Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 11:14-23)

Isa sadto ka tion nagtabog si Jesus sang malaot nga espiritu nga nagsulod sa isa ka tawo nga nangin kabangdanan sang iya pagkaapa. Sang matabog niya ang malaot nga espiritu, nakahambal dayon ang apa. Natingala gid ang mga tawo.

Pero may mga tawo didto nga nagsiling, "Nagatabog siya sang malaot nga mga espiritu paagi sa gahom nga ginhatag sa iya ni Satanas nga amo ang pangulo sang malaot nga mga espiritu."

Ang iban didto luyag magdakop-dakop kay Jesus, gani ginsilingan nila siya nga maghimo sang milagro sa pagpamatuod nga ginpadala siya sang Dios.

Pero nahibaluan ni Jesus ang ila hunahuna, gani nagsiling siya sa ila, "Kon ang mga pumuluyo sang isa ka ginharian magbinahin-bahin kag mag-ilinaway, ina nga ginharian malaglag. Kag amo man ang matabo sa panimalay nga nagabinahin-bahin kag nagailinaway.

Gani kon si Satanas kag ang mga sakop niya magbinahin-bahin kag mag-ilinaway, paano makapadayon ang iya ginharian? Kay nagasiling kamo nga nagatabog ako sang malaot nga mga espiritu tungod nga ginahatagan ako sang gahom ni Satanas nga pangulo sang malaot nga mga espiritu.

Kon si Satanas ang nagahatag sa akon sang gahom para magtabog sang malaot nga mga espiritu, sin-o ang nagahatag sang gahom sa inyo mga sumulunod nga nagatabog man sang malaot nga mga espiritu? Ang inyo mga sumulunod mismo nagapamatuod nga sala gid kamo.

Karon, tungod kay nagatabog ako sang malaot nga mga espiritu paagi sa gahom sang Dios, nagapamatuod ini nga ang paghari sang Dios nag-abot na sa inyo."

Ginsugiran sila ni Jesus sang isa pa ka paanggid, "Kon nagaguwardya ang makusog nga tawo sa iya balay, nga kompleto ang armas, indi gid maano ang iya mga pagkabutang.

Pero kon sulungon siya sang mas makusog pa sang sa iya, mapierde siya. Ang iya ginasaligan nga mga armas kuhaon sa iya, kag pati ang tanan niya nga mga pagkabutang pamartidahon pa."

Pagkatapos nagsiling si Jesus, "Ang wala nagaapin sa akon, kontra sa akon. Kag ang wala nagabulig sa akon sa pagtipon sang mga tawo sa Dios nagapalapta lang."

***

Meditation:
What is the best protection which brings lasting security to our lives? Scripture tells us that true peace and security come to those who trust in God and obey his word. The struggle between choosing to do good or evil, yielding to my will or God's will, God's way or my way, cannot be won by human strength or will-power alone. Our enemy, the devil, conspires with the world and our flesh, to lead us into hurful and sinful desires. Peter the Apostles tells us, Our adversary, the devil prowls the earth seeking the ruin of souls (1 Peter 5:8-9). God offers us grace and protection if we are willing to obey his word and resist the devil. Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:9-11)

Jesus' numerous exorcisms brought freedom to many who were troubled and oppressed by the work of evil spirits. Jesus himself encountered personal opposition and battled with Satan when he was put to the test in the wilderness just before his public ministry. He overcame the evil one through his obedience to the will of his Father. Some of the Jewish leaders reacted vehemently to Jesus' healings and exorcisms and they opposed him with malicious slander. How could he get the power and authority to release individuals from Satan's power? They assumed that he had to be in league with Satan. They attributed his power to Satan rather than to God.

Jesus answers their charge with two arguments. There were many exorcists in Palestine in Jesus' time. So Jesus retorted by saying that they also incriminate their own kin who cast out demons. If they condemn Jesus they also condemn themselves. In his second argument he asserts that no kingdom divided against itself cannot survive for long? We have witnessed enough civil wars in our own time to prove the destructive force at work here for the annihilation of whole peoples and their land. If Satan lends his power against his own forces then he is finished. How can a strong person be defeated except by someone who is stronger? Jesus asserted his power and authority to cast out demons as a clear demonstration of the reign of God. Jesus' reference to the finger of God points back to Moses' confrontation with Pharoah and his magicians who represented Satan and the kingdom of darkness (see Exodus 8:19). Jesus claims to be carrying on the tradition of Moses whose miracles freed the Israelites from bondage by the finger of God. God's power is clearly at work in the exorcisms which Jesus performed and they give evidence that God's kingdom has come.

Jesus makes it clear that there are no neutral parties. We are either for Jesus or against him, for the kingdom of God or against it. There are two kingdoms in opposition to one another – the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness under the rule of Satan. If we disobey God’s word, we open to door to the power of sin and Satan in our lives. If you want to live in freedom from sin and Satan, then your house – your life and all you possess – must be occupied by Jesus where he is enthroned as Lord and Savior. Is the Lord Jesus the Master of your home, heart, mind, and will?

"O Lord, our God, grant us, we beseech you, patience in troubles, humility in comforts, constancy in temptations, and victory over all our spiritual foes. Grant us sorrow for our sins, thankfulness for your benefits, fear of your judgment, love of your mercies, and mindfulness of your presence; now and for ever." (Prayer by John Cosin)

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 4:24-30)

Dayon nagsiling si Jesus, "Sa pagkamatuod, wala sing propeta nga ginakilala sa iya kaugalingon nga banwa.

Hunahunaa ninyo ang natabo sang una sang panahon ni Elias nga propeta. Wala pagpaulana sang Dios sa sulod sang tatlo ka tuig kag tunga kag dako gid ang gutom nga naagihan sang mga tawo. Madamo ang mga balo nga babayi sa bug-os nga Israel sa sadto nga tion sang gutom.

Pero wala gid pagsugua sang Dios si Elias agod buligan ang bisan sin-o sa ila; kundi ginpadala siya sa isa ka balo nga babayi nga indi Judio nga nagaestar sa banwa sang Sarepta nga sakop sang Sidon.

Amo man ini ang natabo sang panahon ni Eliseo nga propeta. Madamo ang mga aruon didto sa Israel, pero wala gid sing may gin-ayo sa ila. Si Naaman nga indi Judio nga taga-Siria amo ang gin-ayo."

Pagkabati sadto sang mga tawo sa simbahan naakig gid sila.

Nagtilindog sila kag gin-guyod nila si Jesus paguwa sa banwa, didto sa may pil-as dampi (kay ang ila banwa sa ibabaw sang bukid). Gusto nila nga itiklod si Jesus didto sa pil-as.

