PROPHECIES AND PREDICTIONS: MANKIND’S TIMELESS QUEST FOR CERTAINTY (Luke 21:5-11).

 

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 insight into the human curiosity and the quest for knowledge. As humans, we desire to understand the unknown and to seek certainty in an uncertain world. The speed at which our world is constantly changing increases the fear of the future and uncertainty. This curiosity is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, driving both scientific inquiry and spiritual exploration.

Anxiety about the Future: The questions people asked Jesus also highlight the human tendency to worry about the future, especially regarding significant, life-altering events. In today's world, this anxiety manifests in concerns about global issues like climate change, political instability, pandemics, and economic uncertainties. People often seek signs or predictions to prepare themselves for what lies ahead.

Propensity for Predictive Fascination: Throughout history, there has been a fascination with prophecies and predictions, especially about the end of the world. This is evident today in the numerous theories and speculations about the apocalypse or significant global shifts, perpetuated by various religious, cultural, and even scientific communities. The reaction in Luke 21 mirrors this ongoing human fascination with eschatology (the study of the end times). Jesus is warning us, “See that you are not deceived, for many will come in my name, saying I am he, and The time has come. Do not follow them.”

False Prophets and Misinformation: In an age of information overload, the warning against false prophets can be seen as a caution against misinformation and deceptive ideologies. Christians are called to test what they hear and see against the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church. Let us keep in mind always that God’s word is eternal helps and God never changes; He is worthy of trust. 

Jesus' prediction about wars, natural disasters, persecutions are all among us. Christians face various forms of trials : personal, societal. The Gospel today call us to maintain faith and hope, to endure amidst trials and difficult times.  

The Temporal and the Eternal: The prophecy of the destruction of the Temple, a symbol of religious and national identity, reminds us of the impermanence of earthly structures and institutions. It invites us to focus on eternal values and the unshakeable Kingdom of God. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

Prudent Discernment in Action: The call to prudent discernment is not just about understanding the times but also about responding appropriately. This involves making choices that align with Gospel values, such as peace, justice, and compassion, and actively working to manifest these values in the world.

Hope in God's Sovereignty: Amidst the descriptions of chaos and destruction, there is an underlying theme of God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His Kingdom. This offers hope and assurance that, no matter how tumultuous the times in which we live are, God is in control.

Luke 21:5-11 serves as a poignant reminder for us to stay vigilant, discerning, and faithful, anchoring our lives in the hope and trust in God's ultimate plan for humanity. Jesus encourages us to undertake a deep reflection on how we live out our faith in the contemporary world, constantly aware of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal promise of God's Kingdom.

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father,

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, where the structures we build and the certainties we hold dear may crumble, we turn to You, our eternal rock and refuge.

Grant us the wisdom to discern the signs of the times, not with fear but with faith. In the midst of trials, rumors of war, and natural calamities, help us to remember Your promise of presence and Your assurance of salvation.

Strengthen our hearts to not be weighed down by the anxieties of life, but to stand firm in Your truth, to share Your love, and to be beacons of hope in a troubled world.

May our trust in You be unshakable, our hope unwavering, and our love for others a testament to Your enduring grace.

Through Christ our Lord…..amen!

 

BEYOND MONETARY VALUE: SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM THE WIDOW’S OFFERING.

 

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 and telling. It’s a look that sees beyond the external appearances and societal norms. He sees the heart, the sacrifice, and the true nature of one’s giving. This challenges the often superficial way we might judge worth or significance, inviting a deeper reflection on the sincerity and intention behind our actions.

In a broader sense, Jesus’ reaction to the widow’s offering reflects how God values our relationship with Him. It’s not about the grandeur or the amount we bring, but the authenticity and willingness of our heart, the love with which we accomplish our religious duties. It'’s a call to give not just from our abundance but from our substance, even if it seems small in the eyes of the world.

This widow’s attitude is total contrast with what is happening in some modern church settings, where there is the tendency to emphasize and publicize monetary donations, especially large ones. This approach can create a culture where the value of a person’s offering is judged by its monetary worth rather than the heart and intention behind it. When people give with the expectation of recognition or esteem from the congregation, it shifts the focus from God to the individual and from spiritual devotion to social status.

In the light of today’s Gospel, Christians, both Lay people and Clerics, are called to a sober reflection with all sincerity. We should ask ourselves a fundamental question about the nature of giving in religious contexts: Is the act of giving meant to be a display of personal wealth or status, or is it an act of worship and an expression of faith? The widow’s example calls for a return to the essence of giving – an act that is not about self-promotion but about sincere faith, trust, and devotion to God.

