"Ang langitnon nga manggad kag ang perlas nga malahalon"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 13:44-46)

“Ang Ginharian sang langit kaangay sang manggad nga ginlubong sa uma. Nasapwan ini sang isa ka tawo kag iya liwat gintampukan. Sa daku nga kalipay naglakat sia kag ginbaligya niya ang tanan niya nga mga pagkabutang, kag nagbalik sa pagbakal sadto nga uma.”

“Subong man, ang Ginharian sang langit kaangay sang isa ka negosyante nga nagpangita sang malahalon nga perlas.

Sang pagkakita niya sang isa ka perlas nga malahalon, naglakat sia kag ginbaligya niya ang tanan niya nga mga pagkabutang kag ginbakal ang perlas.”

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, reveal to me the true riches of your kingdom. Help me to set my heart on you alone as the treasure beyond compare with any other. Free my heart of any inordinate desires or attachment to other things that I may freely give to you all that I have in joy and gratitude for all that you have given to me. May I always find joy and delight in your presence."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What do you most treasure and how do you keep it secure? In a peasant community the best safe was often the earth. The man in the parable "went in his joy" to sell everything. Why? Because he found a treasure worth possessing above everything else he had. He did not, however, have enough to buy the treasure. Fortunately, he only needed enough money to buy the field. In a similar fashion, God offers his kingdom as incomparable treasure at a price we can afford! We can't pay the full price for the life which God gives us; but when we exchange our life for the life which God offers, we receive a treasure beyond compare. The pearl of great price also tells us a similar lesson. Pearls in the ancient world came to represent the supremely valuable. Jesus remarked that one should not cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). Why would a merchant sell everything for a peerless pearl? No doubt because he was attracted to what he thought was the greatest treasure he could possess.

Discovering God's kingdom is like stumbling across hidden treasure or finding the one pearl of great price. When we discover the kingdom of God we receive the greatest possible treasure – the Lord himself. Selling all that we have to obtain this incomparable treasure could mean many things – our friends, job, our "style of life", what we do with our free time. Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. In this parable what does the treasure of the kingdom refer to? It certainly refers to the kingdom of God in all its aspects. But in a special way, the Lord himself is the treasure we seek. If the Almighty is your gold and your precious silver, then you will delight yourself in the Almighty (Job 22:22-23). Is the Lord the treasure and delight of your heart?

"Ang mga matarong magasilak subong sang adlaw sa Ginharian sang ila Amay"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 13:36-43) 

Dayon ginbayaan ni Jesus ang mga tawo kag nagsulod sia sa balay. Ang iya mga gintuton-an nagpalapit sa iya kag nagsiling, “Sugiri kami kon ano ang kahulogan sang palaanggiran nahanungod sang mga bugang.” 

Si Jesus nagsiling sa ila, “Ang tawo nga nagsab-og sang maayo nga binhi amo ang Anak sang Tawo. 

Ang uma amo ang kalibutan. Ang maayo nga binhi amo ang mga anak sang Ginharian, kag ang mga bugang amo ang mga anak sang Yawa. 

Ang kaaway nga nagsab-og sang bugang amo si Satanas. Ang tig-alani amo ang katapusan sang panahon, kag ang mga mangangani amo ang mga anghel. 

Subong nga ang mga bugang gintipon kag ginsunog sa kalayo, amo man ang mahanabo sa katapusan sang panahon. 

Ang Anak sang Tawo magapadala sang iya mga anghel kag ila pagatipunon kag pagapagwaon sa iya Ginharian ang tanan nga nanginkabangdanan sang pagpakasala, kag ang tanan nga nagahimo sing malaut. 

Kag ini sila ihaboy sa nagadabadaba nga kalayo, sa diin magahibi sila kag magabagrot sang ila mga ngipon. 

Dayon ang mga matarong magasilak subong sang adlaw sa Ginharian sang ila Amay. Gani, magpamati kamo kon may dulonggan kamo!”

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, may your all-consuming love rule in my heart and transform my life that I may sow what is good, worthy, and pleasing to you.”

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Are you quick to judge the faults of others? Jesus’ parable teaches us patience lest we judge before the time is right. Jesus also warns that there is an enemy who seeks to destroy the good seed of his word before it can bear fruit. Both good and evil can be sown in our hearts like tiny seeds which germinate, and in due time yield a harvest of good or bad fruit. We must stand guard lest evil take root in our hearts and corrupt us. Charles Read said: “Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.” In the day of judgment each will reap what he or she has sown in this life. Those who sow good will shine in the kingdom of their Father. They will radiate with the beauty, joy, and fulness of God’s love. Do you allow the love of Jesus Christ to rule in your heart, thoughts, and actions?

Nagsabat si Marta, “Nahibaluan ko mabanhaw sia"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 11:19-27)

kag madamo nga mga Judio ang nag-abot sa paglipay kay Marta kag kay Maria tungod sang pagkapatay sang ila utod. 

Sang pagkabati ni Marta nga nagapadulong si Jesus, naggwa sia sa pagsugata sa iya, pero si Maria nagpabilin sa balay.

Nagsiling si Marta kay Jesus, “Ginoo, kon yari ka lang diri, wala kuntani mapatay ang akon utod!

Pero nahibaluan ko nga bisan subong ang Dios magahatag sa imo sang bisan ano nga imo pangayuon sa iya.” 

Si Jesus nagsiling sa iya, “Mabanhaw ang imo utod.” 

Nagsabat si Marta, “Nahibaluan ko nga mabanhaw sia sa katapusan nga adlaw.” 

Si Jesus nagsiling sa iya, “Ako amo ang pagkabanhaw kag ang kabuhi. Ang nagatuo sa akon, bisan pa nga mapatay sia, magakabuhi; kag ang nagakabuhi kag nagatuo sa akon indi gid mapatay. Nagatuo ka bala sini?” 

Nagsabat sia, “Huo, Ginoo! Nagatuo gid ako nga ikaw amo ang Cristo, ang Anak sang Dios, nga magakari sa kalibutan.”

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, you are the Resurrection and the Life. Strengthen my faith and hope in your promises that I may radiate the joy of the gospel to others."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What gives us hope and joy in the face of death? The loss of a loved one naturally produces grief and anguish of heart. When Martha, the sister of Lazarus and a close friend of Jesus, heard that Jesus was coming to pay respects for the loss of Lazarus, she immediately went out to meet him before he could get to her house. What impelled her to leave the funeral party in order to seek Jesus out? Was it simply the companionship and consolation of a friend who loved her brother deeply? Or did she recognize in Jesus the hope that God would restore life?

Martha, like many Orthodox Jews, believed in the life to come. The loss of her brother did not diminish her hope in the resurrection. She even gently chides Jesus for not coming soon enough to save Lazarus from an untimely death. Jesus does something unexpected and remarkable both to strengthen her faith and hope in the life to come and to give her a sign of what he was to accomplish through his own death and resurrection. Jesus gave to her belief a new and profound meaning: He came from the Father to defeat sin and death for us and to restore life to those who believe in him. Jesus states unequivocally the he himself is the Resurrection and the Life. The life he offers is abundant life – life which issues from God himself. And eternal life – the fulness of life which knows no end. Do you seek the abundant life which Jesus offers to those who believe in him?

"Hatagi kami adlaw-adlaw sang kalan-on nga amon kinahanglanon"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 11:1-13)

Isa sadto ka tion si Jesus nagapangamuyo sa isa ka duog. Sang pagkatapos niya, ang isa sang iya mga gintuton-an nagsiling sa iya, “Ginoo, tudloi kami sa pagpangamuyo, subong nga si Juan nagtudlo man sang iya mga gintuton-an.”

Si Jesus nagsiling sa ila, “Magpangamuyo kamo sing subong sini: ‘Amay, Kabay nga magkari ang imo Ginharian.

Hatagi kami adlaw-adlaw sang kalan-on Nga amon kinahanglanon.

Patawara kami sang amon mga sala, Kay ginapatawad man namon Ang tanan nga nakasala sa amon. Indi kami pag-ipadaog sa mga pagsulay.’ ”

Kag si Jesus nagsiling sa iya mga gintuton-an, “Abi may isa sa inyo nga magkadto sa balay sang iya amigo sa tungang gab-i kag magsiling sa iya, ‘Abyan, pahulama ako sing tatlo ka bilog nga tinapay, kay may amigo ako nga nagapanglakaton nga nag-abot sa balay kag wala gid ako sing ipakaon sa iya.’

Kag abi, ang imo amigo magsabat didto sa sulod sang iya balay, ‘Indi ako pagtublaga! Nakapanirado na kami, nagahigda na ako kag ang akon kabataan, mabudlay na ang magbangon sa paghatag sa imo sing bisan ano.’