Pero naglusot si Jesus sa tunga nila kag ginbayaan sila.

***

Meditation:
What can limit God's grace and power in our lives for change and transformation? Indifference and lack of faith for sure! The prophets confronted God's people with their indifference and unbelief. God's grace and mercy is offered freely to those who seek it with sincerity, repentance, and faith. When Naaman, a non-Jew went to Jerusalem to seek a cure, the prophet Elisha instructed him to bathe in the river. In faith he obeyed and was healed.

Jesus did not hesitate to confront his own people with their indifference and unbelief. When Jesus spoke in his hometown synagogue he startled his listeners with a seeming rebuke that no prophet or servant of God can receive honor among his own people. He then angered them when he complimented the gentiles who seemed to have shown more faith in God than the "chosen ones" of Israel. They regarded gentiles as "fuel for the fires of hell". Jesus' praise for "outsiders" caused them offence because they were blind-sighted to God's mercy and plan of redemption for all nations. The word of warning and judgment spoken by Jesus was met with hostility by his own people. They forcibly threw him out of the city and would have done him harm had he not stopped them.

The Lord offers us freedom and pardon and the grace to walk in his way of righteousness. His discipline is for our good that we may share his holiness (Hebrews 12:10). "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates reproof is stupid" (Proverbs 12:1). Do you seek the Lord for instruction and help so you can grow in holiness?

"Lord Jesus, teach me to love your ways tht I may be quick to renounce sin and wilfulness in my life. May I delight to do your will."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 16:19-31)

Nagpadayon pa gid si Jesus sa paghambal, "Sang una may isa ka manggaranon nga ang iya bayo malahalon gid kag nagapagusto siya sa manamit nga mga pagkaon adlaw-adlaw.

May isa man ka tawo nga imol nga ang iya ngalan si Lazaro. Ang iya lawas puno sang katol. Ginadala siya didto sa puwertahan sang balay sang manggaranon.

Gusto niya nga makakaon kuntani bisan sang mga pagkaon na lang nga nagakalahulog sa lamisa sang manggaranon. Ginapalapitan siya sang mga ido kag ginadilapan ang iya mga katol.

Sang ulihi napatay si Lazaro kag gindala siya sang mga anghel didto sa tupad gid ni Abraham. Ang manggaranon napatay man kag ginlubong.

Kag sang nagaantos siya sing puwerte gid didto sa lugar nga ginasilutan ang mga patay, nakita niya sa malayo si Abraham kag didto sa iya tupad si Lazaro.

Gani nagsinggit ang manggaranon kay Abraham, 'Amay Abraham, kaluoyi man ako! Sugua si Lazaro nga itum-oy niya sa tubig bisan ang iya na lang tudlo kag patuluan ang akon dila agod mabugnawan, kay puwerte gid ang akon pag-antos sa sini nga kalayo.'

Pero ginsabat siya ni Abraham, 'Anak, sang nagakabuhi ka pa sa kalibutan maayo gid ang imo kahimtangan, kag si Lazaro iya nag-antos. Pero karon ginalipay siya diri kag ikaw nagaantos.

Luwas pa sina, ang imo ginapangayo indi gid mahimo, tungod may dako nga kadadalman nga nagaulot sa aton, nga ang bisan sin-o diri sa amon nga gusto magsaylo dira indi gid makatabok, kag wala man sang may makatabok nga halin dira sa inyo pakadto diri sa amon.'

Dayon nagsiling ang manggaranon, 'Amay Abraham, kon amo gali sina, nagapangabay ako sa imo nga kon mahimo ipadala mo si Lazaro sa balay sang akon amay, kay may lima pa ako ka mga utod nga lalaki, kag paandaman niya sila agod indi sila makakadto sa sini nga lugar nga pulos lang pag-antos.'

Pero nagsabat si Abraham, 'Ato man didto sa ila ang mga ginsulat ni Moises kag sang mga propeta. Dapat pamatian nila ini.'

Nagsabat ang manggaranon, 'Pero amay Abraham, indi sila magpati. Pero kon may napatay nga magkadto didto sa ila, magahinulsol sila sa ila mga sala.'

Pero nagsiling si Abraham, 'Kon indi gani sila magpati sa mga ginsulat ni Moises kag sang mga propeta, ti indi man sila magpati bisan pa may mabanhaw nga patay!' "

***

Meditation:
What sustains you when trials and affliction come your way? Jeremiah tells us that whoever relies on God will not be disappointed or be in want when everything around them dries up or disappears. God will not only be their consolation, but their inexhaustible source of joy as well. Jesus' parable about the afflictions of the poor man Lazarus brings home a similar point. In this story Jesus paints a dramatic scene of contrasts – riches and poverty, heaven and hell, compassion and indifference, inclusion and exclusion. We also see an abrupt and dramatic reversal of fortune. Lazarus was not only poor, but sick and unable to lift himself. He was “laid” at the gates of the rich man’s house. The dogs which licked his sores probably also stole the little bread he got for himself. Dogs in the ancient world symbolized contempt. Enduring the torment of these savage dogs only added to the poor man’s miseries and sufferings. The rich man treated the beggar with contempt and indifference, until he found his fortunes reversed at the end of his life! In God's economy, those who hold on possessively to what they have, lose it all in the end, while those who share generously receive back many times more than they gave way.

The name Lazarus means God is my help. Despite a life of misfortune and suffering, Lazarus did not lose hope in God. His eyes were set on a treasure stored up for him in heaven. The rich man, however, could not see beyond his material wealth and possessions. He not only had every thing he needed, he selfishly spent all he had on himself. He was too absorbed in what he possessed to notice the needs of those around him. He lost sight of God and the treasure of heaven because he was preoccupied with seeking happiness in material things. He served wealth rather than God. In the end the rich man became a beggar! Do you know the joy and freedom of possessing God as your true and lasting treasure? Those who put their hope and security in heaven will not be disappointed (see Hebrews 6:19)?

"Lord Jesus, you are my joy and my treasure. Make me rich in the things of heaven and give me a generous heart that I may freely share with others the spiritual and material treasures you have given to me."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 6:36-38)

Magmaluluy-on kamo pareho sang inyo Dios nga Amay."

"Indi ninyo paghukman ang iban agod indi man kamo paghukman sang Dios. Indi kamo magsiling nga dapat sila silutan, agod indi man kamo pagsilutan sang Dios. Patawara ninyo ang mga nakasala sa inyo agod patawaron man kamo sang Dios.

