"Pagbulig sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 3:1-6)

Dayon nagbalik si Jesus sa sinagoga sa diin may tawo nga may naitus nga kamot.

May mga tawo didto nga nagabantay kay Jesus kon ayuhon niya ang tawo sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway, agod may isumbong sila batok sa iya.

Si Jesus nagsiling sa tawo nga naitus ang kamot, "Magpalapit ka diri sa atubangan."

Dayon nagpamangkot sia sa mga tawo: "Ano ang ginatugot sang aton Kasugoan nga himuon ta sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway? Ang magbulig bala ukon ang maghalit? Ang magluwas bala sang kabuhi sang isa ka tawo ukon ang magpatay?" Pero naghipos sila.

Gintulok sila ni Jesus nga may kaakig, pero nagkasubo sia tungod sang katig-a sang ila tagipusoon. Dayon nagsiling sia sa tawo nga naitus ang kamot, "Untaya ang imo kamot." Gin-untay niya kag nag-ayo ini.

Gani ang mga Fariseo naggwa sa sinagoga kag naghimbon kaupod sa mga sumulunod ni Herodes kon paano mapatay nila si Jesus.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, in your victory over sin and death on the cross and in your resurrection you give us the assurance of sharing in the eternal rest of heaven. Transform my heart with your love that I may freely serve my neighbor for his good and find joy and refreshment in the celebration of Sunday as the Lord's Day."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What is God's intention for the commandment, keep holy the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8; Deuteronomy 5:12)? The scribes and Pharisees wanted to catch Jesus in the act of breaking the Sabbath ritual so they might accuse him of breaking God's law. In a few penetrating words Luke records that Jesus knew their thoughts. They were filled with fury and contempt for Jesus because they put their own thoughts of right and wrong above God. They were ensnared in their own legalism because they did not understand or see the purpose of God. Jesus shows their fallacy by pointing to God's intention for the Sabbath: to do good and to save life rather than to do evil or to destroy life. 

Christians celebrate Sunday as the Lord's Day, to commemorate God's work of redemption in Jesus Christ and the new work of creation he accomplished through Christ's death and resurrection. Taking "our sabbath rest" is a way of expressing honor to God for all that he has done for us. Such "rest" however does not exempt us from our love for our neighbor. If we truly love the Lord above all else, then the love of God will overflow to love of neighbor as well. Do you honor the Lord in the way you celebrate Sunday, the Lord's Day and in the way you treat you neighbor?

"Si Jesus ang Ginoo sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 2:23-28)

Sang isa ka Adlaw nga Inugpahuway, si Jesus nag-agi sa tunga sang kaumhan sang trigo. Sang nagalakat ang iya mga gintuton-an upod sa iya, nagsugod sila sa pagpangutol sang mga uhay.

Gani ang mga Fariseo nagsiling kay Jesus, "Hoy, kontra sa aton Kasugoan ang ginahimo sang imo mga gintuton-an sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway!"

Si Jesus nagsabat sa ila, "Wala gid bala ninyo mabasahi ang ginhimo ni David sang nagkinahanglan sia sing pagkaon? Sia kag ang iya mga tinawo gingutom, gani nagsulod sia sa balay sang Dios kag nagkaon sang tinapay nga nahalad sa Dios. Natabo ini sang si Abiatar ang Pinakamataas nga Pari. Suno sa aton Kasuguan ang mga pari lang amo ang makakaon sini nga tinapay, pero si David nagkaon sini, kag ginhatagan pa niya ang iya mga tawo."

Kag si Jesus nagsiling pa gid, "Ang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway ginhimo para sa kaayuhan sang tawo kag ang tawo wala paghimoa para sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway.

Gani, ang Anak sang Tawo amo ang Ginoo bisan pa sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway."

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, may I give you fitting honor in the way I live my life and in the way I treat my neighbor. May I honor the Lord's Day as a day holy to you. And may I always treat others with the same mercy and kindness which you have shown to me. Free me from a critical and intolerant spirit that I may always seek the good of my neighbor."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom.

When David and his men were fleeing for their lives, they sought food from Ahim'elech the priest (1 Samuel 21:1-6). The only bread he had was the holy bread offered in the Temple. None but the priests were allowed to eat it. In their hunger, David and his men ate of this bread. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that the Sabbath was given for our benefit, to refresh and renew us in living for God. It was intended for good and not for evil. Withholding mercy and kindness in response to human need was not part of God’s intention that we rest from unnecessary labor. Do you honor the Lord in the way you treat your neighbor and celebrate the Lord’s Day?

Palaanggiran sang bag-o kag daan nga suludlan nga panit sang bino

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 2:18-22)

Isa ka bes ang mga sumulunod ni Juan Bautista kag ang mga Fariseo nagapuasa. May mga tawo nga nagpalapit kay Jesus kag nagpamangkot sa iya, "Ngaa bala nga nagapuasa ang mga gintuton-an ni Juan Bautista kag ang mga gintuton-an sang mga Fariseo, pero ang imo mga gintuton-an wala nagapuasa?"

Si Jesus nagsabat, "Nagapaabot bala kamo nga ang mga inagda sa kasal magapuasa samtang yara pa ang nobyo kaupod nila? Indi sila makahimo sina!

