"Ihatag mo ang kuwarta sa mga imol, kag magaangkon ka sang manggad didto sa langit"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 10:17-27)

Lunes (Marso 3)

Sang malakat na kuntani si Jesus, may isa ka tawo nga nagdalagan pakadto sa iya, nagluhod kag nagpamangkot, “Maayo nga Manunodlo, ano bala ang himuon ko agod akon maangkon ang kabuhi nga dayon?”

Si Jesus nagpamangkot sa iya, “Ngaa ginatawag mo ako nga maayo? Wala gid sing bisan isa nga maayo kundi ang Dios lamang.

Nahibaluan mo naman ang mga kasugoan: ‘Indi ka magpatay, indi ka magpanginbabayi ukon magpanginlalaki, indi ka magpangawat, indi ka magbutig, indi ka magdaya, tahura ang imo amay kag iloy.’ ”

Ang tawo nagsiling sa iya, “Manunodlo, sugod sang lamharon pa ako natuman ko na ining mga kasugoan.”

Gintulok sia ni Jesus sing mahigugmaon kag ginsingganan, “Isa pa ka butang ang kinahanglan para sa imo. Lakat ka kag ibaligya ang tanan mo nga pagkabutang, kag ihatag mo ang kuwarta sa mga imol, kag magaangkon ka sang manggad didto sa langit, kag dali sunod ka sa akon.”

Sang pagkabati sini sang tawo, nahulog ang iya guya, kag naglakat sia nga masinulob-on, kay madamo ang iya mga pagkabutang.

Si Jesus nagpanghulonghulong sa palibot niya kag nagsiling sa iya mga gintuton-an, “Daw ano kabudlay para sa mga manggaranon ang pagsulod sa Ginharian sang Dios!”

Ang mga gintuton-an naurongan sa sini nga mga pulong, pero si Jesus nagpadayon sa pagsiling, “Mga anak ko, daw ano kabudlay ang pagsulod sa Ginharian sang Dios!

Labi pa kabudlay para sa isa ka manggaranon ang pagsulod sa Ginharian sang Dios, sang sa paglapos sang isa ka kamelyo sa buho sang dagom.”

Tungod sini, ang mga gintuton-an natingala gid kag nagpinamangkutanay, “Sin-o na lang bala ang maluwas?”

Gintulok sila ni Jesus sing tadlong, kag ginsabat, “Para sa tawo indi ini mahimo, pero para sa Dios mahimo ini, kay ang tanan nga butang sarang mahimo sang Dios.”

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, you have captured our hearts and opened to us the treasures of heaven. May you always be my treasure and delight and may nothing else keep me from giving you my all."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What gives hope and satisfaction to our desire for happiness and security? A young man who had the best the world could offer – wealth and security – came to Jesus because he lacked one thing. He wanted the kind of lasting peace and happiness which money could not buy him. The answer he got, however, was not what he was looking for. He protested that he kept all the commandments; but Jesus spoke to the trouble in his heart. One thing kept him from giving himself whole-heartedly to God. While he lacked nothing in material goods, he was nonetheless possessive of what he had. He placed his hope and security in what he possessed. So when Jesus challenged him to make God his one true possession and treasure, he became dismayed. Why did he go away from Jesus with sadness rather than with joy? His treasure and his hope for happiness were misplaced. Jesus challenged the young man because his heart was possessive. He was afraid to give to others for fear that he would lose what he had gained. He sought happiness and security in what he possessed rather than in who he could love and serve and give himself in undivided devotion.

Why does Jesus tell his disciples to "sell all" for the treasure of his kingdom? 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. The Lord himself is the greatest treasure we can have. Giving up everything else to have the Lord as our treasure is not sorrowful, but the greatest joy. [See Jesus' parable about the treasure hidden in a field in Matthew 13:44.] Selling all that we have could mean many different things – letting go of attachments, friendships, influences, jobs, entertainments, styles of life – really anything that might stand in the way of our loving God first and foremost in our lives and giving him the best we can with our time, resources, gifts, and service.

Those who are generous towards God and towards their neighbor find that they cannot outgive God in his generosity towards us. God blesses us with the priceless treasures of his kingdom – freedom from fear and the griping power of sin, selfishness and pride which block his love and grace in our lives; freedom from loneliness, isolation and rejection which keep his children from living together in love, peace, and unity; and freedom from hopelessness, despair, and disillusionment which blind our vision of God's power to heal every hurt, bind every wound, and remove every blemish which mar the image of God within us. God offers us treasure which money cannot buy. He alone can truly satisfy the deepest longing and desires of our heart. Are you willing to part with anything that might keep you from seeking true joy with Jesus?

Why does Jesus issue such a strong warning to the rich (as well as to the rest of us who desire to be rich)? Was he really against wealth? We know that Jesus was not opposed to wealth per se, nor was he opposed to the wealthy. He had many friends who were well-to-do, including some notorious tax collectors! One even became an apostle! Jesus' warning reiterated the teaching of the Old Testament wisdom: Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his ways (Proverbs 28:6; see also Psalm 37:16). Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist (Proverbs 23:4). Jesus seems to say that it is nearly impossible for the rich to live as citizens of God's kingdom. The camel was regarded as the largest animal in Palestine. The "eye of the needle" could be interpreted quite literally or it could figuratively describe the narow and low gate of the city walls which was used by travellers when the larger public gate was locked after dark. A normal sized man had to "lower" himself to enter that gate. A camel would literally have to knell and crawl through it. Why is Jesus so cautious about wealth? Wealth can make us falsely independent. The church at Laodicea was warned about their attitude towards wealth and a false sense of security: "For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing" (Revelations 3:17). Wealth can also lead us into hurtful desires and selfishness (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Look at the lesson Jesus gave about the rich man and his sons who refused to aid the poor man Lazarus (see Luke 16:19ff). They also neglected to serve God. The scriptures give us a paradox: we lose what we keep and we gain what we give away. Generosity will be amply repaid, both in this life and in eternity (Proverbs 3:9-10, Luke 6:38). Jesus offers us an incomparable treasure which no money can buy and no thief can steal. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. Material wealth will shackle us to this earth unless we guard our hearts and set our treasure on God and his everlasting kingdom. Where is your treasure?