Maghatag kamo agod pagahatagan man kamo sang Dios. Kon maghatag ang Dios sa inyo, ginasukob gid niya sing maayo, ginauyog, ginadasok, kag nagaawas pa antes ibubo sa inyo suludlan. Kay kon paano ang inyo paghatag sa iban amo man ina ang paghatag sang Dios sa inyo."

***

Meditation:
Do you pray for God's mercy for your people and for yourself? And do you forgive those who wrong you? Daniel was ‘shamefaced’ before God because of the unfaithfulness of his people. He acknowklowledged the sins and failings of his own people, and he pleaded with God for compassion and pardon. When we are confronted with our sinful condition and failings we experience guilt and shame. This can often either lead us to cast off pride and make-belief or it can lead us to lose our inhibitions and fall into more shameless deeds! If we are utterly honest and humble before God, we will admit our sins and ask for his mercy and forgiveness. Do you know the joy and freedom of repentance, forgiveness, and a clean heart?

What makes Christians different and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness and mercy. God is good to the unjust as well as the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.

How can we possibly love those who cause us harm, ill-will, and grief? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who know his love and who ask for the gift and help of the Holy Spirit. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5) God's love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ and his victory over sin can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment, and give us the courage to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ's redeeming love and mercy?

"Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart free that nothing may make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter towards anyone."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 11:29-32)

Samtang nagatilipon ang mga tawo sa palibot ni Jesus, nagsiling siya, "Daw ano kalaot sang mga tawo karon nga panahon! Nagapangayo sila sing isa ka milagro, pero wala sing milagro may ipakita sa ila, kundi ang milagro nga natabo kay Jonas.

Subong nga si Jonas nangintanda para sa mga tawo sa Ninive, amo man ang Anak sang Tawo mangintanda para sa mga tawo sa sining panahon.

Sa Adlaw sang Paghukom ang Rayna sang Bagatnan magatindog kag magasumbong sang mga tawo sining panahon, kay nagkari sia gikan sa malayo nga duog sa pagpamati sang kaalam ni Salomon, kag karon nagasiling ako sa inyo, may yari diri nga daku pa kay Salomon.

Sa Adlaw sang Paghukom ang mga tawo sang Ninive magatindog kag magasumbong sa inyo, kay nagbiya sila sa ila mga sala sang pagkabati nila kay Jonas nga nagwali. Karon nagasiling ako sa inyo, may yari diri nga daku pa kay Jonas."

***

Meditation:
Do you pay careful attention to warning signs? Many fatalities could be avoided if people paid attention to such signs. When the religious leaders demanded a sign from Jesus, he gave them a serious warning to avert spiritual disaster. It was characteristic of the Jews that they demanded "signs" from God's messengers to authenticate their claims. When the religious leaders pressed Jesus to give proof for his claims he says in so many words that he is God's sign and that they need no further evidence from heaven than his own person. The Ninevites recognized God's warning when Jonah spoke to them, and they repented. And the Queen of Sheba recognized God's wisdom in Solomon. Jonah was God's sign and his message was the message of a merciful God for the people of Nineveh. Unfortunately the religious leaders were not content to accept the signs right before their eyes. They had rejected the message of John the Baptist and now they reject Jesus as God's Anointed One (Messiah) and they fail to heed his message. Simeon had prophesied at Jesus' birth that he was "destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that inner thoughts of many will be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35). Jesus confirmed his message with many miracles in preparation for the greatest sign of all – his resurrection on the third day.

The Lord Jesus came to set us free from slavery to sin and hurtful desires. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit he pours his love into our hearts that we may understand his will for our lives and walk in his way of holiness. God searches our hearts, not to condemn us, but to show us where we need his saving grace and help. He calls us to seek him with true repentance, humility, and the honesty to see our sins for what they really are – a rejection of his love and will for our lives. God will transform us if we listen to his word and allow his Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Ask the Lord to renew your mind and to increase your thirst for his wisdom. James says that the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity (James 3:17). A double-minded person cannot receive this kind of wisdom. The single of mind desire one thing alone – God's pleasure. God wants us to delight in him and to know the freedom of his truth and love. Do you thirst for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14)?

"Lord Jesus, change my heart and fill me with your wisdom that I my love your ways. Give me grace and courage to resist temptation and stubborn wilfulness that I may truly desire to do what is pleasing to you."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 4:1-13)

Si Jesus nga napun-an sang Espiritu Santo nagbalik halin sa Jordan, kag gindala siya sang Espiritu sa disierto.

Didto ginsulay siya sang Yawa sa sulod sang 40 ka adlaw. Wala sia magkaon sa sulod sina nga mga inadlaw, kag sa tapos sadto gingutom siya.

Karon ang yawa nagsiling sa iya, "Kon ikaw ang Anak sang Dios, sugoa ining bato nga mangintinapay."

Nagsabat si Jesus, "Ang Kasulatan nagasiling, 'Indi lamang sa tinapay mabuhi ang tawo.' "

Dayon gindala sia sang Yawa sa isa ka mataas nga lugar kag ginpakita sa iya sa isa ka pamisok ang tanan nga ginharian sang kalibutan.

Nagsiling ang Yawa, "Ihatag ko sa imo ining tanan nga kagamhanan kag kamanggaran. Gintugyan ini tanan sa akon kag sarang ko ini mahatag sa bisan kay sin-o nga luyag ko hatagan.

Ini tanan mangin-imo kon magsimba ka sa akon."

Nagsabat si Jesus, "Ang Kasulatan nagasiling, 'Magsimba ka sa Ginoo nga imo Dios kag siya lamang ang imo alagaron.' "

Gindala pa gid sia sang Yawa sa Jerusalem kag ginpatindog sia sa pinakamataas nga bahin sang templo kag nagsiling sa iya, "Kon Anak ka sang Dios, lukso ka paidalom.

Kay ang Kasulatan nagasiling, 'Ang Dios magasugo sang iya mga anghel sa pagbantay sa imo.

Bayawon ka nila sa ila mga kamot agod indi makasandad ang imo mga tiil sa bato.' "

Nagsabat si Jesus sa iya, "Ang Kasulatan nagasiling, 'Indi mo pagsulayon ang Ginoo nga imo Dios.' "

Sang matapos sang Yawa ang tanan nga paagi sang pagsulay, ginbayaan niya anay si Jesus tubtob nga may kahigayunan na man sia.

***

Meditation:
What motivated Jesus to spend 40 days and nights of solitude, prayer and fasting in the Judean wilderness? This desert landscape was largely uninhabitable and was full of dangers for anyone who dared to venture in it for long. Danger from scorching heat by day and extreme cold at night, danger from wild animals and scorpions, plus the deprivation of food and the scarcity of water.

