Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Nomen Domini Iesu | The Lord Jesus

"The name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor” (Acts 19:17).




At Christmas, we beheld the Child Jesus in the Bethlehem manger, alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. Annually, we contemplate the profound mystery of our faith, the Incarnation of the Son of God. Although we meditate on these Gospel passages for so many years, Jesus Christ still remains a mystery to us. We understand Him all the more, the more strongly we believe in His holy name.

The Apostle Paul performed mighty miracles in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. But those who tried to misuse this name were met with failure. For only those who possess true faith in the Son of God can penetrate the mysteries of the Lord's Holy Name. "In this way the word of the Lord spreads widely and grows in power” (v. 20). Does the name of Jesus permeate your whole being? Do you grow in strength thanks to the power of the name of Jesus? Do you become like Jesus Christ for your sisters and brothers? 

In the contemporary world, as in antiquity, much confusion surrounds the Christian faith. Some people seem to play with the name of the Jesus Christ. There are also people who only call themselves Christians. Sometimes, like Apostle Paul, we have to leave such environment. Sometimes you have to go to another place so as not to perish spiritually. Some people are constantly caught up in the pursuit of material goods. Even we often succumb to the illusion of wealth and prosperity. 

The mentality of this world will always be in conflict with the mentality of Christians who decide to follow in the footsteps of the Master from Nazareth. The gods of this world are no gods for us who believe in the Lord Jesus, who is the begotten Son of God. The vanity of this world and worldly glitz are illusions that lead to disaster and misfortune. Only people who live in the name of Jesus Christ, like the Apostle Paul, can oppose these dangerous temptations.

Therefore, let us not be afraid of those who shout in the name of their idols. We, in the name of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, pray: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Amen.


Reflection by Józef Trzebuniak on Acts 19:11-27.
(Listen to podcast here)

Monday, April 22, 2024

Now I see | EN | ID | ES

Encuentra la versión en Español 👉 Aquí

Indonesian version  👉 Here 


"One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see." -John 9:25

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This passage is really important to understand how we consider people with big physical disabilities. In the past, people's opinion was that these people were guilty and that they deserve their illness.

Jesus said that he came among the humans to help people to solve their big problems and judge people. So that they believe and are able to live a life full of happiness. People think they are healthy because they are without sins.

The focus is on believing in the Lord. If you follow the faith in God you can face every problem. A man without faith is like a leaf that the wind blows. It can go everywhere especially where there aren't love and happiness. In other words: in a situation where God is not present. 

Another interpretation could be that every human is born blind and only when he starts to follow the Lord, and through sacraments, he starts to see the light given by the faith and love in God. The Lord gift us every kind of present. We have to keep the focus on growing love inside us and spread the word of God worldwide in order to get our life to the fullest possible. 

The key word here is FAITH. Believe in love, happiness, positive mindset. It give us the opportunity to become the expression of God in the world. Amen

Reflection on  John 9:24-41 by Ivan
(Listen to podcast  here )

Monday, March 18, 2024

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)


Thursday, February 15, 2024

Cana

This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. - John 2: 11


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The gospel of John 2:1-12, the story of the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs His first miracle by turning water into wine, offers a rich tapestry of themes that resonate with various aspects of spiritual life.

The setting of a wedding feast itself speaks to the human experience—celebrations of union, love, and joy that are central to human life. Jesus' participation in such an event underscores His involvement and concern for the entirety of human experiences, not just the spiritual or religious moments. This theme reflects the idea that Jesus sanctifies and is present in all aspects of human life, including our moments of communal joy and celebration.

By encouraging us to reflect on the life-changing power of Christ, the gospel also promotes interiorization. Jesus has the power to change the ordinary into the remarkable, just as He changed water into wine. This subject invites us to consider how willing we are to allow Jesus to change the "water" in our life into "wine." It also discusses how faith and obedience function as character traits that enable this change on the inside.

Furthermore, the gospel story itself, which tells the account of Jesus' first miracle found in the Gospel of John, is a clear evocation of Scripture. In order to elicit a deeper comprehension of Jesus' character, His authority, and the significance of His deeds, the reflection draws on this Biblical narrative.  In addition, it emphasizes Mary's role and her faith in Jesus, which act as an example of Christian intercession and faith.