"Sugiri sila kon daw ano ang ginhimo sang Ginoo sa imo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 5:1-20)

Lunes (Pebrero 3)

Amo yadto kag nag-abot sila sa tabok sang Linaw sang Galilea sa duta sang mga taga-Gerasa. 

Halos lang makapanaog si Jesus sa sakayan, ginsugata sia sang isa ka tawo nga naggwa gikan sa mga kuweba nga lulobngan.

Ini nga tawo ginagamhan sang malaut nga espiritu kag nagapuyo sa mga lulobngan. Wala na sing bisan sin-o nga makagapos sa iya, bisan pa sang mga kadena.

Makapila na gingapos ang iya mga tiil kag mga kamot, pero sa tagsa ka paggapos sa iya, ginabugras niya ang mga kadena, kag ginautod ang mga salsalon sa iya mga tiil. Sa pagkakusog sa iya sa bagay nga wala sing makasarang sa iya.

Sa adlaw kag sa gab-i nagalagawlagaw sia sa mga lulobngan kag sa mga bakulod nga nagatiyabaw kag ginapilas niya ang iya lawas sang mga bato.

Malayulayo pa sia sang makita niya si Jesus, gani nagdalagan sia, nagluhod sa atubangan niya, kag nagtiyabaw sing mabaskog, “Jesus, Anak sang Labing Mataas nga Dios! Ano ang himuon mo sa akon? Maluoy ka! Sa ngalan sang Dios, indi ako pagsiluti!”

(Ginsiling niya ini tungod kay si Jesus nagsiling sa iya, “Malaut nga espiritu, maggwa ka sa iya!”) 

Ginpamangkot sia ni Jesus, “Sin-o ang ngalan mo?” Nagsabat sia, “Ang akon ngalan amo si ‘Madamo’—kay sa pagkadamo sa amon!”

Kag sagad sia pakiluoy kay Jesus nga indi lang pagtabugon ang malaut nga mga espiritu sa sadto nga lugar.

Malapit sa sadtong lugar may madamo nga mga baboy nga nagaungad sa banglid.

Nagpakiluoy ang mga espiritu sa kay Jesus, “Pakadtoa kami sa mga baboy, kag tugoti kami nga magsulod sa ila.”

Gani gintugotan niya sila. Ang malaut nga mga espiritu naggwa sa tawo kag nagsulod sa mga baboy. Ang bug-os nga panong nga mga 2,000 ka mga baboy, nagdinaguso sa pil-as pakadto sa linaw, kag nagkalalumos sila tanan.

Ang mga manugsagod sang mga baboy nagpalalagyo kag nagpanugid sang natabo sa banwa kag sa mga baryo. Ang mga tawo nagkadto sa pagtan-aw kon ano ang nahanabo.

Nagpalapit sila kay Jesus kag nakita nila ang tawo nga gingamhan anay sang mga yawa. Ini sia nagalingkod didto nga may bayu na, kag yara na sa iya husto nga panghunahona, kag hinadlukan sila tanan.

Ang mga nakakita sang nahanabo sa tawo nga ginagamhan sang mga yawa kag sang nahanabo sa mga baboy nagpanugid sa mga tawo.

Tungod sini ginpangabay nila si Jesus nga maghalin sa ila lugar.

Sang manugsakay na si Jesus sa sakayan, ang tawo nga sang una gingamhan sang mga yawa nagpakiluoy sa iya: “Paupda man ako sa imo!”

Pero si Jesus indi magtugot, kundi nagsiling sa iya, “Pauli ka sa imo panimalay kag sugiri sila kon daw ano ang ginhimo sang Ginoo sa imo kag kon daw ano ang iya kaayo sa imo!”

Gani naglakat ang tawo kag nagkadto sa Decapolis nga nagapanugid sang ginhimo ni Jesus sa iya, kag ang tanan nga nakabati sini natingala gid.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, unbind me that I may love you wholly and walk in the freedom of your way of life and holiness. May there be nothing which keeps me from the joy of living in your presence."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you ever feel driven by forces beyond your strength? A man driven mad by the evil force of a legion found refuge in the one person who could set him free. A legion is no small force – but an army 6,000 strong! For the people of Palestine, hemmed in by occupied forces, a legion, whether spiritual or human, struck terror! Legions at their wildest committed unmentionable atrocities.Our age has also witnessed untold crimes and mass destruction at the hands of possessed rulers and their armies. What is more remarkable – the destructive force of this driven and possessed man – or the bended knee at Jesus' feet imploring mercy and release? God's word reminds us that no destructive force can keep anyone from the peace and safety which God offers to those who seek his help. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. ..Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation (Psalm 91:7,9).

Jesus took pity on the man who was overtaken by a legion of evil spirits. The destructive force of these demons is evident for all who can see as they flee and destroy a herd of swine. After Jesus freed the demoniac the whole city came out to meet him. No one had demonstrated such power and authority against the forces of Satan as Jesus did. They feared Jesus as a result and begged him to leave them. Why would they not want Jesus to stay? Perhaps the price for such liberation from the power of evil and sin was more than they wanted to pay. Jesus is ready and willing to free us from anything that binds us and that keeps us from the love of God. Are you willing to part with anything that might keep you from his love and saving grace?

"Ang grasya sang Dios yara sa iya"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 2:22-40)

Domingo (Pebrero 2)

Nag-abot ang tion nga si Jose kag si Maria kinahanglan magtuman sang seremoniya sang pagpaninlo suno sa Kasuguan ni Moises. Gani, gindala nila ang bata sa Jerusalem agod ihalad sa Ginoo.

