"Ang ginatugot sang aton Kasugoan...ang magluwas bala sang kabuhi sang isa ka tawo ukon ang magpatay?"

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

Miyerkules (Enero 22)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

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

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

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

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

"Ang Anak sang Tawo amo ang Ginoo sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway"

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

Martes (Enero 21)

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

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

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

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

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

"Fasting or feasting?"

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

Lunes (Enero 20)

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

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

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

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

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

"Yari ang Cordero sang Dios"

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

Domingo (Enero 19)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

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

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites in Egypt from death. The blood of Jesus, the true Passover Lamb who offered his life up for us on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7), delivers us from everlasting death and destruction. It is significant that John was the son of a priest, Zachariah, who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). In Jesus he saw the true and only sacrifice which delivers us from sin. 

When John says he did not know Jesus he was referring to the hidden reality of Jesus divinity. But the Holy Spirit in that hour revealed to John Jesus' true nature, such that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of God? The Holy Spirit makes Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us freely of his Spirit that we may comprehend the great mystery and plan of God to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Do you seek to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ?

"Madamo nga mga makasasala nga nagsunod kay Jesus"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 2:13-17)

Sabado (Enero 18)

Si Jesus nagbalik liwat sa higad sang Linaw sang Galilea. Nagpalapit sa iya ang madamo nga mga tawo kag nagsugod sia sa pagpanudlo sa ila.

Sang nagapadayon sia sa paglakat, nakita niya ang isa ka manugsukot sang buhis, si Levi nga anak ni Alfeo, nga nagapungko sa iya opisina. Si Jesus nagsiling sa iya, "Sunod ka sa akon." Nagtindog si Levi kag nagsunod sa iya.

Sang ulihi nagkaon si Jesus sa balay ni Levi. May madamo nga mga manugsukot sang buhis kag mga makasasala nga nagsunod kay Jesus, kag ang iban sa ila nagkaon upod sa iya kag sa iya mga gintuton-an.

May pila ka manunudlo sang Kasuguan nga mga Fariseo nga nakakita kay Jesus nga nagkaon upod sa mga makasasala kag mga manugsukot sang buhis. Gani ginpamangkot nila ang iya mga gintuton-an, "Ngaa bala nagakaon sia upod sa mga manugsokot sang buhis kag mga makasasala?"

Nabatian sila ni Jesus kag nagsiling sia, "Ang mga tawo nga wala sing balatian wala nagakinahanglan sang manugbolong, kundi ang mga masakiton lang. Wala ako magkari sa pagtawag sang mga matarong 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, 4th century)

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What draws us to the throne of God's mercy and grace? Mark tells us that many people were drawn to Jesus, including the unwanted and the unlovable, such as the lame, the blind, and the lepers, as well as the homeless such as widows and orphans. But public sinners, like the town prostitutes and corrupt tax collectors, were also drawn to Jesus. In calling Matthew to be one of his disciples, Jesus picked one of the unlikeliest of men – a tax collector who by profession was despised by the people.Why did the religious leaders find fault with Jesus for making friends with sinners and tax collectors like Matthew? The orthodox Jews had a habit of dividing everyone into two groups: those who rigidly kept the law and its minute regulations and those who did not. They latter were treated like second class citizens. The orthodox scrupulously avoided their company, refused to do business with them, refused to give or receive anything from them, refused to intermarry, and avoided any form of entertainment with them, including table fellowship. Jesus' association with the latter, especially with tax collectors and sinners, shocked the sensibilities of these orthodox Jews.

When the Pharisees challenged his unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus' defence 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 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). The Lord fills us with his grace and mercy. And he wants us, in turn, to seek the good of our neighbors, including the unlikeable and the trouble-maker by showing them the same kindness and mercy which we have received. Do you thank the Lord for the great kindness and mercy he has shown to you?

"Wala pa gid kita makakita sing subong sini!"

