Greet One Another

First Reading 

Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27

3 Brothers and sisters: Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I am grateful but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 greet also the Church at their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the firstfruits in Asia for Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners; they are prominent among the Apostles and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. 22 I, Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole Church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you. 24-25 Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my Gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages 26 but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Father in heaven, 

You are my strength. I praise You from whom all blessings flow. Thank you so much for all the helping hands that You have brought into our business. Truly, I am blessed and grateful for having them as co-workers in Christ.

Things I do not know, You reveal to me through Your word as written in the scriptures. Your works of writing truly gives me joy, inspiration and delight each day. In them is the core of my being and what is being revealed are sources of my deeper understanding when it comes to my close relationship with You. May the power of great and mighty hands continue to bring awesome wonders over my life enriching me in every way. May your love and peace always be upon me each moment of my life. 

In a special way, I lift up all my co-workers to You O Lord as I humbly ask in Jesus Name that You continue to bless us all with a great flow of financial abundance and prosperity. May we continue to live by Your Word together with our children and future generation.

With much love and thanksgiving, I offer you back all the glory and praise now and forever through Christ you Son, my Lord and Savior. 

Amen.

Pericope:

VII: Conclusion

PAUL'S GREETINGS / GREETINGS FROM CORINTH

Romans 16:3-16/21-23

Published:

November 11, 2023. 8:13 AM

Rules over Relationships?

 

Gospel

Luke 14:1-6

1 On a sabbath he went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. 2 In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. 3 Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” 4 But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. 5 Then he said to them, “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” 6 But they were unable to answer his question.

Historical Background

This passage took place during a Sabbath meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath was a sacred day of rest, governed by strict laws prohibiting work. 

Healing was controversially considered “work” by many religious leaders. Jesus, aware of their scrutiny, uses this setting to challenge their interpretation of the law and reveal the heart of God.

The man with dropsy (a condition causing swelling, likely due to heart or kidney issues) symbolizes suffering humanity. His presence at the meal may have been a trap set by the Pharisees to test Jesus. Yet Jesus responds not with caution, but compassion.

Theological Context

God’s love transcends legalism. Jesus redefines what it means to honor God—not through rigid rule-keeping, but through mercy. He uses rhetorical questions to expose hypocrisy. If rescuing an ox or child is allowed on the Sabbath, how much more a suffering human?

Theologically, this passage invites us to see divine law through the lens of love. Jesus doesn’t abolish the law—He fulfills it by showing its true purpose: to bring life, not burden.

Learning Lessons

Compassion must never be postponed for the sake of tradition. Acts of restoration are not interruptions to worship—they are worship.

Jesus models boldness in the face of silent opposition. The Pharisees’ silence reveals their hardened hearts. Our silence before God should be humble, not resistant.

Reflection for the Day

Today, reflect on this: Are there moments when I prioritize rules over relationship? Do I hesitate to help because I fear judgment or disruption?

Let the Lord’s question echo in your heart: “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” What is your answer—not just in words, but in action?

“The Silence of the Sabbath”

In the hush of holy hours,  

Where law and love collide,  

A swollen man stands quietly,  

While watchers choose to hide.

The Teacher sees beyond the rules,  

Beyond the silent stares,  

He lifts the weight of suffering,  

With hands that heal and care.

“Would you not save your child or beast?”  

He asks with piercing grace,  

Yet none dare speak, for truth revealed  

Has met their hardened face.

But mercy moves where silence fails,  

And love breaks every chain,  

The Sabbath sings a sweeter song—  

A healing in the pain.

Lord Jesus, 

You are the healer of hearts and bodies, The One who sees through silence and speaks truth with love. 

Forgive me when I cling to comfort or custom Instead of compassion and courage. Teach me to honor Your Sabbath not by rest alone, but by restoring others in Your name. Let my hands be open, my heart be soft, and my faith be bold enough to heal. 

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Ministry in Galilee

HEALING OF THE MAN WITH DROPSY ON SABBATH

Luke 14:1-6

Gospel Acclamation 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Accompanied by Women

 

Gospel

Luke 8:1-3

1 Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Historical Background

Jesus is traveling through towns and villages in Galilee, preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God. In a patriarchal society, women were often marginalized. Yet here, Luke highlights women not only as followers but as financial supporters and active participants in ministry. Mary Magdalene (healed of seven demons), Joanna (wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward), and Susanna—plus “many others.”

Theological Context

Jesus breaks social norms by welcoming women into his inner circle of ministry. These women supported Jesus “out of their own means,” showing that discipleship includes generosity and practical service.

Mary Magdalene’s deliverance from demonic oppression symbolizes total restoration—“seven demons” implies complete bondage, now fully healed.

Learning Lessons

Ministry isn’t limited to preaching—it includes support, hospitality, and financial stewardship. Those who’ve been transformed by Jesus often become his most devoted followers.