Amo ini ang nasulat sa kasugoan sang Ginoo, "Ang tagsa ka panganay nga lalaki ihalad sa Ginoo."

Nagdulot man sila sing halad suno sa nasiling sa kasugoan sang Ginoo, "Duha ka tukmo, ukon duha ka kuyabog nga pating."

Sa sadto nga tion may tawo nga nagapuyo sa Jerusalem nga ang iya ngalan si Simeon. Ini nga tawo matarong kag matinuohon sa Dios, kag nagahulat sang pagluwas sa Israel. Ang Espiritu Santo yara sa iya, kag nagpasalig sa iya nga indi sia mapatay sa wala pa niya makita ang ginsaad sang Ginoo nga Cristo.

Sa pagtuytoy sang Espiritu, si Simeon nagkadto sa templo. Sang gindala ang bata nga si Jesus sang iya mga ginikanan sa pagtuman sang ginasiling sang Kasugoan, ginkugos ni Simeon ang bata kag nagpasalamat sia sa Dios nga nagasiling: "Karon, O Ginoo, Gintuman mo ang imo saad, Kag mapataliwan mo na Ang imo alagad sa paghidait.

Kay ang akon gid mga mata Nakakita sang imo kaluwasan, Nga gin-aman mo sa atubangan Sang tanan nga mga katawuhan: Isa ka kapawa Nga magaiwag sa mga Gentil, Kag manginhimaya Sa imo mga tawo sa Israel."

Ang amay kag iloy sang bata natingala gid sang ginhambal ni Simeon nahanungod sa iya.

Si Simeon nagbendisyon sa ila kag nagsiling kay Maria nga iloy sang bata, "Ini nga bata ginpili sang Dios nga manginkalaglagan ukon kaluwasan sang madamo sa Israel. Sia mangintanda gikan sa Dios nga pagakontrahon sang madamo, kag magapahayag sang ila tinago nga mga panghunahona. Kag ang kalisod, subong sang isa ka matalom nga espada, magalapos sang imo kaugalingon nga tagipusoon."

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, may I never cease to hope in you and to trust in your promises. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may always recognize your saving presence in my life. Help me to point others to Christ and to be an example of faith and devotion as Simeon and Anna were to their generation."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you know the favor of the Lord? After Jesus' birth, Mary fulfills the Jewish right of purification after childbirth. Since she could not afford the customary offering of a lamb, she gives instead two pigeons as an offering of the poor. This rite, along with circumcision and the redemption of the first-born point to the fact that children are gifts from God. Jesus was born in an ordinary home where there were no luxuries. Like all godly parents, Mary and Joseph raised their son in the fear and wisdom of God. He, in turn, was obedient to them and grew in wisdom and grace. The Lord's favor is with those who listen to his word with trust and obedience. Do you know the joy of submission to God? And do you seek to pass on the faith and to help the young grow in wisdom and maturity?

What is the significance of Simeon's encounter with the baby Jesus and his mother in the temple? Simeon was a just and devout man who was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit. He believed that the Lord would return to his temple and renew his chosen people. The Holy Spirit also revealed to him that the Messiah and King of Israel would also bring salvation to the Gentile nations. When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this humble child of Bethlehem as the fulfillment of all the messianic prophecies, hopes, and prayers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he prophesied that Jesus was to be "a revealing light to the Gentiles". The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to those who are receptive and eager to receive him. Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with you?

Jesus is the new temple (John 1:14; 2:19-22). In the Old Testament God manifested his presence in the "pillar of cloud" by day and the "pillar of fire" by night as he led them through the wilderness. God's glory visibly came to dwell over the ark and the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). When the first temple was built in Jerusalem God's glory came to rest there (1 Kings 8). After the first temple was destroyed, Ezekiel saw God's glory leave it (Ezekiel 10). But God promised one day to fill it with even greater glory (Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 8-9). That promise is fulfilled when the "King of Glory" himself comes to his temple (Psalm 24:7-10; Malachi 3:1). Through Jesus' coming in the flesh and through his saving death, resurrection, and ascension we are made living temples of his Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Ask the Lord to renew your faith in the indwelling presence of his Spirit with you. And give him thanks and praise for coming to make his home with you.

Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and he prophesied to Mary about the destiny of this child and the suffering she would undergo for his sake. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way. Do you know the joy of a life fully surrendered to God with faith and trust?

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

"Ngaa bala nahadlok gid kamo?"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 4:35-41)

Sabado (Pebrero 1)

Sang sirom na sang amo nga adlaw, nagsiling si Jesus sa iya mga gintuton-an, "Dali, matabok kita sa pihak sang linaw."

Gani ginbayaan nila ang madamo nga mga tawo. Dayon ang mga gintuton-an nagsakay sa sakayan nga ginasakyan ni Jesus, kag gindala nila sia upod sa ila. May iban man nga mga sakayan didto.

Sa hinali nagmadlos ang hangin kag ang mga balod nagsulod sa sakayan sa bagay nga madali na lang ini makapan.

Pero si Jesus didto sa ulin nga nagaulon sa ulonan kag nagakatulog. Ginpukaw sia sang mga gintuton-an, kag nagsiling sila sa iya, "Manunudlo, wala ka bala nagakabalaka nga daw malumos na kita?"

Nagbangon si Jesus kag ginmanduan niya ang hangin, "Mag-untat ka!" kag nagsiling sia sa mga balod, "Maglinaw ka!" Nag-untat ang hangin kag may daku nga kalinaw.

Dayon si Jesus nagsiling sa ila, "Ngaa bala nahadlok gid kamo? Ano, wala pa bala kamo sing pagtuo?"

Pero tama gid ang ila kahadlok, kag nagpamangkutanay sila: "Sin-o bala ini nga tawo? Bisan pa ang hangin kag ang mga balod nagatuman sa iya!"

