Nov 8, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica – Feast
Gospel – John 2:13-22
“Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.” Jesus is asking to take all the things out which makes our heart into market. just as Jesus drove out the merchants and money changers, we are invited to identify and remove anything that clutters or corrupts the purity of our hearts. These could be distractions, unhealthy attachments, or misplaced priorities that keep us from focusing on God. Our hearts, meant to be temples for God, can become cluttered and chaotic, filled with distractions, misplaced desires, and anxieties—much like a busy marketplace. Just as the merchants and money changers turned the temple into a place of transaction, we often allow external influences to turn our inner lives into spaces of unrest, preoccupation, and spiritual neglect. These attachments and habits can subtly consume our energy and focus, keeping us from experiencing true peace and connection with God. This passage challenges us to take a closer look at the “market” within us—those areas where our priorities may be misaligned, where material concerns or worries overshadow our higher purpose. By consciously examining and clearing away these distractions, we create room for God’s presence to dwell in our hearts more fully. In essence, Jesus’ actions remind us of the need for regular spiritual renewal. Embracing practices like silence, prayer, and simplicity can help us realign our hearts, turning them back into places of prayer, peace, and purpose. Let’s reflect: What am I allowing into my heart that doesn’t belong?
Don Giorgio
Nov 8, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Friday of week 31 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 16:1-8
‘The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.’ This is a very puzzling statement to understand. The core message lies in the contrast between the steward's astuteness and the often-lacking foresight or strategy among "the children of light."It’s not about praising the dishonesty of the steward but about his astuteness in dealing with his situation. The world outside the Church is very much astute in dealing with their own kind. But often the people in the Church are not so much astute in handling its’ situation. We must be astute in spreading the Gospel. Like the steward, Christians are called to be wise and strategic in how they engage with the world. Use the resources, opportunities, and relationships at hand to further the mission of the Gospel. Recognize the importance of time and act decisively in sharing the message of Christ. This parable encourages believers to be intentional and proactive in their faith journey. It's not about endorsing dishonesty but about adopting a mindset of strategic stewardship in spreading the Gospel and living out Christian values in a complex world. Let’ reflect: How can I be more intentional and resourceful in using my talents and opportunities to serve others and advance the mission of Jesus in my daily life?
Don Giorgio
Nov 7, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Thursday of week 31 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 15:1-10
The joy for the repentant sinner is a very important element. The joy of finding the lost lamp. This is important because, the one element what is missing makes it perfect. The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin remind us of the intrinsic worth of every individual. Each person, no matter how far they stray or how small they may feel, is deeply valued in the eyes of God. This emphasizes that our spiritual wholeness isn't complete until every part of us is reconciled. Perfection isn't about having a majority of virtues while ignoring the flaws. True spiritual growth comes from acknowledging what’s missing and seeking it. In the same way that the shepherd doesn’t rest until the lost sheep is found, we are called to actively work on our shortcomings to achieve spiritual fullness. The call to “search until we find” underscores the importance of perseverance in our spiritual lives. Just as the woman in the parable tirelessly searches for her lost coin, we, too, must remain diligent and determined in cultivating the qualities we lack. The celebration when the lost is found reflects the divine joy and communal rejoicing that comes with repentance and growth. It’s a reminder that every step toward wholeness is not only an individual triumph but a cause for collective celebration. Let's reflect: What are the "lost coins" or "missing sheep" in my life—the qualities, habits, or aspects of my character that I have set aside or overlooked—and how can I begin to actively seek and nurture them?
Don Giorgio
Nov 5, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Tuesday of week 31 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 14:15-24
Jesus tells the parable of the great banquet, in which a man invites many guests to a feast, but they all make excuses and decline. Angered, the host opens the invitation to “the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame,” and eventually to anyone the servant can find so that the banquet hall will be full. Through this parable, Jesus offers a striking lesson on the kingdom of God—its inclusivity, the dangers of taking our invitations for granted, and the importance of a responsive heart. Reflecting on this passage invites us to consider our own excuses and distractions that keep us from God’s table. Like the invited guests in the parable, we can often be preoccupied with our daily concerns, so wrapped up in personal plans or ambitions that we miss the deeper invitation to connect, grow, and celebrate with God. These “excuses” aren’t always inherently negative—work, family, responsibilities—but when they overshadow our spiritual life and our relationship with God, they keep us from the fullness of life He offers. God’s kingdom is more expansive and inclusive than we can imagine. By inviting those who are often marginalized, Jesus reveals God’s boundless love and the true nature of His kingdom. It’s a reminder that all are welcome, and the door to communion with God is open wide, regardless of our social status, flaws, or circumstances. This passage encourages us to let go of any sense of unworthiness and respond to God’s invitation with humility and joy. Today’s reflection could challenge us to examine the subtle ways we decline God’s invitation in our lives and to nurture a readiness to say “yes” to the opportunities He places before us. Embracing a mindset of openness and curiosity, we can remain attentive to God’s presence in the ordinary, finding ways to respond to His call with a joyful, willing heart. Let’s reflect: What excuses am I making that keep me from fully accepting God’s invitation to be part of His kingdom today?
Don Giorgio
Nov 4, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Monday of week 31 in Ordinary Time
Gospel John 10:11-16
This is the passage where Jesus gives us this great consolation that He is our good Shepherd. How beautiful that we Jesus as our good shepherd. He says that He knows His own and He lays down His life for us. This is true. Jesus gave up His life for us. But this relationship is not a one-way relationship. Jesus says, “I know my own and my own know me”. That means, we as His sheep must know Him, His voice, to follow Him. But often that’s not the reality because we are not in this logic of an interpersonal relationship. Faith in Jesus is entering into a dynamism of interpersonal relationship with Jesus. This is a dynamic, reciprocal relationship. Faith, then, is not simply believing in His existence or His teachings; it’s stepping into an ongoing, living relationship with Him. It calls us to move beyond mere religious practices and into a responsive, attentive connection where we seek to know Him more personally. In this relationship, faith becomes more than belief—it becomes a shared journey. This passage invites us to be in a continuous state of openness and awareness, truly living as His “sheep,” fully trusting and knowing that He has already laid down everything for us. Let’s reflect: In what ways am I actively cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus, truly listening for His voice and responding to it?
Don Giorgio
Nov 2, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel - Mark 12:28-34
“The Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength”. This is the most important commandment. This is more than a commandment. This is the desire of God who loves us and wants to relate to us so that we can be fully alive. This is the foundation for a personal relationship between God and ourselves. We must relate to God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The heart represents the emotional and volitional aspects of love. The soul encompasses the spiritual essence of a person. The mind emphasizes the intellectual dimension of faith. The strength refers to the physical and practical manifestation of love. This comprensive approach asks for a complete dedication of oneself to God, leaving no part of one’s being untouched by this love. His love must touch every part of our existence. It also suggests that faith should not be compartmentalized but should permeate every aspect of life – emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical. This becomes a way of life. This becomes the life. Then, it has the potential to transform one’s entire worldview and way of life, as everything becomes oriented towards loving and serving God. Let’s reflect: What does it mean to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and how does that affect our daily lives?
Don Giorgio
