United with Christ | In Christo Iesu

Now you have been united with Christ Jesus (Eph 2:13).

We sometimes live apart from Christ. It happens when we are dissatisfied with ourselves, when we give up, fall into sin, or sink into despair. Generally speaking, it occurs when we focus too much on ourselves rather than on Jesus Christ living within us. On the contrary, when we draw close to the Lord, we become calmer, more peaceful, and filled with love. Our vocation is to remain always united with Him.

In the Catholic Church, we receive Holy Communion for the first time as children. Usually, children at this age are so thrilled to participate in the Eucharist that their eyes shine with wonder. They truly live with Christ, in Christ, and through Christ. The sad reality is that as we grow older, we often lose that excitement. We try to live on our own strength because we are no longer children. Yet, the truth is that we remain children of God throughout our entire lives. Jesus reminds us of this in the New Testament when He points us toward the promises God has made to us (v. 12).

We are not meant to live in the world without God and without hope. We are invited to live with Christ, holding fast to the hope that we are always God's beloved children. Therefore, we no longer desire to be far from Him. We gather in the Church to participate in the Body and Blood of Christ, receiving through Him peace, happiness, and the fullness of life.

Jesus Christ alone can unite us inwardly and bring us into harmony with our brothers and sisters. His mission is to make us one in Himself and to break down the dividing walls of hostility that separate us from one another (v. 14). He blesses us and pours peace into our hearts and minds. Together with Christ, we are reconciled to God the Father and to neighbor. This is our Good News. This is our eternal covenant.

We are no longer far off; we truly live in Christ Jesus. We come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit (v. 18) as members of one family of God (v. 19). United, we are His heavenly Kingdom and His holy temple, where God dwells by His Spirit (v. 22). Amen.

Reflection on 2 Ephesians 2:11-22  by Jozef.

(Listen to podcast here)

Redemption | Redemptio

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).

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We know more about the church of Ephesus than any other church in the New Testament. This is because of a great deal of correspondence concerning this church and the apostle Paul also stayed in Ephesus on two occasions; a brief stopover and a prolonged stay of about two to three years.  He was the first Christian missionary to this city. Therefore, it was also an important city in the early Church history.  

In Ephesians 1 we read about the wonderful spiritual riches in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) and how God provide these riches for us, including our redemption. In Him, our Lord and Saviour, we have redemption. We can not trust in anything, or anyone else for our redemption. 

In the time of the apostle Paul, Ephesus was a huge port city. It was one of the largest cities in the Roman empire. A metropolis of commerce and finance. In this city there was also an enormous pagan temple dedicated to Artemis. This temple was the largest Greek temple ever built.  It was central to Ephesian life and also visited by many. We can imagine how the Ephesians came to this temple daily and worshipped a false idol, the lady of Ephesus. 

The apostle Paul wants to make sure that the Ephesian believers understand this incredible important truth:  in Christ we have redemption. In Him we are fully set free. In no one else. Only in Christ.  Paul's message is also for us today. We are redeemed, free from bondage and are no longer under condemnation. We are fully free in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. We do not hope for it, because we already have it. 

Today, only a few fragments remains of the colossal temple at Ephesus. The British museum houses artefacts and remains of the goddess of Ephesus. In contrast, we know that our Redeemer lives. As we read in in Job 19:25: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.'' Amen

Reflection on Ephesians 1:1-12 by Hanne

In uno Spiritu | In one Spirit

In one Spirit we were all baptized into one body (1 Cor 12:13).

A month ago we lost a beloved member of our community. Her name was Desi, and we all miss her deeply. As one body, we remain united with Desi. Now she lives in the heavenly Kingdom among the saints in glory. We continue to pray for her, and she prays for us. This is the gift of the communion of saints to which we belong.

We believe that our beloved sister Desi is with Christ, for Christ lived in her body when she walked among us on earth. The same was true of the Holy Spirit dwelling within her. For "in one Spirit we were all baptized" as Christians. It does not matter that we have different languages and colors of skin. What matters is that we have all been made to drink of one Holy Spirit. We have various gifts and ministries in our community: one of us edits our blog, another helps organize the schedule, another prepares our podcasts, and some write reflections.

We are all needed to preach the Good News in the world. You cannot say that you are not needed in the community of the Church. You can always engage more fully to share the Gospel with your brothers and sisters. Your reflection encourages others to grow in Christian faith and understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Your personal story helps many others live their lives. Through your eyes, we can see much more. Through your ears, we can hear much more.

