Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 8:21-30)

Nagsiling liwat si Jesus sa mga manugdumala sang mga Judio, "Malakat ako, kag kon wala na gani ako diri pangitaon ninyo ako, pero magakalamatay lang kamo nga ang inyo mga sala wala mapatawad. Kag indi kamo makakadto sa akon kaladtuan."

Gani nagpinamangkutanay sila, "Ano bala ang buot niya hambalon nga kita kuno indi makakadto sa iya kaladtuan? Ano, mahikog bala siya?"

Nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Kamo taga-diri sa kalibutan, pero ako taga-langit. Kamo iya sang kalibutan, pero ako iya indi.

Amo ina nga nagsiling ako sa inyo nga magakalamatay lang kamo nga wala mapatawad ang inyo mga sala. Kay kon indi kamo magtuo nga ako amo ang Cristo, sigurado gid nga magakalamatay lang kamo nga wala mapatawad ang inyo mga sala."

Nagsiling sila, "Ngaa, sin-o ka gid bala?" Nagsiling si Jesus, "Indi bala ginsugiran ko na kamo halin pa sang una kon sin-o gid ako?

Madamo ang akon inughambal kontra sa inyo mga ginahimo. Sa pagkamatuod, ang mga butang nga akon ginasugid sa mga tawo amo lang ang mga butang nga ginapahambal sa akon sang nagpadala sa akon. Kag ang tanan nga iya ginasugid matuod."

Wala sila makaintiendi nga naghambal siya sa ila parte sa Amay.

Gani nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Kon ibayaw na ninyo ako nga Anak sang Tawo, mahibaluan na ninyo nga ako gali amo ang Cristo. Sa sina nga tion mahibaluan man ninyo nga ang tanan nga akon ginahimo kag ginasugid wala sing iban kundi ang mga butang nga ginapahimo kag ginapasugid sa akon sang Amay.

Ang nagpadala sa akon nagaupod permi sa akon kag wala niya gid ako ginapabay-i, tungod kay kon ano ang iya gusto amo man ang akon ginahimo."

Pagkabati sang mga tawo sa sining mga ginhambal ni Jesus, madamo sa ila ang nagtuo sa iya.

***

Meditation:
Do you know the healing power of the cross of Christ? When the people of Israel were afflicted with serpents in the wilderness because of their sin, God instructed Moses: "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live" (Numbers 21:8). The bronze serpent points to the cross of Christ which defeats sin and death and obtains everlasting life for those who believe. The result of Jesus "being lifted up on the cross" and his rising and exaltation to the Father's right hand in heaven, is our "new birth in the Spirit" and adoption as sons and daughters of God. God not only redeems us, but he fills us with his own divine life and power that we might share in his glory. Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit that we may have power to be his witnesses and to spread and defend the gospel by word and action, and to never be ashamed of Christ's Cross. Are you ready to witness the truth and joy of the gospel to those around you?

While many believed in Jesus and his message, many others, including the religious leaders, opposed him. Some openly mocked him when he warned them about their sin of unbelief. It's impossible to be indifferent to Jesus' word and his judgments. We are either for him or against him. There is no middle ground or neutral parties. When Jesus spoke about going away he was speaking about his return to his Father and to his glory. His opponents could not follow him because by their continuous disobedience to the word of God and their refusal to accept him, they had shut themselves off from God. Jesus warned them that if they continued to refuse him they would die in their sins. Jesus' words echoed the prophetic warning given to Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 3:18 and 18:18) where God warns his people to heed his word before the time is too late. God gives us time to turn to him and to receive his grace, but that time is right now.

