SCRIPTURAL WISDOM : DAILY MEDITATION ON THE WORD OF GOD

  Dans sa Lettre aux Romains (Rom 10, 9-18), saint Paul parle de la foi qui est professée et crue dans le cœur. Il utilise une belle expression : « La foi vient de ce qu’on entend, et ce qu’on entend vient de la parole du Christ ». Au fil des siècles, cette parole du Christ a été proclamée partout dans le monde. Aujourd'hui, alors que nous célébrons la fête de saint André, le frère de saint Pierre, nous avons une nouvelle occasion de réfléchir sur ce que signifie être appelé par Jésus, être son disciple. L'Évangile du jour commence par dire : « Alors que Jésus marchait au bord de la mer de Galilée, il vit deux frères, Simon appelé Pierre et son frère André .» Le regard de Jésus est un regard de perspicacité et de discernement; il a vu non seulement leur présence physique, mais aussi leur potentiel, leur caractère et les rôles qu'ils joueraient dans sa mission. Il voyait en eux ses disciples avant même qu’ils ne s’en rendent compte eux-mêmes. Pour nous, chrétiens, ce moment

  In his Letter to the Romans, (Rom 10:9-18) St. Paul discusses the faith that is professed and believed in the heart. He uses a beautiful expression: “ Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ .” Over the centuries, this word of Christ has been proclaimed all over the world. Today, as we celebrate the feast of St. Andrew, the brother of St. Peter, we are given another opportunity to reflect on what it means to be called by Jesus, to be his follower. The Gospel of the day starts by saying: “ As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and his brother Andrew .” The gaze of Jesus is one of insight and discernment; he saw not just their physical presence, but their potential, character, and the roles they would play in his mission. He saw in them his disciples even before they were aware of it themselves. For us as Christians, this moment is emblematic of Jesus’ call in our lives. It reveals to us

Hier, dans la lecture de l'Évangile, alors qu'il s'adressait à la foule, Jésus les a avertis de se méfier des faux prophètes qui viendraient en son nom et tenteraient de tromper les gens. Il les a également encouragés à ne pas avoir peur des guerres, des insurrections, des catastrophes naturelles et des épidémies. Dans le passage évangélique d'aujourd'hui (Luc 21 : 12-19), Jésus va plus loin en nous présentant un aspect poignant et stimulant de son message pour tout chrétien, en soulignant les épreuves auxquelles nous serons confrontés et l'aide divine que nous recevrons. La promesse de la persécution Jésus prévient clairement que Le suivre ne sera pas un chemin sans obstacles. Au contraire, les croyants seront confrontés à des défis importants, notamment la persécution. Cette persécution viendra de diverses sources : des autorités religieuses, des dirigeants publics et, plus douloureusement, de la propre famille et des proches. Cet aspect de l'enseign

In the Gospel reading yesterday, while addressing a crowd, Jesus warned them to beware of false prophets who will come in his name, would try to deceive people. He also encouraged them not to be afraid of wars, insurrections, natural disasters, and plagues. In today's Gospel passage (Luke 21:12-19), Jesus goes further to present us a poignant and challenging aspect of Christian discipleship, highlighting the trials we will face and the divine assistance we will receive. The Promise of Persecution Jesus starkly warns that following Him will not be a path free of obstacles. Rather, as believers will face significant challenges, including persecution. This persecution will come from various quarters: religious authorities, public leaders, and, most painfully, from within one’s own families and relatives. This aspect of Jesus' teaching is crucial because it sets realistic expectations for all Christians. Christianity is not portrayed as a path to immediate earthly rewards or univer

  Today’s Gospel reading is a passage in the New Testament where Jesus speaks about the future destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the coming of false prophets, wars, and natural disasters. This passage is often interpreted as Jesus' prophecy about the end times and the importance of discernment and faithfulness in the face of trials and tribulations. As the Catholic Church approaches the end of the ordinary time of the liturgical year and moves towards Advent, this passage takes on a significant resonance. Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Christ, both in commemoration of His birth and in preparation for His second coming. This dual aspect of Advent aligns well with the themes in Luke 21:5-11. In today's context, Jesus' teachings in this passage can be actualized in several ways: Understanding the Signs of the Times : The people listening to Jesus asked for signs of when these events will occur. Their reaction offers us a profound i

