Pleases him

“The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." - John 8:29 

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Today’s passage is really interesting. It starts with the tentative plan of the Pharisees to use Christ to punish a a woman caught in adultery. Jesus reaction was really wise and avoid giving a sentence and said to the Pharisees “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” No one of them did anything and began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. No one of them were sin free and the cover message is “ better think about each own situation than to judge people because often those who give sentence is worst than the person judged.

The other important point is in the passage 11 : “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” The key word here is FORGIVE and REDEMPTION. All people have an opportunity to have a second chance to live a right and clean life. The most important thing is to avoid keeping dangerous behavior for their own morality, understand where mistakes have been done and strive ourselves to not repeat, 

Next passage is primary for understanding completely the word FAITH. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In my opinion faith means to believe in things you are not able to see. Trust in the LORD is basic to live a life following right feelings and not chasing foolish distractions.

The Pharisees tried to discredit Christ by accusing him to be a fake, a liar. The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”

But Jesus replied to them than they didn’t know who were him came from and where he was going. The Pharisees tried to challenge Jesus by making him angry in order to have a reaction by him. But Jesus kept on answering that he was sent by his Father. "I am one who testifies about myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

Last remarkable part is at passage 29-30 when Christ says that the LORD is always with him and that he is never alone. These words struck many people that believed in him: “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him. Even as he spoke, many believed in him.”

Reflection on John 8:1-30 by Ivan

Patientia | Patience

“Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” - Mark 7: 28 (NIV)

 

In today's Gospel, the Lord Jesus cast out a demon who possessed a daughter of a Syrophoenician woman. Even though at first the Lord Jesus responded to her very harshly, the woman accepted his words patiently, calmly - full of faith. Because of her attitude and openness to God, her daughter was healed.

Today the Catholic Church commemorates the World Day of the Sick. We are often not physically sick but mentally because we are bound by hatred, resentment and hurt. Let us imitate this Syrophoenician woman who was patient and calm even though she received harsh words and treatment.

Sometimes harsh rebuke and words are one of God's teachings for us to be more patient. May we not return evil for evil. Let's pray that God will heal all our hurt and inner wounds.

Reflection on Mark 7: 24-30 by Fr. Fransiskus Diaz, SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Mulier Chananaea (Mt. 15:22)

The encounter of Jesus and the Canaanite woman in the Gospel today shows us how Jesus tests the faith of a person who believes in him. The true faith is a guarantee of receiving grace and salvation from God.

The story today seems to be a bit offensive towards that woman, but in fact, it is not. Jesus actually likes the desperate and the humble cry of this gentile woman to be heard even by the disciples who look at her as an unworthy woman, because she comes from the gentile world. Jesus indirectly wants to show those who are present at that time that He comes to save all people. He comes to help those who believe in Him without looking at their background. God loves each and everyone without exception.

And this woman astonishes Jesus with her great faith proclamation. Jesus not only appreciates her amazing faith but also grants her plea. Faith moves mountains; and this woman shows us the truth. Her faith brings healing to her daughter.

True faith and real love do not make people give up easily. If we really believe in Jesus, we will know that there is a way in every difficulty of our lives. God is always present in every situation of our lives. He is there to help us, but we have to have great faith in Him.

The mission of Jesus is to bring salvation to all people. Faith and life in God are the criteria, not someone's origin and background. The Canaanite woman in the Gospel today has shown a good example for us. Let us have great faith in God because He always gives the best for us. Always remember that faith can move mountains.

By Father Risco Batbual, SVD.

Si tetigero tantum (Mt. 9:21)

I am struck by the ways that these two people approach Jesus in today’s gospel reading. The synagogue leader approached Jesus in a public space on behalf of his daughter’s healing and bowing low before Jesus and others. The woman approached Jesus in a very private way, coming up behind him to touch the fringe of his cloak for her healing. She would have been quite happy not to be noticed by anyone. We each approach the Lord differently because we are all different, and our circumstances are different. Our relationship with the Lord is deep and personal. Even when we are praying together, as we do at Mass, reciting the same prayers together, we do so in a way that is personal to each one of us.

The Lord respected these different ways that these two people approached him in the gospel reading and responded to each of them equally. The Lord respects us in our uniqueness. He recognizes and rejoices in the personal nature of our faith. He calls us by name and respecting our individuality. The Christian faith is communal; we journey together to the Lord whose is always at work to form a community of believers. Like the woman, we often come before Him in our own need, seeking to touch the Lord in faith, in our prayer. Like the official, we sometimes come before the Lord in prayer, interceding with him for others, asking Him to come into the life of someone dear to us. Both forms of prayer, the prayer for our own needs, and the prayer for others are expressions of our faith in the life-giving touch of Jesus.

By Sr. Mary, CM.