May 31, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Feast
Gospel – Luke 1:39-56
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour”. Today we are celebrating the Feast that commemorates the visit of the Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, as described in the Gospel of Luke. The feast highlights the humility, charity, and joy of the Virgin Mary as she visits Elizabeth to assist her during her pregnancy. The feast emphasises the faith of Mother Mary in the word of the Angel at Annunciation, her joy in the encounter with Elizabeth and her humility and charity in assisting Elizabeth during her pregnancy. It also celebrates the sanctification of John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s womb and the recognition of Jesus’ presence by John even before his birth. The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth is marked by profound joy, as evidenced by the leaping of John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s womb and Mary’s hymn of praise. Along with the humility of Mother Mary and her spirit of service, three months with Elizabeth, we are called to meditate with the recognition of Jesus’ divine nature even in the womb, as acknowledged by John the Baptist and Elizabeth. The underlying truth is that when Jesus is present in us, we will be humble and when we are humble our encounters will become joyful. Let’s reflect: Do I succeed in transmitting the joy of the presence of Jesus in us to those whom I encounter?
May 30, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Solemnity
Gospel – Mark 14:12-16,22-26
Today we are celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi. It’s a liturgical solemnity celebrating the Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This feast invites us to reflect deeply on the gift of the Eucharist, a sacrament that nourishes our souls, strengthens our faith, and unites us as the body of Christ. “Take it,’ he said ‘this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had returned thanks he gave it to them, and all drank from it, and he said to them, ‘This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is to be poured out for many”. These words remind us that the Eucharist is not just a symbol but the actual body and blood of Christ, given for us. It is through the Eucharist that we encounter Jesus in a unique and intimate way, receiving His life and love, and being transformed by that. The Eucharist is a mystery that surpasses our human understanding, yet it is a mystery in which we participate with our life. In the simple elements of bread and wine, Christ is truly present, offering Himself to us. This gift is a testament to God’s immense love for us, a love that knows no bounds and seeks all means to make us closer to Him. Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we are not merely recalling an event from the past but participating in the eternal sacrifice of Christ, made present to us here and now. When we receive the body and blood of Christ, we are united not only with Jesus but also with one another. We become the body of Christ, called to live out His love in the world. This unity challenges us to look beyond our individual concerns and embrace our brothers and sisters with compassion and solidarity. Let’s reflect: How much I value the gift of the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist?
May 28, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Wednesday of week 8 in Ordinary Time
Saint Paul VI, Pope
Gospel – Mark 10:32-45
“anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. Jesus came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. So, if we want to follow Jesus, we also must become servants. Only in becoming a servant, you become first in giving the love of God manifested in Jesus. True greatness comes not from being served, but from serving others. Jesus’ words challenge conventional notions of power and greatness. He overturns the idea that being first or great means having authority or being served by others. Instead, He presents a radical vision where the greatest among us are those who serve others. This servant discipleship is important where disciples prioritize the needs of others, showing humility, compassion, and selflessness. By adopting a servant’s heart, we align ourselves more closely with the teachings and life of Jesus, experiencing a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. This path of service allows us to share God’s love in tangible ways, making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Let’s reflect: What am I doing to grow myself in a servant’s heart?
May 27, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Tuesday of week 8 in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Mark 10:28-31
“Many who are first will be last, and the last first”. This is a disturbing declaration of Jesus because it goes against the common logic. The logic of success. But in the vision of Jesus, it’s different. The success is not measured with position in the line but with the relationship with Him. In the context of Jesus’ vision, success is redefined. It’s not about one’s rank, wealth, or power, but rather about one’s relationship with Him and with others. Those who seem insignificant in worldly terms may hold the greatest value in the eyes of God because of their relationship with Jesus and with the those who are dear to Jesus. Conversely, those who are considered important or successful by societal standards may find themselves lacking in what truly matters in the kingdom of God. This teaching encourages a shift in focus from external achievements to inner virtues and from self-centred ambitions to selfless service. It invites us to look beyond the surface and to cultivate a deep, meaningful connection with God and with those in need around us. Evangelization is not a race to win but a mission to love. This perspective can be both challenging and liberating, as it calls for a re-evaluation of what it means to live a successful and fulfilling apostolic life. Let’s reflect: How much importance I give to success according to societal standards, ignoring the importance of relationship to Jesus?
May 26, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Monday of week 8 in Ordinary Time
Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop
Gospel – Mark 10:17-27
“Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me”. Jesus looked at him and love him. This is what God does in each and every situation. God loves us in every situation. God loves us in each situation. But at the same time, He also sees how we can grow up in each situation and every situation. That is what He points out. The one thing we lack He always points out. We know that. We must acknowledge what is lacking in us. We are not perfect. We must acknowledge in what we must improve. But all over, it’s about faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that’s more important than anything else. For this rich person, it was money. So, Jesus asked him to sell everything he owns, give the money to the poor and to follow Him. This act of selling everything and giving to the poor, is an act of faith in the Lord. It’s easy to have faith when we have things we need, but it’s difficult to have faith when we don’t have even the basic needs. Let’s reflect: Do my faith attached to the things I have or do my faith is above all the things I have?