        This passage, therefore, is a powerful reminder of the profound value Jesus places on sincere, heartfelt actions, however modest they might appear. It’s an invitation to re-evaluate our own approach to giving and our relationship with God, focusing more on the sincerity and truth of our hearts than on the external appearance of our actions.

 

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the gift of who we are and what we have.  We come before You, inspired by the humble offering of the widow. Teach us, O Lord, to give not for the eyes of others, but for the joy of Your Kingdom. May our offerings, small or great, be a reflection of a heart devoted to You.

Grant us the wisdom to see beyond the material value of our gifts, and help us to understand the true spirit of generosity. As the widow gave all she had, let our giving be a testament to our trust in Your boundless provision.

In humility, we ask You to cultivate in us a heart that gives quietly, sincerely, and faithfully, seeking not the approval of man but the smile of Heaven. May our lives be an ongoing prayer, our actions a continuous offering, pleasing in Your sight,

We make our prayers through Christ our Lord….

 

 

 

ENCOUNTERING CHRIST IN THE POOR AND MARGINALIZED : A REFLECTION ON EZEKIEL 34:11-17 AND MATTHEW 25:31-46.

 

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 “rescuing” His people, “gathering” them from various places, “feeding” them on rich pasture, and “tending” to the weak. The shepherd imagery prefigures Christ as the Good Shepherd. His kingdom is not marked by dominion and power, but by Love, self-sacrifice, for all especially the poor and marginalized.

This portrayal aligns seamlessly with today’s Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46). It reveal to us an aspect of the kingship of Christ. It makes us understand that there will be a time of final judgment. Jesus identifies Himself with the “least of these,” including the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned. This passage emphasizes the profound solidarity of Christ with the poor and vulnerable. Jesus' identification with the marginalized isn't just symbolic; it's a call to action for us all. The Gospel of the day challenges us to see Christ in every person we meet, especially those in need. It implies that our treatment of the marginalized is a direct reflection of our relationship with God.

Connecting these passages, we see a consistent theme of God's deep concern for the vulnerable and marginalized. In Ezekiel, God is the shepherd who actively seeks and cares for His flock, especially those lost or injured. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that serving the needy is akin to serving Him. This parallelism offers a profound lesson about our image of God and our relationships with others. It suggests that our faith isn't just about personal salvation but also about embodying God's love and compassion in the world. Our actions towards the vulnerable and marginalized are a direct reflection of our understanding and acceptance of God's love.

As St Paul wrote “If we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with Him”, (Cfr. 2 Timothy 2:12). When we remember that there will be a day when shall render account of our lives on earth, this taught, far from frightening us, should help us be more realistic in earthly dealings and try, no matter how difficult it could be sometimes, to treat others with kindness and mercy. Christ reigns in us when we become “another Christ” for others especially the less-privileged, those whom he described in today’s Gospel.

These scriptures challenge us to rethink our image of God. Rather than a distant deity, God is portrayed as intimately involved in the human experience, especially in the lives of those who suffer. They also call us to action, urging us to extend the same compassion, care, and justice that God shows. In essence, today’s reading teach us that our spirituality is deeply intertwined with our social responsibilities, especially towards those who are less fortunate.

 

HAPPY FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING TO ALL OF US!!!!🙏🙏🙏

THE TEARS OF CHRIST OVER JERUSALEM: A DEEPER INSIGHT INTO LUKE 19:41-44

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. The city's preoccupation with religious and political affairs likely blinded it to the spiritual significance of Christ's arrival.

The foreseen destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD serves as a cautionary tale against ignoring God's call and highlights the importance of discernment and responding to God's invitation with an open heart. The people of Jerusalem expected a political Messiah who would overthrow their Roman oppressors, but Jesus' arrival as a humble servant offering a spiritual Kingdom clashed with their expectations, hindering their ability to recognize Him.

Their persistent disregard for prophets and divine messages had calloused their hearts, impeding their acceptance of the peace Jesus offered. Faith is the lens through which we perceive God's work in our lives. The absence of faith in the lives of the inhabitants of Jerusalem veiled their recognition of God's redemptive plan. Certainly, some of them believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but apparently the vast majority didn't recognize him as the Savior. 