To sin literally means to miss the mark or to be off target. The essence of sin is that it diverts us from God and from our true purpose in life – to know the source of all truth and beauty which is God himself and to be united with God in everlasting joy. When Adam and Eve first sinned, they hid themselves from God (Genesis 3:8-10). That is what sin does; it separates us from the One who is all loving, all-wise, and all-just. Jesus went on to explain that if people could not recognize him in his word, they would have the opportunity to recognize him when he is "lifted up"on the cross of Calvary. Jesus pointed to the atoning sacrifice of his life on the cross as the true source of healing and victory over the sin of the world. The sacrifice of Christ's life on the cross for our sins is the ultimate proof of God's love for us. God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). To fail to recognize Jesus and where he came from is to remain in spiritual darkness; to believe Jesus and his words is to walk in the joy and light of God's truth. There are certain opportunities in life that come and do not return. Each of us is given the opportunity to know and to accept Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. But that opportunity can be rejected and lost. Life here is limited and short, but how we live it has everlasting consequences. Do you take advantage of the present time to make room for God so that your life will count for eternity?

"Lord Jesus, grant this day, to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern our hearts and bodies, so that all our thoughts, words and deeds may be according to your Father's law and thus may we be saved and protected through your mighty help."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 8:12-20)

Nagsiling liwat si Jesus sa mga tawo, "Ako ang suga sang mga tawo sang kalibutan. Ang nagasunod sa akon, ang iya hunahuna indi mangin madulom, kundi masanagan siya sang suga nga nagahatag sang kabuhi."

Pagkabati sadto sang mga Pariseo, nagsiling sila, "Ikaw man lang ang nagasugid parte sa imo kaugalingon, gani indi ikaw mapatihan."

Nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Bisan tuod nga nagasugid ako parte sa akon kaugalingon, ang akon ginasugid matuod, tungod kay nahibaluan ko kon diin ako naghalin kag kon diin ako pakadto. Pero kamo wala makahibalo kon diin ako naghalin kag kon diin ako makadto.

Ang inyo pagsentensya indi masaligan tungod kay ina suno gid lang sa hunahuna sang tawo. Pero ako wala nagasentensya kay bisan sin-o.

Kag kon magsentensya gid man ako, ang akon sentensya husto, tungod kay indi lang ako ang magasentensya kundi duha kami, ako kag ang Amay nga nagpadala sa akon.

Indi bala nasulat sa inyo Kasuguan nga kon magsinanto ang sugid sang duha ka tawo, ang ila sugid matuod?

Ako nagapamatuod parte sa akon kaugalingon kag ang Amay nga nagpadala sa akon nagapamatuod man parte sa akon."

Nagsiling ang mga Pariseo sa iya, "Ti, sa diin bala ang imo amay?" Nagsiling si Jesus, "Wala kamo makakilala sa akon ukon sa akon Amay. Kon nakilala kuntani ninyo ako, makilala man ninyo ang akon Amay."

Ini tanan ginhambal ni Jesus sang nagatudlo siya sa templo, malapit sa ginabutangan sang kuarta. Pero wala sing may nagdakop sa iya, kay wala pa mag-abot ang iya oras.

***

Meditation:
Do you know what it's like to be in total darkness, confused, disoriented, not knowing where to turn for help? When the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years, confused and disoriented, and wishing they were back in their familiar huts at Egypt, God made his presence known to them through a pillar of fire at night and a cloud by day. This light not only brought them assurance of safety and care, but it literally guided them through a trackless wasteland. Around the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Festival of Lights, Jesus proclaims that he is the "light of the world". This statement must have made a striking impression on the Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem for the occasion. For eight nights the great candelabras which stood in the Temple courtyard lit the Jerusalem skyline with a blaze of dazzeling light. Jesus' statement very likely came at the end of the Festival when the great lights where extinguished. In so many words, Jesus says he is the one, true light which no one can extinguish or diminish (see John 1:4-5). He is light not only for God's chosen people Israel, but for all people and nations as well.

Many of the scribes and Pharisees reacted with shock and treated Jesus with hostility. They understood that such a claim had to do with the work which only God could do. The word light was especially associated with God. The Lord is my light (Psalm 27:1). The Lord will be your everlasting light (Isaiah 60:19). When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me (Micah 7:8). Jesus chastises the scribes and Pharisees for making bad judgments based on wrong assumptions and evil intentions. Jesus bases his judgment not on human knowledge and perception but on God's knowledge and revelation. Jesus is both just and merciful as none other can be. His light both exposes the darkness of sin in us, which is hidden from others, and heals our sinful infirmities as well. Jesus' light also produces abundant life and fruit in us. Just as natural life depends on light (without it nothing could live or grow), so the light of heaven produces spiritual life in those who receive it. The light which Jesus gives enables us to walk freely and confidently without stumbling in the darkness of sin and disbelief. His light warms our heart to the truth of God's love and it opens our vision to the reality of God's kingdom. Do you walk confidently in the light of God's truth and love?