Pero magaabot ang adlaw nga ang nobyo pagakuhaon sa ila, kag amo na yadto ang ila pagpuasa.

"Wala sing bisan sin-o nga nagagamit sing bag-o nga panapton sa pagtukap sa daan nga bayu. Kon himuon niya ini, ang bag-o nga tukap magagisi sang daan nga bayu kag mangindaku pa gid ang tulokapan. 

Wala man sing bisan sin-o nga nagasulod sing bag-o nga bino sa daan nga suludlan nga panit. Kon himuon niya ini, ang bino magabusdik sang daan nga panit, kag ang bino kag ang panit nga sulodlan indi na mapuslan. Pero ang bag-o nga bino ginasulod sa bag-o nga sulodlan!" 

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Help me to seek you earnestly in prayer and fasting that I may turn away from sin and wilfulness and conform my life more fully to your will. May I always find joy in knowing, loving, and serving you."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Which comes first, fasting or feasting? The disciples of John the Baptist were upset with Jesus' disciples because they did not fast. Fasting was one of the three most important religious duties, along with prayer and almsgiving. Jesus gave a simple explanation. There's a time for fasting and a time for feasting (or celebrating). To walk as a disciple with Jesus is to experience a whole new joy of relationship akin to the joy of the wedding party in celebrating with the groom and bride their wedding bliss. But there also comes a time when the Lord's disciples must bear the cross of affliction and purification. For the disciple there is both a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating his goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility and fasting and for mourning over sin. Do you take joy in the Lord's presence with you and do you express sorrow and contrition for your sins?

Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. Jesus used an image familiar to his audience – new and old wineskins. In Jesus' times, wine was stored in wineskins, not bottles. New wine poured into skins was still fermenting. The gases exerted gave pressure. New wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins easily burst because they were hard. What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new? Just as there is a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting, so there is a right place for the old as well as the new. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old (Matthew 13:52). How impoverished we would be if we only had the Old Testament or the New Testament, rather than both. The Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like new wine skins – open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life?

"Wala pa gid kita makakita sing subong sini!"

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

Sang makaligad ang pila ka adlaw, nagbalik si Jesus sa Capernaum, kag naglapnag ang balita nga yara sia sa iya balay. 

Nagdulogok ang madamo nga mga tawo sa bagay nga wala na sing lugar bisan pa sa atubangan sang puwertahan. Si Jesus nagawali gid sa ila sang Maayong Balita sang mag-abot ang pila ka mga tawo nga nagadala sang isa ka paralitiko--ang apat sini sa ila nagayayong sang paralitiko. 

Pero indi sila makapalapit kay Jesus tungod kay nagaginutok ang mga tawo. Gani nagguhab sila sing lulotsan sa atop sang balay, didto gid nayon sa ginatindugan ni Jesus. Sang malutsan na ang ila ginuhaban gintunton nila ang paralitiko nga nagahamyang sa iya higdaan. 

Nakita ni Jesus kon daw ano gid ang ila pagtuo, kag nagsiling sia sa paralitiko, "Anak ko, napatawad na ang imo mga sala." 

May pila ka mga manunudlo sang Kasuguan nga nagalingkod didto kag nagmuno sa ila kaugalingon, "Ngaa makahambal sia sing subong sina batok sa Dios? Wala sing tawo nga makapatawad sang mga sala, kundi ang Dios lamang." 

Sa gilayon nahibaluan ni Jesus ang ila mga hunahuna, gani nagsiling sia sa ila, "Ngaa nga nagapainuino kamo sing subong sina sa inyo kaugalingon? 

Diin bala ang mas mahapos, ang magsiling sa paralitiko, 'Napatawad na ang imo mga sala,' ukon ang magsiling, 'Bangon ka, dalha ang imo higdaan kag maglakat'? 

Karon pamatud-an ko sa inyo, nga ang Anak sang Tawo may gahom sa duta sa pagpatawad sang mga sala." Gani nagsiling siya sa paralitiko, "Nagasiling ako sa imo, bangon ka, dalha ang imo higdaan kag magpauli!" 

Samtang nagatan-aw sila, ang paralitiko nagbangon gilayon, nagdala sang iya higdaan kag dalidali nga naglakat. Naurongan gid sila tanan kag nagdayaw sila sa Dios, nga nagasiling, "Wala pa gid kita makakita sing subong sini!" 

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. May your healing power and love touch every area of my life – my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my offences and transform me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in your truth and righteousness."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you know the healing power of forgiveness? Jesus' treatment of sinners upset the religious teachers of the day. When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes regarded this as blasphemy because they understood that only God had authority to forgive sins and to unbind a man or woman from their burden of guilt. Jesus claimed an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God's redeeming love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This man had been crippled not only physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus freed him from his burden of guilt and restored his body as well. The Lord is every ready to bring us healing of body, soul, and mind. Do you allow anything to keep you from Jesus?

"Sarang mo ako maayo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 1:40-45)

May isa ka aruon nga nagpalapit kay Jesus, nagluhod sa iya atubangan kag nagpangayo sing bulig. Siling niya: "Kon gusto mo, sarang mo ako maayo."

Si Jesus nagbatyag sing daku nga kaluoy, nagdab-ot sa iya, kag gintandog siya. Nagsabat sia sa iya, "Gusto ko! Mag-ayo ka!"