Ti, ano karon? Nagasiling ako sa inyo, bisan nga indi sia magbangon sa paghatag sa imo sing tinapay tungod sang inyo pag-abyanay, pero tungod sang imo pagpamilit nga wala gid huyahoya magabangon sia kag magahatag sa imo sang imo kinahanglanon.

Gani nagasiling ako sa inyo: Pangayo kamo, kag kamo magabaton, pangita kamo kag kamo makakita, panuktok kamo kag ang puwertahan pagabuksan sa inyo.

Kay ang tagsatagsa nga nagapangayo magabaton, kag ang nagapangita makakita, kag ang puwertahan pagabuksan sa iya nga nagapanuktok.

Kamo nga mga amay, may isa bala sa inyo nga magahatag sa iya bata sing man-og kon ang iya ginapangayo isda?

Hatagan mo bala sia sing iwiiwi kon ang iya ginapangayo itlog?

Kon kamo nga mga malaut makahibalo maghatag sing maayo nga butang sa inyo mga kabataan, daw ano pa gid ang inyo Amay nga langitnon. Magahatag sia sang Espiritu Santo sa mga nagapangayo sa iya.”

Prayer:

"Heaven Father, you are merciful, gracious and kind. May we never doubt your love nor hesitate to seek you with confidence in order to obtain the gifts, graces, and daily provision we need to live as your beloved sons and daughters and disciples of Jesus Christ our Savior."

***

Reflections of the Daily Gospel:

Do you pray with joy and confidence? The Jews were noted for their devotion to prayer. Formal prayer was prescribed for three set times a day. And the rabbis had a prayer for every occasion. It was also a custom for rabbis to teach their disciples a simple prayer they might use on a regular basis. Jesus' disciples ask him for such a prayer. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray he gave them the disciple's prayer, what we call the Our Father or Lord's Prayer. What does Jesus' prayer tell us about God and about ourselves? First, it tells us that God is both Father in being the Creator and Author of all that he has made, the first origin of everything and transcendent authority, and he is eternally Father by his relationship to his only begotten Son who, reciprocally is Son only in relation to his Father (Matthew 11:27). All fatherhood and motherhood is derived from him (Ephesians 3:14-15). In the Lord Jesus Christ we are spiritually reborn and made new, and we become the adopted children of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3).

Jesus teaches us to address God as "our Father" and to confidently ask him for the things we need to live as his sons and daughters. We can approach God our Father with confidence and boldness because Jesus Christ has opened the way to heaven for us through his death and resurrection. When we ask God for help, he fortunately does not give us what we deserve. Instead, he responds with grace and mercy. He is kind and forgiving towards us and he expects us to treat our neighbor the same. We can pray with expectant faith because our heavenly Father loves us and treats us as his children. He delights to give us what is good. His love and grace transforms us and makes us like himself. Through his grace and power we can love and serve one another as Jesus taught – with grace, mercy, and loving-kindness. Do you treat others as they deserve, or do you treat them as the Lord would with grace and mercy? Jesus' prayer includes an injunction that we must ask God to forgive us in proportion as we forgive those who have wronged us. Are you ready to forgive as Jesus forgives?

Parable of the late night guest

What can we expect from God, especially when we recognize that he doesn't owe us anything and that we don't deserve his grace and favor? Jesus used an illustration from the hospitality customs of his time to show how God is always ready to treat us with the best he has to offer. The rule of hospitality in biblical times required that every guest, whether stranger or friend, be warmly welcomed, refreshed (which often involved the washing of feet), and fed with the best food and drink available. It didn't matter what time of the day or night the guests might show up, it was your duty to stop what you were doing so you could give the guests the best care and shelter you could provide. If there wasn't adequate sleeping accommodation for both your guests and your family, the family slept outside under the stars. When guests showed up in a village, the whole community could be prevailed upon to provide whatever was needed.

Jesus' parable of the importunate and bothersome neighbor shows a worst case scenario of what might happen when an unexpected guest shows up in the middle of the night! The family awakens, unbolts the locked door to receive the guest, then washes the guest's feet, and the wife begins to prepare a meal. When the wife discovers that she has no bread to set before the guest, she prevails on her husband to go and get bread from a nearby family, who by now is also asleep with their door bolted shut. In a small village it would be easy for the wife to know who had baked bread that day. Bread was essential for a meal because it served as a utensil for dipping and eating from the common dishes. Asking for bread from one's neighbor was both a common occurrence and an expected favor. To refuse to give bread would bring shame because it was a sign of in hospitality.

God's generosity towards us

If a neighbor can be imposed upon and coerced into giving bread in the middle of the night, will not God, our heavenly Father and provider, also treat us with kind and generous care no matter how troubling or inconvenient the circumstances might appear? Jesus states emphatically, How much more will the heavenly Father give! St. Augustine of Hippo (340-425 AD) reminds us that "God, who does not sleep and who awakens us from sleep that we may ask, gives much more graciously." The Lord Jesus assures us that we can bring our needs to our heavenly Father who is always ready to give not only what we need, but more than we can ask. God gives the best he has. He freely pours out the blessing of his Holy Spirit upon us so that we may be filled with the abundance of his provision. Do you approach your heavenly Father with confidence in his mercy and kindness towards you?

"Ang kaaway ginsab-ugan man sang bugang ang iya uma"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 13:24-30)

Si Jesus nagsugid sa ila sing isa naman ka palaanggiran, “Ang Ginharian sang langit kaangay sang isa ka tawo nga nagsab-og sang maayo nga binhi sa iya uma.

Isa ka gab-i, sang nagakatulog ang mga tawo, nag-abot ang iya kaaway kag ginsab-ugan man sang bugang ang iya uma kag naglakat.

Sang nagtubo ang tanom, kag nagpamunga, ang mga bugang nagtubo man.

Ang mga suloguon sang tawo nagkadto sa iya kag nagsiling, ‘Sir, maayo nga binhi ang imo ginsab-og sa imo nga uma, pero diin bala maghalin ining mga bugang?’

Nagsabat sia, ‘Ginsab-og ini sang kaaway.’ Nagpamangkot sila, ‘Luyag mo bala nga panggabuton namon ang mga bugang?’

Nagsabat sia, ‘Indi lang, kay basi may magabot man kamo nga mga trigo kaupod sa mga bugang.

Pabay-i lang ninyo anay nga magpamuhi ang mga bugang kag ang mga trigo tubtob sa tig-alani, kay kon tig-alani na singganon ko ang mga mangangani: Gabuta anay ninyo ang mga bugang, bugkosa ini kag idap-ong sa kalayo. Dayon tipuna ninyo ang trigo kag isulod sa akon tambubo.’ "

Prayers:
"Lord Jesus, may your word take deep root in my heart and may I bear good fruit for your glory. May I hunger for your righteousness now that I may also look forward to the day of judgment with joy rather than with dismay."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:
What can malicious weed-sowing tell us about the kingdom of God? The image Jesus uses here is a common everyday example of planting, harvesting, and sorting the good fruit from the bad. Weeds can spoil and even kill a good harvest if they are not separated and destroyed at the proper time. Uprooting them too early, though, can destroy the good plants in the process. Just as nature teaches us patience, so God's patience also teaches us to guard the word which he has planted in our hearts and to beware of the destructive force of sin and deception which can destroy it. God's word brings life, but Satan, the father of lies, seeks to destroy the good seed which God plants in the hearts of those who listen to his word. God's judgment is not hasty, but it does come. And in the end, God will reward each person according to what he or she has sown and reaped in this life. In that day God will separate the evil from the good. Do you allow God's word to take deep root in your heart?

"Ang mga palaligban sang pangabuhi nagalumos sang mensahi"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 13:18-23)

“Gani, pamatii ninyo kag tun-i kon ano ang kahulogan sang palaanggiran nahanungod sang manugsab-og.

Ang mga nagapamati sang mensahi nahanungod sang Ginharian pero wala makahangop, kaangay sila sang binhi nga nagtupa sa alagyan. Nagaabot ang Yawa kag nagaagaw sang ginsab-og sa ila tagipusoon.

Ang binhi nga nagtupa sa batuhon nga duta amo ang mga nagapamati kag nagabaton sing malipayon sang pulong.

Pero wala ini nagatudok kag nagadugay sa ila. Gani kon mag-abot ang kapipit-an ukon paghingabot tungod sang mensahi nagabiya sila gilayon.