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, increase my faith in your redeeming love and power that I may always recognize your abiding presence with me. And give me courage to do your will in all circumstances."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

How can we fight fear with faith? Jesus' sleeping presence on the storm-tossed sea reveals the sleeping faith of his disciples. They feared for their lives even though their Lord and Master was with them in the boat. They were asleep to Christ while he was present to them in their hour of need. The Lord is ever present to us. And in our time of testing he asks the same question: Why are you afraid? Have you no faith? Do you recognize the Lord's presence with you, especially when you meet the storms of adversity, sorrow, and temptation? Whenever we encounter trouble, the Lord is there with the same reassuring message: "It is I, do not be afraid."

What are the characteristics of faith and how can we grow in it? Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to us. Believing is only possible by grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, who moves the heart and who opens the eyes of the mind to understand and accept the truth which God has revealed to us. Faith enables us to relate to God rightly and confidently, with trust and reliance, by believing and adhering to his word, because he is utterly reliable and trustworthy. If we want to live, grow, and persevere in faith, then it must be nourished with the word of God. Fear does not need to cripple us from taking right action or rob us of our trust and reliance on God. Courage working with faith enables us to embrace God's word of truth and love with confidence and to act on it with firm hope in God's promises. The love of God strengthens us in our faith and trust in him and enables us to act with justice and kindness towards our neighbor even in the face of opposition or harm. Do you allow the love of Christ to rule in your heart and mind, and to move your will to choose what is good in accordance with his will?

"Ngaa bala magpalibog kamo?"

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

Domingo (Marso 2)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers:

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

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

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

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

"Magbaton sang Ginharian sang Dios subong sang isa ka bata"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 10:13-16)

Sabado (Marso 1)

May mga tawo nga nagdala sing mga bata sa kay Jesus agod iya sila matandog, pero ginsaway sang mga gintuton-an ang mga tawo nga nagdala sa ila.

Sang matalupangdan ini ni Jesus, naakig sia kag nagsiling sa iya mga gintuton-an, “Pabay-i ninyo ang mga kabataan nga magpalapit sa akon, kag indi ninyo sila pagpunggi, kay ang Ginharian sang Dios iya sang mga kaangay nila.

Dumdoma ninyo ini! Ang bisan sin-o nga indi magbaton sang Ginharian sang Dios subong sang isa ka bata indi gid makasulod sa amo nga Ginharian.”

Dayon ginkugos ni Jesus ang mga kabataan, iya gintungtong ang iya mga kamot sa tagsatagsa sa ila, kag iya sila ginbendisyunan.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, may we never hinder our youth from coming to you to receive your blessing, help, and abundant life. Make our youth strong in faith, hope, and love that they may find true joy and fulfillment in following you as their Lord and Savior. And as we grow with age, may we never lose that child-like simplicity and humility which draws us ever deeper into your loving presence."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Do you seek to help others draw near to the Lord Jesus? The parents who brought their children to Jesus wanted Jesus to lay his hands upon them. They knew of the healing power, both physical and spiritual, which came from Jesus' touch. Jesus, in turn, rebuked his disciples for hindering the children from coming. No doubt the disciples wanted to shield Jesus from the nuisance of noisy children. But Jesus delighted in the children and demonstrated that God's love has ample room for everyone. No one is unimportant to God. He comes to each person individually that he might touch them with his healing love and power. Do you show kindness, interest, and care for the youth you encounter in your neighborhood, home, and church? And do you pray for young people that they may come to know the love of Jesus Christ and grow in wisdom and maturity as his disciples?

Why does Jesus say that we must receive the kingdom of God like a child (Mark 10:15)? In the ancient world children were at the bottom of the social ladder. They had no rights or privileges of their own and they had no means or resources to care for themselves. They were totally dependent on their parents for everything they needed. Scripture teaches us that we are totally dependent on God as our eternal Father and Provider. We owe our very existence to him because he is the Creator, Author, and Sustainer of life. We could not find our way to God if he did not first seek us out and draw us to himself. That is why the Father in heaven sent his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus, to show us the way to the Father.

The Lord Jesus came to set us free from slavery to sin, Satan, and death, and to adopt us as children of God – his beloved sons and daughters. Jesus taught his disciples to not only honor and respect God as our eternal Father, but to trust in him with great confidence for everything we need – just as children naturally trust in their parents for all that they need. God gives generously to those who put their trust in him, who approach him with child-like simplicity and humility, and with expectant faith that he will treat them as a loving and merciful Father rather than a cold and stern judge or tyrant. Do you trust your heavenly Father to give you what you need to live as his son or daughter?

Our great privilege and responsibility is to live as true and faithful sons and daughters of God and as loyal citizens and ambassadors of his heavenly kingdom. And our chief responsibility is to pass on the faith, wisdom, and gifts which we have received from God to our young people and to those who do not yet know God that they may find true joy and everlasting life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you ready and eager to pass on your faith and experience of God's action in your life to others, especially to the young who need guidance, encouragement, and the godly example and witness of those who have discovered the true source of happiness in knowing, loving, and serving God?

"Sa ano bala mapaanggid ang Ginharian sang Dios?"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 4:26-34)

Biyernes (Enero 31)

Nagsiling pa gid si Jesus, "Ang Ginharian sang Dios kaangay sang tawo nga nagsab-og sang binhi sa iya uma.

Nagatulog sia kon gab-i, kag kon adlaw nagaobra sia, samtang ang binhi nagaulhot kag nagatubo, pero wala sia kahibalo kon paano ang pagkahimo sini.

Ang duta mismo nagapatubo kag nagapabunga sang mga tanom: nahauna ang dahon, madason ang uhay, kag sa ulihi ang matinggas nga bunga.

Kon ang bunga gulang na, nagapadala sia sing manuggarab, kay ang tig-alani nag-abot na."

Si Jesus nagpamangkot, "Sa ano bala mapaanggid ang Ginharian sang Dios? Ano nga palaanggiran ang aton gamiton sa pagpaathag sini?"

