Aqua Vitae | Living water

"As the Scripture has said, out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water." - John 7:38

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Soli Deo Gloria

The passage of today evokes profound contemplation. For it is easy to feel identified in this passage. This passage mostly reflects upon the division of the people regarding what is the identity of Jesus. Some called Him a prophet. Some a Messiah. All based upon their preconceived notions of where the Messiah should have come from. Some see Him as a Prophet, due to Him being the Word incarnate. To them, it was impossible to arrest Him, for no one had ever spoken like Him ever before.

Although, of course, one could also debate that they did not arrest Him yet, for God had another timing for Him. That’s another point of the passage. Aside from the nature of Christ, aside from it, there is a key element in the passage that is the ‘Divine Timing’ of God.  “Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.” This mostly mentions that Christ was acting under divine timing, according to the purposes of God. For the entirely of the chapter of John, a lot of emphasis is given upon time itself.

There is also another key point in the passage, which is the mention of “Living Water”: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and let the one who believes in me drink. As the Scripture has said, out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” Which would be the first mention of the Holy Spirit. Although, there was no Spirit yet, because Jesus was not glorified yet. That is mainly why, from the passage, one can take a lot of it, and realize, that this could be applied in our lives.

There are many moments, many people, even us, who will still be divided upon the nature of Christ. Even more so, they do not know if to believe in Him, or not. That could also be said about us, about our doubts. We will find ourselves conflicted, upon our long spiritual journey, and just like the religious leaders, we can be confused as well. However, there are many people out there who also believed in Christ, who are open minded to consider His teachings. His Gospel.

There are many moments where we do not know how to apply His words. Perhaps, we won’t be able to explain them properly. For it is true, that our Lord is Divine. And we, as human beings, we’re limited in our understanding of Him. But by interacting with those who believe, and share our Faith, and accepting our limitations, we may be able to understand bit by bit, our Lord. The most key thing is to follow His steps, and in this way, even if our understanding is lacking, we can, by the Grace of the Holy Spirit, achieve a greater understanding. Even if it may seem difficult, we must try to be like Him. To be compassionate, humble, loving, and righteous. To be forgiving. 

Many will be like the Pharisees, but just like our Lord, we must remain steadfast in our belief. He held his convictions, while being understanding and compassionate even to those who disagreed. And in this way, by being Christlike in our love, and steadfast, we may be a referent of the Holy Word. An instrument of reconciliation and unity, in a divided world.

Reflection on John 7:25-53 by Cristobal Alvarez

(Listen to podcast here)

Credere | Believe

"For even his own brothers did not believe in him" – John 7:5

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Less Disbelief, More Faith

1. After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. 2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

The setting of this passage takes place at the near celebration of Festival Tabernacles or Feast of Booths, where people commemorate how God liberates Israelites from their enslavement in Egypt. The passage depicts the chronicle of Jesus’ brethren, who instructs Him to set out to Judea to expose Himself and perform His wondrous works so more people recognize Him. Before this event, in chapter 6, it is narrated that Jesus feeds five thousand, and He walks on the water.

The advice to go to Judea and perform more miracles seems to come from people who have first-hand experience with the miracles alone and long for others to see these wonders on their own. Nevertheless, after this request and conversation, a startling fact is revealed in the passage (verse 5). It is written that these brothers who see the miracles in their own eyes do not believe in Jesus. What does it mean? What happens? How come? Does this situation refer to the fact that they do not think Jesus does these miracles on His own? Or do they urge Jesus to do more stupendous things because they want more proof and evidence of His greatness and power? I think their disbelief surfaces from the second one; they want Jesus to perform more and more.

Don’t you think that we might once behave like Jesus’ brothers? If I looked back, I felt embarrassed when there was a moment when I kept asking God to show me His ways and His will over my problem. In one of the dark episodes in my life, I should make a crucial decision. At the time, I could have chosen to leave this behind, and I could start afresh. However, I decided not to back off and miss out on this challenging experience. I did it not to prove that I was a superhero and to show off how good, capable, or strong I was. I firmly believed that this situation was one of the ways to experience God’s love and presence deeper and closer, by stepping out of my comfort zone and letting Him shape me into the better person that He designed.

I prayed and asked Him to show me the solutions and directions. Even though I got a clear answer from the Bible passage, I still remained like Thomas, who kept asking and wondering. This situation stemmed from my disbelief about His mighty power and love. I was in need of more evidence and proof. My sensitivity, heart, and brain were shut down and dominated by my worry, fear, and disbelief. I wanted this challenging situation solved in the blink of an eye. I wanted an answer in my way and my time. I limited God’s works in my insufficient understanding and overlooked that He could work beyond my knowledge and prayers. I ignored the truth that He, God who starts things with me, has battled with me and will complete these things. I felt ashamed of my lack of faith in His never-ending, unwavering, and unconditional love and providence that surpasses anything and anyone in the world.

