Nov 22, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr
Friday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Luke 19:45-48
“‘According to scripture,’ he said ‘my house will be a house of prayer. But you have turned it into a robbers’ den.’” We transform the house of prayer into a robbers’ den when we approach even prayer for our selfish interests. Indeed, this passage from Luke highlights the importance of purity in our intentions, especially in the sacred act of prayer and worship. Jesus’ indignation at the temple being used for selfish gain reflects a deeper message about the purpose of spiritual spaces and practices: they are meant for communion with God, not for personal profit or ulterior motives. When we reduce prayer to a tool for solely obtaining what we want, we risk losing the essence of true connection with God. Genuine prayer is not about bargaining or solely presenting a list of desires; it is about opening our hearts to God, seeking His will, and aligning ourselves with His purpose. This passage challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our spiritual practices. By approaching prayer with humility and selflessness, we honor the sacredness of God’s “house”—not just the physical church but also the temple of our hearts. In doing so, we transform our spiritual life into what it is meant to be: a true house of prayer, not a robbers’ den. Let’s reflect: In what ways have I approached prayer or worship with selfish intentions, and how can I shift my heart toward seeking genuine communion with God and His purpose?
Don Giorgio
Nov 20, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 19:41-44
“‘If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes!”. The passage from Luke 19:41-44 reflects Jesus’ deep sorrow for Jerusalem, as He laments their failure to recognize the opportunity for peace that He offers. His words carry a profound truth: the peace He brings is not just an absence of conflict but a transformative relationship with God, rooted in love, justice, and reconciliation. If we don’t understand the message of peace which Jesus brings, the peace will be hidden from our eyes. This highlights how spiritual blindness, pride, or resistance can obscure the truth and prevent us from fully embracing His gift of peace. Jesus continually calls us to open our hearts and minds to His message. To understand His peace, we must seek humility, attentiveness, and faith. It requires surrendering to His will, forgiving others, and cultivating justice and compassion. Let’s us reflect: How might spiritual blindness, pride, or resistance be preventing me from fully embracing the peace that Jesus offers in my life today?
Don Giorgio
Nov 19, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Wednesday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 19:11-28
Next came the other and said, “Sir, here is your pound. I put it away safely in a piece of linen because I was afraid of you; for you are an exacting man: you pick up what you have not put down and reap what you have not sown.” This passage from the Gospel of Luke, often referred to as the Parable of the Ten Minas, provides a profound reflection on the use of the gifts and talents entrusted to us by God. The servant in the story who hides his mina does so out of fear, driven by a misunderstanding of his master’s character. He perceives the master as harsh and demanding, which leads him to act out of self-protection rather than faithful stewardship. Our perception of God deeply influences how we live out our faith and use our gifts. If we view God as distant, exacting, or unforgiving, we might hesitate to take risks, step into our purpose, or even cultivate the talents we’ve been given. This leads to a kind of spiritual stagnation—burying our potential instead of allowing it to grow and bear fruit. However, the parable challenges this view by showing that God, as the master, entrusts His servants with resources not to punish them but to see them flourish and multiply their gifts. A true understanding of God’s character—a loving, generous, and just God—should inspire confidence and action. When we act in faith, even small efforts can yield significant results. In essence, this parable encourages self-reflection on our beliefs about God and how those beliefs shape our actions. It invites us to trust in God’s goodness, use our talents boldly, and align ourselves with His purpose. By doing so, we not only honor the giver of the gifts but also contribute to the growth of His kingdom. Let’s reflect: How does my perception of God influence the way I use my gifts and approach the opportunities entrusted to me?
Don Giorgio
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