Ang binhi nga nagtupa sa mga talungon amo ang nagapamati sang mensahi, pero ang mga palaligban sang pangabuhi, kag ang paghigugma sang manggad nagalumos sang mensahi, kag wala ini nagapamunga.

Ang binhi nga nagtupa sa maayo nga duta, amo ang mga nagapamati sang mensahi kag nagahangop sini. Nagapatubas sila sing 100 ka pilo, ang iban 60 ka pilo, kag ang iban 30 ka pilo.” 

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, help me to guard the word you have planted in my heart that no doubt or temptation may keep me from believing and obeying you. May I be fruitful in your service and may I never fear to speak of you to others and to share with them the good news of the gospel."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

How good are you at listening, especially for the word of God? God is ever ready to speak to each of us and to give us understanding of his word. This parable of Jesus is a warning to those who hear and who preach the word of God. What makes us ineffective and unresponsive to God's word? Preoccupation with other things can distract us from what is truly important and worthwhile. And letting our hearts and minds be consumed with material things can easily weigh us down and draw us away from the treasure that lasts for eternity. God's word can only take root in a receptive heart which is docile and ready to hear what God has to say. One lesson is clear: the harvest is sure.While some seed will fall by the wayside and some fall on shallow ground and never come to maturity, and some be choked to death by the thorns; nonetheless a harvest will come. The seed that falls on good soil, on the heart that is receptive, will reap abundant fruit. Are you teachable and eager to learn God's truth? And do you allow anything to keep you from submitting to God's word with joy and trusting obedience?

"Sarang bala kamo makainom sa kupa nga akon pagaimnan sa indi na lang madugay?”

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 20:20-28)

Dayon nagpalapit kay Jesus ang asawa ni Zebedeo upod sa iya mga anak nga lalaki, nagluhod sa iya atubangan, kag may ginpangabay.

Si Jesus nagpamangkot sa iya, “Ano bala ang luyag mo?” Ang babayi nagsabat, “Ginapangabay ko nga kon maghari ka na, papungkoa ining duha ko ka anak, ang isa sa imo tuo kag ang isa sa imo wala.”

Si Jesus nagsabat sa ila, “Wala kamo makahibalo sang inyo ginapangayo. Sarang bala kamo makainom sa kupa nga akon pagaimnan sa indi na lang madugay?” Nagsabat sila, “Huo, sarang kami.”

Nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, “Sarang kamo matuod makainom sa kupa nga akon pagaimnan. Pero ang pagpapungko sa akon tuo ukon sa akon wala, indi ako ang magahatag sina. Ini nga mga pulongkoan para lamang sa ila nga gin-amanan sang akon Amay.”

Sang pagkabati sini sang napulo ka mga gintuton-an naakig sila sa duha ka mag-utod.

Gani gintawag sila tanan ni Jesus kag ginsingganan, “Inyo nahibaluan nga ang mga pangulo may gahom sa ila mga tinawo kag nagapagusto lang sila sang ila himuon sa ila mga tinawo.

Pero lain iya ang para sa inyo. Kay kon may isa sa inyo nga luyag magpangulo, dapat sia magmanginsuloguon ninyo.

Kag kon may isa sa inyo nga luyag mangin-una, dapat sia mangin-ulipon ninyo.

Subong nga ang Anak sang Tawo wala magkari agod alagaron, kundi sa pag-alagad kag sa paghatag sang iya kabuhi sa pagtubos sang madamo nga mga tawo.”

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, make me a servant of love for your kingdom, that I may seek to serve rather than be served. Inflame my heart with love that I may give generously and serve joyfully for your sake."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Who doesn't want to be first, and to be esteemed and honored by others? We seem to have an unquenchable thirst for recognition and fame, power and authority to rule our own lives as we please as well as the lives of others. Should we be surprised to see the disciples of Jesus thirsting for power, position, and authority? James and John, the sons of Zebedee, urged their mother to strike a deal with Jesus, their Master and Messiah. They wanted the distinction of being first and most important in position, next to Jesus, of course!

When Jesus called the twelve apostles to be his inner circle of disciples who would teach and exercise spiritual authority on his behalf, he did the unthinkable! Jesus taught contrary to the world's understanding of power, authority, and position, by reversing the order of master and servant, lord and subject, first and last! Jesus wedded authority with love, position with sacrifice, and service with humility. Authority without love is over-bearing and slavish. Position without respect and concern for the subordinate is demeaning and rude. And service without generosity and sacrifice is cheap and unkind.

Those who wish to serve with the Lord Jesus and to exercise authority in God's kingdom must be prepared to sacrifice – not just some of their time, money, and resources – but their whole lives and all that they possess! Jesus used stark language to explain what kind of sacrifice he had in mind. His disciples must drink his cup if they expect to reign with him in his kingdom. The cup he had in mind was a bitter one involving crucifixion. What kind of cup does the Lord have in mind for us? For some disciples such a cup entails physical suffering and the painful struggle of martyrdom. But for many, it entails the long routine of the Christian life, with all its daily sacrifices, disappointments, set-backs, struggles, and temptations.

A disciple of Jesus must be ready to lay down his or her life – each and every day in the little and big sacrifices required – and even to the point of shedding one's blood if necessary for the sake of Christ and his gospel. What makes such sacrifice a joy rather than a burden? It is love – the kind of "love which God has poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). An early church father summed up Jesus' teaching with the expression: "to serve is to reign with Christ." We share in God's reign by laying down our lives in humble service and love for one another, just as Jesus did for our sake. Are you ready to lay down your life and to serve others as Jesus has taught and modeled for us?

"Tungod kay indi gid madalom ang gamot sini ang tanom madali nga nalaya"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 13:1-9)

Sa amo man nga adlaw naggwa si Jesus sa balay kag nagkadto sa higad sang linaw, kag nagpungko sia didto sa pagpanudlo.

Tungod kay gintipunan sia sang madamo nga mga tawo, nagsakay sia sa sakayan kag nagpungko didto, samtang ang mga tawo nagtilindog sa higad sang linaw.

Madamo nga mga butang ang gintudlo ni Jesus sa ila paagi sa mga palaanggiran nga subong sini: “May isa ka tawo nga naglakat sa pagsab-og.

Sang pagsab-og niya sang binhi, ang iban nagtupa sa dalan, kag ang mga pispis nagdapo kag nagtuka sini.

Ang iban nagtupa sa batuhon nga mga duog, sa diin hapaw lamang ang duta. Sa wala lang madugay nag-ulhot ang binhi tungod kay manabaw ang duta.

Sang udto na ang adlaw, nalayong ang bag-ong tubo nga binhi, kag tungod kay indi gid madalom ang gamot sini, ang tanom madali nga nalaya.

Ang iban nga binhi nagtupa sa mga talungon, kag ang talungon nagtubo kag naglumos sang tanom.

Pero ang iban nga binhi nagtupa sa maayo nga duta kag namunga: ang iban sini nagpatubas sang 100 ka pilo, ang iban sini 60 kag ang iban sini 30.”

Kag si Jesus nagsiling, “Gani, magpamati kamo kon may dulonggan kamo!”

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, faith in your word is the way to wisdom, and to ponder your divine plan is to grow in the truth. Open my eyes to your deeds, and my ears to the sound of your call, that I may understand your will for my life and live according to it."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Are you hungry for God's word? Matthew tells us that Jesus taught many things to those who came to listen and learn. Jesus' teaching method was a very simple one. He used parables – short stories and images taken from everyday life to convey hidden truths about the kingdom of God. Like a skillful artist, Jesus painted evocative pictures with short and simple words. A good image can speak more loudly and clearly than many words. Jesus used the ordinary everyday images of life and nature to point to another order of reality – hidden, yet visible to those who had "eyes to see" and "ears to hear". Jesus communicated with pictures and stories, vivid illustrations which captured the imaginations of his audience more powerfully than an abstract presentation could. His parables are like buried treasure waiting to be discovered (Matthew 13:44).

What does the parable about seeds and roots say to us about the kingdom of God? Any farmer will attest to the importance of good soil for supplying nutrients for growth. And how does a plant get the necessary food and water it needs except by its roots? The scriptures frequently use the image of fruit-bearing plants or trees to convey the principle of spiritual life and death. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8; see also Psalm 1:3).

Jesus' parable of the sower is aimed at the hearers of his word. There are different ways of accepting God's word and they produce different kinds of fruit accordingly. There is the prejudiced hearer who has a shut mind. Such a person is unteachable and blind to what he or she doesn't want to hear. Then there is the shallow hearer. He or she fails to think things out or think them through; they lack depth. They may initially respond with an emotional reaction; but when it wears off their mind wanders to something else. Another type of hearer is the person who has many interests or cares, but who lacks the ability to hear or comprehend what is truly important. Such a person is for ever too busy to pray or too preoccupied to study and meditate on God's word. He or she may work so hard that they are too tired to even think of anything else but their work. Then there is the one whose mind is open. Such a person is at all times willing to listen and to learn. He or she is never too proud or too busy to learn. They listen in order to understand. God gives grace to those who hunger for his word that they may understand his will and have the strength to live according to it. Do you hunger for God's word?

