"Ginoo, sarang mo ako maayo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 6:24-34)

Si Jesus nagdulhog halin sa bakulod kag ginsunod sia sang madamo nga mga tawo.

Dayon may isa ka aruon nga nagpalapit sa iya, kag nagluhod sa iya atubangan nga nagasiling, "Ginoo kon buot mo, sarang mo ako maayo."

Gindab-ot sia ni Jesus kag gintandog nga nagasiling, "Buot ko nga mag-ayo ka!" Sa gilayon nag-ayo sia sa iya aro.

Dayon si Jesus nagsiling, "Pamati ka! Indi mo ini pag-isugid bisan kay sin-o, kundi magkadto ka gilayon sa pari kag magpatan-aw ka sang imo kaugalingon. Dayon maghalad ka suno sa ginsugo ni Moises sa pagpamatuod sa mga tawo nga maayo ka na." "

Prayers:

“May the power of your love, Lord Christ, fiery and sweet as honey, so absorb our hearts as to withdraw them from all that is under heaven. Grant that we may be ready to die for love of your love, as you died for love of our love." (Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226 AD)

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What might hold us back from approaching the Lord Jesus with expectant faith and confidence that he can change us and make us holy – perhaps fear, pride, and the risk of losing one's reputation or friends? Jesus did something which was both remarkable and unthinkable at the same time. He approached the unapproachables – he touched the untouchables. Lepers were outcasts of society. Their physical condition was terrible as they slowly lost the use of their limbs and withered away with open sores over their entire bodies. 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.

The leper who came to Jesus 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.

Some twelve centuries later, a man named Francis (1181-1226 AD) met a leper on the road as he journeyed towards Assisi. A contemporary of Francis wrote, “Though the leper caused him no small disgust and horror, he nonetheless, got off the horse and prepared to kiss the leper. But when the leper put out his hand as though to receive something, he received money along with a kiss” (from the Life of St. Francis by Thomas of Celano). Francis did what seemed humanly impossible because he was filled with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit inflames our hearts with the fire of Christ's love that we may reach out to others with compassionate care and kindness, especially to those who have been rejected, mistreated, and left utterly alone. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the love and compassion of Christ for others?

"Ngaa bala magpalibog kamo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 6:24-34)

"Wala sing tawo nga makaalagad sa duha ka agalon. Kay kontrahon niya ang isa kag higugmaon niya ang isa, ukon magadampig sia sa isa kag magatamay sa isa. Indi kamo makaalagad sing dungan sa Dios kag sa manggad.

"Amo ini ang kabangdanan kon ngaa nagasiling ako sa inyo nga indi kamo magpalibog kon ano ang inyo pagakaunon kag pagaimnon agod kamo mabuhi, ukon ano ang inyo isuksok sa inyo lawas. Indi bala ang kabuhi labi pa sa kalan-on kag ang lawas labi pa sa panapton?

Tan-awa bala ang mga pispis nga nagalupadlopad sa palibot. Wala sila nagasab-og sing binhi ukon nagaani, ukon nagatipon sang ila mga patubas sa mga tambubo, pero ang inyo Amay sa langit nagapakaon sa ila! Indi bala mahal pa kamo sa ila?

Sin-o bala sa inyo ang makadugang sing mga tinuig sa iya kabuhi paagi sa pagpalibog tungod sini? 

"Ngaa bala magpalibog kamo nahanungod sang inyo mga bayu? Tan-awa bala kon daw ano ang pagtubo sang mga bulak sa latagon; wala sila nagapangabudlay ukon nagahimo sang ila mga bayu.

Pero nagasiling ako sa inyo nga bisan pa si Salomon sa iya kamanggaran wala makasuksok sing bayu nga subong katahom sini nga mga bulak.

Ang Dios amo ang nagapabayu sang hilamon nga nagatubo karon kag buas idap-ong lamang sa kalayo. Indi bala sia magpabayu sa inyo? Ay kadiutay sang inyo pagtuo!

Gani indi kamo magpalibog nga nagasiling, 'Diin bala kita makuha sang aton kaunon, ukon sang aton ilimnon, ukon sang aton mga bayu?'

(Amo ini nga mga butang ang ginapaligban pirme sang mga Gentil.) Ang inyo Amay sa langit nakahibalo nga kinahanglan ninyo ini nga mga butang.

