Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 10:21-24)

Sa sadto nga tion ginlipay gid si Jesus sang Espiritu Santo. Nagsiling si Jesus, "Amay, nga tag-iya sang langit kag sang duta, ginadayaw ko ikaw tungod nga ang kamatuoran nga gintago mo sa mga tawo nga ginakabig nga mga maalam kag may mga tinun-an ginpaintiendi mo sa mga tawo nga pareho sang mga bata nga diutay ang kaalam. Amay, salamat gid nga amo ina ang imo kabubut-on."

Pagkatapos sadto, nagsiling si Jesus sa mga tawo, "Ang tanan nga mga butang gintugyan sa akon sang akon Amay. Ang Amay lang ang nakakilala sa akon nga iya Anak. Kag ang nakakilala sa Amay ako gid lang nga iya Anak kag ang mga tawo nga buot ko nga ipakilala sa Amay."

Dayon nag-atubang si Jesus sa iya mga sumulunod kag naghambal sa ila nga silahanon lang, "Bulahan kamo tungod nga nakita gid ninyo ang mga butang nga akon ginapanghimo.

Sa pagkamatuod, madamo nga mga propeta kag mga hari sang una ang naghandom nga makakita kag makabati sang inyo nakita kag nabatian karon, pero wala natabo ini sa ila tiyempo."

***

Meditation:

How does God bring his kingdom to us? Jesus remarked that many prophets and kings before him longed to see and understand God's plan for establishing his kingdom. When King David’s throne was overthrown and vacant for centuries, God promised, nonetheless, to raise up a new king from the stump of Jesse, the father of David. This messianic king would rule forever because the Spirit of God would rest upon him and remain with him (Isaiah 11:1). Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be equipped with the gifts of the Spirit – with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2 – for an explanation of the gifts see this helpful article). This king would establish the kingdom of God, not by force of human will and military power, but by offering his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sin of the world. Through his death on the cross, Jesus, the true Messiah King, would defeat Satan, overcome death, and win pardon and reconcilliation for sinners. God's plan of redemption included not only the Jewish people but all the nations of the earth as well. Through his death and resurrection Jesus makes us citizens of heaven and friends of God. The Lord Jesus wants us to live in joyful hope and confident expectation that he will come again to fully establish his kingdom of righteousness and peace.

What does Jesus' prayer (Luke 10:21-22) tell us about God and about ourselves? First, it tells us that God is both Father and Lord of earth as well as heaven. He is both Creator and Author of all that he has made, the first origin of everything and transcendent authority, and at the same time, goodness and loving care for all his children. All fatherhood and motherhood are derived from him (Ephesians 3:14-15). Jesus' prayer also contains a warning that pride can keep us from the love and knowledge of God. Pride closes the mind to God's truth and wisdom for our lives. Jesus contrasts pride with child-like simplicity and humility. The simple of heart are like "babes" in the sense that they see purely without pretense and acknowledge their dependence and trust in God who is the source of all wisdom and strength. They seek one thing – the "summum bonum" or "greatest good" which is God himself. Simplicity of heart is wedded with humility, the queen of virtues, because humility inclines the heart towards grace and truth. Just as pride is the root of every sin and evil we can conceive, so humility is the only soil in which the grace of God can take root. It alone takes the right attitude before God and allows him as God to do all. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (Prov. 3:34, James 4:6). The grace of Christ-like humility inclines us towards God and disposes us to receive God's wisdom, grace, and help. Nothing can give us greater joy than the knowledge that we are God's beloved and that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Do you seek God's wisdom and grace with humility and trust?

Jesus makes a claim which no one would have dared to make: He is the perfect revelation of God. Our knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God – who he is and what he is like. We can know God personally and be united with him in a relationship of love, trust, and friendship. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. To see Jesus is to see what God is like. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God – a God who cares intensely and who yearns over men and women, loving them to the point of laying down his life for them upon the cross. Do you pray to your Father in heaven with joy and confidence in his love and care for you?

"Lord Jesus, give me the child-like simplicity and purity of faith to gaze upon your face with joy and confidence in your all-merciful love. Remove every doubt, fear, and proud thought which would hinder me from receiving your word with trust and humble submission."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 8:5-11)

Karon, sang nagapasulod si Jesus sa banwa sang Capernaum, ginsugata siya sang isa ka kapitan sang mga soldado nga Romanhon. Nagpakitluoy siya nga nagasiling,

"Ginoo, ang akon suluguon nagamasakit didto sa balay. Indi na siya makahulag kag puwerte gid ang iya pag-antos."

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Sige, kadtuan ko siya kag ayuhon."

Pero nagsabat ang kapitan, "Ginoo, indi ako takos nga magpasulod sa imo sa akon balay. Maghambal ka lang kag magaayo ang akon suluguon.

Nahibaluan ko ini tungod kay ako sa idalom man sang mga opisyal, kag may mga soldado man sa idalom ko. Gani kon magmando ako sa isa 'lakat,' nagalakat siya, kag kon magmando ako sa isa, 'kadto diri,' nagakadto siya. Kag kon ano ang akon ginasugo sa akon ulipon, ginahimo niya."

Pagkabati sadto ni Jesus natingala gid siya. Kag nagsiling siya sa mga tawo nga nagasunod sa iya, "Wala pa gid ako nakakita sang tawo sa Israel nga may pagtuo nga pareho sini.

Gani tandai ninyo ini! Madamo nga mga indi Judio halin sa bisan diin nga bahin sang kalibutan ang magapungko upod kay Abraham, Isaac, kag Jacob sa punsyon sa paghari sang Dios.

***

Meditation:  

Are you ready to feast at the Lord's banquet table? God’s gracious invitation extends to all – Jew and Gentile alike – who will turn to him with faith and obedience. Jesus used many images or pictures to convey what the kingdom of God is like. One such image is a great banquest feast given at the King's table. Jesus promised that everyone who believed in him would come and feast at the heavenly banquet table of his Father. Jesus told this parable in response to the dramatic request made by a Roman centurion, a person despised by many because he was an outsider, not one of the "chosen ones" of Israel. In Jesus' time the Jews hated the Romans because they represented everything they stood against – including foreign domination and  pagan beliefs and practices. 

Why did Jesus not only warmly receive a Roman centurion but praise him as a model of faith and confidence in God? In the Roman world the position of centurion was very important. He was an officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. In a certain sense, he was the backbone of the Roman army, the cement which held the army together. Polybius, an ancient write, describes what a centurion should be: "They must not be so much venturesome seekers after danger as men who can command, steady in action, and reliable; they ought not to be over-anxious to rush into the fight, but when hard pressed, they must be ready to hold their ground, and die at their posts." The centurion who approached Jesus was not only courageous, but faith-filled as well. He risked the ridicule of his cronies as well as mockery from the Jews by seeking help from an itinerant preacher from Galilee. Nonetheless, the centurion approached Jesus with great confidence and humility. He was an extraordinary man because he loved his slave. In the Roman world slaves were treated like animals – something to be used for work and pleasure and for bartering and trade. This centurion was a man of great compassion and extraordinary faith. He wanted Jesus to heal his beloved slave. Jesus commends him for his faith and immediately grants him his request. Are you willing to suffer ridicule in the practice of your faith? And when you need help, do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith? 