Sa gilayon wala na ang iya aro kag nagtinlo ang iya panit.

Ginpaandaman gid sia dayon ni Jesus kag ginpalakat gilayon. Siling ni Jesus: "Tandai, indi mo ini pag-isugid bisan kay sin-o kundi magkadto ka sa pari kag magpatan-aw ka sa iya. Magdulot ka dayon sing halad suno sa sugo ni Moises, sa pagpamatuod sa tanan nga ikaw nag-ayo na."

Pero naglakat ang tawo kag ginpanugid niya ang pag-ayo sa iya bisan diin sia magkadto. Madamo gid ang iya ginsugiran, sa bagay nga si Jesus indi na makasulod sing dayag sa bisan diin nga banwa. Gani nagtiner sia sa baw-ing nga mga lugar, pero padayon gihapon ang pagkadto sang mga tawo sa iya halin sa nagakalainlain nga mga lugar. 

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 great mercy and compassionate care."

***

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 disease? 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.

"Si Jesus nagpang-ayo sing madamo nga may mga balatian"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 1:29-39)

Naggwa sila sa sinagoga kag nagkadto dayon sa balay ni Simon kag ni Andres nga upod si Santiago kag si Juan.

Ang ugangan nga babayi ni Simon nagahigda nga may hilanat, kag sang pag-abot gid ni Jesus ginsugiran sia nahanungod sa iya.

Ginpalapitan siya ni Jesus, gin-uyatan sa kamot kag ginpabangon. Nag-ayo siya gilayon kag nag-amuma sa ila.

Sang sirom na, sa tapos matunod ang adlaw, ang mga tawo nagdala kay Jesus sang tanan nga mga masakiton kag sang mga ginagamhan sang yawa.

Ang tanan nga mga pumoluyo sang banwa nagtilipon sa atubangan sang balay.

Si Jesus nagpang-ayo sing madamo nga may mga nagakalainlain nga mga balatian kag nagtabog sang madamo nga mga yawa. Wala niya pagtuguti nga maghambal ang madamo nga mga yawa, tungod kay nahibal-an nila kon sin-o siya.

Madulumdulom pa sang masunod nga aga, si Jesus nagbangon kag naggwa sa balay. Nagkadto sia sa naligwin nga duog sa gwa sang banwa sa diin sia nagpangamuyo.

Pero si Simon kag ang iya mga kaupdanan nagpinangita sa iya.

Sang makita nila sia nagsiling sila, "Ginapangita ka sang tanan."

Pero nagsabat si Jesus: "Kinahanglan kita magkadto sa kaingod nga mga banwa. Kinahanglan magwali man ako didto tungod kay amo ini ang kabangdanan sang akon pagkari."

Gani ginlibot ni Jesus ang bug-os nga Galilea kag nagwali sa mga sinagoga kag nagtabog sang mga yawa. 

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus Christ, you have all power to heal and to deliver from harm. There is no trouble nor bondage you cannot overcome. Set me free to serve you joyfully and to love and serve others generously. May nothing hinder me from giving myself wholly to you and to your service."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus' disciples freely brought their troubles to him because they found him ready and able to deal with any difficulty, affliction, or sickness which they encountered. When Simon brought Jesus to his home, his mother-in-law was instantly healed because Jesus heard Simon’s prayer. Jerome, an early church bible scholar and translator (c. 347-420), reflects on this passage:

“Can you imagine Jesus standing before your bed and you continue sleeping? It is absurd that you would remain in bed in his presence. Where is Jesus? He is already here offering himself to us. ‘In the middle,’ he says, ‘among you he stands, whom you do not recognize’ (Cf. John 1:26) ‘The kingdom of God is in your midst’ (Mark 1:15). Faith beholds Jesus among us. If we are unable to seize his hand, let us prostrate ourselves at his feet. If we are unable to reach his head, let us wash his feet with our tears. Our repentance is the perfume of the Savior. See how costly is the compassion of the Savior.”

Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and healer in your personal life, family, and community? Approach him with expectant faith. God's healing power restores us not only to health but to active service and care of others. There is no trouble he does not want to help us with and there is no bondage he can't set us free from. Do you take your troubles to him with expectant faith that he will help you?

Nagpanudlo si Jesus nga may awtoridad

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 1:21-28)

Nag-abot sila sa banwa sang Capernaum, kag sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway nagsulod si Jesus sa sinagoga kag nagpanudlo.

Ang mga tawo nga nakabati sa iya natingala sang iya pagpanudlo kay nagpanudlo siya nga may awtoridad kag indi sia pareho sang mga manunudlo sang Kasuguan.

Sa amo gid nga tion nagsulod sa sinagoga ang isa ka tawo didto nga may malaot nga espiritu kag nagsinggit, 

"Ano ang luyag mo himuon sa amon, Jesus nga taga-Nazaret? Nagkari ka bala sa paglaglag sa amon? Nahibal-an ko kon sin-o ka. Ikaw ang Balaan nga ginpadala sang Dios!" 

Ginmanduan ni Jesus ang espiritu: "Maghipos ka kag maggwa sa tawo." 

Ginpakurog sang malaot nga espiritu ang tawo, nagsinggit sing tudo kag naggwa sa tawo. 