The attitude of the inhabitant of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus could reflect our attitudes today. This Gospel invites us to examine our own lives and ask ourselves if we are too engrossed in worldly concerns to notice God's workings or if our preconceived notions about God's actions blind us to His real presence. Have we allowed our hearts to grow indifferent to His message, and are we deficient in faith? Does the image of God weeping because of the hardness of hearts of His children to His call speak to us today?

This meditation serves as an awakening, encouraging us to be spiritually alert and always prepared to recognize and embrace God's visitation in our lives.  God can chose to visit us in an unexpected way. Therefore, we should learn to remain open-hearted.  May we maintain tender hearts, robust faith, and open eyes to the divine movements around us. 

Let us learn from Jerusalem's oversight, discern God's presence in our daily lives, and respond with faith and obedience. May we not mimic Jerusalem's blindness to God's visitation but be those who welcome Him with joy and gratitude. May Christ's tears over Jerusalem remind us of the joy that awaits those who acknowledge and accept God's visitation with open hearts.

 

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father,

In the spirit of Your Son's deep compassion for Jerusalem, we come before You with humble hearts. Lord, guide us to recognize Your divine presence in our lives, just as Jesus longed for Jerusalem to see and embrace Him. Help us to discern Your workings amidst our daily routines and not be blinded by worldly distractions or preconceived notions.

Grant us the wisdom to learn from Jerusalem's oversight, to keep our hearts tender to Your message. May we always be alert to Your divine visitations, welcoming them with joy and gratitude. Teach us to value the spiritual peace You offer over earthly concerns, and to respond to Your call with obedience and an open heart.

May the tears of Christ over Jerusalem remind us of the joy that awaits those who acknowledge and accept Your presence. We pray to be ever mindful of Your love and guidance, embracing Your will with faith and love.

We make our prayers through Christ our Lord! Amen.🙏🙏🙏

WISDOM’S WHISPER: A CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE TO RIGHTEOUS LIVING AND RELATIONAL HEALING. WISDOM 1: 1-7. LUKE 17:1-7.

 

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 wisdom shines. We can recall here the words of the beatitude: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). And I would add: “For they shall see God even in a world broken by wickedness, hatred, and sin.”

Today's first reading also invites us to develop a discerning heart. When faced with myriad choices, it can be challenging to make the right decision. The discerning heart is pure and humble; it becomes the vessel through which divine wisdom flows, enlightening dark corners of ignorance and soothing the frictions of daily strife.

Embracing this wisdom has to be a deliberate choice, a conscious turning away from deceptive allurements and perverse thoughts. It is in this turning, this repentant movement toward God's truth, that wisdom finds a home in us. It transforms us inside and outside, mind, body, soul and spirit.  It calls for a life where love and justice are not abstract ideals but tangible actions.

Divine wisdom is thus a transformative force. It is the soft but potent power that molds our character, and carves out a life of integrity and purpose. A life that embraces divine wisdom is a life lived in harmony with God's design that the enemy had tried to destroy from the beginning.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus presents a poignant message on the essence of Christian living. He emphasizes the love of righteousness through a stark warning against being a source of scandal, causing the downfall of others, especially the little ones, and innocent souls. It is a reminder that our deeds ripple through the pond of humanity, impacting lives beyond our immediate sight. To love righteousness is to be acutely aware that we hold the power to either uplift or undermine the spiritual journey of our neighbor. We are called to be custodians of our brothers’ and sisters’ spiritual well-being; it is a duty to uphold and not undermine their journey of faith.

Jesus equally articulates the crucial command of fraternal correction. This could be sometimes difficult to do. However, it is important to see fraternal correction as an act of courage and compassion to address wrongdoing, a sacred duty that reflects God’s corrective love for us. However, this correction is not a pedestal from which to judge others but a bridge built on humility and concern for the other’s redemption. It is for this reason that we need to learn often to remove the plank in our eyes to be able to efficiently remove the sawdust in our brother’s or sister’s eyes (Matthew 7:3).

At the heart of Jesus' message is a call to repentance, a turning back to God that is always met with open arms. The readiness to repent is the hallmark of a spirit attuned to the rhythms of Divine Grace. It is the understanding that we are works in progress, continually called back to the heart of divine love. God is never tired of forgiving us; it is rather we who are sometimes tired of asking for forgiveness.

Moreover, to better understand and experience God’s forgiveness, we also need to practice it towards others. To forgive is to mirror the inexhaustible mercy of God. Jesus challenges us with a forgiveness that is not measured but lavish and faith-filled. It is in the seemingly impossible act of forgiveness that the disciple discovers the power of faith, small as a mustard seed, yet capable of uprooting the deepest bitterness and bringing healing to souls deeply wounded.