Our heavenly Father arranged our Bible Sharing Group and sent the Holy Spirit to gather us together. I could not do this work alone as a single member. Therefore, I am thankful for every person in our group. I especially pray for our sister Desi, who was present at the beginning of our spiritual community where "there are many parts, yet one body" (v. 20). Amen.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 by Józef Trzebuniak SVD.

(Listen to podcast here)

Congregatis vobis | Assembled

„When you are assembled and the power of our Lord Jesus is present” (1 Cor 5:4).

 

In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul declares: "When you are assembled and the power of our Lord Jesus is present (1 Cor 5:4)". These words illuminate the mystery of what we celebrate each time we gather as the Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that the word "Church" - from the Latin ecclesia - signifies "convocation" or "assembly." This is no only human gathering, but rather a divine convocation. As Saint Cyril of Jerusalem instructed in his Catechetical Lectures, the Church is "rightly named Ecclesia because it calls forth and assembles together all men."

We are assembled as a community not by human initiative, but by the God’s Word. The Church exists as the people whom God calls and gathers from every corner of the earth. Through the sacraments of faith and baptism, we have been incorporated into Christ's Mystical Body, becoming children of God and temples of the Holy Spirit. Even when the Christians are geographically separated, the Holy Spirit maintains the spiritual unity.

The early Church Fathers, particularly Saint Ignatius of Antioch and Saint Cyprian of Carthage, emphasized that each particular Church participates in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Our local community is thus a manifestation of the universal Church.

In this sacred gathering, assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we better understand the Church's mission. We intercede for the salvation of souls, particularly for those in spiritual danger. We seek deliverance from sin and pray earnestly "that their spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord (v. 5)".

Saint Paul also teaches in his Letter to the Romans: "So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others (Rom 12:5)". It happens in the sacred liturgy, most especially in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, where Christ himself becomes present among his people. Here, the Church becomes the assembly of the saved, called together by the Word of God and united in the power of the Holy Spirit.

May we never forget the dignity of our calling as members of Christ's Body. May we always pray for one another and support in every situation of our life. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 by Józef Trzebuniak.

(Listen to podcast here)

Christus | Messiah

„This is the Messiah, Jesus, whom I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:3).

Doctor of the Church-Cyril of Jerusalem, a theologian of the Early Church, left us important writings on Jesus Christ. He filled his catechesis with the Holy Spirit, which is commonly known as the Catechetical Lectures. His homilies, delivered around 350 AD, contained the faith and tradition of the Church. The bishop of Jerusalem focused on the Son of God, the Messiah, proclaimed by Paul (cf. Acts 17:3).

According to Cyril, Jesus Christ is the center of the history of salvation. He claims that the Holy Scriptures lead to faith in the Son of God. In the fourth lecture, he speaks about our Lord, through whom God created all things visible and invisible. He is Life from Life and Light from Light (cf. John 8:12). Jesus Christ is the Wisdom and Power of God. He rose from the dead and, after his resurrection, appeared again to His disciples. He will come again from heaven.

We Christians should wait for the true Christ and the only-begotten Son of God. We should believe in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thanks to the divine grace, we are sanctified. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ during the Eucharist, we become one in the Church.

Cyril of Jerusalem emphasized that we learn about the divine mysteries from the Scriptures. Since our Christian faith is based on the authority of the Word of God.

From the teachings of Paul and Cyril, we know that there is no other king but Jesus. Therefore, we should also proclaim the Good News among our neighbors. Where are you sent by the Holy Spirit to share the Scriptures? Aren’t you remained behind? Let us join their mission as soon as possible. Amen.

Reflection on Acts 17:1-15 by Józef Trzebuniak

(Listen to podcast here)

Sine me nihil | Without me | EN | IN | ES

"You cannot do anything without me" – John 15:5.

Jesus speaks to his disciples with great love. Because he knows it is the best way to enter the human heart. The Son of God understands how important is unity. He unites himself with the Father in the Holy Spirit. Consequently, he does everything according to the will of his Father. Also, he tries to explain spiritual matters to the people who belong to this earth. Therefore, he gives an example of the true vine and friendship. 

The disciples can learn from their Master the most important values. Jesus Christ is an expert in spirituality and theology. So he shows them how to build deep relationships. Both heavenly and earthly things are important for Jesus. The universe is the place where the Spirit of God works. Human beings often make mistakes through their own actions and decisions. They can feel dry and empty when they lack love. This fact leads them to various diseases and other problems. 