"O gracious and Holy Father, give us wisdom to perceive you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you, and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord." (Prayer of Benedict of Nursia)

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 5:31-47)

Karon, kon ako lang gid ang nagasugid parte sa akon kaugalingon makaduda kamo sa akon ginahambal.

Pero may isa nga nagapamatuod parte sa akon, kag nahibaluan ko nga ang iya ginahambal masaligan.

Nagpamatuod man si Juan nga manugbautiso parte sa akon. Indi bala may mga ginsugo kamo kay Juan agod pamangkuton siya? Kag nagsugid siya sang matuod.

Kon sa bagay wala ako nagakinahanglan sang pagpamatuod sang tawo parte sa akon. Ginasambit ko lang si Juan agod nga magtuo kamo sa akon kag maluwas.

Ang halimbawa ni Juan pareho sang suga nga nagasiga kag nagasanag; kag indi bala nalipay kamo, bisan dali lang, sa iya mga ginpasanag sa inyo?

Pero may nagapamatuod pa gid parte sa akon nga sobra pa kay Juan. Ini wala sing iban kundi ang mga butang nga ginahimo ko nga ginapahimo sang Amay sa akon. Nagapamatuod ini nga ang Amay amo ang nagpadala sa kon.

Kag ang Amay nga nagpadala sa akon amo man mismo ang nagpamatuod parte sa akon. Pero wala gid ninyo siya nakita ukon nabatian nga nagahambal, kag wala man ninyo ginbaton ang iya pulong, tungod kay wala kamo nagapati sa akon nga iya ginpadala.

Ginatun-an ninyo sing maayo ang Kasulatan kay nagahuna-huna kamo nga sa sini nga paagi maangkon ninyo ang kabuhi nga wala sing katapusan. Ang Kasulatan mismo nagapamatuod parte sa akon.

Pero indi man ginhapon kamo magpalapit sa akon agod maangkon ninyo ang kabuhi.

Wala ko ginapangita nga dayawon ako sang mga tawo.

Kilala ko gid kamo kag nahibaluan ko nga sa inyo mga tagipusuon wala kamo sing paghigugma sa Dios.

Nagkadto ako diri nga may awtoridad halin sa Amay, pero wala kamo nagabaton sa akon. Pero kon may iban nga mag-abot nga nagagamit sang iya kaugalingon nga awtoridad, amo ang inyo batunon.

Paano ang inyo pagtuo sa akon kon ang pagdayaw sang inyo mga kapareho amo lang ang inyo ginapangita kag wala ninyo ginapangita ang pagdayaw nga halin sa Dios, nga amo lang ang matuod nga Dios?

Indi kamo maghuna-huna nga ako ang magaakusar sa inyo sa Amay. Si Moises mismo nga inyo ginasaligan amo ang magaakusar sa inyo.

Kon matuod nga nagapati kamo kay Moises, kuntani magpati man kamo sa akon, tungod nga si Moises mismo nagsulat parte sa akon.

Pero tungod kay wala kamo nagapati sa iya mga ginsulat, amo ina nga indi man kamo magpati sa akon ginasiling sa inyo.

***

Meditation:
Do you know the joy of the gospel and a life fully submitted to Jesus Christ? Jesus’ opponents refused to accept his divine authority and claim to be the only begotten Son from the Father. They demanded evidence for his Messianic claim and equality with God. Jesus answers their charges with the supporting evidence of witnesses. The law of Moses had laid down the principle that the unsupported evidence of one person shall not prevail against a man for any crime or wrong in connection with any offence he committed (see Deuteronomy 17:6). At least two or three witnesses were needed. Jesus begins his defense by citing John the Baptist as a witness, since John publicly pointed to Jesus as the Messiah and had repeatedly borne witness to him (see John 1:19, 20, 26, 29, 35, 36). Jesus also asserts that a greater witness to his identity are the signs and miracles he performed. He cites his works, not to point to himself but to point to the power of God working in and through him. He cites God the Father as his supreme witness.