Kaangay ini sang isa ka binhi sang mostasa, ang labing diutay nga binhi sa kalibutan.

Ginakuha ini sang tawo kag ginatanom sa duta. Dayon nagatubo ini kag nagadaku sing labaw sa mga kahuykahoy. Ang iya mga sanga nagadalagku sa bagay nga ang mga pispis nagapugad sa iya sanga nga mahandong."

Paagi sa mga palaanggiran nga kasubong sini, nagwali si Jesus sa mga tawo. Naghambal sia sa ila suno sa ila mahangpan.

Indi sia maghambal sa ila kon indi paagi sa mga palaanggiran. Pero kon silahanon lang sang iya mga gintuton-an, ginasaysay niya ang tanan sa ila.

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater glory."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

What can mustard seeds teach us about the kingdom of God? The tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God's kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within. Just as a seed has no power to change itself until it is planted in the ground, so we cannot change our lives to be like God until God gives us the power of his Holy Spirit.

The Lord of the Universe is ever ready to transform us by the power of his Spirit. Are you ready to let God change you by his grace and power? The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield to Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?

"Ang talaksan nga inyo ginagamit"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 4:21-25)

Huwebes (Enero 30)

Si Jesus nagpadayon: "May nagadala bala sing suga kag nagabutang sini sa idalom sang isa ka sulodlan, ukon sa idalom sang katre? Wala bala niya ini ginabutang sa tulongtongan?

Ang bisan ano nga ginatago, igapahayag kag ang bisan ano nga ginatabunan, pagabuksan.

Gani, kon sin-o ang luyag magpamati, magpamati sia!"

Kag si Jesus nagsiling pa gid sa ila, "Talupangda gid ang inyo ginapamatian! Ang talaksan nga inyo ginagamit sa paghukom sa iban amo man ang pagagamiton sang Dios sa paghukom sa inyo, kag sobra pa sini ang pagahimuon sa inyo.

Ang tawo nga may iya na pagahatagan pa gid, kag ang tawo nga wala sing iya, bisan ang diutay nga yara sa iya pagakuhaon pa."

Prayers:

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

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

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

Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them from others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God's light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him; they will not lack what they need to live as Christ's disciples, and they will shine as lights to those who hunger for God's truth and wisdom. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light?

"Ang nakabati sang pulong kag ginbaton nila"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 4:1-20)

Miyerkules (Enero 29)

Sa liwat si Jesus nagpanudlo sa higad sang Linaw sang Galilea. Tama gid kadamo ang mga tawo nga nagdulogok sa palibot niya sa bagay nga nagsakay sia sa isa ka sakayan nga nagalutaw sa tubig kag naglingkod sia didto samtang ang madamo nga mga tawo nagpabilin sa bibi sang linaw.

Si Jesus naggamit sang mga palaanggiran sa pagtudlo sa ila sang madamo nga mga butang, kag sa iya pagpanudlo nagsiling sia sa ila: "Magpamati kamo! 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 bangod kay indi gid madalom ang gamot sini, ang tanom madali nga nalaya.

Ang iban nga binhi nagtupa sa mga talungon. Nagtubo ang mga talungon kag naglumos sang tanom, kag wala ini magpamunga.

Pero ang iban nga binhi nagtupa sa maayo nga duta, namuhi, nagtubo kag nagpamunga: ang iban sini nagpatubas sing 30 ka pilo, ang iban sini 60 ka pilo, kag ang iban sini 100 ka pilo."

Kag si Jesus nagsiling, "Gani, kon sin-o ang luyag magpamati, magpamati sia!"

Sang isahanon na lang si Jesus, ang iban nga nakabati sa iya nagpalapit upod sa dose ka mga apostoles kag nagpangabay nga ipaathag niya ang mga palaanggiran.

Si Jesus nagsabat sa ila, "Ginhatagan kamo sang tinago sang Ginharian sang Dios, pero ang iban nga yara sa gwa magapamati sini tanan paagi sa mga palaanggiran, agod nga, 'Magatulok nga magatulok sila, Pero indi makakita, Magapamati nga magapamati sila, Pero indi makahangop, Kay kon makahangop sila Basi magliso sila sa Dios Kag patawaron niya sila.' "

Dayon si Jesus nagpamangkot sa ila, "Indi bala kamo makahangop sini nga palaanggiran? Karon, paano abi ang pagkahangop ninyo sang bisan ano nga palaanggiran?

Ang manugsab-og nagsab-og sang pulong sang Dios.

Ang mga binhi nga nagatupa sa dalan amo ang pulong sang Dios nga sang pagkabati sang mga tawo, sa gilayon nagaabot si Satanas kag nagaagaw sang pulong nga ginsab-og sa ila tagipusoon.

Amo man ang ginsab-og sa batuhon nga duta. Kasubong ini sang pulong sang Dios nga sang pagkabati sang mga tawo, sa gilayon ginabaton nila sing malipayon.

Pero wala ini nagatudok sa ila tagipusoon, kag wala nagapabilin sing madugay. Gani wala na sila nagapadayon kon mag-abot ang mga kalalat-an ukon mga paghingabot tungod sang pulong sang Dios.

Kag ang mga nagatupa sa mga talungon amo ang pulong sang Dios nga nabatian sang mga tawo.

Pero ang palaligban sang pangabuhi, ang paghigugma sa manggad, kag ang iban pa gid nga mga handom nagaginutok sa ila mga hunahona kag nagalumos sang pulong sang Dios, kag wala ini nagapamunga.

Pero ang nagtupa sa maayo nga duta amo ang pulong sang Dios nga sang pagkabati sang mga tawo ginbaton nila ini, kag nagapamunga: ang iban 30 ka pilo, ang iban 60 ka pilo, kag ang iban 100 ka pilo."

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:

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 too busy to pray or too preoccupied to study and meditate on God's word. 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?

