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
Jan 21, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Wednesday of week 2 in Ordinary Time
Saint Vincent, Deacon, Martyr
First reading: Hebrews 7:1-3,15-17
The passage from Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17 draws a profound connection between Melchizedek, the mysterious king of Salem, and Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest. Melchizedek, whose name means “king of righteousness” and who also bears the title “king of peace,” is portrayed in Scripture as a figure without recorded genealogy, beginning, or end—an image that prefigures the eternal priesthood of Christ. Just as Melchizedek offered bread and wine and blessed Abraham, Jesus offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all prophecies and establishing a new and everlasting covenant with humanity. In Christ, the fullness of God’s promises is realized, and through His priesthood, we are invited to share in His divine life, experiencing the grace and reconciliation that He offers. Unlike the Levitical priesthood, which was based on lineage and the law, Christ’s priesthood is rooted in the power of incarnation, transcending earthly limitations and offering salvation to all. This passage calls us to recognize Jesus as our eternal mediator, who perfectly bridges the gap between God and humanity, and to embrace the invitation to participate in His life through faith and discipleship. Let’s reflect: In what ways am I actively embracing Christ’s invitation to partake in His divine life and grow in faith and discipleship?
Don Giorgio
Jan 20, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Agnes, Virgin, Martyr
Tuesday of week 2 in Ordinary Time
First reading Hebrews 6:10-20
“Our one desire is that every one of you should go on showing the same earnestness to the end, to the perfect fulfilment of our hopes, never growing careless, but imitating those who have the faith and the perseverance to inherit the promises”. The passage from Hebrews 6:10-20 reminds us of the vital importance of perseverance in our journey of faith. It encourages us to remain steadfast and earnest in our pursuit of God’s promises, emphasizing that our spiritual growth requires consistency and dedication. The call to perseverance is not merely about endurance but about maintaining a spirit of eagerness and commitment, striving towards the fulfillment of our hopes with unwavering trust. As disciples of Christ, we are urged to imitate those who have walked the path of faith before us—those who, through their steadfastness and trust in God’s faithfulness, inherited His promises. This perseverance is not a passive waiting but an active engagement in our relationship with God, avoiding complacency and spiritual neglect. Growing careless in our faith journey can lead to stagnation, whereas maintaining diligence strengthens our trust in God’s guidance and His ultimate plan for our lives. Through prayer, reflection, and daily acts of faith, we cultivate perseverance, allowing us to stay rooted in God’s love and remain hopeful in the face of challenges. Let’s reflect: In what areas of my spiritual life am I at risk of growing careless, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of perseverance and commitment to my journey with Christ?
Don Giorgio
Jan 19, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Monday of week 2 in Ordinary Time
Saint Fabian, Pope, Martyr
Saint Sebastian, Martyr
First reading Hebrews 5:1-10
The passage from Hebrews 5:1-10 offers profound insight into the transformative nature of suffering and obedience in the Christian journey. The verse, “Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation,” highlights two key spiritual lessons. First, it teaches us the true meaning of suffering—not as a mere hardship, but as a path to humility and alignment with God’s divine plan. Through suffering, we are called to surrender our own will and desires, trusting that God’s purpose is greater than our understanding. This act of submission fosters spiritual growth, shaping us into more faithful and obedient followers. Secondly, the passage reveals that by fully submitting to God’s will, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, we gain access to the ultimate promise—eternal salvation. Christ’s obedience, even unto suffering and death, serves as the perfect model for us, showing that true fulfillment and redemption come not through resistance, but through wholehearted trust in God’s plan. Thus, our obedience to Christ not only brings us closer to God but also ensures our place in His eternal kingdom. Let’s reflect: In what areas of my life am I resisting God’s plan, and how can I embrace suffering with faith and obedience, trusting that it will lead me closer to His eternal salvation?
Don Giorgio
Jan 19, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
First reading Isaiah 62:1-5
The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect deeply on the transformative power of having the Lord in our lives, as beautifully expressed in Isaiah 62:1-5. This passage speaks of a profound shift that occurs when we open our hearts to God and allow Him to take central place in our lives. When we embrace the Lord, our identity and purpose are forever changed—we are no longer isolated, abandoned, or defined by worldly uncertainties. Instead, we are claimed by God as His own, cherished and loved beyond measure. The imagery of becoming “His delight” reveals the intimate and joyful relationship God desires with each of us. He looks upon us not with indifference but with profound affection and care. This divine love transforms our understanding of ourselves; we are no longer merely individuals navigating life alone, but beloved children who belong to a Creator who delights in us. This realization invites us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that our worth is rooted in God’s unchanging love and His commitment to us. The Lord’s presence reshapes our lives into a testimony of His joy and glory, drawing us closer to Him and revealing the depth of His desire for communion with us. Let’s reflect: How does recognizing myself as “His delight” challenge the way I view my own worth and the way I live out my relationship with God and others?
Don Giorgio
Jan 18, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Saturday of week 1 in Ordinary Time
Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First reading – Hebrews 4:12-16
The first reading from Hebrews 4:12-16 reveals the transformative and penetrating power of the Word of God. It is described not merely as a static text, but as something living and active, dynamic in its ability to engage the human heart and mind. The imagery of a double-edged sword emphasizes its precision and depth, illustrating how it reaches into the innermost parts of our being, discerning the hidden places where soul and spirit intertwine, and even the complex junction of joints and marrow. This divine Word has the ability to lay bare the deepest emotions, thoughts, and intentions that often remain concealed. Moreover, it serves as a reminder of our accountability before God, who sees all things as they truly are—nothing can be hidden from His all-encompassing gaze. In this, we are called to approach the throne of grace with humility, trusting in the mercy and understanding of our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own openness to the Word of God and its ability to transform, correct, and guide us in our daily lives. Let’s reflect: How open am I to allowing the Word of God to penetrate the depths of my heart, revealing my hidden thoughts and intentions, and transforming me into the person God calls me to be?
Don Giorgio
