May Dalang Mabuting Balita

    

Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pagpapahayag ng Magandang Balita tungkol sa Panginoon

08 Abril 2024

 

Unang Pagbasa: Is 7:10-14; 8:10

Salmong Tugunan: 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11

Ikalawang Pagbasa: Heb 10:4-10

Mabuting Balita: Lk 1:26-38

 

Repleksyon

Ni: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

 

Nasa simbahan ako noon at nakikipag-usap sa  isang pari tungkol sa aking Bokasyon. “Father nag-exam po ako sa seminaryo. Pero di po ako sigurado.” “Anak kung di ka pa sigurado, tapusin mo muna ang pag-aaral mo. Third year ka na at ilang taon na lamang ay ga-graduate ka na.” “Opo nga po.” Isa ding pari ang aking nakausap at ganoon din ang sinabi. “Kung sa akin, mas maganda tapusin mo muna ang pag-aaral mo. Tapos magtrabaho ka ng isang taon. Para masubukan mo muna ang labas bago ka pumasok ng seminaryo. Pero kung ano ang tingin mong pagtawag sa iyo, ipagdasal natin.” Nagpapraktis ako noon ng nga sakristan sa simbahan nang may biglang tumawag sa akin. “Hello Emerson, si Father Randy ito. Nakapasa ka sa Seminaryo.” “Ay talaga po. Salamat po” 'yun na lamang ang tanging nasambit ko. Wala na akong ibang nasabi. Nang walang katiyakan, tinanggap ko ang pagpasok sa seminaryo. 

Sa araw na ito, ipinagdiriwang natin ang pagbabalita ni San Gabriel Arkanghel sa Mahal na Birheng Maria ang Misteryo ng Pagkakatawang-tao ng Panginoong Hesukristo. Sa ebanghelyong ating napakinggan, ang Anghel Gabriel ay nagdala ng Mabuting Balita kay Maria. Si Maria ay maglilihi lalang ng Espiritu Santo. Wala siyang katiyakan sa nagaganap. Nagugulumihanan kung ano ang mga nangyayari. Ngunit sa kabila nito, nang malaman ni Maria na mula sa Diyos ang pagbabalitang ito ng Anghel Gabriel, tinanggap pa rin ni niya ang Mabuting Balita, si Hesus na isisilang mula sa kanyang sinapupunan.

Sa ating buhay, may mga iba't ibang balita tayong natatanggap. May masamang balita at mabuting balita. Malungkot kung masamang balita ang ating natatanggap. At iba naman ang saya kapag mabuting balita ang ating natatanggap. Gayundin, iba din naman kung sumasang-ayon sa atin o hindi ang isang balita. Katulad na lamang ng mga pansarili nating mga plano na hindi sumasang-ayon sa atin.

Sa kabila nito, isa lang ang pinakatiyak na Mabuting Balita. Walang iba kundi si Hesus. Si Hesus na buong pusong tinanggap ni Maria at upang kanyang ipagdalang-tao. Sinunod ni Maria ang plano ng Diyos. Isang Mabuting Balita na buong pusong tinanggap nang walang pag-aalinlangan. "Ako'y alipin ng Panginoon, maganap nawa sa akin ayon sa wika mo."

Kaya naman tanggapin din natin ang Mabuting Balita. Si Hesus, na patuloy na sumasama, dumadamay, at nagmamahal sa atin. Amen.

Panalangin

Ama naming makapangyarihan, sa pamamagitan ng Anghel Gabriel ay natanggap ni Maria ang Mabuting Balita, si Hesus na Iyong anak at aming Panginoon. Tulungan Mo kaming tanggapin din ang Mabuting Balita na Iyong kaloob sa amin, at maging tagapagbahagi din nito sa iba. Sa ikararangal mo, sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo, kasama ng Espiritu Santo, magpasawalang hanggan. Amen.

Peace Be With You

Third Sunday of Easter

18 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 3:13-15, 17-19

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9

Second Reading:  1 JN 2:1-5a

Gospel:  LK 24:35-48

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"Why are you troubled?"

 

God knows what we really need this time of Easter. It's amazing how words in the scriptures capture our attention. Even the disciples were still frightened themselves. Imagine losing their Lord and Teacher to death. They could not grasped why it had to happen. They did not yet understand that Jesus has to suffer, die, and will rise again. And in the midst of their anxiety, confusion, and doubts, God greets them. He also greets us "Peace be with you." I often feel like God really knows just what I need to hear and when. I don't know about you, but I'm yearning for more peace during this Easter season.