For the chosen people of Israel the desert was a place of testing, encounter, and renewal. When the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, they wandered 40 years in the wilderness. This was seen as a time of purification and preparation for entry into the promised land. Moses went to the mountain of the Lord at Sinai and stayed there for 40 days and nights in prayer and fasting (Exodus 24:18). Elijah, after he was fed with bread from heaven, journeyed without any food for 40 days to the mountain of God. (1 Kings 19:8). Jesus journeyed without any food to the wilderness for 40 days to prepare himself for the mission that the Father had sent him to accomplish.

Why did Jesus choose such a barren, lonely place for an intense and long period of sustained prayer and fasting? Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us in their gospel accounts that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. Mark states it most emphatically: “The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness” (Mark 1:12). What compelled Jesus to seek solitude, away from his family and friends, for such a lengthy period? Was it simply a test to prepare him for his mission? Or did Satan want to lure him into a trap? The word tempt in English usually means to entice someone to do what is wrong or forbidden. The scriptural word used here also means test in the sense of proving and purifying someone to see if there are ready for the task at hand. We test flight pilots to see that they are fit to fly under all conditions, including times of adverse turbulence and poor visibility. Likewise God tests his servants to see if they are fit and ready to be used by him. On many occasions God tested Abraham to prove his faith and to strengthen his hope in God's promises. Abraham obeyed willingly even when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. When the Israelites were sorely tested in Egypt for more than 400 years, they did not forget God. They kept God's word and remembered his promise to bring them freedom from their enemies.

Jesus was no exception to this pattern of testing. He went to the desert without food or shelter. Adam and Eve had everything they needed in the Garden of Paradise. But they ate of the forbidden fruit out of disobedience because they trusted in themselves rather than in God. They were cast out of Paradise and driven into the wilderness. Jesus freely enters the wilderness in order to regain Paradise for those who lost it. Jesus refuses food to show his dependence on the bread of heaven, the word of God, that would sustain him not only in his physical hunger, but in his hour of temptation as well. When Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus replies with the words of scripture, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (quote from Deuteronomy 8:3; see also Matthew 4:4).

Where did Jesus find the strength to survive the desert's harsh conditions and the tempter's seduction? He fed on God's word and found strength in doing his Father's will. Satan will surely tempt us and he will try his best to get us to choose our will over God's will. If he can’t make us renounce our faith or sin mortally, he will then try to get us to make choices that will lead us, little by little, away from what God wants for us.

Jesus was tempted like us and he overcame sin not by his own human effort but by the grace and strength which his Father gave to him. He had to renounce his will for the will of his Father. He succeeded because he wanted to please his Father and he trusted that his Father would give him the strength to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way. Luke says that Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1). When tempted by the devil Jesus did not try to fight his adversary on his own human strength. He relied on the power which the Spirit gave him. Jesus came to overthrow the evil one who held us captive to sin and fear of death (Hebrews 2:14). His obedience to his Father’s will and his willingness to embrace the cross reversed the curse of Adam’s disobedience. His victory over sin and death won for us not only pardon for our sins but adoption as sons and daughters of God.

How can we overcome sin and oppression in our personal lives? The Lord Jesus gives us his Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness (Romans 8:26) and to be our guide and consoler in temptation and testing (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Lord gives grace to the humble who acknowledge their dependence on him (James 4:6) and he helps us to stand against the attacks of our enemy, Satan, who seeks to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8-10; Ephesians 6:10-18). The Lord Jesus is ever ready to pour out his Spirit upon us that we may have the strength and courage we need to resist sin and to reject the lies and deceits of Satan. God wants us to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) with the power and strength which comes from the Holy Spirit. Do you rely on the Lord for your strength and help?

“Lord Jesus, your word is life and joy for me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may have the strength and courage to embrace your will in all things and to renounce whatever is contrary to it.”

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 5:27-32)

Sa tapos sini naggwa si Jesus kag nakita niya si Levi nga isa ka manugsukot sang buhis nga yara sa iya opisina. Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Upod ka sa akon."

Nagtindog si Levi, ginbayaan niya ang tanan kag nag-upod sa iya.

Dayon si Levi naghiwat sing dako nga punsyon sa iya balay para kay Jesus, kag didto upod nila ang madamo nga mga manugsukot sang buhis kag iban pa nga mga bisita.

May mga Pariseo kag mga manunudlo sang Kasuguan nga kaupod nila nga nagareklamo sa mga gintuton-an ni Jesus. Nagsiling sila, "Ngaa bala nga nagakaon kamo kag nagainom upod sa mga manugsukot sang buhis kag sa mga makasasala?"

Si Jesus nagsabat sa ila, "Ang maayo wala nagakinahanglan sang manugbolong, kundi ang nagamasakit lang.

Wala ako nagkari sa pagtawag sang mga matarong, kundi sang mga makasasala sa paghinulsol."

***

Meditation:
When your neighbor stumbles through sin or ignorance, do you point the finger to criticize or do you lend a helping hand to lift him up? The prophet Isaiah tells us that God repays in kind. When we bless others, especially those who need spiritual as well and physical help, God in turn blesses us. When Jesus called a despised tax collector to be his disciple he surprised everyone including Levi (also known as Matthew). The religious leaders were especially upset with Jesus’ behavior towards public sinners like Levi. People in Palestine were divided into roughly two groups: the orthodox Jews who rigidly kept the law and all its petty regulations, and the rest who didn't keep all the minute regulations. The orthodox treated the latter like second class citizens. They scrupulously avoided their company, refused to do business with them, refused to give or receive anything from them, refused to intermarry, and avoided any form of entertainment with them, including table fellowship. Jesus' association with the latter, especially with tax collectors and sinners, shocked the sensibilities of these orthodox Jews.

When the Pharisees challenged Jesus unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus' defence was quite simple. A doctor doesn't need to treat healthy people; instead he goes to those who are sick. Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need. A true physician seeks healing of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Jesus came as the divine physician and good shepherd to care for his people and to restore them to wholeness of life. The orthodox were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion that they neglected to help the very people who needed the greatest care. Their religion was selfish because they didn't want to have anything to do with people not like themselves. Jesus stated his mission in unequivocal terms: I came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners. Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those they despised. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Do you thank the Lord for the great mercy he has shown to you? And do you seek the good of all your neighbors and show them mercy and kindness?