Then, one passage comforted and strengthened me from Romans 8: 35-39: “ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 A very liberating message came to me after pondering this passage. His Holy Spirit guides me to understand and hold this in my heart. He said, “Dear beloved daughter, nothing can separate you from Me and My love for you, even your suffering, pain, and problems. I have carried on all in the cross. Come to Me and surrender”.

 Reflection on John 7:1-24 by Deisyi

(Listen to podcast here)

Yo soy el pan

Yo soy el pan que descendió del cielo - Juan 6:41

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Juan 6:41-71

41 Entonces los judíos comenzaron a quejarse de él porque decía: "Yo soy el pan que descendió del cielo". 42 Decían: ¿No es éste Jesús, el hijo de José, cuyo padre y madre conocemos? ¿Cómo puede decir ahora: "He bajado del cielo"? 43 Jesús les respondió: 'No os quejéis entre vosotros. 44 Nadie puede venir a mí si no es atraído por el Padre que me envió; y yo resucitaré a esa persona en el día postrero. 45 Está escrito en los profetas: "Y todos serán enseñados por Dios". Todo el que ha oído y aprendido del Padre viene a mí. 46 No es que nadie haya visto al Padre sino el que viene de Dios; ha visto al Padre. 47 De cierto, de cierto os digo, que todo aquel que cree tiene vida eterna. 48 Yo soy el pan de vida. 49 Vuestros antepasados comieron el maná en el desierto y murieron. 50 Este es el pan que desciende del cielo, para que uno coma de él y no muera. 51 Yo soy el pan vivo que descendió del cielo. El que come de este pan vivirá para siempre; y el pan que yo daré para la vida del mundo es mi carne.'

52 Entonces los judíos discutían entre ellos, diciendo: "¿Cómo puede éste darnos a comer su carne?" 53 Entonces Jesús les dijo: En verdad os digo que si no coméis la carne del Hijo del Hombre y no bebéis su sangre, no tenéis vida en vosotros. 54 Los que comen mi carne y beben mi sangre tienen vida eterna, y yo los resucitaré en el último día; 55 porque mi carne es verdadera comida y mi sangre es verdadera bebida. 56 Los que comen mi carne y beben mi sangre, permanecen en mí, y yo en ellos. 57 Así como el Padre viviente me envió, y yo vivo por el Padre, así el que me come vivirá por mí. 58 Este es el pan que descendió del cielo, no como el que comieron vuestros antepasados y murieron. Pero el que coma de este pan vivirá para siempre.' 59 Estas cosas dijo mientras enseñaba en la sinagoga de Cafarnaúm.

60 Cuando muchos de sus discípulos lo oyeron, dijeron: 'Esta enseñanza es difícil; ¿Quién puede aceptarlo? 61 Pero Jesús, sabiendo que sus discípulos se quejaban de esto, les dijo: '¿Esto os ofende? 62 ¿Qué pasaría entonces si vieras al Hijo del Hombre ascender a donde estaba antes? 63 Es el espíritu el que da vida; la carne es inútil. Las palabras que os he hablado son espíritu y vida. 64 Pero entre vosotros hay algunos que no creen.' Porque Jesús sabía desde el principio quiénes eran los que no creían, y quién era el que le iba a entregar. 65 Y él dijo: 'Por esto os he dicho que nadie puede venir a mí si no se lo concede el Padre.'

66 Por eso muchos de sus discípulos se volvieron atrás y ya no andaban con él. 67 Entonces Jesús preguntó a los doce: '¿También vosotros queréis iros?' 68 Simón Pedro le respondió: Señor, ¿a quién podemos acudir? Tu tienes las palabras de la vida eterna. 69 Hemos llegado a creer y saber que tú eres el Santo de Dios.' 70 Jesús les respondió: '¿No os elegí yo a vosotros, los doce? Sin embargo, uno de vosotros es un demonio. 71 Hablaba de Judas, hijo de Simón Iscariote, porque él, siendo uno de los doce, iba a traicionarlo.

 

Reflexionando sobre el Evangelio. Momentos después de haber realizado el milagro de alimentar a miles de hambrientos, mujeres y niños, con sólo 5 panes de cebada y 2 peces ante el asombro de la multitud que lo proclamaba como un profeta que vino al mundo, Jesús declaró abiertamente a sus más cercanos amigos que Él era el Pan del Cielo y quien comiera de Su Cuerpo viviría para siempre. Fue una revelación audaz de Su Divinidad y de los planes para hacer realidad el plan de Salvación del Padre, a través de Su Sacrificio, Muerte y Resurrección. Y la verdadera forma de adoración que tendría lugar en cada Santa Misa en cada parroquia del mundo, donde el Cuerpo de Jesús (en forma de pan) sería partido en las celebraciones eucarísticas.

