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"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 )

Novum Testamentum | New covenant

And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." -  Luke 22:20

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Jesus before entering to his passion, death and resurrection, is having his last supper with his beloved disciples. Jesus loves the creation and as the creator he knows that he can redeem it from the slavery of sin only by sacrificing his life. Jesus is shedding his blood for the redemption of humanity and entire creation and not just for Christians alone. Jesus is making a new covenant with all of us through the pouring out of his blood for our salvation.

We read in the first letter of St. John (1 John 1:7) – "And the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." When we reflect upon the blood of Jesus, we know that it is the blood of God, it is the blood of the unblemished lamb the one without sin, it is the blood that gives eternal life, blood that cleanses us from our sin, blood that justifies us, blood that gives us peace, blood that was poured for ever just once, blood of sacrifice, blood that unites us with him, blood that protects us from all evil.

We read in the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians 1: 20 – "And through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross." 

Dear friends let us thank and praise Jesus for reconciling us with God the father through his blood. Jesus we love you. Purify us with your divine blood. Amen.

Reflection on Luke 22: 1-23 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to podcast here)

Munera | Gifts

"Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer." - Hebrews 8: 3

 

Have you ever accepted a gift in your life? What kind of presents do you get? How do you feel when someone gives you a present?  A gift is a sign of love. Accepting a gift from others means we are loved.

As God sent His Son to the world, Jesus Christ becomes a precious gift that we accept from God. He gives Jesus as a gift because He loves us. Jesus cannot be changed by anything as His life enlivens us. Hebrews affirms Jesus as a high priest. A priest conducts his task to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Thus, Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice and an offering for the human being.

Life consists of giving and receiving naturally. A plant should accept water and nutrition from the ground to grow and provide its fruit. Just as a man who should receive nourishment from parents when being a baby. As a Christian, it shows that we have accepted Jesus first before we offer ourselves to serve God and others. Thus, our service is not coming from our self-strength and greatness but from Jesus Christ.

We thank God for His Only Son given to us to pay off our sins and encourage us to serve Him and others. We thank God because He makes our life meaningful. God bless us.

 

Reflection on Hebrews 8:1-6 by Fr. Aris Mada, SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Propter iniquitates nostras (Is. 53:5)

This verse absolutely speaks to us personally and transforms our life. I made a lot of mistakes in my life to various people and hurt people around me including people who love me dearly and I don't think that I really regret it. I struggle with this because people always say to me; no problem, it's ok, no worries, it doesn't matter, or forget about it. I am guilty and I need to be punished from my all wrongdoings but I could not make it on my own. When I read this verse, I knew that there is someone who paid all those for me. Jesus has taken the penalty. He came into the world because He has great love and wants to suffer for me; to cleanse me from my sins and wrong deeds. He heals me. From His blood at the cross I could be saved, I could be healed and my sins and wrongdoings could be paid. We never graduate from learning the Bible but we can have more and more understanding about who Jesus is and what He has done to save us from our behaviors and sins.

Lord thank you for taking the penalty for my sins, so I can experience true life. Help me, Lord to live a worthy life because of Your sacrifice by honoring You. 

By Martha, Australia.