Friday of week 5 in Ordinary Time 


1 Kings 11:29-32,​12:19

Psalm 80(81):10-15

Mark 7:31-37




With the division of the united kingdom after Solomon’s reign, the prophet Ahijah symbolizes this division by tearing his cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam (forming the Northern Kingdom of Israel) while Judah and Benjamin remain under Rehoboam in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This moment establishes a pattern in Scripture: prophets announce God’s word, and history unfolds as the fulfillment of those prophetic words.



This prophetic pattern links us to the Gospel, where Jesus heals a man who cannot hear or speak properly. While the Old Testament prophets foretold what was to come, Jesus represents the fulfillment of those prophecies. His miracles reveal God’s power bringing restoration and wholeness.



The focus then shifts to Baptism. Christians are anointed as prophets, priests, and kings, called to share in Christ’s mission. The baptismal prayers—touching the ears, eyes, and mouth—symbolize openness to God’s voice, recognition of God’s presence, and praise of God’s name. This is not about physical healing, but about spiritual mission.



Finally, as baptized believers, we are prophets of hope, mercy, and the victory of the Cross. Rather than proclaiming doom, we live and announce God’s wisdom and the triumph of Christ, trusting that this victory will be fully revealed in God’s time.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
  REPORTING LIVE FROM ROME GOOD SHEPHERD, I AM BLESSED AND SO THANKFUL!! (BEARING WITNESS TO A RARE OCCASION) 4th Sunday of Easter  Acts 13:14,​43-52 Psalm 99(100):1-3,5 Apocalypse 7:9,​14-17 John 10:27-30 May 8! What an unforgettable day! I had just wrapped up the final lecture of the day at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome with my thesis moderator, Professor Lewis Ayres. This is the same prestigious university that counts St. Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Francis Prevost among its illustrious alumni!  On my way home, I called my mom to wish her a Happy Birthday, reminding her of my dad’s passing on the same day over a decade ago. We had a good laugh about a seagull perched near the chimney of the Sistine Chapel when, out of nowhere, the news broke—“Habemus papam!” The Cardinal Deacon proclaimed it loud and clear! There was huge traffic and everyone started running to the square.  Just an hour later, the new pope, Leo XIV, emerged onto the gr...
Read more
Image
  21st Sunday in Ordinary Time  Isaiah 66:18-21 Psalm 116(117) Hebrews 12:5-7,​11-13 Luke 13:22-30 NO MATTER WHERE YOU'RE COMING FROM, STEP THROUGH THE NARROW DOOR AND EMBRACE YOUR SALVATION! In the time of our Lord, the Jewish people—especially their leaders—held a profound belief that they were the cherished chosen ones of God. However, our Lord stepped onto the scene with a revolutionary message that shook their foundations. He boldly challenged the notion that the kingdom of heaven would simply be their exclusive domain. In today's gospel, He issued a striking warning: many will strive to enter, yet not all will succeed! And here’s the thrilling twist—individuals from every corner of the earth, from the east and west, from the north and south, will take their seats at the grand feast in the kingdom of God! Our Lord was on a mission to broaden horizons and elevate expectations. This extraordinary journey of expanding the kingdom didn’t stop with Him—it has been carried on b...
Read more

GET READY AT ALL TIMES !

Image
  Wednesday of week 29 in Ordinary Time  Romans 6:12-18 Psalm 123(124) Luke 12:39-48 Today's Gospel this week continues the powerful theme of being prepared. Jesus uses the vivid imagery of a master returning and faithful servants awaiting their lord to drive home a crucial message. Those who stay vigilant and true when the master arrives will rejoice and be rewarded with eternal life. But beware—those who live wickedly and fail to repent risk missing out on the kingdom altogether! The question is: how are YOU preparing for the Lord's return? Are you fulfilling your duties with devotion and passion? Remember, to whom much is given, much is expected! As privileged Christians, we're entrusted with God's Word, His grace, and His love—gifts to be treasured and shared. The time to stand ready is NOW because only God knows the moment of His coming. Let's strive to root out any darkness within us that could lead to perdition. Stay alert, remain faithful, and let’s embrace ...
Read more