Ang mga tawo natingala gid, sa bagay nga nagpinamangkutanay sila, "Ano ini? Bag-o bala ini nga pagtulon-an? Ini nga tawo may gahom bisan pa sa pagsugo sang malaot nga mga espiritu, kag nagatuman sila sa iya." 

Gani, ang balita nahanungod kay Jesus naglapnag sing madali sa bug-os nga probinsya sang Galilea. 

Prayers: 

"Lord Jesus, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your saving love and mercy, and the power of your word to bring healing, pardon, and freedom to all who receive it." 

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you believe that God’s word has power to set you free and to transform your life? When Jesus taught he spoke with authority. He spoke the word of God as no one had spoken it before. When the rabbis taught they supported their statements with quotes from other authorities. The prophets spoke with delegated authority – “Thus says the Lord.”When Jesus spoke he needed no authorities to back his statements. He was authority incarnate – the Word of God made flesh. When he spoke, God spoke. When he commanded even the demons obeyed. 

Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) remarked: “Faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What have we to do with you (Mark 1:24)?' They confessed a sort of faith, but without love. Hence they were devils.”

Paul the Apostle tells us that faith is powerful – it can even remove mountains, but without love it profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13). True faith that is rooted in Jesus Christ works through love (Galalatians 5:6) and abounds in hope (Romans 15:13). Our faith is made perfect in love because love orients us to the supreme good which is God himself as well as the good of our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26,27). Hope anchors our faith in the promises of God and purifies our desires for the things which will last for eternity. That is why the Word of Christ has power to set us free from all that would ensnare us in sin, deception, and despair. Bede, a venerable English abbot and noted teacher of the scriptures (672-735 AD) explains how the word spoken by Christ has power to silence the voice of the devil: “The devil, because he had deceived Eve with his tongue, is punished by the tongue, that he might not speak” [Homilies on the Gospels 1.8]. Whose voice do you listen to and heed?

Faith is both a free gift of God and the free assent of our will to the whole truth that God has revealed. To live, grow, and persevere in the faith to the end, we must nourish it with the word of God. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds that we may grow in his truth and in the knowledge of his great love for each of us. If we approach God’s word submissively, with an eagerness to do everything the Lord desires, we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you eager to be taught by the Lord and to conform your life according to his word?

"Ang Ginharian sang Dios malapit na"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 1:14-20)

Sang nabilanggo na si Juan, si Jesus nagkadto sa Galilea kag nagwali sang Maayong Balita gikan sa Dios. 

Nagsiling siya, "Nag-abot na ang nagakaigo nga tion, kag ang Ginharian sang Dios malapit na. Bayai ninyo ang inyo mga sala, kag magpati sa Maayong Balita."

Sang nagalakat si Jesus sa higad sang Linaw sang Galilea, may nakita siya nga duha ka mangingisda, si Simon kag ang iya utod nga si Andres, nga nagapanahid sa linaw.

Si Jesus nagsiling sa ila, "Upod kamo sa akon kay tudluan ko kamo sa pagpanahid sang mga tawo."

Sa gilayon ginbayaan nila ang ila sahid kag nag-upod sa iya.

Nagpadayon si Jesus sa paglakat kag sa uloonhan may duha pa gid ka mag-utod nga nakita sia, si Santiago kag si Juan, nga mga anak ni Zebedeo. Didto sila sa ila sakayan nga nagaaman sang ila sahid.

Sang pagkakita ni Jesus sa ila gilayon gintawag niya sila. Gani, ginbayaan nila ang ila amay nga si Zebedeo sa sakayan upod sang mga sinuhulan nga mga tawo kag nag-upod sila kay Jesus. 

Prayers: 

"Lord Jesus, you have called me personally by name, just as you called your first disciples, Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Help me to believe your word and follow you faithfully. Fill me with the joy of the gospel that your light may shine through me to many others."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What is the gospel of God which Jesus came to preach? The word "gospel" literally means "good news". When a king had good news to deliver to his subjects he sent messengers or heralds throughout the land to make a public announcement – such as the birth of a new king or the defeat of an invading army or occupied force. God sent his prophets to announce the coming of God's anointed King and Messiah. After Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan and anointed by the Spirit he begins his ministry of preaching the gospel – the good news that the kingdom of God was now at hand for all who were ready to receive it. 

What is the kingdom of God? The word "kingdom" means something more than a territory or an area of land. It literally means "sovereignty" or "reign" and the power to "rule" and exercise authority. The prophets announced that God would establish a kingdom not just for one nation or people but for the whole world. The scriptures tell us that God's throne is in heaven and his rule is over all (Psalm 103:19). His kingdom is bigger and more powerful than anything we can imagine because it is universal and everlasting (Daniel 4:3). His kingdom is full of glory, power, and splendor (Psalm 145:11-13). In the Book of Daniel we are told that this kingdom is given to the Son of Man and to the saints (Daniel 7:14,18,22,27). The Son of Man is a Messianic title for God's anointed King. The New Testament word for "Messiah" is "Christ" which literally means the "Anointed One" or the "Anointed King". God sent us his Son not to establish an earthly kingdom but to bring us into his heavenly kingdom – a kingdom ruled by truth, justice, peace, and holiness. The kingdom of God is the central theme of Jesus' mission. It's the core of his gospel message.

