Daily Reflection | Gospel Reading | RVA

THE WORD

 Ac 4,13-21 / Mk 16,9-15

 When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.

But later, as the eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”

IN OTHER WORDS

 On June 12, 1999, I boarded the plane for the first time going to Argentina, my first mission assignment. When the plane took off I looked out the window and suddenly felt a great pain in my heart. “Totohanan na ito” (This is it). After 7 hours of sitting down without sleep I started to recall the joys and happiness of the good life that I had had with my friends: the places we went to, the movies we watched, the eating places we dined in, the security that I felt in familiar territory. There and then I realized that I was leaving these behind. I started to protest in pain. Why should I go to Argentina when, in fact in Abra, there are so many places that do not have a priest to celebrate the mass? The people there, too, need a priest. Not knowing how to console myself I took out my wallet and started to look at the picture of Jesus. Lord, is there a need for me to go? I had a good life in St. Jude; I think I can serve you better in the Philippines! And I started crying! Suddenly an old woman who was sitting beside me saw the picture and said, ‘Oh, are you missing your Dad? Your father is too young.’ Surprised by her words

I said, ‘No, I am looking at the picture of Jesus Christ, our Lord.’ Then she said, ‘I am sorry, I know nothing about your God, I wish I could have faith.’ Right there on the plane I found someone who did not know Jesus. Maybe it was just a coincidence but I took it as Christ’s response to my questions, to my fears, doubts and lack of faith in Him.

In this world of so many uncertainties we find it extremely difficult to believe. The disciples and friends of Jesus, after his death, were confused and did not know what to believe! The question is, why is it that they failed to recognize Jesus?

Today’s gospel gives us two reasons: First, they failed to recognize because they were SCARED, that they had lost their leader. Indeed fear paralyzes us. The same thing that I felt when I realized that I was leaving my “built-in security”. That is why we find it hard to believe. And yet Jesus tells us like he told

Thomas, “How little faith you have, have faith and believe”.

Secondly, they failed to know him because they DOUBTED and therefore they were extremely confused.  In this world of so much relativism it is so difficult to know the truth. It seems that the world has the ultimate answer to all human needs. In order for us to enjoy life, we need fame, power and wealth.  Everything can be bought. I too was confused and doubted even my readiness to proclaim the gospel in the mission. But thanks to Jesus, who, like in the gospel, has patiently taught the confused disciples to go and broadcast the joy of proclaiming the good news and the wonder of living Christ’s messages of love, hope, peace and happiness.

Indeed, in spite of our doubts, fears and seemingly lack of faith, Jesus trusts us. That is why we have to renew our trust in Him and cling to him because there is happiness in proclaiming his gospel. It’s been 16 years since I left the Philippines with fear, and, glad to say that everyday Jesus surprises me with strength to move on in the mission.

Yes, Christ sends us but he surely accompanies us. Therefore let us transform our fears, doubts and lack of faith into a living witness of His love, hope and peace. When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.

But later, as the eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”

• Fr. Romulo Laguico, SVD | Argentina

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

 Ac 4,1-12 / Jn 21,1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.  He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples.  Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”  They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them,  “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” they answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will nd something.”  So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the  disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When  Simon Peter heard  that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore,

only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the sh. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them,“Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish.  Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish.  This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

IN OTHER WORDS

The Risen Lord meets us whenever and wherever He wants. He comes in the appearance He wishes. He points us in the right direction and gives us helpful instructions. In the case of the disciples in today’s gospel, the Lord met them at dawn at the sea of Tiberias. He assumed the image of a father calling the grown-ups (the disciples) children. He gave instructions – cast the net; pointed in a direction –over the right side of the boat; and assured them of the outcome of the instructions

– you will find something. The disciples, like children under the command of a loving father, simply obeyed. As a result they enjoyed a great catch. After the event, the disciple whom Jesus loved pointed out “It is the Lord!” The beloved disciple knows the works, recognizes the movements, and feels the presence of the Lord, the Lover.