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

Biyernes (Enero 17)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

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

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

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

"Ang pagkadto sang mga tawo sa kay Jesus halin sa nagakalainlain nga mga lugar"

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

Huwebes (Enero 16)

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

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

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

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

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

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

"Ang mga tawo nagdala kay Jesus sang tanan nga mga masakiton"

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

Miyerkules (Enero 15)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

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

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

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

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

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

Si Jesus nagpanudlo nga may awtoridad

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

Martes (Enero 14)

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

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

Sa amo gid nga tion nagsulod sa sinagoga ang isa ka tawo didto nga may malaot nga espiritu kag nagsinggit, "Ano ang luyag mo himuon sa amon, Jesus nga taga-Nazaret? Nagkari ka bala sa paglaglag sa amon? Nahibal-an ko kon sin-o ka. Ikaw ang Balaan nga ginpadala sang Dios!" 

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your saving love and mercy, and the power of your word to bring healing and deliverance to those in need."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

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

Augustine of Hippo (354-430) remarked that “faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What have we to do with you (Mark 1:24)?' They confessed a sort of faith, but without love. Hence they were devils.” Faith is powerful, but without love it profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13). Scripture tells us that true faith works through love (Galalatians 5:6) and abounds in hope (Romans 15:13). Our faith is made perfect in love because love orients us to the supreme good which is God himself as well as the good of our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26,27). Hope anchors our faith in the promises of God and purifies our desires for the things which will last for eternity. That is why the word of Christ has power to set us free from all that would keep us bound in sin, deception, and despair. Bede the venerable abbot of an English monastery (672-735) contrasted the power and authority of Jesus' word with the word of the devil: “The devil, because he had deceived Eve with his tongue, is punished by the tongue, that he might not speak” [Homilies on the Gospels 1.8].

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

"Ang Ginharian sang Dios malapit na"

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

Lunes (Enero 13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Ang hinigugma ko nga Anak nga akon gid nahamut-an"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 3:13-17)

Domingo (Enero 12)

Karon nag-abot si Jesus sa Jordan halin sa Galilea, kag nagkadto sia kay Juan sa pagpabautiso.

Si Juan indi kuntani magbautiso sa iya nga nagasiling, "Ako ang dapat magpabautiso sa imo, kag ikaw pa karon ang nagkari sa akon!"

Pero si Jesus nagsabat sa iya, "Sigi lang. Kay sa sini nga paagi ginatuman ta ang ginpaabot sang Dios." Gani nagpasugot si Juan.

Sang mabautisohan na si Jesus, nagtakas sia. Dayon ang langit nag-abri kag nakita niya ang Espiritu sang Dios nga nagkunsad subong sang isa ka pating kag naghapon sa ibabaw niya

Kag may tingog gikan sa langit nga nagsiling, "Amo ini ang hinigugma ko nga Anak, nga akon gid nahamut-an."

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and inflame my heart with the joy of the gospel. May I find joy in seeking to please you just as you found joy in seeking to please your Father".

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Why did Jesus, the Sinless One, submit himself to John’s baptism? John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). In this humble submission we see a foreshadowing of the “baptism” of his bloody death upon the cross. Jesus’ baptism is the acceptance and the beginning of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allowed himself to be numbered among sinners. Jesus submitted himself entirely to his Father’s will. Out of love he consented to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins. Do you know the joy of trust and submission to God?

The Father proclaimed his entire delight in his Son and spoke audibly for all to hear. The Holy Spirit, too, was present as he anointed Jesus for his ministry which began that day as he rose from the waters of the Jordan river. Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all who come to believe in him. At his baptism the heavens were opened and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, signifying the beginning of a new creation.

How can we enter into the mystery of Jesus’ humble self-abasement and baptism? Gregory of Nazianzus, a seventh century Church father tells us: “Let us be buried with Christ by Baptism to rise with him; let us go down with him to be raised with him; and let us rise with him to be glorified with him." Do you want to see your life transformed in the love and power of Jesus Christ? And do you want to become a more effective instrument of the gospel? Examine Jesus’ humility and ask the Holy Spirit to forge this same attitude in your heart. As you do, heaven will open for you as well. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to renew us in his Spirit and to anoint us for mission. We are called to be “light” and “salt” to those around us. The Lord wants his love and truth to shine through us that others may see the goodness and truth of God’s message of salvation. Ask the Lord to fill you with his Holy Spirit that you may radiate the joy of the gospel to those around you.

"Ang Pulong amo ang matuod nga kapawa"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 1:1-18)

Martes (Disyembre 31)

Sa wala pa matuga ang kalibutan, yara na ang Pulong. Ang Pulong kaupod sa Dios, kag ang Pulong Dios.