As soon as John the Baptist had finished his testimony, Jesus began his in Galilee, his home district. John's enemies had sought to silence him, but the gospel cannot be silenced. Jesus proclaimed that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus takes up John's message of repentance and calls disciples to believe in the gospel--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 - Ephesians 6:15), of hope (the hope of heaven and everlasting life - Colossians 1:23 ), of truth (God's word is true and reliable - Colossians 1:5), of promise (he rewards those who seek him - Ephesians 3:6)), of immortality (God gives everlasting life - 2 Timothy 1:10), and the good news of salvation (liberty from sin and freedom to live as sons and daughters of God - Ephesians 1:13). 

How do we enter the kingdom of God? In announcing the good news, Jesus gave two explicit things each of us must do to in order to receive the kingdom of God: repent and believe. When we submit to Christ's rule in our lives and believe the gospel message the Lord Jesus gives us the grace and power to live a new way of life as citizens of his kingdom. He gives us grace to renounce the kingdom of darkness ruled by sin and Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44) and the ruler of this present world (John 12:31). That is why repentance is the first step. Repentance means to change – to change my way of thinking, my attitude, disposition, and life choices so that Christ can be the Lord and Master of my heart rather than sin, selfishness, and greed. If we are only sorry for the consequences of our sins, we will very likely keep repeating the sin that is mastering us. True repentance requires a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17) and sorrow for sin and a firm resolution to avoid it in the future. The Lord Jesus gives us grace to see sin for what it really is – a rejection of his love and wisdom for our lives and a refusal to do what is good and in accord with his will. His grace brings pardon and help for turning away from everything that would keep us from his love and truth. To believe is to take Jesus at his word and to recognize that God loved us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to free us from bondage to sin and harmful desires. God made the supreme sacrifice of his Son on the cross to bring us back to a relationship of peace and friendship with himself. He is our Father and he wants us to live as his sons and daughters. God loved us first and he invites us in love to surrender our lives to him. Do you believe that the gospel – the good news of Jesus – has power to free you from bondage to sin and fear? 

When Jesus preached the gospel message he called others to follow as his disciples and he gave them a mission – "to catch people for the kingdom of God". What kind of disciples did he choose? Smelly fishermen! In the choice of the first apostles we see a characteristic feature of Jesus' work: he chose very ordinary people. They were non-professionals, had no wealth or position. They were chosen from the common people who did ordinary things, had no special education, and no social advantages. Jesus wanted ordinary people who could take an assignment and do it extraordinarily well. He chose these individuals, not for what they were, but for what they would be capable of becoming under his direction and power. When the Lord calls us to serve, we must not think we have nothing to offer. The Lord takes what ordinary people, like us, can offer and uses it for greatness in his kingdom. Do you believe that God wants to work through and in you for his glory? 

Jesus speaks the same message to us today: we will "catch people" for the kingdom of God if we allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through us. God wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and witness the joy of the gospel. Paul the Apostles says, But thanks be to God, who in Christ Jesus always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15). Do you witness to those around you the joy of the gospel and do you pray for your neighbors, co-workers, and relatives that they may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in the knowledge of his love?

"Sir, magatinlo ako"

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

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. 

Prayer: 

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." 

***

Reflections 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 nga ginhambal ni Jesus"

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

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?" 

Prayer: 

"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 and inflame my heart with love and zeal for you and your will". 

***

Reflections of the Daily Gospel:

In Jesus we see the love and mercy of God in action. Wherever he went, people gathered to hear him speak about the kingdom of 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 physical, mental, and spiritual infirmities - but also 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 hopelessness, dejection, 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? 

What did Jesus come to do for us? He came to set us free from the worst tyranny possible -- slavery to sin and the fear of death, and the eternal destruction of both body and soul. God's power alone can save us from emptiness and poverty of spirit, from confusion and error, and from hopelessness and the fear of annihilation. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for us today. 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)

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 6:33-44)

Pero madamo nga mga tawo ang nakakita sang ila paghalin kag nakahibalo dayon kon sin-o sila. Gani naggwa sila sa ila mga banwa kag nagdalagan pakadto sa ginapadulongan ni Jesus kag sang iya mga gintuton-an, kag una pa sila makaabot didto.

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)

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.

"Nakita namon ang Mesias!"

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

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)

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.

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Imoralidad sa Iglesia

1 Karon, nabalahuba nga may mga pagpakighilawas dira sa inyo nga sobra pa sang ginahimo sang mga pagano. Kay ginsugiran ako nga may anak nga nagapakighilawas sa iya manding! 

2 Ngaa bala makapabugal pa kamo? Kuntani dapat kamo magkasubo, kag ang tawo nga nakahimo sini nga butang dapat pahalinon sa inyo katilingban! 

3 Kon parti sa akon, bisan wala ako dira, ang akon espiritu yara dira sa inyo. Kag sa ngalan sang aton Ginoong Jesus napamatbatan ko na ina nga tawo nga naghimo sinang malain nga butang kag ang akon pamatbat pareho lang nga daw yara ako kaupod ninyo.

4 Samtang nagatipon kamo sing tingob, kag ako nagapakig-upod sa inyo sa espiritu, sa gahom ni Ginoong Jesus nga yari sa aton, 

5 itugyan ninyo ining tawo kay Satanas nga magalaglag sang iya lawas, agod nga ang iya espiritu maluwas sa Adlaw sang Ginoo. 