"Sin-o bala ang akon mga utod?"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 12:46-50)

Nagahambal pa si Jesus sa mga tawo, sang mag-abot ang iya iloy kag mga utod nga lalaki. Naghulat sila sa gwa kag nagpangabay nga makapakighambal sa iya.

Gani ang isa sa mga tawo didto nagsiling kay Jesus, “Yara sa gwa nagahulat ang imo iloy kag mga utod nga lalaki. Luyag sila magpakighambal sa imo.”

Si Jesus nagsabat, “Sin-o bala ang akon iloy? Sin-o bala ang akon mga utod?”

Dayon gintudlo niya ang iya mga gintuton-an kag nagsiling, “Tan-awa ninyo, yari ang akon iloy kag mga utod. 

Kay ang bisan sin-o nga nagatuman sang kabubot-on sang akon Amay sa langit amo ang akon utod nga lalaki, utod nga babayi, kag akon iloy.”

Prayers:

"Heavenly Father, you bless us with many relationships and you invite us into the community of your sons and daughters who have been redeemed by your son, Jesus Christ. Help me to love my neighbor with charity, kindness, compassion, and mercy, just as you have loved me. In all of my relationships, and in all that I do and say, may I always seek to bring you honor and glory."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Who do you love and cherish the most? God did not intend for us to be alone, but to be with others. He gives us many opportunities for developing relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Why does Jesus seem to ignore his own relatives when they pressed to see him? His love and respect for his mother and his relatives is unquestionable. Jesus never lost an opportunity to teach his disciples a spiritual lesson and truth about the kingdom of God. On this occasion when many gathered to hear Jesus he pointed to another higher reality of relationships, namely our relationship with God and with those who belong to God.

What is the essence of being a Christian? It is certainly more than doctrine, precepts, and commandments. It is first and foremost a relationship – a relationship of trust, affection, commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, mercy, helpfulness, encouragement, support, strength, protection, and so many other qualities that bind people together in mutual love and unity. God offers us the greatest of relationships – union of heart, mind, and spirit with himself, the very author and source of love (1 John 4:8,16). God's love never fails, never forgets, never compromises, never lies, never lets us down nor disappoints us. His love is consistent, unwavering, unconditional, and unstopable. Nothing can deter him from ever leaving us, ignoring us, or treating us unkindly. He will love us no matter what. It is his nature to love. That is why he created us – to be united with him and to share in his love and unity of persons (1 John 3:1). God is a trinity of persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and a community of love. That is why Jesus challenged his followers and even his own earthly relatives to recognize that God is the true source of all relationships. God wants all of our relationships to be rooted in his love.

Jesus is God's love incarnate – God's love made visible in human flesh (1 John 4:9-10). That is why Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep and the shepherd who seeks out the sheep who have strayed and lost their way. God is like the father who yearns for his prodigal son to return home and then throws a great party for his son when he has a change of heart and comes back (Luke 15:11-32). Jesus offered up his life on the cross for our sake, so that we could be forgiven and restored to unity and friendship with God. It is through Jesus that we become the adopted children of God – his own sons and daughters. That is why Jesus told his disciples that they would have many new friends and family relationships in his kingdom. Whoever does the will of God is a friend of God and a member of his family – his sons and daughters who have been ransomed by the precious blood of Christ.

An early Christian martyr once said that "a Christian's only relatives are the saints" – namely those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and adopted as sons and daughters of God. Those who have been baptized into Jesus Christ and who live as his disciples enter into a new family, a family of "saints" here on earth and in heaven. Jesus changes the order of relationships and shows that true kinship is not just a matter of flesh and blood. Our adoption as sons and daughters of God transforms all of our relationships and requires a new order of loyalty to God first and to his kingdom of righteousness and peace. Do you want to grow in love and friendship? Allow God's Holy Spirit to transform your heart, mind, and will to enable you to love freely and generously as he loves.

"Nakita ko ang Ginoo!"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 20:1-2, 11-18)

Aga pa gid sang nahauna nga adlaw sang simana sang madulomdulom pa, si Maria Magdalena nagkadto sa lulobngan, kag nakita niya nga nakuha na ang bato sa puwertahan sang lulobngan.

Nagdalagan sia kag nagkadto kay Simon Pedro kag sa gintuton-an nga hinigugma ni Jesus, kag ginsugiran sila, "Ginkuha nila ang Ginoo sa lulobngan, kag wala kami makahibalo kon diin nila sia ginbutang!"

Karon si Maria nagtindog nga nagahilibion sa gwa sang lulobngan. Samtang nagahibi sia, nagduko kag nagsid-ing sia sa lulobngan, kag nakita niya nga may duha ka anghel didto nga nagabayu sing puti. Nagalingkod sila sa duog nga ginhamyangan sang bangkay ni Jesus. Ang isa sa tiilan kag ang isa sa ulohan.

Ginpamangkot nila sia, “Babayi, ngaa bala nagahibi ka?” Nagsabat sia, “Ginkuha nila ang akon Ginoo kag wala ako makahibalo kon diin nila sia ginbutang!”

Sang makasiling sia sini, nagliso sia kag iya nakita si Jesus nga nagatindog didto, pero wala niya makilala nga si Jesus yadto.

Si Jesus nagpamangkot sa iya, “Babayi, ngaa bala nagahibi ka? Sin-o bala ang imo ginapangita?” Naghunahona si Maria nga hardinero sia, gani nagsiling sia sa iya, “Tyoy, kon ikaw ang nagkuha sa iya, sugiri ako kon diin mo sia ginbutang, kay kuhaon ko sia.”

Si Jesus nagsiling sa iya, “Maria!” Nagliso si Maria sa pag-atubang kay Jesus kag nagsiling sa Hebreo, “Rabboni!” (Kon sayuron, “Manunodlo.”)

Si Jesus nagsiling sa iya, “Indi ka anay mag-uyat sa akon, kay wala pa ako makakayab sa Amay. Pero kadtoi ang akon mga utod kag sugiri sila nga magakayab ako sa akon Amay kag inyo Amay, sa akon Dios kag inyo Dios.”

Gani si Maria Magdalena nagsugid sa mga gintuton-an nga nakita niya ang Ginoo, kag ginsilingan niya sila sini nga mga butang.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, may I never fail to recognize your voice nor lose sight of your presence in your saving word."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you recognize the presence and reality of the Lord Jesus in your life? How easy it is to miss the Lord when our focus is on ourselves! Mary Magdalene did not at first recognize the Lord Jesus after he had risen from the grave because her focus was on the empty tomb and on her own grief. It took only one word from the Master, when he called her by name, for Mary to recognize him. Mary's message to the disciples, I have seen the Lord, is the very essence of Christianity. It is not enough that a Christian know about the Lord, but that we know him personally. It is not enough to argue about him, but to meet him. In the resurrection we encounter the living Lord who loves us personally and shares his glory with us.

The Lord Jesus gives us "eyes of faith" to see the truth of his resurrection and his victory over sin and death (Ephesians 1:18). The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our hope – the hope that we will see God face to face and share in his everlasting glory and joy. Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:8-9). Do you recognize the Lord's presence with you, in his word, in the "breaking of the bread", and in his church, the body of Christ?

"Itakod ang akon gota sa inyo kag magtuon kamo sa akon"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 11:28-30)

"Kari kamo sa akon, tanan kamo nga ginabudlayan kag ginabug-atan, kag papahuwayon ko kamo.

Itakod ang akon gota sa inyo kag magtuon kamo sa akon, kay ako malulo kag mapainuboson sing tagipusoon, kag makapahuway kamo.

Ang akon gota mahapos, kag ang akon karga mamag-an."

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with love for you and for your ways and help me to exchange the yoke of rebellion for the yoke of submission to your holy and loving word. Set me free from the folly of my own sinful ignorance and rebellious pride that I may wholly desire what is good and in accord with your will."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What does the yoke of Jesus refer to in the gospel? The Jews used the image of a yoke to express submission to God. They spoke of the yoke of the law, the yoke of the commandments, the yoke of the kingdom, the yoke of God. Jesus says his yoke is "easy". The Greek word for "easy" can also mean "well-fitting". Yokes were tailor-made to fit the oxen well. Oxen were yoked two by two. Jesus invites us to be yoked with him, to unite our life with his life, our will with his will, and our heart with his heart. To be yoked with Jesus is to be united with him in a relationship of love, trust, and obedience.

