Nov 30, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Andrew, Apostle – Feast
Gospel – Matthew 4:18-22
“And they left their nets at once and followed him”. Today is the feast of St. Andrew, who is one of the first disciples. He is the brother of St. Peter. Following Jesus is very easy if you can leave everything else. These fishermen had only their nets and boats. The left them and followed Jesus. This immediate and wholehearted response reflects a deep trust and willingness to embark on an unknown journey of faith. Have the courage and strength to leave everything, then you can follow Jesus. The challenge of leaving behind what we hold dear—whether possessions, routines, or even personal aspirations—can be daunting. However, the story of St. Andrew inspires us to find the courage and strength to prioritize our spiritual calling above all else. It is not merely about physical abandonment but also about letting go of distractions or attachments that hinder our ability to follow Jesus fully. Today, let us pray for the grace to embrace such trust and openness in our own lives. May St. Andrew’s example inspire us to respond to Jesus’ call with courage, allowing us to walk the path of discipleship with faith and purpose. Let’s reflect: What “nets” or attachments in my life might I need to let go of in order to follow Jesus more fully and respond to His call with trust and openness?
Don Giorgio
Nov 28, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Friday of week 34 in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Luke 21:29-33
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”. Everything will pass away, but the Words of Jesus Christ will never pass away. His Words are His love. These words are powerful reminder of the eternal nature of Christ’s Words and promises. In this passage, Jesus uses the fig tree as a parable, teaching His disciples to observe the signs of the times and to trust in the certainty of His teachings. The line “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” emphasizes the enduring and unchanging nature of God’s Word. It reassures us that while the physical world is temporary and ever-changing, the love, truth, and promises of Jesus are eternal and steadfast. His words, being a manifestation of His love, serve as a guiding light through life’s uncertainties. They call us to trust in His divine plan, remain steadfast in faith, and anchor our lives in the eternal hope found in Him. Reflecting on this passage invites us to prioritize the Word of God, embracing it not just as text but as a living expression of His love and the foundation of our faith. Let’s reflect: “Am I truly anchoring my life in the eternal and unchanging Word of Christ, or am I overly focused on the temporary and fleeting aspects of this world?”
Don Giorgio
Nov 28, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Thursday of week 34 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 21:20-28
“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory”. This prophecy has two dimensions. The first is the resurrection of Jesus where everything changes. Then the second is the second coming of Jesus where everything transforms. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our belief, where Jesus overcomes death and ushers in a new reality of hope, redemption, and eternal life. In this transformative event, the promise of salvation becomes accessible to all who believe. Everything changes because through the resurrection, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority and the fulfillment of God’s promises. It’s our liberation as He said. The second dimension of the prophecy points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan—the second coming of Christ. This event, filled with glory and power, signifies the final transformation of all creation. It is a time of restoration, where justice, peace, and God’s reign are fully realized. These dimensions offer a dual lens through which we can view history and our present lives. The resurrection assures us of God’s active presence and victory over sin and death. The second coming reminds us to live with vigilance and hope, grounded in the anticipation of a transformed and renewed world. Let’s reflect: In what ways do I actively live out the hope and liberation offered by the resurrection while preparing my heart for the ultimate transformation of Christ’s second coming?
Don Giorgio
Nov 26, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Wednesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 21:12-19
“You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives”. The price of following Christ is persecution. But Jesus assures us that we can win the persecution by two attitudes. The first is by trusting in Him to overcome all the fears. The second is by the endurance or trusting Him until the end. Jesus assures His disciples that despite being hated, arrested, or even persecuted for His name, they should not be afraid. He promises to provide wisdom and guidance, saying, “I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” This calls us to rely on Christ’s strength rather than our own, trusting His presence even in the darkest times. Endurance is not just passive suffering but active faithfulness. Jesus’ statement, “By your endurance you will gain your lives,” underscores the importance of steadfastness in faith. This endurance is rooted in the belief that God is in control and that, ultimately, nothing—not even the trials we face—can separate us from His love. This passage reminds us that while following Christ comes with its costs, His promises far outweigh the struggles. He reassures us that not a single detail of our lives escapes His care: “Not a hair of your head will perish.” Trust and endurance become our response, knowing that victory is assured through Him. It is a call to hold fast to faith, to embrace the cross with courage, and to find peace in His unfailing providence. Let’s reflect: In moments of trial or rejection for living out my faith, how do I cultivate trust in Christ and actively endure with faithfulness, knowing that His promises are greater than my struggles?
Don Giorgio
Nov 25, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Tuesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 21:5-11
“All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.” And what will remain? Only the love of God will remain. But Jesus warns, “Take care not to be deceived”. Because it’s easy to be deceived due to the fears provoked by different conflicts and problems around us. In times of uncertainty, conflict, and fear, it is easy to be swayed by false promises or to lose hope. Jesus’ warning to “take care not to be deceived” is an invitation to remain grounded in faith, discerning truth amidst the noise of the world. Despite challenges, changes, and losses, one constant remains: the love of God. This love is our refuge and strength, a reminder of what truly matters and a guide for how we should live and love in return. The passage also encourages a spirit of trust in God’s plan, even when faced with uncertainty. It calls us to focus on cultivating a life centered on love, compassion, and faithfulness, knowing that these are what endure. Let’s reflect: In times of uncertainty and fear, how do I discern between the truths that anchor me in faith and the distractions that pull me away?
Don Giorgio