6 Indi bagay nga magpabugal kamo! Nahibaluan ninyo ang hulobaton nga nagasiling, “Ang diutay lang nga lebadora nagapahabok sang bug-os nga minasa nga arina.” 

7 Kuhaa sa inyo kaugalingon ining daan nga lebadora sang sala, agod nga manginputli kamo. Dayon manginkasubong kamo sang bag-o nga minasa nga arina nga wala sing lebadora, nga sa pagkamatuod amo gid kamo. Ang aton Pascua nahanda na, kay si Cristo, ang aton cordero nga palascuahan nahalad na. 

8 Gani, selebrahon ta ang aton piesta, indi sa tinapay nga may daan nga lebadora sang sala kag kalautan, kundi sa tinapay nga wala sing lebadora, ang tinapay sang kaputli kag kamatuoran. 

9 Sa sulat nga ginpadala ko sa inyo, nagsiling ako nga indi kamo magpakighiupod sa mga makihilawason. 

10 Karon ang buot ko silingon, indi ang mga pagano nga makihilawason, ukon maibugon, ukon makawat, ukon nagasimba sa mga diosdios. Kay kon buot ninyo nga likawan sila, kuntani indi na kamo magpuyo sa sini nga kalibutan! 

11 Amo ini ang buot ko silingon, nga indi kamo magpakig-upod sa isa ka tawo nga nagatawag sang iya kaugalingon nga inyo utod, pero makihilawason, ukon maibugon, ukon nagasimba sa mga diosdios, ukon mapasipalahon, ukon palahubog, ukon makawat. Indi kamo magkaon upod sa sini nga sahi sang tawo.

12-13 Kay kon hambalon gid man, wala ako sing labot sa paghukom sa indi naton mga utod. Ang Dios magahukom sa ila. Pero indi bala ninyo paghukman ang mga katapo sang inyo katilingban? Kay ang kasulatan nagasiling, “Pahalina sa inyo katilingban ang tawo nga malaut.”

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Ang mga Apostoles ni Cristo

1 Dapat kamo magkabig sa amon nga mga alagad ni Cristo kag tulogyanan sang tinago nga mga kamatuoran sang Dios. 

2 Kinahanglan nga ang isa ka tulogyanan magmatutom sa iya agalon. 

3 Karon, wala sing kaso para sa akon kon hukman ninyo ako, ukon sang bisan ano nga tawuhanon nga paghukom. Wala gani ako nagahukom sang akon kaugalingon. 

4 Ang akon konsyensya matinlo, pero wala ini nagapamatuod nga ako matarong. Ang Ginoo amo ang nagahukom sa akon. 

5 Gani indi kamo maghukom sa bisan kay sin-o sa wala pa mag-abot ang nagakaigo nga tion. Hulata ninyo tubtob mag-abot ang Ginoo, kay sia magapasanag sang tinago nga mga butang sa kadudolman, kag magapahayag sang sekrito nga mga tinutoyo sang tagipusoon sang mga tawo. Dayon ang tagsa ka tawo magabaton gikan sa Dios sing pagdayaw nga bagay sa iya. 

6 Tungod sa inyo, mga utod, ginapahanungod ko man ini tanan sa akon kag kay Apolos. Ginhimo ko ang amon kaugalingon nga sulondan, agod matun-an ninyo ang kahulogan sining hulobaton nga nagasiling, “Sunda ang nagakabagay nga mga pagsulondan.” Indi ninyo pag-ipabugal ang isa ka tawo kag tamayon ang isa. 

7 Sin-o bala ang naghimo sa inyo nga labaw sa iban? Indi bala nga ang tanan ninyo nga pagkabutang ginhatag sang Dios? Ano bala karon ang pagpabugal ninyo, kay ang tanan ninyo nga pagkabutang ginhatag lang sa inyo? 

8 Ang tanan ninyo nga kinahanglanon yara na sa inyo! Manggaranon na kamo! Nanginhari na kamo, bisan pa nga kami amon indi! Luyag ko kuntani nga matuodtuod gid kamo nga mga hari, agod nga manginhari kami kaupod ninyo. 

9 Kay kon sa akon lang kami nga mga apostoles ginbutang sang Dios sa pinakakubos nga kahimtangan, pareho sang mga tawo nga ginhukman nga patyon sa atubangan sang mga tawo kag mangintalan-awon sang tanan nga mga anghel kag mga tawo sa bug-os nga kalibutan. 

10 Tungod kay Cristo mga buangboang kami, pero kamo mga maalam tungod kay Cristo. Mga maluya kami, pero kamo inyo mga mabakod! Ginatamay kami, pero kamo ginapadunggan! 

11 Tubtob sa sini gid nga tion ginagutom kag ginauhaw kami, nagabayu kami sing lapat, ginabunal kami kag nagadalang-dalang halin sa isa ka lugar pakadto sa isa ka lugar. 

12 Nagapangabudlay kami sing tudotudo para sa pagsakdag sang amon kaugalingon. Kon kami ginapakalain, kami nagapakamaayo kag kon kami ginahingabot, ginabatas namon. 

13 Kon kami ginapakahuy-an, nagasabat kami nga may kalulo. Basura kag sagbot kami sining kalibutan tubtob sa sini gid nga tion! 