"Ang ginhiusa sang Dios"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 10:1-12)

Biyernes (Pebrero 28)

Dayon naghalin si Jesus sa amo nga duog, nagkadto sa kadutaan sang Judea kag nagtabok sa suba sang Jordan. Ang mga tawo nagtilipon liwat sa iya, kag suno sa iya kinabatasan, nagpanudlo sia sa ila.

May pila ka mga Fariseo nga nagpalapit sa iya, kag sa pagdakupdakop sa iya, nagpamangkot sila, “Sugiri kami, tugot bala sa aton Kasugoan nga ang isa ka tawo magbulag sa iya asawa?”

Si Jesus nagsabat paagi sa isa ka pamangkot, “Ano bala ang kasugoan nga ginhatag ni Moises sa inyo?”

Nagsabat sila, “Si Moises nagtugot nga ang bana maghimo sing papeles sa pagbulagay kag ugaling magbiya sia sa iya asawa.”

Si Jesus nagsiling sa ila, “Ginsulat ni Moises ining kasugoan para sa inyo, tungod kay matig-a gid ang inyo mga tagipusoon.

Pero sa ginsugoran, sang pagtuga sang Dios sang kalibutan, ginsiling ini, ‘Ang Dios naghimo sa ila nga lalaki kag babayi.

Kag tungod sini, ang lalaki magabiya sang iya amay kag iloy, kag magapuyo upod sa iya asawa, kag sila nga duha mangin-isa.’ Gani, indi na sila duha, kundi isa.

Gani, indi dapat bulagon sang tawo ang ginhiusa sang Dios.”

Sang pagbalik na nila sa balay, ang mga gintuton-an nagpamangkot liwat kay Jesus nahanungod sini nga butang.

Nagsiling sia sa ila, “Ang lalaki nga magbulag sa iya asawa kag magpangasawa liwat, nagapanginbabayi.

Amo man ang babayi nga magbulag sa iya bana kag magpamana liwat nagapanginlalaki.” 

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus Christ, your call to holiness extends to all in every state of life. Sanctify our lives – as married couples and as singles – that we may live as men and women who are consecrated to you. Make us leaven in a society that disdains life-long marriage fidelity, chastity, and living single for the Lord".

*** 

Reflection of the Daily Gospel: 

What is God's intention for our state in life, whether married or single? Jesus deals with the issue of divorce by taking his hearers back to the beginning of creation and to God's plan for the human race. In Genesis 2:23-24 we see God's intention and ideal that two people who marry should become so indissolubly one that they are one flesh. That ideal is found in the unbreakable union of Adam and Eve. They were created for each other and for no one else. They are the pattern and symbol for all who were to come.

Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce as a concession in view of a lost ideal. Jesus sets the high ideal of the married state before those who are willing to accept his commands. Jesus, likewise sets the high ideal for those who freely renounce marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:11-12). Both marriage and celibacy are calls from God to live a consecrated life, that is to live as married couples or as singles who belong not to themselves but to God. Our lives are not our own – they belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19b,20; Romans 14:7-8). The Lord Jesus through the gift of the Holy Spirit gives the grace and the power to those who seek to follow his way of holiness in their state of life. His grace and power bring freedom, discipline, and strength to live a life of love, joy, and holiness. Do you seek the Lord and his grace (his strength and power) in your state of life?

"Kon ang imo kamot ukon mata manginkabangdanan sang imo pagbiya sa akon"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 9:41-50)

Huwebes (Pebrero 27)

Dumdoma ninyo ini! Ang bisan sin-o nga nagapainom sa inyo sing tubig, tungod kay iya kamo ni Cristo magabaton gid sing balos.”

“Ang bisan sin-o nga manginkabangdanan sang pagbiya sining magamay nga mga kabataan nga nagatuo sa akon, maayo pa nga ihigot ang galingan nga bato sa iya liog kag itagbong sia sa dagat.

Gani, kon ang imo kamot manginkabangdanan sang imo pagbiya sa akon, utda ini! Maayo pa nga magsulod ka sa langit nga wala na ang isa mo ka kamot sang sa duha ang imo kamot kag itagbong ka sa impiyerno sa kalayo nga wala nagakapalong.

Didto ‘ang ila ulod wala nagakapatay kag ang kalayo wala nagakapalong.’

Kag kon ang isa mo ka tiil manginkabangdanan sang imo pagbiya sa akon, utda ini! Maayo pa nga magsulod ka sa langit nga isa lang ang imo tiil sang sa duha ang imo tiil kag itagbong ka sa impiyerno.

Didto ‘ang ila ulod wala nagakapatay kag ang kalayo wala nagakapalong.’

Kag kon ang imo mata manginkabangdanan sang imo pagbiya sa akon, lukata ini! Maayo pa nga magsulod ka sa Ginharian sang Dios nga isa lang ang imo mata sang sa duha ang imo mata kag itagbong ka sa impiyerno.

Didto ‘ang ila ulod wala nagakapatay kag ang kalayo wala nagakapalong.’

“Kay ang tanan pagaasinan paagi sa kalayo.

Ang asin maayo, pero kon madula ang iya kaarat paano ini mapaasin liwat? Asini ang inyo kaugalingon, kag magpakighidait kamo sa isa kag isa.”

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, fill me with the fragrance of your love and truth that I may radiate the joy and peace of the gospel wherever I go and with whomever I meet."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

Who in their right mind would want to lose their reward and then be deprived of joy in the end? We have been given the greatest of rewards – God himself who is perfect love and source of abundant life and unending happiness. Paul the Apostle tells us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). God's love purifies our hearts and compels us to express kindness and charity towards our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God. We were created in love for love. The charity we show to our neighbors in their need expresses the gratitude we have for the abundant goodness and kindness of God towards us. 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.