The prophet Isaiah foretold a time of restoration for the holy city Jerusalem and for its remnants (see Isaiah 4:2-6) and also a time of universal peace when all nations would come to Jerusalem to "the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob" and "beat their swords into plowshares" (Isaiah 2:2-4). Jesus fulfills this prophecy first by restoring both Jew and Gentile to fellowship with God through the victory he won for us on the cross. When he comes again he will fully establish his universal rule of peace and righteousness and unite all things in himself (Ephesians 1:10). His promise extends to all generations who believe in him that we, too, might feast at the heavenly banquet table with the patriarchs of the Old Covenant who believed but did not see the promised Messiah. Do you believe in God's promises and do you seek his kingdom first in your life? The season of Advent reminds us that the Lord wants us to actively seek him and the coming of his kingdom in our lives. The Lord will surely reward those who seek his will for their lives. We can approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith, like the centurion in today's gospel reading, knowing that he will show us his mercy and give us his help. 

"Lord Jesus, you feed us daily with your life-giving word and you sustain us on our journey to our true homeland with you and the Father in heaven.  May I never lose hope in your promises nor lag in zeal for your kingdom of righteousness and peace."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 24:37-44)

Ang himuon sang mga tawo sa tiyempo nga ako nga Anak sang Tawo mabalik mangin pareho sa ginhimo sang mga tawo sa tiyempo ni Noe.

Kay sa wala pa mag-abot ang anaw wala sila sing iban nga ginahunahuna kundi ang pagpagusto kaon, inom, kag pag-asawahay hasta sa adlaw nga si Noe nagsulod sa arka.

Wala gid sila kahibalo kon ano ang matabo hasta nag-abot ang anaw kag nagkalalumos sila tanan. Pareho man sini ang matabo kon ako nga Anak sang Tawo mag-abot.

Sa sina nga mga inadlaw mahimo nga may matabuan nga duha ka lalaki nga nagaobra sa talamnan; ang isa kuhaon kag ang isa mabilin.

May duha ka babayi nga nagagaling; ang isa kuhaon kag ang isa mabilin.

Gani magbantay kamo, kay wala kamo kahibalo kon san-o magaabot ang inyo Ginoo.

Tandai ninyo ini: kon nahibaluan sang tagbalay kon ano nga oras sa gab-i maabot ang makawat, sigurado nga magbantay siya agod indi makasulod ang makawat sa iya balay.

Gani magbantay gid kamo, kay sa oras nga wala ninyo ginahunahuna, maabot ako nga Anak sang Tawo."

***

Meditation: 

Do you know what it feels like when you expect a friend to come whom you haven't seen for some time, and he or she delays? Or when you get excited because you are anticipating some important or life-changing event to take place, and you wake up in the morning with that thought on your mind? The Lord Jesus expects us to watch in great anticipation for the most important event of all – his return in glory at the end of time! The prophets foretold the coming of the Lord when he shall judge between the nations and decide for many peoples (Isaiah 2:5). The Advent season reminds us that we are living in the end times. The end times begins with the first coming of Christ (his Incarnation which we celebrate at Christmas) and culminates in his final return on the Day of Judgment. Jesus spoke of his return in glory at the end of time as a for certain fact. Jesus' audience understood the title, Son of Man, as referring to the Messianic prophecy of the Annointed King who comes to establish an everlasting kingdom over the earth (see Daniel 7:13). While the second coming is for certain, the time is unknown. The Lord's judgment comes swiftly and often unexpectedly. Jesus warns his listeners to not be caught off guard when that day arrives. It will surely come in God's good time! Do you earnestly pray for God's kingdom to come – here and now!

What does Jesus mean when he says that one will be taken and another left? Having the right friends, even those who are very close to God, will not guarantee our entry into heaven. We can live and work with godly Christians, but no matter how close they may be to God, they cannot win a place for us in heaven. God offers each of us a personal invitation to accept his kingdom or to reject it. There is really no middle ground. We are either for God or against him, for his kingdom of righteousness or against it. The choice is ours. And God's grace is available to those who are willing to believe in God and obey his word.

God knows our struggles and challenges well, and he gives grace and help wherever we need it. But there is one excuse that God will not accept from us – that is trying to pass off personal responsibility for our lives and for our decisions to someone else. God's judges each of us individually according to how we have responded to his gracious invitation to live for his kingdom. No one can discharge his or her duty by proxy or association. The good news is that God is merciful and he gives grace to turn away from sin and he gives us the help we need to follow in his way of holiness. God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet the Lord when he returns in his glory. He gives us fresh hope each day so we can keep our eyes on the eternal reward waiting for us. What is that reward we long for? It is God himself, who is the source of all truth, beauty, and goodness, and the fullness of undying love and abundant life that never ends.

In every age God issues his warning as a sign of mercy to those who will heed it. The people in Noah's time ignored the Lord's warning of judgment. They missed the boat, literally! Whose boat are you taking – the world's boat to false success, empty promises, and fleeting happiness or God's boat to unending peace, joy, and union with him? Those whose hope is firmly anchored in heaven will not be disappointed when God's judgment comes. They rejoice even now that they will see the Lord in his glory! Is your hope firmly placed in God and in his kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy?

Jesus concludes his warning with a parable about a robbery that could have been prevented. If you knew that a thief wanted to steal your prized possession and your inheritance, wouldn't you guard it with your life? How foolish to leave our treasure unguarded where the thief can easily steal. God promises each of us an inheritance and an eternal reward which he calls a "treasure beyond measure" (see the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price in Matthew 13:44-46). What is this treasure of immeasurable value? It is the Lord himself who is our treasure, and the kingdom he offers us is a kingdom of true and lasting peace, joy, and righteousness. The Lord offers us a personal relationship with him as his sons and daughters and the promise of eternal life as well. This imperishable treasure will outlast any earthly treasure. But it is possible that we could lose this treasure of supreme value if we allow sin or Satan to rob us of our faith and hope in God. Do you keep your sight on the heavenly treasure which awaits you?

"Lord Jesus Christ, you are my hope and salvation. Help me to never lose sight of the goal of heaven and give me fresh joy and zeal to live each day for your kingdom."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 21:34-36)

"Gani bantayan ninyo ang inyo kaugalingon nga indi kamo mawili sa patuyang nga pangabuhi, sa pagpahubog, kag sa pagpalibog sa inyo pagpangabuhi, kay basi kon hinali lang nga mag-abot yadto nga adlaw nga wala kamo makabantay, nga daw sa nasiod kamo.

Kay magaabot ini sang hinali sa tanan nga nagaestar diri sa kalibutan.

Gani magpreparar kamo permi kag magpangamuyo nga kon matabo na ini tanan, may kabakod kamo agod indi kamo maano, kag makaatubang kamo sa akon nga Anak sang Tawo nga indi mahuya."

***

Meditation:

Is there anything holding you back from the joy and freedom of the Lord? God wants our hearts for him and for his kingdom of peace, joy, and righteousness (Romans 14:17). But our hearts can be weighed down by many different things, such as greed, gluttony, drunkenness, and so many other harmful addictions and sinful habits. Jesus, our Lord and Master, offers us true freedom – freedom from the power of sin and wasted life, and freedom from our unruly desires and disordered passions – such as making food, drink or anything else our master rather than our servant. Jesus wants our hearts to be ruled by one thing only – his love and truth which enables us to choose whatever is good and to reject whatever is evil and harmful for us.

Jesus also warns us of the temptation to slacken off – to become spiritually idle, lazy, indifferent, or inattentive to God's word and guidance for our lives. We can fall asleep spiritually if we allow other things to distract us from the reality of God and his kingdom. It is very easy to get caught up in the things of the present moment or to be weighed down with anxious cares and concerns. The Lord knows our struggles, weaknesses, and shortcomings. And he assures us that we do not need to carry our burdens alone nor struggle without his help. He is always very present and ready to give us whatever strength, guidance, and help we need to fight temptation and to stay the course which he has set for us. But there is one thing he doesn't tolerate: indifference, an attitude of not caring, and doing nothing! The Lord wants us to cast our anxieties on him and to ask for his guidance and help. Do you pray for God's strength and wisdom? 