What does it mean to “leave all and follow the Lord”? Bede the Venerable, a 7th century church father comments on Matthew’s conversion to discipleship: “By ‘follow’ he meant not so much the movement of feet as of the heart, the carrying out of a way of life. For one who says that he lives in Christ ought himself to walk just as he walked, not to aim at earthly things, not to pursue perishable gains, but to flee base praise, to embrace willingly the contempt of all that is worldly for the sake of heavenly glory, to do good to all, to inflict injuries upon no one in bitterness, to suffer patiently those injuries that come to oneself, to ask God’s forgiveness for those who oppress, never to seek one’s own glory but always God’s, and to uphold whatever helps one love heavenly things. This is what is meant by following Christ. In this way, disregarding earthly gains, Matthew attached himself to the band of followers of One who had no riches. For the Lord himself, who outwardly called Matthew by a word, inwardly bestowed upon him the gift of an invisible impulse so that he was able to follow.” Are you ready to forsake all for Christ?

"Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself." (Prayer of Augustine, 354-430)

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 9:22-25)

Kag nagsiling pa gd siya, "Kinahanglan mag-antos gid ang Anak sang Tawo kag pagasikwayon sang mga katigulangan sang mga Judio, sang pangulo nga mga pari, kag sang mga manunudlo sang Kasuguan. Pagapatyon ia kag pagabanhawaon sa ikatlo nga adlaw."

Kag nagsiling sia sa tanan, "Kon sin-o ang luyag magsunod sa akon, dapat niya kalimtan ang iya kaugalingon, magpas-an sang iya krus adlaw-adlaw, kag magsunod sia sa akon.

Kay ang luyag magluwas sang iya kaugalingon nga kabuhi, madula niya ini, pero ang nagadula sang iya kabuhi tungod sa akon, maluwas niya ini.

May makuha bala ang tawo kon maangkon niya ang bug-os nga kalibutan, pero sia iya madula ukon mawala man lang?

***

Meditation:
Do you know the healing, transforming power of the cross? When Jesus predicted his passion his disciples were dismayed. Rejection and crucifixion meant defeat and condemnation, not victory and freedom. How could Jesus' self-denial, suffering and death lead to victory and life? Through his obedience to his Father's will, Jesus reversed the curse of Adam’s disobedience. His death on the cross won pardon for the guilty, freedom for the oppressed, healing for the afflicted, and new life for those condemned to death. His death makes possible our freedom to live as sons and daughters of God. There’s a certain paradox in God’s economy. We lose what we gain, and we gain what we lose. When we try run our life our own way, we end up losing it to futility. Only God can free us from our ignorance and sinful ways. When we surrender our lives to God, he gives us new life in his Spirit and the pledge of eternal life. God wants us to be spiritually fit to serve him at all times. When the body is very weak or ill, we make every effort to nurse it back to health. How much more effort and attention should we give to the spiritual health of our hearts and minds!

What will you give to God in exchange for freedom and eternal life? Are you ready to part with anything that might keep you from following him and his perfect plan for your life? Jesus poses these questions to challenge our assumptions about what is most profitable and worthwhile in life. In every decision of life we are making ourselves a certain kind of person. It is possible that some can gain all the things they set their heart on, only to wake up suddenly and discover that they missed the most important things of all. A true disciple is ready to give up all that he or she has in exchange for happiness and life with God. The life which God offers is abundant, everlasting life. And the joy which God places in our hearts no sadness or loss can diminish.

The cross of Jesus Christ leads to freedom and victory over sin and death. What is the cross which Christ commands me to take up each day as his disciple? When my will crosses with his will, then his will must be done. The way of the cross involves sacrifice, the sacrifice of laying down my life each and every day for Jesus' sake. What makes such sacrifice possible and "sweet" is the love of God poured out for us in the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). We can never outgive God. He always gives us more than we can expect or imagine. Are you ready to lose all for Christ in order to gain all with Christ?

"Lord Jesus, I give you my hands to do your work. I give you my feet to go your way. I give you my eyes to see as you do. I give you my tongue to speak your words. I give you my mind that you may think in me. I give you my spirit that you may pray in me. Above all, I give you my heart that you may love in me, your Father, and all mankind. I give you my whole self that you may grow in me, so that it is you, Lord Jesus, who live and work and pray in me." (Prayer from The Grail)

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 6:17.20-26)

Pagkatapos nga nakapili na siya sang iya mga apostoles, nagdulhog sila sa patag. Nagtilipon didto ang iya mga sumulunod kag ang madamo nga mga tawo nga halin sa mga banwa nga sakop sang Judea kag sa siyudad sang Jerusalem. May mga tawo man didto nga halin pa sa siyudad sang Tiro kag Sidon nga malapit sa dagat.
Dayon nagtulok si Jesus sa iya mga sumulunod kag nagsiling, "Bulahan kamo nga mga imol, kay sakop kamo sa paghari sang Dios. Bulahan kamo nga ginagutom, kay magaabot ang panahon nga indi na gid kamo paggutumon. Bulahan kamo nga nagahibi, kay magakadlaw kamo. Bulahan kamo kon tungod sa inyo pagsunod sa akon nga Anak sang Tawo maakig ang mga tawo sa inyo, sikwayon kamo, yagutaon, kag pakalainon ang inyo ngalan.

Amo man ini ang ginhimo sang ila mga katigulangan sa mga propeta sang una. Gani kon himuon nila ini sa inyo, magkalipay gid kamo tungod nga mabaton ninyo ang dako nga balos sa langit. Pero kaluluoy kamo nga mga manggaranon, kay naangkon na ninyo ang inyo kalipay. Kaluluoy kamo nga mga busog karon, kay magaabot ang adlaw nga gutumon kamo. Kaluluoy kamo nga nagakadlaw karon, kay magaabot ang adlaw nga magapangasubo kamo kag magahilibion. Kaluluoy man kamo kon ginadayaw kamo sang tanan, kay amo man ini ang ginhimo sang ila mga katigulangan sa mga indi matuod nga mga propeta sang Dios."

***

Meditation:
Can a happy, joy-filled life really be attainable here and now? Jesus addressed this issue with a vast crowd of people, both Jews who came down from Jerusalem and non-Jewish God-fearers who traveled as far away as Tyre and Sidon (some fifty miles on foot) to hear him preach at the Sea of Galilee. Jesus showed his listeners how sorrow could be turned to happiness for those who truly wanted to live as free citizens of God's kingdom. Jesus' "beatitudes" both amazed and challenged his listeners to discover the true souce of happiness and joy. The word beatitude literally means happiness or blessedness. Jesus' way of happiness, however, demands a transformation from within -- a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures. Do you know the joy and happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone and his kingdom of peace and righteousness?