Reflexionando sobre mi propia experiencia de conversión del budismo al cristianismo cuando, siendo un joven cristiano, un amigo católico me llevó a mi primer encuentro con el Santísimo Sacramento en una sala de adoración. Nunca había encontrado algo tan hermoso como estar en la Santa Presencia de Jesús (en la Eucaristía). Como resultado de ese primer encuentro, comencé a hacer visitas regulares a la Sala de Adoración, sólo para sentarme tranquilamente en la presencia de Jesús Sacramentado. Eso finalmente me llevó a dar el paso de fe para inscribirme en un programa de RICA en la Iglesia de San Vicente de Paúl (una parroquia cerca de mi casa) y finalmente fui abrazado a la fe católica en 2014. Fue un día de gran alegría. mientras me sentaba con mis padrinos y el amigo católico que me había llevado a mi primera experiencia en la Sala de Adoración.

Cerraré mi breve experiencia con esta gran enseñanza de San Pablo, el cual nos menciona sobre nuestras actitudes hacia la Sagrada Comunión: 1 Cor 11:27-32: "Por tanto, cualquiera que coma el pan o beba la copa del Señor indignamente, seran responsables del cuerpo y de la sangre del Señor. Examinaos a vosotros mismos, y sólo entonces comed del pan y bebed de la copa. Porque todos los que comen y beben sin discernir el cuerpo, comen y beben juicio contra sí . Por esta razón muchos de vosotros "Estamos débiles y enfermos, y algunos han muerto. Pero si nos juzgáramos a nosotros mismos, no seríamos juzgados. Pero cuando somos juzgados por el Señor, somos disciplinados para que no seamos condenados junto con el mundo".

Como oración y adoración final, ofrezco este hermoso himno “He aquí el Cordero” . Es un canto que nos recuerda el sacrificio santísimo y perfecto de Cristo cada vez que nos acercamos a la Mesa del Rey. Amén

He aquí el cordero

 

Verso 1

He aquí el Cordero que llevó el pecado,

Se inmoló: y recordamos:

Promesas que nos acercó a la fe.

Y en la cruz, se halla el perdón.

Coro

Recordar Pan de vida es él.

Y beber el sacrificio cruel

Al mostrar lazos de su paz

Nos ha sentado junto al Rey.

 

Verso 2

El cuerpo de nuestro señor Jesús,

Se desgarró: come y recuerda.

Heridas que curaron nuestro mal, por su muerte

Nos salvó

 

Repite el coro

 

Recordar Pan de vida es él.

Y beber el sacrificio cruel

Al mostrar lazos de su AMOR 

Nos ha sentado junto al Rey.

 

Verso 3

Su sangre que limpia todo pecado,

Nos cubrió: bebe y recuerda.

 La copa de la muerte el bebió.

Para la vida ofrecer.

 

Repite el coro

Recordar Pan de vida es él.

Y beber el sacrificio cruel

Al mostrar gracia sin igual

Nos ha sentado junto al Rey.

 

Verso 4

Con fe elevamos gratitud a él

Responder: Te recordarnos

Nuestro llamado es andar con fe

Mientras viva nuestro ser.

 

Coro

Recordar su crucifixión

Proclamar, Cristo volverá

Celebrar el cordero fiel

Nos ha sentado junto al Rey.

 

Reflexión sobre Juan 6: 41-71 por Chris Tan

(Escucha el podcast aquí)

Piedra

"Aquel de vosotros que sea inocente, que le arroje la primera piedra" – Juan 8:7

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Jesús, como Hijo de Dios, enseñó a la multitud con pleno poder y autoridad. Este poder de Dios tocó la disposición interior de los oyentes para su transformación. Dado que el carácter de la fe es libre (lo que requiera la propia voluntad de creer o no creer), entonces se formarían algunos grupos de oyentes: primero, los que creían en Jesús; segundo, aquellos que dudaron de Él como Cristo, el Hijo de Dios; y en tercer lugar, aquellos que lo rechazaron totalmente. Los fariseos y los escribas estaban en el tercer grupo.

 

En el Evangelio de hoy, los fariseos y los escribas trajeron a Jesús una mujer que fue declarada culpable de adulterio. Planeaban tenderle una trampa ya que Él había predicado mucho sobre el perdón del pecado y su igualdad con el Padre, lo que para ellos era una blasfemia. Jesús conocía su intención y muy gentilmente dijo: "Aquel de vosotros que sea inocente, sea el primero en arrojar la piedra". Nadie se quedó en aquel lugar luego de escuchar estas palabras. Uno a uno desaparecieron ante él, empezando por el mayor.