Jesus asserts that the scriptures themselves, including the first five books of Moses, point to him as the Messiah, the promised Savior. The problem with the scribes and Pharisees was that they did not believe what Moses had written. They desired the praise of their fellow humans and since they were so focused on themselves, they became blindsighted to God. They were so preoccupied with their own position as authorities and interpreters of the law that they became hardened and unable to understand the word of God. Their pride made them deaf to God’s voice. Scripture tells us that God reveals himself to the lowly, to those who trust not in themselves, but who trust God and listen to God's word with an eagerness to learn and to obey. The Lord Jesus reveals to us the mind and heart of God. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit he opens our ears so that we may hear his voice and he fills our hearts and minds with the love and knowledge of God.

Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote: “As Christians, our task is to make daily progress toward God. Our pilgrimage on earth is a school in which God is the only teacher, and it demands good students, not ones who play truant. In this school we learn something every day. We learn something from commandments, something from examples, and something from sacraments. These things are remedies for our wounds and materials for study.” Are you an eager student of God’s word and do you listen to it with faith and trust?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may listen to your word attentively and obey it joyfully."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 5:17-30)

Pero may rason si Jesus, siling niya sa ila, "Ang akon Amay nagapadayon sa pag-obra, gani ako nagaobra man."

Tungod sa sining ginhambal ni Jesus nagtinguha pa gid gani ang mga manugdumala sang mga Judio nga patyon siya, tungod kay indi lang nga ginlapas niya ang kasuguan parte sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway, kundi nagsiling pa gid siya nga ang Dios amo ang iya gid mismo nga Amay, nga nagakahulugan nga nagapakigtupong siya sa Dios.

Gani nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Sa pagkamatuod, ginasugid ko sa inyo nga ako nga Anak sang Dios wala gid sing may mahimo kon sa akon lang, kundi kon ano ang akon nakita nga ginahimo sang akon Amay amo man ina ang akon ginahimo. Gani kon ano ang ginahimo sang akon Amay, amo man ina ang akon ginahimo bilang Anak.

Palangga sang Amay ang Anak, gani ginapakita niya sa akon nga iya Anak ang tanan nga iya ginahimo. Kag sobra pa gid sa sini nga mga butang ang ipakita sang Amay sa akon nga akon himuon agod matingala kamo tanan.

Kon ang Amay nagabanhaw sang mga patay kag nagahatag sa ila sing kabuhi, ako nga iya Anak nagahatag man sing kabuhi sa kay bisan sin-o nga akon gusto hatagan.

Indi ang Amay ang magahukom sa mga tawo; kundi ako nga iya Anak amo ang ginhatagan sang awtoridad nga maghukom, agod ang tanan magpadungog sa Anak pareho sang ila pagpadungog sa Amay. Gani ang wala nagapadungog sa akon wala man nagapadungog sa Amay nga nagpadala sa akon.

Sa pagkamatuod, ginasugid ko sa inyo nga ang tawo nga nagatuman sang akon mga pulong kag nagatuo sa nagpadala sa akon may kabuhi nga wala sing katapusan. Indi na siya pagsilutan tungod kay ginsaylo na siya halin sa kamatayon pakadto sa kabuhi.

Sa pagkamatuod, ginasugid ko sa inyo nga magaabot ang tiyempo, kag nag-abot na gani, nga ang mga patay makabati sang pulong sang Anak sang Dios, kag ang magbaton sang iya pulong hatagan sang kabuhi.

Tungod nga ang Amay may gahom sa paghatag ssng kabuhi, ako nga iya Anak makahatag man sang sina nga kabuhi, kay ginhatagan man niya ako sing gahom sa paghatag sina sa mga tawo.

Ginhatagan man niya ako sing awtoridad nga maghukom tungod kay ako amo ang Anak sang Tawo.