Until the Lord comes again we can expect troubles, trials, and temptations. Our adversary the devil does not rest in his attempt to lure us away from God's will for our lives. If he cannot succeed in getting us to renounce our faith in Christ, he will try, little by little, to distract us from pursuing God, especially in prayer and listening to his word. Ask the Lord Jesus to rekindle the fire of his love in you so that you will be ready and eager to meet him when he comes again. 

"Lord Jesus, rouse my spirit to the truth that this world is passing away. Give me a lively faith, a joyful hope, and a fervent love to see you face to face when you return in glory."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 21:29-33)

Dayon ginsugiran sila ni Jesus sini nga paanggid: "Tan-awa ninyo ang kahoy nga higera kag ang iban pa nga mga kahoy.

Indi bala nga kon makita ta nga nagapang-ugbos na nagasiling kita nga madali na lang ang tig-ilinit?

Sa amo man nga bagay, kon makita ninyo nga nagakalatabo na ini nga mga butang nga akon ginasugid sa inyo, mahibaluan ninyo nga malapit na ang paghari sang Dios.

Sa pagkamatuod, ini tanan nga mga butang magakalatuman sa wala pa mapatay ang mga tawo sa sini nga tiyempo.

Madula ang langit kag ang duta, pero ang akon mga pulong indi gid mahimo nga indi matuman."

***

Meditation:  

Do you recognize the signs of God's presence and action today? Jesus used the image of a fig tree to teach his disciples an important lesson about reading the "signs of the times." The fig tree was a common and important source of food for the Jews. It bore fruit twice a year, in the autumn and in the early spring. The Talmud said that the first fruit came the day after Passover. The Jews believed that when the Messiah came he would usher in the kingdom of God at Passover time. The early signs of a changing season, such as springtime, summer, or autumn, are evident for all who can see and observe the changes. Just so are the signs of God's kingdom and his return in glory on the day of judgment. The "budding" of God's kingdom begins first in the hearts of those who are receptive to God's word. Those who trust in God's word will bear the fruits of his kingdom. And what are the fruits of that kingdom? "The kingdom of God ..is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). The Lord gives the firstfruits of his kingdom to those who open their hearts to him with expectant faith and trust in his word. 

We do not know the day nor the hour when the Lord Jesus will return again in glory. But the Lord does give us signs, not only to "wake us up" as a warning, but also to "rouse our spirits" to be ready and eager to receive his kingdom when he comes in all his power and glory. The "Day of the Lord" will strike terror in those who have ignored or rejected God, but it will be a day of joy and rejoicing for those who long to see the Lord face-to-face. The Lord Jesus wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation for his coming again. While we wait for the Lord's physical return in glory, we can know his presence with us through the work and action of the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts. The Lord Jesus comes daily and frequently to those who long for him and he speaks tenderly to our hearts like a lover who whispers in the ear of the beloved. He comes to show us the way to our heavenly Father and to give us the hope of eternal life. Do you recognize his presence and do you listen to his word? 

"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all history, and the lord of all creation. Give me joyful hope and assurance that I will see you face to face and be united with you forever when you return in glory."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 21:20-28)

"Kon makita ninyo nga ang Jerusalem ginalibutan na sang mga soldado, mahibaluan ninyo nga madali na lang ang iya kalaglagan.

Gani ang nagaestar sa Judea dapat magpalagyo sa kabukiran. Kag ang yara sa siyudad sang Jerusalem magpalagyo man. Ang mga tawo sa uma dapat indi magsulod sa Jerusalem.

Kay amo na ina ang mga inadlaw nga silutan sang Dios ang Jerusalem sa pagtuman sang ginasiling sang Kasulatan.

Sa sina nga mga inadlaw makaluluoy ang mga nagabulusong kag ang mga nagapatiti tungod nga mabudlayan gid sila sa pagpalagyo. Dako nga pag-antos ang magaabot sa sini nga lugar, kay dako ang kaakig sang Dios sa sini nga mga tawo.

Ang iban sa ila magakalamatay sa gira, kag ang iban pagabihagon sa iban nga mga nasyon. Kag ini nga siyudad sang Jerusalem pagagub-on kag pagadumalahan sang mga indi Judio samtang ginatugutan sang Dios."

"Matabo man nga may mga tanda nga makita sa adlaw, sa bulan, kag sa mga bituon. Diri sa kalibutan makulbaan ang mga nasyon tungod sang dalagko nga mga balod nga nagalinagumba.

Magakalalipong ang mga tawo sa kahadlok kon ano ang matabo sa sini nga kalibutan. Kay ang mga butang sa langit pagapatalangon sa ila kinaandan nga alagyan.

Dayon ako nga Anak sang Tawo makita sa mga panganod nga nagabalik sa kalibutan nga may gahom nga nagasilak gid.

Kon ini nga mga butang magasugod na nga magkalatabo, indi kamo magkahadlok kay madali na lang ang pagluwas sa inyo."

***

Meditation: 

Do you believe that the world as we know it is going to end just as Jesus foretold? Jesus' prophetic description of the destruction of the holy city Jerusalem, the destruction of the world, and the day of final judgment, was not new to the people of Israel. The prophets had foretold these events many centuries before. Behold the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger to make the earth a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it (Isaiah 13:9-13; see also  Joel 2:1-2; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18). Jesus warns of the imminent destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of the rejection of the gospel. According the historian Josephus, over a million inhabitants died when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem with its temple in 70 A.D. Jerusalem's vengeance resulted from her indifference to the visitation of God in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:44).

Jesus also speaks about the judgment at the end of the world. Only spiritual blindness can keep us from recognizing the obvious signs of approaching disaster which awaits the day of judgment for those who refuse to heed God's word of grace and salvation. Jesus was completely honest. He told his disciples what it would cost to follow him. And he promised that he would never leave them alone, even in their time of tribulation. The saints and martyrs who underwent torment and death made their prisons a temple of praise and their scaffolds a throne to the glory of God. They knew the saving presence of Christ with them in all circumstances. Jesus offers us safety in the face of earth's threats.  Not a hair of your head will perish (Luke 21:18). The disciple who walks with Christ may lose their body but not their soul.

The greatest gift which no one can take from us and which we can be most thankful for is our redemption through the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed on the cross for our sins, and our adoption through Christ as children of God our heavenly father. Jesus Christ has redeemed us from slavery to sin, from fear of death, and from final destruction. We can be eternally thankful because our hope is in heaven and in the promise that Jesus will return to fully establish his reign of peace and righteousness. Jesus speaks of his second coming as a known fact, a for certain event which we can confidently expect to take place in the Lord's time of choosing. This coming will be marked by signs that all will recognize – signs which will strike terror and grief in those unprepared and wonder and joy in those who are ready to meet the Lord. When the Lord Jesus returns he will establish justice and righteousness and he will vindicate all who have been faithful to him. His judgment is a sign of hope for those who have placed their trust in him. Do you hope in God and in the promise of Christ to return again to establish his reign over all that he has made? 

"Lord Jesus, fill me with gratitude for the gift of redemption and increase my hope and longing for your return again in glory. May that day bring joy to my heart rather than sorrow. Help me to serve you faithfully and to make the best use of my time now in the light of your coming again."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 21:12-19)

"Pero sa wala pa ini matabo, pagadakpon kamo kag hingabuton sang mga tawo. Pagadalhon nila kamo sa mga simbahan sang mga Judio agod sentensyahan kag prisohon. Pagadalhon man nila kamo sa mga hari kag mga gobernador agod imbistigaron. Ini tanan himuon nila sa inyo tungod sang inyo pagsunod sa akon.