In this season of CoVid-19 pandemic (sorry if I have been reflecting on the pandemic again) especially here in the Philippines where positive cases continue to rise, our hospitals are filled to the capacity, our health workers are just so exhausted, we just need the greetings of God "Peace be with you." We really can't help but be afraid especially we see people already close to us getting afflicted and suffering from CoVid-19. This is for real.

Today, we really do not understand why it is happening. But just like Jesus who said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled."  Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And He said to them, "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead  on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness  of sins, would be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

 

Our mission continues to share the good news of Christ no matter where we are, what we are experiencing right now. We must continue to spread the good news of God's love. That He is present in our suffering because He suffered Himself.

Let me share the lyrics of this beautiful song because there are also words from the Lord that He will be ever with us.

I Am Ever With You

Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ

Do not let your hearts be troubled

Do not stay afraid

It is really I whom you see

I offer you now my peace

I have waited for this moment

To be with you again

In my heart you'll remain

In your heart I'll stay

I am with you, till the end of your days

I am in you, have faith

That I hold you

Even when you let go

And I love you,

You must know. I am here. I am ever with you.

 

Do not let your hearts be troubled

Do not stay afraid

I'm beyond all anguish all death

I'm risen to life anew.

 

When you feel that you've been emptied

And can give no more

Know that I am your breath and I fill your soul.

I am with you, till the end of your days

I am in you, have faith

That I hold you

Even when you let go

And I love you.

You must know I am here. I am ever with you.

 

Prayer

 

Dear Jesus, many people are suffering, confused, afraid, worried, anxious right now,. Where are You Lord? Lord, we know that You are here with us in our suffering and pain. Please continue to strengthen us. Give us the grace of complete trust and confidence in You. Increase our hope that one day, all shall be well. All these I pray in the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

 

Jesus, The Great Healer and Evangelizer!

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

07 February 2021 

 

First Reading:  JB 7:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading:  1 COR 9:16-19, 22-23

Gospel:  MK 1:2939

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

Three accounts, one divine reality. The Jesus that we see today is He who brings miraculous healing.

Jesus has been called many things: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), but one that greatly tantalizes people unto Him at a pace so instant is His being the "Great Healer." As a child, I remember how my mother would tuck me into bed. On nights she would feel a fever running up my body, as she places her hand on my forehead to see how high the fever likely is, she would remind me, "Jesus is the Greatest Physician."

 

There are only few things that can uplift the human condition so significantly--so instantly than miraculous healing. This is why it is understandable how for some people, as far-off from the faith they may have appeared before, we hear stories of radical conversion. As incredible as the healing is, the amazement towards God, which can bring about the radical conversion, can also be.

Jesus needed only little to make healing happen. In the Gospel we read, it was only the hand of Simon's mother. As He helped her up, the fever left her. In Matthew 9:20-22, twelve years of bleeding made no impediment of God's ability to heal. It was only hem if His garment the woman in distress needed touching--only so slightly--and twelve years of bleeding--now gone! In John 5, there was a man gazing upon the pool of Bethesda. He was regretful upon thinking how for many years, he could never manage to go into the pool for many who were much more able-bodied than he was  would go first. And then came Jesus' healing words: "Get up, pick up your mat, and go."

 

In these instances of healing, it is common to hear Jesus saying something along the lines of: "Go, your faith has healed you;"  but truth be told. Even our ability to believe can falter. Differing experiences every day could bring us to felicitous speaks, but to also disheartening troughs. Would God be any less able to heal us if we fall short on faith? I, for one, believe that God can heal independently of our faith. He precedes us; it is His breath that willed us into existence. His abilities surpass our abilities, and more so, our shortcomings. I believe that God can work well beyond our ability or inability to believe, for past our ability to believe is His innately unconquerable love. So why does God say that it is the woman's faith that healed her? Why do we believe that it is our faith that heals? It may be that while God is ever able to heal us with less regard to where we are in life, strong in faith or not, bearing in mind that it is well in God's ability to implant in us the faith we need, the faith that we muster ourselves can serve as the "door" that signals our assent to the Lord. In other words, our faith can either accept or reject God's healing, as willing as He is--ever!--to administer it.

The reality of faith is beyond me. While I may not fully understand what the relationship is between our faith and God's miraculous healing, it is my hope that God would help us cultivate strong faith, nonetheless. For if God said we can move mountains even with faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20), who knows that astounding realities our faith can make happen if God breathes his miracles into it?

After doing great feats of healing, it is admirable how Jesus took to prayer. Such was His relationship with the Father that Jesus culminated His healings with His communication with the Father. Along with Jesus healing many from their predicaments, He delivered the Good News. Jesus met healing and evangelization together--both parts of His ministry--faith and works intertwined! Commendable in healing ability, also in fulfilling responsibility. This is the Jesus we love and serve.