Indi kamo matingala sa sini nga mga butang, kay magaabot ang tion nga ang tanan nga mga patay makabati sang akon pulong, kag magaguwa sila sa ila lulubngan. Ang mga tawo nga naghimo sing maayo banhawon kag hatagan sing kabuhi nga wala sing katapusan, kag ang mga tawo nga naghimo sing malain banhawon man pero silutan." tungod sang ila mga sala.

Nagsiling pa gid si Jesus, "Wala ako sing sarang mahimo kon ako lang. Nagahukom ako matuod, pero ang akon paghukom suno sa ginsugid sang Dios sa akon. Gani ang akon paghukom matarong tungod kay wala ako nagahimo sang akon gusto, kundi ang gusto sang nagpadala sa akon.

***

Meditation:
Who can claim all authority and power over life and death itself? Jesus not only made such a claim, he showed God's power to heal and restore people to wholeness of life. He also showed the mercy of God by releasing people from their burden of sin and guilt. He even claimed to have the power to raise the dead to life and to execute judgment on all the living and dead. The Jewish authorities were troubled with Jesus' claims and looked for a way to get rid of him. He either had to be a mad man and an imposter or who he claimed to be – God's divine son. Unfortunately, they could not accept Jesus' claim to be the Messiah, the anointed one sent by the Father to redeem his people. They sought to kill him because he claimed an authority and equality with God which they could not accept. They failed to recognize that this was God's answer to the long-awaited prayers of his people: "In a time of favor I have answered you, in a day of salvation I have helped you" (Isaiah 49:8). Jesus was sent by the Father as "a covenant to the people" to reconcile them with God and restore to them the promise of paradise and everlasting life. Jesus' words and actions reveal God's mercy and justice. Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah when he brings healing, restoration, and forgiveness to those who accept his divine message.

The religious authorities charged Jesus as a Sabbath-breaker and a blasphemer. They wanted to kill Jesus because he claimed equality with God – something they thought no mortal could say without blaspheming. Little did they understand that Jesus was both human and divine – the eternal Son with the Father and the human son, conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary. Jesus answered their charge of breaking the Sabbath law by demonstrating God's purpose for creation and redemption – to save and restore life. God's love and mercy never ceases for a moment. Jesus continues to show the Father's mercy by healing and restoring people, even on the Sabbath day of rest. When the religious leaders charged that Jesus was making himself equal with God, Jesus replied that he was not acting independently of God because his relationship is a close personal Father-Son relationship. He and the Father are united in heart, mind, and will. The mind of Jesus is the mind of God, and the words of Jesus are the words of God.

Jesus also states that his identity with the Father is based on complete trust and obedience. Jesus always did what his Father wanted him to do. His obedience was not just based on submission, but on love. He obeyed because he loved his Father. The unity between Jesus and the Father is a unity of love – a total giving of oneself for the sake of another. That is why their mutual love for each other is perfect and complete. The Son loves the Father and gives himself in total obedience to the Father's will. The Father loves the Son and shares with him all that he is and has. We are called to submit our lives to God with the same love, trust, and obedience which Jesus demonstrated for his Father.

If we wish to understand how God deals with sin and how he responds to our sinful condition, then we must look to Jesus. Jesus took our sins upon himself and nailed them to the cross. He, who is equal in dignity and stature with the Father, became a servant for our sake to ransom us from slavery to sin. He has the power to forgive us and to restore our relationship with God because he paid the price for our sins. Jesus states that to accept him is life – a life of abundant peace and joy with God. But if we reject him, then we freely choose for death – an endless separation with an all-loving and merciful God. Do you want the abundant life which Jesus offers? Believe in him, the living Word of God, who became a man for our sake and our salvation, and reject whatever is false and contrary to the gospel – the good news he came to give us.

"Lord Jesus, increase my love for you and unite my heart and will with yours, that I may only seek and desire what is pleasing to you."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 5:1-16)

Pagkatapos sadto, nagpa-Jerusalem naman si Jesus sa pagtambong sa isa ka piesta sang mga Judio.