 

Aquí aprendemos de Jesús a no juzgar con rapidez a los demás, sino que debemos ser misericordiosos y respetuosos al acercarnos a ellos. ¿Quiénes somos nosotros para juzgar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas? ¿Qué reglas estamos usando para medirlos? Seamos humildes. La perfección sólo pertenece a Dios. Todos simplemente estamos participando de la perfección de Dios. Todos estamos sujetos a cometer pecados o hacer cosas malas. Es sólo Dios quien puede juzgarnos, aunque Dios nunca nos juzga ni nos menosprecia debido a Su amor incondicional.

 

El Evangelio de hoy nos anima a ser buenos con nuestros hermanos y hermanas como nuestro Dios es bueno; a ser misericordiosos como nuestro Dios es misericordioso; y estar dispuestos a perdonar como nuestro Dios perdona. Es nuestra tarea en comunión con Cristo, ayudarnos los unos a los otros a elevar nuestra fe.

 

Reflexión sobre Juan 8: 1-11 por Paul Hadjon, SVD

(Escucha el podcast aquí)

I am the bread

 'I am the bread that came down from heaven.' - John 6:41

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John 6:41-71

41 Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, 'I am the bread that came down from heaven.' 42 They were saying, 'Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, "I have come down from heaven"?' 43 Jesus answered them, 'Do not complain among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, "And they shall all be taught by God." Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.'

52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, 'How can this man give us his flesh to eat?' 53 So Jesus said to them, 'Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live for ever.' 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, 'This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?' 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, 'Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe.' For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, 'For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.'

66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, 'Do you also wish to go away?' 68 Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.' 70 Jesus answered them, 'Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.' 71 He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him

Reflecting on the Gospel. Moments after He had performed the miracle of feeding thousands of hungry, women and children, with only 5 barley loaves and 2 fish to the amazement of the crowd who proclaimed Him to be a prophet who came into the world, Jesus openly declared to His closest friends that He was the Bread from Heaven and whoever eats of His Body would live forever. It was a bold revelation of His Divinity and plans to bring the Father's Salvation plan to fruition, through His Sacrifice, Death & Resurrection. And the true form of worship that would take place in every Holy Mass in every parish around the world, where Jesus' Body (in the form of bread) would be broken in the Eucharistic celebrations.

Reflecting on my own conversion experience from Buddhism to Christianity when as a young Christian, a Catholic friend brought me to my first encounter with the Blessed Sacrament in an Adoration Rm. I had never encountered anything as beautiful as being in the  Holy Presence of Jesus (in the Eucharist). As a result of that first encounter, I began to make regular visits to the Adoration Rm, just to sit quietly in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. That ultimately led me to take the step of faith to enroll in an RCIA program in the Church of St. Vincent de Paul (a parish near my home) and was finally embraced into the Catholic faith in 2014. It was a day of great joy as I sat with my godparents and the Catholic friend who had brought me to my first Adoration Rm experience.

I will close my short sharing with this great teaching from St. Paul about our attitudes towards Holy Communion: 2 Cor 11:27-32: "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgement against themselves. For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world."

As a closing prayer and worship, I offer this beautiful hymn Behold the Lamb. It is a song that reminds us of Christ's most holy and perfect sacrifice each time we step up to the Table of the King. Amen

 

Behold The Lamb

Verse 1

Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,

Slain for us: and we remember:

The promise made that all who come in faith

Find forgiveness at the cross.

Chorus

So we share in this Bread of life,

And we drink of His sacrifice,

As a sign of our bonds of peace

Around the table of the King.

Verse 2

The body of our Saviour, Jesus Christ,

Torn for you: eat and remember

The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life,

Paid the price to make us one.

Repeat Chorus

Verse 3

The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,

Shed for you: drink and remember

He drained death's cup that all may enter in

To receive the life of God

Repeat Chorus

Verse 4

And so with thankfulness and faith

We rise to respond: and to remember

Our call to follow in the steps of Christ

As His body here on earth

Repeat Chorus

 

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ACHPwx7EGQA?si=jHyHCPGs6nFzf_bH

Singer: Stuart Townend

 

Reflection on John 6: 41-71 by Chris Tan

Lapis | Stone

"Let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to throw the stone at her" - John 8:7.

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Jesus, as the Son of God, taught the crowd with full of power and authority. This power of God basically touched the inner disposition of the listeners for their transformation. Since the character of faith is free (which requires one's own freedom to believe or not to believe), then there would be some groups of listener formed: first, those who believed in Jesus; second, those who doubted Him as Christ, the Son of God; and the third, those who totally rejected Him. The Pharisees and Scribes were in the third group.