Sa baylo sini, unaha ninyo ang pagpangita sang Ginharian sang Dios kag ang iya katarungan kag hatagan niya kamo sini tanan nga mga butang.

Gani indi kamo magpalibog nahanungod sang buas, kay ang buas may iya man nga kaugalingon nga palaligban. Wala sing kinahanglan nga dugangan pa ang palaligban nga nagaabot sa tagsa ka adlaw." 

Prayers:

“Lord Jesus, free me from needless worries and help me to put my trust in you. May my first and only concern be for your glory and your kingdom of peace and righteousness. Help me to live each day and moment with trust and gratitude for your providential care for me.”

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What does the expression “serving two masters” and “being anxious” have in common? They both have the same root problem – being divided within oneself. The root word for “anxiety” literally means “being of two minds.” An anxious person is often “tossed to and fro” and paralyzed by fear, indecision, and insecurity. Fear of some bad outcome cripples those afflicted with anxiety. It’s also the case with someone who wants to live in two opposing kingdoms – God's kingdom of light, truth, and goodness or Satan's kingdom of darkness, sin, and deception – following God's standards and way of happiness or following the world’s standards of success and happiness. Who is the master in charge of your life? Our “master” is whatever governs our thought-life, shapes our ideals, and controls the desires of our heart and the values we choose to live by. We can be ruled by many different things – the love of money and possessions, the power of position and prestige, the glamor of wealth and fame, and the driving force of unruly passions, harmful desires, and addictive cravings. Ultimately the choice of who is our master boils down to two: God or “mammon”. What is mammon? “Mammon” stands for “material wealth or possessions” or whatever tends to “control our appetites and desires.”

There is one master alone who has the power to set us free from slavery to sin, fear, pride, and greed, and a host of other hurtful desires. That master is the Lord Jesus Christ who alone can save us from all that would keep us bound up in fear and anxiety. Jesus used an illustration from nature – the birds and the flowers – to show how God provides for his creatures in the natural order of his creation. God provides ample food, water, light, and heat to sustain all that lives and breathes. How much more can we, who are created in the very image and likeness of God, expect our heavenly Father and creator to sustain not only our physical bodies, but our mind, heart, and soul as well? God our Father is utterly reliable because it is his nature to love, heal, forgive, and make whole again. Jesus taught his disciples to pray with confidence to their heavenly Father: Give us this day our daily bread. What is bread, but the very staple of life and symbol of all that we need to live and grow. Anxiety is neither helpful nor necessary. It robs us of faith and confidence in God’s help and it saps our energy for doing good. Jesus admonishes his followers to put away anxiety and preoccupation with material things and instead to seek first the things of God – his kingdom and righteousness. Anxiety robs the heart of trust in the mercy and goodness of God and in his loving care for us. God knows our needs even before we ask and he gives generously to those who trust in him. Who is your master – God or mammon?

"Magtipon sing manggad sa langit"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 6:19-23)

"Indi kamo magtipon sing manggad para sa inyo kaugalingon diri sa duta, sa diin ang mga sapatsapat kag ang tuktok makaut-ot kag ang mga makawat makasulod sa pagpangawat.

Sa baylo, magtipon kamo sing manggad sa langit, sa diin wala sing sapatsapat kag tuktok nga makaut-ot kag ang mga makawat indi makasulod sa pagpangawat.

Kay kon diin ang inyo manggad didto man ang inyo tagipusoon."

"Ang mga mata kasubong sang suga sa lawas. Kon ang imo mga mata maayo, ang imo bug-os nga lawas may kapawa.

Pero kon ang imo mga mata malain, ang imo lawas yara sa kadudolman. Gani kon ang kapawa nga yara sa imo manginkadudolman, daw ano pa gid kadulom ina nga kadudolman!"

Prayers:

“Lord Jesus, you have the words of everlasting life. May the light of your truth free me from the error of sin and deception. Take my heart and fill it with your love that I may desire you alone as my Treasure and my All."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What kind of treasure are you seeking? Jesus offers a treasure of imcomparable value and worth, but we need healthy eyes – good spiritual vision – to recognize it. What Jesus said about seeking treasure made perfect sense to his audience: keep what lasts! Aren’t we all trying to find something we treasure in this life in the hope that it will bring us happiness, peace, and security? Jesus contrasts two very different kinds of wealth – material wealth and spiritual wealth. Jesus urges his disciples to get rich by investing in wealth and treasure which truly lasts, not just for a life-time, but for all eternity as well. Jesus offers heavenly treasures which cannot lose their value by changing circumstances, such as diminishing currency, material degradation, lose, or physical destruction. The treasure which Jesus offers is kept safe and uncorrupted by God himself.