Sa isa ka puwertahan sang pader sang Jerusalem, nga alagyan sang mga karnero, may tubig nga palaligusan nga kon sa Hebreo nga pulong ginatawag nila nga Betesda. Sa palibot sang tubig may lima ka palasilongan nga sa diin nagahiligda ang madamo nga mga masakiton nga mga tawo -- mga bulag, mga piang kag mga paralitiko.

[Nagahulat sila nga maghulag ang tubig. Kay kon kaisa, may anghel sang Dios nga nagapanaog didto kag ginaukay niya ang tubig. Ang makauna lusong sa tubig sa tapos ini maukay sang anghel nagaayo bisan ano pa ang iya masakit.]

Karon, may isa ka tawo didto nga ang iya masakit 38 na ka tuig.

Nakita siya ni Jesus nga nagahigda didto, kag nahibaluan ni Jesus nga ang iya masakit amo na sadto ka dugay. Gani nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Gusto mo bala nga mag-ayo?"

Nagsabat ang masakiton, "Kuntani, sir, pero wala sing tawo nga magdala sa akon sa tubig kon ginaukay na. Samtang nagapakadto pa lang ako sa tubig ginaunahan ako permi sang iban."

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Bangon, dalha ang imo banig kag maglakat."

Sa gilayon nag-ayo ang tawo sa iya masakit, kag gindala niya ang iya banig kag naglakat.

Natabo ini sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway.

Gani nagsiling ang mga manugdumala sang mga Judio sa tawo nga gin-ayo, " Hoy, indi bala Adlaw ini nga Inugpahuway, kag suno sa aton kasuguan indi puwede mag-obra bisan pa sa pagdala sang imo banig?"

Nagsiling ang tawo nga gin-ayo. "Ang tawo nga nag-ayo sa akon amo ang nagsiling sa akon nga dal-on ko ang akon banig kag maglakat."

Gani ginpamangkot nila siya kon sin-o bala nga tawo ang nagsugo sa iya nga magdala sang iya banig kag maglakat.

Pero wala siya makakilala kon sin-o ang nag-ayo sa iya, kay nadula man lang si Jesus tungod sa kadamuon sang mga tawo.

Sang ulihi nakita liwat ni Jesus ang tawo nga iya gin-ayo nga didto sa templo kag nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Ti maayo ka na karon. Indi ka na magpakasala, kay basi mas malain pa gid ang matabo sa imo."

Naglakat dayon ang tawo kag nagkadto sa mga manugdumala sang mga Judio. Ginsugiran niya sila nga si Jesus ang nag-ayo sa iya.

Gani halin sadto ang mga manugdumala sang mga Judio nag-umpisa na nga maghingabot kay Jesus, tungod kay nagpang-ayo siya sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway.

***

Meditation:
Do you want to grow in holiness and be like Christ? Ezekiel prophesies that a “river of life” will flow from God’s throne in the Temple. This water will transform everything it touches, bringing life, healing, and restoration. Jesus offers himself as the source of this living water which he will pour out upon his disciples in the gift of the Holy Spirit. The signs and miracles which Jesus performed manifest the power and presence of God’s kingdom and they demonstrate the love and mercy God has for his people. In the pool at Bethzatha we see an individual’s helplessness overcome by God’s mercy and power. On this occasion Jesus singles out an incurable invalid, helpless and hopeless for almost forty years. He awakens hope when he puts a probing question to the man, “Do you really want to be healed?” And he then orders him to “get up and walk!”

God wants to free us from the power of sin and make us whole. But he will not force our hand against our will. The first essential step towards growth and healing is the desire for change. If we are content to stay as we are, then no amount of coaxing will change us. The Lord manifests his power and saving grace towards those who desire transformation of life in Christ. The Lord approaches each of us with the same probing question: “Do you really want to be changed, to be set free from the power of sin, and to be transformed in my holiness?”

“Lord Jesus, put within my heart a burning desire to be changed and transformed in your holiness. Let your Holy Spirit change my heart and renew me in your love and righteousness.

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 4:43-54)

Pagkatapos sang duha ka adlaw nga pagtenir nila ni Jesus didto, nagpa-Galilea dayon sila.