Pero ini mangin kahigayunan ninyo sa pagsugid sa ila sang Maayong Balita.

Gani itanom ninyo sa inyo hunahuna nga kon matabo ini, indi kamo magpalibog kon ano ang inyo isabat, kay hatagan ko kamo sang kaalam sa pagsabat agod indi makasabat batok sa inyo ang inyo mga kaaway.

Ang iban sa inyo iakusar mismo sang inyo mga ginikanan, mga utod, mga paryenti, kag sang inyo mga amigo. Kag ang iban sa inyo patyon gid nila.

Dumtan kamo sang tanan tungod kay kamo akon mga sumulunod.

Pero indi gid kamo maano.

Kay kon magpadayon kamo makaangkon kamo sang kabuhi nga wala sing katapusan.

***

Meditation:  

If the gospel message is good news, then why do so many oppose it with hostility and even violence? Jesus warns his followers that they will be confronted with persecution, wickedness, false teaching, and temptation. The real enemy of the gospel is Satan whom Jesus calls a "murderer" and "father of lies" (John 8:44). Satan uses fear and hatred to provoke hostility in others towards those who follow Jesus Christ. And what is Jesus' response to this hostility and opposition? Love, truth, and forgiveness. Only love can defeat prejudice, intollerance, hatred, and envy. God's love purifies our hearts and minds of all that would divide and tear people apart. The truth is also essential for overcoming evil and tribulation in the world. Satan deceives and sin blinds the heart and mind. Only God's truth can free us from error and spiritual blindness. The gospel is God's word of truth and salvation. That is why Jesus tells his disciples to proclaim the gospel throughout the whole world (Mark 16:15), even in the midst of opposition and persecution. 

Jesus tells his disciples that if they endure to the end they will gain their lives – they will see God's salvation and inherit eternal life and happiness with God. Endurance is more than human effort and perseverance. It is a supernational gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial, temptation, and form of persecution. Endurance is strengthened with hope – the supernatural assurance that we will see God face to face and inherit all the promises he has made. Jesus is our supreme model and hero who endured the cross for our sake (Hebrews 12:2). "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus willingly shed his blood for our sake and for our salvation and he calls us to lay down our lives for one another and to take up our cross in like manner (John 15:12-13; 1 John 3:16). 

The word "martyr" in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelations says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelations 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed." Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church. The third century bishop, Cyprian said: "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs. We have not enlisted in an army to think of peace and to decline battle, for we see that the Lord has taken first place in the conflict." True martyrs live and die as witnesses of the gospel. They overcome their enemies through persevering hope and courage, undying love and forebearance, kindness, goodness, and compassion. 

St. Augustine of Hippo wrote, "The martyrs were bound, jailed, scourged, racked, burned, rent, butchered – and they multiplied!" Why is this the case? The Christian martyrs witnessed to the truth, joy, and freedom of the gospel, by their lives, their testimony, and by the shedding of their own blood for the name of Christ. Today we unfortunately witness many extremists and misguided individuals who will sacrifice their lives, and kill others in the process, out of hatred, revenge, prejudice, and envy. From a Christian point of view, they are not true martyrs because their sacrifice is not motivated by God's merciful love and forgiveness, truth and righteousness. 

True martyrs pray for their persecutors and love their enemies. In their suffering and in their death they witness the truth of the gospel – that "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus gave his life for all who would accept him as their savior – whether Jew or Greek, Christian or Muslim, agnostic or atheist. Satan seeks to destroy our faith through the fear of death and he incites others to persecute Christians for their faith in Christ. Martyrs who shed their blood for Jesus Christ win great victory, not only for themselves, but for the whole people of God. The martyrs overcome Satan by enduring suffering and death through their faith in Christ who died and rose for us. And through their witness many others recognize the victory which Christ won on the cross. The martyrs witness to the truth – the truth of Jesus Christ and his power to overcome sin, fear, hatred, violence, and prejudice, and even death itself. What gives courage and confidence to the martyrs is the firm hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life and and unending happiness with God. 

God may call some of us to be martyrs for our faith. But for most of us, our call is to be 'dry' martyrs who bear testimony to the joy and power of the gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus. What will attract others to the truth and power of the gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the gospel? 

"Lord Jesus Christ, by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and death."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 21:5-11)

May mga tawo didto nga nagasugilanon parte sa matahom nga mga bato kag sa mga ginregalo sang mga tawo nga nagpatahom sang templo. Pero nagsiling si Jesus sa ila,

"Magaabot ang adlaw nga ang mga butang nga ini nga inyo nakita gub-on, kag wala gid sing may mabilin nga mga bato nga nagasalampaw."

Nagpamangkot sila kay Jesus, "Manunudlo, san-o bala matabo ini nga mga butang? Ano bala ang mga tanda nga ini nga mga butang madali na lang matabo?"

Nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Mag-andam kamo nga indi kamo pagpatalangon. Kay madamo ang magaabot kag magasiling nga sila amo ako, kag magasiling man sila nga nag-abot na ang tion. Pero indi kamo magpati ukon magsunod sa ila.

Kon makabati kamo nga may mga gira kag mga ginamo, indi kamo magkahadlok, kay ina kinahanglan nga matabo anay, pero wala nagakahulugan nga magaabot na ang katapusan sang kalibutan."

Kag nagsiling pa gid si Jesus sa ila, "Magailinaway ang mga nasyon kag magailinaway ang mga ginharian.

May magaabot nga mabaskog nga mga linog, kag may mga gutom kag mga pisti nga magaabot sa nagkalain-lain nga mga lugar. Kag makita man ninyo ang mga makahaladlok kag makatilingala nga mga tanda halin sa langit.

***

Meditation:  

How would you respond if someone prophesied that your church or place of worship would be destroyed?  In 1972 a violent earthquake ripped through the center of Managua and destroyed the great cathedral church. This was only the beginning of the troubles for the tiny nation and Christian community of Nicaragua which suffered great turmoil and loss in the civil war that ensued for more than a decade. Out of the ashes of destruction and the ravages of communism has emerged a humbler and more purified church. Jesus foretold many signs of God's action and judgment. To the great consternation of the Jews, Jesus prophesied the destruction of their temple at Jerusalem. The Jewish people took great pride in their temple, a marvel of the ancient world. The foretelling of this destruction was a dire judgment in itself. They sought Jesus for a sign that would indicate when this would occur. Jesus admonished them to not seek signs but rather to seek God's kingdom. There will be plenty of signs – such as  wars, famines, diseases, tidal waves and earthquakes – pointing to God's ultimate judgment. 

Jesus' prophecy is a two-edged sword, because it points not only to God's judgment, but also to his saving action and mercy. Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and the dire consequences for all who would reject him and his saving message. While the destruction of Jerusalem's temple was determined (it was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D.), there remained for its inhabitants a narrow open door leading to deliverance. Jesus says: "I am the door; whoever enters by me will be saved" (John 10:9).  Jesus willingly set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing that he would meet betrayal, rejection, and death on a cross. His death on the cross, however, brought about freedom, peace, and victory over sin and death – not only for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but for all – both Jew and Gentile alike – who would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Do you know the peace and security of a life submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ? 