What is this treasure which Jesus offers so freely and graciously? It is the treasure of God himself – the source and giver of every good gift and blessing in this life – and a kingdom that will endure forever. The treasure of God's kingdom produces unspeakable joy because it unites us with the source of all joy and blessings which is God himself. God offers us the treasure of unending joy and friendship with himself and with all who are united with him in his heavenly kingdom. In Jesus Christ we receive an inheritance which the Apostle Peter describes as imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4 ). Paul the Apostle describes it as a kingdom of everlasting peace, joy, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

How realistic and attainable is this heavenly treasure? Can we enjoy it now, or must we wait for it in the after-life? The treasure of God’s kingdom is both a present and a future reality – like an investment which grows and matures, ever increasing, and multiplying in value.

Seekers of great treasure will go to any length to receive their reward. They direct all their energies and resources to obtain the treasure. We instinctively direct our energies and resources – an even our whole lives – towards that which we most value. To set one’s heart on heavenly treasure is to enter into a deeper and richer life with God himself. It is only by letting go of false treasure that one can enter into the joy of a heavenly treasure that is immeasurable and worth more than we can give in exchange. Do you seek the treasure which lasts for eternity?

Jesus also used the image of eyesight or human vision to convey an important principle of God's kingdom. Blurred vision and bad eyesight serve as a metaphor for moral stupidity and spiritual blindness. (For examples, see Matthew 15:14, 23:16 ff.; John 9:39-41; Romans 2:19; 2 Peter 1:9; and Revelations 3:17.) Jesus describes the human eye as the window of the “inner being” – the heart, mind, and soul of an individual person. How one views their life and reality reflects not only their personal vision – how they see themselves and the world around them, it also reflects their inner being and soul – the kind of moral person and character they choose for themselves. If the window through which we view life, truth, and reality is clouded, soiled, or marred in any way, then the light of God's truth will be deflected, diminished, and distorted. Only Jesus Christ can free us from the spiritual darkness of sin, unbelief, and ignorance. That is why Jesus called himself the light of the world – the one true source of light that can overcome the darkness of sin and the lies and deception of Satan.

What can blind or distort our “vision” of what is true, good, lovely, pure, and eternal (Philippians 4:8)? Certainly prejudice, jealousy, and self-conceit can distort our judgment of ourselves and others and lead to moral blindness. Prejudice and self-conceit also destroys good judgment and blinds us to the facts and to their significance for us. Jealousy and envy make us despise others and mistrust them as enemies rather than friends. We need to fearlessly examine ourselves to see if we are living according to right judgment and sound principles or if we might be misguided by blind prejudice or some other conceit. Love is not jealous ...but rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:4-6). Do you live your life in the light of God’s truth?

"Kon magpangamuyo, puasa kag magbulig ka sa tawo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18)

"Mag-andam kamo nga indi magpakitakita sa mga tawo sang inyo maayo nga ginahimo. Kay kon magpakitakita kamo wala na kamo sing balos sa inyo Amay nga yara sa langit.

"Gani kon ikaw magpanglimos, indi mo ini pag-ipanugidsogid subong sang ginahimo sang mga salimpapaw sa mga sinagoga kag sa mga dalan. Ginahimo nila ini agod nga ang mga tawo magdayaw sa ila. Dumdoma ninyo ini! Nabaton na nila ang ila balos.

Pero kon magbulig ka sa tawo nga nagakinahanglan, himoa nga bisan ang imo mahirop nga abyan indi makahibalo, kundi ikaw lamang. Kag ang imo Amay nga nagatan-aw sang imo ginahimo sa tago magabalos sa imo."

"Kon magpangamuyo kamo, indi kamo magmanginkaangay sa mga tawo nga salimpapaw. Luyag sila magpangamuyo nga nagatindog sa mga sinagoga kag sa mga ginsang-an sang mga dalan, agod nga makita sila sang mga tawo. Dumdoma ninyo ini! Nabaton na nila ang ila balos.