May God help us to seek this Wisdom with a sincere and humble heart!🙏🙏🙏

 

LORSQUE L'AMOUR EXIGE DAVANTAGE : LES VÉRITABLES DÉFIS DE SUIVRE LE CHRIST, (LUC 14 :25-35).

 

 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 gravité de l'engagement demandé.

Jésus appelle à une réorientation radicale des priorités et des attachements de chacun. Il ne prône pas la haine littérale, car cela contredirait le message d'amour qui imprègne tout son enseignement, surtout depuis la semaine dernière, lorsqu'il a expliqué au docteur de la loi que le plus grand de tous les commandements est l'amour de Dieu, l'amour du prochain et de soi-même, (Cfr Matthieu 22, 36-40). Au contraire, Jésus utilise l'hyperbole pour souligner que l'engagement envers lui, être son disciple doit passer avant tout le reste, même les relations les plus chéries.

Suivre Jésus signifie que ce que nous étions, sommes et voulons être doit être transformé. Cela nécessite une volonté de lâcher nos identités et plans précédents, pour être refaits à l'image du Christ. C'est la raison pour laquelle, lorsque Jésus a choisi les 12 Apôtres, il a donné à chacun d'eux un nouveau nom, signifiant ainsi leur nouvelle identité. L’identité du disciple dont Jésus parle est un chemin qui s'éloigne de l'égocentrisme et se dirige vers Dieu, exigeant un processus continu de renoncement à soi, un port quotidien de la croix, symbole de souffrance, de sacrifice et surtout de l’amour suprême.

Ce voyage de transformation affectera inévitablement les relations familiales de quelqu'un. Cela peut créer des tensions, car les valeurs du Royaume de Dieu sont souvent en contraste frappant avec les valeurs du monde. En ce sens, suivre Jésus peut parfois conduire à se sentir isolé du monde, mais il redéfinit également notre appartenance à une communauté chrétienne, créant une nouvelle famille unie non par le sang mais par l'esprit de l'amour de Dieu.

Dans un monde où Dieu est souvent mis de côté, vivre l'invitation de Jésus signifie nager constamment à contre-courant de la culture dominante. Cela signifie donner la priorité à ce qui est souvent invisible (la foi, l'espérance, l'amour, le pardon, la croissance spirituelle) sur ce qui est vu et célébré par la société (la richesse, le succès, la renommée). L'appel est à être le « sel de la terre », à maintenir notre caractère distinctif en tant que disciples du Christ d'une manière qui conserve et aromatise le monde qui nous entoure.

Comment pouvons-nous vivre cette invitation aujourd’hui ?

Je nous propose quelques pistes ici :

• En interagissant avec le monde à partir d'une place profondément enracinée dans le Christ, en apportant les valeurs de l'Évangile dans chaque interaction et relation.

• En étant disposés à faire des choix difficiles en faveur de notre foi, même lorsqu'il en coûte personnellement.

• En réfléchissant continuellement sur nos choix de vie et nos priorités, en veillant à ce qu'ils soient alignés sur l'appel à être disciple du Christ.

• En construisant et en entretenant des relations basées sur l'amour sacrificiel modélisé par Jésus.

• En maintenant une vie communautaire avec d'autres croyants, ce qui fournit soutien et encouragement dans une société qui peut ne pas comprendre ou valoriser les exigences d’être disciples du Christ.

 • En servant les plus petits, les derniers et les perdus, les laissé-pour compte, en vivant les implications sociales de l'Évangile dans des actes de justice, de miséricorde et d'humilité.

Puissions-nous permettre au message du Christ de s'installer dans le sol de nos cœurs, où ils peuvent perturber notre complaisance et nous inspirer à vivre d'une manière qui n'est peut-être pas facile, mais est infiniment riche de sens et ancrée dans un amour éternel. Dans cet amour, nous pouvons trouver la force et la conviction d'embrasser le chemin exigeant pour suivre le Christ.

 

PRIONS.

Dieu notre Père et aimant,

Nous venons devant Toi avec des cœurs ouverts et des esprits disposés, conscients néanmoins de la gravité de Ton appel. À l'ombre de Tes enseignements, nous cherchons la force d'embrasser la croix du Christ, de mettre de côté tout ce qui entrave notre dévouement complet à Ton chemin.

