SCRIPTURAL WISDOM : DAILY MEDITATION ON THE WORD OF GOD

In today's first reading, (Deuteronomy 4:32-40), we hear God speak to the Israelites, and his message is also relevant to us today. Through Moses, God asks the Israelites to be aware of their identity: who they are, what God has done for them, and the consequences of God's call. They are God's chosen people, elected to reveal Himself to the world. Because of this, God saved them from their enemies. Being aware of their identity has several implications for the Israelites. First, they should fix their hearts on the LORD as the one and only true God. This means avoiding any form of idolatry, the gravest sin before God. As Christians, it is important  that we examine our lives always: "is there any idol in my life?  Anything that takes the rightful place of God in my life become my idol. And this  become an obstacle in my relationship with God. Therefore, identifying my idoles and getting rid of them is key step in our spiritual life and growth.   Second, the Israeli

La paix et l'amour de Jésus-Christ ressuscité soient avec vous, chères sœurs et frères en Christ !!! Aujourd'hui, nous réfléchissons sur un moment profond et émouvant de l'Évangile de Jean, chapitre 21, versets 15 à 19. Ce passage nous présente une rencontre personnelle entre Jésus et Pierre, une rencontre qui nous parle de pardon, de restauration et l'amour profond que Jésus a pour chacun de nous. Pour planter le décor, ce passage se déroule après la résurrection de Jésus. Les disciples sont au bord de la mer de Galilée, après avoir partagé une pêche miraculeuse et un petit-déjeuner avec le Seigneur ressuscité. Dans ce décor à la fois ordinaire et extraordinaire, Jésus se tourne vers Pierre et lui demande : « Simon, fils de Jean, m'aimes-tu plus que ceux-ci ? La question de Jésus transperce les couches du cœur de Pierre. Rappelons que Pierre avait renié Jésus à trois reprises durant la nuit de son arrestation. Peter, qui avait autrefois déclaré sa loyauté in

Peace and Love of the Risen Christ Jesus be with you, dear Sisters, and Brothers in Christ!!! Today, we reflect on a profound and heart-touching moment in the Gospel of John, chapter 21, verses 15 to 19. This passage presents us with an intimate and powerful encounter between Jesus and Peter, one that speaks to us about forgiveness, restoration, and the deep love that Jesus has for each of us. To set the scene, this passage takes place after Jesus' resurrection. The disciples are by the Sea of Galilee, having just shared a miraculous catch of fish and breakfast with the risen Lord. Amidst this ordinary yet extraordinary setting, Jesus turns to Peter and asks, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" Jesus' question pierces through the layers of Peter’s heart. Recall that Peter had denied Jesus three times during the night of His arrest. Peter, who had once declared his unwavering loyalty, found himself broken by his own weaknesses and fear. In this m

Brothers and sisters, today, we have the opportunity to reflect on Jesus priestly prayer, his most intimate conversation, a prayer whispered to the Father on our behalf. Jesus, knowing the world's harsh winds can snuff out even the sturdiest faith, pleads, “ Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.”  This isn't just about physical safety, but about finding refuge in God's presence, a place where doubt and fear cannot touch us. Jesus reveals to us that in His name we find refuge because at the mention of his name every knee must bow! This is a revelation that there is power in the name of Jesus. The world today is no less hostile than it was for the early disciples. We face challenges that can threaten our faith and our unity as believers. Perhaps our lives have become so comfortable that our faith feels like a flickering candle in the midday sun.  Have we become complacent, forgetting the fire that first ignite

  May 13 th was the feast of first apparition of Blessed Mother Mary at Fatima, in Portugal.  I would like to focus my meditation on this event that has greatly contributed to shaping the life of Christians all over the world.  It all started in a small village of Fatima, Portugal, where three shepherd children – Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta – witnessed extraordinary events. From May 13 th to October 13 th , the received apparitions of the Blessed Mother Mary. These ordinary children, raised in a simple Catholic family, were accustomed to prayer. Reflecting on their story, I’d like to highlight some key points that capture my attention. Divine Manifestations and a Call to Renewal: Just as Moses encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3: 1 – 15), and Bernadette witnessed a miraculous vision in Lourdes on February 11 th , 1858, these children had their own encounter with the divine. Lucia describes a flash of light, followed by the appearance of a beautiful lady on an oak tree.  Lucia re

  Acts of the Apostles paint a beautiful picture of the early Church, a community vibrant with faith and overflowing with love, (Acts 4: 32-35). This idyllic scene of oneness and shared possession is challenged in Acts 6: 1-7. As the number of disciples grew, so did the complexities of caring for the community. Grumbling arose among the Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists) who felt their widows were being neglected in the daily food distribution. This incident challenges the earlier image of perfect unity, highlighting the inevitable friction that arises in any growing community, even one bound by love. Addressing Community Needs: The Apostolic Solution : Faced with crucial challenge, the Twelve Apostles summoned the whole Community of Disciples and proposed the selection of seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of Wisdom, to oversee this task, allowing the Apostles to dedicate themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. This decision was well received by the whole co

The readings from the book of Wisdom and the Gospel of John share a deeply moving image of what it means to live a life of goodness in the face of hatred. Imagine being disliked simply for doing what's right. That's the essence of the message we find in Wisdom 2:12-22, where the good person's mere existence is enough to unsettle those around him. His life is like a mirror, reflecting back the truths others would rather not see. This theme continues in John 7:1-2,10,25-30 , where we see Jesus facing pushback from some religious leaders. Why? Because he dared to shake up the norm, to prioritize kindness over rituals, to extend a hand to those everyone else turned away from, (lepers, prostitutes, tax-collectors, etc.) and to heal the sick even on Sabath day. His actions and words didn't just ruffle feathers; they became a threat to the religious authorities and comfortable lifestyles of those in power. The book of Wisdom reminds us that being against the “Righteous” isn’