Jesus also says his "burden is light". There's a story of a man who once met a boy carrying a smaller crippled lad on his back. "That's a heavy load you are carrying there," exclaimed the man. "He ain't heavy; he's my brother!" responded the boy. No burden is too heavy when it's given in love and carried in love. When we yoke our lives with Jesus, he also carries our burdens with us and gives us his strength to follow in his way of love. Do you know the joy of resting in Jesus' presence and walking daily with him along the path he has for you?

Jesus offers us a new kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. In his kingdom sins are not only forgiven but removed, and eternal life is poured out for all its citizens. This is not a political kingdom, but a spiritual one. The yoke of Christ's kingdom, his kingly rule and way of life, liberates us from the burden of guilt and from the oppression of sinful habits and hurtful desires. Only Jesus can lift the burden of sin and the weight of hopelessness from us. Jesus used the analogy of a yoke to explain how we can exchange the burden of sin and despair for a weight of glory and victory with him. The yoke which Jesus invites us to embrace is his way of love, grace, and freedom from the power of sin. Do you trust in God's love and submit to his will and plan for your life?

"Ang langitnon nga butang ginpahayag sa mga di-maalam"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 11:25-27)

Sa sadto nga tion si Jesus nagsiling, "O Amay, Ginoo sang langit kag duta! Nagapasalamat ako sa imo tungod kay ginpahayag mo sa mga di-maalam, ang ginlipdan mo sa mga maalam kag may mataas nga tinun-an.

Huo, O Amay, kay amo ini ang imo nahamut-an.

"Ang akon Amay nagtugyan sa akon sang tanan nga butang. Wala sing nakakilala sa Anak luas ang Amay, kag wala man sing nakakilala sa Amay luas ang Anak kag ang bisan sin-o nga luyag ipahayag sang Anak ang Amay.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, give me the child-like simplicity and purity of faith to gaze upon your face with joy and confidence in your all-merciful love. Remove every doubt, fear, and proud thought which would hinder me from receiving your word with trust and humble submission."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you want to know the mind and thoughts of God? Jesus thanks the Father in heaven for revealing to his disciples the wisdom and knowledge of God. What does Jesus' prayer tell us about God and about ourselves? First, it tells us that God is both Father and Lord of earth as well as heaven. He is both Creator and Author of all that he has made, the first origin of everything and transcendent authority, and at the same time, goodness and loving care for all his children. All fatherhood and motherhood is derived from him (Ephesians 3:14-15). Jesus' prayer also contains a warning that pride can keep us from the love and knowledge of God. What makes us ignorant and blind to the things of God? Certainly intellectual pride, coldness of heart, and stubbornness of will shut out God and his kingdom. Pride is the root of all vice and the strongest influence propelling us to sin. It first vanquishes the heart, making it cold and indifferent towards God. It also closes the mind to God's truth and wisdom for our lives. What is pride? It is the inordinate love of oneself at the expense of others and the exaggerated estimation of one's own learning and importance.

Jesus contrasts intellectual pride with child-like simplicity and humility. The simple of heart are like "infants" in the sense that they see purely without pretense and acknowledge their dependence and trust in the one who is greater, wiser, and more trustworthy. They seek one thing – the "summum bonum" or "greatest good" who is God himself. Simplicity of heart is wedded with humility, the queen of virtues, because humility inclines the heart towards grace and truth. Just as pride is the root of every sin and evil, so humility is the only soil in which the grace of God can take root. It alone takes the right attitude before God and allows him as God to do all. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6). Only the humble in heart can receive true wisdom and understanding of God and his ways. Do you submit to God's word with simple trust and humility?

Jesus makes a claim which no one would have dared to make – he is the perfect revelation of God. One of the greatest truths of the Christian faith is that we can know the living God. Our knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God, but we can know God personally. The essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions, is the knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. To see Jesus is to see what God is like. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God – a God who cares intensely and who yearns over men and women, loving them to the point of laying down his life for them upon the Cross. Jesus is the revelation of God – a God who loves us completely, unconditionally, and perfectly. Jesus also promises that God the Father will hear our prayers when we pray in his name. That is why Jesus taught his followers to pray with confidence, Our Father who art in heaven ..give us this day our daily bread. Do you pray to your Father in heaven with joy and confidence in his love and care for you?

"Luyag ka bala nga bayawon pa langit?"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 11:20-24)

Dayon ginpangbasol ni Jesus ang mga banwa sa diin naghimo sia sang kalabanan sang iya mga milagro kay ang mga tawo didto wala maghinulsol sang ila mga sala.

"Kailo ka man Corazin! Kailo ka man Betsaida! Kay kon ang mga milagro nga ginhimo sa inyo ginhimo sa Tiro kag Sidon, dugay na kuntani ang mga tawo didto nagbayu sang sako kag nagbutang sing abo sa ila ulo sa pagpakita nga nagbiya sila sa ila mga sala!

Gani dumdoma ninyo nga sa Adlaw sang Paghukom, sobra pa ang silot nga inyo pagabatunon sang sa Tiro kag Sidon.

Kag ikaw man Capernaum luyag ka bala nga bayawon pa langit? Itagbong ka sa impiyerno! Kay kon ang mga milagro nga nahimo sa imo ginhimo sa Sodoma, kuntani ang Sodoma ara pa tubtob karon! 

Gani, dumdoma ninyo nga sa Adlaw sang Paghukom sobra pa ang silot nga batunon mo sang sa Sodoma!"

Prayers:

"Most High and glorious God, enlighten the darkness of our hearts and give us a true faith, a certain hope and a perfect love. Give us a sense of the divine and knowledge of yourself, so that we may do everything in fulfilment of your holy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226)

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

If Jesus were to visit your community today, what would he say? Would he issue a warning like the one he gave to Chorazin and Bethsaida? And how would you respond? Wherever Jesus went he did mighty works to show the people how much God had for them. Chorazin and Bethsaida had been blessed with the visitation of God. They heard the good news and experienced the wonderful works which Jesus did for them. Why was Jesus upset with these communities? The word woe can mean misfortune, calamity, distress, sorrow, sadness, misery, grief, or wretchedness. It is as much an expression of sorrowful pity and grief as it is of dismay over the calamity and destruction which comes as a result of human folly, sin, and ignorance.

Why does Jesus lament and issue a stern warning? The people who heard the gospel here very likely responded with indifference. Jesus upbraids them for doing nothing! Repentance demands change – a change of heart and way of life. God's word is life-giving and it saves us from destruction – the destruction of heart, mind, and soul as well as body. Jesus' anger is directed toward sin and everything which hinders us from doing the will of God. In love he calls us to walk in his way of truth and freedom, grace and loving-kindness, justice and holiness. Do you receive his word with faith and obedience or with doubt and indifference?

"Ang nagadula sang iya kabuhi tungod sa akon makita niya ini"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 10:34 - 11:1)

"Indi kamo maghunahona nga nagkari ako sa kalibutan sa pagdala sing paghidait. Wala ako magkari sa pagdala sing paghidait kundi sang espada.

Nagkari ako sa pagpaaway sang anak nga lalaki batok sa iya amay, sang anak nga babayi batok sa iya iloy, sang umagad nga babayi batok sa iya ugangan nga babayi.

Ang mapait nga kaaway sang tawo amo ang mga katapo sang iya panimalay.

"Ang nagahigugma sang iya amay ukon iya iloy sing labi pa sa akon, indi takos sa akon; ang nagahigugma sa iya mga kabataan sing labi pa sa akon, indi takos sa akon.

Ang wala nagapas-an sang iya krus kag nagasunod sa akon, indi takos sa akon.

Ang nagapaniguro sang iya kabuhi madulaan sini; kag ang nagadula sang iya kabuhi tungod sa akon makita niya ini."

"Ang nagabaton sa inyo nagabaton sa akon; kag ang nagabaton sa akon nagabaton man sang nagpadala sa akon.

Ang nagabaton sang mensahero sang Dios tungod kay mensahero sia sang Dios may parti sang balos nga para sa mensahero sang Dios. Ang nagabaton sang matarong nga tawo tungod kay sia matarong may parti sang balos nga para sa matarong.

Dumdoma ninyo ini! Ang nagapainom sang bisan isa lamang ka baso nga mabugnaw nga tubig sa isa sining akon pinakakubos nga gintuton-an, tungod kay gintuton-an ko sia, magabaton gid sang iya balos."