14 Nagasulat ako sa inyo sing subong sini, indi kay luyag ako nga magkahuya kamo, kundi sa pagtudlo sa inyo subong nga kamo mahal ko nga mga kabataan. 

15 Kay bisan may napulo kamo ka libo ka mga manugtatap sa inyo pagkabuhi kay Cristo, may isa lang kamo ka amay. Kay sa inyo pagkabuhi kay Cristo Jesus nangin-amay ninyo ako, paagi sa akon pagdala sa inyo sang Maayong Balita. 

16 Gani, ginapakiluoy ko sa inyo nga sundon ninyo ang akon ginahimo. 

17 Sa sini nga katuyoan, ginapadala ko sa inyo si Timoteo. Sia ang akon mahal kag matutom nga anak sa Ginoo. Sia magapahanumdom sa inyo sang mga pagsulondan nga akon ginasunod sa bag-o nga pagkabuhi kay Cristo Jesus, kag akon man ginatudlo sa tanan nga mga iglesia bisan diin. 

18 Ang iban sa inyo nagbugalon kay abi nila nga indi na ako magkadto dira sa inyo. 

19 Pero kon itugot sang Ginoo, sa indi madugay magakadto ako dira sa inyo, kag dayon mahibal-an ko kon ano gid ang mahimo sining mga bugalon, kag indi lang ang ila ginawakal! 

20 Kay ang Ginharian sang Dios indi lamang sa mga pulong, kundi sa gahom. 

21 Ano bala ang luyag ninyo? Makadto ako dira sa inyo nga may dala nga halanot, ukon nga may paghigugma kag kalulo?

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Mga Alagad sang Dios

1 Mga kautoran, kon sa bagay, indi ako makahambal sa inyo subong sang paghambal ko sa mga tawo nga may Espiritu sang Dios. Napilitan ako sa paghambal sa inyo subong kalibutanon nga mga tawo kag mga bata pa sa Cristohanon nga pagtuo. 

2 Ginpainom ko lang anay kamo sang gatas, kag wala pagpakan-a sang matig-a nga kalan-on, kay indi pa kamo makasarang sa pagkaon sini. Kag bisan subong indi pa kamo makasarang sa pagkaon sini, 

3 kay nagakabuhi pa kamo subong nga kalibutanon nga mga tawo. Kon nagahisaay kamo kag nagasinuay, wala bala ini nagapamatuod nga kalibutanon kamo nga mga tawo kag nagakabuhi suno sa talaksan sining kalibutan? 

4 Kon ang isa sa inyo magsiling, “Ako sa kay Pablo,” kag ang isa man magsiling, “Ako sa kay Apolos,” wala bala kamo nagaginawi subong nga kalibutanon nga mga tawo? 

5 Kon sa bagay, sin-o bala si Apolos? Kag sin-o bala si Pablo? Mga alagad lamang kami sang Dios, nga nagtuytoy sa inyo sa pagtuo. Ang tagsatagsa sa amon nagahimo lamang sang bulohaton nga ginhatag sang Ginoo sa amon nga pagabuhaton. 

6 Ako ang nagtanom sang binhi, si Apolos ang nagbunyag, pero ang Dios amo ang nagpatubo sang tanom. 

Ang Dios amo ang nagpatubo sang tanom. (3:6)

7 Ang nagatanom kag ang nagabunyag indi ang labing importante, kundi ang Dios nga nagapatubo sang tanom. 

8 Ang nagatanom kag ang nagabunyag pareho lang. Ang Dios magahatag sing balos sa kada isa sa ila suno sa ila pinangabudlayan. 

9 Kay kami nagabuligay sa pagpangabudlay para sa Dios, kag kamo ang palangumhan sang Dios. Kamo balay man sang Dios. 

10 Tungod sang bugay nga ginhatag sang Dios sa akon, ginpasad ko ang sadsaran subong sang pag-obra sang isa ka sampaton nga panday kag dason iban ang nagapadayon sa pag-obra sini. Pero ang tagsa ka tawo dapat maghalong sa iya pagbalay sa ibabaw sini. 

11 Kay ang Dios nagpahamtang na kay Jesu-Cristo nga amo gid lang ang sadsaran kag wala na sing iban nga sadsaran nga sarang pa mapasad. 

12 May mga tawo nga magagamit sang bulawan, ukon pilak, ukon malahalon nga mga bato sa ila pagbalay sa sadsaran. Ang iban magagamit sing kahoy, hilamon, ukon dagami. 

13 Ang kalidad sang binuhatan sang tagsa ka tawo makit-an kon ipahayag ini sa Adlaw ni Cristo. Kay ang kalayo sa sina nga Adlaw magapahayag sang binuhatan sang tagsa ka tawo. Ang kalayo magatilaw kag magapahayag sang matuod nga kalidad sang binuhatan sang tagsa ka tawo. 

14 Kon ang ginbalay sang isa ka tawo sa sadsaran indi masunog sang kalayo, ina nga tawo magabaton sing balos. 

15 Pero kon ang binuhatan sang bisan sin-o nga tawo masunog, ti madula niya ini, pero sia iya maluwas, subong sang isa nga nakapalagyo halin sa kalayo. 

