Daily Reflection | Gospel Reading | RVA

THE WORD

Dn 7,9-10.13-14 or Rev 12,7-12 / Jn 1,47-51

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the g tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him,

“Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the g tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

IN OTHER WORDS

We occasionally hear someone say, “I don’t trust him, his eyes are too close together.” However, an English anti-Catholic journalist actually wrote that when he was a child he and his friends avoided Catholics because “their eyes were too far apart! At the time I took this as a compliment.

I was reminded of this by Jesus’ words about Nathaniel, “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathaniel was unlike Jacob, the original Israel who cheated both his brother Esau and his employer Laban. Nathaniel would be privileged to “see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

We are familiar with fairytale depictions of angels as shining humanoids with wings, but St. Augustine reminds us that we should think of angels not so much in terms of what they are, as of what they do: they are (as Nathaniel would see) links between God and humanity, messengers and servants of God, and collaborators with humans in their participation in salvation work.

For St Arnold Janssen, the founder of the Society of the Divine Word, the archangels were of great importance: Saint Michael (Who is like God), Saint Gabriel (God is strong), and St. Raphael (God heals). In fact he placed the first three great houses in Europe under the patronage of the archangels: St. Michael’s, the motherhouse in Steyl, Netherlands, St. Gabriel’s in Vienna, Austria, and St. Raphael’s, our generalate in Rome.

Today, the feast of the Holy Archangels, we remember with Arnold God’s constant care for us.  Both as SVDs and as lay friends, we are not alone in our daily lives, and in our mission.

Our Church is all-embracing, but some people outside dismiss us as being gullible to the point of superstition, naive and too trustful in our faith. This opinion may or may not have some validity, but in my faith I would rather be thought of as having my eyes too far apart than too close together!

• Fr. Alan Meechan, SVD | Naujan, Or. Mindoro

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

Job 9,1-12.14-16 / Lk 9,57-62

As Jesus and his disciples travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered, “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another to whom he said, “Follow me.” The man replied “Let me go and bury my father first.” But he answered, “Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say good-bye to my people at home.” Jesus said to him, “Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is t for the kingdom of God.”

IN OTHER WORDS

Recruiters sometimes use flowery words and tricky answers which are not realistic and even contain some lies and empty promises. They present only what is good and beautiful. The aws and negative side usually come in later as a surprise.

Jesus is a very honest recruiter, showing and explaining everything not only the joys of being his followers but also the pains and obstacles that lie ahead. In the Gospel story today, He is being realistic when

He says, “the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” He doesn’t do cover-ups. He is not a pretender. He declares everything, not only what he has but also what he lacks.

Jesus’ truthfulness gives his listeners a clear idea about his message so that they will be able to make a decision once and for all to say yes or no, nothing more, nothing less, nothing in-between. All sides are justly presented: What you see is what you get.

So, if we say yes to be his followers, what is expected of us to be truly called Christians? First, we have to be always truthful like Jesus. He shows us that sincerity and honesty attract love. And, secondly we need to be ready at all times to report for the call of duty. That, doing the good and the better and eventually doing the best, is always our priority and is always urgent. What is more urgent than to do something for the greater Glory of God? Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you have... Jesus is calling: “As for you, proclaim the Kingdom of God.”

• Fr. Romel S. Porillo, SVD | Papua New Guinea

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

Job 3,1-3.11-17.20-23 / Lk 9,51-56

When the days for his being taken up were fulfilled, Jesus resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down re from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

IN OTHER WORDS

When I was sent to Benin, West Africa for my first mission assignment, my heart was filled with fear and anxiety. Would I survive in that mission? What would happen if I got sick of malaria or other illnesses? Would the people accept me? How would I react to rejections and sufferings? Could I still go back to my hometown in the Philippines? These were some questions that lingered in my heart.

Jesus was so determined to go to Jerusalem even though he knew that he would suffer and die in that place. He knew that he would not go back anymore to his beloved village of Galilee. A very brave decision on His part! That was the true missionary spirit. Together with His disciples, they were rejected and were not welcomed when, going to Jerusalem, they passed by a Samaritan village. His disciples reacted with anger and wished for the divine intervention to destroy their enemies. But the spirit of Jesus is the spirit of non-violence, mercy and compassion. He demanded that the disciples respect the delay or slow pace of the people’s conversion. Jesus shows us the true image of God - humble and patient in awaiting our conversion.

My years of work experience in our parish in Benin helped me to realize the importance of patience, understanding and dialogue as we, the SVD missionaries, shared the Word of God and lived with people of different cultures, languages and traditions. Looking at Jesus as our model, we were able to enjoy the mission and to persevere in spite of problems and difficulties.

• 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

 

THE WORD

Job1,6-22 / Lk 9,46-50

An argument arouse among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

IN OTHER WORDS

The disciples wanted to know the “greatest.” What standards do we use to measure greatness?

The world’s measure is status acquired through power, wealth, and being a celebrity. This results in spiritual impotence - the very opposite of the way of the Cross. Those on this path have their backs to the Cross and to Christ. He calls us to turn around, face him and move towards him, again. And he does it by means of a little child. “But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by his side, and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives Him who sent me; for he who is least among you, this is the one who is great.’”

This child is the Lord’s alternative to the search for status because it is weak, insignificant, a nobody - utterly lacking in any ability to confer status on anyone.

Status as the world defines is irrelevant in the Kingdom. The only thing that matters is pleasing the Lord, and to do that we must follow his example and serve the brethren. The world finds greatness in status, but the Lord finds it in service. And so, in our mission apostolate and programs, in our building fund, we ask: Are we doing these to build His kingdom or our empire? To gain status or to serve better? The answer to these questions will determine the kind of blessing we receive.

Servanthood flows inevitably from the gospel. Therefore, to be a slave to status and the worldly  means of achieving it, to seek fulfillment and self-worth from the world, is to live in a manner utterly incompatible with the belief in the Gospel we profess to have.

• Fr. Cyril Ortega, SVD | DWC, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

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