Sa tapos masingganan ni Jesus ang iya dose ka mga apostoles kon ano ang ila himuon naghalin sia sa sadto nga duog sa pagpanudlo kag pagwali sa palibot nga mga banwa.

Prayers:

"Lord, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has conceived the things you have prepared for those who love you. Set us ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we may love you in and above all things and so receive the rewards you have promised us through Christ our Lord." (from A Christian's Prayer Book)

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Why does Jesus describe his mission and the coming of God's kingdom in terms of conflict, division, and war? Jesus came in peace to reconcile a broken and sinful humanity with an all-merciful and loving God. Jesus also came to wage war, to overthrow the powers and principalities arrayed against God and his kingdom. What are these powers? Jesus describes Satan as the ruler of this world whom he will cast out (John 12:31). The battle Jesus had in mind was not an earthly conflict between nations, but a spiritual warfare between the forces of Satan and the armies of heaven. The scriptures make clear that there are ultimately only two powers or kingdoms – God's kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. John contrast these two kingdoms in the starkest of terms: We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19).

What does Satan seek? To be the ruler of his destiny and master of his universe. Satan’s goal is to bring as many people as possible into his kingdom, and to neutralize or remove anyone who tries to stand in his way. Satan is fiercely determined to not rest until he has won over the hearts, minds, and souls of every person living on the face of the earth today. Satan is opposed to God and to everyone who swears allegiance to God's authority and rule in their lives. The evil one has but one aim – the complete domination of our heart, mind, and will to his kingdom. And he will use any means possible to draw us from good to evil, from truth to deception, from light to darkness, and from life to death. There are no neutral parties in this spiritual battle. We are either for or against the kingdom of God. The choices we make and the actions we take reveal whose kingdom we choose to follow. Jesus came to overthrow Satan's power and to set us free from everything that would keep us from the love of God and his wise rule in our lives – freedom from slavery to sin and our unruly desires, freedom from fear, greed, and selfishness.

When Jesus spoke about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship or anything else above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do.

True love for God compels us to express charity towards our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God. Jesus declared that any kindness shown and any help given to the people of Christ will not lose its reward. Jesus never refused to give to anyone in need who asked for his help. As his disciples we are called to be kind and generous as he is. Jesus sets before his disciples the one goal in life that is worth any sacrifice and that goal is the will of God which leads to everlasting life, peace, and joy with God. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?

"Ginpadala subong nga mga karnero sa tunga sang mga lobo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 10:16-23)

"Tandai ninyo ini! Ginapadala ko kamo subong nga mga karnero sa tunga sang mga lobo. Magmainandamon kamo subong sang mga man-og, kag magmabuot subong sang mga pating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kon sila maghingabot sa inyo sa isa ka banwa, magpalagyo kamo sa iban nga banwa. Nagasiling ako sa inyo, sa wala pa ninyo matapos ang inyo bulohaton sa tanan nga banwa sang Israel ang Anak sang Tawo magakari.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, help me to patiently and joyfully accept the hardships, adversities, and persecution which come my way in serving you. Strengthen my faith and give me courage that I may not shrink back from doing your will”.

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What does Jesus mean when he says his disciples must be sheep in the midst of wolves? The prophet Isaiah foretold a time when wolves and lambs will dwell in peace (Isaiah 11:6 and 65:25). This certainly refers to the second coming of Christ when all will be united under the Lordship of Jesus after he has put down his enemies and established the reign of God over the heavens and the earth. In the meantime, the disciples must expect opposition and persecution from those who oppose the gospel. Jesus never hesitated to tell his disciples what they might expect if they followed him. Here Jesus says to his disciples: This is my task for you at its grimmest and worst; do you accept it? This is not the world's way of offering a job. After the defeat at Dunkirk, Churchill offered his country blood, toil, sweat, and tears. This is not the message we prefer to hear when the Lord Jesus commissions us in his service. Nonetheless, our privilege is to follow in the footsteps of the Master who laid down his life for us. Are you willing to accept hardship and suffering in following after the Lord?

"Freely have you received – freely give"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 10:7-15)

Lakat kamo kag ibantala nga ang Ginharian sang langit malapit na!

Ayuha ninyo ang mga masakiton, banhawa ang mga patay, ayuha ang mga aruon, kag tabuga ninyo ang mga yawa. Nakabaton kamo nga wala sing bayad, gani maghatag man kamo nga indi magpabayad.

Indi kamo magdala sing bulawan, pilak ukon bisan saway nga sinsilyo sa inyo bulsa.

Indi kamo magdala sing puyo sa inyo pagpanglakaton, ukon ilislan, ukon sandalyas, ukon sungkod, kay ang nagapangabudlay dapat gid hatagan sang iya mga kinahanglanon.

"Kon magsulod kamo sa bisan diin nga banwa ukon baryo, pangitaa ninyo ang luyag magbaton sa inyo, kag didto kamo magdayon sa iya tubtob sa inyo paghalin sa sadto nga duog.

Sa inyo pagsulod sa isa ka balay magsiling kamo, 'Ang paghidait sa inyo.'

Kon ginabaton kamo sang mga tawo sa sina nga balay, paluntara ang inyo paghidait sa sina nga panimalay. Pero kon indi sila magbaton sa inyo, bawia ninyo ang inyo pag-abiabi.

Kag kon may mga panimalay ukon banwa nga indi magbaton ukon magpamati sa inyo, bayai ina nga duog kag taktaka ang yab-ok sa inyo mga tiil.

Dumdoma ninyo ini! Sa Adlaw sang Paghukom, sobra pa ang silot nga pagabatunon sadto nga banwa sang sa Sodoma kag Gomorra!"

Prayers:

“Lord Jesus, may the joy and truth of the gospel transform my life that I may witness it to those around me. Grant that I may spread your truth and your light wherever I go.”

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you believe that the gospel has power to change your life and the lives of others? Jesus gave his disciples a two-fold commission to speak in his name and to act with his power. The core of the gospel message is quite simple: the kingdom (or reign) of God is imminent! What is the kingdom of God? It is that society of men and women who freely submit to God and who honor him as their Lord and King. In the Lord’s prayer we pray for God to reign in our lives and in our world: May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus also commissioned his disciples to carry on the works which he did – bringing the healing power of God to the weary and oppressed. The gospel has power to set people free from sin, sickness, fear, and oppression. The Lord will free us from anything that keeps us from loving him and our neighbor with joy and confidence. 

Jesus said to his disciples: Freely you have received, freely give. What they have received from Jesus they must now pass on to others without expecting a favor in return, whether it be in form of a gift or payment. They must show by their attitude that their first interest is in serving God, not receiving material gain. They must serve without guile, full of charity and peace, and simplicity. They must give their full attention to the proclamation of God’s kingdom and not be diverted by other lesser things. They must travel light – only take what was essential and leave behind whatever would distract them – in order to concentrate on the task of speaking the word of the God. They must do their work, not for what they can get out of it, but for what they can give freely to others, without expecting special privileges or reward. “Poverty of spirit” frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes ample room for God’s provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves.

Secondly, Jesus said: the worker deserves his sustenance. Here we see a double-truth: the worker of God must not be overly-concerned with material things, but the people of God must never fail in their duty to give the worker of God what he or she needs to sustain themselves in the Lord's service. Do you pray for the work of the gospel and do you support it with your material and financial resources? Jesus ends his instructions with a warning: If people reject God’s invitation and refuse his word, then they bring judgment and condemnation on themselves. When God gives us his word there comes with it the great responsibility to respond. Indifference will not do. We are either for or against God in how we respond to his word. God gives us his word that we may have life – abundant life – in him. He wills to work in and through each of us for his glory. God shares his word with us and he commissions us to speak it boldly and simply to others. Do you witness the truth and joy of the gospel by word and example to those around you?

"Wala pa gid kami sing nakita nga subong sini"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 9:32-38)

Sang nagapalauli ang mga tawo, may iban nga mga tawo nga nagdala kay Jesus sang isa ka tawo nga indi makahambal tungod kay ginagamhan sia sing yawa.

Sang matabog na ang yawa naghambal ang apa kag natingala ang tanan nga nagasiling, "Wala pa gid kami sing nakita nga subong sini sa Israel!"

ero ang mga Fariseo nagsiling, "Ang prinsipe sang mga yawa amo ang naghatag sa iya sang gahom sa pagpagwa sang mga yawa."

Dayon si Jesus naglibot sa tanan nga kabanhawanan kag mga kabaryuhanan. Nagpanudlo sia sa mga sinagoga, nagbantala sang Maayong Balita sang Ginharian, kag nagpang-ayo sang mga tawo sa ila nagkalainlain nga mga masakit kag balatian.

