God Will Provide

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 July 2025

 

First Reading: Genesis 18:1-10a

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 5

Second Reading: Colossians 1:24-28

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

"You are anxious and worried about many things."

I’m sure this message  will resonate with most of us. Who is not anxious and worried about many things? Where will the money to pay my bills come from? Where will I get the money for hospitalization? Tuition fees are due next month? Can I borrow money? Can I get a new job? Will I find a new relationship again? Are we going to have a baby after being married for 5 years? Will there be WWIII? What is happening in the economy?

Maybe it’s time for us to be still. Breathe. Calm down. Isn’t it that the Lord in several verses in the Bible addresses the topic of worry, encouraging believers to trust in God and find peace in Him. Two prominent passages are Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches against worrying about material needs, and Philippians 4:6-7, which instructs believers to present their requests to God in prayer, finding His peace that surpasses understanding.

Here's a more detailed look at these and other verses:

Matthew 6:25-34

This passage focuses on the futility of worry, particularly about basic needs like food and clothing. Jesus points out that God cares for the birds and the flowers, and He will certainly care for His followers. He encourages seeking God's kingdom first, and trusting that He will provide.

Philippians 4:6-7

This passage instructs believers to bring all their anxieties to God in prayer, accompanied by thanksgiving. In doing so, they will experience God's peace, which transcends human understanding and will guard their hearts and minds.

1 Peter 5:6-7

This verse encourages believers to humble themselves under God's mighty hand and cast all their anxieties on Him, because He cares for them.

Psalm 55:22

This verse provides a direct command to cast one's burden on the Lord, who will sustain the righteous.

Isaiah 41:10

This verse reminds believers not to fear, because God is with them.

These verses, among others, offer comfort and guidance for those struggling with worry, urging them to trust in God's provision, seek His kingdom, and find peace through prayer.

Let us also be conscious that the “enemy” attacks you with anxiety because he knows there’s greatness in you, that you’re on the verge of seeing a new level of your destiny. He’ll try to make you feel overwhelmed, fearful about the future, thinking it’s not going to work out. Thoughts will tell you, “This anxiety is never going to change. You’ll always have to deal with this feeling that something is wrong.”

Don’t believe those lies. The anxiety shall pass. Sometimes God will bring you out quickly. Other times He’ll take you little by little. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see anything changing. God is working. Every day you need to declare, “I’m getting better. My mind is at peace. My heart is at rest. I am free from this anxiety."

Prayer

Lord Jesus thank You in advance for the many answers to our prayers. Your strength in difficult times is the source of my security. I refuse to be overwhelmed by problems because You will bring me through to victory. I declare that I am resting in the Almighty God who is greater than anything I face. I believe that my prayers are already answered in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Faithful Endurance

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

29 June 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 12:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

In the regress and movement of our lives, hardship often feels like a weight too heavy to bear. But for Saints Peter and Paul, suffering became the fire in which their faith was strengthened, the foundation from which the Church’s mission would flourish. Their life reminds us of that faithful endurance and trust in God are not just virtues to be admired but living realities that we also experience through our own struggles. Today, as we commemorate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, we are reminded that God’s providence meets us not by taking away our trials, but by inviting us into a deeper solidarity with Christ’s passion and resurrection.

When Peter was imprisoned by Herod and bound by chains, he still slept peacefully between two soldiers. I imagine if I’m in that same situation, my whole body would not be able to rest. How could I rest when there’s a high possibility that before the sun rises, I would be executed? But Peter sleeping peacefully reveals a strong conviction of trust in the Lord. Peter’s deliverance was like a modern cinematic scene – chains falling away, doors locked opening without keys – and it stands as a powerful image of how God often sets us free. It is not by dodging our imprisonment, but by being present within it and shattering its walls.

Like Peter, Paul also faced execution with remarkable peacefulness. He did not desire for escape but entrusts himself wholly to God’s care. Here, deliverance takes on a different form – not chains falling away, but with a proclamation of completion or accomplishment of mission that glorifies God. Paul’s faithful endurance becomes our guide for evangelical mission that our sufferings are woven into Christ’s own offering, strengthening the Church as we share in his cross.

Peter’s reply to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”, is both gift and commission. Jesus words to him, “For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father” tells us that divine revelation does not flow from human understanding, but from relationship with the Father. In his commissioning, the keys of the kingdom are entrusted to Peter, which started an authority rooted in faithful witness more than earthly power. In his chains and in his sleep, Peter models a shepherd whose strength lies in unshakeable trust, teaching us that the Church’s stability springs from the obedience of faith.