In today's Gospel, the Pharisees and Scribes brought to Jesus a woman who was found guilty of adultery. They planned to trap Him for He had talked a lot about forgiving sin and His equality with the Father, which for them is blasphemy. Jesus knew their intention and gently stated "let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to throw the stone at her." Nobody stood longer after hearing these words. One by one disappeared before him, started from the eldest. 

Here, we learn from Jesus not to be so quick judging others, but be merciful and respectful to approach them. Who are we to judge our brothers and sisters? What rulers are we using to measure them? Let us be humble. Perfection only belongs to God alone. We are all just participating in God's perfection. We are all subject to commit sin or wrong doing. It is only God who can necessarily judge us, although God never judges us and puts us down because of His unconditional love. 

The Gospel of today encourages us to be good to our brothers and sisters as our God is good; be merciful as our God is merciful; and willing to forgive as our God is forgiving. It is our task as one communion with Christ to assist one another in elevating our faith.

Reflection on John 8: 1-11 by Paul Hadjon, SVD

(Listen to podcast here)

Pan

Entonces Jesús, alzando los ojos y viendo que venía hacia él una gran multitud, dijo a Felipe: ¿De dónde compraremos pan para que coman éstos? -  Juan 6:5

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La alimentación de los cinco mil, más allá de su naturaleza milagrosa, imparte profundas lecciones sobre intencionalidad, comunidad, fe y administración. Esta narración bíblica comienza con el movimiento deliberado de Jesús hacia el Mar de Galilea, enseñándonos que los acontecimientos importantes a menudo requieren una buena preparación en planeamiento y lugar. La gran multitud que lo seguía es un indicativo de cuan atrayente es la compasión genuina y el poder de la comunión basada en la confianza y las experiencias compartidas.

Las interacciones entre Jesús y sus discípulos (la pregunta hacia Felipe sobre la compra de pan y discutir los recursos disponibles con Andrés) subrayan la importancia de reconocer los desafíos mientras que a la vez se confía en la provisión divina. Estos momentos ilustran cómo enfrentar las dificultades puede profundizar el entendimiento y fomentar el crecimiento, enfatizando la resolución proactiva de problemas y el valor de iniciar discusiones sobre las necesidades.

El milagro central de multiplicar los panes y los peces resume las virtudes de la gratitud y la generosidad. El acto de Jesús de dar gracias antes de distribuir la comida nos enseña que reconocer nuestras bendiciones, aun por pequeñas que sean, puede conducir a una abundante provisión. Este acto, junto con la recolección de las sobras, sirve como un poderoso recordatorio de una administración consciente y la importancia de valorar nuestros recursos, asegurando que nada se desperdicie.

En esencia, la historia trasciende su contexto religioso para ofrecer verdades eternas sobre cómo vivir con propósito, fomentar la comunidad, aceptar desafíos con fe y practicar la gratitud y la buena administración. Nos anima a ser intencionales en nuestras acciones, involucrarnos profundamente con nuestras comunidades, confiar en la posibilidad de que se produzcan milagros a partir de nuestras escasas ofrendas y siempre actuar tomando en cuenta los recursos con que contamos.

En conclusión, la alimentación de las cinco mil personas, es una lección que nos llama a reflexionar sobre nuestras vidas, instándonos a cultivar una confianza más profunda en el desarrollo de los planes divinos y a participar activamente en la creación de un mundo marcado por generosidad, compasión y abundancia.

 

Reflexión sobre Juan 6: 1-21 por Marlon Bobier Vargas, SVD

(Escucha el podcast aquí)

Lámpara Brillante

"Él era la lámpara que ardía y alumbraba, y ustedes estaban dispuestos a regocijarse por un tiempo en su luz". – Juan 5: 35

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Jesús siendo Dios no requirió ningún testimonio humano. De hecho, Jesús aceptó únicamente el testimonio de Juan el Bautista. Aquí vemos la humildad de Jesús y al mismo tiempo como siempre quiso darle toda la gloria a Dios su Padre.

Jesús está dando testimonio acerca de Juan el Bautista: "Era una lámpara que ardía y alumbraba". Juan el Bautista preparó el camino para Jesús y en este proceso no sólo ardía sino que daba luz brillante. Todos sabemos la historia de cómo Herodes mató a Juan el Bautista mientras defendía la verdad y la justicia. Leemos en Juan 8:12 – "Yo soy la luz del mundo". La misma luz (Jesús) nos dice en Mateo 5:14: "Ustedes son la luz del mundo". Jesús quiere que todos nosotros seamos sus testigos. Como leemos en Mateo 5:16 – "Así brille la luz de ustedes delante de los hombres, para que vean sus buenas acciones y glorifiquen a su Padre que está en los cielos". Jesús quiere que seamos otro Juan Bautista. Jesús quiere que brillemos tanto que podamos iluminar al mundo entero.

