We have to admit, it is a challenge to live out the Gospel. The reading today reminds us not to draw attention to ourselves when we give alms, praying for people to be seen, looking sad and pathetic so people know we are fasting. Rather, we are called to do our good deeds under the gaze of God alone. Our Father sees and knows what we have done.



What do we do? We are called to also live our faith and be witnesses to others. How is it to not display righteousness versus rendering acts to be emulated ? The practice of alms giving, praying and fasting are meant to seek God’s attention and recompense. Not for human attention and praises.

We pray to the Holy Trinity to purify our motives, direct our steps. To enable us to do what is right, for the right reason. Amen!

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#PrayVD

Today’s reading, like yesterday though unrelated, speaks about dealing with people with whom we have difficulties relating to. We are to love our enemies and pray for them. How can we possibly do that? 



Pure love defined as “agape” means true concern for the good of others without expecting anything in return. And this love is inclusive even to our “enemies.” Why? Because God is love. It is his nature. That love is equally available to everyone . 



He invites us to try to love people in the same way. But if we care only to those who care for us, we are no different from the others. What do you gain by hating the person who hate you? You do more damage to yourself, right? Better to pray for that person than retaliating. To bring about healing and reconciliation . Let’s make peace not war and it all starts with us. Can Jesus count on you? 



Come Holy Spirit ! We pray for peace in our family, workplace, community. Heal us! Amen!



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“An eye for an eye.” Jesus challenges our tendency to take matters in our hand. There is so many attacks going on these days – to our Catholic Church, among leaders of countries . . . Perhaps in your own personal situation you felt threatened, abused, or ignored by people you trusted. Our human impulse is to protect ourselves and attack those who hurt us. Justice! Vengeance! Retribution!



However, the radical teaching of Jesus says otherwise. To view situations from his lens absolutely brings us out of ourselves and draws our gaze to others. Value others first in concrete ways, that’s the invitation. This does not mean we remain timid in the midst of injustice. Rather, we are called to turn ourselves and trust God so much that we leave our vindication to him. By not retaliating, by not stooping down to your oppressor we do not confirm to the worldly ways. You might wonder how far should we stand firm to his teaching? He is a God of Justice. He is in control. All things will be settled in an appropriate time. If we stand in truth with him, nothing can be taken away from us. The call stands, love our enemies and make them our friends. 



Holy Spirit grant us the gift of understanding to accept God’s ways and the wisdom to act accordingly. Amen.



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“The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed... “



When Christianity started, Jesus foresaw that its growth will be like the mustard seed; a tiny speck in the ground, but will grow eventually to a huge tree where birds can build their nests.



It is much like a missionary community that first stepped into a new and strange land. Or us starting off in an apostolate mission. Growth incurs difficulties, much like birthpains. But with God’s grace, we are confident that all these will pass and he’ll give us the knowledge, and tools to overcome it.



​God uses what is weak to do His work. With His grace and Mama Mary’s help,may we be strengthened by our faith and trust we will led to do God’s will, despite hurdles and detours along the way. We will be led by the Holy Spirit and emboldened to do more.



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“All you need to say is Yes if you mean Yes, No if you mean No....”



Truth and transparency are what Jesus mean here, when taking an oath, or just simply saying what we need to say. To take an oath is calling on God to witness what we are saying, and should not be taken lightly. 



Thus to give our word is a guarantee of truthfulness, and honesty, even in little things. There is never a white lie; it is either a lie or it is true. We need to know what we are saying: is it the truth (or hearsay)? Is it a fact (or fake news)? 



When we release our word, it is a commitment. We simply do what we said. We also have duties and responsibilities to comply with: at home, at work, in business, as a citizen. He who is faithful in the little things is also faithful on big things. 



Let’s ask Mama Mary, Virgin most faithful, to help us be loyal and faithful in everything we need to do and say.



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“You shall not commit adultery....”



Jesus talks about purity of heart--the source of all human acts; the depths of our soul and spirit. The heart symbolizes what is most intimate in the person. Thus if we have a close relationship with the Lord, the thoughts, actions, and plans coming from one’s heart are pure and pleasing to the Lord.



We do not give in to temptations, we do not entertain lustful thoughts, we are guarded and avoid places of sin. We guard our eyes, our ears, our senses. Our deepest thoughts are concern for a clean life, and prioritize on what is critical to living devoutly with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We reject moments of infidelity, but focus on searching where more joy, peace and harmony will be found and cultivated.



We pray to Mama Mary to not abandon us in our moments of weakness; lean on her as a source of strength and a role model for chastity and faithfulness.



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“Leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first. ...’



Having to seek reconciliation is always difficult to initiate, and will be a test of one’s humility. Reconciliation demands acceptance and understanding, maturity on both parties, and openness of mind to whatever outcome. But the more important part is the initial breaking of the wall.



Conflicts are normal in families, between siblings/family members, among schoolmates, workmates, within organizations or communities. Thus a mechanism is observed in order to resolve the tension immediately, and not allow this to fester and breed resentment. Companies have union councils, parents sit the siblings together to talk and mediate, etc.



​Let’s pray that we may put all means to forgive and not dwell on ill feelings; that God grant us the grace to forgive and forget, in order to improve relationships and achieve peace.

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The Gospel is about how the coming of Jesus is the fulfillment of the law of Moses, rather than its abolition. He was being questioned as to his fidelity to the law, but he refutes this by saying that his coming is the completion of the first law, that there is continuity between the Old and the New laws. 



We too are called to continue Jesus' mission by being the “salt and the light” in our communities, teaching others the Way, and showing by example the main objective of our lives: the practice of love. 



We pray for clarity in our purpose, strength to carry on despite challenges, and when we feel discouraged, we see the Light in the horizon to keep us going. When we teach, we may be considered “to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven”.



Send us your Spirit, Lord that we may teach the truth, and guide our actions. 



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Salt gives flavor to food and light brightens one’s path--shines in the dark to be seen by all, just like a beacon that guides the ships to port. Is your salt still flavorful? Or has it lost its flavor?



What happens when we lose our flavor? We become lukewarm, we drift away, careless in our beliefs, slip away into sin and darkness, sluggish in spiritual practices. Salt without flavor is no longer good for anything except to be trampled or thrown away.



Are we still salt that’s full of flavor and love for the Lord? And seen as a light in the dark for others ? A beacon to guide others? Let us ask Mama Mary to help us define our mission in life and carry on as true disciples. 



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By healing of the sick, bringing the “dead” back to life, cleansing of “lepers” and by driving out demons--all considered as outcasts in any community, that’s how we bring them back to life, bring Jesus back into their lives. They are the lost sheep of Israel: the poor in spirit, downhearted, discouraged, hearts who need cleansing, and overwhelmed by evil thoughts and deeds. 



He tells the disciples not to bring anything with them, but to find a place of peace, and trust that provisions will be furnished them during their mission. They are to learn to live in a community...The Kingdom of God is “in their midst”, “is close at hand “, their living together , integrated in a community that’s been renewed. 



God Our Father, teach us and guide us to live and lead others specially the lost and the least, to the Kingdom of Heaven, and live a life renewed in Christ.



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