Paul illustrates another side of that same mission. As “apostle to the Gentiles,” his heart beats for the unreached and the unworthy, tirelessly proclaiming Christ even at the point of death. His evangelization is not fueled by ambition but by a deep compassion born of his own conversion and trials. Each wreckage, imprisonment, and thorn in the flesh reminds us that witnessing to Christ demands courage in hardship. Paul’s gaze never left the mission of the Gospel. He measures his life by souls won for Christ’s kingdom, not by comfort or passive service.

Through Peter and Paul, we also learn that our personal hardships – griefs, sicknesses, betrayals, and doubts, are not distractions from mission, but its essence. When we allow our suffering to unite with Christ’s suffering, we become living sacraments of ascending hope, whispering to a broken world that God is here with us, and that there is resurrection. We bear witness in compassion for those suffering and displaced by war and conflict, with those who are still holding on to hope while lying sickly in hospital beds, in our own hopelessness but faithful enduring prayers, and in moments of silent surrender when we look forward to saying, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sends his angel and rescued us.”

In our own trials in life, we can ask ourselves “How has God delivered me? By breaking the chains or by holding me gently in His presence? In what ways has my faithful endurance drawn others to Christ?” Like Peter and Paul at the brink of death, may our hearts rest in God’s promise that every trial endured in faith and love becomes a testament to His infinite mercy. May our own lives, wounded but not broken, be the living stones upon which Christ builds his Church, both persistent and unshakeable.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, grant us faithful endurance in our trials, that our sufferings may unite us to Your passion and bear witness to resurrection. Pour out Your mercy on the innocent families in the war-torn region of the Middle East, healing their deeper wounds, comforting the displaced, and granting peace to their hearts. Transform our own hardships into living stones of Your Church, unshakeable and bright with hope. May we, like Your apostles, trust Your providence despite persecution and conflict. Through Your grace, may we also become peace-builders and console the oppressed, and bring Your presence to those suffering alone. With the intercession of Mary, our dear mother, may we remain in Your gentle loving peace. AMEN.

Ascending Hope

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

01 June 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28;10:19-23

Gospel: Luke 24:46-53

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

Most of us are familiar with how feeling hopeful feels like. Some of us may have also faced hopelessness once or a few times in our lives. But there can be a path between being hopeless and being hopeful where we may often find ourselves trying to find hope in things that do not really make sense. A path that after pain, suffering, and doubt, we go through restoration and find a renewed hope in ways we never expected.

Jesus, as ever, brings a powerful message of hope—a hope that go beyond boundaries and time. Just as He commissioned His apostles to be His witnesses, assuring them that the Holy Spirit would fill them with grace and power, we witness similar anointing in moments of renewal and leadership in our modern society. Just like the disciples' hope was renewed after the resurrection and the many times Jesus was with them until His ascension, we are reminded that hope is sustained not only by what is seen but also by what is promised. Saint Paul prays that we may have our hearts enlightened so that we may fully comprehend the hope to which we are called. A hope that is rooted in Christ's resurrection, ascension, and His exalted authority over us. But this also says something about our longing for meaning and assurance that, regardless of our circumstances, we will always be part of God's redemption.

After the 2022 elections, I honestly felt hopeless on how people choose our leaders. In the next years after, I have been on a path of picking up the broken pieces and trying to make sense of a blurred hope for our country. But recently, after the midterm elections, we have witnessed a renewal in leadership that many see as an indication of a better tomorrow. The re-election of Pasig City Mayor has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability, and progressive governance. His leadership has inspired confidence and a belief in change. Also, the proclamation of the new Mayor of Naga, can be seen as a symbol of communal hope and affirmation. This reminds us that genuine leadership, born out of integrity and service to the people, can uplift a society in profound ways. Just as Jesus promised that His followers would be gifted with power to witness His love and truth throughout the earth, today we see leaders who are dedicated to the public good. Triumphs like these also remind us that hope can be restored and that integrity in public service is both possible and necessary.

Seeing this, I came to realize that hope is never passive but will always be persistent. It requires each one of us to look beyond our doubts, and trust in the providence that works through leaders infused with righteousness. In some form of a promise or a vote for reform, hope fuels action. It invites us to be active participants in a movement that bridges the gap between eternal truth and everyday reality.

