Dec 25, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Stephen, the first Martyr
Gospel – Matthew 10:17-22
The connection between Christmas and the martyrdom of St. Stephen is profound highlighting the deeper meaning of Christ’s birth and the ultimate purpose of His coming into the world. St. Stephen’s feast day, December 26, immediately follows Christmas Day. This proximity in the liturgical calendar is not coincidental but serves to emphasize the link between Christ’s nativity and the consequences of His mission. The juxtaposition of Christmas joy with Stephen’s martyrdom reminds us that Christ’s birth was not merely a feel-good event, but the beginning of a mission that would lead to sacrifice. It underscores that following Christ may require giving up one’s life, both figuratively and, in some cases, literally. While Christmas celebrates the gift of God’s Son, Stephen’s martyrdom reminds us of the cost of following that Son. It challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for our faith. By connecting Christmas to St. Stephen’s martyrdom, we are reminded that the Incarnation we celebrate at Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger, but about God’s plan of salvation that would be accomplished through sacrifice, and which should be continued with courage, and unwavering faith in our discipleship. Let’s reflect: In light of the profound connection between the joy of Christmas and the cost of discipleship that St. Stephen exemplifies, how am I personally being called to embrace Christ’s mission in my daily life—even when it may require sacrifice or opposition for the sake of the Gospel?
Don Giorgio
Dec 25, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Christmas Day
Gospel Luke 2:1-14
“Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”. The Christmas message is three points: The first, Don’t be afraid, we have the news of great joy”. This is a powerful assurance that dispels fear and doubt, replacing them with the promise of “great joy” for all people. This joy is not fleeting or exclusive but universal and enduring, a reflection of God’s boundless love. The Second, the sign of the Savior, is “a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” – God who stripped himself of every glory to be with us. This extraordinary gesture underscores the intimacy of God’s presence in our ordinary lives, showing that salvation comes in simplicity and vulnerability. The thirds, “peace to men who enjoy his favour” – there will be peace when we humble ourselves like Him. We can find in the manger that true peace is not born of power or pride but through humility and surrender to God’s will. Just as Christ humbled Himself to bring us salvation, we too are called to embrace humility to live in harmony with God and one another. Let’s reflect: How can I embrace the humility, trust, and peace of Christ in my own life, allowing the great joy of Christmas to transform my fears and draw me closer to others?
Don Giorgio
Dec 24, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
24 December
8th Day of Christmas Novena
Gospel Luke 1:67-79
In this passage we can read a summary of the great mystery of Incarnation. First, this is an act of the tender mercy of our God. The Incarnation is an extraordinary expression of God’s tender mercy. God, in His boundless love, chose to bridge the gap between the divine and humanity. By sending His Son into the world, He demonstrates His intimate concern for each one of us, not as a distant judge but as a loving Father who seeks to restore and heal. Second, this is to bring light to us those who live in darkness of sin and in the shadow of death. n our sinfulness, we often find ourselves trapped in the “darkness” of ignorance, despair, and the shadow of death. Through Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, we are offered hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. This light dispels fear and invites us to step into the truth of God’s love and salvation. Third, this is to guide our feet into the way of peace as we ourselves, are not able to do it. The way of peace is not something we can achieve by our efforts alone. Our hearts are restless and prone to division without the grace of God. Through Jesus, we are given a guide to lead us toward reconciliation—with God, with others, and within ourselves. This path of peace is a gift, a journey, and a call to trust in the One who walks beside us. Let’s reflect: How am I responding to the tender mercy of God in my life, allowing His light to dispel my darkness and trusting Him to guide me on the path of peace, even when I feel unable to walk it on my own?
Don Giorgio
Dec 22, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
7th Day of Christmas Novena
Gospel Luke 1:57-66
The 7th Day of the Christmas Novena, focusing on Luke 1:57-66, invites us to reflect on God’s faithfulness, His divine accompaniment, and His extraordinary plans that often surpass human understanding. The birth of John the Baptist is a testament to God’s active presence in the lives of those He calls, as His hand was with John from the very beginning, preparing him for his pivotal role in salvation history. The unconventional naming of John—contrary to family tradition—reminds us that God’s plans often challenge societal norms and human expectations. It underscores the importance of trust and openness in responding to His will, even when it diverges from familiar frameworks. This passage reassures us that every mission from God, whether grand or humble, is accompanied by His guidance and grace. As we prepare for the birth of Christ, it calls us to embrace the unexpected, recognize God’s hand in the details of our lives, and find confidence in the truth that His plans are always perfect, even when they unfold in surprising ways. Let’s reflect: How open am I to trusting God’s plans for my life, especially when they challenge my expectations or the traditions and frameworks I am accustomed to?
Don Giorgio
Dec 22, 2024 | NEWS
It has become a tradition that before Christmas, our community in the Philippines visits the local women’s prison in Mandaluyong, where Ms. Basia from Poland has been incarcerated for more than 13 years. The meeting was accompanied by great emotion and much joy. At the end, Ms. Basia gave us a handmade small Christmas tree made of beads.
s. Agata
