Daily Reflection | Gospel Reading | RVA

THE WORD

Rev 18,1-2.21-23; 19,1-3.9 / Lk 21,20-28

Jesus said to his disciples, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must see to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled.

“Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem

will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

IN OTHER WORDS

In high school I had a teacher who gave surprise quizzes and unannounced oral and written tests. This challenged me to be prepared at all times. Later in life, I realized the value of preparedness for much more important things than getting good grades: as a teacher, readiness for daily lessons; as a religious-missionary Sister, readiness for omitted service; most of all, readiness to answer

God’s final call for me in death which can come at any time. In today’s Good News, there is the all-important call to readiness for the Second Coming of Our

Lord. Because we do not know the specific schedule of this great event, we are greatly challenged to be prepared at all times to welcome Christ. Mt. 24:31-48 makes Christ’s judgment for everyone – love shown in works of mercy for others – as the basis for our preparation.

The prediction of the terrible happenings before the Second Coming is not meant to create fear in us, but to call to a better awareness of the need to turn away from sin, unfaithfulness, selfishness, greed and pride, to be able to live a life of faith and active love of God and for one another. All who are faithful to God have really nothing to fear, for Christ has promised to be with us until the end of time. Christ inspires us to have hope and expectant joy (Lk. 21:28): “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” His Coming will be the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the beginning of perfect life without suffering, pain and sorrow – the eternal life of love, joy and peace with and in God. The Good News for today inspires me to humbly pray: “Lord Jesus, I long for your coming. As I wait with great longing, I humbly beg you to give me the grace to be truly ready to welcome you by living a life of faith and love, faithfully striving to be what our Loving Father wants me to be and do willingly what He wants me to do. Please, grant this grace also to others. Amen”

• Sister Mary Pauline J. Tamayo, SSpS | School of the Holy Spirit, BF Homes, QC

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2015 Society of the Divine Word

 

THE WORD

Rev 15,1-4 / Lk 21,12-19

Jesus said to his disciples, “Before [the end] happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

IN OTHER WORDS

During his life time, St. Paul thought the end of the world would soon come about. Two millennia have passed; we are still awaiting for the end of the world! So many catastrophies have come and gone. The latest in the Philippines were “Yolanda” and the 7.2 mega-earthquake. I specially had the experience of the quake in Bohol. Many Boholanos thought this was it! But, no! The Lord is not through with us yet! He was just forewarning us to be ever ready! The end will come like “a thief in the night”!

As baptized persons, we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people set apart. We have a

mission to fulfill, to continue the Missio Dei, the Missio Spiriti, to bring the good news to all, that all may be one! The Bishops and priests, the consecrated persons and laity, have diff erent roles to play in the work of evangelization! All of us are His missionaries, His instruments to change the face of the earth! He is counting on us! God trusts you very much, trust Him in return. Be grateful that He has chosen you and me inspite of being our sin-permeatedness! In moments of doubt of our being effective instruments, rest assured that He is the main Evangelizer, not us! The Kingdom of God will continue to grow without our knowing much the how’s and the why’s – we have just to remain faithful even if we are seemingly unsuccessful! Blessed Therese of Calcutta was right. We are called “to be faithful, not to be successful!”

And so let us not be afraid. As Pope Francis admonishes us, let us be joyful bearers of the Gospel!

• Fr. Florante Camacho, SVD | Maribojoc, Bohol

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2015 Society of the Divine Word

 

THE WORD

Rev 14,14-19 / Lk 21,5-11

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here— the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”

He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

IN OTHER WORDS

Today’s readings refer to the end times. Now and then we hear a warning about the approaching horror with a matching date, such as, May 28, 1978 or the year 2000. Needless to say it never occurred.

Time and history show varied attitudes towards the much-deplored end times. For the early Christian communities, the concept was that of a happy expectation. The believers looked forward to an immediate coming, an almost joyful feast of yearning!

But in the modern era, the world has seen it as a catastrophic smashing of planets and meteors, the unimaginable destruction of the universe.

However as I grow in my spiritual journey, I see God as a most loving Creator, who cannot ever contradict the Beauty that He is. Through the years He has given me a way to attain a fuller understanding His love for the human race.

The book of Genesis declares that everything He created is good. The book of Revelation uncovers the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. The world will be transformed into its perfection at the end of time. The more important focus should be on how much trust we give God, the source of life. In the midst of our doubts and apprehensions, we must always recall how He went to the extent of sending His Only Son to save us.

The best is yet to come as long as we live our lives toward the goal of union with His plans for each of us. We must see the world through the eyes of a love that supersedes all the darkness in and around us. Our obedience to His will makes the end times a celebration of God’s triumph over all that is evil.

• Fr. Titus Mananzan, SVD | Dampalit, Malabon City

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2015 Society of the Divine Word

 

THE WORD

Rev 14,1-3.4-5 / Lk 21,1-4

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

IN OTHER WORDS

Every year, during harvest time, we do the “Blessings of the Harvest” in the villages of our parish in Benin, West Africa to thank the Lord for His blessings. We celebrate the Holy Eucharist, bless the people’s harvests before offering them during the Offertory. Everyone brings their offerings in kind or in cash. At the end of each celebration, we gather a sizeable amount in cash and several sacks of corn, yam, and fruits. These offerings are for the support of the mission and the Church.

During one of the celebrations, a poor, old and handicapped woman who lived alone in that village came and offered with joy some fruits and a small amount of money. That caught my attention and looked at her as Jesus looked at the poor widow in the gospel. She gave, from her poverty, her whole livelihood for the love of the Lord. A very touching moment for me and for most of the people inside the church.

The look of God, the appreciation of God, how different it is to the habitual look of human beings! God looks at things differently! The offerings of the wealthy people seem plenty and bountiful.

But, for Jesus, the poor widow has given more. May our admiration never center only on physical appearances and on the riches of this world, but more on the poor, the lost and the least of the society. We truly need to change our hearts.

• Fr. Teofilo S. Perey, SVD | DWST, Tagaytay City

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2015 Society of the Divine Word