Halin gid sa ginsugoran ang Pulong kaupod sa Dios.

Paagi sa Pulong gintuga sang Dios ang tanan, kag wala sing may natuga kon indi paagi sa iya. 

Ang Pulong amo ang ginahalinan sang kabuhi, kag ini nga kabuhi nagdala sing kapawa sa mga tawo.

Ang kapawa nagasiga sa kadudolman, kag ang kadudolman wala makadaug sang kapawa.

Ang Dios nagpadala sang iya manugbalita, ang tawo nga ginahingalanan kay Juan, nga nagkari sa pagsugid sa mga tawo nahanungod sang kapawa. Ginsugiran niya sila agod ang tanan magpamati sang mensahi, kag magtuo.

Sia mismo indi amo ang kapawa, kundi nagkari siya sa pagsugid nahanungod sang kapawa.

Ang Pulong amo ang matuod nga kapawa nga nagakari sa kalibutan kag nagaiwag sa tanan nga mga tawo.

Ang Pulong yara na nga daan sa kalibutan. Ang kalibutan gintuga sang Dios paagi sa iya, pero ang kalibutan wala magkilala sa iya.

Nagkari sia sa iya kaugalingon nga banwa, pero ang iya mga kasimanwa wala magbaton sa iya. 

Pero may yara gid man nga nagbaton kag nagtuo sa iya. Gani ini sila ginhatagan sing kinamatarong nga mangin-anak sang Dios.

Nangin-anak sila sang Dios indi sa tawuhanon nga paagi sa bagay nga natawo sila nga may tawuhanon nga amay, kundi ang Dios mismo amo ang ila Amay.

Ang Pulong nangintawo kag nagpuyo sa tunga naton. Nakita naton ang iya himaya nga puno sang grasya kag kamatuoran; ini amo ang himaya nga nabaton niya subong bugtong nga Anak sang Amay.

Nagpanaksi si Juan nahanungod sa iya, kag nagsinggit, "Amo ini sia ang akon ginsiling sa inyo nga magakari nga ulihi lang sa akon, pero labaw pa sia sa akon, kay sa wala pa ako matawo, yara na siya!"

Gikan sa kabuganaan sang iya manggad ginhatagan niya kita tanan sang nagadinasundason nga mga bugay.

Ang Kasuguan ginhatag sang Dios paagi kay Moises, pero ang grasya kag kamatuoran nag-abot sa aton paagi kay Jesu-Cristo.

Wala sing bisan sin-o nga nakakita sa Dios, kundi ang bugtong nga Anak nga Dios, nga yara sa luyo sang Amay, amo gid lamang ang nakakita sa Dios. Sia amo ang nagpahayag sa iya. 

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

“A peaceful stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent. Your all-powerful Word, Lord, bounded from heaven's royal throne” (Wsd 18,14-15).This scriptural text sets out the most holy time when God's all-powerful Word came down to us to tell us of our salvation. Leaving the most intimate depths of the Father it came down into a mother's womb...

“When the night was half-spent”: all was shrouded in the silence of midnight – between the prophets who were no longer shouting out their cry and the apostles who were about to do so... What a wonderful coming, during this midnight silence, for a “mediator between God and man” (1Tm 2,5)... who takes on mortality to save mortals and who will save the dead by his death! In his mediating role he is the “doer of saving deeds in the midst of the earth” (Ps 74[73].12): he died on a cross, “lifted up from the earth” (Jn 12,32) between heaven and earth, a symbol of reconciliation between heaven and earth...

“When night was in the midst of its course”. What is that night? Perhaps it means that period in which, from the beginning of the world to the end of time, the descendants of Adam live in this darkened Egypt, in the thick darkness of their ignorance and wholly unable to see one another (cf. Ex 10,21f.). Indeed, can we see other people when we cannot see their heart? Taking advantage of that darkness covering every heart, deception and lies make themselves at home there... It was in the middle of that night, amongst “those who were seated in darkness” (Lk 1,79; Is 42,7), that “the true light” came “who enlightens everyone coming into this world”. This is the light that will truly cast out all darkness when it will “bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts” (1Cor 4,5).