Jan 31, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Saturday of week 3 in Ordinary Time
Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First reading Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19
The reading is underling the necessity of faith which accepts that anything is possible becaue of the faith in the promise of God and they give up anything, no matter how precious, because of the faith in the promise of God. The text emphasizes the fundamental necessity of faith, portraying it as the unwavering trust in God’s promises, even when they seem improbable or beyond human understanding. The passage highlights the example of the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, who accepted God’s word without visible proof, journeying into the unknown solely on the basis of divine assurance. This kind of faith requires complete surrender, a willingness to let go of what is familiar, valuable, or even rational in human terms, in favor of something far greater—God’s will and His ultimate plan. The believers described in this passage understood that faith in God transcends all earthly securities; they were willing to sacrifice everything, even their most cherished possessions, because they trusted in something unseen but certain—the fulfillment of God’s promises. This radical trust reshaped their entire existence, leading them to live not for the present world but for the hope of a heavenly homeland. Likewise, when we cultivate such faith in our own lives, it transforms our perspective, teaching us that true fulfillment lies not in earthly guarantees but in the steadfast belief that God’s promises are greater than anything we could ever hold onto. Let’s reflect: How willing am I to trust in God’s promises even when they challenge my reasoning, my plans, or my understanding of what seems possible?
Don Giorgio
Jan 30, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Saint John Bosco, Priest
Friday of week 3 in Ordinary Time
First reading Hebrews 10:32-39
Hebrews 10:32-39 encourages us to remain steadfast in faith, even in the face of suffering and trials, reminding us that perseverance is key to fulfilling God’s will. As followers of Christ, we are called to remember the times when we endured hardships with joy, standing firm despite opposition, knowing that our struggles were not in vain. The passage reassures us that faith requires endurance, and though difficulties may come, we must not shrink back in fear or discouragement but remain steadfast in hope. God’s promises are certain, and His timing is perfect—“He who is coming will come and will not delay.” This reminds us that suffering is temporary, but the reward of faithfulness is eternal. We are called to live by faith, trusting in God’s plan, rather than being swayed by present difficulties. Our endurance is not just about waiting but about actively trusting, remaining committed to our faith, and allowing our struggles to shape us into stronger, more faithful disciples. Through patience and perseverance, we will receive the fulfillment of God’s promises, for He is always faithful to those who trust in Him. Let’s reflect: In times of difficulty or suffering, do I respond with steadfast faith and trust in God’s promises, or do I allow fear and discouragement to weaken my commitment to Him?
Don Giorgio
Jan 29, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Thursday of week 3 in Ordinary Time
First reading – Hebrews 10:19-25
This passage highlights the extraordinary privilege believers have in approaching God, made possible through the sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ. As our High Priest, He has opened the way to the sanctuary by offering His body, removing the barriers that once separated humanity from divine grace. Through His sacrifice, we are invited to draw near to God with sincerity, unwavering faith, and a conscience purified by His blood. This call to faith is not passive but requires steadfast trust in God’s promises, even in times of uncertainty. Holding firmly to our hope is essential, as it is anchored not in human effort but in the unchanging faithfulness of God. At the same time, this passage underscores the importance of Christian community, reminding believers that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. Instead, we are called to support and encourage one another in love and good works, fostering an environment where perseverance and mutual edification strengthen the body of Christ. Coming together in Church and active participation in the life of the Church are vital in our building of the community as members of His Body. This passage, therefore, serves as both an assurance and a call to action: an assurance that through Christ, we have direct access to God, and a call to respond with faithfulness, perseverance, and commitment to a life of love, hope, and shared devotion. Let’s reflect: How can I more intentionally draw near to God with sincerity and faith, while also strengthening my commitment to encouraging and uplifting others in my community of faith?
Don Giorgio
Jan 28, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Wednesday of week 3 in Ordinary Time
First reading Hebrews 10:11-18
Jesus achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. Jesus offered one single sacrifice for all the sins of humanity. This sacrifice is perfect because it’s done by the Son of God. He is free of any sins and in His sacrifice all sins are forgiven. He assumed all our sins and sacrificed himself for all our sins and our sins are forgiven. The sins of each one of us are forgiven in the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as He incarnated and as He assumed all our sins into Himself and free of any sin at the same time. Like that the law of God is put into the heart to each person and is written on their minds. Jesus’ sacrifice invites us to reflect on the boundless mercy of God and the depth of His desire for us to share in His divine life. It challenges us to embrace the freedom and redemption He offers, allowing His transformative love to guide our thoughts, decisions, and actions. Through His eternal priesthood, Jesus not only sanctifies us but also empowers us to live as new creations, reconciled to God and called to reflect His grace to the world. This reading is a call to gratitude and a reminder of the enduring promise that, in Christ, we are fully forgiven and deeply loved. Let’s reflect: How can I embrace the gift of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice more deeply in my daily life, allowing His law to be written on my heart?
Don Giorgio
Jan 27, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor
Tuesday of week 3 in Ordinary Time
First reading – Hebrews 10:1-10
The passage from Hebrews 10:1-10, read on Tuesday of Week 3 in Ordinary Time, offers a profound reflection on the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and His perfect obedience to the will of the Father. The words, “Here I am! I am coming to obey your will,” highlight the profound shift that Jesus brings—abolishing the old system of repeated sacrifices and replacing it with the single, all-sufficient offering of His own body. The Old Testament sacrifices, though ordained by God, were ultimately incomplete and served only as a foreshadowing of the true and perfect sacrifice to come. Christ’s incarnation was not merely an act of divine intervention, but an act of profound humility and obedience. He willingly took on human nature, fully embracing the Father’s plan of salvation, demonstrating that true holiness is not achieved through external rituals but through complete surrender to God’s will. In offering Himself “once and for all,” Jesus fulfills the promise of redemption, making it possible for humanity to be sanctified and drawn into deeper communion with God. His obedience is an invitation for us to align our lives with the divine will, trusting that through Christ, we too can partake in the holiness He offers. Let’s reflect: How can I more fully surrender my own will to God, following Christ’s example of obedience and trust in the Father’s plan?
Don Giorgio