The turning of water into wine can be understood as a liturgical evocation, signifying the Eucharistic wine that symbolizes the blood of Christ, even though the Gospel makes no explicit mention of a liturgical context. The Last Supper and the sacramental life of the Church, in which the faithful partake of wine changed into the blood of Christ, are foreshadowed by this miracle. The introduction of the Lamb's Supper, the ultimate wedding feast, immediately calls attention to the liturgy's eschatological component.

The core message of Jesus in this reflection is multifaceted: He is concerned with our joy and well-being. He has the power to transform our lives, and He invites us to a life of faith and obedience. Jesus' message is also one of abundance and the promise of the eternal feast in the Kingdom of God, where there is no lack. The reflection emphasizes Jesus' desire for us to experience the fullness of life, both now and in the eternal celebration with Him.

The reflection on the Wedding at Cana weaves together themes of the human experience, the call to interior transformation, the richness of Biblical narrative, the anticipation of liturgical fulfillment, and the central message of Jesus' ministry of transformation, joy, and the promise of eternal communion with Him.


Reflection on John 2: 1-12 by Marlon Bobier Vargas, SVD

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Nolite timere | Don't be afraid

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" – Luke 12:7 (NIV).

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This passage (Luke 12:1-12) tells us about how Jesus warned and encouraged primarily to his disciples about the teaching and attitude of Pharisees. The Pharisees were a religious leader movement in ancient Judaism around the time of Jesus. They may not exist nowadays, but the attitude and teaching may still exist. What kind of attitude and teaching are they?

Jesus warned His disciples not to be hypocrites like the Pharisees. Hypocrisy is explained in Luke 12:1-3 (MSG) - You can’t keep your true self hidden forever; before long you’ll be exposed. You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known. You can’t whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day’s coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town. A person may be able to keep it secret for a long time, but it will eventually come out for all to see. Nothing is hidden before God. 

How do prevent us from being hypocrite? It is by living life of truthfulness and honest. “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man”- 2 Corinthians 8:21.

Jesus warned His disciples to be beware of religious bullying. The Pharisees were religious bullies, the people who are mean to or hurt you on purpose because of your faith. Later in the disciples’ life, they endured persecution and a number of them experienced martyrdom because of their faith. Nowadays, in some part of the world, Christ’s disciples get persecuted for their faith.
 
How do we face these religious bullies in life? Firstly, do not fear man, fear God. “Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands” - Luke 12:4-5 (MSG). As Christians, we have no need to fear death and therefore no need to fear those who threaten it. Secondly, remember that God take care of us. He would take care of the sparrow, an insignificant creature and cheap meat in Jesus’ day, He will take care of us. "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" – Luke 12:7 (NIV).

Finally, Jesus encouraged the disciples not to be afraid to confess and defend their faith, when they were dragged into public places because of their faith. “Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” – Luke 12:11-12 (NIV). 

To God be the glory. God bless you.

Reflection on Luke 12:1-12 by Veralin Uneputty
(Listen to podcast here)

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Crede | Just believe

"Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, 'Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." -  Luke 8:50 (NIV)

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It is interesting to see two different instructions after Jesus performed miracles in today's passage. First, to proclaim what He had done to the world, and second, not to tell anyone about the miracles He did.

After He cured the demon-possessed man in the region of gentiles – Gerasenes, the man wanted to follow Him but Jesus said, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." Immediately the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

In the Jewish area, Jesus expected more. He forbade the Jairus family from telling everyone about the miracle He did. It was in the beginning of His mission on Earth. He wanted the Jews not to focus merely on the miracles but on Him. They have to know Him first - who He is, His purpose on earth and what to expect being His disciples, and accept Him in their lives. These miracles happened before He chose the twelve disciples (Luke 9) and gave them briefings of what to do and to expect when they went on their missions including the challenges and difficulties.

It is easy to believe in Jesus when we have everything. But there are moments when we cannot count on anything or anyone but the Lord Jesus only. The passage today wants to teach us about this.

Jairus came and fell at Jesus' feet, did not care about his position as the synagogue leader, pleading Him to come and heal his daughter. People at his house laughed as if it was a useless attempt. They did not know who Jesus was. And He did heal her, the dead girl came alive.