Pero kon magpangamuyo ka, sulod ka sa imo kuwarto, sirahi ang puwertahan kag magpangamuyo ka sa imo Amay nga indi makita. Kag ang imo Amay nga nagatan-aw sang imo ginahimo sa tago magabalos sa imo.

"Kag kon magpuasa kamo, indi kamo magpakita nga masinulob-on kamo subong sang mga salimpapaw, kay luyag sila magpakita sa ila guya sang ila kagutom agod nga ang mga tawo makahibalo nga nagapuasa sila. Dumdoma ninyo ini! Nabaton na nila ang ila balos.

Kon magpuasa kamo, panghilam-os kag panghusay kamo, agod nga ang iban nga mga tawo indi makahibalo nga nagapuasa kamo, kundi ang inyo lamang Amay nga indi makita. Kag ang inyo Amay nga nagatan-aw sang inyo ginahimo sa tago magabalos sa inyo."

Prayers:
“Lord Jesus, give me a lively faith, a firm hope, a fervent charity, and a great love for you. Take from me all lukewarmness in meditating on your word, and dullness in prayer. Give me fervor and delight in thinking of you and your grace. Fill my heart with compassion for others, especially those in need, that I may respond with generosity.”

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:
Why did Jesus single out prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for his disciples? The Jews considered these three as the cardinal works of the religious life. These were seen as the key signs of a pious person, the three great pillars on which the good life was based. Jesus pointed to the heart of the matter. Why do you pray, fast, and give alms? To draw attention to yourself so that others may notice and think highly of you? Or to give glory to God? The Lord warns his disciples of self-seeking glory – the preoccupation with looking good and seeking praise from others. True piety is something more than feeling good or looking holy. True piety is loving devotion to God. It is an attitude of awe, reverence, worship and obedience. It is a gift and working of the Holy Spirit that enables us to devote our lives to God with a holy desire to please him in all things (Isaiah 11:1-2).

What is the sure reward which Jesus points out to his disciples? It is communion with God our Father. In him alone we find the fulness of life and happiness, truth and beauty, love and joy. Saint Augustine, the great fourth century bishop of Hippo, wrote the following prayer in his Confessions: When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrows or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete. The Lord rewards those who seek him with humble and repentant hearts. He renews us each day and he gives us new hearts of love and compassion that we may serve him and our neighbor with glad and generous hearts. Do you want to grow in your love for God and for your neighbor? Seek him expectantly in prayer, with fasting, and in generous giving to those in need.

Higugmaa ang inyo kaaway kag pangamuyoi sila

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 5:43-48)

"Inyo man nabatian ang ginsiling, 'Higugmaa ang imo mga abyan, kag dumti ang imo mga kaaway.' 

Pero karon nagasiling ako sa inyo: higugmaa ang inyo mga kaaway, kag magpangamuyo kamo para sa mga nagahingabot sa inyo, agod mangin-anak kamo sang inyo Amay nga yara sa langit. Kay wala sing kapin kag kulang ang pagpasilak niya sang iya adlaw sa mga malain kag mga maayo, kag pareho man lang ang iya paghatag sing ulan sa mga matarong kag di-matarong. 

Ti ngaa gid abi nga ang Dios maghatag sa inyo sing balos kon ang inyo ginahigugma amo man lang ang mga tawo nga nagahigugma sa inyo? Bisan ang mga manugsukot sang buhis nagahimo man sina! 

Kag kon ang ginabugno ninyo ang inyo man lang mga amigo, pinasahi gid bala ina? Bisan ang mga pagano nagahimo man sina! 

Gani, magmanginhimpit kamo, subong nga ang inyo Amay sa langit himpit."

Prayers:

“Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with your love that nothing may make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter towards anyone.”

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What makes the disciples of Jesus different from others and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness, forebearance, and mercy. God is good to the unjust as well as the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil. How can we possibly love those who cause us harm or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who believe and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ’s redeeming love and mercy?

Was Jesus exaggerating when he said we must be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect? The original meaning of “perfect” in Aramaic is “completeness” or “wholeness – not lacking in what is essential.” God gives us every good gift in Jesus Christ so that we may not lack anything we need to do his will and to live as his sons and daughters (2 Peter 1:3). He knows our weakness and sinfulness better than we do. And he assures us of his love, mercy, and grace to follow in his ways. Do you want to grow in your love for God and for your neighbor? Ask the Holy Spirit to change and transform you in the image of the Father that you may walk in the joy and freedom of the gospel.

