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UPHOLDING THE TRUTH

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  Monday of the 3rd week of Lent  2 Kings 5:1-15 Psalm 41(42):2-3,42:3-4 Luke 4:24-30 In the first reading , Naaman, a commander of Aram, is healed of leprosy by Prophet Elisha. He proclaims that only Israel acknowledges the true God. In the gospel, Jesus references Naaman and the passage from Kings, emphasizing that His mission extends to all peoples, not solely to the Jewish community. Naaman’s story is also connected to the Easter baptism; his purification in the Jordan River parallels Christ’s baptism. This underscores the importance of sharing the Gospel universally, rather than restricting it to oneself. Initially, Jesus delivered His message to His own people, who failed to recognize God’s presence in His simplicity, instead seeking spectacle. If one pursues the extraordinary, disappointment is likely; Christ’s message is profound yet straightforward. Consider how one perceives God in daily life. What obstacles prevent recognition of God's work? How can one serve as a w...
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  3rd Sunday of Lent  Exodus 17:3-7 Psalm 94(95):1-2,6-9 Romans 5:1-2,​5-8 John 4:5-42 Only God can quench our thirst  The scripture readings for Mass today are all linked by the theme of water as the means to quench our thirst.    A symbol of life and spiritual fulfillment. Just as physical water is essential for human survival, Christ offers “living water” that satisfies the deepest spiritual thirst. In the Gospel , Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst again, because it becomes a spring of eternal life within them. This echoes the Old Testament story in Exodus where water flows from the rock to sustain Israel in the desert. The gospel highlights how Jesus crosses social and religious barriers in speaking with the Samaritan woman, revealing that true worship is not confined to one place but is found wherever God reveals Himself. The woman’s request for this “living water” symbolizes conversion and ...
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BE AS MERCIFUL AS THE FATHER

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  Saturday of the 2nd week of Lent  Micah 7:14-15,​18-20 Psalm 102(103):1-4,9-12 Luke 15:1-3,​11-32 Have you ever experienced the heart of God’s mercy? The passages we have as our readings today emphasize God's merciful and forgiving nature. Micah implores God to guide us and recalls His capacity for forgiveness. The Parable of the Prodigal Son exemplifies God's love, illustrating His willingness to welcome back those who have repented, such as the younger son. The eldest son symbolizes those who hinder reconciliation by failing to forgive, thereby distancing themselves from divine grace.  We are encouraged to reflect on our lives, seek forgiveness, and return to God, who is always prepared to embrace us. Jesus reminds us that God's forgiveness is available to those who turn to Him. When we do so, God will abundantly bless us. Regardless of our past, God's love remains unconditional. We are invited to accept Him anew, trusting that He will welcome us with open arms. Let...
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SHOW GRATITUDE NOT WICKEDNESS

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  Friday of the 2nd week of Lent  Genesis 37:3-4,​12-13,​17-28 Psalm 104(105):16-21 Matthew 21:33-43,​45-46 Can we treat others, not as objects to be used to further our own desires, but as co-heirs to the Kingdom of God we are building up here on Earth? The Parable of the Householder illustrates individuals taking what does not belong to them and the recognition of their downfall by the Pharisees. Jesus affirms that they will not lose their status but will instead attain the Kingdom of God—peace in the presence of God. In Greek, the term for "kingdom" is "ethnos," meaning "all humankind." Jesus clarifies that the kingdom is accessible to all, regardless of race, status, or background, and was revealed through his crucifixion. God is present with everyone, and rejecting God in others results in losing access to the kingdom. May our services to humanity produce enduring fruits, transcending human divisions. Amen. 
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TRUSTING IN GOD TILL THE END

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  THURSDAY 2ND WEEK OF LENT.  Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1:1-4,6 Luke 16:19-31 Both the first reading (Jer 17:5-10) and the Psalm (Ps 1) emphasize trusting in God alone for salvation. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells of Lazarus, a poor man, and a rich man whose wealth made him indifferent to others' plight and dignity. The readings urge us to choose to live by God's law, believe in Him, and see Christ in everyone. Lazarus, despite suffering, hoped in God and received his reward. Reflect on your daily focus and ask God to increase your desire for heaven and generosity with His gifts. May God make us rich in heaven and give us a generous heart to share His treasures. Amen.
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SERVING OTHERS IS TRUE LEADERSHIP

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  Wednesday of the 2nd week of Lent  Jeremiah 18:18-20 Psalm 30(31):5-6,14-16 Matthew 20:17-28 “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” Power, privilege, and prestige often attract leaders, but Jesus teaches that leadership is about service, not status. True leadership involves humility, sacrifice, and serving others, as exemplified by Christ, who used his authority to uplift and sacrifice for us.  Leaders must endure betrayal and hardship, showing they understand true authority as a divine privilege. Suppose leaders and individuals use power for service rather than control, the world benefits.  Follow Jesus’s example—lead with humility and service, beginning with how we use our own authority.
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BEARING FRUITS ABUNDANTLY

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  Tuesday of the 2nd week of Lent  Isaiah 1:10,​16-20 Psalm 49(50):8-9,16-17,21,23 Matthew 23:1-12 A disciple humbly submits to learn from the master, Christ, to teach others the truth. Without learning from Him, we risk leading others astray by failing to practice or live our professed beliefs. This hypocrisy is inauthentic Christianity. Today , the Lord calls us to shun hypocrisy and self-examination of our witness. We should ask how to practice better what we preach, grow closer to Christ, and remove obstacles like the plank in our eye to see clearly. We must consider how to add value to others' lives and draw them closer to Christ. Ultimately, our deeds matter more than titles. If our life and death teach lessons, this is true Christianity producing good fruits. It must start with us, here and now
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