"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 5:1-11)

Isa sadto ka adlaw, si Jesus nagatindog sa ubay sang Linaw sang Genezaret. Ang mga tawo nagdinaguso pakadto sa iya sa pagpamati sang pulong sang Dios.

May nakita sia nga duha ka sakayan nga yara na sa higad, kag ang mga mangingisda nakapanaog na sa paghugas sang ila sahid.

Ang isa ka sakayan iya ni Simon. Ginsakyan ini ni Jesus kag ginpangabay niya si Simon nga itulak sing diutay ang sakayan. Nagpungko si Jesus sa sakayan kag nagpanudlo sa mga tawo.

Sa tapos sia makahambal, nagsiling siya kay Simon, "Magpalawod ka kag iladlad ang inyo sahid, agod makakuha kamo sang mga isda."

Si Simon nagsabat, "Manunudlo, nagpanahid kami sa bug-os gid nga gab-i kag wala kami sing may nakuha. Pero kon amo ina ang siling mo, iladlad ko ang sahid."

Ginladlad nila ang sahid kag nakakuha sila sing madamo nga isda sa bagay nga ang ila sahid daw magisi na.

Gani ginpaypay nila ang ila kaupod sa isa ka sakayan sa pagbulig sa ila. Nagpalapit ini sila kag ginpuno nila ang duha ka sakayan sang isda tubtob nga daw malunod na sila.

Sang makita ni Simon Pedro ang natabo, nagluhod siya sa atubangan ni Jesus kag nagsiling, "Palayo ka sa akon, Ginoo, kay makasasala ako nga tawo."

Sia kag ang iya kaupdanan natingala gid sa kadamo sang isda nga ila nakuha.

Ang mga kaupod ni Simon nga si Santiago kag si Juan, nga mga anak ni Zebedeo, natingala man. Si Jesus nagsiling kay Simon, "Indi ka mahadlok. Sugod karon magapanahid ikaw sang mga tawo."

Ginapatakas nila ang mga sakayan, ginbayaan nila ang tanan kag nag-upod kay Jesus.

***

Meditation:

Why did Jesus perform the miracle of the great catch of fish? No doubt the great crowd of people who had pressed upon Jesus had something to do with this miracle. They were very hungry for God and were eager to hear his word. Jesus wanted to use this occasion to teach his disciples an important lesson. Although Simon was wearied from a night of fruitless toil, he nonetheless pressed upon Jesus for his word of command: At your word I will let down the nets. When you meet disappointment and failure, do you press upon the Lord, like Simon, to hear his word and to receive his command?

This incident tells us an important truth about how God works in and through us for his glory. God expects of us greater things than we can do by ourselves. When we cooperate in his works, we accomplish far beyond what we can do on our own. Therese of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun who died of tuberculosis at the age of twenty-four, wrote to a friend: "Jesus has so incomprehensible a love for us that he wills that we have a share with him in the salvation of souls. He wills to do nothing without us. The Creator of the universe awaits the prayer of a poor little soul to save other souls redeemed like it at the price of all his Blood." When God's word is spoken his kingdom is revealed and his power is released. When people respond to God's word with faith and obedience they are changed and made "a new creation" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). God chooses ordinary people, like you and me, as his ambassadors and he uses the ordinary circumstances of our daily lives and work situations to draw others into his kingdom.

Jesus speaks the same message to us today: we will "catch people" for the kingdom of God if we allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through us. God wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and witness the joy of the gospel. Paul the Apostle says, "But thanks be to God, who in Christ Jesus always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing" (2 Corinthians 2:15). Do you witness to those around you the joy of the gospel and do you pray for your neighbors, co-workers, and relatives that they may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in the knowledge of his love?

"Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love and compassion for those who do not know you or follow you. May I be a good witness of your truth and salvation to my family, friends, and co-workers."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 2:22-40)

Karon, nag-abot ang adlaw nga magahalad si Jose kag si Maria sa templo sa Jerusalem agod tumanon ang Kasuguan ni Moises parte sa babayi nga bag-o nagbata agod mangin limpyo siya. Kag gindala man nila ang bata sa Jerusalem agod ihalad sa Ginoo.

Kay nasulat sa Kasuguan sang Ginoo, "Ang tagsa ka panganay nga lalaki ihalad sa Ginoo."

Kag agod mangin limpyo si Maria, naghalad sila suno sa ginasiling sang Kasuguan sang Ginoo, "Duha ka tukmo ukon duha ka bataon nga pating."

Didto sa Jerusalem may tawo nga ang iya ngalan si Simeon. Ini nga tawo matarong kag diosnon kag nagahulat siya nga matuman ang tagna nga buligan sang Dios ang mga Israelinhon sa ila kasubo. Yara sa iya ang Espiritu Santo nga nagpahayag sa iya nga indi siya mapatay sa wala pa niya makita ang ipadala sang Ginoo nga magahari.

Dayon, ginpasulod siya sang Espiritu Santo didto sa templo. Didto man gindala si Jesus sang iya mga ginikanan sa pagtuman sang ginsiling sang Kasuguan.

Pagkakita ni Simeon sa bata, ginkugos niya kag nagdayaw siya sa Dios nga nagasiling, "Karon Ginoo, puwede mo na ako kuhaon, kay natuman na ang imo ginpromisa sa akon. Matawhay na ang akon hunahuna, kay karon nga adlaw nakita ko na ang Manluluwas nga imo ginpreparar para sa tanan nga mga tawo. Siya ang magahatag sang kasanag sa mga hunahuna sang mga tawo nga indi Judio nga wala nakakilala sa imo, kag magahatag man sang kadungganan sa imo katawhan nga mga Israelinhon."

Natingala gid ang amay kag iloy sang bata sa ginhambal ni Simeon parte sa bata.

Pagkatapos nga mabendisyunan sila ni Simeon, nagsiling siya kay Maria nga iloy sang bata, "Ini nga bata ginpili sang Dios sa paglaglag kag sa pagluwas sang madamo sa Israel. Mangin tanda siya nga halin sa Dios. Madamo ang magahambal sang malain kontra sa iya.

Gani ikaw mismo magabatyag sing kasubo nga daw ginabuno ang imo tagipusuon. Ipahayag man niya ang malaot nga mga hunahuna sang mga tawo."

May propeta man didto nga babayi nga ang iya ngalan si Ana. Siya anak ni Fanuel nga kaliwat ni Aser. Nagpamana siya, pero pito lang ka tuig ang ila pagpuyo bilang mag-asawa kag nabalo siya. 84 na ka tuig ang iya edad kag permi gid siya didto sa templo, kay adlaw kag gab-i nagasimba siya sa Dios nga nagapuasa kag nagapangamuyo.