Sang makita niya ang madamo nga mga tawo, naluoy gid sia sa ila kay madamo gid ang ila palaligban kag kaangay sila sang mga karnero nga nagaalaplaag nga wala sing manugbantay.

Gani nagsiling sia sa iya mga gintuton-an, "Malapad ang alanyon, ugaling diutay lang ang mangangani.

Magpangamuyo kamo sa tag-iya sang alanyon, agod magpadala sia sang dugang nga mga mangangani sa pagtipon sang iya patubas."

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, may your kingdom come to all who are oppressed and in darkness. Fill my heart with compassion for all who suffer mentally and physically. Use me to bring the good news of your saving grace and mercy to those around me who need your healing love and forgiveness.”

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What help and hope can we give to someone who experiences chronic distress or some incurable disease of mind and body? Spiritual, emotional, and physical suffering often go hand in hand. Jesus was well acquanited with individuals who suffered intolerable affliction – whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. A "dumb demoniac" was brought to Jesus by his friends with the hope that Jesus would set the troubled man free. These neighbors, no doubt, took pity on this man who had a double impediment. He had not only lost his ability to speak, but was also greatly disturbed in mind and spirit. This was no doubt due to the influence of evil spirits who tormented him day and night with thoughts of despair and hopeless abandonment by God. Jesus immediately set him free from the demon who tormented him and restored his ability to speak at the same time. This double miracle brought wonder to the crowds who watched in amazement. "Nothing like this had ever been done before in the land of Israel!" Whenever people approached Jesus with expectant faith, he set them free from whatever afflicted them – whether it be a disease of mind and body, a cripling burden of guilt and sin, a tormenting spirit or uncontrolable fear of harm.

How could Jesus’ miracles cause both scorn and wonder at the same time from those who professed faith in God? Don’t we often encounter the same reaction today, even in ourselves! The crowds looked with awe at the wonderful works which Jesus did, but the religious leaders attributed this same work to the power of the devil. They disbelieved because they refused to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Their idea of religion was too narrow and closed to accept Jesus as the Anointed One sent by the Father "to set the captives free" (Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 11:5). They were too set in their own ways to change and they were too proud to submit to Jesus. They held too rigidly to the observances of their ritual laws while neglecting the more important duties of love of God and love of neighbor. The people, as a result, were spiritually adrift and hungry for God. Jesus met their need and gave them new faith and hope in God’s saving help. Whenever the gospel is proclaimed God’s kingdom is made manifest and new life and freedom is given to those who respond with faith. The Lord grants freedom to all who turn to him with trust. Do you bring your troubles to the Lord with expectant faith that he can set you free? The Lord invites us to pray that the work of the gospel may spread throughout the world, so that all may find true joy and freedom in Jesus Christ.

"Magpakabakod ka, ang imo pagtuo nag-ayo sa imo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 9:18-26)

Sang si Jesus nagahambal sini sa ila, may isa ka pangulo nga Judio nga nagpalapit sa iya, nagluhod sa iya atubangan kag nagsiling, "Ang akon anak nga babayi bag-o gid lang mapatay, pero kadtoi kag tanduga kag mabuhi sia."

Gani si Jesus nagtindog kag nagsunod sa iya, kag nag-upod man ang iya mga gintuton-an.

May isa ka babayi nga nagaantos tungod sa pagpanggwa sang dugo sa sulod sang dose ka tuig nga nagpalapit sa likod nayon ni Jesus kag gintandog ang sidsid sang iya kunop.

Ang babayi nagsiling sa iya kaugalingon, "Kon matandog ko lang ang iya kunop magaayo ako."

Nagliso si Jesus kag nakita niya ang babayi kag nagsiling, "Anak magpakabakod ka! Ang imo pagtuo nag-ayo sa imo." Sa gilayon nag-ayo sia.

Dayon nagsulod si Jesus sa balay sang pangulo nga Judio. Sang makita niya ang mga musikero para sa lubong kag ang mga tawo nga nagaginahod, nagsiling sia, "Gwa kamo anay! Ang dalagita indi patay, kundi nagakatulog lang!" Kag nagkadlaw sila sa pagyaguta sa iya.

Sang nakagwa ang mga tawo, si Jesus nagsulod sa kuwarto sang dalagita kag gin-uyatan niya sia sa kamot, kag nagbangon sia.

Ang balita nahanungod sini naglapnag sa sadto nga lugar.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, you love each of us individually with a unique and personal love. Touch my life with your saving power, heal and restore me to fullness of life. Help me to give wholly of myself in loving service to others."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you take your troubles to the Lord with expectant faith and confidence in his help? People in desperate or helpless circumstances were not disappointed when they sought Jesus out. What drew them to Jesus? Was it hope for a miracle or a word of comfort in their affliction? What did the elderly woman who had suffered greatly for twelve years expect Jesus to do for her? And what did a grieving father expect Jesus to do about his lost beloved daughter? Jesus gave hope where there seemed to be no human cause for it because his hope was directed to God. He spoke words of hope to the woman (Take heart, daughter!) to ignite the spark of faith in her (your faith has made you well!). And he also gave divine hope to a father who had just lost a beloved child. It took considerable courage and risk for the ruler of a synagogue to openly go to Jesus and to invite the scorn of his neighbors and kin. Even the hired mourners laughed at him in scorn. Their grief was devoid of any hope. Nonetheless, Jesus took the girl by the hand and delivered her from the grasp of death. In both instances we see Jesus' personal concern for the needs of others and his readiness to heal and restore life.

In Jesus we see the infinite love of God extending to each and every individual as he gives freely and wholly of himself to each person he meets. Do you approach the Lord with confident expectation that he will hear your request and act?

"Magpangamuyo kamo sa Ginoo nga magpadala sia sing dugang pa nga mga mangangani sa iya alanyon"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 10:1-12, 17-20)

Sa tapos sini ang Ginoo nagpili sing 72 ka mga tawo kag iya sila ginpadala sing tag-duhadoha sa pag-una sa iya sa tagsa ka mga banwa kag duog nga iya pagakadtuan.

Nagsiling sia sa ila, “Malapad ang alanyon, pero diutay lang ang mga mangangani. Gani magpangamuyo kamo sa tag-iya sang alanyon nga magpadala sia sing dugang pa nga mga mangangani sa iya alanyon.

Lakat kamo! Ginapadala ko kamo subong mga karnero sa tunga sang mga lobo.

Indi kamo magdala sing kahita, ukon puyo, ukon sandalyas. Indi kamo magdulog sa pagpanamyaw bisan kay sin-o sa dalan.

Kon magsulod kamo sa isa ka balay, magsiling kamo anay, ‘Paghidait sa sini nga balay.’

Kon ang nagapuyo dira tawo nga mahidaiton, ibilin sa iya ang inyo panamyaw sang paghidait. Kon indi sia mahidaiton, bawia ninyo ang inyo panamyaw sang paghidait.

Magdayon kamo sa sina nga balay, magkaon kag mag-inom sang ginaamuma nila sa inyo, kay ang manugpangabudlay dapat hatagan sang iya suhol. Indi kamo magsagad saylusaylo sing dalayunan.

Kon magkadto kamo sa isa ka banwa kag ginaabiabi kamo, kauna ninyo ang ginaamuma sa inyo, ayuha ninyo ang mga nagamasakit sa sina nga banwa, kag magsiling kamo sa mga tawo didto, ‘Ang Ginharian sang Dios malapit na sa inyo.’

Pero kon magsulod kamo sa isa ka banwa kag wala kamo ginaabiabi didto, kadto kamo sa mga dalan kag magsiling, ‘Bisan ang yab-ok sang inyo banwa nga nagatapik sa amon mga tiil amon nga taktakon batok sa inyo. Pero dumdoma ninyo ini, ang Ginharian sang Dios malapit na kuntani sa inyo.’

Nagasiling ako sa inyo nga sa Adlaw sang Paghukom sobra pa ang silot nga pagabatunon sadto nga banwa sang Sodoma.”

Ang 72 nagbalik nga puno sang kalipay. Nagsiling sila, “Ginoo, bisan pa ang mga yawa nagtuman sa amon tungod sa imo ngalan!” 

Si Jesus nagsabat sa ila, “Nakita ko si Satanas nga nahulog subong sang kilat gikan sa langit.

Pamatii ninyo ini! Ginhatag ko sa inyo ang gahom sa pagtapak sa mga man-og kag mga iwiiwi, kag sang tanan nga gahom sang Kaaway, kag wala sing bisan ano nga makahalit sa inyo.

