Nov 18, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Tuesday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Gospel - Luke 19:1-10
“He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way”. This anxiousness to see Jesus. His acknowledgment of his short stature. The solution he found for overcoming that shortness. These are important points to meditate. Zacchaeus' eagerness reflects a deep longing for something beyond his current life. He is a wealthy man, but his material wealth hasn't quenched his spiritual thirst. His desire to encounter Jesus symbolizes the human soul's yearning for God, a restlessness that points us toward seeking deeper meaning and truth. Zacchaeus recognizes his limitation—not just physically, but symbolically. His shortness can be seen as an acknowledgment of human inadequacy or sinfulness. Recognizing one's shortcomings is the first step toward humility and openness to grace. Despite his limitations, Zacchaeus doesn't resign himself to the crowd's barriers. Instead, he takes bold action by climbing a sycamore tree. This act of creativity and determination allows him to rise above the obstacles and see Jesus. Jesus responds to Zacchaeus' efforts by calling him by name and inviting Himself into his home. This encounter leads to Zacchaeus' conversion—a shift in his heart and priorities. Let’s reflect: What are the "crowds" in my life that keep me from seeing clearly Jesus, and what bold steps could I take to rise above them to encounter deeper truth and meaning?
Don Giorgio
Nov 17, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Monday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Gospel - Luke 18:35-43
“Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’” Jesus saw that people are scolding this man who was calling Him. So, he stopped and ordered them to bring this man to him. This passage from Luke beautifully highlights Jesus’ attentiveness and compassion. Despite the crowd's efforts to silence the blind man, Jesus takes notice and responds with care. His question, “What do you want me to do for you?” emphasizes His willingness to meet the man’s needs, respecting his dignity by allowing him to articulate his desire. It shows us love of Jesus. Jesus doesn't just see the man as a disturbance but recognizes his humanity and his faith. This moment is a reminder of the importance of being present and attentive to the needs of others, especially those who are often ignored or marginalized. It also emphasizes that no cry for help is too small or insignificant for God to hear. Let’s reflect: In what areas of my life I might be overlooking the silent cries or needs of others, and how can I cultivate a deeper sensitivity to those around me?
Don Giorgio
Nov 16, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Mark 13:24-32
“I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”. Jesus is speaking about the days before the last judgement. Everything will pass away before that day except the Word of God. The phrase “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” underlines the unshakable foundation of divine truth. In a world filled with uncertainties and change, Jesus invites us to anchor our faith and hope in His promises. The assurance that His Word endures beyond time offers a sense of peace and direction, especially in times of trial or confusion. The call to attentiveness in this passage—recognizing the signs and remaining vigilant—reminds us that while we may not know the exact timing of the final day, we are to live each moment with a sense of readiness and trust in God’s unchanging Word. We must assure that our trust is in His Word. Let’s reflect: How am I grounding my life in the Word of God, and in what ways can I remain vigilant and open to God’s presence amid the uncertainties of daily life?
Don Giorgio
Nov 15, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Saturday of week 32 in Ordinary Time
or Saint Margaret of Scotland
or Saint Gertrude, Virgin
or Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Gospel Luke 18:1-8
“I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.” Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge to teach his disciples about the importance of persistent prayer. In the story, a widow repeatedly seeks justice from an uncaring judge who eventually relents due to her persistence. Jesus uses this to illustrate that if even an unjust judge will eventually respond, how much more will God, who is perfectly just and loving, answer the persistent prayers of His people. The parable encourages believers to pray continually, not lose heart, trust in God’s justice, and maintain faith even when answers seem delayed. It emphasizes the need for perseverance in prayer and unwavering faith in God’s responsiveness to His children’s needs. So, we should make prayer a constant part of our lives, not just an occasional activity. Even when answers seem delayed, we should not give up or become discouraged in our prayers. Let’s reflect: In what areas of my life have I been tempted to lose heart in prayer, and how might embracing persistence reshape my faith and trust in God’s timing?
Don Giorgio
Nov 14, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Friday of week 32 in Ordinary Time
Saint Albert the Great, Bishop, Doctor
Gospel Luke 17:26-37
“It will be the same when the day comes for the Son of Man to be revealed”. The passage speaks of the sudden and decisive nature of the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus draws parallels between the days of Noah and Lot, emphasizing that people were going about their everyday lives—eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling—when the flood came or fire rained down, bringing destruction to those unprepared. Here Jesus underscores the need for vigilance and readiness. He warns that the day of His second coming will arrive unexpectedly, and those who are too attached to the world or their possessions may not be prepared to meet Him. He speaks of two people being in one place, and only one being taken, indicating the separation between those who are ready and those who are not. The reflection centers on the themes of preparedness, detachment, and living in a way that aligns with God’s will. It invites us to examine whether we are too engrossed in worldly concerns or distractions, potentially overlooking our relation to Jesus. Let’s reflect: How do I remain watchful in my relation to Jesus and ready in my daily life to be attached to the will of God?
Don Giorgio
Nov 13, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Thursday of week 32 in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Luke 17:20-25
“For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you”. This is the biggest truth of all times. It’s about the incarnation of God. God is with us. He became man. All the false images are gone. All the human fantasies about God are gone. God is real and He is amongst us. Jesus shifts the understanding of God’s kingdom from a distant, future event to a present reality. Through Jesus, God is not a remote or abstract being but one who walks with us, shares in our joys and sufferings, and reveals the true nature of divine love. The false images and fantasies that people may have created about God—depicting Him as detached or inaccessible—are dispelled by the reality of Jesus’ life and mission. This truth challenges us to seek and encounter God in the here and now. It calls us to live with an awareness that His kingdom is unfolding within us and around us, in our daily interactions, in acts of love and mercy, and in the ordinary moments of life. By embracing this reality, we participate more fully in the presence of God in us and around us, embracing the hope and transformative power of the kingdom of God. Let’s reflect: In what ways am I recognizing and welcoming the presence of God's kingdom in my daily life?
Don Giorgio