Nagpalapit siya sa ila ni Jose kag nagpasalamat sa Dios tungod sa bata. Naghambal man siya parte kay Jesus sa mga tawo nga nagapaabot sang adlaw nga luwason sang Dios ang Jerusalem.

Sang natuman ni Jose kag ni Maria ang tanan nga ginasiling sang Kasuguan sang Ginoo, nagpauli sila sa Galilea, sa ila banwa nga Nazaret.

Nagdako kag nagbakod ang bata, kag nangin maalam siya; kag ginpakamaayo siya sang Dios.

***

Meditation:

Do you know the favor of the Lord? After Jesus' birth, Mary fulfills the Jewish right of purification after childbirth. Since she could not afford the customary offering of a lamb, she gives instead two pigeons as an offering of the poor. This rite, along with circumcision and the redemption of the first-born point to the fact that children are gifts from God. Jesus was born in an ordinary home where there were no luxuries. Like all godly parents, Mary and Joseph raised their son in the fear and wisdom of God. He, in turn, was obedient to them and grew in wisdom and grace. The Lord's favor is with those who listen to his word with trust and obedience. Do you know the joy of submission to God? And do you seek to pass on the faith and to help the young grow in wisdom and maturity?

What is the significance of Simeon's encounter with the baby Jesus and his mother in the temple? Simeon was a just and devout man who was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit. He believed that the Lord would return to his temple and renew his chosen people. The Holy Spirit also revealed to him that the Messiah and King of Israel would also bring salvation to the Gentile nations. When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this humble child of Bethlehem as the fulfillment of all the messianic prophecies, hopes, and prayers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he prophesied that Jesus was to be "a revealing light to the Gentiles". The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to those who are receptive and eager to receive him. Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with you?

Jesus is the new temple (John 1:14; 2:19-22). In the Old Testament God manifested his presence in the "pillar of cloud" by day and the "pillar of fire" by night as he led them through the wilderness. God's glory visibly came to dwell over the ark and the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). When the first temple was built in Jerusalem God's glory came to rest there (1 Kings 8). After the first temple was destroyed, Ezekiel saw God's glory leave it (Ezekiel 10). But God promised one day to fill it with even greater glory (Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 8-9). That promise is fulfilled when the "King of Glory" himself comes to his temple (Psalm 24:7-10; Malachi 3:1). Through Jesus' coming in the flesh and through his saving death, resurrection, and ascension we are made living temples of his Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Ask the Lord to renew your faith in the indwelling presence of his Spirit with you. And give him thanks and praise for coming to make his home with you.

Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and he prophesied to Mary about the destiny of this child and the suffering she would undergo for his sake. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way. Do you know the joy of a life fully surrendered to God with faith and trust?

Simeon was not alone in recognizing the Lord's presence in the temple. Anna, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit. She was found daily in the temple, attending to the Lord in prayer and speaking prophetically to others about God's promise to send a redeemer. Supernatural hope grows with prayer and age! Anna was pre-eminently a woman of great hope and expectation that God would fulfill all his promises. She is a model of godliness to all believers as we advance in age. Advancing age and the disappointments of life can easily make us cynical and hopeless if we do not have our hope placed rightly. Anna's hope in God and his promises grew with age. She never ceased to worship God in faith and to pray with hope. Her hope and faith in God's promises fueled her indomitable zeal and fervor in prayer and service of God's people. What do you hope for? The hope which God places in our heart is the desire for the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness. How do we grow in hope? By placing our trust in the promises of Jesus Christ and relying not on our own strength, but on the grace and help of the Holy Spirit. Does your hope and fervor for God grow with age?

"Lord Jesus, may I never cease to hope in you and to trust in your promises. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may always recognize your saving presence in my life. Help me to point others to Christ and to be an example of faith and devotion as Simeon and Anna were to their generation."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 3:15-16, 21-22)

Pagkabati sang mga tawo sa mga pagpanudlo ni Juan, naghunahuna sila nga basi kon si Juan amo na ang Cristo nga ila ginapaabot.

Pero nagsiling si Juan sa ila, "Ako nagabautiso sa inyo sa tubig, pero may magaabot nga mas gamhanan pa sang sa akon. Kag indi gani ako takos nga mangin iya suluguon. Pagabautisohan niya kamo sa Espiritu Santo kag sa kalayo.

May adlaw sadto nga pagkatapos nga nabautisohan ni Juan ang mga tawo, si Jesus nagpabautiso man. Sang nagapangamuyo si Jesus, nag-abri ang langit kag naghugpa sa iya ang Espiritu Santo sa dagway sang pating. Dayon may tingog nga nabatian halin sa langit nga nagasiling, "Ikaw ang akon hinigugma nga Anak. Nalipay gid ako sa imo."

***

Meditation:

Do you want to be on fire for God? John the Baptist said that the Messiah would "baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2). The image of fire was also used to symbolize God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), his holiness (Deuteronomy 4:24), righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9), and his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16). It is also used of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God's fire both purifies and cleanses, and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us. Jesus came to give us the fire of his Spirit that we may radiate the joy and truth of the gospel to a world in desparate need of God's light and truth. His word has power to change and transform our lives that we may be lights pointing others to Christ. Like John the Baptist, we too are called to give testimony to the light and truth of Jesus Christ. Do you want the Lord's power, grace, and love to burn brightly in your life? Ask him to fill you with his Holy Spirit.

John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). Why did Jesus, the Sinless One, submit himself to John’s baptism? In this humble submission we see a foreshadowing of the “baptism” of his bloody death upon the cross. Jesus’ baptism is the acceptance and the beginning of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allowed himself to be numbered among sinners. Jesus submitted himself entirely to his Father’s will. Out of love he consented to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins. Do you know the joy of trust and submission to God?

The Father proclaimed his entire delight in his Son and spoke audibly for all to hear. The Holy Spirit, too, was present as he anointed Jesus for his ministry which began that day as he rose from the waters of the Jordan river. Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all who come to believe in him. At his baptism the heavens were opened and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, signifying the beginning of a new creation.

How can we enter into the mystery of Jesus’ humble self-abasement and baptism? Gregory of Nazianzus, a seventh century Church father tells us: “Let us be buried with Christ by Baptism to rise with him; let us go down with him to be raised with him; and let us rise with him to be glorified with him." Do you want to see changes in your life? And do you want to become a more effective instrument of the gospel? Examine Jesus’ humility and ask the Holy Spirit to forge this same attitude in your heart. As you do, heaven will open for you as well. The Lord is ever ready to renew us in his Spirit and to anoint us for mission. We are called to be “light” and “salt” to those around us. The Lord wants his love and truth to shine through us that others may see the goodness and truth of God’s message of salvation. Ask the Lord to fill you with his Holy Spirit that you may radiate the joy of the gospel to those around you.