Gregory of Nyssa (330-395 AD), an early church father wrote: “God never asks his servants to do what is impossible. The love and goodness of his Godhead is revealed as richly available. It is poured out like water upon all. God furnishes to each person according to his will the ability to do something good. None of those seeking to be saved will be lacking in this ability, given by the one who said: ‘whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward.’” Do you allow the love of Christ to transform your heart that you may treat your neighbor with kindness and mercy? 

Avoiding evil and the near occasion of sin

Was Jesus’ exaggerating when he urged his followers to use drastic measures to avoid evil and its harmful consequences (Mark 9:42-47? Jesus set before his disciples the one supreme goal in life that is worth any sacrifice, and that goal is God himself and his will for our lives which leads to everlasting peace and happiness. Just as a doctor might remove a limb or some part of the body in order to preserve the life of the whole body, so we must be ready to part with anything that causes us to sin and which leads to spiritual death. Jesus warns his disciples of the terrible responsibility that they must set no stumbling block in the way of another, that is, not give offense or bad example that might lead another to sin. The Greek word for temptation (scandalon) is exactly the same as the English word scandal. The original meaning of scandal is a trap or a stumbling block which causes one to trip and fall. The Jews held that it was an unforgivable sin to teach another to sin. If we teach another to sin, he or she in turn may teach still another, until a train of sin is set in motion with no foreseeable end. The young in faith are especially vulnerable to the bad example of those who should be passing on the faith. Do you set a good example for others to follow, especially the young?

Salt and fire

What does Jesus mean when he says "have salt in yourselves" (Mark 9:50)? Salt served a very useful purpose in hot climates before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave food flavor, it also preserved meat from spoiling. Salt was used as a symbol of fellowship and the sharing of a common meal with one's friends. The near-Eastern expression to betray the salt meant to betray one's Lord or Master or one's friends. Leonardo da Vinci in his painting of the Last Supper depicts Judas in the act of tipping over the salt shaker, thus symbolically indentifying himself as the betrayer of his Master the Lord Jesus.

Jesus used the image of salt to describe how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt purifies, preserves, and produces rich flavor for food, so the disciple of Christ must be salt in the world of human society to purify, preserve, and bring the flavor of God's kingdom of righteousness, peace, joy, and mercy. What did Jesus mean by the expression "salted with fire" and "salt becoming saltless"? Salt in the ancient world was often put in ovens to intensify the heat. When the salt was burned off and no longer useful it was thrown out on the foot path where it would easily get trodden upon (Matthew 5:13). Perhaps Jesus wanted to contrast useful salt and salt which lost its ability to prevent corruption to encourage his disciples to bring the rich flavor of Christ's love, holiness, and righteousness to a world dominated by greed, selfish ambition, and neglect for the weak, poor, and defenseless.

Paul the Apostle reminds us that we are called to be "the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ). The Lord Jesus wants the fragrance of his love and righteousness to permeate our lives, thoughts, speach, and actions. Do you allow the fragrance of Christ's love and truth to permeate your relationships and circle of influence, especially among your family, friends, and neighbors?

"Ang nagabuhat sang luyag sang Dios amo ang akon utod nga lalaki kag utod nga babayi"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 3:31-35)

Martes (Enero 28)

Dayon ang iloy kag ang mga utod nga lalaki ni Jesus nag-abot. Nagtindog lang sila sa gwa sang balay kag nagpahibalo nga gusto sila magpakigkita kay Jesus.

May madamo nga mga tawo nga nagalingkod sa palibot ni Jesus, kag nagsiling sila sa iya, "Hoy, ang iloy mo kag ang imo mga utod yara sa gwa, kag gusto sila magpakigkita sa imo."

Nagsabat si Jesus, "Sin-o bala ang akon mga utod?"

Gintulok niya ang mga tawo nga nagalingkod sa palibot niya, kag nagsiling, "Tan-awa ninyo, yari ang akon iloy kag mga utod!

Kay ang nagabuhat sang luyag sang Dios, amo ang akon utod nga lalaki, ang akon utod nga babayi, kag ang akon iloy."

Prayers:

"Heavenly Father, you are the source of all true friendship and love. In all my relationships, may your love be my constant guide for choosing what is good and for rejecting what is contrary to your will."

***

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 did Jesus, on this occasion, seem to ignore his own relatives when they pressed to see him? His love and respect for his mother and his relatives was 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. We may choose to separate ourselves from him, but nothing will make him ignore us, leave us, or treat us unkindly. He will pursue us, love us, and call us to return to him no matter what might stand in the way. 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.

"Ang tanan nila nga mga sala sarang mapatawad luwas lang..."

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

Lunes (Enero 27)

May mga manunudlo sang Kasugoan nga nag-abot gikan sa Jerusalem nga nagsiling, "Yara sa iya si Belzeebul!" Ang iban nagsiling, "Ang pangulo sang mga demonyo amo ang naghatag sa iya sing gahom sa pagtabog sa ila."

Gani gintawag ni Jesus ang mga tawo sa pagpalapit sa iya kag naghambal sia sa ila sing pila ka mga palaanggiran, "Ano bala ang pagtabog ni Satanas kay Satanas?

Kon ang isa ka pungsod magbinahinbahinay kag mag-ilinaway, ina nga pungsod magabuloblag. 

Kon ang isa ka panimalay magbinahinbahinay kag mag-ilinaway, ina nga panimalay magabuloblag.

Gani, kon ang ginharian ni Satanas mag-ilinaway; magbinahinbahinay, ina nga ginharian indi magdugay, kundi magabuloblag, kag amo ini ang iya katapusan.

"Wala sing bisan sin-o nga makasulod sa balay sang isa ka tawo nga makusog sa pagkuha sang iya pagkabutang, luas kon iya anay gapuson ang tawo nga makusog. Kon mahimo na niya ini sarang na sia makapanguha sa amo nga balay.

"Dumdoma ninyo ini! Ang mga tawo sarang mapatawad sang tanan nila nga mga sala kag sang tanan nga mga malain nga ila ginhambal, pero ang tawo nga nagahambal sing malain batok sa Espiritu Santo, indi gid mapatawad, kay sia nakahimo sing sala nga wala sing katapusan."