Luke affirms the vital role of women, challenging cultural norms and inviting us to do the same today.

“The Road Through Galilee”

He walked the dusty roads alone,

Yet never truly by Himself—

For hearts once shattered, now made whole,

Walked with Him, giving all their wealth.

Mary, freed from darkest night,

Joanna, bold in palace grace,

Susanna, quiet, full of light—

Each bore the mark of love’s embrace.

They followed not for fame or gain,

But for the One who healed their pain.

Their hands gave bread, their hearts gave song,

Their lives declared: “To Him we belong.”

So let us walk that road anew,

With open hands and spirits true.

For Christ still calls, and we still hear—

“Come serve with joy, for I am near.”

Lord Jesus,

Healer and Teacher, You walked among the broken and made them whole. You welcomed the forgotten and gave them purpose. 

As Mary, Joanna, and Susanna followed You, may we also follow—with hearts full of gratitude, with hands ready to serve, and with lives that reflect Your mercy and truth. Teach us to see beyond status and gender, to honor every soul You’ve redeemed. May our resources, our time, and our love be poured out for Your Kingdom. In Your holy name, 

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Ministry in Galilee

GALILEAN WOMEN FOLLOW JESUS

Luke 8:1-3

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Reflection Source:

Conversaton with Copilot

Blessed By the Hand of God

Jacob answered his father: 

“I am Esau, your firstborn. I did as you told me. 

Please sit up and eat some of my game, 

so that you may give me your special blessing.” 

(Genesis 27:19)

Father in heaven, 

You are the one true source of all blessings for a healthy, fruitful, prosperous, and abundant life. Be praised and glorified O Lord for blessing me and making things turn out well for me. 

Please forgive me for the times that my hand may have worked to deceive others or the times that I have pretended to be the person that I am not. Bless me with the power of Your great and mighty hands. Be the hand that works in me so that in all the things that I do or work for, You will always be praised and glorified. May You continue to give me more surprises and special blessings that will greatly increase our wealth and riches in this world. 

As You grant me all the things that are rightfully mine, may You also do the same for all my brothers and sisters. We are all your children whom you dearly love, needing your care and embrace each day. 

I am now again back on my feet with the confidence, courage, and strength that comes from You through my Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, I can accomplish all of the day's works with great ease. Truly, You have blessed me in every way, I just humbly offer You back all the glory, praise, and thanksgiving. 

All these I humbly ask and pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Published:

July 08, 2023, 8:15 AM

Dawn of Grace: A Call to a Deeper Faith

 

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. 

(Mark 16:10-11)

The dawn of grace has come, and we are called to a deeper faith. Instead of having doubts, let us believe.

Faith requires trust, even when things seem unbelievable. Jesus does not abandon us in our struggles but instead calls us to deeper faith. True encounter with Jesus leads to transformation in our lives.

Sharing the Good News is a responsibility for all believers. Our personal testimonies can inspire and strengthen others in their faith.

Early morn, the stone rolled wide, 

Mary wept, yet hope denied. 

In her sorrow, light broke through— 

Jesus stood, alive and true.

She ran to tell, with trembling heart, 

But doubt and fear kept faith apart. 

Still, He came in mercy deep, 

To wake the souls that grief did keep.

He rebuked their hardened sight, 

Yet bathed them in His saving light.

 “Go,” He said, “to every land, 

Speak My truth, let love expand.”

Now we rise, as they once did, 

With faith proclaimed and doubts forbid. 

His story lives in hearts made free, 

Christ alive—eternally.

Lord Jesus, 

You rose in glory and appeared first to Mary Magdalene, showing that your love reaches all who seek you. Yet doubt clouded the hearts of your disciples, and you called them to a deeper faith.

Help me, Lord, to believe in your presence even when I cannot see. Strengthen my trust in you, that I may never waver in faith. Remove the hardness of my heart, so that I may embrace your truth with open arms.

You commanded your followers to proclaim the Gospel to all creation. Give me the courage to share your love boldly, to be a witness of your mercy and grace. Let my life reflect your truth, that others may see and believe.

Lord, transform me through your risen power. Make me a vessel of your light, so that in my words and actions, your glory may shine. May I go forth, as you have sent your disciples, spreading hope, faith, and the joy of your resurrection.

Amen.

Pericope:

The Longer Ending

THE APPEARANCE TO MARY MAGDALENE/TO TWO DISCIPLES/COMMISSIONING OF ELEVEN

Mark 16:9-11/12-13/14-18

Gospel Acclamation

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Gospel | Mark 16:9-15

9 When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. 13 They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. 14 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. 15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Recognize the Giver

 

So he said to them, 

“Cast the net over 

the right side of the boat

and you will 

find 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.” 

(John 21:6-7)

Our efforts are futile when we work without Jesus. Blessings come out of our obedience and trust in Jesus recognizing His work in our lives. 