  Today's Gospel (Cfr Luke 21:1-4) narrates the story of the widow’s offering. This biblical passage   offers us a profound insight into the nature of Jesus’ perception about offering as a religious act and what  it  signifies in our relationship with God. In these verses, Jesus observes the wealthy making their offerings at the temple, and then a poor widow who offers two small copper coins. His reaction to this scene is deeply revealing. Jesus’ focus is not on the monetary value of the offerings, but rather on the heart and intent behind them. His acknowledgment of the widow’s offering as being more than all the others is a testament to the fact that she gave out of her poverty, putting her whole livelihood into the offering. Her attitude reflects humility, sincerity, and deep trust in God. Her act of giving was not motivated by recognition or praise from others; it was deeply personal act of worship and trust in God’s provision. The look of Jesus in this scenario is unique

  As Christians, we encounter Jesus in many ways: reading the Bible, in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Mass, Blessed Sacrament, prayer experiences, and other spiritual experiences. Meeting Jesus in the poor and marginalized is a particularly unique way, which goes beyond religious affiliations, cultural and social identities. Reflecting on today’s readings, we   can find profound insights into the nature of God's relationship with humanity, particularly with those who are marginalized and vulnerable. These insights takes a particular resonance on this feast of Christ the King. In Ezekiel 34:11-17, the prophet uses vivid verbs to describe God’s intimate care and concern for His people. The passage speaks of God as a shepherd, actively seeking out His flock, caring for them, and ensuring their safety. This demonstrates an active and seeking love that goes beyond mere oversight. The imagery of God as the shepherd is powerful; it shows how God is actively involved in “rescui

In the Gospels, Jesus' emotional weeping is described on two occasions. One of them is today's Gospel, and the other is at the death of Lazarus in John 11:35. However, Jesus' tears over Jerusalem signify more than just a display of emotion. They offer a crucial lesson on spiritual awareness and the dire consequences of overlooking God's divine intervention in our lives and the world. Christ's weeping over Jerusalem displays His deep compassion and His desire for people to acknowledge God's presence in their lives and embrace the peace that comes with it. Jesus, as the Emmanuel, reveals God's unique nature as the one who preaches with authority and performs miracles. As we meditate on this poignant episode, we must reflect on why Jerusalem, the beloved city, failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Ironically, the name Jerusalem means "The Lord will provide peace," yet it could not incarnate this identity through Christ, the Prince of Peace.

  As I meditated on today's first reading, I was reminded of King Solomon's prayers. When faced with the task of leading the Israelites, Solomon prayed to God for an understanding mind to govern His people, able to discern between good and evil. I believe that Divine wisdom is one of the most precious gifts we can receive from God. But how can we understand divine wisdom not just as a concept but as a reality we can live by? According to the verses in today's first reading, Divine Wisdom invites us to seek God with sincerity of heart. Divine wisdom is presented as a companion that walks with us on earth, searching for hearts that listen. For us Christians today, this companionship is an invitation to practice mindfulness in our daily routine, to perceive the sacred in the mundane. The sincere search for God becomes an antidote to perverse thoughts that seek to sever our daily connection with God. Purity of heart becomes the clear pane through which the light of wis

    À la fin de l'épisode d'aujourd'hui de l'Évangile, Jésus dit : «celui (celle) qui a des oreilles pour entendre, qu'il entende ». Alors que nous méditons sur le message de l'Évangile d'aujourd'hui, puissions-nous ouvrir les oreilles de notre cœur pour entendre ce que le Seigneur Jésus nous dit dans nos différents milieux de vie. Dans l'Évangile du jour, Jésus décrit les conditions d'un véritable disciple, et ces conditions sont effectivement exigeantes . Le langage utilisé ici est quelque peu ardu, et certains peuvent même le trouver choquant, car Jésus parle de « haïr »sa famille en comparaison avec l'amour et le dévouement requis pour Le suivre. Certaines traductions préfèrent utiliser l'expression « Préférer le Christ à toute autre relation  ». Méditer sur le passage d'aujourd'hui, c'est se confronter à sa nature hyperbolique, un outil rhétorique destiné à secouer l'auditeur et à lui faire prendre conscience de la

At the end of today’s episode of the Gospel Jesus says: “ he (she) who has ears to hear let him hear ”. As we meditate on today’s Gospel message, may we open the ears of our heart to hear what the Lord Jesus is telling us in our various milieu of life.   In the Gospel of the day, Jesus is outlining the conditions for true discipleship , and these conditions are indeed demanding. The language used here is somehow stark, and some may even find it shocking, as Jesus speaks of “hating” family in comparison to the love and dedication required for following Him. Some translations prefer using the expression “ Preferring Christ to every other relationship ”. To meditate on today’s passage is to grapple with its hyperbolic nature, a rhetorical tool meant to jolt the listener into a recognition of the seriousness of the commitment being asked. Jesus is calling for a radical reorientation of one’s priorities and attachments . He is not advocating for literal hate, as that would contradict