Feb 11, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Monday of week 6 in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Mark 8:11-13
Jesus said “I tell you solemnly, no sign shall be given to this generation”. Faith is not a search of signs. Because faith is a relationship of trust. Faith in Jesus is not something to be built upon signs. It should be built on our total trust in Him. When you are searching for signs, it signifies there is doubt. There is no relationship. It’s not the signs that brings faith. Faith brings signs. This approach to faith is about a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, marked by trust, love, and commitment, without the necessity of constant external validation through signs. This kind of faith is transformative, capable of bringing about signs and wonders as a by-product, rather than a precondition. It’s about believing in God’s sovereignty and goodness, regardless of circumstances or the visibility of miracles. In this view, faith is both a gift and a choice, a decision to trust in Jesus and His word, even when external evidence seems absent or contrary to hope. Let’s reflect: Faith is relationship with Jesus and not the result of signs or wonders.
Feb 10, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
6th Sunday in Ordinary TimeFeast of Our Lady of LourdesXXXII World Day of the SickGospel – Mark 1:40-45
“A leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees: ‘If you want to’ he said ‘you can cure me.’ Feeling sorry for him, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. ‘Of course I want to!’ he said. ‘Be cured!’”. In this episode we can see how much Jesus wants that we are cured and healed. Or in other words. He wants to take care of us. In the context of the story, leprosy was not only a devastating physical condition but also a source of social exclusion. Lepers were considered unclean and were often isolated from society. By choosing to heal the leper, Jesus not only cured the man’s physical illness but also challenged social norms, showing that his compassion and healing extended to all individuals, regardless of their social status or the nature of their suffering. Jesus’ response, “Of course, I want to! Be cured!” highlights the message that He is deeply concerned with our well-being. It reflects our faith in God who is not distant or indifferent to human suffering but is intimately involved and eager to restore us to wholeness. This episode encourages us to approach Jesus with our needs and sufferings, trusting in His desire and power to heal and transform. The healing of the leper is also symbolic of the broader mission of Jesus apart from singular healing: to bring salvation and redemption for humanity. To reconcile humanity and God. It serves as a powerful illustration of our understanding of God’s love and care for everyone, inviting us to trust in Jesus for healing, support, and restoration in all areas of life. Today is the World Day of the Sick. In every sickness there is the possibility to know Jesus better. Let’s reflect: God loves us and we must trust in His love to approach Him with all our problems
Feb 9, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Saturday of week 5 in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Mark 8:1-10
“they have been with me for three days now and have nothing to eat”. This reminds of us of being with Jesus three days – from Friday to Sunday, from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. So, Jesus wanted to give them something. Jesus saw the need and asking the disciples to give them something. It’s the desire of Jesus but He is asking the Church to feed those who are accompanying Him. Jesus is taking what the disciples have and making the miracle of bread and fish. “he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them among the crowd”. The same action as in the institution of the sacrament of Eucharist. He gave the loaves to the disciple to distribute. It’s the Church who distributes. “They ate as much as they wanted”. So, Jesus wanted to give those who accompanied him three days, the strength to go forward. He uses what is available at the disciples and does the miracle. Let’s reflect: When I am with Jesus, He looks after my needs.
Feb 9, 2024 | NEWS
On Friday, February 9, Mrs. Agata Kornhauser-Duda, the spouse of the Polish president, visited a community of sisters in Dar es Salaam. The visit was part of the program of President Andrzej Duda’s visit to East Africa. Mrs. President visited our kindergarten and spoke with our sisters. The sisters prepared a shared meal and gifts for the important guest. At the end, Mrs. President inscribed herself in the guest book, while leaving a trace of the visit. We are pleased with Mrs. Agata Kornhauser-Duda’s sincere interest in our ministry in Tanzania.