Indi magtimalos sa nagabuhat sing malain

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 5:38-42)

"Nabatian ninyo ang ginsiling, 'Kon lukaton niya ang imo mata, lukata man ang iya, kag kon bingawon niya ang imo ngipon, bingawa man ang iya.'

Pero karon nagasiling ako sa inyo: indi kamo magtimalos sa nagabuhat sing malain sa inyo. Kon tampaon ka sa imo tuo nga guya, itaya man ang imo pihak nga guya sa iya.

Kon isumbong ka sa korte sa tuyo nga kuhaon niya ang imo bayu, ihatag sa iya bisan pa ang imo kunop.

Kon piliton ka niya sa pagpas-an sang iya karga sing isa ka kilometro, pas-ana ini sing duha ka kilometro.

Kon may magpangayo sa imo, hatagi sia: kag kon may maghulam sa imo, pahulama sia."

Prayers:

“O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray, with the graces of your Holy Spirit; with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Teach us to love those who hate us; to pray for those who despitefully use us; that we may be the children of your love, our Father, who makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. In adversity grant us grace to be patient; in prosperity keep us humble; may we guard the door of our lips; may we lightly esteem the pleasures of this world, and thirst after heavenly things; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer of Anselm, 1033-1109 AD)

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

If someone insults you or tries to take advantage of you, how do you respond? Do you repay in kind? Jesus approached the question of just retribution with a surprising revelation of God's intention for how we should treat others, especialy those who mistreat us. When Jesus spoke about God’s law, he did something no one had done before. He gave a new standard based not just on the requirements of justice – giving each their due – but based on the law of grace, love, and frredom. Jesus knew the moral law and its intention better than any jurist or legal expert could imagine. He quoted from the oldest recorded law in the world: If any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe (Exodus 21:23-25). Such a law today seems cruel, but it was meant to limit vengeance as a first step towards mercy. This law was not normally taken literally but served as a guide for a judge in a law court for assessing punishment and penalty (see Deuteronomy 19:18). The Old Testament is full of references to the command that we must be merciful: You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD (Leviticus 19:18). If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink (Proverbs 25:21). Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done" (Proverbs 24:29). Let him give his cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults (Lamentations 3:30).

 

Jesus does something quite remarkable and unheard of. He transforms the law of mercy with grace, forebearance, and loving-kindness. Jesus also makes clear that there is no room for retaliation. We must not only avoid returning evil for evil, but we must seek the good of those who wish us ill. Do you accept insults, as Jesus did, with no resentment or malice? When you are compelled by others to do more than you think you deserve, do you insist on your rights, or do you respond with grace and cheerfulness?

What makes a disciple of Jesus Christ different from everyone else? What makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness and mercy. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. The Lord Jesus suffered insult, abuse, injustice, and death on a cross for our sake. Scripture tells us that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin and guilt (Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7, I John 1:7, Revelation 1:5). Since God has been merciful towards us through the offering of his Son, Jesus Christ, we in turn are called to be merciful towards our neighbor, even those who cause us grief and harm. Do you know the power and freedom of Christ’s redeeming love and mercy?

"Kaangay kamo sang asin para sa mga tawo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 5:13-16)

"Kaangay kamo sang asin para sa mga tawo. Pero kon ang asin indi na maarat, wala na sing paagi nga mapaarat pa ini. Wala na ini sing pulos kundi itampok sa dalan kag tapakon sang mga tawo. 

"Kaangay kamo sang kapawa para sa kalibutan. Ang siyudad nga napatindog sa ibabaw sang bakulod indi matago. 

Wala sing tawo nga nagasindi sing suga nga takluban man lang niya ini sang sulokban, kundi ginabutang niya ini sa tulongtongan agod maiwagan ang tanan nga yara sa balay. 

Subong man dapat ninyo pasigahon ang inyo kapawa sa mga tawo agod makita nila ang inyo maayo nga mga binuhatan, kag magadayaw sila sa inyo Amay nga yara sa langit."

Prayers:

“Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed”.

