REFLECTIONS TODAY
We hear a beautiful lesson on kinship from the mouth of Jesus. This is not to disdain the value of blood relationship.
It is Jesus’ way, rather, to redefine what binds us together in the great family of God: hearing the Word of God and acting on it.
Sometimes we are tempted to oversimplify our Christian discipleship and reduce it into a cultural phenomenon.
The Philippines is considered a “majority Christian nation” in Asia. Indeed, most Filipinos are considered “cradle Catholics,” but we can also ask ourselves: what happens next after we are baptized and confirmed?
Is there any substantial growth in our understanding of God’s Word?
Are the Gospel values of truth, justice, and concern for the poor alive in our hearts, homes, and society at large?
We pray that God may grant us the grace, after 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, to truly understand his word and to translate this word into authentic Christian life and service.
First Reading • Prv 21:1-6, 10-13
Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord; wherever it pleases him, he directs it.
All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the Lord who proves hearts.
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the tillage of the wicked is sin.
The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.
Gospel • Luke 8:19-21
The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd.
He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.”
He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.