(Ginhambal ini ni Jesus, kay may iban nga nagsiling, "May malaut nga espiritu sa iya.") 

Prayers:

"Lord Jesus, you are my hope and salvation. Be the ruler of my heart and the master of my home. May there be nothing in my life that is not under your lordship."

***

Reflection of the Daily Gospel:

When danger lurks what kind of protection do you seek? Jesus came to free us from the greatest danger of all – the corrupting force of evil which destroys us from within and makes us slaves to sin and Satan (John 8:34). Evil is not an impersonal force that just happens. It has a name and a face and it seeks to master every heart and soul on the face of the earth (1 Peter 5:8-9). Scripture identifies the Evil One by many names, 'Satan', 'Be-el'zebul – the prince of demons', the 'Devil', the 'Deceiver', the 'Father of Lies', and 'Lucifier', the fallen angel who broke rank with God and established his own army and kingdom in opposition to God. Jesus declared that he came to overthrow the power of Satan and his kingdom (John 12:31). Jesus' numerous exorcisms brought freedom to many who were troubled and oppressed by the work of evil spirits. Jesus himself encountered personal opposition and battle with Satan when he was put to the test in the wilderness just before his public ministry (Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1). He overcame the Evil One through his obedience to the will of his Father.

Some of the Jewish leaders reacted vehemently to Jesus' healings and exorcisms and they opposed him with malicious slander. How could Jesus get the power and authority to release individuals from Satan's influence and control? They assumed that he had to be in league with Satan. They attributed his power to Satan rather than to God. Jesus asserts that no kingdom divided against itself can survive for long. We have witnessed enough civil wars in our own time to prove the destructive force at work here for the annihilation of whole peoples and their land. If Satan lends his power against his own forces then he is finished. Cyril of Alexandria, a 5th century church father explains the force of Jesus' argument:

Kingdoms are established by the fidelity of subjects and the obedience of those under the royal scepter. Houses are established when those who belong to them in no way whatsoever thwart one another but, on the contrary, agree in will and deed. I suppose it would establish the kingdom too of Beelzebub, had he determined to abstain from everything contrary to himself. How then does Satan cast out Satan? It follows then that devils do not depart from people on their own accord but retire unwillingly. “Satan,” he says, “does not fight with himself.” He does not rebuke his own servants. He does not permit himself to injure his own armorbearers. On the contrary, he helps his kingdom. “It remains for you to understand that I crush Satan by divine power.” [Commentary on Luke, Homily 80]

Jesus asserted his authority to cast out demons as a clear demonstration of the reign of God. God's power is clearly at work in the exorcisms which Jesus performed and they give evidence that God's kingdom has come.

What kind of spiritual danger or harm should we avoid at all costs? Jesus used the illustration of a strong man whose house and possessions were kept secure. How could such a person be overtaken and robbed of his goods except by someone who is stronger than himself? Satan, who is our foe and the arch-enemy of God, is stronger than us. Unless we are clothed in God's strength, we cannot withstand Satan with our own human strength. What does Satan wish to take from us – our faith and confidence in God and our readiness to follow God's commandments. Satan is a rebel and a liar. Satan can only have power or dominion over us if we listen to his lies and succumb to his will which is contrary to the will of God. Jesus makes it clear that there are no neutral parties in this world. We are either for Jesus or against him, for the kingdom of God or against it. There are ultimately only two kingdoms in opposition to one another – the kingdom of God's light and truth and the kingdom of darkness and deception under the rule of Satan. If we disobey God's word, we open the door to the power of sin and Satan's influence in our lives. If we want to live in true freedom from the power of sin and Satan, then our "house" – our mind and heart and whatever we allow to control our appetites and desires – must be occupied and ruled by Jesus Christ where he is enthroned as Lord and Savior. Do you know the peace and security of a life submitted to God and to his Word?

What is the unforgivable sin which Jesus warns us to avoid? Jesus knows that his disciples will be tested and he assures them that the Holy Spirit will give them whatever grace and help they need in their time of adversity. He warns them, however, that it's possible to spurn the grace of God and to fall into apostasy (giving up the faith) out of cowardice or disbelief. Why is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit reprehensible? Blasphemy consists in uttering against God, inwardly or outwardly, words of hatred, reproach, or defiance. It's contrary to the respect due God and his holy name. Jesus speaks of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin. Jesus spoke about this sin immediately after the scribes and Pharisees had attributed his miracles to the work of the devil instead of to God. A sin can only be unforgivable if repentance is impossible. If people repeatedly closes their eyes to God, shuts their ears to his voice, and reject his word, they bring themselves to a point where they can no longer recognize God when he can be seen and heard. They become spiritually blind-sighted and speak of "evil as good and good as evil" (Isaiah 5:20).

To fear such a state of sin and spiritual blindness, however, signals that one is not dead to God and is conscious of the need for God's grace, mercy, and help. There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who refuses to acknowledge and confess their sins and to ask God for forgiveness, spurns God's generous offer of mercy, pardon, grace, and healing. Through their own stubborn pride and wilfullness, they reject God, refuse his grace and help to turn away from sin, and reject the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to heal and restore them to wholeness. God always gives sufficient grace and help to all who humbly call upon him. Giving up on God and refusing to turn away from sin and disbelief results from pride and the loss of hope in God.

What is the basis of our hope and confidence in God? Through Jesus' death on the cross and his victory over the grave when he rose again on the third day, Satan has been defeated and death has been overcome. We now share in Christ's victory over sin and Satan and receive adoption as God's sons and daughters. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord enables us to live a new life of love and freedom from slavery to sin. The Lord Jesus is our refuge and strength because he makes his home with us (John 15:4) and gives us the power and help of the Holy Spirit. Do you take refuge in the Lord and allow him to be the Ruler of your life?