An American judge, named Robert H. Bork, wrote a book a few decades ago entitled, Slouching Towards Gomorrah. His message sounded an alarm about the moral crisis and decay of culture which he saw in Western society. We often don't recognize the moral crisis and spiritual conflict of our age, until something "shakes us up" to the reality of our present condition. The reward for doing what is right and just and the penalty for sin and wrong-doing are not always experienced in this life; but they are sure to come in the day of judgment. The Lord Jesus tells us that there will be persecution, suffering, and difficulties in this age until he comes again at the end of the world. God intends our anticipation of his final judgment to be a powerful deterrent to wrongdoing. God extends grace and mercy to all who will heed his call and his warning. Do you take advantage of this season of grace and mercy to seek God's kingdom and to pursue his will? 

"Lord Jesus, your grace and mercy abounds even in the midst of turmoil and destruction. Increase my hunger for your kingdom and help me to be faithful to your word. May nothing, not even the fear of death or the loss of all that I have, deter me from seeking you and the coming of your kingdom with hope and joy."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 21:1-4)

Sang ulihi nagpanan-aw tan-aw si Jesus kag nakita niya ang mga manggaranon nga nagabutang sang ila kuwarta sa ginahulugan sang mga halad.

Kag nakita man niya ang isa ka imol nga babayi nga balo nga naghulog sing duha lang ka sinsilyo.

Dayon nagsiling si Jesus, "Sa pagkamatuod, mas madamo ang ginhulog sang imol nga balo sang sa ila tanan.

Kay sila madamo ang ila kuwarta kag ang ila ginhatag bali-wala lang sa ila; pero ang balo, bisan imol siya, ginhatag niya ang tanan nga iya ginasaligan agod mabuhi."

***

Meditation: 

Do you know the joy of selfless giving and love for others? True love doesn't calculate; it spends lavishly! Jesus drove this point home to his disciples while sitting in the temple and observing people offering their tithes. Jesus praised a poor widow who gave the smallest of coins in contrast with the rich who gave greater sums. How can someone in poverty give more than someone who has ample means? Jesus' answer is very simple: love is more precious than gold or wealth! Jesus taught that real giving must come from the heart. A gift that is given with a grudge or for display loses its value. But a gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, is precious. The amount or size of the gift doesn't matter as much as the cost to the giver. The poor widow could have kept one of her coins, but instead she recklessly gave away all she had! Jesus praised someone who gave barely a penny – how insignificant a sum – because it was everything she had, her whole living. What we have to offer may look very small and not worth much, but if we put all we have at the Lord's disposal, no matter how insignificant it may seem, then God can do with it and with us what is beyond our reckoning. Do you give out of love and gratitude for what God has already given to you? 

"Lord Jesus, your love knows no bounds and you give without measure. All that I have comes from you. May I give freely and generously in gratitude for all that you have given to me. Take my life and all that I possess – my gifts, talents, time and resources – and use them as you see fit for your glory."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 23:35-43)

Nagatilindog didto ang mga tawo nga nagatulok. Ginyaguta siya sang mga manugdumala sang banwa. Siling nila, "Ginluwas niya ang iban, luwason man niya ang iya kaugalingon kon siya amo ang Cristo nga pinili sang Dios."

Nagyaguta man sa iya ang mga soldado samtang nagapalapit sila agod paimnon siya sang maaslom nga bino.

Siling nila, "Kon ikaw ang Hari sang mga Judio, luwasa ang imo kaugalingon!"

Kag may ginbutang sila nga karatula didto sa iya uluhan nga nagasiling, "Amo ini ang Hari sang mga Judio."

Ang isa sa mga kriminal nga nalansang sa krus nagpasipala man kay Jesus. Siling niya, "Indi bala nga ikaw ang Cristo? Luwasa ang imo kaugalingon kag kami man!"

Pero ginsaway siya sang isa ka kriminal. Siling niya, "Wala ka bala nahadlok sa Dios? Pareho man lang kita nga ginasilutan.

Kita nga duha dapat gid nga silutan tungod sang aton mga sala. Pero ini nga tawo wala gid sing sala."

Dayon nagsiling siya kay Jesus, "Jesus, dumduma man ako kon maghari ka na!"

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Matuod ining ginasiling ko sa imo nga karon nga adlaw mangin kaupod ko ikaw sa Paraiso."

***

Meditation: 

Do you recognize that the Lord Jesus has been given full authority and power to rule over the earth as well as heaven? Jesus was crucified for his claim to be the Messianic King who would rule not only over his people Israel but ultimately over all the nations as well. What is the significance or meaning of Jesus' kingship for us? Kingship today seems antiquated, especially in democratic societies where everyone is treated equal and free. God at first did not want to give his people Israel a king. Why? Because God alone was their King and they needed no other. Nonetheless, God relented and promised his people that through David's line he would establish a kingship that would last for eternity (Psalm 89:29). The Jews understood that the Messiah would come as king to establish God's reign for them. They wanted a king who would free them from tyranny and from foreign domination. Many had high hopes that Jesus would be the Messianic king. Little did they understand what kind of kingship Jesus claimed to have. Jesus came to conquer hearts and souls for an imperishable kingdom, rather than to conquer perishable lands and entitlements. 

When Satan tempted Jesus during his forty day fast in the wilderness, he offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:8-9). Jesus knew that the world was in Satan's power. And this was precisely why Jesus came – to overthrow Satan's power and rulership over the earth. Jesus knew that the way to victory was through submission to his Father's will and through the sacrificial offering of his life upon the cross for the sins of the world. As Jesus was dying on the cross, he was mocked for his claim to kingship. Nonetheless, he died not only as King of the Jews, but as King of the nations as well. His victory over the power of sin, Satan, and the world, was accomplished through his death on the cross and his resurrection. Jesus exchanged a throne of glory for a cross of shame to restore us from slavery to sin to glory with God as his adopted sons and daughters. In the Book of Revelations Jesus is called King of kings and Lord and lords (Rev. 19:16).  Do you recognize Jesus Christ as your King and Lord? 

The scriptures present us with the choice between two kingdoms – the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. The choice is ours. Which kingdom do you serve? God's kingdom remains forever because it is built on the foundation of God's eternal love and justice. To accept Jesus as Lord and King is to enter a kingdom that will last forever where righteousness, peace, truth, and love dwell. Is your life submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? 

"Lord Jesus Christ, you are my King and there is no other. Be the Lord and Master of my heart. May all that I do be pleasing to you and serve the best interests of my neighbor as well."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 20:27-40)

May mga Saduceo nga nagpalapit kay Jesus. Ini nga mga tawo wala nagapati nga may pagkabanhaw.

Nagpamangkot sila, "Manunudlo, nagsulat si Moises sa aton nga kon mapatay ang lalaki nga wala sila bata sang iya asawa, dapat ang iya utod ang magpangasawa sa nabalo agod makapabata siya para sa iya utod nga napatay.

Karon, may pito ka mag-ulutod nga lalaki. Ang kamagulangan nagpangasawa, kag napatay nga wala sang bata.

Gani ang balo ginpangasawa sang madason nga utod. Pero napatay man siya nga wala sila sang bata.

Amo man ang natabo sa ikatlo nga utod, hasta sa ikapito. Nagkalamatay sila tanan nga wala gid nakapabata sa sadto nga babayi.

Sang ulihi ang babayi napatay man.

Karon, kon mag-abot na ang pagkabanhaw, kay sin-o gid siya nga asawa? Kay sila nga pito nagpangasawa sa iya."

Ginsabat sila ni Jesus, "Sa sini nga kalibutan nagaasawahay ang mga tawo.

Pero ang bisan sin-o nga suno sa Dios takos nga banhawon kag dalhon didto sa pihak nga kabuhi indi na magaasawahay.

Indi na sila mapatay tungod nga mangin pareho na sila sang mga anghel; mga anak sila sang Dios, kay ginbanhaw sila.