Queridos amigos en Cristo Jesús, mientras más nos llenemos del Espíritu Santo, más nos volvemos más santos; mientras más hagamos la voluntad de Dios en nuestras vidas, podremos brillar más intensamente. Como Juan el Bautista, tratemos también nosotros de no sólo arder, sino de brillar, para que otros puedan alegrarse en nuestra luz. Podremos mostrarles el camino correcto hacia Jesús y también podremos glorificar a Dios como Juan el Bautista.

¡Ven Espíritu Santo ilumina nuestras mentes y corazones! AMÉN.

 

Reflexión sobre Juan 5: 25-47 por el P. George Joseph SVD

(Escucha el podcast aquí)

Bread

Jesus therefore, lifting up his eyes and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?” - John 6:5

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The feeding of the five thousand, beyond its miraculous nature, imparts profound lessons on intentionality, community, faith, and stewardship. This Biblical narrative begins with Jesus' deliberate movement to the Sea of Galilee, teaching us that significant events often require thoughtful preparation and positioning. The large crowd following Him highlights the draw of genuine compassion and the power of community built on trust and shared experiences.

The interactions between Jesus and His disciples—questioning Philip about buying bread and discussing the available resources with Andrew—underscore the importance of recognizing challenges while trusting in divine provision. These moments illustrate how facing difficulties can deepen understanding and foster growth, emphasizing proactive problem-solving and the value of initiating discussions around needs.

The core miracle of multiplying loaves and fish encapsulates the virtues of gratitude and generosity. Jesus' act of giving thanks before distributing the food teaches us that acknowledging our blessings, no matter how small, can lead to abundant provision. This act, coupled with the collection of leftovers, serves as a powerful reminder of mindful stewardship and the importance of valuing our resources, ensuring nothing is wasted.

In essence, the story transcends its religious context to offer timeless insights into living with purpose, fostering community, embracing challenges with faith, and practicing gratitude and stewardship. It encourages us to be intentional in our actions, engage deeply with our communities, trust in the possibility of miracles from our meager offerings, and always act with mindfulness towards our resources. 

This synthesis of lessons from the feeding of the five thousand calls us to reflect on our lives, urging us to cultivate a deeper trust in the unfolding of divine plans and to participate actively in creating a world marked by generosity, compassion, and abundance.

Reflection on John 6: 1-21 by Marlon Bobier Vargas, SVD

Lucerna Ardens | Shining lamp

"He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light." – John 5: 35

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Jesus being God did not require any human testimony. Even then Jesus accepted the testimony of John the Baptist. Here we see the humility of Jesus and at the same time he wanted to give all glory to God his Father. 

Jesus is making a testimony about John the Baptist –"He was a burning and shining lamp." John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus and in this process he was not just burning but was giving bright light. We all know how John the Baptist was killed by Herod for standing for truth and justice.  We read in John 8:12 –"I am the light of the world." The same light (Jesus) is telling us in Matthew 5:14 – "You are the light of the world." Jesus wants all of us to be his witnesses. As we read in Matthew 5:16 – "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Jesus wants us to be another John the Baptist. Jesus wants us to shine so bright that we may be able to light up the whole world.

Dear friends in Christ Jesus, the more we fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit, the more we become holier, the more we do the will of God in our lives we will be able to shine out more brightly. As John the Baptist let us also try to be not just burning but shining, so that others may be able to rejoice in our light. We may show them the right path to Jesus and also will be able to glorify God just like John the Baptist. 

Come Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts. amen.

 

Reflection on John 5: 25-47 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to podcast here)

Cansado

Entonces Jesús, cansado del camino, se sentó junto al pozo -Juan 4:6

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Hay dos versículos en esta porción de la Escritura que tocaron mi corazón. El primero es el versículo 6 donde explica que Jesús estaba muy cansado del viaje. El segundo es el versículo 21 donde Jesús invita a la mujer samaritana a confiar en Él. En la vida, a menudo experimentamos fatiga, cansancio, etc. A veces y sin darnos cuenta, estamos cansados de nuestras tareas diarias o cansados de tratar con personas cercanas que amamos. A veces estas personas cercanas a nosotros también son la fuente de nuestro dolor. A veces algunos de nosotros incluso nos cansamos de nuestra vida y la terminamos trágicamente mediante el suicidio. Esto es justo lo que está sucediendo y se ha vuelto viral últimamente. ¡Como buen cristiano, te pido que por favor no se te ocurra nunca hacer esto!

Basta con mirar a Jesús, quien con su naturaleza humana, una vez se sintió cansado mientras viajaba tan lejos, al igual que nosotros que caminamos por este mundo. Lo que hizo Jesús en ese momento fue primero sentarse y después pedir ayuda a la mujer samaritana (le pidió agua).