Jesus continually showers His mercy on us, gives us innumerable second chances, and never gives up on us.To serve Christ effectively, we must have trusted in Him as our risen Savior and Lord. We should be serving in ministries that impact others spiritually.

In the mercy of Jesus, we continually bask,

He gives us second chances, more than we could ask.

Never giving up on us, His love never ends,

In our futile efforts, His grace He sends.

Working without Jesus, our efforts are in vain,

But with Him, our losses turn into gain.

Blessings come from obedience, trust in His name,

Recognizing His work, our lives are not the same.

To serve Christ effectively, trust is a must,

In Him, our risen Savior and Lord, we put our trust.

Serving in ministries, impacting others spiritually,

In His service, we find our purpose, eternally.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge Your continual mercy upon us. You give us innumerable second chances and never give up on us, for which we are eternally grateful. We confess that our efforts are futile when we work without You. 

We recognize that blessings come out of our obedience and trust in You. Help us to see Your work in our lives and to serve You effectively. We trust in You as our risen Savior and Lord. Guide us to serve in ministries that impact others spiritually. Let our service be a testament to Your love and grace. 

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

IV: Epilogue - The Resurrection Appearance in Galilee

THE APPEARANCE TO THE SEVEN DISCIPLES

John 21:1-14

Gospel Acclamation

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Gospel | John 21:1-14

1 Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. 2 Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. 3 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. 4 When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” 6 So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. 7 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. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. 9 When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” 11 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. 12 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. 13 Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Works of Jesus

 

If I do not perform my Father’s works 

do not believe me; 

but if I perform them, 

even if you do not believe me,

believe the works, 

so that you may realize 

and understand that 

the Father is in me 

and I am in the Father.” 

(John 10:37-38)

Jesus’ works testify to His Identity. The good works He has done is evidence of His divine nature. His mission is to reveal God’s love through His works. Actions often speak louder than words. We should strive to reflect our beliefs through our actions, having faith and courage in Jesus even in the face of adversity.

Jesus' works, a testament clear,

His Identity Divine, we hold dear.

Good works He's done, evidence unfold,

Of His nature Divine, love untold.

His mission, God's love to reveal,

Through His works, His promise seal.

Actions speak louder, so they say,

In our deeds, let our faith lay.

Strive we must, in actions reflect,

Our beliefs, with respect.

In face of adversity, courage take,

Have faith in Jesus, for His sake.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Your works testify to Your divine identity. The good works You have done are evidence of Your divine nature. Your mission is to reveal God's love through Your works.

Help us to understand that actions often speak louder than words. Guide us to strive to reflect our beliefs through our actions. Give us the strength to have faith and courage in You, even in the face of adversity.

We thank You for Your unfailing love and for Your guidance in our lives. We pray that we may always find comfort and strength in You.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

FEAST OF THE DEDICATION

John 10:31-42

Gospel Acclamation

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.

Gospel | John 10:31-42

31 The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? 35 If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, 36 can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I do not perform my Father’s works do not believe me; 38 but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power. 40 He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. 41 Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” 42 And many there began to believe in him.

Background:

This passage is from the Gospel of John, Chapter 10, verses 31-42. It’s a significant part of the New Testament where Jesus asserts His divine identity and His unity with God the Father. Here are some key points:

Jesus’ Works Testify to His Identity: Jesus points to the good works He has done as evidence of His divine nature (verses 32, 37-38). He suggests that even if people do not believe His words, they should believe based on His works.

Jesus Quotes Scripture to Defend His Claim: When accused of blasphemy for claiming to be God, Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6 to argue that those to whom God’s word came were called ‘gods’ (verse 34-36).

Jesus Escapes Arrest: Despite attempts to arrest Him, Jesus manages to escape, showing His control over the situation (verse 39).

John’s Testimony about Jesus: The passage ends with many people believing in Jesus, acknowledging that everything John the Baptist said about Him was true (verses 41-42).

This passage emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and His mission to reveal God’s love through His works. It also highlights the importance of faith and belief.

Learning Lessons:

Divine Identity: Jesus asserts His divine identity and His unity with God the Father. This teaches us about the nature of Jesus and His unique relationship with God.

Belief in Actions: Jesus points out that His works are a testament to His divine nature. This teaches us that actions often speak louder than words and that we should also strive to reflect our beliefs through our actions.

Scripture Interpretation: Jesus uses scripture (Psalm 82:6) to defend His claim of divinity. This highlights the importance of understanding and correctly interpreting scripture.

Faith Amidst Opposition: Despite facing opposition and threats, Jesus remains steadfast and escapes from their power. This teaches us about having faith and courage in the face of adversity.

Affirmation of Prophetic Testimony: The people affirm that everything John the Baptist said about Jesus was true. This underscores the importance of prophetic testimony and the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot