Then he said to the disciple,
“Behold, your mother.”
And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
(John 19:27)
Our love and sense of responsibility towards our family is of utmost importance. Even when we are going through our own trials, we should take time to ensure our family's future well-being. What will matter when we face death is family, loved ones, friends, and others. There is no greater gift we can give our parents than a relationship with Jesus. Our spiritual family in Christ can be as significant as our biological family. Like Jesus, let us always nurture and value our relationships.
25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (John 19:25-27)
In the heart of our lives, a truth does reside, love for our family, a force we can't hide. Through trials and tribulations, through joy and through strife, we ensure their well-being, such is the essence of life. When death casts its shadow, and our time draws near, it's family, friends, loved ones, whose memories we hold dear. The greatest gift to our parents, a treasure from above, is a relationship with Jesus, a testament of His love. Our spiritual family in Christ, a bond that won't sever, can be as significant, as our biological ties, ever. Like Jesus, let's nurture, let's value these relations, for they are our strength, our joy, across all generations.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You today with hearts full of gratitude. We acknowledge that our love and sense of responsibility towards our family is of utmost importance. Even when we are going through our own trials, help us to take time to ensure our family's future well-being. As we face the inevitability of death, remind us that what truly matters is our family, loved ones, friends, and others who have touched our lives. Help us to understand that the greatest gift we can give our parents is a relationship with You, Lord Jesus. We recognize that our spiritual family in Christ can be as significant as our biological family. Like You, Lord Jesus, let us always nurture and value our relationships. Guide us, Lord, in Your wisdom and truth. Help us to stand firm in our faith, to resist temptation, and to live in a way that honors You. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
All of humanity is susceptible to deception, disobedience, and sin. The enemy is capable of twisting God’s words and making false promises. At any given time, we can fall under the power of temptation and suffer its serious consequences resulting from our disobedience and straying from God’s commands. However, in the shadow of judgment, God’s mercy shines. Even in the midst of our failures, God’s grace and His plan for redemption came through Jesus who is the offspring of the blessed mother Mary. In these most trying times, there is the need for vigilance and self-control. Let is be wary of deceit and hold fast to the truth by knowing and correctly understanding God’s Word.
9 After Adam had eaten of the tree, the Lord God called to him and asked him, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” 11 Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” 12 The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me—she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” 13 The Lord God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” 14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” 20 The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living. (Genesis 3:9-15, 20)
In the realm where humanity resides, deception, disobedience, sin, our constant guides. The enemy, with twisted words, does weave, false promises that make us believe. At any moment, under temptation's sway, we can fall, and from God's commands, stray. Yet in judgment's shadow, a light does shine, God's mercy, a beacon, eternally divine. Even in failure, when hope seems lost, God's grace appears, no matter the cost. Redemption's plan, through Jesus, unfolds, offspring of Mary, as prophecy foretold. In these times of trial, of pain, and strife, vigilance and self-control must guide our life. Beware of deceit, hold fast to the truth, understand God's Word, it shall be our sleuth. So let us walk, with God's Word in hand, against temptation, together we'll stand. For in His Word, we find our way, guided by His love, each and every day.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that all of humanity is susceptible to deception, disobedience, and sin. We recognize the enemy's capability to twist Your words and make false promises. We confess that at any given time, we can fall under the power of temptation and suffer its serious consequences resulting from our disobedience and straying from Your commands. Yet, in the shadow of judgment, Your mercy shines. Even in the midst of our failures, Your grace and Your plan for redemption came through Jesus, who is the offspring of the blessed mother Mary. In these most trying times, we pray for vigilance and self-control. Let us be wary of deceit and hold fast to the truth by knowing and correctly understanding Your Word. Guide us, Lord, in Your wisdom and truth. Help us to stand firm in our faith, to resist temptation, and to live in a way that honors You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God’s power is supreme and can manifest through individuals in extraordinary ways. He guides those who trust in Him, and with His guidance, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. What is important is to have faith and fully trust God’s plan, even when faced with great challenges. If those in charge fails us and our people, let us not be afraid to do what is right without them. It is important for us to take the and act decisively when necessary. We should always have the courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice for the greater good.
18 Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, the creator of heaven and earth. 19 Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God. (Judith 13:18, 19)
In the realm of the Divine, power supreme, manifests in us, like a radiant beam. Guided by trust, in His holy name, over obstacles, we rise in His fame. Faith is our anchor, trust our plan, even when challenges, like storms, began. God's guidance, a beacon, in life's vast sea, helps us overcome, sets our spirits free. When leaders fail, and hopes seem slight, fear not to stand, for what is right. Take the helm, act with certainty, for in decisive action, lies our liberty. Courage and bravery, virtues so good, call us to self-sacrifice, as they should. For the greater good, we make our stand, guided always, by God's loving hand.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your supreme power, which can manifest through us in extraordinary ways. We recognize Your guidance, bestowed upon those who trust in You, and with Your guidance, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Help us to have faith and fully trust Your plan, even when faced with great challenges. When those in charge fail us and our people, give us the courage to do what is right without them. Guide us to take the initiative and act decisively when necessary. Instill in us the virtues of courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice for the greater good. May we always remember that with You, nothing is impossible, and that You are always with us, guiding us, protecting us, and leading us towards Your divine will. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: The Book of Glory
THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS
John 19:17-30
First Reading
I: The Primeval History
THE FALL OF MAN
Genesis 3:1-24
Responsorial Psalm
II: Deliverance of the Jews
THE RETURN OF BETHULIA
Judith 13:10-20