Este incidente nos recuerda que, cuando estés cansado de los problemas de la vida, no sigas corriendo hasta quedarte sin aliento. Por el contrario, siéntate, respira y luego pide humildemente ayuda a los demás. La comunicación es muy importante para superar el agotamiento. Si la comunicación con los demás no nos ayuda, entonces Dios siempre está esperando que nos comuniquemos con Él en cualquier situación de la vida. No es necesario una comunicación formal, solo habla como un niño inocente, Dios definitivamente te escuchará.

Dios está presente cuando tenemos dudas y falta de fe. Así como le habló a la mujer samaritana para que confiara en Él, así también nos habla a nosotros cada vez que estamos cansados. Si mantenemos nuestra fe, ya no habrá estrés, depresión, angustia ni dudas. Cuando tomamos un vuelo en avión o cuando viajamos en tren u otro medio de transporte público, podemos disfrutar el viaje como pasajeros. Disfrutamos de la vista y de todo lo que encontramos alrededor, incluso aun sin conocer al piloto. Si no sabíamos quién era el que tenía el control del vehículo, entonces ¿por qué estamos tan ansiosos cuando nos damos cuenta de que es Jesús mismo el que tiene el control de nuestras vidas?

Por eso, hermanos míos, confiad en Él en todo momento. Dios los bendiga a todos.

 

Reflexión sobre Juan 4: 1-26 por  Sor Yanti  Purnawati SFSC

(Escucha el podcast aquí)

Sembrar

El que siega recibe salario y recoge fruto para vida eterna, para que el que siembra y el que siega se regocijen juntos – Juan 4:36

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¿Qué es el evangelio? El Evangelio o el Libro del Evangelio proviene del árabe Al – Injil, en el griego Euangelion, que significa BUENAS NOTICIAS (Buenas noticias acerca de Jesucristo por lo que también se le puede llamar noticia de alegría, noticia de paz, noticia de salvación). En la Biblia hay 4 evangelios: Mateo, Marcos, Lucas y Juan. ¿Por qué se incluyen estos libros en los evangelios? Porque presentan la narrativa de Jesucristo desde Su nacimiento hasta Su resurrección. En Mateo 28:19, dice "Por tanto, id y haced discípulos a todas las naciones, bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo". El mensaje de estas palabras es la gran comisión del Señor Jesucristo a la humanidad.

 

¿Quién tiene derecho a predicar el evangelio? Por supuesto, todos los creyentes están obligados a transmitir y predicar este evangelio. En el desempeño de la tarea de evangelización, será eficaz si el evangelio vive en nosotros, es decir, que los frutos producidos puedan impactar a los demás. La gente puede escuchar nuestros consejos, guianza, sermones y enseñanzas, pero lo que realmente se siente y se ve son nuestras acciones. Por lo tanto, el evangelio debe vivir verdaderamente en nosotros y nosotros debemos vivir por el evangelio. Predicar el evangelio es como un sembrador que siembra semilla. Juan cuenta la historia del sembrador, Jesús, quien sembró la semilla a la mujer samaritana, y la semilla que fue sembrada produjo los resultados (la verdad) que la mujer samaritana cosechó. Lo cierto es que tanto el sembrador como el segador se regocijan.

 

Predicar el evangelio no se trata sólo de palabras, sino toda una vida entregada a sembrar justicia en todos los aspectos de la vida. Jesucristo es un ejemplo de un verdadero sembrador que está dispuesto a dar su vida como semilla para ser sembrado, y que como pueblo cosechemos la salvación. De hecho, sembrar es un momento difícil. Salmo 126:5-6 dice: "Los que sembraron con lágrimas, con cánticos de alegría segarán. Los que salen llorando, llevando la semilla para sembrar, volverán con cánticos de alegría, llevando gavillas".

 

Si en esta vida no se nos da la oportunidad de cosechar lo que sembramos, recordemos la promesa de Dios en Mateo 5:11-12: "Bienaventurados seréis cuando os insulten, os persigan, y digan toda clase de mal contra vosotros, falsamente, por causa de a mí. Alegraos y regocijaos, porque vuestra recompensa será grande en el cielo, porque de la misma manera persiguieron a los profetas que fueron antes de vosotros".

 

La predicación del evangelio no es como una semilla que espera el tiempo de la cosecha para cosechar, sino que debe ser llevada y predicada en cada momento y todo tiempo. No sólo predicada, sino que realmente debemos vivir rendidos ante Dios. Llevar la cruz de Dios está llena de desafíos y pruebas. Pero si te entregas a Dios, habrá esperanza y milagros revelados porque en cada tormenta de la vida, debe haber un hermoso arcoíris esperando. Proverbios 3:5-6 dice "Confía en el Señor con todo tu corazón, y no te apoyes en tu propia prudencia; Sométete a él en todos tus caminos, y él enderezará tus veredas".