Accorde-nous, Ô Seigneur, le courage de réexaminer nos relations, nos désirs et notre propre être, afin que nous puissions trouver notre véritable identité en Toi. Que les liens de la famille et de l'amitié soient renforcés, non affaiblis, par notre engagement à marcher sur les traces de Ton Fils.

Dans un monde qui oublie souvent Ta présence, aide-nous à nous souvenir. À chaque moment de décision, guide nos choix. Lorsque l'attrait du monde se renforce, ancre nos cœurs au rocher de Ton amour et de Ta vérité.

Alors que nous nous efforçons d'être le sel qui conserve sa saveur, imprègne nos vies de Ta grâce afin que nous puissions préserver et améliorer le monde qui nous entoure avec l'amour du Christ.

Que nos vies témoignent de l'espérance qui est en nous, de la paix qui défie toute compréhension et de la joie qui vient de la soumission à Ta volonté divine. Pussions-nous avoir la force de porter notre croix pour Ton Royaume et pour la joie au milieu du sacrifice.

 

WHEN LOVE DEMANDS MORE: THE TRUE CHALLENGES OF FOLLOWING CHRIST. LUKE 14:25-35

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 the message of love permeated throughout His teachings, especially since last week, when he explained to the doctor of law that the greatest of all the commandments is love of God, love of neighbor and one’s self, (Cfr Matthew 22, 36-40).  Rather, Jesus is using hyperbole to emphasize that the commitment to discipleship must come before all else, even the most cherished relationships.

To follow Jesus means that who we were, are, and want to be must be transformed. It requires a willingness to let go of our previous identities and plans, to be remade in the likeness of Christ. This is the reason why when Jesus chose the 12 Apostles, he gave each of them a new name, this signifying their new identity.  The discipleship Jesus speaks of is a path that leads away from self-centeredness and towards God-centeredness, demanding an ongoing process of self-denial, a daily taking up of the cross, a symbol of suffering and sacrifice.

This journey of transformation will inevitably affect one’s relationships with family and relatives. It may create tension, as the values of the Kingdom of God often stand in stark contrast to the values of the world. In this sense, discipleship can be sometimes isolating, yet it also redefines our belong to a Christian community, creating a new family bonded not by blood but by the spirit of God’s love.

In a world where God is often sidelined, to live Jesus’s invitation means to constantly swim against the current of mainstream culture. It means prioritizing what is often unseen (faith, hope, love, forgiveness, spiritual growth) over what is seen and celebrated by society (wealth, success, fame). The call is to be the “salt of the earth,” to maintain our distinctiveness as followers of Christ in a way that both preserves and flavors the world around us.

How can we live this invitation today?

I make the following suggestions:

• By engaging with the world from a place of deep-rootedness in Christ, bringing the values of the Gospel into every interaction and relation.
• By being willing to make difficult choices in favor of our faith, even when it comes at a personal cost.
• By continuously reflecting on our life choices and priorities, ensuring they align with the call to discipleship.
• By building and nurturing relationships that are based on the self-sacrificial love modeled by Jesus.
• By maintaining a communal life with other believers, which provides support and encouragement in a society that may not understand or value the demands of discipleship.
• By serving the least, the last, and the lost, living out the social implications of the Gospel in acts of justice, mercy, and humility.

May we allow Christ’s message to sink into the soil of our hearts, where they can unsettle our complacency and inspire us to live in a way that may not be easy, but is infinitely rich with purpose and grounded in eternal love. In this love, we can find the strength and conviction to embrace the demanding path of discipleship

 

LET US PRAY.

Gracious and Loving God,

We come before You with hearts open and spirits willing, yet aware of the gravity of Your call. In the shadow of Your teachings, we seek the strength to embrace the cross of discipleship, to put aside all that hinders our complete dedication to Your path.

Grant us, O Lord, the courage to re-examine our relationships, our desires, and our very selves, that we might find our true identity in You. May the bonds of family and friendship be strengthened, not weakened, by our commitment to walk in the footsteps of Your Son.

In a world that often forgets Your presence, help us to remember. In every moment of decision, guide our choices. When the allure of the world grows strong, anchor our hearts to the rock of Your love and truth.

As we strive to be the salt that retains its flavor, infuse our lives with Your grace that we might preserve and enhance the world around us with the love of Christ. May our lives bear witness to the hope that is within us, the peace that defies understanding, and the joy that comes from surrendering to Your divine will.

For the strength to carry our cross, for the vision to see Your Kingdom, for the joy amidst sacrifice, we pray.