Jan 27, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Monday of week 3 in Ordinary Time
Saint Angela Merici, Virgin
First reading – Hebrews 9:15,24-28
The passage from Hebrews highlights the fundamental distinction between the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Under the old covenant, the high priest was required to enter the sanctuary repeatedly, offering the blood of animals to atone for the sins of the people. However, these sacrifices were temporary and could not fully eradicate sin. In contrast, Christ’s sacrifice is described as definitive and final. He did not need to offer himself repeatedly, for his self-offering was perfect and sufficient to atone for the sins of humanity once and for all. The passage emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice occurred at the culmination of history—”at the end of the last age”—signifying its eternal and transformative impact. Furthermore, it draws a parallel between the human experience of dying once and facing judgment with Christ’s singular sacrifice, which took upon itself the faults of many. His second coming, as the text explains, will not be for further atonement, but rather to bring salvation and reward to those who faithfully await him. This passage reassures believers of the completeness of Christ’s work and the certainty of salvation for those who trust in him, reinforcing the Christian hope in his return and the final fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Let’s reflect: How does the understanding of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice challenge me to trust more deeply in His grace and live with greater confidence in the promise of salvation?
Don Giorgio
Jan 25, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday of the Word of God
Saints Timothy and Titus
First reading Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10
The People of God listened attentively the Word of God. The People of God venerated the Word of God. The People of God celebrated the Word of God. The passage from Nehemiah beautifully illustrates the profound relationship between the Word of God and the People of God, highlighting their deep reverence, attentiveness, and joyful celebration. As Ezra, the scribe, read the sacred text aloud, the people gathered with open hearts, listening intently to the divine message. Their attentiveness underscores their recognition of the Word’s authority and transformative power in their lives. Moreover, their veneration is expressed through gestures of worship, such as standing in reverence and responding with “Amen, Amen,” acknowledging the holiness and truth contained within the Scriptures. This reverence is not merely an external act but a reflection of their inner disposition of faith and obedience. Furthermore, the passage reveals that the Word of God is not meant to be a burden but a source of profound joy. Ezra and Nehemiah encourage the people not to mourn but to find strength and gladness in God’s message, emphasizing that “the joy of the Lord is your strength”. The joy of the Lord is the Word of God which is our strength. This episode serves as a timeless reminder that the Word of God, when embraced with sincerity, has the power to guide, uplift, and unify God’s people, fostering a community rooted in faith and joy. How do I personally listen, venerate, and celebrate the Word of God in my daily life, and in what ways can I deepen my relationship with it to experience the joy and strength it offers?
Don Giorgio
Jan 24, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle – Feast
First reading Acts 22:3-16
The first reading from Acts 22:3-16 recounts Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus—a moment that changed his life forever. This passage reminds us that God’s grace is both specific and special in our lives. Specific: God’s intervention in Paul’s life was deeply personal. Paul, formerly known as Saul, was zealous in persecuting Christians, believing he was serving God. Yet, Christ addressed him directly: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” This personal calling highlights how God meets us where we are, speaking to our hearts in unique ways. Special: The conversion of Paul was not an ordinary event. It was dramatic, with a blinding light, a voice from heaven, and a profound revelation of Jesus as Lord. It shows that God’s intervention can be sudden and life-altering, capable of redirecting our entire purpose.
Paul’s story encourages us to remain open to God’s transformative power. Even in moments when we think we have it all figured out, God may call us to a new path. His conversion also serves as a message of hope—no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy and grace. Let’s reflect: How is God specifically speaking to me in my life today?
Don Giorgio
Jan 23, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor
Friday of week 2 in Ordinary Time
First reading Hebrews 8:6-13
In Hebrews 8:6-13, Jesus Christ is revealed as the fulfillment and mediator of the new covenant, which surpasses the old covenant based on the law. The old covenant, inscribed on stone tablets and dependent on human adherence, ultimately could not bring true salvation, as the people of Israel repeatedly strayed from it. In contrast, the new covenant is not an external set of rules but an intimate, transformative reality written directly onto human hearts and minds through the incarnation of Christ. By becoming man, God bridges the gap between Himself and humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through grace rather than mere obligation. This new covenant signifies a profound inner renewal, where God’s presence dwells within each believer, fostering a direct and personal relationship. As God declares, “I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts. Then I will be their God, and they shall be my people,” emphasizing that salvation is now an internal transformation rather than an external observance. Let’s reflect: How can I open my heart and mind more fully to embrace the new covenant, allowing God’s presence to truly transform my thoughts, actions, and identity from within?
Don Giorgio
Jan 22, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Thursday of week 2 in Ordinary Time
First reading Hebrews 7:25-8:6
In the first reading from Hebrews 7:25-8:6, we are reminded of the profound truth that Jesus is both our Savior and our eternal High Priest, continuously interceding on our behalf. Unlike the priests of the Old Covenant who had to offer repeated sacrifices for sins, Jesus, by offering Himself as the perfect and once-for-all sacrifice, has secured our redemption eternally. His saving power is absolute and unending, as He lives forever to intercede for those who draw near to God through Him. This passage highlights the superiority of Christ’s priesthood, which is rooted not in earthly limitations but in His divine and eternal nature. As the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises, Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God, granting us access to the Father through His self-giving love. His intercession is not a distant or occasional act but a continuous, loving presence, advocating for us with mercy and grace. Thus, in Christ, we find not only salvation but also the assurance that we are never alone, as He constantly stands before the Father on our behalf. How does the reality of Jesus’ continuous intercession and His once-for-all sacrifice influence the way I approach my relationship with God in daily life?
Don Giorgio