Hope is alive, ever-renewing, and electable. Just as the disciples were called to be witnesses to a kingdom that reigns from on high, today’s leaders remind us that the spirit of renewal is both a gift and a responsibility. The promise of the Father invites us to trust, to act, and to be the change that our communities so desperately need. In this light, every act of leadership and every empowered vote becomes an echo of that timeless hope, urging us all to look up with expectation, embrace the promise, and work together toward a future filled with divine possibility. As we continue to look up like the disciples during the ascension of Jesus, we ask God for the grace to cultivate this ascending hope in our daily lives.

Prayer

In You alone, Jesus, our hope.

In You alone, Christ,  our strength.

In You alone, Lord, we are justified.

In You alone, we are saved.

We pray that we may open our hearts

and let Your love fill the emptiness in our soul

until it overflows with joy that we are longing for.

Unto You we pour out our hearts,

You alone will save us with Your love and mercy.

AMEN.

Ask and You Shall Receive

    

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

27 October 2024

 

First Reading: Jer 31:7-9

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: Heb 5:1-6

Gospel: Mk 10:46-52

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

What do you want me to do for you?

My husband and I just came from Eastern Europe pilgrimage where we were able to visit the Infant Jesus of Prague, Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland, the third most visited pilgrim site after Lourdes and Fatima, the Divine Mercy Shrine also in Poland, and many more pilgrim churches in Slovakia, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria. This is an answered prayer. God truly answers prayers and provides! On our last day of the pilgrimagr, we were asked to reflect on the three things that we can take away from this pilgrimage. Mine is to trust more, to kno Jesus more, and to persevere when faced with many challenges.

We can only trust a person if we know that person. So to be able to really trust our Lord Jesus, we have to know Him more. He is our savior, our provider, our healer, full of mercy, full of unconditional lov, just, and compassionate. With Him, everything is possible. This was the message from Fr. Herbie, our Chaplain during the Mass on our last day of the pilgrimage. So when we pray and ask for anything from Him, we have to ask in faith because we know that the Lord knows what is best for us. And when we ask in faith, we believe that our prayers are already answered.

It also requires that we persevere in prayers. The answer may not come immediately but God always answers our prayers in His perfect time. The delay has its purpose. It molds our character, strengthens our faith, and teaches us to be patient, and wait for the Lord. God never fails.

The buffet of blessings has already been prepared by the Lord - healing, financial blessings, strength to face our challenges. We can come to Him and ask for it and believe that we are worthy and deserving to receive His abundant blessings. Claim and believe and thank the Lord in advance that the blessings are yours already.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You in advance for the many answers to our prayers. You have planted deams in our hearts. With You, there are limitless blessings. You are the God of abundance. You know what is best for us so I ask You to give me the grace of a childlike trust in You. I believe that my prayers are already answered in Jesus' Name. Amen.

All Things Are Possible

   

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 October 2024

 

First Reading: Wis 7:7-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

Second Reading: Heb 4:12-13

Gospel: Mk 10:17-30

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God."

Our family has experienced real tests of faith. These experiences "elevated" our faith to the highest level. My third apo was born a blue baby and was not breathing for 10 minutes. It was during CoVid time in 2022. And if that wasn't enough, three weeks after he was born he was positive for CoVid and had to be confined in the hospital again. Today he is 1 year and 10 months old and a very strong and healthy baby. Our fifth apo was born in October 2023 and was revived for 40 minutes. She lived only for four days and didn't make it. It was the saddest moment for our family. We stormed heaven with prayers but she was destined to become our angel in heaven. Our sixth apo was born premature 32 weeks because her mother was having hypertension and we had fear she might have pre-eclampsia and either the baby or the mother will not make it. We surrender everything to God. Now that premature baby is 8 months old, strong and healthy. Our seventh apo from the mother who lost our fifth apo developed PTSD and we were anxious throughout her pregnancy. The  last two weeks prior to her delivery seemed to be the longest time for our family as we await the birth of her baby. Finally on September 15 of this year, she had a smooth Caesarian section to a healthy and strong baby boy, our sixth living apo.

