Daily Reflection | Gospel Reading | RVA

THE WORD

Jas 3,13-18 / Mk 9,14-29

When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit.

Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him.  And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood.  It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him.  But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

Jesus said to him, “Why do you say: ‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!”

Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.  When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

IN OTHER WORDS

A confrere, after having worked in Congo for more than forty years, asked permission to go back to his home country. He had difficulties with his hands and could no longer hold a hammer. Mustering all courage a young Congolese confrere approached him and said: “Father, why are you leaving Congo?” He replied, “I am no longer of use here since I’m getting frail.” The young man said: “But father, we want you here with us not because of your work but of your presence.” The old confrere learned a new lesson. “Young man, had you said that before I asked for transfer, I would have stayed with you in Congo.”

“How long will I be with you?” Jesus asked in exasperation. He was absent just for a short while up on the mountain and down on the plane he saw the havoc. He perceived his disciples with confused faces, a large crowd making lots of noise, arguing and discussing with the scribes. In their midst a young boy convulsing held by his poor father. Now the picture was clear. While Jesus was away the father approached his disciples and asked for help. Without Jesus the disciples were helpless. They must have been very embarrassed facing the crowd and the Jewish authorities.

In the beginning of Mark’s Gospel it was said that Jesus appointed twelve “that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach”. Being with him was a necessary requisite before announcing Jesus to others. This episode showed what happened if Jesus was absent in the life of the apostles. After the resurrection of Jesus he manifested his presence to his disciples, working with them as they preached, confirming their message accompanied by the signs.

If Jesus is present in the life of a missionary his presence is very important for strengthening the faith of the community. If God is there, the devil cannot be there. Through prayer we can drive Satan away. “Everything is possible to one who has faith,” Jesus assures us. We pray: “We do believe, help our unbelief”.

• Fr. Xene Sanchez, SVD | Congo, Africa

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

FIRST READING Acts 2: 1–11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fi re, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

SECOND READING: 1 Cor 12: 3–7.12–13

Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, “Jesus be accursed.”  And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.  To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

GOSPEL: Jn 20: 19–23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

IN OTHER WORDS

While trying to save expenses the contractor, who was building the rst institute for the blind, decided not to put windows in the building. He thought the blind would not mind, since they could not see the windows anyway.

When the blind inhabited the beautiful building, however, many got sick, depressed and restless; and two died. After the death of the two patients, windows were installed and suddenly life bloomed. Sadness disappeared. Health returned. Sunshine and fresh air filled the building. (Apalisok, Markings on the Desert)

On Pentecost day the Holy Spirit blew his breath to the cowering apostles. And they were filled with life and power, life full of meaning and mission, power to heal and forgive sins, and power to proclaim the Gospel and God’s kingdom at the risk even of their lives.

Far from the world’s understanding of power, however, which is usually akin to violence, the Holy Spirit gives a gentle sort of power. St. Paul would write, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy and peace, patience, understanding, kindness, fidelity, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal 5)

In the sacrament of initiation (baptism & confirmation) we have received the Holy Spirit. If we live by the Spirit life and power will be ours. And if ultimately the Spirit is in us this same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, will bring us to eternity.

• Fr. Atilano Corcuera, 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

Acts 1,15-17.20-26 / Jn 15,9-17

Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

IN OTHER WORDS.

Prior to meeting Jesus, the apostles surely had their own plans in life. Jesus came, called and gave them an alternative: a new life-changing vision, mission and goal. Except Judas, they followed Jesus to the end and succeeded with flying colors, including Matthias whose feast we celebrate today. How they succeeded in pursuing a way of life which was not originally theirs is a difficult riddle to solve.

I never wanted to become a priest. First I wanted to become a lawyer but later relented to civil engineering with a complete plan of life to pursue - to establish my own construction firm with me as CEO and to support a wife and 12 kids in a life of luxury.

Jesus’ alternative was not as attractive as my plan but I relinquished my own and pursued his offer. It was not easy to understand what went on inside me. Introspection uncovered my secret to living a happy priestly life: a basic instinct to obey which I acquired from family training. With obedience, a celibate and poor life is less difficult to live.

My original plan of a family of 14 living a life of luxury lingers on. Sometimes the force of that call strikes strongly to the point of crisis. I am very con dent, though, that Jesus supports me absolutely, so, NO FEAR.

As Jesus called and personally took care of the apostles, so too, he called and personally took care of me. As he calls you to your own vocation, he will also take care of you. All we have to do is obey without reservation.

• Fr. Rodrigo Salac, SVD | HNU, Tagbilaran City, 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

Ac 25,13-21 / Jn 21,15-19

When [Jesus and the disciples] had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” (Jesus) said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

IN OTHER WORDS

Today’s gospel reading reminds me of our ordination (13 ordinati)) to the priesthood (Magnicat ’77).The day before our presbyteral ordination (July 2, 1977), we had our recollection with Fr. Manfred Mueller, SVD. Fr. Manfred used this gospel passage as material for our reflection. He emphasized the threefold question of Jesus to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”  Of course many would easily say that this threefold question of Jesus to Peter corresponds to the three times Peter denied association with Jesus.

Yes, definitely Jesus wants our love for him more than anything else. To the extent that we love Jesus, he is willing to entrust to us his mission. Thus, it is a wrong question to ask oneself: “Am I worthy of his call?” St. Paul the Apostle would say, “All is gift!” And for me, God’s call, Jesus’ call is a gift. Jesus’ call is a pure gift to those who love him and are willing to be his ambassadors to the whole world. For our part, we strive to love Jesus with our whole heart, our whole soul, our whole strength and our whole mind so that we can continue ‘to feed his sheep’.

• Fr. Antonio O. Pegon, SVD | 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