The children of God need to accept that they are being loved. They are to open their hearts for true friendship. They belong to the same true vine that is trimmed by the Father and they wait for the cleansing of the Holy Spirit. They also need the teaching which comes from the Holy Scriptures. When they read the Bible, they remain faithful to the love of the Holy Trinity. They grow in the special love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Only in this love, they achieve perfect happiness and inner peace. They can also love one another and fulfill the whole world with divine love. 

The community is the proper place to show love for friends and to offer our life. In the Church, the Lord speaks to us as his friends, tells us everything, and gives us whatever we ask in his holy name. 

Reflection on John 15:1-17 by Fr Józef Trzebuniak.

(Listen to podcast here)

Intra se | Within themselves

"They were thinking this way within themselves" - ‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭(BSB).

You are thinking a lot within yourself. What is your future? What are you going to do?  How could you overcome your problems? Could you avoid this or that situation in your life? 

There are so many ideas that appear in your head. But sometimes you sit down with Jesus at home. You calm down your mind and soul. 

The Lent season invites us to spend more time only with Jesus while he stays at home (v. 1). You do not need to control everything - your past, presence, and future. The Son of God is close to you.  

There are many obstacles that do not allow you to meet with Jesus face to face. If you are unable to get near the Lord, you have to find a better way to approach him. If you are too weak alone, you can ask your community to pray and support you. There is always a chance to break down the wall between you and God. 

If you hear Jesus preaching in the church. If your community reads the Holy Scriptures. You are luckier than thousands of people who are far away from the Lord. You can break through your anxieties and let them down in front of Jesus. 

There, you will hear again that you are a beloved child of God (v. 5). You will get absolution from all your sins because you are faithful. Don't follow the scribes who are only sitting and doubting. They do not believe in the power of his words and actions.  

You do trust in Jesus Christ. You are to open your heart and start a new life. You can win with the Lord. For the Son of God has the authority to make miracles on earth (v. 10). So come closer to Jesus and you will be astounded. You will glorify God in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Reflection from Mark 2:1-12 by Józef Trzebuniak. 

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Cum carissimis | With good friends

“With our good friends” - Acts 15:2 (CEV).

Friendship is a very precious treasure. We do agree with this statement. But we also know how difficult and complicated each relationship is. It happens because a true and sincere connection needs two people who are mature. We usually have problems with ourselves. And for that reason, we have problems with other people too.  

Jesus teaches us in his priestly prayer about the value of friendship. He shows his disciples that he trusts and loves them. Although they are not prepared for such a great gift, he offers them his friendship (see: J 15:9-17).  In this way, he gave them examples of how to build a community of believers. So we also need to trust each other and work together.  

In the Acts of Apostles, we see the Church which stands on friendship. In small communities and also in families, people need to become good friends. Only in such an atmosphere we can grow up and face our weaknesses and sins. Only in friendship, we can tell truth to one another. Only in such communities, the Holy Spirit can make miracles. Because as Christians we should love God the Father and also Jesus in the other person. If we follow these commandments, we will do well. But it is a difficult and life-long process. 

We also have to build a community of believers with our talents. We should not give up when we experience misunderstandings. We are to gather together as one Church and read the Scriptures. We ought to encourage and help each other. Thus, we will overcome our disagreements and stay together. As a result, we will teach unbelievers and preach about the Lord who is present among us and in our hearts. 

 

Reflection on Acts 15:22-35 by Józef Trzebuniak SVD.

(Listen to the Podcast here).

Unum Corpus | One Body

“So we, though many, are one body in Christ”  - Romans 12:5.

 

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A woman with a man form "one body" and thus they achieve the deepest communion. The Catholic Church calls such a union holy sacrament. Moreover, the Holy Bible begins with a description of such communion in Eden (Gen 1:28). Also, the ancient Greeks knew that a human person looks for the missing part. Yet, the modern world, especially in the West, focuses on individualism. So, we learn to act on our own. We forget that we live in a community to cooperate and embrace one another. 

Apostle Paul reminds us that we are "members one of another". It happens in the case of close friends who decide to trust each other. Sometimes they can come from different backgrounds and places. But by the grace of God, they feel the unity of their minds and souls. They rejoice in the Lord who created them and let them meet. The communion between people grows "in proportion to their faith" (v. 6).

We can ask ourselves: Is it possible to start a deep connection between people in this world? The answer is: yes, it is possible. Can we achieve this by ourselves? Rather not. We need the gift of grace. We have to stop acting in an egoistic way. We must love more than to think about getting profit. True happiness is serving other people. Yes, Jesus Christ, can live in you as well if only you forget yourself for the sake of others. Are you ready for such love which makes you one with your beloved one?

 

 

Reflection on Romans 12:3-8 by Józef Trzebuniak.