(Si Jesus mismo ang nagsiling nga ang propeta sang Dios wala ginatahod sa iya kaugalingon nga banwa.)

Karon pag-abot nila sa Galilea, maayo ang pagbaton sa ila sang mga tawo. Kay ang ini nga mga tawo didto man sang pagpiesta sa Jerusalem kag nakita nila ang tanan nga iya ginpanghimo didto.

Nagbalik liwat si Jesus sa Cana nga sakop sang Galilea, sa lugar nga sa diin ginhimo niya nga bino ang tubig. Karon, may isa ka opisyal sang gobyerno didto nga ang iya anak nga lalaki nagamasakit didto sa Capernaum.

Pagkabati niya nga si Jesus nagbalik sa Galilea halin sa Judea, nagkadto dayon siya kay Jesus kag ginpangabay niya siya nga magkadto sa Capernaum kag ayuhon ang iya anak nga daw mapatay na gid.

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Kon indi kamo anay makakita sang mga milagro kag mga katilingalahan nga mga buhat, indi pa kamo magtuo sa akon."

Pero nagsiling ang opisyal nga nagapakitluoy, "Sir, kon mahimo upod man anay sa akon samtang buhi pa ang akon anak."

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Magpauli ka na. Maayo na ang imo bata." Nagpati ang opisyal sa ginhambal ni Jesus sa iya, gani nagpauli siya dayon.

Samtang nagapauli siya, ginsugata siya sang iya mga suluguon kag ginsugiran nga ang iya anak maayo na.

Gani nagpamangkot siya kon ano nga oras nag-ayo ang iya anak. Nagsiling ang mga suluguon, "Mga ala una kahapon sang hapon wala na siya sing hilanat."

Nadumduman dayon sang opisyal nga amo gid yadto nga oras sang nagsiling si Jesus sa iya nga ang iya anak maayo na. Gani siya kag ang iya bug-os nga panimalay nagtuo kay Jesus.

Amo ini ang ikaduha nga milagro nga ginhimo ni Jesus sa Galilea sang paghalin niya sa probinsya sang Judea.

***

Meditation:
Do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith for healing, pardon, and transformation in Christ-like holiness? Isaiah prophesied that God would establish a new heavens and earth when he came to restore his people. Jesus’ miracles are signs that manifest the presence and power of God’s kingdom. When a high ranking official, who was very likely from King Herod's court, heard the reports of Jesus’ preaching and miracles, he decided to seek Jesus out for an extraordinary favor. If this story happened today the media headlines would probably say: "High ranking official leaves capital in search of miracle cure from a small town carpenter."

It took raw courage for a high ranking court official to travel twenty miles in search of Jesus, the Galilean carpenter. He had to swallow his pride and put up with some ridicule from his cronies. And when he found the healer carpenter, Jesus seemed to put him off with the blunt statement that people would not believe unless they saw some kind of miracle or sign from heaven. Jesus likely said this to test the man to see if his faith was in earnest. If he turned away discouraged or irritated, he would prove to be insincere. Jesus, perceiving his faith, sent him home with the assurance that his prayer had been heard. It was probably not easy for this man to leave Jesus and go back home only with the assuring word that his son would be healed. Couldn't Jesus have come to this man's home and touched his dying child? The court official believed in Jesus and took him at his word without doubt or hesitation. He was ready to return home and face ridicule and laughter because he trusted in Jesus' word. God's mercy shows his generous love – a love that bends down in response to our misery and wretchedness. Is there any area in your life where you need healing, pardon, change, and restoration? If you seek the Lord with trust and expectant faith, he will not disappoint you. He will meet you more than half way and give you what you need. The Lord Jesus never refused anyone who put their trust in him. Surrender your doubts and fears, your pride and guilt at his feet, and trust in his saving word and healing love.

"Lord Jesus, your love never fails and your mercy is unceasing. Give me the courage to surrender my stubborn pride, fear and doubts to your surpassing love, wisdom and knowledge. Make be strong in faith, persevering in hope, and constant in love."