Our grandchildren are the joys of our heart and they are testimony of God's mercy and faithfulness. They are all our miracle babies and we are thankful to the Lord that we have been entrusted with these beautiful grandchildren. Really nothing is impossible with the Lord. Our faith is our only weapon. If we have faith as small as a mustard that is more than enough. Jesus, I trust in You.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, as I spend time with You, I am aware of how blessed I truly am. I think of Your love and Your mercy and how it has helped us overcome all the challenges in life. Thank You for always being there for me Lord and to find peace in the midst of trials and difficulties. Give me the grace to always have a childlike trust in You. In the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

Crossroads

    

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 August 2024

 

First Reading: Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21

Second Reading: Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

Gospel: Jn 6:60-69

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

There may be times where we find ourselves lost in following God’s will, moments when we doubt God’s providential plan, times when we become so unfaithful to Him, moments we feel so alone and fail to recognize God’s presence in our life. The Gospel we have today is a promise of Christ's deeper commitment and faithfulness to us. Jesus has become one of us so that we become like Him.

Jesus is asking us, “Do you also want to leave?” Do you want to quit? Humans that we are, sometimes our faith is also challenged by the problems that we have. Some of us fall short of our personal needs, wants, biases and whims. We also have our defense mechanisms in place.

When we encounter people or situations which are different to our tastes and personal views, we tend to reject them outright without first trying to understand. Today’s Gospel invites us to remain faithful to the Eucharist even when we don’t fully understand the mystery of it. When we take it, Jesus lives in us, thus, we have to try to be like Jesus to the people who judge and hurt us, stay to be kind and respectful no matter our differences in views and ideas, and be with the people who need most of our help and assistance. 

Our regular attendance in the Mass and having a genuine quality time in worshiping, praying, and receiving Jesus' body and blood, really makes a difference in making our heart so strong like Christ’s, able to trust God, and live with the Holy Spirit. For when we allow the Holy Spirit to move within us, we will be drawn to our Father through Jesus. May we devote our full presence and attention each time we attend the Mass. 

Jesus has the words of eternal life. If we want to have eternal life, let us listen to Him wholeheartedly without any hesitation. Let us pray then that our Father in heaven grants us a welcoming and faithful heart and that Jesus may become the King in all aspects of our lives.

“Do you also wish to go away?” When Jesus asks us this question, may our answer be like Peter: “To whom shall we go?” May we remain steadfast in our faith and trust in the Lord. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I stand at this crossroads, I seek Your guidance and wisdom. Strengthen my faith and help me trust in Your plan. May Your light lead me, and Your presence give me peace. Grant me the courage to follow Your path, knowing that Your love and faithfulness will see me through.

Amen.

Presensiya ng Diyos: The Faith in God amid uncertainty

    

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 August 2023

 

First Reading: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

Second Reading: Rom 9:1-5

Gospel: Mt 14:22-23

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Pastoral Year Formation

Diocese of Imus

Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol

When I was a child, whenever it rained, I would always make a mini boat out of a small piece of paper. Then I will let it float on a ditch and see how far it can go. However, since it is a paper, it easily submerged especially when it was raining. In the Gospel, Jesus made the disciples to get in the boat and go on the other side and there, the faith of the disciples was tested.

The theme of the readings for today is faith. Faith is a personal response to God's self-revelation and an acknowledgment of His truth. It is a gift from God, given to us through His grace. Through faith, we come to know and believe in the presence of God, the truths taught by Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Church.

One of the unique ways of seminary formation of Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol is having the community thrust. Community thrust is a word or phrase that comes up through sharing of past experiences and will serve as a foundation to be lived for one year. On my first year, the community thrust that we had was PRESENSYA NG DIYOS. This community thrust came up because of the experience of faith in God in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic where each of us has experienced the presence of God even in the uncertainty of the event. Some of us have experienced anxiety and it was really an experience of test of faith for us.

The Gospel story of Peter walking on water is a profound reminder of the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, especially when facing the storms of life. Like Peter, we often find ourselves surrounded by challenges, fears, and uncertainties. Yet, if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, if we trust in His presence and power, we can walk on water too, navigating through life's difficulties with courage and hope.

However, the moment we allow fear, doubt, or distractions to divert our gaze from Jesus, we start sinking into the waters of despair and anxiety. Like Peter, we need to call out to Jesus in our moments of weakness, saying, "Lord, save me!" He is always ready to extend His hand and lift us up from the depths of our struggles.

