Unum corpus multi sumus (1 Cor. 10:17)

We are looking for beauty, truth, and goodness. We are waiting for love, peace, and happiness. We engage ourselves in relationships. Nonetheless, we feel that we are lacking something. Something is missing. Deep inside our soul is eager for God. 

Do people, things, experiences fulfill or satisfy this desire? Probably not because even if we get everything we want, we still miss something. 

Apostle Paul explains that as human beings we need communion with Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. We are capable of achieving this spiritual union in the Church. Especially when we receive holy sacraments, namely Body and Blood of Christ. As long as we are on the earth, we cannot see God face to face. However, we feel God among us and in our hearts. Although we are One Body in Christ, we experience the difference between us. 

Let's partake in Christ and become one with him. Let's pray for each other so we could have a share in the Kingdom of God.

By Józef Trzebuniak SVD

Iota unum (Mt 5:18)

We often listen to these words of Jesus today: “Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.” We can ask ourselves, “Why did Jesus  tell these words to his disciples and to all of us, his disciples in this present time?” I would like to say that through his words today, Jesus wants to confirm that He comes for the  salvation of all humanity.In the time of old, God gave His Law and His words for the salvation of His people through  all His prophets. But now,God speaks to all humanity for their salvation through His only Son, the long-awaited Messiah – Jesus Christ. Jesus does not abolish the Law and the Prophets, because the  Law and the Prophets are meant for the salvation of all people.Jesus comes to renew these Law and Prophets because some persons and groups  try to twist the Word of God for their own benefit. And Jesus fulfills His own words through His death and resurrection, in order to show the compassionate heart of God for the salvation of all humanity.

We are called to listen and obey the word of God by our words and deeds.And if we do these, we will be considered great in the Kingdom of God. Jesus has come to fulfill the promise of God to save us by showing how to follow and obey the Word of God. May we strive to be faithful to the Word of God, so that we will become good children of God and real disciples of Jesus; and we will be considered great in the Kingdom of God. Amen.

By Risco Batbual, SVD

Clamor meus (Ps 40:3)

"I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." How many of us have ever been in the middle of a problem, have experienced a lost of a family member or friend, have been laid down in bed with severe sickness or heartbroken and without a way out? Have you ever been in dangerous situations, battling for your own life or hopeless about the future? Have you experience the lost of everything? Your reputation, your job or income? That source that allows you to provide for your family needs? Have you ever felt hunger not only in your body, but in your soul? in general, have you ever experience any type of hard situation in your life that overwhelms and troubles your heart to get you to the point of oppression, bringing your faith hopeless because of what your eyes can only see? We all have gone through harsh times in many different ways, this is part of human nature and also God's purifying process for each of us to make perfect His work in us. The good news are that we are not alone carrying these burdens in our shoulders.

The Lord sees and hears... He is not indifferent or deaf to His own children words and prayers. The One who created all heavens and earth also created the ear and He is attentive and ready to listen to what we have to say. In this verse, the meaning of the word inclined is to bend or stretch out, this means that the Lord, the Highest, Holly and Almighty King of Kings, bends over from His throne of grace and pays attention to listen very carefully to our voices, our words, our prayers. The most wonderful thing is that the Lord does that even when He already know our most deep inner thoughts  He wants to hear His children words as a father pay attention to his little children stories and words. He enjoys to be reached out and act in our favor! (Mt 21:22 KJV And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive).

Are we awaiting patiently on His perfect timing and plans for us? He has promised good for us and there is no lie or deceit on Him because He is light. God permitted a 'new normal' living style after Covid-19 pandemic because He is teaching something... to wait...yes, to wait and develop the sweet fruit of patience in us. This unprecedented time has showed many of us to await, to be patient and remember His promises during the process. There is nothing we can do right now, other than persevere in our full dependence on Him. Our Lord demonstrates one more time His sovereignty to the world. Let's trust completely in our Heavenly Father since His faithfulness and grace is forever, keeping in mind that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28).

By Nydia Flores.

Pedes evangelizantium bona (Rm. 10:15)

Have you ever been asked by someone to pass the news to someone else? Have you ever been a messenger? What would you do? Actions are divided. You can do it right away without postponing it. Or sometimes, you postpone doing it due to your hectic activities and as a result, you forget and ignore passing on this very crucial message.  This passage is a letter from Apostle Paul to people in Rome. These verses, 14-15, highlight the importance of being a messenger to the lost people as no one comes to them and tells them the good news. 

We are living right now in uncertainty and are amidst chaos and constant worry about our future. The virus, COVID 19, has shaken things up and crippled schools, churches, business, industry and has impacted the way of humans live in many aspects including social interaction like people are worried to get infected, people are reluctant of meeting strangers, and people are in constant worry about many things. The most ultimate fear experienced by humans is death. Humans try to escape from the reality that death is inevitable. It is only a matter of time and place.  But, there is indeed something more dangerous than the virus and death that incrementally affects humans in many aspects; psychical, mental, social, and intellectual. Sin. Yes, sin. Its wage is death. Humans are separated forever and ever from God. He could not have eternal life and he could not experience a bountiful and joyous life. 

Rom. 10, Verse 15 says, “As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! This verse reminds us to be a messenger by taking initiative, move forward; to get things done. Do something. It is an active verb to encourage us to do our call as a messenger; sharing the good news to people around us. What kind of news should be shared? The news of Cross that God has died on the Cross in Calvary to pay for our sins for free.   In grace, in God alone, there is a hope that nothing can separate us from His love. Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, sword, and danger. Nothing can separate us including COVID 19 and the death. If we are experiencing these hurdles these days, a word of God says that God is in control. God wants us to grow be more like Him in characters; to be patient, to fully believe on Him despite the fact of uncertainty around us, to use our logic in leading our life, to keep doing our best over our responsibility, to always look for God’s kindness amidst this chaotic situation, to be generous, to be empathic, and many more. Isn’t it worth news to be shared by a messenger? Don’t postpone sharing this good news. Do it now!

Reflection by Deisyi.

Vadam illuc et orem (Mt 26:36)

You are travelling with friends to the heavenly Kingdom. In your life you experience ups and downs, happiness and sadness. One day you are joyful, the other day sorrowful... Nevertheless, you keep walking. You can notice Jesus at your side. You meet him while reading and meditating on the Scriptures. There he gives you answers for the deepest questions and problems of your life. 

Your Lord, Jesus Christ, teaches you that you sometimes need to pray alone and abide only with your beloved Father. However, you also can talk with your friends and family members. All of them are signs of God's love towards you. 

You should not be afraid to share your life and to ask for support. For each of us is fragile and from time to time looks for other people to be conforted. 

Friendship and every good relation takes a lot of time, effort, patience and trust. In the relations with people you are invited to follow them and their stories. Your story is not the most important one. So you don't have to focus on your own problems. On the contrary, you are able to look at your heavenly Father and experience his great love towards you. Even friends and your brothers and sisters can disappoint you. But your beloved Father will never let you be abandoned.

You can pray in these words today: My beloved Father, help me and support me in my struggles. Do not let me be alone. Strengthen my faith and love towards you. Make me more grateful and sympathetic in the relations with other people. Send your Holy Spirit to enkindle us with your divine grace. I ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.