Oct 24, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Thursday of week 29 in Ordinary Time
Saint Antony Mary Claret, Bishop
Gospel Luke 12:49-53
“I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already!” This is what Jesus brought into the world – a fire. A fire of love. He is speaking about the transformative and sometimes disruptive power of His message. Jesus' mission was to bring a radical change to the world, calling people to repentance, transformation, and deep love for God and others. This kind of change often disrupts the status quo and challenges existing structures, both within individuals' hearts and in society. Fire purifies by burning away impurities, and in the same way, Christ's message purifies our hearts, challenging us to leave behind what is sinful or corrupt. His love is transformative. His love is purifying. But the question is always how much we are accepting His love. In the following verses (50-53), Jesus speaks about division, not because His message is meant to divide, but because people's responses to Him will differ. Some will accept His message, and others will reject it, even within families. This reflects the profound impact of following Christ — it demands a complete reordering of one's life and priorities, which can sometimes lead to tension with those who do not share the same faith or commitment. Let’s reflect: How much am I committed to accept the fire of Jesus’ love?
Don Giorgio
Oct 23, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Wednesday of week 29 in Ordinary Time
Saint John of Capistrano, Priest
Gospel - Luke 12:39-48
In this Gospel we read about the relationship between the Master and the stewards of a household in comparison to the relationship in a discipleship. Jesus uses the parable of the master and the stewards to teach His disciples about the importance of vigilance, responsibility, and faithfulness in their relationship with God. The master represents God, and the stewards symbolize the disciples or followers who are entrusted with caring for His household, which refers to their spiritual duties and responsibilities. Jesus emphasizes that a good steward is one who is watchful and diligent, faithfully carrying out the master's will, while an unfaithful steward neglects these duties and misuses his authority. The parable also highlights the idea of accountability: those who are given much in terms of knowledge, responsibility, and resources will be held to a higher standard, and failure to act according to God’s will brings greater consequences. This teaching underscores the core values of discipleship – remaining prepared for God’s return, being responsible with what is entrusted to us, and living faithfully in anticipation of judgment. All those people around us, they are entrusted to us. Let’s reflect: How do I treat all those around me?
Don Giorgio
Oct 22, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Tuesday of week 29 in Ordinary Time
Saint John Paul II, Pope
Gospel Luke 12:35-38
“Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes”. So, we do what the master wills. We are happy that the Master found us awake. We were awake because we wanted to do what the Master wants us to do. Jesus calls His disciples to be vigilant and ready for His return, emphasizing the importance of staying spiritually awake and attentive to God's will. The imagery of servants waiting for their master’s return highlights the themes of faithfulness, responsibility, and preparedness. The idea that “happy are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes” suggests that there is a reward in being alert and doing what is expected of us. This readiness stems not from fear, but from a desire to do His Will, knowing that fulfillment comes from aligning ourselves with His will. We find happiness because we willingly choose to do what God desires for us, remaining spiritually active and faithful. It is a beautiful expression of the relationship between the believer and God, where readiness comes from love and devotion, not just duty. Let’s reflect: My faithfulness to God comes from my sense of duty to God or my love to God?
Don Giorgio
Oct 21, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Monday of week 29 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 12:13-21
“My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time”. It’s foolish to organize your life around material things because your life is not about only material things. When we reduce our life to that, everything collapses. This man in the parable stored up material things for his body for a long time. But who can assure him the time? Can material things make him happy? No. One can accumulate material things but there is no surety that he or she can use it. So, it shows that the material wealth is fleeting and unreliable as a foundation for our lives. The rich man in the story makes the mistake of believing that accumulating possessions will secure his future, allowing him to “take things easy” and indulge in comfort. Our true value and happiness cannot be rooted in material possessions. While these things may provide temporary satisfaction, they are not the essence of life. Instead, we are encouraged to seek deeper meaning and purpose beyond wealth or material possessions, investing in relationships – relationship with God and with others and a life aligned with love, generosity, and faith. The parable serves as a powerful reminder to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters, rather than being consumed by worldly concerns. Let’s reflect: How much security in my daily life comes from things that truly matter?
Don Giorgio
Oct 15, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Wednesday of week 28 in Ordinary Time
Saint Hedwig, Religious
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin
Gospel Luke 11:42-46
“You who pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and overlook justice and the love of God!” This is the so-called Pharisaic attitude. That gives more importance to man-made rules and customs because others are looking regarding that. Then it ignores important principles like justice and how God loves each one of us. The Pharisees’ behavior reflects a concern with outward appearances and adherence to man-made rules, aiming to look righteous in the eyes of others. However, they miss the heart of true faith: a commitment to justice, compassion, and love. Jesus’ criticism highlights the tension between external religiosity and internal righteousness. It serves as a reminder that spiritual life is not about checking off ritualistic boxes but embodying the core principles of justice, mercy, and love for others, which reflect God's love for all. This message encourages us to look beyond the surface of religious or moral obligations and to align our actions with deeper values that honor both God and the dignity of others. Let’s reflect: How can I ensure that my outward actions align with the deeper values of justice and love, rather than merely fulfilling external expectations?
Don Giorgio
Oct 14, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Teresa of Ávila, Virgin, Doctor
Tuesday of week 28 in Ordinary Time
Gospel John 15:1-8
“Make your home in me, as I make mine in you”. Jesus makes His home in us, and we must make home in Him. This is relationship is a cohabitation, it’s living together. It’s not just living together in a home. He is inviting us into a deep, ongoing relationship of mutual indwelling. This relationship is more than just an occasional or surface-level connection; it is about living in full communion with Christ, allowing His presence to shape and transform us. The phrase “make your home in me” suggests a continual, active effort to live in harmony with Christ's teachings, to seek His presence daily, and to align our lives with His will. On the other hand, “as I make mine in you” reveals that Jesus is not distant or detached from us; He is present within us, guiding, empowering, and filling us with His love. This cohabitation, or mutual indwelling, is not just about being close to Jesus in a metaphorical sense but implies a shared life. Let’s reflect: Does my relationship to Jesus is a transformative relationship where my entire being is shaped by my connection to Christ?
Don Giorgio