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and light, to convey extraordinary truths. What does salt and light have to teach us about God and his reign on earth? Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. People traded with it, like we trade with gold and stock. Salt also served a very useful purpose in hot climates before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave food flavor, it also preserved meat from spoiling. Jesus used the image of salt to describe how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt purifies, preserves, and produces rich flavor, so the disciple of Christ must be salt in the world of human society to purify, preserve, and bring the flavor of God's kingdom of righteousness, peace, and mercy.

What did Jesus mean by the expression " if salt has lost its taste...it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot" (Matthew 5:13)? Salt in the ancient world was often put in ovens to intensify the heat. When the salt was burned off and no longer useful it was thrown out on the foot path where it would easily get trodden upon (Matthew 5:13). Perhaps Jesus wanted to contrast useful salt and salt which lost its ability to prevent corruption to encourage his disciples to bring the rich flavor of Christ's love, purity, and righteousness to a world contaminated by greed, lust, and selfish ambition. Paul the Apostle reminds us that we are called to be "the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ). Do you allow the fragrance of Christ's love, truth, and holiness to influence others through the witness of your life, speech, and actions?

Jesus also used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration. Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood “light” as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God’s grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God’s kingdom. In fact, our mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.

There is great freedom and joy for those who live in the light of God's truth and goodness. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God’s light?

"Bulahan ang mga nagakilala sang kinahanglanon sang ila mga kalag"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 5:1-12a)

Sang makita ni Jesus ang mga nagadinugok nga mga tawo nagtaklad sia sa bakulod. Nagpalapit sa iya ang iya mga gintuton-an kag naglingkod sia sa pagtudlo sa ila sang masunod: 

"Bulahan ang mga nagakilala Sang kinahanglanon sang ila mga kalag, Kay ila ang Ginharian sang langit! 

"Bulahan ang mga nagakasubo, Kay pagalipayon sila sang Dios!

"Bulahan ang mga mapainuboson, Kay magabaton sila Sang ginsaad sang Dios! 

"Bulahan ang may daku nga handom Nga magmatarong Suno sa ginapaabot sang Dios, Kay ang Dios Magahatag sing katumanan Sina nga handom! 

"Bulahan ang mga maluloy-on, Kay pagakaluoyan man sila sang Dios! 

"Bulahan ang may putli nga tagipusoon, Kay makita nila ang Dios! 

"Bulahan ang nagapaluntad Sang paghidait Sa tunga sang mga tawo, Kay ang Dios magatawag sa ila Nga iya mga anak! 

"Bulahan ang mga ginahingabot Tungod kay ginatuman nila Ang ginapaabot sang Dios sa ila, Kay ila ang Ginharian sang langit! 

"Bulahan kamo kon ang mga tawo magpasipala kag maghingabot kag magbutangbotang sa inyo tungod kay kamo sumolunod ko. 

Magkalipay kag maghinugyaw kamo, tungod kay daku ang inyo balos sa langit.

Prayers: 

"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting peace and happiness. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What is the good life which God intends for us? And how is it related with the ultimate end or purpose of life? Is it not our desire and longing for true happiness, which is none other than the complete good, the sum of all goods, leaving nothing more to be desired? Jesus addresses this question in his sermon on the mount. The heart of Jesus' message is that we can live a very happy life. The call to holiness, to be saints who joyfully pursue God's will for their lives, can be found in these eight beatitudes. Jesus' beatitudes sum up our calling or vocation – to live a life of the beatitudes. The word beatitude literally means "happiness" or "blessedness". 

What is the significance of Jesus' beatitudes, and why are they so central to his teaching? The beatitudes respond to the natural desire for happiness that God has placed in every heart. They teach us the final end to which God calls us, namely the coming of God's kingdom (Matthew 4:17), the vision of God (Matthew 5:8; 1 John 2;1), entering into the joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:21-23) and into his rest (Hebrews 4:7-11). Jesus' beatitudes also confront us with decisive choices concerning the life we pursue here on earth and the use we make of the goods he puts at our disposal. God alone satisfies. Teresa of Avila's (1515-1582) prayer book contained a bookmark which she wrote: "Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; All things pass: God never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices." Is God enough for you? God offers us the greatest good possible – abundant life in Jesus Christ (John 10:10) and the promise of unending joy and happiness with God. Do you seek the highest good, the total good, which is above all else?

The beatitudes which Jesus offers us are a sign of contradiction to the world's understanding of happiness and joy. How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and spiritual oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) said: "No one can live without joy. That is why a person deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures." Do you know the happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?