Kon parte sa pagbanhaw sang mga patay, bisan gani ang ginsiling ni Moises didto sa nagadabadaba nga kahoy-kahoy nagapamatuod sini. Indi bala nga gintawag niya ang Ginoo nga 'Dios ni Abraham, Dios ni Isaac, kag Dios ni Jacob'?

Karon, ang Dios indi Dios sang mga patay, kundi Dios sang mga buhi, kay kon sa iya, buhi ang tanan."

Nagsiling ang iban nga mga manunudlo sang Kasuguan, "Manunudlo, husto ang imo sabat."

Kag wala na sang may nagpangahas pa sa pagpamangkot sa iya.

***

Meditation: 

Is your life earthbound or heavenbound? The Sadducees had one big problem – they could not conceive of heaven beyond what they could see with their naked eyes! Aren't we often like them? We don't recognize spiritual realities because we try to make heaven into an earthly image. The Sadducees came to Jesus with a test question to make the resurrection look ridiculous. The Sadducees, unlike the Pharisees, did not believe in immortality, nor in angels or evil spirits. Their religion was literally grounded in an earthly image of heaven. Jesus retorts by dealing with the fact of the resurrection. The scriptures give proof of it. In Exodus 3:6, when God manifests his presence to Moses in the burning bush, the Lord tells him that he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He shows that the patriarchs who died hundreds of years previously were still alive in God. Jesus defeats their arguments by showing that God is a living God of a living people. God was the friend of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when they lived. That friendship could not cease with death. As Psalm 73:23-24 states: "I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory."  The ultimate proof of the resurrection is the Lord Jesus and his victory over death when he rose from the tomb. Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he exclaimed:  "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.  Do you believe this?" (John 11:25). Jesus asks us the same question. Do you believe in the resurrection and in the promise of eternal life with God? 

The Holy Spirit reveals to us the eternal truths of God's unending love and the life he desires to share with us for all eternity. Paul the Apostle, quoting from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 64:4; 65:17) states: "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him," God has revealed to us through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). The promise of paradise – heavenly bliss and unending life with an all-loving God – is beyond human reckoning. We have only begun to taste the first-fruits! Do you live now in the joy and hope of the life of the age to come? 

"May the Lord Jesus put his hands on our eyes also, for then we too shall begin to look not at what is seen but at what is not seen. May he open the eyes that are concerned not with the present but with what is yet to come, may he unseal the heart's vision, that we may gaze on God in the Spirit, through the same Lord, Jesus Christ, whose glory and power will endure throughout the unending succession of ages." (Prayer of Origen, c. 185-254)

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 19:45-48)

Pag-abot nila sa Jerusalem, nagderetso dayon si Jesus sa templo, kag pagsulod niya didto gintabog niya ang mga nagabaligya.

Nagsiling siya sa ila, "Nagasiling ang Dios sa Kasulatan, 'Ang akon balay lugar nga palangamuyuan.' Pero ginhimo ninyo ini nga palanaguan sang mga tulisan."

Halin sadto, nagatudlo siya sa templo adlaw-adlaw. Ang manugdumala nga mga pari, ang mga manunudlo sang Kasuguan, kag ang mga opisyal sang banwa nagtinguha sa pagpatay sa iya.

Pero wala sila sing kahigayunan sa paghimo sini tungod kay nawili ang mga tawo sa pagpamati sang iya mga pagpanudlo.

***

Meditation:  

Why did Jesus drive out the money changers in the temple at Jerusalem? Was he upset with their greediness? This is the only incident in the Gospels where we see Jesus using physical force. Jesus went to Jerusalem, knowing he would meet certain death on the cross, but victory as well for our sake. His act of judgment in the temple is meant to be a prophetic sign and warning to the people that God takes our worship very seriously. In this incident we see Jesus' startling and swift action in cleansing the temple of those who were using it to exploit the worshipers of God. The money changers took advantage of the poor and forced them to pay many times more than was right – in the house of God no less! Their robbery of the poor was not only dishonoring to God but unjust toward their neighbor. In justification for his audacious action Jesus quotes from the prophets Isaiah (Isaiah 56:7) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 7:11). His act of judgment aims to purify the worship of God's people and to discipline their erring ways. Despite the objections of the religious leaders, no doubt because Jesus was usurping their authority in the house of God, the people who listened to Jesus teaching daily in the temple regarded him with great awe and respect. Luke tells us that "they hung upon Jesus' words" (Luke 19:48). How hungry are you for God's word? 

If we approach God's word with a humble attentive heart and with a willingness to be taught by the Lord, then we are in a good place to allow God's word to change and transform us in the likeness of Christ. The Lord wants to teach us his ways so that we may grow in holiness. The Lord both instructs and disciplines us in love to lead us from the error of our sinful ways to his truth and justice. "God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness" (Hebrews 12:10). The Lord calls us to be a holy people who worship him with reverence and gratitude for his great mercy and kindness towards us. Do you allow God's word to transform you in his way of love and holiness? 

"Lord Jesus, you open wide the door of your house and you bid us to enter confidently that we may worship you in spirit and truth. Help me to draw near to you with gratitude and joy for your great mercy. May I always revere your word and give you acceptable praise and worship."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 19:41-44)

Sang malapit na si Jesus sa siyudad sang Jerusalem, kag sang makita niya ini, naghibi siya.

Nagsiling siya, "Kuntani nahibaluan ninyo karon nga adlaw kon ano ang makahatag sa inyo sang kalinong! Ugaling nalipdan ang inyo pag-intiendi.

Magaabot ang adlaw nga ang inyo siyudad libutan sang mga sagang sang inyo mga kaaway agod indi na gid kamo makapalagyo, kag kibunon nila kamo sa tanan nga dereksyon.

Pamatyon nila kamo, kag gub-on ang inyo siyudad nga wala na gid sang may mabilin nga mga bato nga nagasalampaw. Ini tanan matabo sa inyo tungod nga wala ninyo pagsapaka ang tion nga luwason na kuntani kamo sang Dios."

***

Meditation: 

What is the enemy of peace in our homes, cities, and nations and what keeps us from a good relationship with God and with our neighbor? When Jesus approached the city of Jerusalem he wept over it because it inhabitants did not "know the things that make for peace" (Luke 19:42). Jesus fulfills the beatitude for those who weep and for those who make peace – "blessed are those who mourn ...blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:4,9). That is why Jesus went to Jerusalem to be crucified not only for the sins of its inhabitants but to reconcile the whole world – all who have sinned – with God. Mourning and weeping over sin and unfaithfulness leads to true peace and reconciliation not only with God but with our neighbor as well. Do you know the peace which makes for lasting friendship, joy, and unity? 

Jesus' earthly ministry centers and culminates in Jerusalem, which scripture describes as the holy city, the throne of the Lord (Jeremiah 3:17);and the place which God chose for his name to dwell there (1Kings 11:13; 2 Kings 21:4; 2 Kings 23:27); and the holy mountain upon which God has set his king (Psalm 2:6). Jerusalem derives its name from the word "salem" which mean "peace". The temple in Jerusalem was a constant reminder to the people of God's presence with them. 

Why does Jesus weep and lament for this city? It's inhabitants had rejected the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord because of their pride and unbelief. Now they refuse to listen to Jesus who comes as their Messiah – whom God has anointed to be their Savior and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem was a gracious visitation of God's anointed King to his holy city. Jerusalem's lack of faith and rejection of the Messiah, however, leads to its devastation and destruction. Jesus' lamentation and prophecy echoes the lamentation of Jeremiah who prophesied the first destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. Jeremiah's lamentation offered hope of deliverance and restoration: "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies are new every morning ...For the Lord will not cast off for ever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men" (Lamentations 3:21-22, 31-32). Jesus is the hope of the world because he is the only one who can truly reconcile us with God and with one another. Through his death and resurrection Jesus breaks down the walls of hostility and division by reconciling us with God. He gives us his Holy Spirit both to purify us and restore us as a holy people of God. Through Christ we become living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).  God has visited his people in the past and he continues to visit us through the gift and working of his Holy Spirit. Do you recognize God's gracious visitation today? 