In the face of life's storms, let us foster a life of prayer and intimacy with Jesus. Prayer allows us to hear the gentle whispering of God's voice in our hearts, guiding us through life's challenges. Regularly spending time with the Lord in prayer and reflection strengthens our faith and helps us keep our focus on Him amidst the storms.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You tested your disciples, their courage and trust in You that lead them to see how important their faith is in You. Lord Jesus, we ask for courage to have faith and trust in You by letting us experience Your presence in our daily lives so that we may be able to face the challenges and the storms in our lives. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Faith and Trust go hand in hand

    

  Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

01 January 2023

 

First Reading: Nm 6:22-27

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Second Reading: Gal 4:4-7

Gospel: Lk 2:16-21

 

Reflection

By: Cristine Aye Balla

 

We may often hear the phrases: "Have Faith." "Trust in the Lord." As I was starting to write this reflection, I found it hard to clearly differentiate the two, but at the top of my head, I thought there was a subtle difference there, but I just couldn't clearly express them. So, I explored it further and the easiest way I could think of to distinguish them from each other is by the phrase: "having faith and giving trust."

From my perspective, Faith stems in oneself –your belief system – and is closely related to spiritual concepts and not based on proof. While Trust, leads to action and is an important concept in relationships that may be based on past experiences and credibility.

Faith in God is something you possess. It is your confident belief in God without conditions. To trust  is the willful choice to act that stems from the faith. I found a story on the net about people having faith that a tight rope walker can complete his travel from one end to the other carrying heavy load; but they do not trust him ro carry them if given the chance to be carried on the tight rope walker's shoulder from one end to the other.

The shepherds trusted the words that have been told to them by the Lord's angel who appeared to them, which led them to act. They then had faith on the words told to them about the child – who He was – a Saviour, is Christ the Lord.

Mary had faith in God, even before the angel informed her that she would be the Mother of God. She trusted God which allowed her to accept and live into her role. Similarly, she also had faith on what the shepherds told them about her child and treasured their words.

The name Jesus itself means that God is salvation. As what the angel told the shepherds, Jesus is our Saviour. He is God's only Son, the Saviour who was promised to us.

Like the shepherds and Mary, our Mother, let us keep the faith and trust that Jesus is truly our Saviour. And we must also remember that being Christians or followers of Christ, we shouldn't stop by just believing because from the start to the end of days, nasa tao pa rin ang gawa.

Prayer

Lord, You are mighty and gracious. Please let us stand strong in our faith in You and keep our hearts open in trusting You as we walk our ways in our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Cristine, is an IC Physical Design Engineer working at Analog Devices, Inc. Her name actually means 'follower of Christ.' It probably reflects what her parents want her ro be and their wishes for her. She is thankful for her name.

Being Blind in the Right Way

 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

24 October 2021 

 

First Reading: JER 31:7-9

Responsorial Psalm: PS 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: HEB 5:1-6

Gospel: MK 10:46-52

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

Bartimaeus, the blind man, literally walked by faith and not by his sight. He knows how to call and come before the Lord by acknowledging His authority - son of David, and throwing aside something he owns (his cloak). This is in contrast to the wealthy man who came to Jesus and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. The wealthy man came before Jesus, bringing his "accomplishments" and presented it to the Lord (Mk 10:20 "all of these I have observed from my youth.") He may have most of the qualifications to inherit eternal life, but his selfish desires made it useless when he walked away from Jesus. The two disciples, James and John, were also in contrast to how Bartimaeus asked Jesus. Although James and John acknowledges Jesus' authority when they called Him "teacher", their desire to be "on top" or greater than the others shows that their faith is misaligned. Like the wealthy man, James and John also brought their "status" so they can present it to Jesus and ask whatever it is that they want.

Bartimaeus' first request is not even "to see". It is for Jesus to "have mercy on him." He acknowledged his own weakness and sinfulness, even though he only met Jesus the first time. How many times do we pray and go straight to, "Lord, I want this. Do this for me." And when we are not praying, do we remember that we are still before the presence of God? Or do we only put ourselves in His presence the moment we want to pray? Bartimaeus teaches us of how great our faith can be even without seeing. He may have heard a lot of stories about Jesus before and he's waiting all his life for Jesus to pass by the road where he is begging. He may have already been living his life courageously even before he was told to "take courage", because his faith constantly reminded him to be ready for that day. To recognize that we are always in God's presence is to be ready for His call. To acknowledge that we are "blind" can help us strengthen our faith that God will always listen to our prayers.

