo nga magadakop kag magadala sa inyo sa hukmanan, kag pagabunalon kamo nila sa ila mga sinagoga.

Isumbong kamo sa atubangan sang mga pangulo kag mga hari tungod sa akon, sa pagsugid sang Maayong Balita sa ila kag sa mga Gentil.

Samtang ginasumbong nila kamo, indi kamo magpalibog kon ano ang inyo inugsabat ukon paano ang inyo pagsabat, kay kon mag-abot ina nga tion pagatudloan kamo sang inyo isiling. 

Kay ang inyo ihambal indi inyo kundi iya sang Espiritu sang inyo Amay nga nagahambal paagi sa inyo.

"Ang utod magapapatay sang iya utod, ang amay magapapatay sang iya anak, kag ang anak magabato sa iya ginikanan kag magapapatay sa ila.

Pagadumtan kamo sang tanan nga mga tawo tungod sa akon, pero ang nagapadayon tubtob sa katapusan maluwas.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, your coming in the flesh to ransom us from slavery to sin gives us cause for great rejoicing even in the midst of trials and pain. Help me to patiently and joyfully accept the hardships, adversities, and persecution which come my way in serving you. Strengthen my faith and give me courage that I may not shrink back from doing your will".

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Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What is the connection between Bethlehem and Calvary – the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and his passion and death on a cross? The very reason the Son of God took on flesh and became a man for our sake was to redeem us from slavery to sin and death and to give us new life as the adopted children of God. The way to glory in the kingdom of God is through the cross. If we want to share in Jesus' glory, then we, too, must take up our cross each day and follow in his footsteps. Jesus never hesitated to tell his disciples what they might expect if they followed him. Here Jesus says to his disciples: This is my task for you at its grimmest and worst; do you accept it? This is not the world's way of offering a job. After the defeat at Dunkirk, Churchill offered his country blood, toil, sweat, and tears. This is not the message we prefer to hear when the Lord commissions us in his service. Nonetheless, our privilege is to follow in the footsteps of the Master who laid down his life for us. The Lord gives us sufficient grace to follow him and to bear our cross with courage and hope. Do you know the joy and victory of the cross of Jesus Christ?

Ang mga manugbantay nagahimaya sa Dios sang tanan nga ila nakit-an

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 2:15-20)

Miyerkules (Disyembre 25)

Sang makahalin na ang mga anghel pabalik sa langit, ang mga manugbantay sang karnero nagsinilingay, "Dali makadto kita sa Betlehem kag tan-awon ta ining hitabo nga ginpahayag sang Ginoo sa aton."

Gani, nagdalidali sila sa pagkadto sa Betlehem kag nakita nila si Maria kag si Jose, kag ang bata nga nagahigda sa isa ka pasungan.

Sang makita nila ang bata, ginpanugid nila ang ginhambal sa ila sang anghel nahanungod sini nga bata.

Ang tanan nga nakabati sini natingala gid sang ginpanugid sa ila sang mga manugbantay sang karnero.

Pero gintipigan ni Maria ini nga mga butang kag ginpamalandungan sa iya kaugalingon.

Ang mga manugbantay sang karnero nagbalik nga nagahimaya kag nagadayaw sa Dios tungod sang tanan nga ila nabatian kag nakit-an; subong gid ini sang ginhambal sa ila sang anghel. 

Prayers:

"Lord our God, with the birth of your Son, your glory breaks on the world. As we celebrate his first coming, give us a foretaste of the joy that you will grant us when the fulness of his glory has filled the earth."

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Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Have you read the news today – the “good news” of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and son of Mary who was born for us and for our salvation. The word gospel literally means good news! Jesus' birth in Bethlehem fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would descend from David and be born in David's city, Bethlehem (Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-2; Micah 5:2-4).

The first to hear the good news of the savior's birth were not the rulers and religious leaders of Israel who were robed in riches and power. The angels first came to those who were humble and ready to receive the newborn king who was born in poverty and was now lying in a manger made for animals. Just as God had chosen and anointed David, a lowly shepherd of Bethlehem to become the shepherd king of Israel, so Jesus, likewise chose the path of humility and lowliness in coming to Israel as the good shepherd king who would lay down his life for their sake and salvation. After the angels had sung their hymn of glory in the presence of the shepherds, the shepherds made haste to adore the newborn king and sing their hymn of glory as well.

Many of the early church fathers have written hymns and homilies in praise of the Incarnation. John the Monk, an 8th century writer, in his Hymn of the Nativity, sings of the great exchange in the mystery and wonder of the Incarnation - God becoming man in order to bring man to heaven:

Heaven and earth are united today, for Christ is born! Today God has come upon earth, and humankind gone up to heaven. Today, for the sake of humankind, the invisible one is seen in the flesh. Therefore let us glorify him and cry aloud: glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace bestowed by your coming, Savior: glory to you! Today in Bethlehem, I hear the angels: glory to God in the highest! Glory to him whose good pleasure it was that there be peace on earth! The Virgin is now more spacious than the heavens. Light has shone on those in darkness, exalting the lowly who sing like the angels: Glory to God in the highest! Beholding him [Adam] who was in God’s image and likeness fallen through transgression, Jesus bowed the heavens and came down, without change taking up his dwelling in a virgin womb, that he might refashion Adam fallen in corruption, and crying out: glory to your epiphany, my Savior and my God! [Stichera (hymn) of the Nativity of the Lord]

Why was it necessary for the Word of God to become flesh? We needed a savior who could reconcile us with God. Throughout the ages Christians have professed the ancient Nicene Creed: "He became man for our sake and for the sake of our salvation." The eternal Word became flesh for us so he could offer his life as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world through the shedding of his blood on the cross. The Word became flesh to show us the infinite love and tender mercy of God for us sinners. In the feast of Christmas we celebrate present realities – Jesus Christ our redeemer who reigns in heaven and who also lives and reigns in our hearts through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit. And we commemorate past events – the birth of the newborn Messiah King and his manifestation to Israel and to the gentile nations. We thank and bless God for the way in which he has saved us from the power of sin and the curse of death and destruction by sending his son to ransom us and give us pardon and abundant life through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit. Today we celebrate the birthday of our King and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

God wants to fill our hearts anew with joy and gratitude for the greatest gift he could possibly give us – his beloved son Jesus. What can we give thanks for in this great feast of the Incarnation? We can praise and thank God our Father for the fact that the Son of God freely and joyfully assumed a human nature in order to accomplish our salvation in it. Jesus came to release the captives from slavery to sin and to open the gates of paradise once again. This day the Holy Spirit invites us to make haste – as the shepherds of Bethlem did – to adore Jesus our King and Messiah. The Lord Jesus Christ is our eternal good shepherd who guides and cares for us unceasingly and who gives us abundant everlasting life and union with the triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This day the whole community of heaven joins with all believers of good will on earth in a jubilant song of praise for the good news proclaimed by the angels on Christmas eve: Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people, for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).

The joy of Christmas is not for a day or a season. It is an eternal joy, a joy that no one can take from us because it is the joy of Jesus Christ himself made present in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (see Romans 5:2-5). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which no pain nor sorrow can diminish, and which neither life nor death can take away. Do you know the joy of your salvation in Jesus Christ?