 

Preguntas de reflexión:

1. ¿Quién sembró las semillas de buenas nuevas en tu vida? ¿Crees que fueron enviadas por Dios para tu salvación?

2. ¿Siembras buenas noticias? ¿Cuál es tu experiencia?

3. ¿Alguna vez has "cosechado" al traer a alguien a los pies de Cristo? ¿Cómo te sentiste?

 

Dios los bendiga. Amén

 

Reflexión sobre Juan 4: 27-54 por Aldo Tridarma Mona

(Escucha el podcast aquí)

Fatigatus | Tired

Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well- John 4:6

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There are two verses that touched me from this Scripture.  The first one is verse 6 where it explained that Jesus was very tired from a journey.  The second is verse 21 where Jesus invited the Samaritan woman to trust Him. Often in life we ​​experience fatigue, tiredness, and so on. Sometimes unrealized, we are often tired of our daily tasks, tired of dealing with people whom we are close to and love. Because sometimes these people close to us, are the source of our heartache too. Sometimes some of us even get tired of life and tragically end their lives by committing suicide, just what is happening and go on viral nowadays. As a good Christian, please and please do not ever think to do that.  Just look at Jesus who have His human nature, once felt tired while traveling so far just like us traveling in this world. What Jesus did at that time was first of all to sit down and then after that He asked the Samaritan woman for help (ask for water).

This incident reminds us that when you are tired of life's problems, don't keep running until you run out of breath alone, but sit down slowly, take a breath, then humbly ask for help from others. Communication is very important in overcoming burnout. If communication with others does not help us, then God is always waiting for us to communicate with Him in any situation of life. No need for formal communication but just speak like an innocent child, God will definitely hear.

God is present when we are doubtful and lack of faith. As He talked to the Samaritan woman to trust in Him, so does He talk to us every time we are tired.  If we maintain our faith, there will no longer be stress, depression, heartache and doubt. When we took a flight on a plane or when we travel with a train or various other public transportation, we were able to enjoy it in the passenger seat. We enjoyed the view, enjoyed the gadgets prepared, even while we don't know the pilot of the plane. If we did not know who was the one in control of the vehicle, why are we so anxious when we realize that Jesus himself is in control of our lives? 

And so my brothers and sisters, trust Him at all times.  God bless you all. 

Reflection on John 4: 1-26 by Sr Yanti Purnawati SFSC

(Listen to podcast here)

Sow

He who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit to eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together – John 4:36

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What is the Gospel? The Gospel or the Book of the Gospel comes from the Arabic Al - Injil, Greek Euangelion, which means GOOD NEWS (Good news about Jesus Christ so it can also be called news of joy, news of peace, news of salvation). In the Bible there are 4 gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Why are these books included in the gospels? Because they present the narrative of Jesus Christ from His birth to His resurrection. In Matthew 28:19, it states "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. The message of these words is the great commission of the Lord Jesus Christ to mankind.

Who has the right to preach the gospel? Of course, all believers are obliged to convey and preach this gospel. In carrying out the task of evangelism, it will be effective if the gospel lives in us, meaning that the produced fruits can bring impact to others. People may listen to our advice, guidance, sermons, teachings, but what is truly felt and seen is our actions. Therefore, the gospel must truly live in us and we should live in the gospel. Preaching the gospel is like a sower sowing seed. John tells the story of the sower, Jesus, who sowed the seed to the Samaritan woman, and the seed that was sown produced the results (truth) that the Samaritan woman reaped. The truth is that the sower and the reaper both rejoice.

Preaching the gospel is not just words, but a whole life given to sowing righteousness through all aspects of life. Jesus Christ is an example of a true sower who is willing to give his life as a seed to be sown so that we as a people reap salvation. Indeed, sowing is a hard time. Psalm 126:5-6 states "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them."

If in this life, we are not given the opportunity to reap what we sow, remember God's promise in Matthew 5:11-12: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

The preaching of the gospel is not like a seed that waits for harvest time to reap, but is carried out at every moment and time must be preached. Not just preaching, but we should really live surrendered to God. Carrying the cross of God is full of challenges and trials, but if you surrender to God, there will be hope and miracles will be revealed because in every storm of life, there must be a beautiful rainbow waiting. Proverbs 3:5-6 states “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Reflection Questions:

1. Who sowed the seeds of good news in your life? 

     Do you believe they were sent by God for your salvation?

2. Do you sow good news? What is your experience?

3. Have you ever "reaped" bringing someone to Jesus? What did you feel?

God bless. Amen

Reflection on John 4: 27-54 by Aldo Tridarma Mona