There may be times when we look at ourselves and desire to be "superior" to others. Even in the faithful community or the Church, we sometimes look at others' "blindness" and maybe see them as unworthy to come before the Lord. There may be times when we rebuke them and tell them to keep their prayers to themselves, especially when they cry out and call upon the Lord more. We can learn a lot from the fatih and courage (whether it's authentic or misaligned), of those who call upon the Lord profusely. The wealthy man may have faith to believe that he will inherit eternal life through his accomplishments. James and John had the audacity to ask Jesus for greatness even in the presence of other disciples. The contrast in Bartimaeus' desire is that he fully understands who Jesus is and the proper way to respond which is to leave his possession and acknowledge his "blindness". There was no pride or even some coins that he wanted to offer in exchange besides his faith.

Today, we often see people offering a list of accomplishments in exchange for "greatness". They show a sense of false humility to the people for them to get what they want. To make it worse, they want the people to look away from their sinfunlness and just focus on their accomplishments. This "blindness" from the mistakes that a person has done (or continues to do) is never the same with Bartimaeus' blindness.

Bartimaues' faith grew stronger because of his blindness. Some people's blindness makes them grow a sense of false humility that drives them to do "good" works to nullify a sin. An accomplishment can never be used to forget an evil deed. In the same way, our status in life must not be a basis for us to look down on others, and believe that it is our right to be superior. Bartimaeus also teaches us how to pray - recognize God's authority (Our Father in Heaven), trust that God will fulfill our deepest desires (Thy will be done), be faithful that God always listens (give us this day our daily bread), acknowledge our sinful nature (forgive us our trespasses), and follow Jesus closely (deliver us from evil).

Prayer

Lord, in our blindness, may we all learn to strengthen our faith and be ready to come before You, and trust that You will fulfill the deepest desires of our heart. Amen.

 

I am the Good Shepherd.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Good Shepherd Sunday

25 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 4:8-12

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

Second Reading:  1 JN 3:1-2

Gospel:  JN 10:11-18

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"A good shepherd lays down his life  for the sheep."

 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He knows each and every one of us. And He already laid down His life for us, His sheep. That's how much God loves us. He sent us His Son to save us from our sins. Sheep are mentioned more than 200 times in the Bible, more than any other animal. Sheep are important sources of wool, milk, and meat, and throughout the Bible, sheep served as symbol of God's people. Jesus is portrayed as the shepherd of His chosen flock in the prophetic words of Isaiah and Ezekiel, and most famously in the 23rd Psalm, all in which belongs to the Good Shepherd.

 

Sheep are followers. And as the sheep of our Good Shepherd, Jesus, we ought to follow Him closely so we don't get lost. Following isn't something sheep have to think—about it's an instinct. Sheep remember faces. They recognized faces of other sheep and even of humans who work with them regularly. They are almost human, because sheep remember who treats them well—and even more, they remember who handles them harshly. Sheep find safety in numbers, and when grazing, sheep will keep at least 4-5 other sheep in view. They are very social and extroverted animals, for they do not do well alone, and they value supporting each other by sticking together at all costs. A lost sheep is critical because they do not do well alone. And Jesus cares that we do not get lost from His gaze because without Jesus our life will surely be a mess and empty.

Jesus is the true shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd who was willing to die for those who put their faith in Him. Any other person  who claims to be the true shepherd is a robber or a thief, for they are a false shepherd. Imagine a world where people do not expect to be served but are all eager to serve and care for one another! Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares, watches, and protects those who believe in Him. This is a wonderful message for anyone who seeks peace with God.

To be in a Lord's flock is to be in a life-changing, transformative relationship with the Lord. To know the Lord our Good Shepherd is to see our life changed by that very relationship. It is to know the voice of Jesus and be able to distinguish it from others, so that in all things God may be glorified.

Let me close with these beautiful verses from Psalm 23:

The LORD is my shepherd;

I have everything I need

He lets me rest in fields of green grass

and leads me to quiet pools of water

He gives me new strength

He guides me in the right paths as He has promised

Even if I go through the deepest darkness

I will not be afraid Lord for You are with me

Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me

You prepare a banquet for me where all my enemies can see me

You welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim

I know that Your goodness and love will be with me all my life

And your house will be my home as long as I live.

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Good Shepherd who will always be there to guide and protect us. Even if we face the greatest trials and pain and suffering, we know You will always be there to carry us and go through our dark valley. Give us the grace Lord to remain steadfast and increase our faith, hope, and trust in You. Help us to continue to love and serve You in others especially during this pandemic. All this I pray, in Your Mighty Name. Amen.