When God visits his people he comes to establish peace and justice by rooting out our enemies – sin and Satan who enslave us to fear and pride, rebellion and hatred, envy and covetousness, strife and violence, and every form of evil. That is why God both judges and purifies his people – to lead us from our sinful ways to his way of justice, peace, love, and holiness. God actively works among his people to teach us his ways and to save us from the destruction of sin and Satan. Are God's judgments unjust or unloving? Scripture tells us that "when God's judgments are revealed in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:9). To pronounce judgment on sin is much less harsh than what will happen if those who sin are not warned to repent. The Lord in his mercy gives us grace and time to turn away from sin, but that time is right now. If we delay, even for a moment, we may discover that grace has passed us by and our time is up. Do you accept the grace to turn away from sin and to walk in God's way of peace and holiness? 

"Lord Jesus, you have visited and redeemed your people. May I not miss the grace of your visitation today as you move to bring your people into greater righteousness and holiness of life. Purify my heart and mind that I may I understand your ways and conform my life more fully to your will."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 19:11-28)

Samtang nagapamati pa ang mga tawo, ginsugiran sila ni Jesus sang paanggid tungod kay malapit na sila sa Jerusalem kag ang hunahuna sang mga tawo masugod na gid ang paghari sang Dios.

Nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "May isa ka dungganon nga tawo nga naglakat sa malayo nga lugar sa pagbaton sang awtoridad bilang hari sa iya lugar, kag magabalik man siya dayon.

Pero sa wala pa siya makahalin ginpatawag niya ang iya napulo ka mga suluguon kag ginpanghatagan ang kada isa sa ila sang palareho nga kantidad sang kuwarta, kag nagsiling siya sa ila, 'Gamita ninyo sa negosyo ang akon ginhatag sa inyo samtang wala ako.'

"Karon, ang iya mga kasimanwa wala naluyag sa iya. Gani sang nakahalin na siya, nagpadala sila sing mga representante sa ginkadtuan niya sa pagsiling nga indi nila gusto nga maghari siya sa ila.

Pero ginhimo man siya gihapon nga hari. Pagbalik niya sa iya lugar, ginpatawag niya ang mga suluguon nga iya ginpanghatagan sang kuwarta nga inegosyo, agod mahibaluan niya kon pila ang ila naganansya.

Ang premiro nga nag-abot nagsiling sa iya, 'Sir, ang imo kuwarta nga ginhatag sa akon nakaganansya sang napulo ka pilo.'

Nagsiling ang hari, 'Maayo gid! Maayo ka nga suluguon. Tungod nga masaligan ka sa diutay nga butang, padumalahon ko ikaw sa napulo ka siyudad.'

Ang ikaduha nga suluguon nag-abot man kag nagsiling, 'Sir, ang imo kuwarta nga ginhatag sa akon nakaganansya sing lima ka pilo.'

Nagsabat ang hari sa iya, 'Padumalahon ko ikaw sa lima ka siyudad.'

Kag nag-abot ang isa pa gid kag nagsiling, 'Sir, yari ang imo kuwarta. Ginputos ko gid ini kag gintago, kay nahadlok ako sa imo tungod masyado ka kaestrikto. Nagakuha ka sang ganansya sa kinabudlayan sang iban, kag nagakuha ka man sang patubas bisan indi ka ang nagtanom.'

Nagsiling ang hari sa iya, 'Wala ka sing pulos nga suluguon! Ang imo ginhambal amo mismo ang akon gamiton sa pagsentensya sa imo. Nahibaluan mo nga estrikto ako kag nagakuha sang ganansya sa kinabudlayan sang iban, kag nagakuha man ako sang patubas bisan indi ako ang nagtanom.

Ti ngaa wala mo pag-ibutang ang akon kuwarta sa bangko agod sa akon pagbalik makuha ko ang akon kuwarta nga may saka pa?'

Kag nagsiling ang hari sa mga tawo nga nagatindog didto, 'Kuhaa ninyo sa iya ang kuwarta kag ihatag sa tawo nga nakaganansya sing napulo ka pilo.'

Pero nagsabat sila, 'Sir, may napulo na siya ka pilo.'

Nagsabat ang hari, 'Sugiran ko kamo, ang bisan sin-o nga may yara hatagan pa. Pero ang wala iya, bisan ang diutay nga sa iya kuhaon pa.

Kon parte sa sadto nga mga tawo nga nagakontra sa akon kag indi gusto nga maghari ako sa ila, dalha ninyo sila diri sa akon kag pamatyon!' "

Pagkatapos niya hambal sadto, nagpadayon sila ni Jesus sa paglakat pakadto sa Jerusalem.

***

Meditation: 

How does God establish his kingdom here on the earth? The Jews in Jesus' time had a heightened sense that the Messiah would appear soon to usher in the kingdom of God's justice, love, and peace on the earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). Jesus, in fact, spoke in messianic terms of the coming reign of God. Perhaps his entry into Jerusalem would bring about such a change and overthrow of Roman domination. Jesus speaks to their longing for a new kingdom in the parable of a nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom. The parable reveals something important about how God works his plan and purpose with the human race. The parable speaks first of the king's trust in his subjects. While he goes away he leaves them with his money to use as they think best. While there were no strings attached, this was obviously a test to see if the king's subjects would be faithful and reliable in their use of the money entrusted to them. Third, the king rewards those who are faithful and he punishes those who sit by idly and who do nothing with his money. 

The Lord Jesus offers us a kingdom of justice, love, and peace and he calls us to live as citizens of this kingdom where he rules as Lord and Master. Through his atoning death on the cross and through his resurrection victory, Jesus frees us from a kingdom of darkness where sin and Satan reign. Through the power of the Holy Spirit the Lord gives us freedom to live as his servants and to lay down our lives in loving service of our neighbors (Galatians 5:1,13). The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and graces and he gives us freedom to use them as we think best. With each gift and talent, the Lord gives sufficient grace and strength for using them in a fitting way. As the parable of the talents shows, God abhors indifference and an attitude that says it's not worth trying. God honors those who use their talents and gifts for doing good. Those who are faithful with even a little are entrusted with more! But those who neglect or squander what God has entrusted to them will lose what they have. There is an important lesson here for us. No one can stand still for long in the Christian life. We either get more or we lose what we have. We either advance towards God or we slip back. Do you trust in God's grace to make good use of the gifts and talents he has given you? 

"Lord Jesus, be the ruler of my heart and mind and the master of my home and goods. Fill me with a generous and wise spirit that I may use the gifts, talents, time, and resources you give me for your glory and your kingdom."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 19:1-10)

Nagsulod si Jesus sa Jerico kay maagi siya didto.

May isa ka tawo didto nga manggaranon nga ang iya ngalan si Zaqueo. Siya amo ang pangulo sang mga manugsukot sang buhis.

Gusto gid niya nga makita kon sin-o gid si Jesus. Pero putot si Zaqueo kag tungod sa kadamuon sang mga tawo indi siya makakita kay Jesus.

Gani nagdalagan siya sa unhan kag nagsaka sa kahoy nga sikomoro agod makita niya si Jesus, kay didto gid siya dampi maagi.

