Partial Following

    

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

15 September 2024

 

First Reading: Is 50:5-9a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Second Reading: Jas 2:14-18

Gospel: Mk 8:27-35

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

Most of us today are familiar with following people and being followed by people in social media. We may know few or plenty of things about a person through what they post or share online. Getting to know people and being updated with them is not that hard today even if we have not met personally. We have our own reasons why we follow people on social media. Those people who have similar values and principles to us may be one of those reasons why we want to be updated about them. This following can go on until a post or something that the person says is not anymore aligned with the follower’s values and principles. For instance, we have seen many people unfollow celebrities who posted or commented about a certain issue which is against what their followers believe or stand for. In the past years, I have seen people unfollow their friends in social media because of issues such as politics and different views about justice. Someone I know was confronted by her longtime friend because of sharing a post by a human rights activist about the ceasefire against Israel’s attack on Gaza. Her friend says that she is siding with the terrorist when she shared that post. They unfollowed each other before even trying to understand and delve deeper into their points. Sometimes, differing points of view and principles can sever a relationship more than being wronged. However, what people share on social media becomes their full self and the basis for judgement. If we ask ourselves, “Who do people say that I am?”, answers can vary depending on what we post and share online, not even considering what we do offline.

If we ask our friends, “Who do you say I am?”, what will they say? I believe they will say a lot about us from a deeper perspective. When Jesus asked the disciples, Peter replied “You are the Christ.” His reply was like he knew Jesus from a deeper perspective. But things go differently when Jesus spoke about how He must suffer greatly. If I were to hear it first, like Peter, I would also react the same way. But in this way, I would only be looking at Jesus as the savior without seeing one of the most important journeys of salvation. We can ask ourselves again, “Who do I say Jesus is?” Do I think of Jesus at all, in trouble times or in joy? Because it greatly matters about the way we direct our lives through Him, the way we worship Him, and the way we live.

Peter did not realize at that time that suffering is part of the divine plan of salvation. Today, we can easily say that suffering is part of human condition but not see it through the eyes of Jesus. There is a difference between suffering and sacrifice. Through Him, suffering has a purpose, which becomes a sacrifice. A mother who suffers physical exhaustion to give her child a better sleep is a sacrifice. A father who endures the time being away from his family to work is a sacrifice. Sacrifice will always be a self-giving act, an act of love, no matter how big or small that deed is. To give a friend a chance to talk about his or her belief and be open to understand his or her principles, is an act of self-giving. I believe that sacrifice is also a “denial of self” which can be achieved only in terms of self-giving and in terms of love.

In everything that we do and decide, we can also ask ourselves, “Where is the following of Christ in this?” Our choices in life and the way we live somehow determines if we follow Christ as our whole self, or just a partial following. We can never separate our views or opinion about justice from the justice that Jesus stands for. Like when someone says that their political views are separate from their religious views. It’s like saying “I am following Christ, but I am letting Him take my cross.” Today, we pray to God to grant us the grace to allow ourselves to be whole in reaching out to Jesus, with all the inconveniences and even pain, for us to be reminded not to look away from the inconvenient part of the divine plan of salvation.

Prayer

Dearest Lord, teach us to look at our lives through Jesus. May we transform our suffering by giving it purpose and do it as a selfless act of love. We pray for the people around us that we may share the sufferings in terms of self-giving and love for each other. In Jesus' Name we pray, AMEN.

The Enlarged Heart

    

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

04 February 2024

 

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 1:29-39

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

Last year, my annual physical examination x-ray result showed I have an enlarged heart. I was disturbed, I kept on thinking what went wrong, wishing that it was just a machine error.

To confirm the findings, the cardiologist advised me to have a treadmill test, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and holter monitorings, and 2D echo test. The earliest schedule for the abovementioned tests is a month and a half later after my doctor's consultation, to which I dared to avail.