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and inflame my heart with the joy of the gospel. May I find joy in seeking to please you just as you found joy in seeking to please your Father".

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 5:12-16)

Sang didto si Jesus sa isa ka banwa, may tawo didto nga puno sang aro. Pagkakita niya kay Jesus nagpalapit siya kag nagluhod nga nagapakitluoy, "Ginoo, kon gusto mo, mapaayo mo ako sa akon aro nga mahigko."

Dayon gintandog siya ni Jesus nga nagasiling, "Gusto ko. Magmatinlo ka!" Sa gilayon nadula ang iya aro.

Pagkatapos ginmanduan siya ni Jesus, "Indi ka gid magpanugid bisan kay sin-o parte sini, kundi magderetso ka sa pari kag magpatan-aw sa iya. Dayon maghalad ka sang halad nga ginsugo ni Moises sa pagpamatuod sa mga tawo nga matinlo ka na."

Bisan amo ato ang ginmando sa tawo naglapnag gihapon ang balita parte kay Jesus, kag madamo gid ang mga tawo nga nagtilipon sa pagpamati sa iya kag sa pagpabulong sang ila mga balatian.

Pero nagkadto si Jesus sa kamingawan kag nagpangamuyo.

***

Meditation:

Why do people shun others? Jesus did the unthinkable. He touched the untouchable and he loved the unlovable. In the ancient world leprosy was one of the most dreaded diseases because it caused not only physical affliction and isolation, but psychological and mental affliction as well. Leprosy in Palestine could refer to a very bad skin disease or to the more serious disease that ate away the flesh until the sufferer was left with a stump of a hand or leg. Lepers in Jesus' time where shamed and despised and treated as the untouchable. They were driven from their homes and communities and left to fend for themselves. Their physical condition was terrible as they slowly lost the use of their limbs and withered away. They were not only shunned but regarded as "already dead" even by their relatives. The Jewish law forbade anyone from touching or approaching a leper, lest ritual defilement occur.

The leper who met Jesus did something quite remarkable. He approached Jesus confidently and humbly, expecting that Jesus could and would heal him. Normally a leper would be stoned or at least warded off if he tried to come near a rabbi. Jesus not only grants the man his request, but he demonstrates the personal love, compassion, and tenderness of God in his physical touch. The medical knowledge of his day would have regarded such contact as grave risk for incurring infection. Jesus met the man's misery with compassion and tender kindness. He communicated the love and mercy of God in a sign that spoke more eloquently than words. He touched the man and made him clean – not only physically but spiritually as well.

Some eleven centuries later, another man, named Francis, met a leper on the road as he journeyed towards Assisi. "Though the leper caused him no small disgust and horror, he nonetheless, got off the horse and prepared to kiss the leper. But when the leper put out his hand as though to receive something, he received money along with a kiss" (from the Life of St. Francis by Thomas of Celano). Francis did what seemed humanly impossible because he was filled with the love and compassion of Christ. The Holy Spirit inflames our hearts with the love of Christ that we may reach out to others with compassionate care, especially to those who have been rejected and mistreated. The love of God impels us to do as Jesus did – to love the unlovable, to touch the untouchable, and to forgive the unforgiveable. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the love and compassion of Christ for others?

"May the power of your love, Lord Christ, fiery and sweet as honey, so absorb our hearts as to withdraw them from all that is under heaven. Grant that we may be ready to die for love of your love, as you died for love of our love." (Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 13th century)

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 4:14-22)

Dayon nagbalik si Jesus sa Galilea nga ang gahom sang Espiritu Santo yara sa iya. Naglapnag sa sadto nga lugar ang balita parte sa iya.

Nagpanudlo siya sa mga simbahan sang mga Judio kag gindayaw siya sang tanan.

Dayon nagkadto si Jesus sa Nazaret. Amo ini ang lugar sa diin siya nagdako. Nagkadto siya sa simbahan sang mga Judio sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway suno sa iya kinabatasan. Nagtindog siya agod magbasa sang Kasulatan.

Ginhatag sa iya ang sinulatan ni propeta Isaias. Ginhumlad niya ini kag pagkakita niya sang bahin sang kasulatan nga iya ginapangita, ginbasa niya dayon nga nagasiling: "Ang Espiritu sang Ginoo yari sa akon. Kay ginpili niya ako nga magwali sang maayong balita sa mga imol. Ginpadala niya ako sa pagbantala sa mga bihag nga hilway na sila, kag sa mga bulag nga makakita na sila. Ginpadala niya ako sa paghilway sa mga ginadaugdaog, kag sa pagbantala sa mga tawo nga amo na ini ang tion nga luwason sila sang Ginoo."

Dayon ginlukot ni Jesus ang iya ginbasa kag ginbalik sa manugbulig sang simbahan. Nagpungko siya dayon agod magsugod sa pagtudlo. Ang tanan nga tawo nagtulok gid sa iya.

Siling ni Jesus sa ila, "Ini nga bahin sang Kasulatan natuman na karon nga adlaw samtang ginapamatian ninyo ang pagbasa sini."

Gindayaw siya sang tanan kag dako gid ang ila katingala sa iya matahom nga mga pulong. Siling nila, "Indi bala anak lang siya ni Jose?"

***

Meditation:

In Jesus we see the grace of God in action. His gracious words brought hope, joy, and favor to those who were ready to receive him. Where did Jesus began his public ministry? In his own land of Galilee where he was reared from his youth in Nazareth. His proclamation of the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah brought wonder to his kin and townsfolk. Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those oppressed by sin and evil (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus awakened their hope in the promises of God. They, in turn, received his words favorably and wondered what would become of "Joseph's son". Their hearts were hungry for the word of life and they looked to Jesus with anticipation and wonder. Do you look to Jesus with confidence and hope in the fulfillment of all God's promises?

What did Jesus come to do for us? He came to set us free from the worst tyranny possible – slavery to sin and the fear of death, and the eternal destruction of both body and soul. God's power alone can save us from emptiness and poverty of spirit, from confusion and error, and from hopelessness and the fear of annihilation. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for us today. Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel?

"Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and dreams. Through the gift of your Holy Spirit you bring us grace, life, truth, and freedom. Fill me with the joy of the gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal for your kingdom and your will for my life."