 

Prayer

 

Jesus, help us cultivate strong faith, so we can enable Your healing to happen in us and others. May this healing bring us closer to You. In our testimonies, may the healing experience bring others closer to You.

 

Please help us also make good with our responsibilities as You did. Please help us in our undertakings and may we never fail to fulfill our responsibility to spread Your Good Word.

In Your most Holy Name, Jesus, Amen.

 

 

What News?

First Reading: Acts 4:32-35

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favour was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-6

Beloved:

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him. In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith. Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth.

Gospel: John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them.Jesus came, although the doors were locked,  and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Reflection
By Bernard Borja

Did you ever have times in your life when you received very good news and you want everybody to know about it immediately especially your loved ones?

I remember the time when I have successfully got my first job. After the final interview, the moment when the HR manager said the magic words “You’re hired!” my heart leapt and I was so excited to tell my friends and my family about it. I sent messages to my friends and they congratulated me shortly after. I went straight home to tell my parents about it. When I saw my mom, I smiled and she asked “How was it?” then I said one of the most sweetest sounding words to her ears she longed to hear that time, “I got the job!” I saw in her eyes the same excitement I had when I heard the magic words of the manager. She was even teary eyed as she said “Thanks be to God!” It was like she was praying for it for a long time and after six months of waiting and nagging me to find a job, it has finally paid off.

It was really a very happy and peaceful feeling when you see someone you told about good news, excited and heart leaping. It is like a complete celebration because it is shared especially with someone you love. But what if the reaction is somewhat different?

I have a friend back in high school who was an average when it comes to studies. He does not fail his subjects nor got high marks. Before graduating, we applied for the most famous universities for our college degrees. We were also together when we personally checked the list of qualified applicants in one of the most prestigious universities. My name was not there, but his name was. I was a little insecure but I was happy for him because he passed the qualifying exams. He was very excited to tell his parents as he called them through phone. He was smiling as he talks on the phone to his parents. His smile slowly fades moments before he hung up. I asked him what happened. Then he said, “Wag ko daw sila lolokohin. Alam naman nila na hindi ko kaya yun. Siguro daw nangopya o nagkodigo ako kung totoo man na pumasa ako.”

Ouch! I was very sad hearing that but how much more my friend?

I wonder what the disciples felt that time when they told the others, especially Thomas, about Jesus raised to life. More than that, how did Jesus feel about it? The disciples were so excited and were enthusiastically telling everyone that Jesus is alive. But here comes Thomas, with a lot of negativity in mind, telling them that it might be a mistake.

When we hear positive news from our friends, how do we react? Sometimes we connect their news to who they were or what their stories are. Just like in last week’s Gospel, are we focusing on the dead or defeated Christ? Should we focus on the resurrected and victorious Christ instead?

Jesus wants to give us happiness through the good news of His victory. This same good news is what He used when He finally revealed Himself to the disciples. And this brings us peace in our hearts similar to receiving good news that we are longing to hear.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing Your message of peace unto us. May we be more open to receive Your good news and that we may enthusiastically share it with one another. May we bring the same peace to others who have doubts in their hearts, that they may open their eyes to see Jesus standing right before them. All this we pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Be the Good News

First Reading: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “If someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch which appears to be the sore of leprosy, he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest, or to one of the priests among his descendants. If the man is leprous and unclean, the priest shall declare him unclean by reason of the sore on his head.

“The one who bears the sore of leprosy shall keep his garments rent and his head bare, and shall muffle his beard; he shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean, since he is in fact unclean. He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.”

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 32:1-2, 5, 11

Second Reading :  1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1

Brothers and sisters,

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or  the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Gospel:  Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him,  “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning the him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest  and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Reflection

By Grace B. Madriñan

When you are overwhelmed with so much happiness, you will really find it hard to contain it. You will shout it out to the whole world. And I am just talking about normal happiness.  What if it is the Holy Spirit that it is in you? All the more that you will leap for joy, bounce up and down until you spread the contagious fire!

This is how it felt when I attended the Holy Mass in Luneta, one with the people, rich and poor, through dry and wet grounds. Joy overflows as Pope Francis, the Vicar of Christ, entered in our presence. People hang on to every word he said like torched land waiting for a drop of rain. After the event, no heart is left untouched. And every person has a story of hope to tell.

This is why I cannot blame the leper in today’s Gospel if he was unable to contain his joy despite being warned sternly by Jesus not to tell anyone. He may have been overwhelmed by the gift of salvation he received that he wanted to give credit to his Redeemer or he wanted others to experience the same gift he received.