Day after day while waiting for my tests schedule, I was anxious about the possibilities. What if the tests confirm the diagnosis? I am too young at 33 years old to have a heart problem. Apart from that, I just recently recovered from bell's palsy, and now, another health issue is knocking on the door. Oh Lord, if this is what you call favoritism, please don't make me an apple of your eye.

Like Job in the First Reading, I was restless, I was looking for answers in prayer. Until one night, while contemplating, God made me realized to again surrender myself to Him, the same way I entrusted my bell's palsy healing journey in 2022. And if this heart condition when confirmed, will be a way to unify myself to Jesus' suffering on the Cross to save me, to save us, then I will gladly suffer as my simple share for the reparation of sins.

From that night on as I surrendered my life and future to the Lord, waiting for the schedule of my heart tests and results became bearable. Of course, I still have fear but I know Jesus will never abandon me. I also learned to counter my negative thoughts with the affirmation that maybe God is enlarging my heart to be able to accept His love and be capable of loving others more. A smaller heart cannot contain the overwhelming love of God for me so I needed a bigger one.

The day has come and I have undergone the required medical tests. Thanks be to God, the results are normal! I do not have an enlarged heart. God touched my heart and I rediscovered Him.

We all have our own life's challenges and sufferings that made us lament to God day and night, similar with the experiences of Job and those sick and possessed by demons in today's Gospel. But may these life's challenges and struggles lead us closer to God, the source of healing and all blessings. May we also learn to thank God for our sufferings as we rediscover our faith and trust in Him especially during the lowest points of our lives.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the blessing and suffering. Help us to always acknowledge Your presence may it be in good or in bad times. Make us also living testimonies of Your love and bearers of Your light. Amen.

Our Daily Cross

    

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

02 July 2023

 

First Reading: 2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19

Second Reading: Rom 6:3-4, 8-11

Gospel: Mt 10:37-42

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

All is grace. No matter how seemingly unclear, incomprehensible, and unacceptable our circumstances are, there is always grace in that experience. We find it difficult to see the goodness in our struggle so we can continue to move forward. Knowing that our suffering is a part of greater purpose gives us strength to endure and continue. At the end of each day, in the silence of ourselves, resting our tired bodies in bed, let's think of all the goodness we have received during the day. That genuine smile of a kid you passed by, the meal that you ate, the warm bed that soothes your body.

This Sunday readings call us to notice the goodness of the Lord and share this to others even if it pains us. That is we are to share in Jesus' sufferings so that we can also share in His glory. When we chose to journey with Jesus, sacrifices and sufferings are part of it too. Humans that we are, we complain, we surrender, we are bound to quit, but when we choose to carry out the mission, then we are given the power to transcend, so that God's love can flow through us. We are called to enter into the depth of life where we encounter His love and mercy in the ordinary flow of life. The way of this life is through sacrifice, self-denial, and carrying our daily cross. In doing this, we will receive our just reward of true peace, real happiness, and eternal life.

Recently, I got a promotion at work. I was so excited about the glory of it, especially in the power that comes with it, that I can now start things, make changes, and create a vision for the department. Days turned to weeks, now it's already two months of struggling to meet the minimum demands of my work, my excitemenf turns to desolation. At this point, I can freely give up the position and go back to my normal happy days if that will be part of my choices. But reading the Gospel in advance, allowing it to get through me, listening to myself and to God in prayer, I was given hope and consolation. I am choosing to focus on the good, on the greater purpose of what I am doing, on the things that became easier because of my sacrifices, and of the promise that I am not alone. Jesus is with me. Jesus is in me. That, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. May you continue to hold on to your cross and find the grace that comes with carrying it.

Prayer

Thank You Lord for all the graces and opportunities I have to serve others. May You continue to provide me with encounters to serve others in whatever ways I can. Give me the courage to always choose what is pleasing no matter the inconveniences that may come with it. Lead me to people who may be needing more of Your presence and guidance. Amen.

