LOVING GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY

 



Friday of the 7th week of Eastertide 


Acts 25:13-21 

Psalm 102(103):1-2,11-12,19-20

John 21:15-19


In today’s first reading from Acts 25:13-21, we observe that after Paul’s incomplete trial before the Sanhedrin, a group of Jewish opponents conspires against him. Paul is currently in Caesarea, a Roman-controlled city on the coast of Judea. Still, he recognizes that he will not receive a fair hearing in Jerusalem because of his accusers' hostility. Therefore, he requests, as a Roman citizen with certain legal protections, to be tried before Caesar in Rome, aligning with his understanding of his divine calling to preach the Gospel there, as mentioned in yesterday’s reading.


Today’s gospel passage (John 21:15-19) is a well-known account where Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. This exchange also hints at the manner of Peter’s future martyrdom, as Jesus mentions that Peter will eventually face a death of disapproval for his faith. Having denied Jesus three times earlier, Peter now professes his love three times, reaffirming his commitment. While claiming love for Christ may seem straightforward, it challenges us to consider whether our actions reflect our declarations. Are we prepared to sacrifice ourselves entirely for Jesus’s sake? True love, rooted in humility and self-sacrifice, requires effort and a willingness to put others before ourselves. Love devoid of sacrifice and humility is merely selfish affection, centered on personal convenience rather than genuine devotion. 


Do we sometimes compromise our faith, prioritizing personal needs or worldly concerns over our love for Jesus? 



May God grant us the grace to love Him wholeheartedly—mind, heart, soul, and strength—and to love others unconditionally, as He has loved us. Amen

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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
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