But I believe we must not dwell on the bliss of the moment. The real challenge now is how to use this new found faith and hope to action. We must not stop at just being the bearer of Good News, we must also be the Good News.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the insurmountable blessings which serve as reminders of Your immense love for us. May we use every opportunity to use these gifts to serve others. Amen.

Preach In Any Way You Can

“ Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.”

First Reading: Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Is not man's life on earth a drudgery? Are not his days those of a hireling? He is a slave who longs for the shade, a hireling who waits for his wages. So I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been told off for me. If in bed I say, "When shall I arise?" then the night drags on; I am filled with restlessness until the dawn. My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle; they come to an end without hope. Remember that my life is like the wind; I shall not see happiness again.

Resp. Psalm: Psalms 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: 1^st Cor. 9:16-19, 22-23

If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue He entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come." So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Reflection

By Benj Santiago

“Brothers and sisters: If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it….” (1Cor 9:16)

“He told them, ““let us go on nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”” (Mk 1:38)

I’ve been with preachers who use the pulpit and the multimedia to preach the gospel to many people. Some people I’ve met in the community I was in preach the gospel by their examples, and by how they put their time, treasures, and talent to spread the good news. Some uses both, and one of them is my father-in-law who is an incessant preacher. He takes all opportunity to preach the gospel. He can rattle off verses in the bible like an automatic glossary. He has spent his retirement years reaching out to people through his ministry and went to spreading the gospel on TV.

He lives what he preaches. He does not boast about it, and he does not get paid doing it. In fact he has spent his own retirement money to spread the gospel. He has taken it as an obligation imposed on him and is following the same example and purpose that Christ has come.

He inspires me to do the same as I am called for the same purpose, to spread the gospel of the Lord. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the inspiration, and the wisdom to see a clear purpose in our existence. We ask You to pour down on us Your spirit of zeal that we maybe like Jesus to others in preaching and living Your gospel. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ!. Amen.

Action

This day, do something to spread the gospel of the Lord by reading the gospel reading for the day and picking up one verse that struck you, then write up your reflection. You can either post it in your FB page or get together with friends and share to them your reflection. Or simply live out the message you receive from your reflections.

Pray also for your priests and preachers. Pray that they may continue to have a healthy and upright life worthy to spread the gospel of the Lord.

 

We are Disciples

Ascension of the Lord
5 June 2011

Alleluia! Come, let us worship Christ the Lord as he ascends into heaven. Alleluia!


First reading Acts 1:1-11 3
In my earlier work, Theophilus, I dealt with everything Jesus had done and taught from the beginning until the day he gave his instructions to the apostles he had chosen through the Holy Spirit, and was taken up to heaven. He had shown himself alive to them after his Passion by many demonstrations: for forty days he had continued to appear to them and tell them about the kingdom of God. When he had been at table with them, he had told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for what the Father had promised. ‘It is’ he had said ‘what you have heard me speak about: John baptised with water but you, not many days from now, will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’
Now having met together, they asked him, ‘Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth.’
As he said this he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight. They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, ‘Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.’

Psalm or canticle: Psalm 46:2-3,6-9

Second reading Ephesians 1:17-23
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him. May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers. This you can tell from the strength of his power at work in Christ, when he used it to raise him from the dead and to make him sit at his right hand, in heaven, far above every Sovereignty, Authority, Power, or Domination, or any other name that can be named not only in this age but also in the age to come. He has put all things under his feet and made him, as the ruler of everything, the head of the Church; which is his body, the fullness of him who fills the whole creation.

Gospel Matthew 28:16-20
The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

Reflection
By Benj Santiago

“Jesus Commissions His Disciples”…

The happiest moments during our family reunions are when we start to gather and our siblings arrive. The saddest part on the other hand, is when we bid our farewell. I suppose it is what was in the hearts of the disciples as Jesus prepares to ascend to heaven. And what eases the pain of the separation is the hope to meet again. In fact, not only did they felt sadness, some of them even doubted… “When they saw Him, they worshiped, but they doubted.” (Mt 28:17). And then, He reassured them by approaching them and commissioning them to make disciples of all nations and not just the Jews. Thus, I believe that we are also commissioned to proclaim the Good News to the world. We are in fact “commanded” if we consider ourselves disciples of Jesus. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching then to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19-20). And what makes it exciting to accomplish this, is His promise that He will be with us always, until the end of ages! What a wonderful assurance!

Heavenly Father, remove all our doubts, fears, and sadness. Make us Your effective and unwavering disciples following all what You have commanded us to do which is to bless the people whom we meet in our daily lives, and making them disciples as well to spread the good news to the whole world. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Go out and be a disciple to others!