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

Works of Jesus

 

"The works 

that the Father 

gave me to accomplish, 

these works that I perform 

testify on my behalf that 

the Father has sent me." 

(John 5:36)

Jesus speaks about the witnesses that testify to His authority and mission. He acknowledges that if He were to testify about Himself without external validation, it wouldn't be credible. His testimony is supported by the witness of John the Baptist, His works, God the Father, and the Scriptures.

Those who truly seek God will recognize Jesus through the Scriptures and the works He performs. Jesus tells the religious leaders that the very Scriptures they study point to Him, yet they fail to accept Him. We should approach the Word of God with an open heart and a desire to truly understand its message.

Many people are more concerned with receiving honor from others rather than seeking the truth that comes from God. This serves as a reminder for us to prioritize divine truth over worldly recognition.

Overall, Jesus encourages us to trust the evidence given by God, focus on seeking His truth rather than human praise, and recognize Him as the fulfillment of Scripture.

The works I do, they shine with grace, 

A witness strong, a holy trace. 

Each step I take, each word I say, 

Reveals the Father's guiding way.

His hands have shaped the path I tread, 

His voice, the truth my heart has spread. 

Not mine alone, but His decree, 

A call to faith for all to see.

The blind now see, the lost are found, 

His mercy speaks where love abounds. 

Each healing touch, each act of light, 

Proclaims His power, pure and bright.

So let the doubters pause and know, 

His presence in these works does glow. 

For what I do is not my own, 

But proof that I am sent and known.

Lord Jesus, 

You were sent by the Father, And the works You have done proclaim His truth. Through Your hands, the blind see, Through Your voice, the lost find their way. You fulfill the mission set before You, A perfect testament of divine love.

Lord, let me recognize Your works in my life. Open my heart to Your presence, That I may see Your hand at work in the simple and the extraordinary. Help me to trust in Your calling, to walk the path You have set for me, and to glorify the Father in all I do.

May my life be a witness to Your truth, Reflecting Your grace and mercy, so that others may see and believe. Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith, guide my steps, and fill me with the courage to follow You wholeheartedly.

Amen.

Pericope:

The Book of Signs

WITNESSES TO JESUS

John 5:31-47

Gospel Acclamation

God so loved the word that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

Gospel | John 5:31-47

31 Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. 32 But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. 33 You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. 37 Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. 40 But you do not want to come to me to have life. 41 “I do not accept human praise; 42 moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. 46 For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

Reflection Source:

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Greater Works

The Father loves the Son 

and shows him everything 

that he himself does, 

and he will show him 

greater works than these, 

so that you may be amazed. 

(John 5:20)

God's work of redemption and restoration never stops. We can trust that God is always working in our lives, even when we don’t see it.

Jesus does nothing apart from the Father. He gives life and has the authority to judge. Those who do good will rise to life, but those who do evil will face condemnation. Let us seek His grace to live in righteousness according to His teachings. Our salvation comes through faith in Him.

The Father’s love, so vast and bright, 

Guides the Son in perfect light. 

All He does, the Son can see, 

In sacred bond of unity.

He shows Him works both great and true, 

A path of light for me, for you. 

Yet greater wonders still remain, 

To leave us speechless, to amaze.

The breath of life, the healing hand, 

The mercy flowing through the land. 

In love divine, their will is one, 

A gift of grace through Christ the Son.

So stand in awe, lift up your eyes, 

The Father’s works will yet arise. 

Believe, rejoice, in Him abide, 

For love and truth walk side by side.

Lord Jesus, 

I stand in awe of Your love, a love so deep, so perfect. The Father has revealed to You His great works, And through You, He has shown us wonders beyond measure.

You bring life to the weary, hope to the broken, And Your truth shines like the morning sun. May I never turn away from Your voice, But listen and follow in faithful surrender.

Reveal to me, O Lord, Your greater works, That I may be amazed at Your glory. Open my heart to trust in Your divine plan, For in You, all things are made new.

I honor You, Lord Jesus, as the Son of the Living God, Sent to bring salvation and eternal life. May 

Your will be done in me, As I walk in Your love and grace. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

CURE ON A SABBATH/THE WORK OF THE SON

John 5:1-18 / 19-30

Gospel Acclamation

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will never die.