A very important lesson was shown by the woman who suffered from bleeding for twelve years. Mark 5:26-28 tells it in a more detailed way: "26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed."" Immediately her bleeding stopped.

The faith she had was like no other among the crowds. The kind of faith that even Jesus was surprised. It was said, as Jesus was on His way, the crowds almost crushed Him. People reached out, wanted to be close to Him eagerly. But suddenly Jesus asked about a person who had touched Him and caused His power went out. Actually, this woman didn't even touch His body, only His cloak! But it is the faith that matters. Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Today we learn, how Jesus overcomes demons, diseases and death. None of those three are easy things to deal with. We need to have the faith beyond the crowds. When everyone doubts, keep the precious faith you have on Jesus Christ dearly and hear Him said, "Don't be afraid; just believe..." Thank you Lord Jesus, to You be the glory for ever and ever. Amen!

 Reflection on Luke 8:26-56 by Desire Litaay

(Listen to podcast here)

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Johannes | John

He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, “His name is John” – Luke 1:63.

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Today's reading, it is a Biblical passage that speaks about the birth of John the Baptist and the song of Zechariah, who is John's father. The main message that we may get from this passage is the several aspects of the Faith and our relationship with God.

One of the key points in this reading is how Elizabeth gives birth to a son. A son that she named John, just as the angel had announced previously. Although Zechariah was surprised upon receiving this news, he was embraced by the Holy Spirit and made a song. A song from which it expresses gratitude to God, for how He accomplished His word for the promises He made to His people. Zechariah also prophesizes how John the Baptist will be playing his part in God's plan.

Fidelity to God and obedience to His will are always rewarded. They always get us nearer to Him and to many blessings. That is the key message of this passage.

Reflection on Luke 1:57-80 by Christobal Alvarez.

(Listen to podcast here)

Monday, July 3, 2023

Omne verbum | Word of God

"The word of God will never fail" - Luke 1:37.

 



 

We have many reasons to fear. There are riots in many countries, like France, South Africa, Papua New Guinea. We know it because we live in the areas of public anxieties. So it's a normal and human experience to be afraid. Besides, in our daily life there are so many struggles and difficulties. If we are a bit empathetic, we also engage when our friends and relatives do suffer. 

Luke (1:26-38) describes the personality of the Blessed Mary who was a favored woman (v. 28). She lived in the presence of the Lord. She was never alone. Yet, she could experience fear in her life. She dreamed about beautiful future with her beloved partner Joseph. Everything was well-prepared and organized. But she got confused and disturbed by the messenger who was sent by God. She believed and trusted in the Lord whose word never fails. Even so, she could not understand the will of God. 

It also happens in our lives when we have our plans and dreams. We want them to become true. But God often has a different plan for us. So, we get confused and disturbed. Although the divine Word inspires us, we are still weak and it's not easy for us to accept God's decisions. For that reason, we do need the gift of the Holy Spirit. On our own we cannot welcome Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Redeemer. On our own we can only live for a short time but not forever in the kingdom of God. On our own we have too many questions without answers. 

Like the Blessed Virgin we are to open our heart for the Son of God and his Holy Scripture. We can see so many Christians who followed the divine teaching. They did experience miracles in their lives. It is not true that we are like barren land. We are capable of giving life thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit. We only have to agree with the will of God. 

Although, we do not comprehend the whole plan of God, we can be faithful servants and disciples of the Good News. Let us not forget about the holy angels who support and guard us. We can be sure that everything we have read in the Bible about us will come true. We only need to be patient and keep our strong faith. 

Reflection on Luke 1: 28-36 by Fr. Józef Trzebuniak SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

 

 

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Surrexit | Raised

"Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here…" - Mark 16:6.

  

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Raising of the son of the widow in Nain, Jairus' daughter and Lazarus; these are the three of many miracles in the canonical Gospels when Jesus raised the dead. But they were raised to be dead again like how every mortal body would perish. However what we learn now is something so awesome. Jesus has been resurrected to a life that is never going to die. 

The empty tomb was witnessed by the most devoted and fearless apostles, the women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome. The embalming they had to do was to diminish the unpleasant smell of a decomposed body especially this body in particular which was fully torn open, blood literally dripping from every part of the body.

The women were not bothered or afraid of who is going to say or do anything to them for this act. All they were wondering was who will roll out the huge block of rock that was nearly impossible to roll for these women.

The rolled stone is a joyous and most cherished life of us Christians. And if there is a huge stone in our life, like this stone that was rolled over, so will be ours also be rolled over. We only need to have faith like these three women who knew what they had to do at that moment without fear, because they loved Jesus so much.

The angel in the human form was waiting for them. What is so striking is what the angel said. He was crucified (something that is in the past tense) and then the angel continues by saying He is not here. But go tell his disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of you to Galilee (from a past tense the angel speaks in the present tense).

Thus, we Christians should still proclaim that He is risen. He ascended into heaven, reigning over His kingdom. Thy will be done on earth as well as in heaven.

Reflection on Mark 16:1-11 by Shalley Augustine

Monday, May 8, 2023

Miserere | Mercy



When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" – Mk. 10:47 (NRSV)


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Dear friends in Christ Jesus, in this passage we come across Jesus healing the blind Bartimaeus. The blind man came to know that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by and started shouting in a loud voice asking Jesus to show mercy on him. This makes it clear for us that the blind man had already heard a lot about Jesus and he was confident that Jesus could heal him. Towards the end of the passage Jesus tells the blind man, "Go; your faith has made you well." It was the strong faith of this blind man which cured him of his blindness.

Two things which inspired me the most from this passage is that his perseverance in calling out to Jesus for mercy, even when others rebuked him. He never bothered what others would think and he just kept on shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" In our lives too, when we are in need of God's mercy let us never give up, but rather go on pleading with him until he grants our needs. 'Hope does not disappoint' (Romans 5:5). 

The second thing that inspired me the most, is once the blind man regained his sight he followed Jesus on the way. It is not that we receive God's mercy and just keep quiet, but in return God wants us to respond to him. God wants us to be instruments in his hands helping people to glorify God. 

We receive mercy from God and we also need to show mercy towards all. Let us glorify God through our works of mercy.

Reflection on Mark 10:46-52 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Friday, April 21, 2023

Si potes| If you can

“ If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” -  Mark 9:23 (NIV)

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In this portion of the Scriptures, we learn about a healing miracle where our Lord Jesus Christ with all authority rebuked and instructed an impure spirit out from a boy's body. This deaf and mute spirit robbed the boy's speech and was strong enough to control and beat his body in very painful and overwhelming ways. By its influence, the boy would get harmed by suddenly been thrown to the ground in violent convulsions and other manifested effects, a repetitive destructive and consuming pattern he experienced frequently since childhood. The spirit tried to destroy and kill the boy on several occasions, either by throwing him to the water or to the fire. Can you imagine how painful it is to watch your own son being hurt this way and not being able to help or relieve him from this suffering in any humanly or medical way possible? But this boy had a specific purpose on this earth, so that the glory of God could be manifested through his life as the recipient of the grace, compassion,  kindness and love of Christ in a form of a miracle. A miracle so impressive that we still read and talk about it in our present time.

We see this desperate father who probably heard about Jesus of Nazareth and the miracles and wonders he performed among the people during his visits to the cities. He probably thought about seeking help from the disciples first, but they couldn't drive the spirit out. He probably thought to himself in faith "I would ask the Teacher, he might be able to do something for my child". Once he got the opportunity to approach to Jesus, he cried out in desperation and asked wholeheartedly to have compassion and do something for the boy, anything! He believed that Christ was powerful enough to relieve his son from this miserable life. He might had no idea of what the outcome would look like, but he had faith that Jesus was going to do something with his sick child. His desperate and troubled heart brought him before Jesus to ask for a miracle.

Jesus saw beyond the boy's father words, he saw the doubts and hesitancy in his heart and said "You unbelieving generation"  and then as if he was reading the boy's father thoughts, gently and with loving words he spoke to his troubled soul saying “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

The boy's father immediately exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” That seed of faith that was in his heart moved Jesus' compassion into action by commanding the bad spirit to leave the boy and not come back again, bringing him back from death to life. Jesus took his hand and raised him into a reborn, free and renewed person. 

God can do miracles with our faith. It doesn't matter how big or small we think it might be. He knows our inner true self and he can perform marvelous works in our lives 'if we can only believe'. 

May our daily prayer include a portion of ''help me overcome my unbelief!'' I'm positive that our God will start responding and work in amazing ways in your life. He is powerful enough and a good Father to demonstrate that He listens and acts in favor of his beloved children, because He can do all things work for our good, to those who look for His perfect will. Amen.

Reflection on Mark 9: 14-29 by Nydia Flores

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Monday, March 20, 2023

Actus Fidei | Power of Faith


"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17: 20


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There is no limitation for the words or edicts that come out of our mouths. Every word has the power to either give life or death. But remember, the origin of those words is born in the heart and its intentions. Our Lord values a humble and grateful heart full of faith, and he is pleased and even amazed when we show him our need to seek and believe in him, and our willingness to trust in his words and promises wholeheartedly. By doing this, we recognize his sovereignty as King and Lord of overall in our lives. In response, He is moved to act marvelous and amazing miracles day after day as we can see his work in our lives and our loved ones.

The wall that was impeding to directly approach our Father was removed by Jesus Christ sacrifice in the cross. We can see many examples throughout the New Testament that remind us again and again that we can confidently approach the mercy seat for timely deliverance, direction, advice, or help on any situation we might be experiencing. He is our good Father in heaven, always willing to listen and act on our behalf as his beloved children.

It is not about hierarchy position, social status, economic condition, race, or gender. Jesus Christ died for all of us and sees us all equally. 

In the scripture of Mark 5: 21-30, we learn how the true and profound faith of different believers moved our Lord's heart and willingness to perform a healing miracle in their lives as an expression of his inexhaustible love and grace. Every miracle work performed was not for own vain glory, but that our Father who is in heaven may be glorified. 

We see a father, who recognized Jesus Christ's lordship and authority, moved our Lord to heal his daughter lying at her point of death. Jairus, by faith, declared how the healing miracle was to be manifest, by Jesus Christ laying hands on her; and for God's glory, it was granted as he believed and declared.

We also learn how this desperate and sick woman, who carried the effects of a twelve year blood disease, said to herself (wholeheartedly), believing that she will be healed by just touching his garment. In fact, her faith and trust actually took virtue out of Jesus, and she was healed in that same moment as her prayer and intention were also granted.

There is no impossible for the great love of God toward his children in need or in distress. Let's seek him as he is prompt and open to listen to us.  Believe wholeheartedly in his promises, and he will deliver a timely response according to his perfect, good, and acceptable will.

Reflection on Mark 5: 21-30 by Nydia Flores
(Listen to the Podcast here)

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

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)


Wednesday, October 5, 2022

In somnis | In a dream

"The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream" — Mat 2:13.

 

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We have plenty of dreams. There are nights when we are afraid of our dreams. There are dreams which scare us. But sometimes we have good dreams which come from God. The problem is how to interpret our dreams and read the messages fof angels in the right sense.

Mathew in his Gospel presents Joseph who can help us understand our dreams. Joseph was a person who knows how to listen. He is able to recognize the voice of the angel. He does not follow his own opinions and feelings. He rather chooses the will of God. This message is not optimistic for his family. It is scary and horrifying. But Joseph is a man of faith. He managed to escape from the danger because he was obedient to the word of God. He exactly knew what to do because he heard the angel speaking.

It is a pity that there are so many people who do not pay attention to the Scriptures. They even do not believe in angels. So how can this holy spirit help them?

Joseph was a wise and very spiritual man. For that reason he preferred to follow the will of God than the words of other people. When only he heard the whisper of angel, he was ready to fulfill his commandment.

We can ask ourselves: Do we keep our souls silent? Are we ready to change our plans to follow the divine Word? Is the life of our close friends more important than ours? Are we eager to offer our life for others as Joseph did?

If we do choose God's will, it does not mean that we will live a peaceful and easy life. We will face difficulties and troubles. But we will be the winners as Joseph from Nazareth. It's not a problem that we fear and feel lonely. The most important is that "what is spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled" in us. Let's listen to the messages of the holy angels. Thus, we will become the winners of eternal life.  

 


Reflection on Matthew 2:13-25 by Józef Trzebuniak SVD.

(Listen to the Podcast here)