Pero indi kamo magkalipay tungod kay ang malaut nga mga espiritu nagatuman sa inyo, kundi magkalipay kamo kay ang inyo ngalan nasulat sa langit.”

Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, may the joy and truth of the gospel transform my life that I may witness it to those around me. Grant that I may spread your truth and your light wherever I go.”

***

Reflections of the Daily Gospel:

What kind of harvest does the Lord want us to reap today? Luke the Evangelist dedicated his life to telling others of the good news of Jesus Christ. Luke's account in his Gospel and in the Acts of the Apostles emphasizes the mission of Jesus to bring the kingdom of God to every corner of the world. When Jesus commissioned seventy of his disciples to go on mission, he gave them a vision of a great harvest for the kingdom of God. Jesus frequently used the image of a harvest to convey the coming of God’s reign on earth. The harvest is the fruition of labor and growth – beginning with the sowing of seeds, then growth, and finally fruit for the harvest. In like manner, the word of God is sown in the hearts of receptive men and women who hear his word and who accept it with trust and obedience. The harvest Jesus had in mind was not only the people of Israel, but all the peoples (or nations) of the world. John the Evangelist tells us that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

What does Jesus mean when he says his disciples must be "lambs in the midst of wolves"? The prophet Isaiah foretold a time when wolves and lambs will dwell in peace (Isaiah 11:6 and 65:25). This certainly refers to the second coming of Christ when all will be united under the Lordship of Jesus after he has put down his enemies and established the reign of God over the heavens and the earth. In the meantime, the disciples must expect opposition and persecution from those who who would oppose the gospel. Jesus came as our sacrificial lamb to atone for the sin of the world. We, in turn, must be willing to sacrifice our lives in humble service of our Lord and Master.

What is the significance of Jesus appointing seventy disciples to the ministry of the word? Seventy was a significant number in biblical times. Moses chose seventy elders to help him in the task of leading the people through the wilderness. The Jewish Sanhedrin, the governing council for the nation of Israel, was composed of seventy members. In Jesus’ times seventy was held to be the number of nations throughout the world. Jesus commissioned the seventy to a two-fold task: to speak in his name and to act with his power. Jesus gave them instructions for how they were to carry out their ministry. They must go and serve as people without guile, full of charity and peace, and simplicity. They must give their full attention to the proclamation of God’s kingdom and not be diverted by other lesser things. They must travel light – only take what was essential and leave behind whatever would distract them – in order to concentrate on the task of speaking the word of the God. They must do their work, not for what they can get out of it, but for what they can give freely to others, without expecting reward or payment. “Poverty of spirit” frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes ample room for God’s provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves.

Jesus ends his instructions with a warning: If people reject God’s invitation and refuse his word, then they bring condemnation on themselves. When God gives us his word there comes with it the great responsibility to respond. Indifference will not do. We are either for or against God in how we respond to his word. God gives us his word that we may have abundant life in him. He wills to work through and in each of us for his glory. God shares his word with us and he commissions us to speak it boldly and simply to others. Do you witness the truth and joy of the gospel by word and example to those around you?

Why does Jesus tell his disciples to not take joy in their own successes, even spiritual ones? Jesus makes clear that the true source of our joy is God, and God alone. Regardless of the circumstances, in good times and bad times, in success or loss, God always assures us of victory in Jesus Christ. Jesus assures his disciples that he has all power over evil, including the power of Satan and the evil spirits or fallen angels who conspire against us. In fact, that is why Jesus came into the world to overthrow the evil one (John 12:31). We, too, as disciples of Jesus have been given spiritual authority and power for overcoming the works of darkness and evil (1 John 2:13-14).

"Magaabot ang adlaw nga amo na ang ila pagpuasa"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 9:14-17)

Karon ang mga sumolunod ni Juan Bautista nagkadto kay Jesus nga nagapamangkot, "Ngaa nga kami kag ang mga Fariseo nagapuasa sing masunson, pero ang imo mga gintuton-an wala gid nagapuasa?" 

Si Jesus nagsabat, "Magakasubo bala ang mga inagda sa kasal samtang ang nobyo kaupod pa nila? Pero magaabot ang adlaw nga ang nobyo pagakuhaon sa ila kag amo na ina ang ila pagpuasa.

"Wala sing bisan sin-o nga nagatukap sing bag-o nga panapton sa daan nga bayu kay ina nga tukap magabingkas sang bayu, kag ang iya gisi magadaku pa gid.

Wala man sing bisan sin-o nga nagasulod sang bag-o nga bino sa daan nga sulodlan nga panit, kay kon himuon niya ini ang panit nga sulodlan sang bino mabusdik, kag ang bino mauyang kag ang sulodlan nga panit indi na mapuslan. Sa baylo sini, ginasulod ang bag-o nga bino sa bag-o nga sulodlan nga panit, kag ini sila magadugay."

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?

"Indi halad nga mga sapat ang akon ginapangita, kundi ang pagkamaluloy-on"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 9:9-13)

Naghalin si Jesus sa sadto nga duog, kag sang nagalakat sia nakita niya ang isa ka manugsokot sang buhis nga ginahingalanan kay Mateo nga nagapungko sa iya opisina. Si Jesus nagsiling sa iya, "Sunod ka sa akon." Nagtindog si Mateo kag nagsunod sa iya.

Sang nagakaon si Jesus didto sa balay ni Mateo, madamo nga mga manugsokot sang buhis kag mga makasasala ang nag-upod sa iya kag sa iya mga gintuton-an sa pagkaon.

May mga Fariseo nga nakakita sini kag nagpamangkot sila sa iya mga gintuton-an, "Ngaa bala ang inyo manunodlo nagakaon upod sa mga manugsokot sang buhis kag sa mga makasasala?"

Si Jesus nakabati kag nagsabat sa ila, "Ang mga tawo nga wala sing balatian wala nagakinahanglan sing manugbolong, kundi ang mga masakiton lang.

Lakat kamo kag usisaa ninyo kon ano ang kahulogan sini nga kasulatan: 'Indi halad nga mga sapat ang akon ginapangita, kundi ang pagkamaluloy-on.' Kay wala ako magkari sa pagtawag sang mga nagapakamatarong sang ila kaugalingon kundi sang mga makasasala."

Prayers:
"Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself.” (Prayer of Augustine, 354-430)

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:
What is God's call on your life? Jesus chose Matthew to be his follower and friend, not because Matthew was religious or learned, popular or saintly. Matthew appeared to be none of these. He chose to live a life of wealth and comfort. His profession was probably the most corrupted and despised by everyone because tax collectors made themselves wealthy by over-charging and threatening people if they did not hand over their money to them. What did Jesus see in Matthew that others did not see? When the prophet Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint the future heir to the throne of Israel, he bypassed all the first seven sons and chose the last! "God looks at the heart and not at the appearance of a man" he declared. David's heart was like a compass looking for true north – it pointed to God. Matthew's heart must have yearned for God, even though he dare not show his face in a synagogue – the Jewish house of prayer and the study of Torah – God's law. When Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax office – no doubt counting his day's profit – Jesus spoke only two words – "follow me". Those two words changed Matthew from a self-serving profiteer to a God-serving apostle who would bring the treasures of God's kingdom to the poor and needy.

John Chrysostom, the great 5th century church father, describes Matthew's calling: "Why did Jesus not call Matthew at the same time as he called Peter and John and the rest? He came to each one at a particular time when he knew that they would respond to him. He came at a different time to call Matthew when he was assured that Matthew would surrender to his call. Similarly, he called Paul at a different time when he was vulnerable, after the resurrection, something like a hunter going after his quarry. for he who is acquainted with our inmost hearts and knows the secrets of our minds knows when each one of us is ready to respond fully. Therefore he did not call them all together at the beginning, when Matthew was still in a hardened condition. Rather, only after countless miracles, after his fame spread abroad, did he call Matthew. He knew Matthew had been softened for full responsiveness."

When the Pharisees challenged Jesus' unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus’ defense was quite simple. A doctor doesn’t need to visit healthy people; instead he goes to those who are sick. Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need. A true physician seeks healing of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Jesus came as the divine physician and good shepherd to care for his people and to restore them to wholeness of life. The orthodox were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion that they neglected to help the very people who needed spiritual care. Their religion was selfish because they didn’t want to have anything to do with people not like themselves. Jesus stated his mission in unequivocal terms: I came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners. Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those they despised. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

On more than one occasion Jesus quoted the saying from the prophet Hosea: For I desire mercy and not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). Do you thank the Lord for the great mercy he has shown to you? And do you show mercy to your neighbor as well?