Gospel | John 5:17-30

17 Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, a son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. 22 Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to his Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. 25 Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to his Son the possession of life in himself. 27 And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Stretch Out Your Hand

Looking around at them 

with anger and grieved 

at their hardness of heart, 

Jesus said to the man, 

“Stretch out your hand.” 

He stretched it out 

and his hand was restored. 

(Mark 3:5)

The gospel for today taken from Mark 3:1-6 is a powerful passage that offers several important lessons. Here are a few key takeaways:

Compassion Over Legalism: Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict interpretation of the law. This teaches us that compassion and doing good should take precedence over rigid adherence to rules.

Courage to Do What's Right: Despite knowing that the Pharisees were watching and looking for a reason to accuse him, Jesus still chose to heal the man. This shows the importance of having the courage to do what is right, even in the face of opposition.

The Hardness of Heart: The Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' healing highlights the danger of having a hardened heart. They were more concerned with finding fault than rejoicing in the man's healing. This serves as a reminder to keep our hearts open and compassionate.

The Value of Human Life: Jesus' actions emphasize the value of human life and well-being over strict religious observance. This teaches us to prioritize people's needs and well-being in our actions and decisions.

These lessons encourage us to act with compassion, courage, and an open heart, valuing human life and well-being above rigid rules. 

In a humble place, where faith was found, 

A man stood with a hand unbound. 

Jesus spoke with a voice so kind, 

"Stretch out your hand, leave fear behind."

The man obeyed, his heart in prayer, 

He stretched his hand into the air. 

A miracle, a sight so grand, 

His hand restored by divine command.

In faith and trust, the healing came, 

A testament to Jesus' name. 

For in His words, the power lies, 

To heal, to love, to lift our eyes.

So let us stretch our hands in grace, 

And find our healing in His embrace. 

For miracles are born each day, 

When faith and love light up our way.

Lord Jesus, In Your infinite mercy and love, You healed the man with the withered hand. You spoke with compassion and power, saying, "Stretch out your hand." In faith, he obeyed, and his hand was restored.

We come before You now, seeking Your healing touch in our lives. Help us to stretch out our hands in faith, trusting in Your divine will. Restore us, Lord, in body, mind, and spirit. Grant us the strength to follow Your word and the courage to believe in Your miracles.

May Your grace flow through us, bringing healing and hope to all who are in need. We thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your boundless love and mercy. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

A MAN WITH A WITHERED HAND

Mark 3:1-6

Gospel Acclamation

Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Gospel | Mark 3:1-6

1 Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” 4 Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. 5 Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Reflection Source:

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Wonder and Promise

 

"Everyone who heard this

wondered about it, asking,

'What then is this child 

going to be?' 

For the Lord's hand 

was with him." 

(Luke 1:66)

God's plans for each person are unique and significant. His presence and guidance are with us throughout our lives, shaping our paths and purposes. Let us seek and fulfill the unique calling that God has placed on our lives.

The people who heard about John the Baptist's birth were filled with wonder and curiosity about his future. This teaches us to approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity. The community's interest in John's future highlights the importance of support and encouragement from those around us. It reminds us to nurture and support each other's growth and potential.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to embrace wonder and curiosity, trust in God's guidance, seek our unique purpose, and support one another in our journeys.

Everyone who heard did wonder, 

"What will this child be?" they ponder. 

For the Lord's hand was with him, 

A future bright, not dim.

In the quiet of the night, 

A promise born, a guiding light. 

With God's hand upon his life, 

He'd rise above all strife.

A child of wonder, hope, and grace, 

Destined to run a faithful race. 

For in his heart, the Spirit's flame, 

Would guide his steps, proclaim his name.

So let us marvel at God's plan, 

In every child, in every man. 

For with His hand, our paths are clear, 

In faith and love, we persevere.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of wonder, asking for Your guidance and purpose in our lives. Just as the people wondered about John, we seek to understand Your plans for us.

Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your hand in our lives, and the courage to follow the path You have set before us. Help us to trust in Your guidance, knowing that Your plans are perfect and true.

May we fulfill the potential and purpose You have given us and bring glory to Your name in all that we do. Guide us with Your loving hand and help us to be a light to those around us.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:57-66

Gospel Acclamation

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Gospel | Luke 1:57-66

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariahafter his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately, his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

Reflection Source:

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