Blessedness in Nothingness

 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 February 2022

 

First Reading: JER 17:5-8

Responsorial Psalm: PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

Second Reading: 1 COR 15:12, 16-20

Gospel: LK 6:17, 20-26

 

Reflection

By: Sem. Carlo Alexis R. Malaluan

 

Blessed are you! The Gospel for today speaks of the Beatitudes. We often think of blessedness as moments when our cup overflows with bounty and goodness. For us, freedom from pain and suffering is the very definition of blessedness. One might say, "I am blessed with new car! I am blessed with a loving partner and beautiful children! I am blessed with a new house or a job promotion!" And the list goes on. All of these are in contrast with the life's difficulties.

But Jesus speaks of a different blessedness – of grace beyond human comprehension and understanding. The blessedness in nothingness. But how come one is called blessed when he experiences poverty, hunger, tears or persecution? Human suffering is a mystery which even words fail to give meaning. But Jesus didn't stop with the sad plight of human suffering but transcends and points out to a more important reality – our total dependence on God's mercy. The mystery of our humanity's meaninglessness and futility finds its fulfillment and significance in the mystery of God's providential love. It is God who gives the riches in our poverty, the joy in our sad and depressed moments, the satisfaction of the great hunger of our hearts, and the consolation when the world can no longer understand and accept us. For Jesus, this is what blessedness truly means – to be emptied from the world and filled with God's loving presence. For Jesus, blessedness is not a material gain but our total dependence of God.

One might say, "Oh! He is so blessed! He was hired to his dream job! Oh, she was so blessed! She won the lottery!" We might fall in the temptation of chasing worldly values yet losing our eyes on the real treasure – the kingdom of God. Without God, the riches, our happiness and praise of the world is but a vain and fading glory – tasteless and fruitless. Only when we have realized that it is God who bestows on us the blessings and graces in our lives, then we will see everything, no matter how big or small it might seem, as a moment of beatitude. What are these moments? When we are able to give something for others when we feel we are in the days of our nothingness – a friendly smile or a warm hug, we build the Kingdom of God. When we are able to be present for a grieving friend or a depressed stranger, we are able to satisfy the hunger for connections and healing. When we are able to cry and to find comfort those who are going through rough times, we become God's loving consolations in the lives of other people.

The Gospel provides a different portrait of the beatitudes – there is indeed blessedness in brokenness. We are blessed when we realize how God is at work in our lives. And blessedness is not stagnant nor dry – we are the first beneficiaries of God's blessings and we, in turn, transmit those graces in the lives of other people. And so the ripples of the beatitudes go on creating greater waves of beauty, life, and grace.

Prayer

Loving God, we praise and thank You for Your unfailing goodness. We are truly blessed even when we feel that life has been tough and our days have been dry for You have sustained us along the way. As we have come to the realization of the blessings in our lives, transform us to become "blessings" where we can bring Your love and grace in the lives of our brothers and sisters. Amen.

 

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Ika-27 ng Hunyo 2021

 

First Reading (Unang Pagbasa): WIS 1:13-15; 2:23-24

Responsorial Psalm (Salmong Tugunan): 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13

Second Reading (Ikalawang Pagbasa): 2 COR 8:7, 9, 13-15

Gospel (Mabuting Balita): MK 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

 

Repleksyon

Ni: Nats Vibiesca

 

Sa unang tingin ay parang napakalungkot ng kwento sa Ebanghelyo. Dinudumog ng napakaraming tao si Jesus na gustong humingi ng tulong sa Kanya. Karamihan ay mga taong nawawalan ng pag asa. Mga desperado sa buhay. Sila 'yung mga sumuko na sa kahahanap ng paraan para gumanda ang kabuhayan, silang mga sumubok na ng lahat ng paraan sa paghahanap ng lunas para gumaling sa karamdaman, mga taong naghahanap ng tapat na mamumuno sa kanila upang makamit ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng bayan, samu't sari ang kanilang desperasyon sa buhay kung kaya't nakikita nila si Jesus bilang potensiyal na tagapagligtas sa lahat ng kanilang kahirapan. Mukhang walang pinagkaiba ito sa ating panahon. Isa ka ba sa mga nakaranas na ng desperasyon sa buhay? 'Yung tipong ginagawa mo naman ang lahat, pero wala talagang masilip na pag asa? Kaya nga kay Jesus na lang tayo aasa dahil wala na tayong magawang paraan. Bagama't marami nga sa atin ang lumalapit kay Jesus, pero karamihan ay baka hindi buo ang pananampalataya; baka nakikisabay lang tayo sa agos, halimbawa'y kung may prusisyon, namamangha tayo sa tradisyon at kailangang makasama sa tropa, o kung mahal na araw ay may pabasa, may padasal at may pa-caridad, may penitensya o pagpasan ng krus habang nakayapak pa. Napakaganda at napakayaman ng mga tradisyong ito lalo pa't mahabang panahon na itong ginagawa at isinasalin sa bawat henerasyon bilang pag-alaala sa mga dinaanan ng ating Panginoong Jesus, ngunit kung ang pananampalataya natin ay nakasalalay lamang sa pagpapatianod sa agos at wala tayong personal na relasyon sa Diyos, hindi malayong masama tayo sa mga sinasabing panatiko ng relihiyon at hindi naman naiintindihan at naisasapuso ang mga ekspresyon ng pananampalataya.

Pero ang babae sa kuwento na may malalim na hugot sa buhay, mataimtim na lumapit kay Jesus at buong pananampalataya na kumilos sa gitna ng daluyong ng mga tao na mahipo lamang ang laylayan ng damit ni Jesus. Alam ni Jesus kung sino ang tapat na nananampalataya sa Kanya, akala natin ay hindi tayo napapansin ni Jesus dahil sa dami ng lumalapit sa Kanya, pero tulad ng babae, kahit laylayan lang pala ng damit ang mahawakan sa gitna ng mga taong dumudumog kay Jesus ay nararamdaman Niya ito. Kung minsan sikretong umiiyak na lang tayo sa bigat ng mga problema natin sa buhay, habang naliligo ay sinasabay natin sa agos ng tubig ang bawat patak ng luha ng pagdurusa natin; o kaya sa gabing ang lahat ay tahimik, nababasa ng luha ang unan hanggang sa makatulugan na natin ang lahat ng bumabagabag sa ating puso; hanggang sa umaabot pa sa kawalang-pag asa at iniisip natin na napaka-imposible na ang solusyon sa ating mga problema; pero ang sabi ni Jesus sa atin ay nakikita Niya ang lahat ng sikretong ito, nararamdaman Niya ang lahat ng ating paghihirap. Kung kaya't taimtim ang ating paglalambing sa Diyos, tapat ang atin pagtawag sa Diyos, hindi man natin alintana kung tayo ay mapapansin, naglaho man ang ating pag asa at sa ating pagkakaalam ay himala na lang ng langit ang kasagutan.

Ang diwa sa atin ngayon ng Ebanghelyo ay para bagang sinasabi sa atin ni Jesus "anak, hindi kita pababayaan, nararamdaman ko ang bawat pagdurusa mo, naririnig ko ang bawat hikbi ng iyong pinakamahinang iyak, papahiran ko ang bawat patak ng iyong luha, naubos man ang lahat ng paraang alam mo o pagtawanan ka man nila dahil sa iyong pananalig sa akin, narito ako, mapanatag ka dahil kasama mo na ako saan ka man magpunta".

Kung kasama natin ang Diyos dahil sa ating totoong pananampalataya, mukhang imposible man ang lahat, sa kabutihan ng Diyos, ang ninanais ng ating puso ay Kanyang ipagkakaloob sa takdang panahon.

Panalangin

 

Panginoong Jesus, nakikipagbuno kami sa kawalang pag asa sa buhay at nakikita Mo ang anumang pagsubok na dumarating sa amin, dalangin naming ipagkaloob Mo ang biyaya ng tapat na pananampalataya sa Iyo upang matupad ang hangarin Mo sa amin na laging mapanatag ang kalooban at tanggapin ang kapayapaan na galing sa Iyo. Amen.

 

 

The Culmination of Our Reaping

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 19 July 2020
First reading Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

For who will say, “What have you done?” or who will resist your judgment?
Who will accuse you for the destruction of nations that you made?
 Or who will come before you to plead as an advocate for the unrighteous?

For neither is there any god besides you, whose care is for all people, to whom you should prove that you have not judged unjustly; nor can any king or monarch confront you about those whom you have punished.

You are righteous and you rule all things righteously, deeming it alien to your power to condemn anyone who does not deserve to be punished.
For your strength is the source of righteousness, and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all.
For you show your strength when people doubt the completeness of your power, and you rebuke any insolence among those who know it.
 Although you are sovereign in strength, you judge with mildness, and with great forbearance you govern us; for you have power to act whenever you choose.
Through such works you have taught your people that the righteous must be kind, and you have filled your children with good hope, because you give repentance for sins.

Second reading                                                          Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 13:24-43

Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'”

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.” Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds ar the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

Reflection

By Jose Paulo Gonzales

The Gospel for today gives us three parables that describe the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God has been laid out in different stories to characterize it faithfully, but in our Catechism classes, we learn that the Kingdom of God is the reign of God.

Parables pertaining to the Kingdom of God typically present us with ranges of behavior, some we should veer away from, but one we should emulate. 

In the first parable in today’s Gospel, the wheat can be likened to the good, and the weeds, the evil. 

In the second parable, the good have been likened to a mustard seed which, while at first is unnoticeable, can grow up to be the most magnificent of trees—being of such great function with its size and sturdiness. 

The third parable likens the good to the leaven in the bread, which, although sporadic and separately spread at first, can still permeate the whole and transform the bread, making it rise.

Today’s Gospel gives us insightful takes on how we could be as children of God. As wheat, we are planted in the world with the weed. We have read in the Bible how we should not conform to the pattern of the world (Romans 12:2), but to be in it to spread the Word (Mark 16:15), to be the salt that does not lose its taste (Matthew 5:13), and the light that shines good deeds to others for the Father’s glory (Matthew 5:14-16), not only ours. We could start as small as the mustard seed, or as sporadic as the leaven in the bread, but if we grow, develop some more, and pursue, we could still deliver what God has called us to do.


While we are planted with the weed and grow with the weed, we may suffer for a while in doing good, but we should not tire of doing good, for in the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). While we have small achievements and blessings from the Lord to celebrate here on earth, the culmination of our reaping is at the appointed time of harvest—the end of days. 

Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving us Your parables so we could understand Your Kingdom better. As the wheat, please help us become quality harvest. As the mustard seed, please help us so that even if we start small, we still achieve the good You called us to do.

Please help us in our daily walk in life so we become more and more like Jesus, the perfect example of faith and good works.

May we radiate You forever even with our humble works, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Take up the Cross

24th Sunday In Ordinary Time
13 September 2015

First reading	Isaiah 50:5-9 ©

The Lord has opened my ear.

For my part, I made no resistance,

neither did I turn away.

I offered my back to those who struck me,

my cheeks to those who tore at my beard;

I did not cover my face

against insult and spittle.

The Lord comes to my help,

so that I am untouched by the insults.

So, too, I set my face like flint;

I know I shall not be shamed.

My vindicator is here at hand. Does anyone start proceedings against me?

Then let us go to court together.

Who thinks he has a case against me?

Let him approach me.

The Lord is coming to my help,

who will dare to condemn me?

---

Psalm
Psalm 114:1-6,8-9 ©

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

I love the Lord for he has heard

  the cry of my appeal;

for he turned his ear to me

  in the day when I called him.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

They surrounded me, the snares of death,

  with the anguish of the tomb;

they caught me, sorrow and distress.

  I called on the Lord’s name.

O Lord, my God, deliver me!

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

How gracious is the Lord, and just;

  our God has compassion.

The Lord protects the simple hearts;

  I was helpless so he saved me.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

He has kept my soul from death,

  my eyes from tears

  and my feet from stumbling.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord

  in the land of the living.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

---

Second reading	James 2:14-18 ©

Take the case, my brothers, of someone who has never done a single good act but claims that he has faith. Will that faith save him? If one of the brothers or one of the sisters is in need of clothes and has not enough food to live on, and one of you says to them, ‘I wish you well; keep yourself warm and eat plenty’, without giving them these bare necessities of life, then what good is that? Faith is like that: if good works do not go with it, it is quite dead.

  This is the way to talk to people of that kind: ‘You say you have faith and I have good deeds; I will prove to you that I have faith by showing you my good deeds – now you prove to me that you have faith without any good deeds to show.’

---

Gospel Acclamation	Jn14:6

Alleluia, alleluia!

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, says the Lord;

No one can come to the Father except through me.

Alleluia!

Or	Ga6:14

Alleluia, alleluia!

The only thing I can boast about is the cross of our Lord,

through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.

Alleluia!

---

Gospel	Mark 8:27-35 ©

Jesus and his disciples left for the villages round Caesarea Philippi. On the way he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say I am?’ And they told him. ‘John the Baptist,’ they said ‘others Elijah; others again, one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he asked ‘who do you say I am?’ Peter spoke up and said to him, ‘You are the Christ.’ And he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone about him.

  And he began to teach them that the Son of Man was destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and to be put to death, and after three days to rise again; and he said all this quite openly. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. But, turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said to him, ‘Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’

  He called the people and his disciples to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.’

Reflection:

by Art Reyes.


Jesus asks His disciples about His identity: “Who do people say that I am?”

Have you met an old friend after a long time and unable to remember his name? It is embarrassing to even ask his name, isn't it? You however, still awkwardly ask: “Hi Ricky, how is your wife and kids doing?” And this man replied: “Hello, I am Johnny and happily single.”

In the presentation of the life and ministry of Jesus found in the Gospel of Mark, the deeds of Jesus have shown Jesus to be the Son of God. Yet many, including Jesus' disciples, have not yet realized His identity.
This Sunday's reading also outlines the three conditions of Christian discipleship, namely, denying oneself, taking up one’s cross, and following Jesus.

If we leave out the cross in our lives, it is a clear case of “mistaken identity” as Christians. It is wrong to think that Christianity is all about happiness and prosperity. If we follow Christ, there will always be sufferings and persecutions.

Those who have not gone through heavy trials and life difficulties have not really experienced the love and grace of God. Isn't that ironic? But when was the last time you thought that the simplest meal in your home is all you needed? It is when you were starving at the middle of your trip at the most inconvenient place and time. Will we appreciate the light when we have not seen the darkness or enjoy the rainbow if it only has one color? Life will throw everything on us, from victories to defeats, sadness to joy, and everything in between. When facing difficulties, our weak faith can sometimes drive us to question the fairness of it all. But we are capable of overcoming them because our God is faithful.

When we think about it, the difficulties in this life is what define us, what we are made of, how strong and weak we are, and what is really important. It is only through sufferings and it's acceptance that we realize our limits as human beings. In placing our lives wholly in the arms of loving God, we can finally and truly live.

Let us all carry our cross and ask not our God to take it away from us. Because as we bear our own cross we learn to live a life of meaning, purpose, and sacrifice.

Prayer:

Jesus, help us to live in such a way that others will know we profess You to be the Messiah and that we take up our cross after You, and in so doing may many be attracted to follow You. Jesus, You are my one and only God.
Amen