Feb 15, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First reading Jeremiah 17:5-8
The passage from Jeremiah beautifully illustrates the profound blessing that comes upon the person who places unwavering trust in the Lord. Such a person is likened to a tree planted by the waters, sending its roots deep into the nourishing stream. This imagery speaks of stability, sustenance, and resilience—qualities that define those who remain connected to God. Just as a well-rooted tree does not wither in the face of scorching heat or prolonged drought, a person who trusts in the Lord does not succumb to fear, anxiety, or despair during times of trial and hardship. The challenges of life—whether they be personal struggles, external adversities, or unforeseen difficulties—do not shake their faith. Instead of reacting with panic or distress, they remain steadfast, feeling the comforting presence of God guiding and strengthening them. Their perspective is one of hope and positivity, allowing them to recognize the goodness of the Lord even in the darkest moments. No matter the season of life, they continue to bear fruit—expressing kindness, faith, and love—because their source of strength is not found in the changing circumstances of the world but in the unchanging faithfulness of God. Let’s reflect: Do I truly trust in the Lord as my unwavering source of strength, or do I allow fear and uncertainty to shake my faith when faced with trials?
Don Giorgio
Feb 15, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Saturday of week 5 in Ordinary Time
Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First reading Genesis 3:9-24
In this passage we witness the tragic moment when the original unity between God and humanity, as well as the harmony between Adam and Eve, is shattered. After disobeying God’s command, Adam and Eve attempt to shift responsibility—Adam blames Eve, Eve blames the serpent—revealing the deep rupture that sin causes in relationships. No longer living in the peace of God’s presence, they experience fear, shame, and alienation. Their relationship with themselves is disrupted as they recognize their nakedness and feel exposed. Their bond with one another is strained by accusation and mistrust. Even their relationship with creation is affected, as the ground is cursed, and human labor becomes toilsome. This passage illustrates a fundamental truth: sin does not merely break a rule—it fractures harmony at every level of existence. The same pattern repeats in human history; every sin distorts our relationship with God, with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. What was once a seamless communion of love is now marked by division, suffering, and exile, showing the profound consequences of turning away from God’s will. Let’s reflect: In what ways do I see the effects of sin—separation from God, from myself, from others, and from creation—manifesting in my own life, and how can I seek God’s grace to restore harmony in these areas?
Don Giorgio
Feb 13, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Saints Cyril, monk, and Methodius, Bishop
Friday of week 5 in Ordinary Time
First reading Genesis 3:1-8
The passage presents a pivotal moment in the story of humanity’s relationship with God. Adam and Eve, having listened to the deceptive voice of the serpent, find themselves in a state of fear and shame, hiding from the very presence of the Lord who had lovingly created them. Their ability to still hear the sound of God walking in the garden suggests that His presence had not abandoned them, yet their disobedience had altered their response to Him. Instead of welcoming their Creator with joy, they now cower in guilt, illustrating the profound consequences of choosing to heed falsehood over truth. The voice of the serpent was enticing, but ultimately empty—leading them away from trust in God and into a state of rupture and alienation. This moment reflects not only the first sin but also the pattern of human frailty throughout history: when we give in to voices that distort the truth, we risk distancing ourselves from the very Source of life and love. Yet, even in their hiding, God does not withdraw; He continues to seek them, calling out, desiring restoration rather than condemnation. This passage invites us to reflect on the voices we listen to in our own lives. We must not follow the deceptive, hollow words of temptation, but we must remain attuned to the loving call of our Creator. Let’s reflect: In my own life, are there moments when I, like Adam and Eve, hide from God—allowing fear, shame, or the distractions of the world to distance me from His presence—rather than trusting in His mercy and love?
Don Giorgio
Feb 12, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Thursday of week 5 in Ordinary Time
First reading Genesis 2:18-25
This passage highlights the family as the fundamental unit of humanity, established by God Himself. Because man is created in the image of Triune God. So, family is created after the image of Triune God. Each member of the family is not a mere coincidence but is willed by God, forming a bond that reflects His divine plan. The words of Adam, “bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh,” express the deep unity and inseparable connection within the family which reflects the mystery of the Holy Trinity. This unity is further emphasized when Scripture states, “a man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife, and they become one body,” underscoring the profound commitment and harmony that define family life. When such unity is present, fear and shame have no place, for love and trust prevail. This truth extends beyond the nuclear family to the Christian community as a whole, where believers are called to live in communion, reflecting the love and unity intended by the Triune God. Let’s reflect: In what ways do I actively foster unity, love, and trust within my own family or in my community or in my parish, and how can I better reflect the intentions of the Triune God for these relationships?
Don Giorgio
Feb 11, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Wednesday of week 5 in Ordinary Time
First reading Genesis 2:4-9,15-17
In the first reading, we see the intimate and deliberate way in which God creates man, setting him apart from the rest of creation. Unlike other creatures, which were called into existence by His word, man is formed from the dust of the earth, shaped by the hands of the Creator Himself. Then, in an extraordinary act of divine intimacy, God breathes into man’s nostrils the breath of life, making him a living being. This moment reveals the profound dignity of humanity, as man is not only made from the earth but also infused with the very breath of God. This uniqueness stems from the fact that man is created in the image of God, endowed with freedom—an essential aspect of his nature. It is not a freedom for mere self-determination but a freedom directed toward choosing what is good, a freedom to align his will with the will of God. This divine gift of free will calls man to responsibility, as seen in God’s command regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. True freedom, therefore, is not about autonomy but about living in harmony with God’s will, the source of life itself. It’s about choosing freely the will of God. Let’s reflect: How do I use the gift of my God-given freedom—do I choose to align my will with His, or do I let my own desires lead me away from the life He intends for me?
Don Giorgio