16 Nahibaluan gid ninyo nga kamo templo sang Dios, kag ang Espiritu sang Dios nagapuyo sa inyo! 

17 Gani, ang bisan sin-o nga maglaglag sang templo sang Dios, ang Dios magalaglag sa iya. Kay ang templo sang Dios balaan, kag kamo mismo ang iya templo. 

18 Wala sing tawo nga magdaya sang iya kaugalingon kon ang bisan sin-o sa inyo maghunahona nga sia maalam nga tawo suno sa talaksan sining kalibutan, dapat sia magbiya sang tanan niya nga kaalam, agod nga manginmaalam sia. 

19 Kay ang ginakabig sining kalibutan nga kaalam, kabuangan ina para sa Dios. Kay ginasiling sang kasulatan, “Ginadakop sang Dios ang maalam nga mga tawo sa ila kaabtik.” 

20 Kag ang isa na man ka bahin sang kasulatan nagasiling, “Ang Ginoo nakahibalo nga ang painuino sang mga maalam walay pulos.” 

21 Gani walay bisan sin-o nga magpabugal sang sarang mahimo sang mga tawo. Kay kon hambalon gid man, ang tanan nga butang inyo. 

22 Inyo si Pablo, si Apolos, si Pedro, ining kalibutan, ang kabuhi kag ang kamatayon, ang karon kag ang palaabuton. Ini tanan inyo, 

23 kag kamo iya ni Cristo, kag si Cristo iya sang Dios.

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Ang Mensahi nahanungod kay Cristo sa Krus

1 Mga kautoran, sang pagkadto ko sa inyo sa pagwali sang tinago nga kamatuoran sang Dios,^a wala ako maggamit sang madalom nga mga pulong ukon sang mataas nga kinaalam.

2 Kay sang dira pa ako sa inyo nagtapat ako nga kalimtan ko ang tanan, luas si Jesu-Cristo, kag labi na gid ang iya pagkamatay sa krus.

3 Gani nga sang pagkadto ko sa inyo maluya ako kag nagakurog sa kahadlok,

4 kag ang akon mensahi kag paghambal indi paagi sa mahayluhon nga mga pulong sang tawuhanon nga kaalam, kundi paagi sa gahom sang Espiritu sang Dios.

5 Gani, ang inyo pagtuo wala mapasad sa kaalam sang tawo, kundi sa gahom sang Dios.

Ang Kaalam sang Dios

6 Karon sa mga hamtong na sa espirituhanon nga kabuhi nagahambal ako sang kaalam. Pero indi ini kaalam nga iya sang kalibutan, ukon ila sang mga nagagahom sining kalibutan nga ang ila gahom nagakawala na.

7 Ang kaalam nga akon ginahambal amo ang tinago nga kaalam sang Dios, nga ginlipdan sa mga tawo, pero gintigana na sang Dios para sa aton himaya, bisan sang wala pa matuga ang kalibutan.

8 Walay bisan sin-o sang mga nagagahom sining kalibutan ang nakahibalo sini nga kaalam. Kon nahibal-an nila ini, wala nila kuntani ginlansang sa krus ang Ginoo sang himaya.

9 Pero suno sa ginasiling sang kasulatan,
     “Ang wala makit-i
     Kag mabatii sang tawo,
     Ang wala ginpanghunahonai
     Sang tawo nga matabo,
     Amo gid ang tin-aman sang Dios
     Para sa mga nagahigugma sa iya.”

10 Pero sa aton ginpahayag sang Dios ang iya tinago paagi sa iya Espiritu. Ang Espiritu nagausisa sang tanan, bisan ang indi matungkad nga mga tinutoyo sang Dios.

11 Kon parti sa tawo, ang iya mismo espiritu nga yara sa sulod niya amo ang nakahibalo sang tanan nahanungod sa iya. Sa amo man nga bagay, ang Espiritu gid lang sang Dios amo ang nakahibalo sang tanan nahanungod sa Dios.

12 Wala kita makabaton sang espiritu nga iya sang kalibutan, kundi nakabaton kita sang Espiritu nga ginpadala sang Dios, agod nga aton mahibaluan ang tanan nga ginhatag sang Dios sa aton.

13 Gani, wala kami nagahambal sa mga pulong nga gintudlo sang kaalam sang tawo, kundi sa mga pulong nga gintudlo sang Espiritu samtang nagasaysay kami sang espirituhanon nga mga kamatuoran sa ila nga may Espiritu^b sang Dios.

14 Pero ang tawo nga wala sa iya ang Espiritu indi makabaton sang mga butang nga ginahatag sang Espiritu sang Dios. Wala gid sing kahulogan ini nga mga butang sa iya kag kabuangan ini para sa iya, kay mahangpan lang ini sa espirituhanon nga paagi.

15 Ang tawo nga may Espiritu sang Dios makahukom sang tanan nga mga butang, pero wala sing isa nga makahukom sa iya.

16 Kay ang kasulatan nagasiling,
     “Sin-o bala ang makahibalo
     Sang hunahona sang Ginoo?
     Sin-o bala ang makalaygay sa iya?”
Pero kita may hunahona ni Cristo.

^atinago nga kamatuoran sang Dios: sa iban nga teksto panaksihon nahanungod sa Dios.
^bsa ila nga may Espiritu: ukon sa mga pulong nga ginhatag sang Espiritu.

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Si Kristo sa tunga ninyo

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

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?