On one occasion last year, a teenager in our parish posted a picture of a crucifix on his Facebook timeline. Above the picture, he wrote: “Today is Valentine’s Day. This is my crucifix. This is an image of Jesus. Oftentimes I put it on my table. Although we don’t see Him, He is always near us. Sometimes we neglect him, forget him, but he will not get angry or leave us. I put the crucifix on my table to think of Him, to love Him, to gently caress Him.” Are these not the words of someone who feels the love of Jesus and loves Jesus in return? Are these not the expressions of a beloved who cherishes the presence of the lover?

While lovers celebrate Hearts Day with their own beloved in their own ways, a teenager made public (via FB) when and where the Lord meets him; how the crucifix reminds him of the nearness of the Risen Jesus to him and to all of us. In those lines he wrote, “I heard him telling me: ‘Look, it is the Lover! It is the Risen Lord! ‘“

• Fr. Abs Borja, SVD | Taiwan

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

Ac 3,11-26 / Lk 24,35-48

The two [disciples] recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you. But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost.  Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They give him a piece of baked fish; her took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”

Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

IN OTHER WORDS

I facilitated a day of recollection with a group of second year students. One of the very touching moments with them was when they wrote their personal love letter to God. I asked them to find a comfortable place for themselves. Some went to the corners of the room. Others stayed at their own seats. And there was one student who stayed under the table. I did not mind her until finally I approached her and to my surprise she was soberly crying. Her tears slowly dropped on her activity sheet. Accompanying her in silence, I felt her pain. She wanted to say something but she had difficulty uttering even a single word. When she was ready, she disclosed spontaneously, “Miss ko na po ang daddy’t mommy ko. Kilan ko po kaya sila makikita uli? Bakit kailangan pa nilang maghiwalay?” Then, she started sobbing. My encounter with this young girl reminded me of the experience of the two disciples with the Risen Lord. If we are generous enough to open our hearts for others, especially the needy, we will be able to see Jesus. The Gospel story is an encounter that deepens our faith in the love of the Risen Lord. A graced encounter, it is a faith-filled experience of brokenness. Only through faith do we see the miracles of life everyday in people’s pains and sufferings. The SVD Constitution highlights this experience as an attitude of dialogue. Dialogue is an attitude of solidarity, respect and love that is to permeate all of our activities (GC2000 ¶53) It is only through faith that we can carry out our mission to make Christ incarnate in our life and ministry with the people, bring them closer to him and put them not only in touch but in communion and intimacy with him (Catechesi Tradendae 5). Our mission is to share our graced encounter with Jesus to people. Thus, we do not base our missionary identity on being different from others; we base it on being faithful—faithful witnesses to the joy of our faith in the Resurrection. (SVD XVI General Chapter, 2006 ¶10)

• Fr. Jhonatan A. Letada, SVD | CKMS, Quezon 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

Ac 3,1-10 / Lk 24,13-35

Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “ The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther.

But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?”

So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

IN OTHER WORDS

Emmaus. There is not much information about this place aside from what the Scriptures tell us that this is a village which is seven miles from Jerusalem. Emmaus is, however, a place where anyone and everyone can go. Emmaus is a place of the heart. The Gospel today narrates to us that two of the disciples were walking on their way there when they met our resurrected Lord. Unfortunately, the disciples did not recognize Jesus and our Lord asked them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” One of the disciples named Cleopas then began to tell the story about the Lord. Jesus asks questions and gently draws the story of His own death and resurrection out of them. But the two disciples were still clueless. Jesus - still unrecognized – said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” He then interpreted to the two the prophecies concerning his life. The two disciples were willing to listen to this stranger, because they sought wisdom and understanding. This is the beauty and essence of the

Emmaus walk: It is about (re)discovery and growth.

Walking to Emmaus is a spiritual rather than a physical exercise. It is an exercise of the faith rather than of the legs. Cleopas and the other disciple were evaluating and exploring their faith and their belief. Walking to Emmaus gives us an opportunity to rediscover the presence of the Risen Christ in our life and to refresh our understanding of God´s transforming grace. As we exercise our body often, so should our soul. Let us do our Emmaus walk often.

• Fr. Jovito Osalvo, SVD | Portugal

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