Pag-abot ni Jesus didto nagtangla siya kag nagsiling, "Zaqueo, dali-dali ka nga magpanaog, kay karon nga adlaw kinahanglan didto ako madayon sa imo balay."

Gani dali-dali nga nagpanaog si Zaqueo, kag ginbaton niya si Jesus sing malipayon gid.

Sang makita sang mga tawo nga didto nagadayon si Jesus sa balay ni Zaqueo, nagkumod sila nga nagasiling, "Ngaa dira gid siya nagadayon sa balay sinang tawo nga makasasala?"

Didto sa iya balay nagtindog si Zaqueo kag nagsiling, "Ginoo, ipanagtag ko sa mga imol ang katunga sang akon pagkabutang. Kag kon may gindayaan ako, ibalik ko sa iya ang apat ka pilo."

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Karon ginluwas ini nga pamilya, tungod nga kaliwat man siya ni Abraham.

Kay ako nga Anak sang Tawo nagkadto diri sa kalibutan sa pagpangita kag sa pagluwas sang tanan nga nagtalang."

***

Meditation:  

What would you do if Jesus knocked on your door and said, "I must stay at your home today"? Would you be excited or embarrassed? Jesus often "dropped-in" at unexpected times and he often visited the "uninvited" – the poor, the lame, and even public sinners like Zacchaeus, the tax collector! Tax collectors were despised and treated as outcasts, no doubt because they over-charged people and accumulated great wealth at the expense of others. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and was much hated by all the people. Why would Jesus single him out for the honor of staying at his home? Zacchaeus needed God's merciful love and forgiveness. In his encounter with Jesus he found more than he imagined possible. He shows the depth of his repentance by deciding to give half of his goods to the poor and to use the other half for making restitution for fraud. Zacchaeus' testimony included more than words. His change of heart resulted in a change of life, a change that the whole community could experience as genuine.

Saint Augustine of Hippo urges us to climb the sycamore tree like Zacchaeus that we might see Jesus and embrace his cross for our lives: 

    Zacchaeus climbed away from the crowd and saw Jesus without the crowd getting in his way. The crowd laughs at the lowly, to people walking the way of humility, who leave the wrongs they suffer in God’s hands and do not insist on getting back at their enemies. The crowd laughs at the lowly and says, “You helpless, miserable clod, you cannot even stick up for yourself and get back what is your own.” The crowd gets in the way and prevents Jesus from being seen. The crowd boasts and crows when it is able to get back what it owns. It blocks the sight of the one who said as he hung on the cross, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing. … He ignored the crowd that was getting in his way. He instead climbed a sycamore tree, a tree of “silly fruit.” As the apostle says, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block indeed to the Jews, [now notice the sycamore] but folly to the Gentiles.” Finally, the wise people of this world laugh at us about the cross of Christ and say, “What sort of minds do you people have, who worship a crucified God?” What sort of minds do we have? They are certainly not your kind of mind. “The wisdom of this world is folly with God.” No, we do not have your kind of mind. You call our minds foolish. Say what you like, but for our part, let us climb the sycamore tree and see Jesus. The reason you cannot see Jesus is that you are ashamed to climb the sycamore tree.

Let Zacchaeus grasp the sycamore tree, and let the humble person climb the cross. That is little enough, merely to climb it. We must not be ashamed of the cross of Christ, but we must fix it on our foreheads, where the seat of shame is. Above where all our blushes show is the place we must firmly fix that for which we should never blush. As for you, I rather think you make fun of the sycamore, and yet that is what has enabled me to see Jesus. You make fun of the sycamore, because you are just a person, but “the foolishness of God is wiser than men.Sermon 174.3.

 The Lord Jesus is always ready to make his home with each one of us. Do you make room for him in your heart and in every area of your life? 

 

"Lord Jesus, come and stay with me. Fill my life with your peace, my home with your presence, and my heart with your praise. Help me to show kindness, mercy, and goodness to all, even to those who cause me ill-will or harm."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 18:35-43)

Sang malapit na sila ni Jesus sa Jerico, may isa ka bulag nga nagapungko sa higad sang dalan nga nagapakilimos.

Pagkabati niya nga nagaalagi ang madamo nga mga tawo, nagpamangkot siya kon ano yadto.

Ginsugiran nila siya nga nagaagi si Jesus nga taga-Nazaret.

Pagkahibalo niya sadto nagsinggit siya, "Jesus, kaliwat ni David, kaluoyi ako!"

Ginsaway siya sang mga tawo nga maghipos. Pero gintuduhan pa gid gani niya ang pagsinggit, "Kaliwat ni David, kaluoyi ako!"

Dayon nagpundo si Jesus kag nagsugo nga dalhon ang bulag sa iya. Pag-abot sang bulag ginpamangkot siya ni Jesus,

"Ano bala ang imo gusto nga himuon ko sa imo?" Nagsabat ang bulag, "Ginoo, gusto ko nga makakita liwat."

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Makakita ka na. Ang imo pagtuo nag-ayo sa imo."

Kag sa gilayon nakakita siya. Dayon nagsunod siya kay Jesus nga nagadayaw sa Dios. Pagkakita sang mga tawo sini, nagdayaw sila sa Dios.

***

Meditation:  

Have you ever encountered a special moment of grace, a once in a life-time opportunity you knew you could not pass up? Such a moment came for a blind and destitute man who heard that Jesus was passing by. The Gospel of Mark identifies this man as Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). This blind man was determined to get near the one person who could meet his need. He knew who Jesus was and had heard of his fame for healing, but until now had no means of making contact with the Son of David, a clear reference and title for the Messiah. It took raw courage and persistence for Bartimaeus to get the attention of Jesus over the din of a noisy throng who crowded around Jesus as he made his way out of town. Why was the crowd annoyed with the blind man's persistent shouts? He was disturbing their peace and interrupting their conversation with Jesus. It was common for a rabbi to teach as he walked with others. Jesus was on his way to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem and a band of pilgrims followed him. When the crowd tried to silence the blind man he overpowered them with his loud emotional outburst and thus caught the attention of Jesus. 

This incident reveals something important about how God interacts with us. The blind man was determined to get Jesus' attention and he was persistent in the face of opposition. Jesus could have ignored or rebuffed him because he was interrupting his talk and disturbing his audience. Jesus showed that acting was more important than talking. This man was in desparate need and Jesus was ready not only to empathize with his suffering but to relieve it as well. A great speaker can command attention and respect, but a man or woman with a helping hand and a big heart is loved more. Jesus commends Bartimaeus for recognizing who he is with the eyes of faith and grants him physical sight as well. Do you recognize your need for God's healing grace and do you seek Jesus out, like Bartimaeus, with persistent faith and trust in his goodness and mercy? 

Bartimaeus was not only grateful for the gift of faith and the gift of physical sight, but for the opportunity to now follow Jesus as one of his disciples. Luke tells us us that he immediately followed Jesus and gave glory to God. The crowd also gave praise to God when they saw this double miracle of spiritual and physical vision. Clement of Alexandria, a 4th century church father, comments on this double vision: 

Now that he was delivered from his blindness, did he neglect the duty of loving Christ? He certainly did not. It says, “He followed him, offering him glory like to God.” He was set free from double blindness. Not only did he escape from the blindness of the body but also from that of the mind and heart. He would not have glorified him as God, had he not possessed spiritual vision. He became the means of others giving Christ glory, for it says that all the people gave glory to God.(Commentary on Luke, Homily 126)

 Do you give glory to God for giving you the eyes of faith to recognize him as your Lord and Healer?

"Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart and mind that I may see and understand the truth and goodness of your word. May I never fail to recognize your presence with me and to call upon your saving grace in my time of need and healing."