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Opus Bonum | A Noble Task

"Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task." — 1 Tim 3: 1 (NIV) 

We are all aware what is happening in our world nowadays. Often, our human’s tendency is not to be satisfied with what God has given us. To be famous or to be in high position is our human desire. Sometimes because of our needs, we neglect of what become of our first priority. We tend to forget the source of our lives, Jesus Christ.

In the first section of this letter to Timothy, Paul reminds the leaders of the church that the requirement for a leader is - not necessarily to be married or to have children - about being a faithful and capable leader of the church. To be a leader is to serve. We are called to live a life of service for others even though the results are not recognized or noticed. 

In this way, we learn from a holy man of God, St. Joseph. Tomorrow the Catholic Church will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph the husband of Mary. Let me quote the message of Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde: “Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation”.

In our simple way, we can contribute something for the church and the society. We have roles to play. Let us then imitate the life of St. Joseph, patron of the universal church.

                                                                                                                        

Reflection on 1 Timothy 3:1-16 by Sr. Imelda, MSBS

(Listen to the Podcast here)

De templo (Lk. 21:5)

 

How do we feel when we see beautiful churches? I am sure that we immediately adore their aesthetic aspect. However, sometimes, we do not realize what’s really happening. We admire the beauty of the church while we forget about the main aim of it which is a place for praying and honouring God. 

In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds some people about that fact, that God is the aim for establishing a church. The temple is a facility for people to gather together to praise God. Saint Luke on 21:15 writes that when the people were admiring the beautiful temple built upon solid stones and beautiful ornamentation, Jesus reminds them “as for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down”. In other words, Jesus wants to tell them that the church will not be of any worth if your eyes do not see God and if your heart is far from Him.

Today’s gospel invites us as well to recognize the core meaning of a church as a place for praying and honouring God. During this pandemic, we have come to realize more about the importance of the church as we are banned from gathering, including celebrating Eucharistic together in the church. Not only us, but many people throughout the world also miss coming to church. People yearn to unite with Jesus Christ by eating His body. How grateful we should have been for it.

Let us ask God to open our eyes and mind in rethinking over the meaning of a temple and realizing the existence of God in our life in the here and now. God Bless us.

By Fr. ArisMada, SVD

Dominus salus mea (Ps. 27:1).

 

COVID 19 turned our plans upside down. By the fourth week of March, Maumere was placed under total lockdown. The church that used to be filled with believers had gone empty.

However, by God's grace, churches were reopened to the faithful in the first week of July.  People started going to church again. The crisis did not quench the people's thirst to hear God's words and receive the Holy communion. What consoled me during this challenging situation was the presence of young people in the church, attending mass and devotions not only on Sundays but also on weekdays. Every Friday and Saturday of the first week of the month, people also come for adoration and Rosary.

Seeing this fervor in people strengthens me and gives me hope. The responsorial Psalm of today which says: “The Lord is my light and my salvation” reminds us of our total trust in Him. Despite many challenges and crises that we are now facing in our religious vocation, yet God always enlightens us.

By Sr. Imelda, SMBS.

Tu es Petrus (Mt. 16:18)

 

Today’s Gospel is set in the region of Caesarea Philippi. That is in the north of Palestine in the largely pagan territory near the sources of the River Jordan in the area of what is now the Golan Heights. So Christ is away from his usual environment and he is focusing on the formation of his disciples. He questions them. ‘Who do people say that the Son of man is?’ Jesus asks. And after the disciples’ answer, more pointedly, he asks, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ And Peter replies: ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’

It was pure grace from God that Simon Peter knew of the true identity of Jesus. Among the many disciples, why was Peter was chosen as the disciple to found the Church? Maybe because Peter was always close to Jesus, he had that hunger to be always in his company.

Jesus founded the Church, saying, ‘you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church’ (Matthew 16:18). This is still the same Catholic Church where we belong right now. Peter was our first Pope; Pope Francis is our present pope – the 266th successor of Peter.

Jesus did not ask Peter to be a star, but rock; not brilliant, but solid; not popular, but the unwavering voice of Christ to his people. Previously Peter was known as Simon the new name of Peter meaning ‘rock’.

He said to Simon Peter: ‘You are a rock’. Jesus is saying something similar to you and to me today in this Mass, in his words that we have just heard in sacred scripture. Listen to what Jesus is saying to us, listen to who Jesus is asking you to be. Then face each day of this coming week in the midst of our very troubled world, trying to remember just who it is Jesus says we are and who he means us to be.

By Fr. Rajesh Minz, UK.